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France and Greece have renewed their 2021 defence and security pact for an additional five years, with automatic renewal thereafter. President Macron assured Greece of French support in any regional dispute, and both leaders suggested the alliance could serve as a model for European defence.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright says Washington plans to resume sanctions on Russian oil once they are no longer needed to lower energy prices, amid tensions with Iran. The US Treasury has extended a temporary license for Russian oil transactions until May 16, despite political opposition and criticism from Russian officials.
The European Commission has announced a new age-verification app it says is 'technically ready' to help protect children online, but experts and critics have already raised security concerns. The move comes as several EU countries consider age limits for social media, with France's president convening a video call with other leaders to push for a coordinated approach.
As the US-Iran conflict drives up energy costs and strains alliances, Southeast Asia faces tough choices. While some see China gaining ground, a former US diplomat insists Washington remains indispensable.
Bulgarians head to the polls for the eighth time since 2021, with ex-president Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria coalition expected to win on an anti-corruption platform. Radev's stance on Russia and the EU has drawn both support and concern as the country seeks to end political instability.
As the Iran conflict tests the US-UK special relationship, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pushing forward with legislation to align UK standards with the EU, a move supporters say is vital for economic resilience but critics decry as a betrayal of Brexit.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, has accused the European Union of double standards, saying EU sanctions on Tehran and its calls for adherence to international law in the Strait of Hormuz are hypocritical. He also condemned US seizures of Iranian vessels as 'piracy.'
French-born Beninese activist Kemi Seba has been arrested in South Africa on immigration charges and is facing extradition to Benin, where he is wanted for inciting rebellion after supporting a failed coup in December. His lawyer says he has applied for political asylum, claiming he fears for his life if returned to Benin. The case has drawn attention to Seba's anti-Western activism and his ties to Niger's ruling junta.
British counter-terrorism police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a business in Hendon, north-west London, an area with a large Jewish population. The attack follows similar incidents in recent weeks, including a synagogue arson and the torching of Jewish community ambulances, raising concerns amid an upsurge in antisemitic incidents.
Tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese are returning home despite ongoing Israeli shelling and demolitions, as a fragile ceasefire holds. Lebanese authorities report nearly 40,000 homes damaged or destroyed, and aid groups struggle to meet needs.
The Trump administration renewed a one-month waiver allowing countries to buy Russian oil at sea, reversing an earlier decision not to extend sanctions relief. The move aims to ease global energy prices roiled by the US-Israeli war with Iran, but drew criticism from Ukraine and US lawmakers.
Belarusian lawmaker Oleg Gaidukevich said Belarus will never engage in dialogue against its allies, including Russia and China, while confirming ongoing contacts with the United States. He also announced an upcoming congress in Minsk where US and Belarusian representatives are expected to discuss the Ukraine conflict.
Belgian Chief of Defense General Frederik Vansina said the EU intends to prolong the conflict in Ukraine until 2030 to buy time to prepare for a potential military standoff with Russia without US support. He acknowledged that Russia will not attack Europe soon but urged a large-scale military buildup. A Russian security source interpreted his remarks as evidence that Europe does not care about Ukraine's future.
Iran's decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could allow Iraq to export over 20 million barrels of oil from Basrah, according to Iraqi media reports. Meanwhile, Iraq is also resuming oil shipments via a pipeline to Turkey's Ceyhan port, as regional dynamics shift following the Iran war.
In an interview with France 24, former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi discusses the fragility of global alliances, Europe's energy vulnerability, and the need for credible leadership. Renzi, who served from 2014 to 2016, also reflects on his resignation after losing a constitutional referendum.
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz completely open to commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire, leading to a sharp drop in oil prices and a rally in global markets. US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for the move, while the US military maintains a naval blockade, and Iran continues to ban warships from the waterway.
Brent crude futures plunged almost 12% on April 17 after Iran's foreign minister announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, extending a selloff triggered by a US-Iran ceasefire. The move sent ripples through global markets, with Russian oil shares falling and Asian indices surging, while analysts debate the long-term impact on oil prices.
As the Canton Fair opens in Guangzhou, Chinese exporters report a modest return of orders from Southeast Asia, driven by energy market volatility linked to Middle East tensions. Meanwhile, US tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties cast a shadow over the trade fair, though emerging market demand offers some cushion.
Russia was the EU's fourth-largest gas supplier by import value in February 2026, according to Eurostat data reported by TASS. The report comes as the EU implements phased sanctions on remaining Russian gas imports, including a full ban scheduled for 2027. Officials cited in the reports also suggest Russia may seek new markets for its gas exports, including China and India.
Russian officials have warned that European countries are deepening their involvement in the Ukraine conflict by increasing drone production and military assistance, a move Moscow says could escalate tensions. The statements come amid reports of reduced U.S. support for Kyiv and follow Russia's publication of a list of European drone-making facilities.