The Venice Biennale, a leading global art exhibition, will include Russia for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, drawing significant criticism across Europe.
Latvia’s Culture Minister Agnese Lāce, who led a group of 25 European countries advocating for Russia’s exclusion, stated she will boycott the May 9 opening if Russia participates.
Latvia’s Ministry of Culture argued tha

The pipeline, which ceased oil transport from Russia to Central Europe after being damaged by a Russian strike in January, became central to a dispute between Ukraine and Hungary. Hungary, heavily reliant on Russian oil, accused Ukraine of delaying repairs and vetoed a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, approved by EU leaders in December.
Zelenskyy’s announcement clears the way for Hungary to lift i

Reflect on the question, ‘How much are you worth?’ Today, thinking in monetary terms seems logical, as money is omnipresent—it serves as a payment method, a success metric, and a social status indicator. Quite rightly so, as everything around us can be converted into money. I could sell the laptop I used to write this for a certain sum. You could sell the device you’re reading this on for a

UK officials did not find it necessary to vet Peter Mandelson for the role of U.K. ambassador to Washington, according to Olly Robbins, a former top Foreign Office official. Robbins, who was dismissed from his position, stated that Prime Minister was warned about the potential risks associated with appointing Mandelson, a controversial Labour figure, prior to his appointment.

Respiratory infections like influenza, Covid-19, and RSV significantly impact CVD and increase hospital strain during seasons. Influenza vaccination alone reduces major cardiovascular events by more than a third, yet there’s a mismatch across the EU: high disease burden with low vaccination coverage. Covid-19 vaccination rates have fallen to about 10 percent in many member states. Influenza

“PSD can no longer be held captive while our social base is being destroyed,” Grindeanu said to leading party members in Bucharest on Monday, referring to the Social Democrats.
According to local media, crowds gathered in the capital for an evening rally backing Bolojan, who stated he would not resign. The prime minister accused the Social Democrats of “cowardly running” from responsib

Starmer announced on Monday that he had ordered a review into any security concerns that arose during Mandelson’s time in office. This in itself suggests the scandal might expand.
MPs are questioning the extent of access Mandelson had to top secret documents under the UK’s “STRAP” protocol. Access to these high-level documents is complex and varies by situation, with each document havi

Zsolt Hegedűs, known for his dance moves and formerly a surgeon, will be the health minister. Former armed forces chief Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi will take over as defense minister. László Gajdos, director of an award-winning zoo, will become the environment minister, and Szabolcs Bóna, a former farmer, will manage agriculture and the food economy.
The complete cabinet will have 16 ministries, includ

Earlier this month, Janša’s party supported the pro-Russian Resni.ca party’s attempt to have their leader, Zoran Stevanović, elected as speaker of Slovenia’s parliament. This was widely seen as indicating an alliance between the two populist parties. However, after meeting with Pirc Musar on Monday, Janša admitted that his party had not yet secured enough support to return to power.
The populist l

This week is packed with high-level foreign affairs summits and meetings. The EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, begins with a focus on Gaza.
Today, Kallas is hosting continuous events to promote a two-state solution for Israel and Palestinian territories. Ian and Nick discuss the EU’s attempt to position itself as an authority on Gaza’s future and offer an alternative perspective