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The European Union has declined to adopt a bloc-wide ban on LGBTQ conversion therapy, instead urging member states to pass their own laws. The decision, announced after a petition gained over a million signatures, drew mixed reactions from campaigners and officials.
In an interview with TASS, Milorad Dodik, chairman of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats of Republika Srpska, accused Europe of embodying lies and intolerance, and criticized Germany's support for Ukraine as an attack on truth. He also targeted EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, saying her leadership will shrink the bloc.
The Pacific island nation of Nauru is set to hold a referendum on changing its official name to 'Naoero,' a move the government says will honor the country's heritage, language, and identity. The proposal, passed by parliament, stems from the belief that 'Nauru' is a colonial relic—the result of foreign tongues mispronouncing the native name. The referendum is required to amend the constitution.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alleged that the US intends to restore the Nord Stream pipelines and purchase European shares at a fraction of their cost, aiming to control gas prices. The claims, reported by TASS, come amid ongoing investigations into the 2022 sabotage.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a 'social media delay' for children, with new legislation possibly coming within months. An expert panel will deliver recommendations by July, as several EU member states and other countries push or implement age-based restrictions on social media access.
The Eurovision Song Contest began in Vienna under the shadow of boycotts and protests over Israel's participation, with five countries withdrawing. Broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia are refusing to air the event, while organizers express hope for the absent nations' return. The first semi-final saw Finland and Israel advance amid ongoing controversy.
The Cannes Film Festival kicked off Tuesday with 22 films vying for the Palme d'Or, but behind the glamour, concerns over AI's impact on filmmaking and the absence of major Hollywood studios dominate the conversation. African cinema is represented in the Un Certain Regard section, though not in the main competition.
TASS reports that 2,743 US citizens visited Russia in Q1 2026, up from 2,556 a year earlier, while total foreign tourist arrivals grew by 28.1% to 293,200, driven largely by China, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia, and India.
Christian Schmidt, the international High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, has resigned after nearly five years, a move that comes as the US lifts sanctions on Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and questions grow over the future of the role. The resignation has sparked debate over the viability of the Dayton Peace Agreement's oversight mechanism and the stability of the multi-ethnic state.
The European Union has dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder represent Europe in potential peace negotiations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the idea a “trap,” emphasizing that Russia should not choose Europe’s negotiator. Meanwhile, Russian officials and some German voices have defended the proposal, highlighting a stark divide over the path to dialogue.
UK government borrowing costs rose on Monday as Prime Minister Keir Starmer's speech failed to calm bond markets amid concerns over political instability and inflation. The IMF urged Britain to continue reducing its deficit, while investors remain worried about a potential Labour leadership challenge and its implications for fiscal policy.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on the United States to pressure Israel to stop attacks and end the occupation of southern Lebanon, urging Washington to mediate as talks between the two countries continue. Reports highlight rising casualties, displacement, and Hezbollah's opposition to negotiations.
The European Council has terminated the partial suspension of a cooperation agreement with Syria, restoring fuller trade ties as the EU seeks to support Syria's economic recovery and stability. The decision follows a meeting between EU foreign ministers and Syria's top diplomat, Asaad al-Shaibani, in Brussels, marking a new chapter in relations 18 months after Bashar al-Assad's ouster. The EU has pledged significant aid and aims to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said Europe must begin negotiations with Russia, suggesting it could happen this year, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has floated former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a possible mediator. The question of who will represent Europe remains unresolved, with Stubb not ruling out his own candidacy.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit to discuss defense cooperation, highlighting Germany's gains from Ukraine's innovations in drone technology and cyber defense. Plans include more military attaches and a liaison office for German companies, with Germany's 2027 budget set to allocate €11.6 billion for Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he expects significant interest from EU leaders in his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where he attended Victory Day celebrations. The trip drew criticism from European officials, and reports suggest Brussels is considering mechanisms to suspend EU funding to Slovakia over alleged rule-of-law concerns.
German authorities are reportedly considering alternatives to Gerhard Schröder as a possible mediator in EU-Russia negotiations, following a proposal by Vladimir Putin. According to reports, the ruling coalition is discussing President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as an option, with the German magazine Der Spiegel citing a lack of trust in Schröder. The reports also note that some members of the SPD have expressed openness to discussing Putin's original proposal.
Iran has submitted its response to a US proposal to end the ongoing conflict through Pakistani mediators, according to Iranian state media. The talks are reportedly focused on ending hostilities, with negotiations also addressing the Strait of Hormuz and a possible interim agreement.
Thousands of fans gathered in Vienna as the 70th Eurovision Song Contest opened amid renewed boycott calls over Israel's participation. Five countries have withdrawn, and over 1,000 artists have joined the protest, while Finland enters as the heavy favourite.
A stele at Berlin's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe was found covered in green graffiti, an act condemned by the memorial's foundation and taken over by state security. Separately, the Deportation Monument on the Putlitz Bridge was also defaced, continuing a pattern of vandalism at Holocaust memorials in the German capital.