An Insightful Study on the Complexity, Tragedy of Mers El-Kebir
The tragedy at Mers El-Kebir on July 3, 1940, illustrates the complexities of war. When it comes to World War II, most know the surface material that Germany and Soviet Russia invaded Poland in 1939; France fell to Germany in June 1940, resulting in the puppet Vichy France government and a counter Free French government-in-exile; and that Britain fought practically by itself until the Germans invaded Russia in June 1941 and the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Common knowledge is that there were ultimately two competing sides: the Axis Powers of Germany, Italy and Japan, and the Allied Powers of Great Britain, Soviet Russia, and the United States. And certainly there are complexities within these arrangements, but for the most part, they are rather straightforward. The relationship between the French and the British leading up to and after July 3, 1940, is anything but straightforward.
In Ryan K. Noppen's new study, 'Mers El-Kebir 1940: Operation Catapult,' he breaks down the geopolitical and geostrategic complexities that resulted in the British feeling compelled to attack the French fleet in the Mediterranean. Perhaps this attack is known to many readers, but what may not be known is why the attack was deemed completely necessary by the British, but completely unnecessary by the French, and how the attack understandably led to heightened French bitterness toward the British, but also how the attack resulted in increased support from the Americans—a move that arguably saved the British Isles from capitulation.
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Readers may already have a preconceived notion about the Mers El-Kebir attack, siding with either the British or the French. Noppen, however, presents both sides: those of the political leaders and the military brass, but also those troops on the ground (or more accurately, sailors at sea) who were caught in the middle of this unfortunate event.
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I've Been Tracking European News, And These 25 Stories Deserve Way More Attention In America
With so many urgent domestic headlines fighting for our attention, it's easy to forget that some of the most consequential stories right now aren't unfolding in the US at all. From NATO budget battles to protests over billionaire weddings, Europe is wrestling with questions that feel both local and deeply global, touching on everything from civil liberties and climate regulation to migration and militarization. In this latest roundup, I've pulled together 25 major European headlines you might not have seen in your feed — along with context on why they matter and what they reveal about where the world is headed: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is pushing back against a NATO proposal to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, calling the demand "unreasonable" and incompatible with Spain's social spending goals. In a letter to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Sánchez warned that such a requirement would undermine the country's welfare state and green transition priorities. Spain spent less than 2% of GDP on defense last year — the lowest in the alliance — but has pledged to meet NATO's previous 2% target by 2025. His rejection risks derailing consensus at next week's summit in The Hague, where most members, including Sweden and the Netherlands, are expected to back the new goal — a key demand of US President Donald Trump. Why it matters: NATO's original defense spending target was 2% of GDP — a goal set in 2014 after Russia's annexation of Crimea. Now, as tensions with Moscow escalate, the alliance is considering a dramatic jump to 5% to fund both military capabilities and critical infrastructure. Spain's resistance signals a brewing rift within NATO over how to balance collective security with domestic priorities. This tension mirrors familiar US debates about defense vs. social spending, exposing growing fault lines between countries focused on social welfare and those prioritizing military readiness. As Trump pushes allies to "pay their share," the disagreement could shape how NATO evolves in a more militarized, multipolar world and test whether its unity can withstand diverging national interests. Source: Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez rejects NATO's 5% of GDP spending plan as 'unreasonable' [Euronews] has publicly backed a proposed NATO goal for member states to spend 5% of GDP on defense, with 3.5% earmarked for traditional military spending and aid to Ukraine, and 1.5% for broader defense-related expenses like infrastructure protection and cybersecurity. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the details of the timeline are still under discussion. Norway currently spends about 3.2%, including Ukraine aid, but NATO's 2024 estimate puts it at 2.2%. Støre emphasized the urgency of the proposal, calling the current security environment the most serious since World War II. Why it matters: The proposed 5% target dramatically exceeds NATO's previous 2% benchmark and signals a broader, more expansive view of what national defense includes — encompassing digital threats, disinformation, and infrastructure resilience. Additionally, it marks a shift in how Europe is preparing for conflict, especially with the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and hybrid threats rising. As NATO allies debate timelines and feasibility, the conversation could reshape global defense priorities and budget politics in the years ahead. Source: Norway backs Nato's 5% defence spending target despite Spain rejecting it as 'unreasonable' – as it happened [The Guardian] police entered the headquarters of Spain's ruling Socialist Party on Friday to copy emails from former senior official Santos Cerdán, whose resignation last week sparked a political crisis. The investigation centers on alleged kickbacks tied to public infrastructure contracts, with Cerdán reportedly at the center of the payment scheme. The probe also involves former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and his ex-aide Koldo García, with a judge ordering the review of over 500 bank accounts and contracts handled by the transport ministry and state rail operator Adif. Though officials insist this was not a formal raid, it underscores the escalating severity of the scandal. Why it matters: The growing corruption probe threatens to destabilize Spain's coalition government, led by the Socialist Party, which currently governs without an outright majority. Investigators are examining whether party insiders profited from illegal payments tied to public contracts — potentially implicating figures close to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. With financial records, government documents, and surveillance transcripts now under scrutiny, the case could fuel public distrust and increase pressure for early elections. Source: Spanish police enter ruling party HQ in corruption probe [Reuters] in Europe has skyrocketed, with international arrivals rising from 416 million in 2005 to over 747 million in 2024, according to UN data. While countries like Spain, France, and Portugal are raking in billions — Spain alone earned €80 billion from international tourists in 2023 — the influx is sparking growing unrest. Cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Naples have seen major protests against "touristification," as residents grapple with crowded streets, overburdened infrastructure, and skyrocketing housing prices. In Portugal, for instance, property values jumped 105.8% between 2015 and 2023, pricing many locals out of their own cities. Short-term rentals and cruise ships are drawing particular scrutiny, prompting cities like Amsterdam and Dubrovnik to crack down with bans and limits. Policymakers and tourism officials are now experimenting with tech-based crowd control and off-season travel incentives to ease the pressure. Why it matters: Europe's tourism crisis is a warning sign of what happens when global travel outpaces local planning. In cities like Lisbon and Barcelona, an influx of digital nomads, remote workers, and Airbnb-fueled short stays is reshaping entire neighborhoods, driving up housing costs and hollowing out local communities. It mirrors similar dynamics in US destinations like New York, Honolulu, and Austin, where rising rents and overtourism collide. The backlash isn't just about crowded streets; it's about who gets to live in cities and what happens when global mobility meets fragile local ecosystems. With tourism often framed as a win-win, this growing European resistance underscores the hidden costs of turning historic neighborhoods into playgrounds for the global middle class. Source: Counting the cost: Mass tourism in Europe creates jobs but what is the knock-on effect? [Euronews} Jeff Bezos prepares to wed Lauren Sánchez in a rumored €10 million celebration in Venice, local activists are mobilizing to protest what they say the event symbolizes: the commodification of their city. Under the banner "No Space for Bezos," demonstrators plan to block streets and canals on June 28 with boats, banners, and even music — not to oppose the wedding itself, but to protest Venice's increasing transformation into a playground for the ultra-wealthy. Protesters say the wedding highlights a deeper issue of overtourism, economic inequality, and depopulation. With just 51,000 residents remaining in the historic center and some 30 million tourists arriving annually, many Venetians feel priced out and sidelined. Bezos, they argue, represents the kind of global wealth that thrives while local services shrink and wages stagnate. Why it matters: Venice has become a case study in how overtourism and luxury events reshape global cities — often at the expense of the people who live in them. As tech billionaires throw extravagant weddings in UNESCO heritage sites and entire neighborhoods are hollowed out for short-term rentals, the tensions between economic opportunity and cultural erasure come into sharp relief. The protest echoes similar backlash in cities like San Francisco, New Orleans, and Miami, where local identity is increasingly subsumed by the wealth and mobility of a global elite. The protests may not stop Bezos's yacht, but they're part of a broader reckoning with how much space cities should give to spectacle and at what cost. Source: 'We don't need Bezos': Venice activists prepare to protest against tech billionaire's wedding [Euronews] 6.A coalition of EU health ministers is calling for international limits on sperm and egg donations, aiming to curb the rise of "super donors" whose gametes have resulted in dozens — sometimes hundreds — of children worldwide. Introduced by Sweden and Belgium and backed by several other countries, the proposal seeks to address growing ethical and psychosocial concerns, as well as prevent potential health risks. High-profile cases, including a Dutch donor suspected of fathering over 550 children and another whose sperm carried a cancer-linked genetic mutation used to conceive at least 52 children, have sparked public outcry. While some EU countries cap donations domestically, there are currently no international rules or registries, leaving cross-border fertility clinics with little oversight. Ministers are pushing for an EU-wide donor quota and registry to prevent future scandals and protect donor-conceived families. Why it matters: The sperm donor boom isn't just a European issue — it's a global one, driven by declining fertility rates, delayed parenthood, and the rise of cross-border fertility services. Without oversight, sperm donation has quietly become a deregulated marketplace, where a handful of prolific donors can unknowingly create sprawling genetic networks across countries and continents. The EU's call for limits and registries raises urgent questions about privacy, ethics, and genetic safety. As more people use at-home DNA kits and fertility services go global, the idea of dozens of unknown half-siblings — or inherited genetic diseases — no longer feels like a sci-fi hypothetical. Source: EU ministers propose international limits on sperm 'super donors' [Euronews] UK and Spain have reached a landmark agreement over Gibraltar's post-Brexit future, resolving a key point of tension by establishing joint border checks and eliminating land border controls between Gibraltar and Spain. Under the deal, Schengen rules will apply at Gibraltar's airport and port through Eurostar-style dual passport checks, while sovereignty remains unchanged. The agreement aims to maintain free movement for thousands of daily cross-border workers and marks a significant milestone in UK-EU relations since Brexit. Why it matters: Gibraltar is a British overseas territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, under UK rule since 1713. While it is self-governing in most areas, the UK retains control over its defense and foreign policy. Before Brexit, Gibraltar benefited from the UK's EU membership, which allowed for frictionless movement across its border with Spain — a vital passage for some 15,000 daily crossers, many of them workers. Brexit disrupted that arrangement, leaving Gibraltar outside the EU customs union and Schengen zone. This new agreement restores much of that practical mobility while reaffirming British sovereignty. For cross-border workers, travelers, and digital nomads, it offers long-term clarity and underscores how even small territories remain deeply shaped by international negotiations. Source: UK and Spain strike 'historic' deal over Gibraltar's future and borders [The Guardian] a surprise move, the European Commission is withdrawing its proposed Green Claims Directive, a law meant to crack down on "greenwashing" by requiring companies to back up environmental claims with evidence and independent verification. The proposal, introduced in 2023 as part of the broader European Green Deal, was on the brink of final approval after months of negotiations. Its sudden withdrawal — just days before a scheduled trilogue meeting between Parliament and Council negotiators — has outraged lawmakers, who accuse the Commission of undermining the legislative process. No official reason has been given, but critics warn the decision could further weaken the Green Deal, which has already seen multiple rollbacks under recent efforts to simplify EU regulations. Legal experts also question whether the Commission is overstepping its authority, as the withdrawal doesn't appear to meet the usual thresholds of deadlock or obsolescence. Why it matters: This isn't just a European policy squabble; it's a signal that political appetite for climate regulation may be waning, even in the EU, long seen as a global leader on environmental action. The Green Claims Directive was one of the most ambitious efforts to regulate corporate sustainability claims, a growing concern as "eco-friendly" branding floods the market. It also reflects a broader trend: As green backlash grows and right-leaning governments gain ground, climate commitments are being quietly sidelined. The fight over greenwashing rules offers a glimpse into what happens when environmental regulation meets political friction, and what's at stake when corporate accountability gets downgraded. Source: Commission moves to withdraw greenwashing proposal in another blow to Green Deal [Euronews] Related: "He Torched His Entire Reputation For Nothing": 27 Of The Best Political Tweets From This Messy, Messy Week suffered a major blow Thursday as a top European court adviser recommended upholding a $4.7 billion EU antitrust fine, one of the largest in history. The case centers on claims that Google abused the dominance of its Android mobile operating system by requiring phone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome in exchange for access to the Play Store, limiting consumer choice and stifling rival app developers. Google says the decision, if upheld, would hurt open platforms and Android users, but the court's final ruling could cement a landmark precedent in the bloc's crackdown on Big Tech. Why it matters: This ruling could cement a major precedent in the EU's broader efforts to rein in Big Tech dominance. At the heart of the case is whether companies like Google can bundle core apps with their platforms in ways that limit competition — a question with global implications for digital marketplaces, user privacy, and app accessibility. For digital nomads, app developers, and Android users alike, the ruling could affect platform openness, app availability, and the tech ecosystem across the EU and beyond. It also signals how aggressively Europe may wield its regulatory power in the evolving global tech landscape. Source: Google hits setback in bid to overturn multibillion EU antitrust fine in Android case [AP News] Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner has raised alarm over Germany's response to pro-Gaza demonstrations, warning of serious infringements on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. In a letter to the German Interior Minister, the Commissioner cited bans on Arabic language and cultural symbols at protests, heavy surveillance of demonstrators, and the use of excessive police force — including against minors. He also noted reports of universities suppressing speech and foreign nationals facing deportation for participating in rallies. Of particular concern is how some German authorities are interpreting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism in ways that could conflate criticism of Israel with hate speech. The Commissioner called for investigations into alleged police misconduct and urged Germany to uphold democratic rights, especially in politically sensitive contexts. Why it matters: Germany's crackdown on pro-Palestinian expression highlights a growing European trend: civil liberties being curtailed in the name of public order or national sensitivity. While Germany's historic responsibility toward Jewish communities makes its approach uniquely complex, the concern here isn't just symbolic, it's legal. The way Germany interprets and enforces speech restrictions is being watched closely across Europe and beyond, especially as US campuses and cities navigate similar tensions around Israel–Palestine debates. The controversy also raises broader questions about how democracies balance free speech, protest rights, and historical trauma — and whether international human rights norms still hold firm when the subject matter is politically volatile. Source: European rights watchdog raises concerns over freedom of speech in Germany amid Gaza protests than 100,000 demonstrators marched through The Hague on Sunday — many dressed in red — demanding the Dutch government take stronger action against Israel's war in Gaza. Organized by major NGOs like Amnesty International and Save the Children, the protest aimed to form a symbolic "red line" around the city's center. It follows a similar May protest and adds pressure on Dutch officials ahead of a NATO summit in The Hague later this month. Why it matters: As the war in Gaza continues, public dissent across Europe is escalating — with protests pushing national governments to reassess foreign policy, arms deals, and EU diplomatic alignment. With the Netherlands currently in a political transition and about to host global leaders, this show of public will could shape how it engages on human rights and international accountability in the coming months. Source: Huge turnout at a second Dutch protest seeking government action against Israel [AP News] 12.A US-backed Israeli spyware company, Paragon Solutions, was linked to the targeting of at least three journalists in Europe — including senior editors at an Italian investigative outlet critical of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government. According to Citizen Lab, Paragon's spyware Graphite was used to infect devices through zero-click exploits, prompting renewed concerns over surveillance abuses in democratic nations. Italy denies illegally spying on journalists, though its parliamentary intelligence committee confirmed government surveillance of civil society activists. Paragon, once framed as an ethical alternative to NSO Group, holds contracts with US federal agencies and was acquired by a Florida investment firm last year. Why it matters: Spyware like Graphite allows covert, near-total access to a person's phone — including calls, messages, locations, and encrypted apps like Signal and WhatsApp — often without any user interaction. Once thought to be tools of authoritarian regimes, such spyware is increasingly used by democratic governments, threatening press freedom, political dissent, and digital privacy. Italy's surveillance of civil society activists — and alleged targeting of journalists critical of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — underscores how blurred the boundaries of lawful surveillance have become. Paragon Solutions, the spyware firm behind the attacks, has US government contracts despite an executive order prohibiting the use of spyware linked to repression. This case illustrates how the global spyware industry — even when rebranded, American-backed, or privately held — remains opaque, underregulated, and ripe for abuse. Source: US-backed Israeli company's spyware used to target European journalists, Citizen Lab finds [AP News] Related: Donald Trump And Tucker Carlson Are Feuding, And Today It Escalated Even More European Union has determined there are "indications" that Israel is violating human rights obligations under the EU-Israel association agreement — a major framework for trade, political cooperation, and research funding. The finding, from a leaked draft report commissioned by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, comes amid growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While no immediate action is expected, foreign ministers will meet Monday to discuss possible next steps. The agreement includes a clause stating that respect for human rights is an "essential element" of EU-Israel relations — a clause that, until now, has never been formally tested. Why it matters: The EU is Israel's largest trading partner and a major political ally, which makes this finding symbolically and potentially materially significant. While no sanctions or suspensions are imminent, the report reflects growing European discomfort with Israel's conduct in Gaza and could raise pressure for action. This also highlights a widening gap between how the US and EU are approaching accountability in Israel's military campaign. The association agreement also ties into broader debates over whether international trade and aid can — or should — be conditioned on human rights compliance, particularly in democratic alliances. Source: What next after EU finds 'indications' that Israel is in breach of human rights obligations? [The Guardian] announced it will reintroduce targeted border checks this summer to curb illegal migration, marking another restriction within Europe's Schengen zone of passport-free travel. The checks will focus on major roads, trains, buses, and flights from countries with "high migration pressure" such as Greece and Italy. Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt said the move aims to stop "asylum shopping" and reduce the country's appeal to migrants rejected elsewhere. The decision follows similar policies from Germany and the Netherlands, as rising asylum applications strain Belgium's reception capacity. Why it matters: Belgium's move reflects a broader shift in European migration policy: even as arrivals decrease on some routes, governments are tightening controls within the supposedly borderless Schengen area. This could erode one of the EU's central freedoms — free movement — and deepen tensions over how responsibility for asylum seekers is shared across the bloc. One of the world's wealthiest nations, Belgium received 11.6% more asylum applications in 2024 than the previous year, straining its capacity and fueling public debate. For digital nomads, travelers, and EU residents alike, it signals how migration anxieties can trigger broader constraints on mobility. Source: Belgium announces border checks in migration clampdown [Reuters] saw both immigration and emigration hit decade highs last year, with over 382,000 foreigners arriving and more than 155,000 Italians leaving the country. The figures highlight dual pressures: Italy's need for foreign labor amid a shrinking population and its struggle to retain citizens, many of whom are leaving in search of better economic opportunities abroad. Ukrainians, Albanians, and Bangladeshis were among the top arriving nationalities, while internal migration from the poorer South to wealthier Northern regions continued. Why it matters: Italy's demographic crisis is intensifying. Despite a right-wing government focused on restricting migrant arrivals, the country's economic stagnation and aging population make it increasingly reliant on foreign labor. Meanwhile, rising emigration — especially among the young and educated — underscores concerns about brain drain and long-term economic decline. The simultaneous rise in immigration and emigration illustrates the disconnect between political rhetoric and structural labor needs, placing pressure on Italy to reconcile nationalist policies with demographic realities. Source: Italy's immigration and emigration both soaring, stats agency says [Reuters] years after Europe's 2015 migration crisis, the Greek island of Lesbos — once the epicenter of a humanitarian emergency — continues to grapple with its legacy. Over 1 million people entered Europe during the crisis, many landing on the Greek island's Northern coast. Their arrival reshaped EU politics, strained unity, and fueled the rise of anti-migrant populism. While fewer migrants arrive today, Lesbos remains a symbolic flashpoint: overcrowded shelters persist, border security dominates policy, and a new EU-funded migrant camp remains unopened amid legal challenges. Activists and locals say the spirit of compassion still exists, but national and EU policy has shifted decisively toward deterrence. Why it matters: The 2015 migration crisis profoundly reshaped European politics, fueling far-right movements, straining EU unity, and shifting the focus of migration policy toward border control. The new EU migration pact, set to take effect in 2026, is the culmination of these changes. While it primarily targets asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, its infrastructure and ideology impact everyone navigating Europe's borders. For citizens, residents, and tourists alike, this isn't just about humanitarian policy — it's about how Europe now defines, regulates, and restricts movement itself. As Europe prepares to implement these rules, Lesbos stands as both a symbol and a warning: How the bloc handles migration remains one of its most pressing and divisive challenges. Source: 10 years after Europe's migration crisis, the fallout reverberates in Greece and beyond [AP News] 17.A French refugee charity has warned that a new plan authorizing police to enter the sea to stop UK-bound asylum seekers will lead to more drownings and legal challenges. The controversial tactic, reportedly already underway ahead of a Franco-British summit, allows police to intercept boats within 300 meters of the French coast. Footage this week showed officers waist-deep in water using CS gas (a tear gas) and batons to force back a dinghy. Critics say the plan will escalate violence and desperation at sea, pushing migrants toward riskier routes and violating international law. At least 73 people died attempting the Channel crossing in 2024 — more than in the previous six years combined. Why it matters: Under UK law, asylum seekers typically must reach British soil to submit a claim. There are virtually no safe or legal pathways to apply from abroad. That legal reality pushes many to risk the dangerous journey across the Channel in small boats. France's plan to physically intercept these boats in the water — reportedly using riot gear and CS gas — marks a dangerous escalation. Human rights groups warn it will increase deaths at sea and may violate European and international law. The policy highlights how deterrence-based migration tactics in Europe can put lives at risk when legal access is virtually impossible. Source: French plans to stop small boats will lead to more deaths, says charity [The Guardian] UK House of Commons has passed a bill that would legalize assisted dying for mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live, marking the country's most significant social reform in decades. The 314–291 vote clears the bill's biggest hurdle and sends it to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and many others voted in favor, though opposition remains strong over fears of coercion and weakened safeguards. The bill replaces a prior court-approval model with a review panel including a social worker, legal figure, and psychiatrist, which critics say is less robust. Why it matters: If enacted, the bill would align the UK with countries like Canada, Australia, and several US states that already allow medically assisted dying. It also follows similar momentum in France, where President Emmanuel Macron's government has proposed a comparable bill, signaling a broader shift in European attitudes toward end-of-life autonomy. The UK vote marks a dramatic change from a decade ago, when a similar effort failed, and now reflects evolving views on dignity, personal choice, and healthcare in aging societies. Though not government-led, the bill could influence future legislation across the UK and Europe. Source: UK parliament votes for assisted dying, paving way for historic law change [Reuters] newly elected president, Nicușor Dan, has nominated Ilie Bolojan, a center-right former mayor and interim president earlier this year, to serve as prime minister and help resolve the country's ongoing political crisis. Bolojan, from the National Liberal Party (PNL), will need parliamentary approval to lead a coalition government with the leftist Social Democrats (PSD), the reformist Save Romania Union, and the ethnic Hungarian UDMR party. If confirmed, he will be tasked with restoring financial stability and tackling delayed state reforms amid a growing budget deficit and deep political divides. Why it matters: As an EU and NATO member bordering Ukraine, Romania's internal stability carries regional significance. The nomination of a center-right technocrat backed by a multiparty coalition could help restore confidence among Western allies and financial markets. But the underlying budget crisis and lack of consensus on structural reforms mean the political turbulence may not be over. The coming months will test whether Romania can move from stopgap governance to sustained institutional recovery — a key concern for Europe's Southeastern flank. Source: Romania's new president nominates center-right former mayor as prime minister [AP News] 20.A heated debate erupted in the European Parliament this week after Hungary formally banned Budapest's annual Pride march, citing the country's controversial "child protection" law. Left-leaning and centrist MEPs denounced the move as an attack on freedom of expression and LGBTQ+ rights, calling it a violation of EU law and urging the Commission to trigger sanctions under Article 7. Hungarian officials defended the ban as a matter of national sovereignty and child safety, while far-right MEPs argued Brussels had no right to interfere. The Budapest mayor is now trying to legally override the police ban by registering the city as the official organizer, setting up a showdown just days before the event. Around 70 MEPs plan to travel to the march in solidarity, while the European Commission investigates potential legal action. AI surveillance and fines have also been announced for attendees under the new law. Why it matters: Hungary's Pride ban isn't just a domestic policy; it's a flashpoint in the EU's ongoing battle over democratic backsliding and human rights. The move sharpens a growing divide between Western European governments and increasingly authoritarian member states like Hungary, where LGBTQ+ rights are being rolled back under the guise of "protecting children." It also highlights the EU's limited power to enforce its own values when national governments invoke sovereignty. The debate echoes state-level clashes in the US over LGBTQ+ representation in schools and public spaces, with similar arguments around "child protection" being used to justify censorship. As the EU weighs sanctions and legal action, the question looms: How far can a democratic alliance tolerate open defiance of its core principles, and what happens when those principles are redefined by politics? Source: 'Another red line crossed': Fierce debate on Hungary's Pride ban at the European Parliament [Euronews] nearly two decades of stalled negotiations, the EU's Equal Treatment directive — which aimed to expand protections against discrimination based on religion, disability, age, and sexual orientation — has officially hit a dead end. Despite widespread support from most member states and approval from the European Parliament, opposition from Germany, Czechia, and Italy has blocked the bill's passage in the European Council, where unanimity is required. The legislation, first proposed in 2008, would have extended anti-discrimination protections into areas like education, healthcare, housing, and public services. With the current draft unlikely to move forward, the European Commission plans to pivot to non-legislative initiatives, like policy roadmaps on LGBTQ+ rights and anti-racism — a move that NGOs have criticized as symbolic and lacking enforcement power. Civil society groups are calling the failure a major setback for equality across the bloc. Why it matters: The collapse of the EU's flagship anti-discrimination bill underscores how even broad public support and political will can be derailed by national veto power — especially on rights issues. The proposal could have served as a blueprint for stronger anti-discrimination protections across Europe and beyond, including in the US, where housing, healthcare, and education inequalities often intersect with race, disability, and sexual identity. Instead, the EU's pivot to "roadmaps" over binding legislation mirrors a wider global trend: governments making rhetorical commitments to equity without delivering legal guarantees. For marginalized communities on both sides of the Atlantic, the failure to enact enforceable protections reflects just how vulnerable equal rights remain, even in liberal democracies. Source: Exclusive: After 17 years, EU anti-discrimination bill hits a dead end [Euronews] European Union is advancing its first-ever legislation on the welfare of cats and dogs, aiming to regulate a €1.3 billion industry and curb inhumane practices like ear cropping. The proposed law would require electronic microchipping for traceability and introduce baseline animal welfare standards — but critics say it falls short in several key areas. MEPs and NGOs warn that the legislation contains loopholes that could allow illegal pet trade to flourish online, particularly since it doesn't mandate verification for sellers on platforms where most black-market activity occurs. Another concern is an exemption for small-scale breeders, which could leave as many as 80% of breeders unregulated. Shelters, already overwhelmed, would continue to bear the burden of untraceable or abandoned animals. Lawmakers are now pushing for amendments ahead of a crucial vote in the European Parliament. Why it matters: This legislation reflects a growing effort across Europe (and globally) to treat animal welfare as a serious policy issue. But its shortcomings also expose how online marketplaces and lax oversight can undercut even well-meaning laws. The same dynamics are playing out in the US, where puppy mills and anonymous online pet sales remain a persistent problem despite increasing awareness. As platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are used to traffic animals without oversight, critics say vague enforcement allows abuse to go unchecked. The EU's struggle to close loopholes is a preview of the regulatory challenges ahead: How do you build humane, enforceable systems when bad actors can hide behind a screen name? Source: EU pet protection plan barks up wrong tree, MEPs and NGOs warn [Euronews] 23.A court in Azerbaijan has sentenced seven journalists, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporter Farid Mehralizada and six staffers from the independent outlet Abzas Media, to prison terms ranging from 7.5 to 9 years. The journalists were convicted on charges including illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and forgery — accusations widely denounced by international rights groups as politically motivated. Press freedom watchdogs, including Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International, have condemned the verdicts, calling them part of a broader campaign to silence investigative journalism in the country. The crackdown has intensified over the past year, with multiple news outlets raided, press credentials revoked, and foreign media organizations forced to shut down. Mehralizada, who had no formal ties to Abzas Media, was detained in 2024 and missed the birth of his child while awaiting trial. Why it matters: The sentencing of journalists in Azerbaijan is more than an instance of domestic repression, it reflects a broader strategy among authoritarian regimes to weaponize legal systems against independent media. Charges like tax evasion and illegal entrepreneurship offer cover for political retaliation, allowing governments to stifle dissent without overt censorship. The case also underscores the growing vulnerability of international journalism, particularly for outlets funded by public broadcasters like RFE/RL. As more governments treat critical reporting as a national security threat, press freedom is increasingly a geopolitical issue — not just a local concern — and one that tests how democratic allies respond when their strategic partners abandon democratic norms. Source: Azerbaijan jails 7 journalists in latest media crackdown on free speech [AP News] 24.A Russian court has sentenced activist Nadezhda Rossinskaya to 22 years in prison on charges of treason and financing terrorism after she helped evacuate Ukrainians from Russian-occupied territory. Rossinskaya, also known as Nadin Geisler, ran a volunteer group called "Army of Beauties," which claimed to assist thousands of civilians fleeing war zones. She was arrested in February 2024 after an Instagram post — which she denied authoring — allegedly called for donations to Ukrainian forces. Prosecutors sought 27 years, one of the longest sentences ever requested for a Russian woman (prompting Rossinskaya to defiantly tell the court to "make it 27 years and one day"). Her name was added to Russia's national list of "extremists and terrorists," alongside others critical of the invasion. The case is one of hundreds brought under treason and terrorism laws since Russia's full-scale war began. Why it matters: Rossinskaya's sentencing is part of a sweeping crackdown on dissent in Russia, where laws intended to combat terrorism are now routinely applied to citizens aiding Ukrainian civilians or speaking out against the war. Her case reveals how the Kremlin is using treason charges to criminalize humanitarian work, equating acts of evacuation and aid with betrayal of the state. The decision also sends a harsh message to other would-be volunteers or activists, in Russia and beyond, that any challenge to wartime policy can carry the state's most extreme punishments. For the rest of the West, the case underscores the escalating legal war on civil society in Russia and raises pressing questions about how international support networks can continue to function when humanitarian aid is reframed as treason. Source: Russian activist who helped Ukrainian refugees jailed for 22 years [AP News] Brown pleaded not guilty in a London court Friday to charges stemming from an alleged 2023 nightclub assault on music producer Abe Diaw. Prosecutors say Brown and fellow musician Omololu Akinlolu attacked Diaw with a bottle, punching and kicking him in front of clubgoers in Mayfair. Brown, currently on a world tour, faces multiple charges including grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. He is set to return to court in July, with a trial scheduled for October 2026. Why it matters: The case adds to Brown's long history of violent incidents, raising continued concerns about accountability for celebrity behavior — especially amid global touring and fandom. For international audiences and venues, it also tests how different legal systems address high-profile defendants in the public eye. Source: Singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty in London nightclub assault case [AP News] What do you think of these stories? Did any surprise you, shift your perspective, or feel especially relevant to life in the US? What other global headlines have you come across that haven't gotten much play in American media? Drop your thoughts in the comments below — I'd love to hear what's on your radar! Also in In the News: "Honestly Speechless At How Evil This Is": 26 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Week Also in In the News: People Are Roasting "MAGA Makeup" On TikTok, And It Might Be The Shadiest Thing I've Seen All Year Also in In the News: Jeff Bezos's Fiancée Lauren Sánchez Reacted To Criticism Of Her Inauguration Outfit
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29 minutes ago
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NATO Chief Calls Trump 'Daddy' for Cursing Out Israel and Iran Ahead of 2025 Summit
President Donald Trump was praised as the star of the 2025 NATO summit in the Netherlands on Wednesday, June 25 Sitting down with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump spoke about his efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, including dropping an F-bomb to reporters out of anger when there was a setback "Daddy has to sometimes use strong language," Rutte said of Trump's tacticsDays after reportedly brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, President Donald Trump was lauded as the star of the 2025 NATO summit. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte heaped praise on the president when the two sat down ahead of the summit with world leaders in The Hague, Netherlands. Rutte asked Trump about his strong statement the day prior, in which he condemned Israel and Iran for continuing to bomb one another following the announcement of the ceasefire, saying the countries "don't know what the f--- they're doing." "They've had a big fight, like two kids in a schoolyard," Trump told Rutte. "You know, they fight like hell, you can't stop them. Let them fight for about 2-3 minutes, then it's easy to stop them." "And then daddy has to sometimes use strong language to [get them to] stop," Rutte said. When pressed by reporters about his flattery of the U.S. president, who ordered the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, Rutte called it "a question of taste." "When it comes to Iran, the fact that he took this decisive action, very targeted, to make sure that Iran would not be able to get his hands on a nuclear capability — I think he deserves all the praise," Rutte insisted, calling Trump "a good friend." Trump himself also wasn't shy about taking credit as a world mediator, invoking the memory of the United States' nuclear bombing of Japan to end World War II when asked about his actions against Iran. "I don't want to use an example of Hiroshima, I don't want to use an example of Nagasaki, but that was essentially the same thing. That ended that war. This ended the war," he told reporters on Wednesday. Trump has been floating the idea of wanting a Nobel Peace Prize in recent weeks, claiming days ago that he deserves at least "four or five" of them. While Trump has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. bombings of Iran on June 21 decimated the country's nuclear program, multiple outlets obtained a classified report this week that revealed the damage may have been much less severe. The New York Times reported on Monday that intelligence officials believe the bombing of the three nuclear sites "sealed off the entrances to two of the facilities but did not collapse their underground buildings." "The early findings conclude that the strikes over the weekend set back Iran's nuclear program by only a few months," they said. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Trump was asked about those reports at the NATO summit, where he called the early intelligence "very inconclusive." "The intelligence says, 'We don't know, it could have been very severe.' That's what the intelligence says. So I guess that's correct, but I think we can take the 'we don't know.' It was very severe. It was obliteration," he added. Read the original article on People
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an hour ago
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Born in the U.S., Green Party leader Elizabeth May says she would 'die for Canada any day of the week'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians — born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. Many may not realize it, but Green Party Leader Elizabeth May isn't Canadian by birth. 'I came to this country as an intentional Canadian,' she says. A family vacation to Cape Breton compelled May's parents to leave their home in Hartford, Connecticut in the late 1960s. At the time, May and her brother were teenagers. 'My father was British so he never really liked living in the U.S.,' she tells me from Ottawa. 'But my mother was from there so he was kind of stuck when he married her.' Being on the island inspired the family to make Canada their home. 'My parents decided they didn't want to live in the U.S. anymore,' she says. 'They loved Cape Breton and they loved Canada.' The young May — an activist even back then — recalls having rose-coloured glasses about what she expected Canada would be like. 'I thought it would be perfect because of Pierre Trudeau not wanting to encourage or support the U.S. in the war with Vietnam,' she says. Canada wasn't perfect, but it was — and continues to be — quite profoundly, a work in progress. 'I have always loved the Canadian narrative,' May says. 'The U.S. has this notion of a melting pot. Sure they'll put up with immigrants, but they're expected to emerge from that pot homogenized.' In contrast, May fell in love with the imagery of Canada being a mosaic. 'The country is beautiful in its diversity.' She believes what is truly embedded in the fabric of our nation — and what sets us apart — is our community spirit. The ever-environmentalist at heart gives the example of the bravery and community spirit during the Fort McMurray wildfires to illustrate her point: 'I like to contrast the difference between Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Fort McMurray fires in 2016.' As the Hurricane Katrina floods approached New Orleans, as much as half the police department took off in their police cars to protect themselves, asserts May. 'In Fort McMurray [Alberta], not a single first responder left to save themselves. They safely evacuated 80,000 people. They didn't leave anyone behind.' Compare this to the reaction of everyday Canadians during the fires. If a car trying to leave Fort McMurray ran out of gas, residents would jump out of their own cars, push it aside, and say: 'Jump in with us!' May says. Community spirit is often put to the test in times of crisis, and United States President Donald Trump's ongoing tariff threats have done just that. Since he took office early this year, it has only succeeded in invoking a fervent sense of national pride and patriotism. 'If there's one thing Donald Trump has done for which Canadians may want to thank him, it's for bringing [us] together and to stop beating up on the country.' May thinks it's really good to be aware of how lucky we are. 'Our pride in our country is tempered with not the boasting and bullying bravado you get from the U.S., but about gratitude and renewed sense of care and concern for every other Canadian. We may be under threat and menace from Donald Trump, but we're also pulling together.' May, who has been the Member of Parliament for Saanich—Gulf Islands since 2011 — that's five election wins in a row — says the Canada-U.S. tensions have changed her perspective on her country of birth. 'One of the things it has drawn into sharp focus for us as Canadians is that we've allowed multinational corporations to run our economy for a very long time,' she says. This starts way back when the first industry was based on Canadian trappers and beaver pelts, she says. 'We revolutionized our economy during the Second World War but we have basically allowed ourselves to be an economic colony of the United States. It's not just that we're dependent on them, but we've also allowed them to exploit us.' It doesn't make sense to anyone in the U.S., and it doesn't make sense to Canadians. She never would have imagined a U.S. president who decided his first order of business would be to take on Canada. 'It doesn't make sense to anyone in the U.S., and it doesn't make sense to Canadians,' she says. 'But it's a good wake up call. We have to expand our understanding of how many friends we truly have. You can't just pick one.' But May says she most certainly can 'pick just one' when it comes to love of country — a choice she would make over and over again. ' Being Canadian means everything to me, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else,' May proclaims. 'Our values are deeply connected to Canadians like Tommy Douglas who gave universal healthcare, and what Lester B. Pearson did in making us a country known for peacekeeping. We have an amazing reputation around the world.' But we have to live up to these values and not just rest on our laurels, she reminds us. 'I would give up my life for this country any day of the week.'
