News.Life

Eropa Siap Kirim Tentara ke Ukraina, Macron: Tidak Butuh Persetujuan Rusia

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, foreign policy, international relations, national security, politics

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1orC0j" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1orC0j.jpg"/>
<p>
 , PARIS -- Presiden Prancis Emmanuel Macron menyatakan bahwa Prancis, Inggris, serta negara-negara lain yang menjamin keamanan Ukraina pasca gencatan senjata tak berniat melakukan penempatan skala besar atas pasukannya. Meski demikian, mereka berhak mendeplokasikan sejumlah kontingen mencapai beberapa ribu personel ke area strategis dalam wilayah Ukraina tanpa perlu persetujuan Rusia.
</p>
<p>
 Pernyataan itu dikirim oleh Macron ke surat kabar regional di Prancis,
 <em>
  Le Parisien
 </em>
 dan
 <em>
  La Dépêche de Midi.
 </em>
</p>
<p>
 "Bebearapa negara Eropa, termasuk beberapa yang bukan bagian dari Eropa juga sudah menunjukkan kesiapan mereka untuk ikut serta dalam penempatan pasukan ke Ukraina guna memastikan perdamaian di masa depan bersama Rusia," katanya.
</p>
<p>
 Dia menyebutkan hal itu bisa mencakup beberapa ribu personel militer dari masing-masing negara, yang akan diposisikan di 'lokasi strategis' di Ukraina, guna menjalankan misi latihan serta memperlihatkan komitmennya dalam jangka waktu lama.
</p>
<p>
 Dalam wawancara pada hari Sabtu, Macron mengatakan bahwa pasukan yang diajukan oleh negara-negara anggota NATO akan bertindak sebagai 'pengaman' bagi Ukraina. "Bebagai negara di Eropa serta luar Eropa sudah menunjukkan kesiapannya ikut ambil bagian saat ini terkonfirmasi."
</p>
<p>
 Macron menggarisbawahi bahwa Ukraina tak bisa memberikan pengurangan wilayahnya tanpa adanya jaminan keamanan apapun.
</p>
<div class="wrapper-media">
 <div>
  <span data-embed-id="9b2f106f95aa4f64a5d970f724865868" data-embed-type="social-auto">
  </span>
 </div>
</div>
<p>
 <strong>
  Moskow menentang
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 Moskow secara jelas menolak ide seperti itu, namun Macron menyatakan bahwa persetujuan dari Rusia tidak dibutuhkan.
</p>
<p>
 Dia menyebut Ukraina sebagai negara bebas. "Apabila Ukraina memohon bantuan pasukan sekutu untuk tetap ada dalam wilayahnya, Rusia tidak memiliki hak untuk menerima ataupun menolakkannya."
</p>
<p>
 Macron akan berjumpa dengan Perdana Menteri Kanada, Mark Carney, pada hari Senin ini, lalu melanjutkan perjalanannya ke Berlin pada Hari Selasa guna bertemu dengan Kanselir, Olaf Scholz. Topik utama pembicaraan mereka adalah mengenai konflik di Ukraina sebelum hadir dalam sidang tertinggi Uni Eropa.
</p>
<p>
 Pada hari Sabtu, Perdana Menteri Britania Raya, Keir Starmer, mengadakan sebuah pertemuan daring yang melibatkan sekitar 30 tokoh penting dari berbagai negara. Turut hadir dalam acara ini adalah Emmanuel Macron, Perdana Menteri Italia Giorgia Meloni, serta kepala pemerintahan lainnya seperti dari Australia, Kanada, dan Selandia Baru.
</p>
<p>
 Selanjutnya, Starmer mengajak Presiden Rusia, Vladimir Putin, agar menyetujui gencatan senjata apabila dia sungguh-sungguh berkomitmen terhadap kedamaian. Dia menyebut bahwa para sekutu akan tetap mengeraskan tekad mereka terhadap Kremlin dan merancang lebih lanjut soal strategi pasukan pemelihara perdamaian hingga mencapai tahapan operational.
</p>
<p>
 Macron menyampaikan setelah bertemu pada hari Sabtu bahwa baik Eropa maupun Amerika Serikat perlu mendesak Rusia agar mau mempertimbangkan proposal cease-fire tersebut.
</p>
<p>
 "Rusia perlu merespons secara tegas dan tekanannya juga harus jelas, bekerja sama dengan AS, untuk mencapai gencatan senjata ini," ujar Macron.
</p>

Eropa Siap Kirim Tentara ke Ukraina, Macron: Tidak Butuh Persetujuan Rusia

, PARIS -- Presiden Prancis Emmanuel Macron menyatakan bahwa Prancis, Inggris, serta negara-negara lain yang menjamin keamanan Ukraina pa...

Top 10 Scorching Goalscorers and Playmakers in European Football 2024-25

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, european football, football players, soccer, sports

<p>
 Big names from
 Barcelona
 ,
 Liverpool
 ,
 Chelsea
 and
 Bayern Munich
 rank among the leading players in Europe for the highest total of goals and assists in the 2024-25 season up to this point.
</p>
<p>
 It takes something special to be able to create and finish, and there are an interesting mix of the usual suspects alongside some surprise names when you take a look at which players have notched the most direct goal contributions in Europe’s top five leagues – Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 – so far this season.
</p>
<p>
 Here are the top 10 players with the highest total of combined goals and assists in Europe’s main leagues so far this season.
</p>
<p>
 Note: If two players have an equal number of goal contributions, they are ranked based on their goals and assists per minute ratio. As a result, Cole Palmer and Romelu Lukaku narrowly miss out on our top 10 list.
</p>
<h2>
 10. Bradley Barcola – 22 years old (13 goals, 9 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 Even without Kylian Mbappé and earlier without Lionel Messi and Neymar, PSG seems stronger than ever. They have secured the Ligue 1 title well ahead of schedule, consistently finding the back of the net at an impressive rate.
</p>
<p>
 While The Parisians may lack the star power of their past, they haven’t lost ground by nurturing young French talents such as Barcoła.
</p>
<p>
 The 22-year-old forward is thriving under Luis Enrique’s guidance, contributing with either goals or assists every 82 minutes in France’s top league.
</p>
<h2>
 9. Erling Haaland – 24 (21 goals, 3 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 Even though Haaland experienced a slump from November to January, he has reignited his goal-scoring ability lately, netting eight times in his past 11 Premier League matches.
</p>
<p>
 There aren't many assists available, but that isn’t his main role. Let the playmakers and wingers handle the creative work, and Haaland will step in to deliver the final touch.
</p>
<p>
 Currently bound until the summer of 2034, he has no immediate plans to leave the city. However, a third consecutive Premier League Golden Boot might be unattainable following the injury sustained during the FA Cup victory against Bournemouth.
</p>
<h2>
 8. Kylian Mbappe – 25 (22 goals, 3 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 It was only a matter of time that Real Madrid’s latest Galactico featured in this list.
</p>
<p>
 After a slow start to life at the Bernabeu, slowly but surely Mbappe is silencing his doubters.
</p>
<p>
 He’s been one of the most prolific goalscorers across Europe’s major leagues since the turn of the year, and he might just be Los Blancos’ best and most important player in their title tussle with Barcelona.
</p>
<h2>
 7. Ousmane Dembele – 26 (21 goals, 5 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 It feels like we’ve been waiting Dembele’s entire career for him to finally deliver consistent end product.
</p>
<p>
 In the early months of 2025, the penny might have finally dropped for the French winger. He’s scored nine goals in his last 11 appearances in all competitions.
</p>
<p>
 Whisper it but PSG look better than they did at any point in their stacked superstar era, and Dembele has undoubtedly been their standout man. Could he fire them to a historic treble this season?
</p>
<h2>
 <strong>
  6. Robert Lewandowski – 27 (25 goals, 2 assists)
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 Another 25-goal campaign for the seasoned Polish international.
</p>
<p>
 We're only now reaching the endgame, and the 36-year-old has already reached that prestigious benchmark for league goals.
</p>
<p>
 While there may be few assists listed here, this doesn't reflect Robert Lewandowski's true strengths. He excels when presented with scoring opportunities—of which Barcelona provides plenty—and consistently delivers, much like his 25th La Liga goal during Barcelona's win against Girona.
</p>
<h2>
 5. Alexander Isak – 27 (21 goals, 6 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 The Newcastle forward has leapt into the top five following his emphatic run of form.
</p>
<p>
 “He is a world-class talent and the way he took his goals today, he has got that coolness in front of goal, that composure that very few players have,” Eddie Howe told reporters after Isak scored a hat-trick against Ipswich.
</p>
<p>
 “When you add his other qualities into the mix, how quick he is, how technically gifted he is, for me, he has got it all.”
</p>
<p>
 The top No. 9 in the Premier League at present? He definitely showcased his prowess with how confidently he scored during the cup final against Liverpool.
</p>
<h2>
 4. Mateo Retegui – 28 (23 goals, 5 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 Atalanta performed exceptionally well with the replacement of their injured key forward Gianluca Scamacca, who sustained a severe ACL tear just before the start of the season. Retegui has potentially been the most impactful acquisition this year.
</p>
<p>
 Scamacca came back for only five minutes before sustaining yet another injury that keeps him sidelined for the rest of the season. Fortunately for Atalanta, they do not need his services.
</p>
<p>
 Retegui could very well be the top striker in Serie A. This news would delight football supporters across Italy – could the Argentine-born product of the Boca Juniors youth academy be the one to guide the Azzurri to their first World Cup victory since 2014?
</p>
<h2>
 <strong>
  3. Omar Marmoush – 28 (19 goals, 9 helpers)
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 You're witnessing the potential breakout star of the 2024-25 season. After an impressive beginning to the campaign with Eintrcht Frankfurt, Manchester City decided to invest approximately £59 million in him.
</p>
<p>
 In only 17 Bundesliga matches, this 25-year-old player managed a goal involvement every 58.2 minutes and appeared as an unrelenting presence in Germany’s top division.
</p>
<p>
 He has already scored three goals early in his Premier League career. Marmoush appears to be among City’s top performers and will likely play a crucial role as they aim to return to the Champions League.
</p>
<p>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xTVB0" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xTVB0.jpg"/>
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  READ:
  Top 10 Emerging Talents in European Football for the 2024-25 Season: Marmoush, Delap,…
 </strong>
</p>
<h2>
 2. Harry Kane – 31 (23 goals, 8 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 Although the England captain did not claim any titles during the previous season, his statistics from his first year at Bayern Munich were extraordinary. He could potentially surpass those figures in the 2024-25 campaign.
</p>
<p>
 In addition to his impressive performance in the Bundesliga, Kane has shown remarkable productivity in the Champions League as well.
</p>
<p>
 Surely this is the year he gets his hand on silverware?
</p>
<h2>
 1. Mohamed Salah – 45 (27 goals, 18 assists)
</h2>
<p>
 It still leads by a significant margin.
</p>
<p>
 Despite Salah's chances for winning the Ballon d'Or possibly suffering a significant blow following Liverpool's exit from the Champions League and their unexpected loss in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, it should not be overlooked that he is currently having one of the most remarkable individual seasons in recent Premier League history.
</p>
<p>
 Liverpool’s Egyptian King has already
 surpassed several all-time Premier League legends
 And there are still six matches left to play.
</p>
<p>
 He’s definitely going to break it down.
 the record for most goals and assists in a single Premier League season
 and might quickly join the
 all-time European legends
 .
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  READ NEXT:
 </strong>
 <strong>
  The leading 10 goalscorers in Europe for the 2024-25 season include Lewandowski, Salah, Retegui, and others.
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  TRY A QUIZ:
  Could you list the top 50 scorers from Europe's main leagues dating back to the year 2000?
 </strong>
</p>

Top 10 Scorching Goalscorers and Playmakers in European Football 2024-25

Big names from Barcelona , Liverpool , Chelsea and Bayern Munich rank among the leading players in Europe for the highest total of...

Europe's Paradise Gets a Flight Boom: Dozens of New Routes Start at Just £70

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, flights, tourist attractions, travel, travel destinations

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CGHHW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CGHHW.jpg"/>
<p>
 Featuring its jet-black sand shores and towering volcanic escarpments,
 Madeira
 is frequently referred to as the '
 Hawaii of Europe
 '—and the heavenly island is soon going to become much easier to reach.'
</p>
<p>
 Several UK airlines are expanding their services to the Portuguese archipelago, with new routes and additional flights launching just in time for the summer season.
</p>
<p>
 Jet2
 is launching a new weekly service from
 Bournemouth
 to
 Funchal
 beginning in May, with departures occurring each Thursday.
</p>
<p>
 Ryanair
 will also transport passengers to the island. The budget airline plans to introduce biweekly flights starting in May, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays.
 Edinburgh
 to Funchal.
</p>
<p>
 Both
 EasyJet
 while Jet2 is boosting the number of flights from
 London Luton
 This month, Jet2 introduced a weekly flight to Funchal from Luton operating every Monday. Starting in June, EasyJet will introduce two additional routes, also departing on Mondays and Fridays.
</p>
<p>
 Based on Madeira’s 2025 flight plan, the anticipated increase in UK flights to the island for the summertime is set to jump by 12%, going up from 349 in 2024 to an estimated 390 in 2025.
</p>
<div class="factbox">
 <h2 class="factbox-title">
  Subscribe to The Getaway mailing list
 </h2>
 <div class="factbox-content">
  <p>
   Stoke your sense of adventure with our handpicked newsletter featuring travel offers, tips, and inspiration.
   Sign up here
   .
  </p>
 </div>
</div>
<p>
 Travelling from the UK to Funchal, which serves as both the capital and biggest city in Madeira, takes approximately four hours, with one-way ticket prices starting at about £70.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CGG7c" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CGG7c.jpg"/>
<p>
 Situated off the western coastline of Africa, Madeira has often been likened to popular dream travel locations like Hawaii, Peru, and Croatia.
</p>
<p>
 One TikToker
 @thechaosdiaries
 he mentioned: 'This beautiful Portuguese island offers it all: stunning beaches, incredible hiking trails, charming villages, and exquisite cuisine.' Moreover, its dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes contribute significantly to its appeal.
 <strong>
  @destinationinspiration
 </strong>
 christened it the 'Hawaii of Europe'.
</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 Things to explore and activities in Madeira
</h2>
<p>
 Even though it is fairly tiny, Madeira possesses
 lots of activities to enjoy
 The seaside city of Funchal sits cozily amidst the ocean and steep hillside areas.
</p>
<p>
 Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a trip via the Cable Car, journeying from the historic district up to the Monte neighborhood, providing panoramic vistas throughout the ascent.
</p>
<div>
 <span data-embed-id="a947b64203a340ddbf854dae5b9cac5b" data-embed-type="social-auto">
 </span>
</div>
<p>
 Visitors on the ground can marvel at its historical buildings such as the Funchal Cathedral, a Gothic-style church dating back to the 16th century, along with the São Tiago Fortress, which is an old 17th-century defensive structure erected to shield the town from pirate invasions.
</p>
<p>
 The island also boasts a reputation for its wines. Guided tours frequently originate in the main city, leading tourists through nearby vineyards and ancient wine cellars.
</p>
<p>
 In another location, the village of Santana, situated on the northern coastline of the island, is portrayed as akin to entering a time capsule because of its traditional dwellings with triangular thatched roofs.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CGPj4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CGPj4.jpg"/>
<p>
 Swimming at the island differs somewhat from what you might expect during an ordinary beach vacation. This place doesn't boast long sandy shores because of its rough and volcanic shoreline.
</p>
<p>
 For those seeking relaxation, Madeira offers various artificial and natural swimming areas. Among these, one of the best-known spots is the Porto Moniz natural swimming pool, intricately shaped from the island’s volcanic rock.
</p>
<p>
 The island is referred to as a haven for trekkers and houses numerous attractions.
 almost 1,800 kilometers of walking paths
 , with numerous spots to lose oneself, ranging from the extensive trail systems along both the eastern and western coasts to the central mountain range.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CGG7f" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CGG7f.jpg"/>
<p>
 On the north coast, you’ll find some of the Madiera’s most beautiful levadas – a system of man-made irrigation channels or aqueducts that crisscross the island, visitmadeira.com says.
</p>
<p>
 When exploring the south coast, hikers can revel in 'spectacular vistas' of Funchal.
</p>
<p>
 Those who wish to venture into the trails will
 requires payment of a fee
 However, as of January this year, visitors hiking its most frequented trails must pay a €3 (£2.50) charge to the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (ICNF).
</p>
<div class="factbox">
 <h2 class="factbox-title">
  The top five exceptional hiking routes in Madeira
 </h2>
 <div class="factbox-content">
  <p>
   The top five hiking routes in Madeira as rated by TripAdvisor.
  </p>
  <ol class="wp-block-list">
   <li>
    Levada do Risco
   </li>
   <li>
    Levada Do Caldeirao Verde
   </li>
   <li>
    Levada das 25 Fontes
   </li>
   <li>
    Madeira Explorers
   </li>
   <li>
    Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto
   </li>
  </ol>
 </div>
</div>
<p class="">
 <strong>
  Have you got a tale to tell?
 </strong>
</p>
<p class="">
 <strong>
  Reach out via email
  DIWIDA |LifestyleTeam@DIWIDA |.co.uk
  .
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 To receive weekly must-see travel news, features, and inspirations directly in your inbox, subscribe to DIWIDA |'s The Getaway newsletter.
</p>

Europe's Paradise Gets a Flight Boom: Dozens of New Routes Start at Just £70

Featuring its jet-black sand shores and towering volcanic escarpments, Madeira is frequently referred to as the ' Hawaii of Europe...

UEFA Mulls 3 Key Changes to Champions League After Arsenal's Protest

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, european football, football clubs, soccer, sports

<ul>
 <li>
  <strong>
   The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is contemplating three potential modifications for the widely watched international competition.
  </strong>
 </li>
 <li>
  <strong>
   The organization overseeing football has implemented multiple alterations to the tournament previously and is currently planning to add three additional modifications.
  </strong>
 </li>
 <li>
  <strong>
   It is anticipated that the committee tasked with enforcing the updated regulations will convene a meeting in Munich, Germany, to deliberate on the possible modifications.
  </strong>
 </li>
</ul>
<p class="align-left">
 The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is contemplating three potential modifications to the knockout phase structure of the Champions League.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1DwElc" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1DwElc.jpg"/>
<p class="align-left">
 The organization overseeing football has implemented numerous modifications throughout history, making these kinds of updates familiar territory for the global football community.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Nevertheless, they might still exert considerable influence on the competition.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 This season alone, UEFA introduced a major update, with the highly anticipated global tournament switching to a completely new format in which 36 teams, instead of the usual 32, compete in one big group rather than in traditional group stages.
</p>
<h2>
 A concise summary of the present system
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 Following the league stage, the top eight teams from the bigger pool of 36 secure automatic berths into the round of 16.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Teams finishing from 9th to 24th position participate in an additional playoff round to decide which of these sides advance to the knockout phase.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 During the round of 16, the highest-ranked eight teams face off against the eight victors from the playoff matches.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 The leading teams are granted the benefit of hosting the second leg of their matches, a situation typically viewed as advantageous.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 In light of several unexpected outcomes observed during this year's Champions League matches, UEFA is contemplating additional modifications to the competition.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 A suggestion that has garnered considerable notice involves possibly eliminating extra time in UEFA Champions League games.
</p>
<h2>
 Why is UEFA contemplating these modifications?
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 The primary driver for these potential alterations stems from worries regarding player fatigue and ensuring that the new system remains equitable for every team.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Due to these issues, the UEFA committee plans to convene a meeting in Munich, Germany, on May 30 to address the suggested modifications.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1DwBL6" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1DwBL6.jpg"/>
<h2>
 The three key suggested alterations
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 The three key proposals under consideration by UEFA’s committee encompass the possible elimination of extra time during knockout rounds, granting more home games to the leading eight teams, and reinstating the regulation that stops clubs from the same nation from competing against one another in the Round of 16.
</p>
<h2>
 Elimination of additional time during knockout games
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 As reported by BILD, in case of a tie during the knockout stages, the additional 30 minutes will be eliminated, leading to an immediate penalty shoot-out to determine the winner. This change aims at reducing player exhaustion.
</p>
<h2>
 Significant home-field advantage for the leading eight teams
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 Currently, the top eight clubs from the league phase of the UEFA competition advance directly to the round of 16 and host the second-leg matches, typically considered beneficial.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Currently, UEFA is considering providing additional advantages for these elite teams throughout the latter phases of the competition, extending beyond just the round of 16.
</p>
<h2>
 A rule has been implemented to avoid having teams from the same country face each other in the round of 16.
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 Under the revised Champions League structure, clubs from the same nation have the possibility to meet each other as soon as the last sixteen stage.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Previously, this occurred only starting from the quarterfinals.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 This alteration resulted in pairings such as PSG versus Brest, which bored certain fans attending a major European competition.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Currently, UEFA is considering reinstating the previous regulation aimed at preventing domestic collisions until the final eight teams remain.
</p>
<h2>
 Luis Enrique's perspective on the Champions League semifinal matchup
</h2>
<p class="align-left">
 <strong>
  Diwida >.co.ke
 </strong>
 Previously mentioned were PSG manager Luis Enrique’s views on their forthcoming Champions League semi-final match, with PSG set to play against Arsenal in the initial encounter of the tie later this month.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 Arsenal moved into the semi-finals after defeating Real Madrid with an overall score of 5-1.
</p>
<p class="align-left">
 The PSG coach noted that although encountering English clubs is routine, they have recently competed against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa. Now, they are scheduled to play Arsenal once more.
</p>

UEFA Mulls 3 Key Changes to Champions League After Arsenal's Protest

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is contemplating three potential modifications for the widely watched internatio...

Nordic Viewers Turn to Pirate Services in Rising Tide of Streaming Alternatives

DIWIDA.NEWS business, europe, news, news media, tv

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CIRyS" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CIRyS.jpg"/>
<p>
 <strong>
  Producers and content creators face financial setbacks during the crisis.
 </strong>
</p>
<p>
 Even though they are known for their well-organized societies, several Nordic countries rank as some of the top consumers of illicit television services within Europe. This conclusion comes from a study conducted by a media analysis firm.
 <strong>
  Mediavision
 </strong>
 Has underscored the escalating issue in Sweden. Regardless of attempts to reduce piracy, the usage of illicit content like movies, TV shows, and sporting events continues to grow. During fall 2024, more than 700,000 Swedish homes subscribed to these platforms, indicating a 25% increase since spring 2024.
</p>
<p>
 Overall, Denmark and Sweden recorded a 13% uptake of illegal IPTV (internet protocol television); standing at 10% in Norway and 8% in Finland. Industry body
 <strong>
  EUIPO
 </strong>
 observes a comparable increase in traffic to illegal IPTV websites throughout Europe.
</p>
<p>
 The issue is very simple, illegal IPTV allows users to access thousands of TV channels and streaming services at a significantly lower monthly cost than legal services as they are not paying for them. Mediavision estimates that there are currently about 5 million pirate users in the Nordics, aged 15-74 - a year-on-year growth of 0.4 million.
</p>
<h3>
 losses exceeding €7 million each month just in Sweden
</h3>
<p>
 New instances of piracy have emerged just as domestic production has gained significant acclaim, especially within the realm of television series. However, this industry remains vulnerable. The decline in earnings inevitably impacts these productions since local networks frequently contribute financially to their creation. Certain services can be purchased for as low as €9 each month. This implies that over €7 million monthly is diverted away from content creators in Sweden alone due to such practices.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Natalia Borelius
 </strong>
 , who works as a project manager at Mediavision, informed an industry magazine
 <strong>
  Cineuropa
 </strong>
 : “
 Nordic customers are highly digitized, which might account for the prevalent piracy in this region.
 ”
</p>
<p>
 In early 2024, the Swedish government introduced an extra measure aimed at potentially banning private citizens from using unauthorized IPTV services. Additionally, television corporations such as Discovery, TV4, and Viaplay initiated legal action against telecommunications providers including Telia, Telenor, Tele2, and Hi3G Access AB, seeking their assistance in combating illicit IPTV operations.
</p>
<p>
 (Michael Leahy. Source: Cineuropa. Image: Karolina Grabows / Pexels)
</p>

Nordic Viewers Turn to Pirate Services in Rising Tide of Streaming Alternatives

Producers and content creators face financial setbacks during the crisis. Even though they are known for their well-organized soc...

Europe's Top Music Capitals in 2025: A Forecast

DIWIDA.NEWS concerts, europe, live music, music, travel destinations

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CBt1N" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CBt1N.jpg"/>
<p>
 Which European city do you prefer for the perfect evening outing?
</p>
<p>
 London with its Ministry of Sound? And Berlin for others?
 <strong>
  Berghain
 </strong>
 Bops? Or perhaps Mykonos' Cavo Paradiso?
</p>
<p>
 What about music festivals?
</p>
<p>
 Barcelona’s
 <strong>
  Sónar
 </strong>
 ? Novi Sad’s
 <strong>
  Exit
 </strong>
 ? Maybe Lyon for some
 <strong>
  Fourvière frolics
 </strong>
 ?
</p>
<p>
 Whatever your pleasure, every European city has its scene and copious draws. But considering we’re spoiled for choice, it’s not always easy picking a destination for a lively weekend away or selecting the right music festival during the summer fest season.
</p>
<p>
 Enter: Travel booking site
 <strong>
  Omio
 </strong>
 ,
 which has established a ranking of the continent’s best music destinations in 2025. Their team has done so by looking into concert and musical ticket prices, the number of nightclubs and gig venues, as well as the number of open-air music festivals - all across 50 cities in Europe.
</p>
<p>
 Topping the list is London, which boasts an impressive 75 nightclubs, 26 concert halls and 25 music festivals according to the study. However, it also has the second most expensive average ticket price for both musicals and gigs – only behind Zurich and its ridiculously high prices.
</p>
<p>
 Paris comes in second place with 53 nightclubs, 19 concert venues and 15 festivals, and Budapest has overlapped the renowned nightlife capital Berlin to the third spot.
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Below are the European cities recognized as major music hubs for 2025:
 </strong>
</p>
<ol>
 <li>
  London
 </li>
 <li>
  Paris
 </li>
 <li>
  Budapest
 </li>
 <li>
  Berlin
 </li>
 <li>
  Prague
 </li>
 <li>
  Copenhagen
 </li>
 <li>
  Dublin
 </li>
 <li>
  Barcelona
 </li>
 <li>
  Madrid
 </li>
 <li>
  Naples
 </li>
 <li>
  Athens
 </li>
 <li>
  Warsaw
 </li>
 <li>
  Lisbon
 </li>
 <li>
  Lyon
 </li>
 <li>
  Rome
 </li>
 <li>
  Tallinn
 </li>
 <li>
  Florence
 </li>
 <li>
  Cork
 </li>
 <li>
  Amsterdam
 </li>
 <li>
  Riga
 </li>
</ol>
<p>
 A detailed breakdown of Omio’s study can be accessed here.
 <strong>
  here
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<p>
 If you're curious about which European nation boasts the highest number of entries in the top 50 cities list, look no further than Spain. It has six urban centers featured here: Barcelona takes the 8th position, followed closely by Madrid at 9; Sevilla ranks at 28, Valencia sits at 36, Bilbao claims the 41st place, and finally, Ibiza Town holds down the 50th slot.
</p>
<p>
 The second most featured nation regarding musical choices is Germany, which has representation across five locations: Berlin (4), Munich (32), Frankfurt (38), Cologne (40), and Hamburg (44).
</p>
<p>
 Finishing at the third position tied together are France, the United Kingdom, and Italy—all boasting four locations each—Italy notably stands out due to possessing the lowest average cost for concert tickets (specifically in Naples), as per the research findings. In terms of budget-friendliness, Omio suggests that cities like Cork, Lyon, Tallinn, and Vilnius present appealing options for travelers aiming to save money without compromising value.
</p>
<p>
 In another instance, and possibly without surprising anyone, Berlin emerged as the leader.
 <strong>
  Accor’s study
 </strong>
 Regarding the top cities for live music, considering factors like venue ratings, the frequency of planned performances, and monthly online searches.
</p>
<p>
 The gig scene in Berlin boasts 1,161 events lined up, with approximately 365,630 monthly online searches related to these gigs. Additionally, venues throughout the city maintain an average rating of 4.56.
</p>
<p>
 Overall, Germany performed quite well since three additional German cities were included among the top 15, placing Hamburg at sixth place, Munich at ninth, and Frankfurt at thirteenth. Consequently, this resulted in Germany having more listings featured in the compilation compared to any other European nation.
</p>
<p>
 Check out
 <strong>
  Accor’s European Music Map
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<p>
 <strong>
  Here are the top European cities for live music:
 </strong>
</p>
<ol>
 <li>
  Berlin
 </li>
 <li>
  Manchester
 </li>
 <li>
  London
 </li>
 <li>
  Dublin
 </li>
 <li>
  Paris
 </li>
 <li>
  Hamburg
 </li>
 <li>
  Birmingham
 </li>
 <li>
  Prague
 </li>
 <li>
  Munich
 </li>
 <li>
  Amsterdam
 </li>
 <li>
  Vienna
 </li>
 <li>
  Copenhagen
 </li>
 <li>
  Frankfurt
 </li>
 <li>
  Budapest
 </li>
 <li>
  Milan
 </li>
</ol>

Europe's Top Music Capitals in 2025: A Forecast

Which European city do you prefer for the perfect evening outing? London with its Ministry of Sound? And Berlin for others? Bergha...

Italy and Greece Travel Alert: Aviation Strikes Set to Disrupt Flights Tomorrow – International Edition (English)

DIWIDA.NEWS air travel, aviation, europe, flights, flying

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CxwJD" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CxwJD.jpg"/>
<p>
 Air travel across Europe may be disrupted this week due to threats of strikes by workers in the aviation industry.
</p>
<p>
 Strikes are planned for tomorrow, 9 April, in Italy and Greece, which may impact families taking a trip during the UK’s school break. Those planning trips in the run-up to the Easter holiday could be impacted, too.
</p>
<p>
 Travellers are advised to check their flight status regularly and prepare for potential delays and cancellations.
</p>
<h2>
 Italy: EasyJet Cabin Crew Strike
</h2>
<p>
 <strong>
  EasyJet
 </strong>
 Flight attendants associated with Italian labor unions (FILT, CGIL, and UIL) plan to go on strike on April 9th between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm CET.
</p>
<p>
 Industrial actions are anticipated to impact certain flights arriving at and departing from Milan and Naples airports.
</p>
<p>
 "We want to assure our customers that we are making every effort to reduce any disruptions caused by the strike action. If any flights are affected, we will reach out to them personally to discuss their alternatives and assist in rescheduling their trips," the company stated.
 <strong>
  airline
 </strong>
 as reported by the UK newspaper The Independent.
</p>
<h2>
 Greece: Air Traffic Controllers Plan Strikes
</h2>
<p>
 The strike in Italy occurs on the same day as protests taking place elsewhere.
 <strong>
  Greece
 </strong>
 , possibly exacerbating travel disruptions throughout the continent.
</p>
<p>
 Greek air traffic controllers have planned a 24-hour strike called by the public sector employee federation ADEDY on 9 April.
</p>
<p>
 ADEDY is demanding the reinstatement of bonus holiday salaries, real wage increases and measures to combat Greece’s
 <strong>
  housing crisis
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<div class="c-widget-related">
 <div class="c-widget-related__title">
  <b class="c-widget-related__title__text">
   Related
  </b>
 </div>
 <ul class="c-widget-related__list">
  <li class="c-widget-related__item">
   Symbol of a connected Europe: Eurostar's drive for reinvention amid Brexit, competition and strikes
  </li>
  <li class="c-widget-related__item">
   Europe's travel strikes: Flight and train disruption you can expect in 2025
  </li>
 </ul>
</div>
<p>
 “Unfortunately, air traffic control in
 <strong>
  Greece
 </strong>
 is in a bad situation as we have staffing shortages and equipment problems which cause a lot of delays in the last years and will cause a lot this year as well,” the Greek Air Traffic Controllers’ Association told The Independent.
</p>
<p>
 The group added that staff would restrict flight handling during the walkout to medical and search and rescue services, humanitarian aid and military flights, and emergencies, according to the Greek media.
</p>
<p>
 This means commercial flights to and from the country will bear the brunt of the
 <strong>
  disruption
 </strong>
 .
</p>
<p>
 Visitors are encouraged to monitor their flight status frequently and be prepared for potential delays and cancellations.
</p>

Italy and Greece Travel Alert: Aviation Strikes Set to Disrupt Flights Tomorrow – International Edition (English)

Air travel across Europe may be disrupted this week due to threats of strikes by workers in the aviation industry. Strikes are planned...

Chinese Toys Behind EU's Record-Setting Dangerous Product Alerts

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, food safety, public health and safety, safety, security

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1D2rHn" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1D2rHn.jpg"/>
<p>
 Last year, toys and various items from China accounted for the majority among the 4,127 hazardous non-food products reported through the EU's Safety Gate market monitor — marking the peak count since this fast-response mechanism began operations in 2003, which also represents twice as many warnings compared to what was observed merely two years prior.
</p>
<p>
 Cosmetics accounted for more than one-third of all reported products and continued to be the most commonly reported category. Notably, 97% of these cosmetics included the synthetic scent ingredient butylphenyl methylpropional, which is commercially known as Lilial due to its flowery aroma.
</p>
<p>
 The European Chemicals Agency classifies this substance as harmful to reproductive health, capable of inducing skin allergies, and under scrutiny for possible interference with hormone function. The utilization of this substance has been prohibited within the EU territory starting from March 2022.
</p>
<p>
 Toys accounted for 15% of alerts, and the report comes just days after EU lawmakers agreed the text of a new toy safety regulation, which will ban the use of harmful chemicals such as PFAS, endocrine disruptors and bisphenols in toys.
</p>
<div class="c-widget-related">
 <div class="c-widget-related__title">
  <b class="c-widget-related__title__text">
   Related
  </b>
 </div>
 <ul class="c-widget-related__list">
  <li class="c-widget-related__item">
   The EU aims for safer, non-toxic children's toys through more stringent regulations.
  </li>
 </ul>
</div>
<p>
 As per the new legislation, every toy must possess a Digital Product Passport to stop unsafe items from being sold both online and offline within the European Union. The early warning system also highlights other product types such as electronic devices which account for 10% of cases, automobiles with 9%, and chemical substances at 6%.
</p>
<p>
 The European consumer rights organization BEUC indicated that the issue stems less from inadequate laws than from insufficient enforcement, coupled with the increasing tendency toward purchasing products via websites and smartphone applications.
</p>
<p>
 According to BEUC Director Agustín Reyna, market surveillance authorities require additional financial, technical, and personnel resources along with enhanced legal authority over online marketplaces to guarantee consumer protection from hazardous goods.
</p>
<p>
 As authorities struggle to monitor all items entering the EU market, the consumer organization cautioned that official alerts reported through the warning system likely reflect just the "tip of the iceberg." They emphasized that determining the exact quantity and volume of products associated with each notification remains uncertain.
</p>
<h2>
 <strong>
  Stemming the tid
 </strong>
</h2>
<p>
 Alongside the upcoming stringent toy safety regulations, the European Union implemented a comprehensive General Product Safety Regulation in December. The Commission is collaborating with various national authorities to ready themselves for an initial online "sweep" aimed at detecting violations of these guidelines across different websites.
</p>
<p>
 Given that 40% of all alerts relate to products imported from China — which jumps to 61% when cosmetic items, primarily sourced from Italy, are excluded—the European Union administration has collaborated with the production powerhouse since 2006. This collaboration aims to make sure companies based in China understand and comply with the EU’s product regulations.
</p>
<p>
 As part of an agreement reached in 2023, the trade allies committed to responding within 21 days to any Safety Gate warnings and scheduled periodic sessions to address shared enforcement issues.
</p>
<p>
 "We must not allow everyday items we use to damage either our well-being or the surroundings we inhabit," stated Michael McGrath, who oversees consumer safety at the European Union, during a news briefing. He showcased a plastic toy discovered to have harmful phthalate chemicals.
</p>

Chinese Toys Behind EU's Record-Setting Dangerous Product Alerts

Last year, toys and various items from China accounted for the majority among the 4,127 hazardous non-food products reported through the ...

TotalEnergies Caps Three Major Global Renewable Energy Deals

DIWIDA.NEWS alternative energy, energy sector, energy sustainability, europe, renewable energy

<div class="post-content-wrap has-share-float">
 <div class="post-content cf entry-content content-spacious">
  <p>
   <p>
    – Europe: 500 MW installed or underway with over 15 GW of solar and wind projects in development
   </p>
   <p>
    – Africa: 255 MW installed in Uganda with an additional 560 MW from hydropower projects
   </p>
   <p>
    — Canada: 180 MW installed with over 600 MW of solar and wind projects underway
   </p>
  </p>
  <p>
   <strong>
    Paris —
   </strong>
   In accordance with the accords finalized in 2024, TotalEnergies has confirmed the completion of its purchases of VSB Group—a major European firm focused on developing wind and solar energy solutions, notably within Germany—and SN Power, an entity specializing in hydroelectric power development across Africa, specifically in Uganda. Additionally, TotalEnergies disclosed fresh arrangements with renewable-energy company RES aimed at procuring renewable projects located in Alberta, alongside concluding their initial project purchase.
  </p>
  <p>
   Europe: TotalEnergies has closed the acquisition of VSB, and is strengthening its integrated electricity business, particularly in Germany
  </p>
  <p>
   This agreement bolsters TotalEnergies' comprehensive electrical operations in Germany, covering roughly fifty percent of VSB's assets. It complements their recent purchases of Kyon Energy, a company specializing in battery storage development, and Quadra Energy, an energy management firm, along with the firm's existing investments in offshore wind projects within the nation.
  </p>
  <p>
   VSB's extensive portfolio exceeding 15 GW will boost TotalEnergies' renewable energy capabilities in Europe, pushing their total capacity beyond 40 GW, on top of the existing 7 GW either operational or under development. Considering its focused approach towards specific major European markets, the company plans to initiate the sale process for the VSB-developed Puutionsaari project in Finland, which includes both wind and solar components totaling 440 MW.
  </p>
  <p>
   In Africa, TotalEnergies has completed the purchase of SN Power and is now working towards executing its diversified energy strategy, with specific focus on operations in Uganda.
  </p>
  <p>
   The acquisition of SN Power will allow TotalEnergies to implement its multi-energy strategy in Uganda, where the Company is already active in exploration and production. The Bujagali hydropower plant (225 MW), for example, meets more than 25% of the country’s peak electricity demand. The transaction gives TotalEnergies a 28.3% stake in Bujagali, currently operating in Uganda, and a stake in two other projects under development in Rwanda (206 MW) and Malawi (360 MW). The deal also gives TotalEnergies a team of hydropower development experts, strengthening its competencies in this field.
  </p>
  <p>
   Canada: TotalEnergies has signed agreements to acquire certain wind and solar projects and closed the acquisition of a solar farm in Alberta
  </p>
  <p>
   The Company has signed agreements with RES to acquire certain wind and solar projects under development in Alberta, amounting to total capacity of more than 800 MW. TotalEnergies has also just closed the acquisition of Big Sky Solar (184 MW), a solar facility in Alberta that was commissioned at the end of February. More than two thirds of the electricity produced by Big Sky Solar will be sold under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). The remainder will be sold on the electricity market by TotalEnergies, which will also sell the carbon credits generated by the facility under Alberta’s regulated carbon emissions program.
  </p>
  <p>
   “The completion of these three acquisitions in Europe, North America and Africa will contribute to our targets of 35 GW of gross renewable capacity by 2025 and over 100 TWh of electricity production by 2030”, said Stéphane Michel, President, Gas, Renewables and Power at TotalEnergies. “These acquisitions strengthen our operations in markets where we are deploying our Integrated Power business, like Germany and in North America, and in countries, such as Uganda, where we can leverage synergies with our exploration and production activities. Furthermore, these acquisitions will contribute to cash flow growth and to our goal of reaching our 12% profitability target in the electricity segment.”
  </p>
 </div>
</div>
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

TotalEnergies Caps Three Major Global Renewable Energy Deals

– Europe: 500 MW installed or underway with over 15 GW of solar and wind projects in development – Africa: 255 MW ...

NATO Allies Steel Themselves as US Senator Marco Rubio Delivers Tough Messages

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, foreign policy, international relations, nato, politics

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Caz38" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Caz38.jpg"/>
<p>
 NATO partners are preparing for significant 'rebalancing' in their role to safeguard Europe, yet according to diplomats speaking to DIwida.Blog just before an important gathering in Brussels, this shift in responsibilities is vital to ensure continued American participation in the alliance.
</p>
<p>
 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Brussels on Thursday and Friday attending his first meeting of NATO foreign affairs ministers where he’s expected to hammer home US demands that the burden of security and defence of the alliance has ‘shifted’ to Europeans.
</p>
<p>
 However, Europe will also send this message to him: attempting to act independently without the backing of its 31 allies is not advisable.
</p>
<p>
 The message from Rubio will be straightforward: Europeans must assume greater responsibility for their own conventional defense so that America can deploy its military resources elsewhere. Additionally, they aim for European countries to increase their defense spending to 5%. A senior NATO official familiar with the matter shared this information with DIwida.Blog.
</p>
<p>
 "To maintain America’s position within the alliance, burden shifting must occur," the official stated.
</p>
<p>
 The allies are preparing for a reduction in the number of U.S. troops deployed across Europe as part of their NATO commitments.
</p>
<p>
 At present, approximately 100,000 troops are safeguarding NATO territories, and member nations are contemplating whether the US might decrease these numbers by roughly 20,000 to 50,000 soldiers.
</p>
<p>
 The US has provided no official sign of this, but Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned last month that "one cannot assume America's presence will endure indefinitely."
</p>
<p>
 "We require American forces in Europe – currently at 100,000 troops, yet I believe this figure will diminish; having just half of them would suffice," stated a diplomat before today’s summit.
</p>
<p>
 The impact of the US unwinding its presence after years of engagement would be severe but allies also say that if and when an announcement comes, they expect to be fully informed directly, and not find out from the media.
</p>
<p>
 Moreover, a European diplomat has told DIwida.Blogthat it would be "hard to digest" if an announcement emerged from US talks with Russia.
</p>
<p>
 "If they do it, then the US scale back in an orderly way – we don’t want to read in the press that they’re pulling out, we need a process," the diplomat said, adding: "And It would be very dramatic if it was a result of negotiations with Moscow – that would be hard to digest."
</p>
<p>
 Despite recent confrontations from the Trump administration towards Europe, NATO allies said US membership and commitment is indispensable for NATO deterrence.
</p>
<p>
 "But we will have to drastically step up," said the diplomat.
</p>
<p>
 Although Rubio intends to present a clear message to the Europeans, the foreign affairs ministers plan to inform him that the perceived shift of US focus away from its customary allies may not be advantageous as the country redirects its attention towards addressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
</p>
<p>
 "We will inform him that now is not the appropriate time for going solo; the benefit of remaining aligned with Europe compared to leaning toward China and Russia is having 32 robust democracies supporting us; Europe purchases significantly from US corporations – our imports from America far exceed those from Europe," stated the diplomat.
</p>
<p>
 Various European diplomats have informed DIWIDA.Blog that they do not anticipate the threatening statements from the Trump administration about annexing Greenland—a self-governing part of Denmark—or incorporating Canada as the 51st U.S. state will be central topics of conversation. However, Secretary of State Rubio is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
</p>
<p>
 When faced with the requirements outlined by the Trump administration, which will also be supported by Rubio, Rutte informed reporters, “let’s take pleasure in the achievement of having collectively invested €700 billion euros since 2017.”
</p>
<p>
 President Trump and US Defense Secretary Hegseth have stated that NATO expenditure must significantly rise from 2% to 5% of GDP, placing considerable strain on member countries like Spain, Italy, and Belgium, all of which currently fall short of the current target.
</p>
<p>
 Europe must "evaluate precisely the objectives we aim to reach and identify the gaps present," he stated, further noting: "There is a requirement for enhanced long-range capabilities, improved air defense systems, and increased investment in our military forces."
</p>
<p>
 When examining the overall figure, one can deduce that allies will need to spend well over 3% to achieve those goals.
</p>

NATO Allies Steel Themselves as US Senator Marco Rubio Delivers Tough Messages

NATO partners are preparing for significant 'rebalancing' in their role to safeguard Europe, yet according to diplomats speaking ...

Western Europe Takes the Lead in Winter Flights to Morocco

DIWIDA.NEWS africa, europe, flights, morocco, travel

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vuCFu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vuCFu.jpg"/>
<p>
 <span>
  Air travel to Morocco is growing, with new data from OAG, a global travel analytics company, showing that Western Europe now dominates international flight capacity to the country.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  Around 6.4 million seats have been scheduled for the winter 2024 season, covering October 2024 to March 2025. This is a 19% increase compared to winter 2023 — an additional one million seats.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  North America’s flight capacity to Morocco also rose by 19 percent, while routes from Central and Eastern Europe recorded a larger 45 percent year-on-year increase.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  According to aviation expert Deirdre Fulton, who reviewed these figures, this growth is part of a broader trend in Morocco’s tourism sector.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  In 2024, the nation welcomed 17.4 million international travelers, ranking it as the top tourist destination in Africa for that year.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  Fulton associated this expansion with better aerial connections, promotional activities, and the increased variety of locations accessible throughout Morocco.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  France constitutes the biggest separate marketplace, where airlines have planned to allocate 2.3 million seats for the 2024 winter season.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  Following closely behind is Spain with more than 1.1 million seats available. The United Kingdom also demonstrates significant expansion, boasting over 45% additional seating capacity compared to the previous year. Additionally, Portugal, Switzerland, and Spain have all experienced remarkable increases of at least 27%.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  The increase in global seating capacity can largely be attributed to budget carriers. Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Air Arabia Maroc, Jet2.com, and Transavia are at the forefront of this growth.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  This winter, Ryanair has added over 325,000 additional seats, marking a 67% rise as opposed to easyJet’s expansion.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  The company has introduced 24 additional international routes originating from Western Europe and currently manages 11 domestic routes across Morocco, four of which have no competitors.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  Although Marrakesh and Casablanca remain the top choices for travelers, other urban centers are experiencing significant rises in popularity. Cities such as Agadir, Tangier, and Rabat have seen more than a 30 percent increase in seat availability this season during the colder months.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  Ryanair holds the largest share of European capacity in these cities, including 48% in Tangier, 38% in Rabat, and 36% in both Marrakesh and Agadir. In contrast, easyJet is more active in Agadir, Marrakesh, and Rabat, while Air Arabia Maroc serves about 32 percent of seats to Tangier.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  The report indicated that Morocco's temperate winter weather draws tourists outside peak seasons. Given the upcoming events—the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2030—global attention towards the country is anticipated to increase significantly.
 </span>
</p>
<p>
 The post
 International flights to Morocco this winter see Western Europe as the frontrunner.
 appeared first on
 Diwida.News | English - Moroccan News
 .
</p>

Western Europe Takes the Lead in Winter Flights to Morocco

Air travel to Morocco is growing, with new data from OAG, a global travel analytics company, showing that Western Europe now dominates...

Europe's Chance to Welcome Americans Fleeing Trump: Ready for a "Brain Gain"?

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, immigrants, immigration, medicine and healthcare, politics

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ComEi" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ComEi.jpg"/>
<p>
 Russian-American *Julia had wanted to leave the United States for a couple of years, but the start of President Donald Trump’s second term forced her to start taking the idea seriously.
</p>
<p>
 “I observed that individuals like myself—immigrants—were much more concerned following the election,” she explained to Euronews Next. “The warning signs became evident immediately.”
</p>
<p>
 The anesthesiologist played a key role during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City but now aims to secure a position within the pharmaceuticals or biotechnology sector somewhere in Europe.
</p>
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 </ul>
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<p>
 Euronews Next agreed to change her name  to protect her identity while she looks for work overseas.
</p>
<p>
 Julia is one of dozens of people who posted on the Reddit channel Amer/Exit, a play on words referring to Brexit, the UK’s departure from the European Union. Like her, users of the subreddit are trying to figure out how to leave the US for Europe or Canada in the wake of Trump’s second mandate.
</p>
<p>
 Experts say it’s "too early" to tell whether this could be considered a "brain drain" but that the EU needs to prepare.
</p>
<h2>
 'We just could not keep up with the calls'
</h2>
<p>
 Arielle Tucker is the founder of Connected Financial Planning, a company that helps Americans relocate to Europe.
</p>
<p>
 Tucker received more than 30 new American clients in the week after Trump’s reelection, a level of interest that’s been sustained throughout the last few months.
</p>
<p>
 Many of Tucker’s clients are in their mid-30s or early 40s and work in executive roles in tech, pharmaceuticals or finance.
</p>
<div class="widget widget--type-quotation widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center">
 <div class="widget__wrapper">
  <div class="widget__content">
   <blockquote class="widget__quote">
    <span>
     The overall sense that I got from a lot of those individuals was they felt like they couldn’t control anything and they had to do something. We just could not keep up with the calls.
    </span>
   </blockquote>
   <div class="widget__authorText">
    Arielle Tucker
   </div>
   <div class="widget__author_descriptionText">
    Founder, Connected Financial Planning
   </div>
  </div>
 </div>
</div>
<p>
 "The overall sense that I got from a lot of those individuals was they felt like they couldn’t control anything and they had to do something," Tucker said. "We just could not keep up with the calls".
</p>
<p>
 They are working for multinationals with offices in Europe or can self-finance their move from a major American city like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Boston.
</p>
<p>
 Her clients thought about a move "passively" for a while but then they "realised they just do not like the political climate in the US".
</p>
<p>
 Alex Ingrim, founder of wealth management firm Liberty Atlantic Advisors, said more clients are contacting him with their visa processes well underway.
</p>
<div class="c-widget-related">
 <div class="c-widget-related__title">
  <b class="c-widget-related__title__text">
   Related
  </b>
 </div>
 <ul class="c-widget-related__list">
  <li class="c-widget-related__item">
   Working in Europe: How can social mobility boost the continent's economy?
  </li>
 </ul>
</div>
<p>
 His clients skew older, from the mid-40s to 60-plus who are either working "digital nomad" jobs in tech, venture capital, or planning for retirement.
</p>
<p>
 "A lot of people feel that the longer they stay in the US, the more uncertain they are about what the quality of life is going to be and how that might affect their financial well-being," Ingrim said.
</p>
<p>
 Where they go depends on what they do, Tucker said, but it’s often a game of "whack-a-mole" where they try to find the best immigration opportunity for their clients.
</p>
<p>
 Countries like Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Germany are becoming especially popular with Americans, Tucker and Ingrim said.
</p>
<h2>
 Europe has a 'real opportunity' to market to Americans
</h2>
<p>
 Tucker believes European companies have a "real opportunity" to market to Americans to help them fill expertise in missing sectors, like the IT sector, AI, and pharmaceuticals.
</p>
<p>
 But one of the biggest barriers for Americans coming to Europe is a change in their salaries, Ingrim said.
</p>
<p>
 "As he pointed out, you come across statistics such as those in Paris where wages could be just one-third of what they typically are in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco." He continued, “This seems to pose a financial obstacle when considering how it will impact my future prospects.”
</p>
<p>
 Federico Steinberg, a senior economist and international trade specialist at the Elcano Royal Institute in Spain, suggested that businesses should provide American workers with better compensation packages, including increased salaries or additional perks such as housing support, to encourage career transitions.
</p>
<div class="widget widget--type-quotation widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center">
 <div class="widget__wrapper">
  <div class="widget__content">
   <blockquote class="widget__quote">
    <span>
     If Europe wishes to remain appealing, it possesses the potential. With its balanced approach to work and life, rich cultural offerings, and ample leisure activities, the key lies in providing robust career prospects.
    </span>
   </blockquote>
   <div class="widget__authorText">
    Federico Steinberg
   </div>
   <div class="widget__author_descriptionText">
    Lead Economist and Specialist in International Trade at the Elcano Royal Institute
   </div>
  </div>
 </div>
</div>
<p>
 Steinberg said a clear long-term picture from the company for that person’s career past a five-year visa is also worthwhile.
</p>
<p>
 "Europe, if it wants to become attractive, it has the potential," Steinberg said. "It has the work-life balance, it has the culture, the leisure part… so it’s all about the career opportunities".
</p>
<p>
 It can also be complicated for Americans to move abroad because of a tax structure that makes it difficult for banks to work with them, Tucker added.
</p>
<div class="c-widget-related">
 <div class="c-widget-related__title">
  <b class="c-widget-related__title__text">
   Related
  </b>
 </div>
 <ul class="c-widget-related__list">
  <li class="c-widget-related__item">
   Adapting to next-generation work dynamics for the modern era
  </li>
 </ul>
</div>
<p>
 Tucker mentioned that if an American plans to save for retirement using a non-U.S. pension, they often face "substantial U.S. tax implications" as a result.
</p>
<p>
 Ingrim mentioned that certain European financial institutions are attempting to establish a marketplace aimed at assisting these Americans.
</p>
<p>
 “Prior to the arrival of COVID-19 and before the initial term of the Trump administration, most financial service providers were unwilling to cater to Americans as our numbers weren't significant enough,” he explained. “These days, however, I receive inquiries regarding this matter monthly.”
</p>
<p>
 To further mitigate this, Steinberg said the EU could consider a short-term tax incentive to attract top talent, like is already done for top athletes.
</p>
<h2>
 'I can imagine myself being there'
</h2>
<p>
 In New York City, Julia mentioned that she feels fine with taking about one and a half years to prepare for the move since she believes in thoroughly considering her choice.
</p>
<p>
 She’s considering Denmark, Germany, or Switzerland because she has transferable skills for many of their pharmaceutical jobs.
</p>
<p>
 Her parents are also planning their retirement in Portugal, so moving to Europe would bring her closer to them.
</p>
<div class="c-widget-related">
 <div class="c-widget-related__title">
  <b class="c-widget-related__title__text">
   Related
  </b>
 </div>
 <ul class="c-widget-related__list">
  <li class="c-widget-related__item">
   Five years on, did the COVID pandemic have a lasting effect on how we work in Europe?
  </li>
 </ul>
</div>
<p>
 She’s worried, however, that a new move could leave her feeling isolated, lonely and lost, even though she wants to settle in a vibrant city where she could meet new people.
</p>
<p>
 Despite these issues, there’s very little that would convince her to stay, except for if the "whole administration gets impeached or fired".
</p>
<p>
 “I could picture myself over in Europe,” she remarked. “The job listings make me feel quite enthusiastic.”
</p>
<p>
 *The interviewee requested that her name be altered to maintain her privacy.
</p>

Europe's Chance to Welcome Americans Fleeing Trump: Ready for a "Brain Gain"?

Russian-American *Julia had wanted to leave the United States for a couple of years, but the start of President Donald Trump’s second ter...

Oldest Known Human Face Unearthed: Ancient Bones Revealed in Spanish Cave

DIWIDA.NEWS africa, archaeology, culture, europe, fossils

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AMopp" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AMopp.jpg"/>
<p>
 The bone pieces discovered in an old Spanish cave are from the most ancient human face found so far in Western Europe, according to researchers.
</p>
<p>
 The fossilized remnants consist of the left cheekbone and upper jaw of an adult from an extinct human species that inhabited and perished on the Iberian Peninsula roughly between 1.1 million and 1.4 million years ago.
</p>
<p>
 This finding indicates that at least two types of early humans inhabited the area during the early Pleistocene epoch, when the cave was located amidst lush woodlands teeming with fauna and crisscrossed by various waterways.
</p>
<p>
 "This study brings forth a fresh character into the narrative of human evolution in Europe," stated Dr. Rosa Huguet from the University of Rovira i Virgili located in southern Catalonia, who assisted in discovering the fossils within the Sima del Elefante (Elephant Pit) cave close to Atapuerca in Burgos.
</p>
<p>
 Early humans migrated to Eurasia from Africa at least 1.8 million years ago, as indicated by the evidence.
 five skulls
 originating from the era of Dmanisi in Georgia. These craniums are linked to Homo erectus, the initial ancient human species to migrate out of Africa.
</p>
<p>
 So far, the oldest human remains found in western Europe dated back to between 1.1 million and 1.2 million years ago.
 jawbone and teeth
 from Sima del Elefante.
 Younger human remains
 Discovered around 800,000 years ago, these remains were found within the Gran Dolina (Giant Sinkhole) cave nearby. Specific characteristics of these fossils prompted scientists to classify them as a separate species, known as Homo antecessor, also referred to as Pioneer Man.
</p>
<p>
 Writing in the journal
 Nature
 The Spanish team indicates that the most recent findings are more archaic compared to Homo antecessor but bear similarities to Homo erectus. Due to the ambiguity surrounding the fossil’s classification, they have labeled the species as Homo affinis erectus, highlighting its strong connection to this earlier form of humanity.
</p>
<p>
 <span>
  Related:
 </span>
 Where have they all vanished to? How Homo sapiens turned into the sole surviving human species.
</p>
<p>
 The Latin name is not the only one used for the remains, however. Informally, the researchers nicknamed the fossil “Pink” after Pink Floyd, whose album The Dark Side of the Moon translates to “La cara oculta de la luna”, where “cara oculta” means “hidden face”.
</p>
<p>
 Dr María Martinón-Torres, who leads the National Centre for Research on Human Evolution in Burgos, noted that one of Pink’s distinct features was her flatter nasal structure compared to Homo antecessor. Unlike this earlier species, Pink exhibited a more contemporary facial appearance along with pronounced nasal bones similar to those found in Homo sapiens.
</p>
<p>
 Chris Stringer, who leads research on human evolution at the Natural History Museum in London, stated that the fossil was "an extremely significant discovery." In 2023, Stringer along with several others made this identification.
 period of extreme cooling
 roughly 1.1 million years ago might have pushed early humans out of Western Europe, potentially accounting for the distinct population discovered at Sima del Elefante afterward.
</p>
<p>
 Excavations at Sima del Elefante paint a picture of lush meadows and woodlands more than 1.1m years ago with oaks, pines, juniper and hazel trees in abundance. Rivers cutting through the landscape drew water voles and mice, hippos, bison and deer. Quartz and flint tools have also been recovered alongside animal bones bearing cut marks from butchering.
</p>
<p>
 Further understanding of the Sima del Elefante way of life can be gleaned from a groove spanning part of a tooth’s surface in the Pink fossil. This marking, thought to represent wear caused by early use of primitive dental tools, provides additional clues about their habits.
</p>
<p>
 This marks another stride toward comprehending the early inhabitants of Europe," stated Dr José María Bermúdez de Castro, who co-directs the Atapuerca Project. "It appears that these initial humans bore similarities to those often categorized under Homo erectus. Nonetheless, the findings from the Sima del Elefante location exhibit a distinct set of characteristics. To form a firmer conclusion regarding their specific classification, additional fossils must be discovered at other contemporaneous sites.
</p>

Oldest Known Human Face Unearthed: Ancient Bones Revealed in Spanish Cave

The bone pieces discovered in an old Spanish cave are from the most ancient human face found so far in Western Europe, according to resea...

NATO Chief in Warsaw Warns: Devastating Response Awaits If Russia Strikes Poland

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, international relations, national security, nato, news

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BK3B2" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BK3B2.jpg"/>
<p>
 NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte cautioned on Wednesday that the organization’s reaction to an assault on Poland or other member states by Russia would be ‘catastrophic.’
</p>
<p>
 During his one-day trip to Warsaw, Rutte issued this warning while calling for solidarity among European countries to enhance their military capabilities and defense sectors, echoing the U.S.'s push for Europe to shoulder more responsibility for its own security going forward.
</p>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1BK1bA" data-reference="video"/>
<p>
 Should someone mistakenly believe that they could assault Poland without repercussions or launch an attack against another ally, our alliance will react with strong force.
</p>
<p>
 "Our reaction will be overwhelming," Rutte stated, flanking Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a press conference.
</p>
<p>
 This should be evident to Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and to everyone considering an assault on us,” Rutte further stated.
</p>
<p>
 The warning from the NATO leader also comes at a time when confidence within the 32-member alliance has reached an all-time low, following the Trump administration's focus on prioritizing American security interests in Asia and along its own borders.
</p>
<p>
 Let me make myself perfectly clear: now is not the time for individual action. Neither Europe nor North America should act independently," Rutte stated during his address in Warsaw. "Given the magnitude of global security challenges, none of us can confront them alone.
</p>
<p>
 He commended Poland for being a dependable partner that significantly contributes to the collective finances.
</p>
<p>
 In turn, the Polish prime minister expressed gratitude to the NATO leader for supporting Operation Shield East, an initiative set forth from 2024 through 2028 aimed at bolstering Poland’s defenses against possible assaults and hybrid warfare threats.
</p>
<p>
 The initiative was launched within the Polish Ministry of National Defence due to Russian hostilities towards Ukraine and the escalating menace posed by Russia.
</p>
<p>
 "We assume complete responsibility for securing Poland's eastern frontier, not just for ourselves but also for our allies within Europe and NATO. It is crucial for me to receive a positive evaluation of this initiative from the Secretary General of NATO," Tusk stated.
</p>
<p>
 "The geographical features we possess are unique, as are our historical circumstances; regarding defense spending, we demonstrate a commitment unmatched by any other NATO nation at present," the leader of Poland’s administration further stated.
</p>
<p>
 Currently, Warsaw allocates over four percent of its GDP to defense, with projections for 2025 aiming to increase this figure to as much as five percent.
</p>

NATO Chief in Warsaw Warns: Devastating Response Awaits If Russia Strikes Poland

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte cautioned on Wednesday that the organization’s reaction to an assault on Poland or other member states ...

EU Declares Morocco and Six Others "Safe Countries," Tightening Asylum Rules

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, european union, immigration, politics, refugees

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1D2sUy" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1D2sUy.jpg"/>
<p>
 On Wednesday, the European Commission presented a fresh roster of what are termed "safe countries" concerning immigration, featuring seven nations: Morocco, Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, and Tunisia. The purpose behind this categorization is to lower the likelihood of providing asylum to individuals from these places by speeding up the examination of their requests. It presumes that most applicants from these countries typically fail to satisfy the necessary conditions for obtaining refugee status, thus simplifying procedures for potential removals.
</p>
<p>
 The Commission stated that adding these nations to the list is intended to tackle the rising numbers of immigrants migrating to the European Union from them. It assumes that individuals seeking asylum from these countries generally do not face systemic persecution or imminent dangers to their safety, thereby warranting their designation as "safe countries of origin."
</p>
<p>
 Even though various European nations like France maintain individual "safe country" lists, the European Union has not established a single comprehensive list for all member states. The Commission feels that these differing criteria among countries incentivize asylum seekers to target those with more lenient procedures.
</p>
<p>
 The Commission observed that nations aspiring to join the EU typically fulfill the criteria to be classified as "safe countries." However, confirming this roster necessitates approval from both the European Parliament and the current EU member states, potentially leading to significant political discussions due to the contentious nature of the topic and possible disagreements between the twenty-seven member states.
</p>
<p>
 Italy emerged as one of the leading advocates of this strategy, with the country hailing the publication of the list as a "victory for the Italian administration." Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi noted that the far-right alliance headed by Giorgia Meloni came into power promising stricter immigration policies and has since made significant efforts to scrutinize this list through bilateral and multilateral channels.
</p>
<p>
 In 2015, the Commission initially suggested a comparable roster, which was subsequently withdrawn because of disputes regarding Turkey’s addition, particularly due to worries about its circumstances related to human rights, judicial autonomy, and media liberty.
</p>

EU Declares Morocco and Six Others "Safe Countries," Tightening Asylum Rules

On Wednesday, the European Commission presented a fresh roster of what are termed "safe countries" concerning immigration, feat...

Europe Scraps Carbon Fiber Ban: The Close Call That Still Has Industry on Edge

DIWIDA.NEWS carbon emissions, cars, environmental friendliness, europe, safety

<p>
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1D2jhl" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1D2jhl.jpg"/>
 <h3>
  Europe has quickly changed course and will not prohibit the use of carbon fiber after all.
 </h3>
 <p>
  You might have come across the rumor that carbon fiber, the strong yet light composite material frequently outperforming many metals and utilized in numerous power sports applications, has been prohibited by the European Union. However, this isn’t true—at least not entirely.
  not yet
  .
 </p>
 <p>
  As verified by our sibling website
  Motor1 Italia
  , which extended to the European Parliament, while an initial version of the upcoming regulations had listed carbon fiber as a prohibited material, a revised draft excluded it. You may wonder, “How did carbon fiber end up on this list, and what prompted the creation of such a list?” This is indeed a pertinent question, one that has largely gone unanswered in most reports covering the proposed ban.
 </p>
 <p>
  That’s exactly what we’ll do here: clarify why carbon fiber was nearly prohibited in Europe. Just so you know, cigarettes were never included in this ban—it’s merely a jest aimed at all my European buddies.
 </p>
 <p>
  Carbon fiber is virtually a miraculous substance. Its versatility allows it to be either flexible or rigid based on requirements; it can also undergo weaving, forging, or pressing processes without compromising weight or impact resistance. Additionally, this material can be shaped into almost anything you imagine, from complete car bodies to entire motorcycle frameworks. With several decades of experimentation since its creation, carbon fiber has evolved into an option for numerous common applications like regular automobiles, lorries, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility task vehicles, personal watercraft, and snow machines.
 </p>
 <p>
  This is incredibly significant as we progress towards an electrified future because batteries—the key drivers behind the electric vehicle (EV) transformation—are remarkably heavy. To illustrate, just the battery unit of the latest EV Hummer weighs around 3,000 pounds. This pattern holds true across all currently available EVs; regardless of the model, their batteries are quite hefty. Therefore, what’s the link between this issue and the potential EU prohibition on carbon fiber production?
 </p>
 <p>
  Given that carbon fiber is increasingly common among automotive and powersports manufacturers, the European Union has started investigating the health risks associated with this material. This includes examining both the production process and the challenges involved in recycling it. The findings indicate possible dangers during these phases; however, they have particularly focused on the issues arising when dealing with carbon fiber at the end of its life cycle.
 </p>
 <p>
  According to the EU's End of Life Vehicles Directive, which looks at what happens to a vehicle once it's sent to the giant scrap heap in the sky, as you attempt to recycle something with carbon fiber, those materials could be released into the air and be both detrimental to your skin and lungs. And the EU's issue with carbon fiber has merit, unfortunately, as when you're laying down new carbon fiber, 3D printing carbon fiber, or sanding the material, it can also cause irritation in your lungs as the shards enter your nose and mouth. Likewise, there's a reason why you don't want to handle broken carbon fiber as that stuff never leaves your skin—I'm beyond careful when I'm
  handling broken carbon arrows
  .
 </p>
 <p>
  Therefore, once more, carbon fiber poses risks particularly concerning its end-of-life phase. This issue should not be overlooked.
 </p>
 <p>
  However, lacking this material, for now, will prevent us from moving towards an electric future because without carbon fiber, electric vehicles would resemble the 9,000-pound Hummer rather than the sleek Kia EV6.
  Zero DSR/X
  So currently, this is why carbon fiber was nearly prohibited. And should you find yourself in an accident involving the material, chances are it has actually helped save your life; however, you should avoid making contact with it particularly when it’s fractured or damaged.
 </p>
 <h2>
  Carbon Fiber, Carbon Fibre, Cardo Fibber, CARBON FIBER
 </h2>
</p>
<p>
 <ul>
  <p>
   <li>
    Yamaha Is Exploring Flax Fibers, Showcases Cool PWC Built With This Material
   </li>
  </p>
  <p>
   <li>
    This Could Be a Carbon Fiber Battery That Holds the Secret to Our Electric Vehicle Future
   </li>
  </p>
 </ul>
</p>

Europe Scraps Carbon Fiber Ban: The Close Call That Still Has Industry on Edge

Europe has quickly changed course and will not prohibit the use of carbon fiber after all. You might have come across the rumor...

Over 1,100 Detained in Turkey as Massive Protests Erupt Over Mayor's Arrest – Europe Live Update

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, news, politics, politics and law, protests

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BwTmS" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BwTmS.jpg"/>
<p>
 <p>
  <strong class="last-updated">
   LIVE – Updated at 16:11
  </strong>
 </p>
</p>
<p>
 <div class="intro">
  <p>
   Tens of thousands gathered in Istanbul with unrest likely to continue over treatment of presidential challenger to Erdoğan.
  </p>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Closing summary
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    16:11
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    The Guardian’s live coverage of ongoing events across Europe is coming to an end for today. Protests continue throughout Turkey after
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu –
    </strong>
    Istanbul’s mayor and top rival to president
    <strong>
     Recep Tayyip Erdoğan –
    </strong>
    was jailed yesterday. Here’s what else happened today:
   </p>
   <ul>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       Turkey’s interior minister said 1,133 people had been detained since protests i turkey began on 19 March.
      </strong>
      There have been large-scale demonstrations in cities across Turkey since last Wednesday.
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       At least ten journalists were detained in Istanbul and Izmir following the protests.
      </strong>
      In a post on X, Turkish NGO Media and Law Studies Association said its legal unit was assisting the journalists.
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       Germany called the jailing of Istanbul mayor and Turkish opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu “totally unacceptable” and said it was following the developments with “great concern”.
      </strong>
      “The arrest and suspension of the mayor of Istanbul is totally unacceptable. This must be clarified very quickly and transparently,” Chancellor
      <strong>
       Olaf Scholz’s
      </strong>
      spokesman
      <strong>
       Steffen Hebestreit
      </strong>
      told a press conference.
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       Greenland’s prime minister Mute Egede accused Washington of interfering in its political affairs with the visit of an American delegation later this week to the Danish territory coveted by US president Donald Trump.
      </strong>
      Usha Vance, the wife of US Vice President JD Vance, will visit Greenland this week with her son and a US delegation including US national security adviser Mike Waltz.
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       Families gathered to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Germanwings plane crash that killed 150 people in March 2015.
      </strong>
      Memorials took place at the German high school that lost many students to the disaster and also in Le Vernet, near the crash site in the French Alps.
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       A nurse accused of murdering nine palliative care patients went on trial in Germany today, with prosecutors saying he played “master of life and death” over them.
      </strong>
      Prosecutors said the unnamed 44-year-old man injected a total of 26 patients with large doses of sedatives or painkillers, resulting in the deaths of nine.
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       French actor Gerard Depardieu went on trial today over alleged sexual assaults on a film set.
      </strong>
      Prosecutors allege assaults against two women – whose full identities have not been revealed – took place during the filming in 2021 of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters). Depardieu denies any wrongdoing.
     </p>
    </li>
   </ul>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Erdoğan says protests have turned into 'movement of violence'
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    15:32
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Turkish president
    <strong>
     Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
    </strong>
    has slammed his opponents, saying protests against the jailing of Istanbul’s mayor, his main political rival, had turned into a “movement of violence”, Reuters reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    Speaking after a cabinet meeting in
    <strong>
     Ankara
    </strong>
    , Erdoğan added that the main opposition CHP was responsible for any property damage and harm to police officers during the protests, which have been taking place across the country since Istanbul mayor,
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    was arrested last week. Erdoğan also said that their “show” would eventually end and they would feel ashamed for the “evil” they did to the country.
   </p>
   <p>
    Turkey has detained more than 1,100 people, including journalists, as demonstrations continue. The mayor’s imprisonment is widely regarded as a political move to remove a major challenger to Erdoğan from the next presidential race, currently scheduled for 2028.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    15:10
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    AFP gives more details on the German Last Generation protesters who were charged earlier today, including for “forming a criminal organisation”.
   </p>
   <p>
    The Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed it had filed the charges “against five members” of the movement, which reorganised into two groups earlier this year.
   </p>
   <p>
    Members of Last Generation released a statement saying they would contest the charges, calling them “an attack on civil society engagement as a cornerstone of democracy”.
   </p>
   <p>
    Founded in 2021, Last Generation mounted eye-catching, non-violent protests in Germany for several years calling for urgent action to combat climate change. These included throwing mashed potatoes at the glass protecting a Monet painting and repeatedly glueing themselves onto busy roads.
   </p>
   <p>
    The group’s members briefly halted airport traffic several times by breaking into airports and glueing themselves to the tarmac.
   </p>
   <p>
    In May last year, prosecutors in the state of Brandenburg said they had charged five members of the group with “forming a criminal organisation” in relation to protests at two oil refineries, Berlin airport and the Barberini Museum in Potsdam.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    14:44
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    French actor
    <strong>
     Gerard Depardieu
    </strong>
    went on trial today over alleged sexual assaults on a film set, in a case that placed one of France’s best-known movie stars at the heart of the country’s broader reckoning over sexual violence, Reuters reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    The trial, expected to last at least two days, and possibly more, was initially due to be held in October but was postponed due to Depardieu’s ill health.
   </p>
   <p>
    As he arrived, Depardieu, his hand on his lawyer’s shoulder, passed calmly past reporters, looking straight at the cameras without saying a word. His lawyer, Jeremie Assous, told reporters that the accusations were false and based on lies. “Truth is on our side,” he said.
   </p>
   <p>
    Prosecutors allege assaults against two women – whose full identities have not been revealed – took place during the filming in 2021 of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters).
   </p>
   <p>
    The prosecutors accuse Depardieu of groping one of the women, whom they named Amelie K, on the film set. Three people witnessed the scene, prosecutors say. They say the second woman was groped by Depardieu on set and in the street.
   </p>
   <p>
    Before the opening of the trial, some activists gathered outside the courthouse in northern Paris. A dozen activists from Bruit qui court, a collective of artist and activists, chanted: “Sexist violence, complicit judicial system.” Others held signs with various slogans criticising Depardieu.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    14:38
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Protests are still under way in Turkey, with demonstrations likely to gear up later this evening.
   </p>
   <p>
    Earlier today students at the main universities in Istanbul and Ankara called for a boycott of lectures, according to AFP. Young protesters were also preparing to hold a rally at 14.00 GMT by Besiktas port on the Bosphorus, ahead of the main nightly rally outside City Hall at 17.30 GMT.
   </p>
   <p>
    Since last week, rallies have taken place in at least 55 of Turkey’s 81 provinces, or more than two-thirds of the country, according to a tally by AFP.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    13:54
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    German prosecutors have filed charges against five climate activists of the group Last Generation, including for forming a criminal organisation, AFP reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    The Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed it had “filed charges against five members of Last Generation with the State Security Chamber... for, among other things, forming a criminal organisation”.
   </p>
   <p>
    Climate activists from the group glued themselves to the tarmac at four German airports last August, forcing a temporary halt to flights as part of their campaign against fossil fuels.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Turkey talks on hold after İmamoğlu's jailing, says Greece
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    13:38
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    A meeting between
    <strong>
     Greece
    </strong>
    and
    <strong>
     Turkey
    </strong>
    was improbable to occur shortly after the incarceration of the Istanbul mayor
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    A Greek government representative stated according to Reuters.
   </p>
   <p>
    Greece and Turkey, despite being NATO allies with a long-standing enmity, have been at odds for many years regarding their maritime borders in the Aegean Sea, air space, and the ethnically split island of Cyprus.
   </p>
   <p>
    Having agreed in 2023 to forge ahead with their relationship and repair diplomatic links, both nations planned to convene a high-level cooperation council later this year, potentially as soon as April, to address mutual concerns.
   </p>
   <p>
    However, the meeting was not expected to occur anytime soon, according to the Greek government spokesman.
    <strong>
     Pavlos Marinakis
    </strong>
    stated during a press conference on Monday, after the arrest of İmamoğlu, the president
    <strong>
     Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s
    </strong>
    main political rival.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   X allegedly suspends accounts of individuals linked with Turkey's opposition.
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    13:37
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    <strong>
     Various opposition figures in Turkey have seen their X accounts temporarily halted due to civil unrest within the nation.
     Politico
     is reporting.
    </strong>
   </p>
   <p>
    Elon Musk’s social media platform has suspended the activity of “university-associated activist accounts, basically sharing protest information, locations for students to go,” Yusuf Can, coordinator and analyst at the Wilson Center’s Middle East Program, told Politico.
   </p>
   <p>
    He added that many of these accounts are “grassroots activists” with their followings in the low tens of thousands.
   </p>
   <p>
    Politico reports:
   </p>
   <blockquote class="quoted">
    <p>
     <p>
      The suspensions come after extensive demonstrations were sparked by the arrest earlier this week of Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan’s main political rival, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. İmamoğlu was arrested just hours before he was nominated to be the presidential candidate for the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).
     </p>
     <p>
      The opposition protests have spread despite the government banning gatherings for four days.
     </p>
     <p>
      Much of the opposition activity has centered around universities, and many of those connected to the demonstrations are now finding their X accounts suspended, observers report.
     </p>
    </p>
   </blockquote>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    13:31
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    A nurse accused of murdering nine palliative care patients went on trial in
    <strong>
     Germany
    </strong>
    today, with prosecutors saying he played “master of life and death” over them, AFP reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    Prosecutors said the unnamed 44-year-old man injected a total of 26 patients with large doses of sedatives or painkillers, resulting in the deaths of nine. His motive was allegedly to minimise his workload during his night shifts, prosecutors said at his trial in the western city of
    <strong>
     Aachen
    </strong>
    . He was employed in palliative care at a hospital in the nearby town of
    <strong>
     Wuerselen
    </strong>
    .
   </p>
   <p>
    The man allegedly injected the mostly elderly and terminally ill patients and then simply walked out of their rooms, the court heard.
   </p>
   <p>
    Prosecutors said he lacked motivation in his work and was “annoyed” by the patients, adding that he had considered himself their “master of life and death”.
   </p>
   <p>
    The nurse did not speak at the start of proceedings. Former colleagues will be called as witnesses in subsequent hearings. The trial’s end date is uncertain while investigations are ongoing.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    13:14
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    <strong>
     Are you in Turkey?
    </strong>
    Share your views and experiences of recent protests with the Guardian.
   </p>
   <p>
    We would like to hear from people in Turkey about the recent protests and whether they took part. Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish, by filling out the form on
    this page
    .
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    13:04
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Isar Aerospace has scrubbed its attempt to launch its first test flight of its orbital launch vehicle from Norway, AP reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    Unfavourable winds this afternoon meant that the Spectrum rocket could not be launched from the island of Andøya in northern Norway, the German aerospace company said.
   </p>
   <p>
    The company said it could also conduct the test flight later in the week. Another date has not yet been set.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    12:24
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Portugal’s foreign minister
    <strong>
     Paulo Rangel
    </strong>
    and Chinese counterpart
    <strong>
     Wang Yi
    </strong>
    will hold talks in Beijing on Tuesday, as EU member states fret over the prospect of a trade war with both Washington and Beijing.
   </p>
   <p>
    This week’s visit would be the first to China by a high-level Portuguese government official in over five years.
   </p>
   <p>
    The United States is the main destination for Portuguese exports outside the EU, while Portugal is the only country in western Europe still signed on to Beijing’s flagship overseas infrastructure plan, the belt and road initiative.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    11:57
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    The European commissioner for trade,
    <strong>
     Maros Sefcovic
    </strong>
    , is heading to Washington to meet the US commerce secretary
    <strong>
     Howard Lutnick
    </strong>
    on Tuesday, a Commission spokesperson said, Reuters reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    Sefcovic will also meet with US trade representative
    <strong>
     Jamieson Greer
    </strong>
    . The spokesperson declined to provide more details about the discussion.
   </p>
   <p>
    Donald Trump has threatened the EU – the US’ third biggest trading partner – with 25% tariffs. The EU said last week it may delay implementing its threatened response to US steel and aluminium tariffs.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    11:41
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    The imprisonment of Istanbul’s opposition mayor has come at a time when Turkey finds itself at the centre of geopolitical turmoil that observers say has freed president
    <strong>
     Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
    </strong>
    to target his most dangerous opponent,
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    , AP reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    Experts suggest that a combination of global elements provided Erdoğan with an opening to attempt mitigating the primary challenge he faces in upcoming elections scheduled for 2028, though they might occur earlier. "A particularly unique alignment of circumstances has made this appear relatively straightforward for him to execute without attracting significant international disapproval or repercussions," explained one analyst.
    <strong>
     Monica Marks
    </strong>
    , professor of Middle Eastern Studies at New York University Abu Dhabi.
   </p>
   <p>
    <strong>
     Berk Esen
    </strong>
    A political scientist from Istanbul’s Sabanci University stated that the CHP's choice to reaffirm İmamoğlu as their presidential nominee for 2028 played a crucial role in his detention. "Erdogan hoped he might be able to diminish, if not entirely obstruct, İmamoğlu’s chances of running," they explained. "However, once the CHP scheduled the primary elections, it became evident that İmamoğlu would emerge as the party’s candidate, prompting Erdogan to act swiftly against him."
   </p>
   <p>
    "Erdogan is adhering to the autocrat's manual, focusing on undermining the entities capable of constraining his authority – such as courts, universities, and public figures," he stated.
    <strong>
     Maya Tudor
    </strong>
    , professor at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government. “It is important to remember that day-to-day democracy is not about elections, which happen infrequently and under the glare of international media. It is also about the right of opposition politicians to organise and be heard. When politicians like İmamoğlu cannot disagree with Erdogan without being jailed through trumped up charges, a vital pillar of democratic society dies.”
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    11:27
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Germany has called the jailing of Istanbul mayor and Turkish opposition leader
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    “totally unacceptable” and said it was following the developments with “great concern”.
   </p>
   <p>
    “The arrest and suspension of the mayor of Istanbul is totally unacceptable. This must be clarified very quickly and transparently,” Chancellor
    <strong>
     Olaf Scholz’s
    </strong>
    spokesman
    <strong>
     Steffen Hebestreit
    </strong>
    told a press conference.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    11:08
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Reuters provides further quotes from Greenland’s outgoing prime minister
    <strong>
     Mute Egede
    </strong>
    , who has criticised a visit to the self-governing Danish territory by US second lady
    <strong>
     Usha Vance
    </strong>
    planned for later this week.
   </p>
   <p>
    Egede called the delegation’s visit, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, a “provocation” and said his caretaker government would not meet with it.
   </p>
   <p>
    “Until recently, we could trust the Americans, who were our allies and friends, and with whom we enjoyed working closely,” Egede told local newspaper Sermitsiaq. “But that time is over.”
   </p>
   <p>
    The Greenlandic government is currently in a caretaker phase following a March 11 parliamentary election won by the Democrats.
    <strong>
     Jens-Frederik Nielsen
    </strong>
    , leader of the Democrats, called for political unity and criticised the timing of the visit during coalition talks with municipal elections due next week. “We must not be forced into a power game that we ourselves have not chosen to be a part of,” Nielsen said.
   </p>
   <p>
    <strong>
     Brian Hughes
    </strong>
    , spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said the visit aims to “build on partnerships that respects Greenland’s self-determination and advances economic cooperation”.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    10:54
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    The Danish national police force said it has sent extra personnel and sniffer dogs to
    <strong>
     Greenland
    </strong>
    as the island steps up security measures ahead of a planned visit this week by second lady
    <strong>
     Usha Vance
    </strong>
    , AP reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    Spokesperson René Gyldensten said the extra officers were part of regular steps taken during visits by dignitaries to Greenland, a self-governing, mineral-rich territory of American ally Denmark.
   </p>
   <p>
    Vance’s visit comes at a time when president
    <strong>
     Donald Trump
    </strong>
    has suggested the United States should take control of Greenland.
    <strong>
     Denmark
    </strong>
    , a NATO ally, insisted the island wasn’t for sale.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   More than 1,100 detained in Turkish protests, says interior minister
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    10:46
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Turkey's interior minister stated that 1,133 individuals have been apprehended since the demonstrations started on March 19th, according to AFP.
   </p>
   <p>
    Large-scale protests have taken place in numerous Turkish cities beginning last Wednesday following the arrest of the Istanbul mayor.
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    , the primary political opponent of the president
    <strong>
     Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
    </strong>
    .
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    10:37
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Families came together to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the GermanwINGS aircraft disaster, which resulted in 150 fatalities back in March 2015.
   </p>
   <p>
    Investigations revealed that the co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, intentionally crashed the aircraft. Memorial services were held at the German secondary school which had numerous students perish in the tragedy, as well as in Le Vernet, close to where the plane went down in the French Alps.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    10:09
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    At least ten reporters were held in custody in Istanbul and Izmir after extensive demonstrations erupted across Turkey due to the detention of Istanbul's controversial mayor.
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    , the primary political opponent of the president
    <strong>
     Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
    </strong>
    .
   </p>
   <p>
    Following a tweet on X, the Turkish NGO Media and Law Studies Association stated that their legal team was providing assistance to the reporters involved. The organization also mentioned that over 20 journalists were reportedly subjected to physical attacks by law enforcement during the past four days of protests.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Greenland PM denounces 'foreign interference' ahead of US visit
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    09:50
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Greenland’s prime minister
    <strong>
     Mute Egede
    </strong>
    accused Washington of interfering in its political affairs with the visit of an American delegation later this week to the Danish territory coveted by US president
    <strong>
     Donald Trump
    </strong>
    , AFP reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    <strong>
     Usha Vance
    </strong>
    , the wife of US Vice President
    <strong>
     JD Vance
    </strong>
    , will visit Greenland this week with her son and a US delegation, which Egede said would include US national security adviser
    <strong>
     Mike Waltz
    </strong>
    .
   </p>
   <p>
    “It should be said clearly that our integrity and democracy must be respected without foreign interference,” Egede said, adding that the delegation’s visit, from Thursday to Saturday, “cannot be seen as just a private visit”.
   </p>
   <p>
    Since returning to power in January, Trump has insisted he wants the United States to take over Greenland and even refused to rule out the use of force to achieve the aim.
   </p>
   <p>
    Egede said Washington had been told there would be “no talks” until a new Greenlandic government was in place after 11 March general elections that left him heading a caretaker government.
   </p>
   <p>
    <strong>
     Jens-Frederik Nielsen
    </strong>
    , leader of the centre-right Democrats that won the election and likely future Greenlandic prime minister, has previously criticised Trump’s moves on Greenland as “inappropriate”.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    09:43
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    A private European aerospace company is set to make the first test flight of its orbital launch vehicle from
    <strong>
     Norway
    </strong>
    later today, AP reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    The launch window for its Spectrum rocket from the island of
    <strong>
     Andøya
    </strong>
    in northern Norway is 12.30pm to 3.30pm local time, said German start-up, Isar Aerospace. The launch is subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure, and the company said it also could conduct the test flight later in the week.
   </p>
   <p>
    The 28-meter- (91-foot-) Spectrum is a two-stage launch vehicle designed for small and medium-sized satellites. The company largely ruled out the possibility of the rocket reaching orbit on its first complete flight, saying it would consider a 30-second flight a success.
   </p>
   <p>
    Isar Aerospace is separate from the European Space Agency, or ESA, which is funded by its 23 members states. ESA has been launching rockets and satellites into orbit for years, but mainly from French Guiana — an overseas department of France in South America — and from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Istanbul's mayor to be presidential candidate, says CHP
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    09:37
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Istanbul’s embattled mayor,
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    was officially nominated as a presidential candidate by the opposition CHP party for the 2028 elections, a party spokesman told AFP on Monday.
   </p>
   <p>
    The Republican People’s Party (CHP) – the main opposition party and the second largest party in parliament – held a primary election on Sunday, at which the only candidate was İmamoğlu, the main political rival of president
    <strong>
     Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
    </strong>
    .
   </p>
   <p>
    İmamoğlu’s arrest and detention on corruption charges has sparked huge protests in Turkey.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Turkish journalists held after covering protests
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    09:36
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Turkish authorities have detained nine journalists who covered overnight protests against the arrest of Istanbul mayor
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    , the Journalists Union of Turkey said, Reuters reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    A Turkish court on Sunday jailed
    <strong>
     İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    , president
    <strong>
     Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s
    </strong>
    main political rival, pending trial on corruption charges in a move that triggered the country’s biggest protests in more than a decade.
   </p>
   <p>
    Despite bans on street gatherings in many cities, mostly peaceful anti-government demonstrations were held for a fifth night in a row last night. It was not immediately clear why the journalists were detained.
   </p>
   <p>
    A post on the union’s Facebook page
    listed the names of the journalists it said had been detained in dawn raids in Istanbul and Izmir.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    09:28
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    China said it hopes a visit later this week by the French foreign minister would see the countries deepen cooperation in a world facing “turbulence and transformation”, AFP reports.
   </p>
   <p>
    France and China have sought to strengthen ties in recent years, but Paris has also pressed Beijing on its ties with Moscow, which have strengthened since the invasion of Ukraine.
   </p>
   <p>
    French foreign minister
    <strong>
     Jean-Noel Barrot
    </strong>
    is set to visit the Chinese capital Beijing and economic powerhouse Shanghai on Thursday and Friday, his first visit since becoming the country’s top diplomat last year.
   </p>
   <p>
    “The current international situation is increasingly turbulent and complex, with a notable rise in instability and uncertainty,” China’s foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, adding that Barrot will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
   </p>
  </div>
 </div>
 <div>
  <h2>
   Opening summary: huge Turkish demonstrations over mayor's arrest
  </h2>
  <div class="publish-info">
   <span>
    08:59
   </span>
  </div>
  <div class="post-body">
   <p>
    Good morning and welcome to our blog covering developments in Europe amid escalating protests in Turkey triggered by the imprisonment of the mayor of Istanbul and top rival to president
    <strong>
     Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
    </strong>
    .
   </p>
   <p>
    On Sunday, a court formally arrested mayor
    <strong>
     Ekrem İmamoğlu
    </strong>
    , sending him to pre-trial detention on the day he received his party’s nomination to run for president. His initial arrest and detention on Wednesday sparked the largest wave of street demonstrations in Turkey in more than a decade and deepened concerns over democracy and the rule of law in the country.
   </p>
   <p>
    Last night, tens of thousands of demonstrators who massed near
    <strong>
     Istanbul’s
    </strong>
    city hall for a fifth straight evening, angry at the decision to officially arrest İmamoğlu, faced police who pepper-sprayed crowds and fired teargas. In
    <strong>
     İzmir
    </strong>
    , video showed police attempting to disperse protests using armoured water cannon trucks.
   </p>
   <p>
    The mayor's detention is broadly seen as a strategic maneuver to sideline a significant opponent of Erdoğan ahead of the upcoming presidential election in 2028. However, government representatives firmly deny these claims and assert that Turkey's judicial system functions autonomously.
   </p>
   <p>
    İmamoğlu was detained amid suspicions that he led a criminal group, accepted bribes, extorted money, unlawfully collected personal information, and engaged in bid rigging—allegations which he refutes. Although a plea to incarcerate him over terrorism-linked charges was dismissed, he continues to face potential legal action.
   </p>
   <p>
    In other developments:
   </p>
   <ul>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       Usha Vance, who is married to the US Vice-President JD Vance, plans to visit Greenland on Thursday during the presidency.
       Donald Trump
       holds onto the notion of a US incorporation of the strategically important, partly self-governing Danish territory.
      </strong>
      Vance will visit
      Greenland
      on Thursday with a US delegation to tour historical sites, learn about the territory’s heritage and attend the national dogsled race, the White House said in a statement.
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       Hundreds of victims’ families are commemorating the 10th anniversary of the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 in the French Alps, which killed all 150 people on board.
      </strong>
      Investigators said the plane was deliberately downed by the co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz. Memorials are planned Monday for 10.41am — the moment of the crash — at the German high school that lost so many students and also in Le Vernet, near the crash site in the mountains.
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       French actor Gérard Depardieu will face charges in a Paris court of sexually assaulting two women during the filming of a movie in 2021.
      </strong>
      Depardieu is accused of groping a set dresser and an assistant director during production of the film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters). The actor denies the charges.
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       Press freedom in Serbia is facing a “dangerous turning point” after mounting pressure on independent outlets from ministers and state-backed media, a group of senior editors has warned.
      </strong>
      The editors, who are all from publications within the independent United Media group, said their reporters faced “constant harassment, physical attacks and smear campaigns” after their reporting in the country, which has been gripped by protests against its autocratic president,
      <strong>
       Aleksandar Vučić
      </strong>
      .
     </p>
    </li>
    <li>
     <p>
      <strong>
       Tuberculosis (TB) cases amongst children across Europe increased by 10% in 2023, signalling persistent circulation of the disease and underscoring the urgency for prompt public health actions to curb its propagation, according to the World Health Organization.
      </strong>
      "The alarming increase in tuberculosis cases among children is a stark reminder that our advancements against this preventable and treatable illness remain precarious," stated Hans Henri Kluge, who is the Regional Director for Europe at the WHO.
     </p>
    </li>
   </ul>
  </div>
 </div>
</p>

Over 1,100 Detained in Turkey as Massive Protests Erupt Over Mayor's Arrest – Europe Live Update

LIVE – Updated at 16:11 Tens of thousands gathered in Istanbul with unrest likely to continue over treatment of pre...