A fierce political scandal has erupted in the Czech Republic between President Petr Pavel and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, leader of the Motoristé sobě party. The conflict reached its peak on 27 January 2026, when the head of state publicly accused the foreign minister of attempted extortion over his refusal...
Level of ‘extreme poverty’ in the UK reaches 30-year high
According to a new report published today by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), the level of ‘extreme poverty’ in the UK has reached its highest level in three decades. Around 6.8 million people — almost half of all those living in poverty — have incomes significantly below the poverty line,...
France to ban social media for children under 15
On 26 January 2026, the French National Assembly approved a bill prohibiting children and teenagers under the age of 15 from using social media. The bill was supported by an overwhelming majority of votes. According to the text of the bill, access to online social networking services (including ‘social features’...
The European Union and India have signed a historic free trade agreement
After nearly 18 years of difficult negotiations, the European Union and India have officially concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). This was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India-EU summit in New Delhi, calling the deal ‘the mother of all agreements.’ ‘This is a perfect...
Chinese hackers hacked into British government officials’ mobile phones for years
Chinese state hackers gained access to the mobile phones of senior officials in the British Prime Minister's office in Downing Street over a period of several years, The Telegraph reports, citing intelligence sources. According to the publication, the attacks began at least in 2021 and continued until 2024. Close aides...
Germany announces record reward of €1 million for information on arsonists who set fire to power grids in Berlin
The German federal government has announced an unprecedented measure: a reward of €1 million has been offered for reliable information that will help to identify and apprehend those responsible for the January arson attack on Berlin's energy infrastructure. This was announced on Monday at a meeting of the Berlin House...
France bans British far-right activists from entering the Calais region
The French authorities have taken tough measures against British far-right activists linked to the Raise the Colours movement, who have repeatedly staged protests against migrants on the Pas-de-Calais coast. On 14 January 2026, the French Ministry of the Interior announced that it had imposed ten administrative bans on British citizens...
Portugal intercepts drug submarine carrying record amount of cocaine
Portuguese law enforcement agencies conducted a major operation in the Atlantic Ocean to intercept a so-called ‘drug submarine’ carrying 6.5 tonnes of cocaine. This is one of the largest maritime drug seizures in the country's history and, according to experts, a record amount for this type of vessel bound for...
The UK government has announced the creation of a National Police Service
The UK government has officially announced the launch of the National Police Service (NPS), a new national police force that has already been dubbed the ‘British FBI’. According to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the NPS will bring together under one command key national capabilities for tackling serious crime, which are...
61% of Germans consider Donald Trump a threat to Germany
The majority of Germans perceive US President Donald Trump as a threat to their country. This is evidenced by recent survey data conducted by the INSA institute on behalf of Bild. According to the survey results, 61% of Germans polled said they were more likely to see Trump as a...