Renewed Focus on Europe’s Defense President Emmanuel Macron is set to outline plans for France to take a more active part in Europe’s nuclear deterrence, emphasizing that this would complement the US nuclear umbrella rather than compete with it. Speaking from the Île Longue peninsula, home to France’s four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, Macron will deliver his first major address on the topic since 2020, when he suggested including willing European partners in exercises — a proposal that went largely unnoticed at the time. Security Concerns Drive European Interest The renewed attention comes amid growing concerns over Europe’s defense landscape.…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Known for her thorough reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.
Rising Tensions Over Sea Borders A fresh clash has emerged between Kuwait and Iraq over disputed waters in the northern Gulf. The conflict escalated after Baghdad submitted new coordinates and a map to the United Nations, claiming areas Kuwait considers its own, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals. Gulf Arab nations emphasize the strategic significance of these waterways and offshore resources, raising the stakes for regional stability. Gulf States Rally Behind Kuwait Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman have voiced strong support for Kuwait, urging both sides to respect international law. Saudi officials noted…
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Uncertainty European Parliament negotiators have paused the EU-US trade agreement after a recent ruling by the United States Supreme Court declared some 2025 tariffs imposed by Washington illegal. In response, President Donald Trump announced new 15% duties on imports, escalating tensions and casting doubt on the validity of the pact. German MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the parliamentary trade committee, said the legal framework had “totally changed” and stressed the need for clear assurances from the US before moving forward. EU Demands Clarity on Deal Terms The agreement, struck in July 2025 by European Commission President…
Budapest Holds Sanctions Hostage Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine restores oil deliveries to the country. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that the EU will also withhold the previously approved €90 billion war loan to Ukraine until energy shipments resume. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed that Hungary would not back the sanctions package, which is set for discussion at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, citing the need for the Druzhba pipeline to be repaired after a Russian strike. Energy Supplies and Regional Impact The Energy Security Council highlighted…
Swift Action Amid Legal Setback US President Donald Trump announced an immediate hike in global tariffs from 10% to 15% just one day after the Supreme Court struck down his previous tariffs for overstepping executive authority. Trump called the court’s ruling “poorly written and extraordinarily anti-American” but insisted the administration could still act under other trade laws to protect US interests. Legal Hurdles and Alternative Authorities The Supreme Court ruled that only Congress has the constitutional authority to impose taxes, including tariffs, limiting the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) that Trump had invoked. To maintain trade…
Justices Limit Presidential Power The US Supreme Court on Friday struck down Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, ruling that the president exceeded his authority by using emergency powers to impose them. The 6–3 decision focused on tariffs applied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), including the broad “reciprocal” duties Trump levied on nearly every US trading partner. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the Constitution “very clearly” assigns taxing power to Congress, not the executive branch. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, with Kavanaugh arguing the tariffs were legally justified despite policy debates. Legal Challenges…
Arrest and Police Actions Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy. Law enforcement also conducted searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. Police did not initially name Andrew, describing only a man in his sixties remaining in custody. Andrew celebrated his 66th birthday on the day of the arrest. Authorities emphasized maintaining the integrity of the investigation while acknowledging the widespread public interest. Unmarked police vehicles were spotted at Sandringham in Norfolk, where he has resided since leaving Windsor. Alleged Ties to Epstein and Trade Deals…
Preparing for Carbon Price Stability EU countries have agreed to adjust a financial mechanism aimed at preventing sharp spikes in carbon prices as the bloc gears up for a new carbon tax on cars, vans, and buildings. The updated system, part of the European Union’s emissions trading scheme (ETS2), is set to launch in 2028 and is expected to raise energy costs for households and businesses that rely on fossil fuels for heating and transport. Member states will extend the price-stabilization mechanism beyond 2030 to ensure carbon prices remain manageable. While Slovakia and the Czech Republic have called for delays…
Brussels Moves Ahead Amid G7 Uncertainty The European Union is prepared to implement a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers even if G7 allies cannot reach a consensus, Valdis Dombrovskis said. EU leaders aim to approve the 20th package of sanctions by 24 February, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. If adopted, the ban would override the G7’s oil price cap within EU jurisdiction, preventing European companies from servicing Russian tankers regardless of the Urals crude price, which currently stands at $44.10 per barrel. Dombrovskis emphasized that while alignment with G7 partners is preferable,…
U.S. Signals Backing for Orbán U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest to deliver a clear message from former President Donald Trump, praising Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and emphasizing the benefits of their personal relationship. Speaking after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio highlighted Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports as an example of the advantages of that connection, saying, “We want you to continue… your success is our success.” During his Central Europe trip, Rubio also visited Slovakia, meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico. Both Fico and Orbán have been outspoken Trump supporters…