The vote: Campaigning has ended ahead of Sunday’s election, with 27 presidential tickets competing. A runoff is scheduled for 1 November if required
Main contenders: President Iliana Yotova, backed by Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria, faces former caretaker prime minister Andrey Gyurov, supported by pro-European opposition parties
European stakes: Russia’s war against Ukraine and Black Sea security dominate the campaign, alongside energy prices and inflation in the EU and NATO member states
Presidential influence: Most executive power rests with the government, but the president represents Bulgaria internationally, commands the armed forces and can veto legislation
Sources: BTA, AP, Bulgarian Parliament
Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
More Quick Briefs:
·Foreign Policy·Middle East Relations·Rule of Law·Security·Arab Israelis·Benjamin Netanyahu·Gadi Eisenkot·Israel·Naftali Bennett·Parliamentary Elections·Settler Violence·Yair Lapid
·Foreign Policy·Middle East Relations·Rule of Law·Security·Arab Israelis·Benjamin Netanyahu·Gadi Eisenkot·Israel·Naftali Bennett·Parliamentary Elections·Settler Violence·Yair Lapid
Israel Votes: Security, Democracy and Exclusion ↗︎
Israel’s 27 October election will test Netanyahu’s leadership amid disputes over security, democratic freedoms, Arab political participation and growing international isolation.
→Update (24.10.2026): News: Israel expands military operations across the occupied West Bank after two soldiers killed, displacing around 1,200 Palestinians in Hebron (Reuters)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Israeli forces begin demolishing Palestinian buildings in Hebron after two Israeli soldiers are shot dead (BBC News)
→Update (23.10.2026): Analysis: ECFR explores competing visions of Israel’s identity, security and political future (ECFR)
→Update (23.10.2026): Profile: Gadi Eisenkot offers security-focused alternative to Netanyahu ahead of Israeli elections (Reuters)
→Update (22.10.2026): Commentary: Israel’s security-driven shift challenges its liberal democracy ahead of elections (ECFR)
→Update (21.10.2026): Commentary: Netanyahu’s election campaign promotes fortress mentality amid Israel’s growing international isolation (Le Monde)
→Update (21.10.2026): Commentary: Can Israel break free of Netanyahu as Hungary did of Orbán? (EUobserver)
→Update (21.10.2026): News: Israelis abroad fly home to vote as opposition seeks to unseat Netanyahu (The Japan Times)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Israel’s Ben-Gvir could gain electoral support as young voters turn to the far right (Reuters)
→Update (19.10.2026): Analysis: Deepfakes, bots and AI-driven disinformation raise concerns ahead of Israel’s elections (DW)
→Update (19.10.2026): Arab parties could hold balance of power in Israeli election as Ra’am fields Jewish candidate (Reuters)
→Quick Brief:
→Netanyahu faces former military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s centrist Yashar party and former premier Naftali Bennett’s Together list with Yair Lapid. Neither camp is assured a majority
→Leading contenders reject coalitions with Arab-led parties, despite their potentially decisive seats. This sidelines Arab Israelis and complicates government formation
→Settler violence exposes political differences: after settlers attacked European diplomats on 17 October, Eisenkot condemned “Jewish terror,” while Netanyahu’s office warned against premature conclusions
→War and fears over Israel’s democratic direction have driven some Israelis abroad. The election raises questions about security, civil liberties and international standing, though leadership change alone may not resolve them
→Sources: European Parliament Research Service, AP, Financial Times
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·Inside Europe·Giorgia Meloni·Italy·Milan·Protest·Vandalism
·Inside Europe·Giorgia Meloni·Italy·Milan·Protest·Vandalism
Youth and Police Clash in Milan, Protests Ongoing ↗︎
The police in Milan have arrested over 200 people since the start of the protests against the rising cost of living.
→Update (24.10.2026): News: Thousands protest across Italy over living costs, education and government policies, with tensions reported in several cities (AP News)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Italy to deploy 500 soldiers with police powers to Milan following unrest (POLITICO)
→Quick Brief:
→More than 200 people have been arrested in Milan since the protests kick-started on October 18
→The clashes started on the side of the protests against the rising cost of living
→The police used tear gas and other measures to disperse groups causing distraction in the city
→Meloni has called for a security meeting to address the violence
→Source - Euronews
·Education Policy·Inside Europe·Édouard Geffray·Fires·France·Property Damage·Riot Police·Schools·Student Protests·Unrest
·Education Policy·Inside Europe·Édouard Geffray·Fires·France·Property Damage·Riot Police·Schools·Student Protests·Unrest
French Protests Continue Nationwide ↗︎
High school protests that began near Paris in late September have spread across France, as demands for better education conditions increasingly collide with violence and a tougher government response.
→Update (24.10.2026): News: Hundreds of thousands protest across France over living costs and inequality, with clashes reported in several cities (Reuters)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: French businesses and event venues close as further weekend protests are expected (Reuters)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Macron to meet representatives of France’s student protest movement (POLITICO)
→Update (22.10.2026): Video: Macron criticises foreign leaders’ “stupid comments” on French protests in apparent swipe at Trump (YouTube)
→Update (20.10.2026): France announces major security reinforcements ahead of Yellow Vest protests on 24 October (Euronews)
→Update (20.10.2026): France announces local curfews following nationwide protests (Euronews)
→Update (19.10.2026): News: French PM calls for partial curfews after weekend of violence and looting (RFI)
→Update (19.10.2026): Analysis: Europe’s Biggest Fire Burns Inside (European Relations)
→Update (19.10.2026): News: Macron rejects French interior minister’s offer to resign (Reuters)
→Update (18.10.2026): News: Fire-ravaged Limoges town hall evokes memories of Notre-Dame blaze (Reuters)
→Update (18.10.2026): Podcast: Macron vows to punish rioters amid unrest in France (BBC)
→Update (18.10.2026): News: Mass looting grips Paris amid widespread unrest (RFI)
→Update (17.10.2026): News: Fire engulfs Limoges town hall following protests (RFI)
→Update (17.10.2026): News: Violence erupts during French protests over schools and rising prices (RFI)
→Update (17.10.2026): News: Students, trade unions and Yellow Vests plan nationwide protests (Reuters)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Macron says political forces exploit student protests (RFI)
→Update (10.10.2026): Interview: Sciences Po lecturer argues French student protests reflect deeper grievances beyond rioting or reactionism (EUobserver)
→Update (09.10.2026): News: French student protesters vow to continue demonstrations after securing their first concession from the government (Reuters)
→Update (08.10.2026): Podcast: Are student protests in France actually being fuelled by Mélenchon’s party LFI? (EUobserver)
→Update (08.10.2026): News: French school blockades continue despite PM Sébastien Lecornu’s vague promises to address student demands (Reuters)
→Update (08.10.2026): News: French PM Sébastien Lecornu denies ordering police to confront student protesters (Rapporteur)
→Update (07.10.2026): Podcast: French government holds crisis talks over student protests (BBC)
→Update (06.10.2026): News: French PM Sébastien Lecornu condemns violence at student protests and promises a ‘timeout for democracy’ (RFI)
→Update (06.10.2026): News: France braces for nationwide school blockades and street protests (Reuters)
→Update (06.10.2026): News: Mélenchon doubles down on support for French student protests despite violent clashes (POLITICO)
→Update (05.10.2026): News: French Human Rights League warns police response to school protests reflects broader erosion of rule of law (RFI)
→Update (05.10.2026): News: Teenager loses hand during confrontation between French school protesters and police (BBC)
→Update (03.10.2026): News: French students call for ‘act three’ as school protests seek to maintain momentum (RFI)
→Update (03.10.2026): News: Protests disrupt more than 730 French schools as students call for new rallies (RFI)
→Update (02.10.2026): Interview: Student leader defends France’s school protests against claims of political manipulation (RadioFrance)
→Quick Brief:
→Students are demanding more teachers and funding, smaller classes and better school buildings, while also raising concerns about the university admissions system Parcoursup
→More than 1,000 of France’s roughly 3,700 high schools were affected by actions on 1 October, while around 400 were closed the following day
→Clashes, fires and property damage have accompanied parts of the movement, prompting the government to deploy specialist riot police
→The government says the protests have partly shifted into “urban violence.” Education Minister Édouard Geffray is meeting student and parent representatives, while authorities seek to contain the unrest
→Sources: Le Monde, BBC News
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·Defence·Foreign Fighters·International Legion·Russia·Volunteers
·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·Defence·Foreign Fighters·International Legion·Russia·Volunteers
Foreign Volunteers Within Ukrainian Army ↗︎
Ukraine says thousands of foreign volunteers continue to serve in its armed forces, underscoring sustained international support for the country's defence.
→Update (24.10.2026): Podcast: DW launches new investigative podcast “Call Sign Condor” (DW)
→Update (06.08.2026): News: Ukraine reports 16,000 foreign volunteers from 72 countries serving in its armed forces (Rubryka)
→Quick Brief:
→Ukraine estimates that nearly 16,000 foreign volunteers from more than 70 countries are currently serving in its military
→Many volunteers have joined the International Legion, established shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022
→Ukrainian officials say foreign fighters provide valuable combat experience and specialised military skills
→The continued presence of international volunteers reflects the war's global dimension and Europe's ongoing commitment to Ukraine's defence
→Sources: Euractiv, International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·Europe in the world·Geopolitics·Latin America·Brazil·BRICS·European Union·Flávio Bolsonaro·Jair Bolsonaro·Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva·Presidential elections·Strategic Autonomy·USA
·Europe in the world·Geopolitics·Latin America·Brazil·BRICS·European Union·Flávio Bolsonaro·Jair Bolsonaro·Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva·Presidential elections·Strategic Autonomy·USA
Brazil Presidential Election: Flávio Bolsonaro emerged in pole position with 47 Percent from a first round of voting, next round incoming 25 October ↗︎
Brazil votes on 25 October in the second round of a presidential election between competing political and foreign-policy visions, with implications for the country’s relations with Europe, the United States, China and BRICS.
→Update (24.10.2026): News: Bolsonaro and Lula clash over living costs and corruption in final Brazilian presidential election debate (Reuters)
→Update (24.10.2026): Analysis: How Brazil’s changing working class is reshaping the presidential race (BBC News)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Datafolha poll shows Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula nearly tied ahead of Brazil’s presidential runoff (Reuters)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: Bolsonaro unlikely to derail EU-Mercosur trade deal, but Brussels could (Rapporteur)
→Update (19.10.2026): News: Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro clash in heated presidential debate (Euronews)
→Update (05.10.2026): Analysis: Bolsonaro Jr.’s advance against Lula raises EU concerns over Brazil-Mercosur alliance (EUobserver)
→Update (04.10.2026): News: Flávio Bolsonaro leads Lula as Brazil heads to a runoff (POLITICO)
→Update (03.10.2026): Analysis: Brazil’s cliffhanger election could cost EU a key Latin American ally (EUobserver)
→Quick Brief:
→President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, as the two leading candidates in a field of 12. A runoff will follow on 25 October if no candidate wins a majority
→Lula has pursued strategic autonomy, maintaining relations with Europe and China while strengthening Brazil’s role in BRICS and the Global South
→Bolsonaro represents a different direction, with his campaign associated with closer political alignment with Donald Trump’s United States and the wider conservative movement
→For Europe, the election could shape relations with Latin America’s largest economy, including cooperation on trade, climate and the EU-Mercosur partnership, as Brazil navigates competition between Washington and Beijing
→Sources: Brazilian Electoral Court (TSE), Reuters, POLITICO Europe
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·International Right·National Politics·Security·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·24 February 2022·Diplomacy·Hard Winter·Russia·USA
·International Right·National Politics·Security·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·24 February 2022·Diplomacy·Hard Winter·Russia·USA
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Putin targets Ukraine’s economy and infrastructure, the EU Searches for New Money, and the USA Seems to Be on the Aggressor’s side ↗︎
More than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to resist as the war has evolved from Moscow’s failed attempt at a rapid victory into a prolonged conflict with no political settlement in sight.
→Update (24.10.2026): News: Ukraine says Starlink and Starshield now operate at speeds up to 400 km/h after a week of restrictions (Reuters)
→Update (23.10.2026): Analysis: ISW says Putin’s historical claims signal territorial ambitions in Ukraine beyond Donetsk Oblast (Institute for the Study of War)
→Update (23.10.2026): Analysis: Ukrainian officials report continued Starlink and Starshield speed restrictions affecting military operations (ISW)
→Update (23.10.2026): Analysis: ISW challenges the narrative of inevitable Russian victory in Ukraine (Institute for the Study of War)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: EU plans to cover two-thirds of new €70 billion funding package for Ukraine (Rapporteur)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: Brussels considers new funding agreement to support Ukraine (Rapporteur)
→Update (22.10.2026): Analysis: ISW says Kremlin seeks US economic concessions to sustain Ukraine war (Institute for the Study of War)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: Russian missiles strike Kyiv as Ukrainian drones target Russia (Reuters)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: EU seeks UK, Canadian and Japanese support to close Ukraine’s €70 billion funding gap for 2027 (EUobserver)
→Update (21.10.2026): News: Heavy Russian casualties emerge from fighting near Dobropillia in Ukraine (EUobserver)
→Update (21.10.2026): News: Bulgaria refuses to help close Ukraine’s funding gap (Rapporteur)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy says US resumed intelligence sharing after talks with Rubio in Oslo (Newscord)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Kallas accuses US of pushing Ukraine towards surrender (Rapporteur)
→Update (20.10.2026): Analysis: Starlink speed restrictions continue and limit Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian strike drones (ISW)
→Update (20.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine needs another €70 billion as EU faces funding challenge (Euronews)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to visit Norway (Norwegian Government)
→Update (19.10.2026): Analysis: Ukrainian officials report continued disruptions to US assistance (ISW)
→Update (19.10.2026): News: Zelensky speaks to US envoys as Trump accuses him of not wanting to end the war (Le Monde)
→Update (19.10.2026): News: Putin seeks Ukraine summit with Trump and Xi but refuses talks with Zelenskyy (Euronews)
→Update (19.10.2026): Analysis: How dependent is Ukraine on US-controlled Starlink? (DW)
→Update (18.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones using Starlink and Starshield remains unclear (ISW)
→Update (18.10.2026): News: Rubio says Trump may take 60 days to decide on Russia sanctions (Reuters)
→Update (18.10.2026): Analysis: Putin targets Ukraine’s economy through intensified airstrikes (DIE ZEIT)
→Update (17.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy urges neighbours to allow Ukrainian grain transit (Reuters)
→Update (17.10.2026): Analysis: Trump-Zelenskyy rift threatens vital US support for Ukraine (Reuters)
→Update (16.10.2026): Commentary: ECFR argues Europe should increase support for Ukraine in response to Putin’s escalating attacks (ECFR)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy warns US-Russia diesel deal could weaken sanctions (EUobserver)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy rallies European allies as relations with Trump deteriorate (Le Monde)
→Update (16.10.2026): Analysis: ISW reports continued Russian deportations of Crimean Tatars and alleged forced transfers of Ukrainian civilians and children (ISW)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: White House reportedly ordered Starshield restrictions in Ukraine (Reuters)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy urges EU unity, more funding and Russia sanctions (EUobserver)
→Update (15.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine reportedly regains unrestricted SpaceX Starshield access (ISW)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Zelenskyy says Ukraine will resume strikes on Russian oil refineries (Reuters)
→Update (15.10.2026): Analysis: Ukrainian strikes expose Russian digital infrastructure vulnerabilities (POLITICO)
→Update (14.10.2026): Interview: Zelenskyy says Ukraine is losing the US as a strong partner (Reuters)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Black Sea becomes new front in Russia-Ukraine grain export war (EUobserver)
→Update (14.10.2026): Analysis: SpaceX’s Starshield restrictions threaten Ukrainian drone operations (ISW)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: UK to accelerate missile deliveries to Ukraine (Rapporteur)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Andy Burnham backs Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s UK visit (POLITICO)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Russian strikes hit 30 Ukrainian energy facilities despite reported ceasefire agreement (Reuters)
→Update (13.10.2026): News: Ukraine reports record Russian casualties as Moscow seeks recruits (EUobserver)
→Update (12.10.2026): News: US hopes diesel deal will ease Moscow peace talks (Reuters)
→Update (12.10.2026): Analysis: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment (ISW)
→Update (12.10.2026): News: EU adopts nearly 1,600 new sanctions listings targeting Russia (Reuters)
→Update (12.10.2026): News: European leaders criticise Trump’s plan to buy Russian diesel, warning it undermines support for Ukraine (POLITICO)
→Update (11.10.2026): News: European leaders rally behind Zelenskyy after Trump calls for a new Ukrainian leader (POLITICO)
→Update (10.10.2026): Analysis: Putin falsely blames Ukraine for stalled peace talks despite Russia’s refusal to make concessions (ISW)
→Update (09.10.2026): Analysis: Trump and Putin agree to waive sanctions on Russian diesel, potentially funding Russia’s war in Ukraine (ISW)
→Update (09.10.2026): Analysis: Civilians in Russian-occupied Oleshky reportedly forced to eat dogs to survive amid severe humanitarian crisis (EUobserver)
→Update (08.10.2026): Analysis: Europe’s far-right surge threatens NATO defence spending commitments and continued military aid to Ukraine (POLITICO)
→Update (07.10.2026): Analysis: Russian mass drone and missile strikes across Ukraine kill or injure at least 135 civilians, including four children (ISW)
→Update (06.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine deploys AI-controlled machine-gun turrets against Russian jet-powered drones over Kyiv (EUobserver)
→Update (05.10.2026): Analysis: Russian drone strike injures Moldovan citizen for the first time at Ukraine-Moldova border crossing (ISW)
→Update (04.10.2026): News: Kyiv bridge hit during German Chancellor’s snap visit (Rapporteur)
→Update (04.10.2026): Interview: EU envoy in Kyiv urges stronger air defences and hybrid war response, saying Putin ‘understands only strength’ (EUobserver)
→Update (03.10.2026): Analysis: Russia strikes Kyiv bridge to disrupt transport, economy and civilian life (ISW)
→Update (02.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine deploys domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile for first time (EUobserver)
→Update (02.10.2026): Analysis: Putin portrays European responses to Russian threats as aggression (ISW)
→Update (02.10.2026): Analysis: Russia governs occupied Oleshky through humanitarian decline (ISW)
→Update (30.09.2026): Analysis: Russia begins winter campaign targeting Ukraine’s energy security (ISW)
→Update (30.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s war chest is running low at a critical moment (POLITICO)
→Update (30.09.2026): News: Russian air strikes kill three and injure seven in and around Kyiv (Reuters, MarketScreener)
→Update (29.09.2026): Analysis: Russian drone strikes Kyiv research institute and explodes near EU embassy (EUobserver)
→Update (29.09.2026): News: Zelenskyy says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia (Reuters)
→Update (28.09.2026): News: Ukraine regains territory and captures POWs in frontline push (POLITICO)
→Update (28.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s Operation Vivaldi uses deception to liberate five settlements north of Lyman (ISW)
→Update (28.09.2026): News: Kremlin says Ukraine is ‘paying the price’ for attacks on Russia (Reuters)
→Update (26.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s new counteroffensive tactics could help break positional warfare and restore tactical manoeuvre (ISW)
→Update (25.09.2026): Analysis: Russia intensifies strikes on Ukraine’s data centres and telecommunications infrastructure (ISW)
→Update (24.09.2026): News: Russian missile attack on Kyiv kills civilians and damages residential areas (Reuters)
→Update (23.09.2026): Analysis: Russian tank survives 40 drone strikes, suggesting mechanised warfare could make comeback (EUobserver)
→Update (23.09.2026): Analysis: Kremlin rejects proposed energy ceasefire and reiterates maximalist war demands (ISW)
→Update (23.09.2026): Analysis: Kremlin uses sham elections to manufacture legitimacy in occupied Ukraine (ISW)
→Update (22.09.2026): News: Ukraine races to counter new jet-powered Russian drones (BBC)
→Update (22.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Ministry of Defence falsely claims encirclement of Dobropillya as part of cognitive warfare campaign (ISW)
→Update (22.09.2026): Analysis: Western tech helps funnel foreign recruits into Russia’s war (POLITICO)
→Update (21.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s largest Moscow air raid overwhelms defences and hits key oil refinery (EUobserver)
→Update (20.09.2026): Analysis: Russia secretly plans to expand kamikaze drone production (POLITICO) massively
→Update (20.09.2026): News: Ukrainian drones hit Moscow oil refinery, killing two (Reuters)
→Update (19.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Ministry of Defence exaggerates battlefield gains ahead of UN General Assembly (ISW)
→Update (18.09.2026): Analysis: Tusk reveals classified estimates of Ukrainian battlefield casualties (EUobserver)
→Update (18.09.2026): Analysis: Kremlin denies post-election mobilisation amid fears of public backlash (ISW)
→Update (18.09.2026): Podcast: Ukraine faces mounting pressure ahead of wartime winter (ECFR)
→Update (17.09.2026): Analysis: Russia pushes to capture Dobropillia before autumn conditions worsen (EUobserver)
→Update (17.09.2026): Analysis: Russia continues deporting Ukrainian female political prisoners to distant penal colonies (ISW)
→Update (17.09.2026): News: Russia targets passenger trains to undermine Ukraine’s economy and morale (POLITICO)
→Update (16.09.2026): Analysis: Ukrainian forces reportedly advance beyond Zherebets River (EUobserver)
→Update (16.09.2026): Analysis: Putin frames Duma elections as referendum on Ukraine war (ISW)
→Update (15.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine hits record number of Russian refineries as Trump pushes energy ceasefire (EUobserver)
→Update (15.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s Operation Vivaldi disrupts Russia’s Fortress Belt encirclement (ISW)
→Update (14.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine races to counter Russia’s jet-powered drones (POLITICO)
→Update (14.09.2026): Analysis: Zelensky reiterates readiness for mutual energy strikes moratorium (ISW)
→Update (13.09.2026): Analysis: Russian strikes near Polish border signal growing escalation (ISW)
→Update (12.09.2026): Analysis: Ukraine disrupts Russia’s Donbas offensive plans (ISW)
→Update (13.09.2026): Analysis: Anthropic AI joins Ukraine war after Russian exploitation (EUobserver)
→Update (11.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment (ISW)
→Update (10.09.2026): Analysis: Russia spent over €110bn on the war so far in 2026 (EUobserver)
→Update (10.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment (ISW)
→Update (10.09.2026): Analysis: Russian Occupation Update (ISW)
→Update (10.09.2026): Analysis: Zelenskyy gambles on pressure to force Putin into peace talks (POLITICO)
→Update (09.09.2026): Analysis: Russia’s claimed Kharkiv encirclement lacks evidence (EUobserver)
→Update (09.09.2026): News: Zelenskyy’s plane nearly hit by drone en route to Oslo (Euronews)
→Quick Brief:
→Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, expecting rapid military gains, but its attempt to seize Kyiv failed as Ukrainian forces resisted
→The failed initial offensive developed into a long war of attrition, with Russia occupying Ukrainian territory while Ukraine continues to defend itself and strike Russian military and economic targets
→Winter has repeatedly intensified pressure on civilians: Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine’s electricity and heating infrastructure, causing widespread outages and disruption
→Diplomacy has not ended the war: renewed US-led efforts have so far failed to bridge fundamental differences between Moscow and Kyiv, while Russian military operations continue
→Sources: UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Reuters, Associated Press
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·Eastern Europe·Russia·Bulgaria·Drone Strike·European Defense·Russian Threat
·Eastern Europe·Russia·Bulgaria·Drone Strike·European Defense·Russian Threat
Bulgaria Summons Russia’s Envoy After Drone Attack; Attacks Continue in Black Sea ↗︎
Following the drone attacks off the coast of Bulgaria on October 13, Russia's Ambassador to Bulgaria was summoned as 11 of the sailors from the sunken ship remain missing.
→Update (24.10.2026): Parliamentary Vote: European Parliament votes on escalating Russian strikes affecting the EU, particularly the Black Sea region (EP Votes)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Drone strikes another ship in the Black Sea near Romania, killing at least one sailor (POLITICO)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: NATO to deploy aircraft and drones over Black Sea following attacks on shipping (Reuters)
→Update (17.10.2026): News: Romania scrambles F-16 jets after detecting aerial targets near Snake Island (Romanian Ministry of Defence)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Seven missing after tanker fire off Romanian coast (POLITICO)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Romania proposes joint NATO Black Sea command with Bulgaria (Rapporteur)
→Update (13.10.2026): Commentary from Bulgaria: Time to stop deceiving ourselves - Russia poses a security threat to Bulgaria (Webcafe Bulgaria)
→Quick Brief:
→Eleven sailors are still missing after a drone attack off the coast of Bulgaria
→Two cargo ships were hit by drones during the night of October 13th according to Bulgarian officials
→In response to the incident Bulgaria summoned Russia's Ambassador
→Bulgaria does not explicitly accuse Russia of the attacks but its Prime Minister said this "benefits" Russia
→Source: Reuters
·National Politics·Aleksandr Vučić·Serbia
·National Politics·Aleksandr Vučić·Serbia
Serbian Elections: Vučić Wants to become next Prime Minister Following Nationwide Protests ↗︎
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced his resignation and early elections after months of anti-government protests that have become the biggest challenge to his 12 years in power.
→Update (24.10.2026): News: OSCE/ODIHR monitors Serbia’s elections (OSCE/ODIHR)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Serbia’s student protests challenge President Vučić’s grip on power ahead of elections (POLITICO)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Hundreds of thousands gather for student-led rally in Serbia (Rapporteur)
→Update (22.10.2026): Analysis: Serbian election observers warn of voter influence through Vučić’s “helicopter money” payments (CRTA)
→Update (22.10.2026): Analysis: Can Serbia’s student-led movement challenge Vučić’s political system in the elections? (EUobserver)
→Update (20.10.2026): Analysis: Five post-election scenarios for Serbia’s political future under Vučić (ECFR)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Council of Europe sends election observers to Serbia ahead of parliamentary vote (Council of Europe)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Serbia accuses EU election observers of political bias (Rapporteur)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: International observers warn of electoral irregularities ahead of Serbia’s parliamentary elections (Associated Press)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: OSCE deploys international observers for Serbia’s parliamentary elections on 25 October (OSCE Parliamentary Assembly)
→Update (14.10.2026): Video: Serbian volunteers prepare to closely monitor elections (DW)
→Update (12.10.2026): News: European Parliament sends seven observers to monitor Serbia’s elections (Srpske)
→Update (28.09.2026): News: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announces resignation and plans to become prime minister (Le Monde)
→Update (09.09.2026): News: Vučić calls snap election after dissolving Serbian parliament (POLITICO)
→Quick Brief:
→Aleksandr Vučić announced that he will resign in the coming weeks following 18-months of anti-government protests
→He announced his intention to campaign for the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in the upcoming parliamentary elections
→His electoral list is going to be called "United Serbia" reminiscent of Putin's "United Russia"
→Vučić's second term as president would end at the end of May next year.
→Source: EURACTIV
·Human Rights·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·Famine·Food crisis·Humanitarian Crisis·Oleshky·Russia
·Human Rights·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·Famine·Food crisis·Humanitarian Crisis·Oleshky·Russia
Food Crisis Deepens in Occupied Oleshky, Hope for the Civilians? ↗︎
Civilians in Russian-occupied Oleshky face an escalating humanitarian crisis as food shortages, mines and drone attacks leave residents increasingly isolated and make evacuation extremely difficult.
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Russia and Ukraine reportedly agree to a limited ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshky, Kherson Oblast (ISW)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: Italian MEP launches hunger strike over humanitarian crisis in Russian-occupied Oleshky (EUobserver)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Kremlin pledges humanitarian assistance amid worsening food crisis in Russian-occupied Oleshky (Reuters)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: Pope contacts Putin over reported famine in Russian-occupied Oleshky (Vatican News)
→Quick Brief:
→Around 2,000 people are estimated to remain in Oleshky, down from about 24,000 before the full-scale invasion
→Regular food deliveries have been cut off since 26 May, leaving basic products increasingly unavailable
→Drones, mines and ongoing fighting make supply routes and evacuations extremely dangerous, while residents also struggle to access medical care
→Ukraine says it is ready to evacuate civilians with international support, but Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of blocking humanitarian access and evacuation efforts
→Sources: DW, UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Kyiv Independent
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·African Relations·Europe in the world·Foreign Policy·Geopolitics·Human Rights·International Right·Migration·Security·Al-Burhan·Chad·Dagalo·Egypt·European Union·Gold·Iran·Libya·Red Sea·Refugees·Russia·SAF·UAE·United Nations
·African Relations·Europe in the world·Foreign Policy·Geopolitics·Human Rights·International Right·Migration·Security·Al-Burhan·Chad·Dagalo·Egypt·European Union·Gold·Iran·Libya·Red Sea·Refugees·Russia·SAF·UAE·United Nations
Sudan’s War and Europe’s UAE Ties ↗︎
Sudan’s civil war is sustained by foreign support, gold revenues and competition for Red Sea influence, while Europe faces scrutiny over its UAE ties.
→Update (23.10.2026): News: BBC reports allegations that Sudan’s RSF fighters deliberately targeted hospitals (BBC News)
→Update (21.10.2026): News: UN-led Sudan peace talks in Geneva end without breakthrough (United Nations)
→Quick Brief:
→War and displacement: Since April 2023, al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have fought Dagalo’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). At least 59,000 deaths have been recorded, likely an undercount. Over 14 million people have fled their homes, including more than four million abroad
→Foreign backing: Egypt, Turkey and Iran support the SAF. The UAE allegedly backs the RSF, though it denies it. UN investigators identified RSF supply networks involving actors in Chad, Libya and Somalia
→Gold and ports: Gold finances the war. Russia has cultivated ties across the conflict through gold and military interests while pursuing a Red Sea naval base at Port Sudan
→EU pressure: The EU provides aid and bans imports of Sudanese gold. Human Rights Watch criticises Brussels for insufficiently confronting the UAE and underusing its trade leverage over alleged RSF support
→Sources: AP, Reuters, UK Government, ISPI, EU Council, Human Rights Watch
→Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
·Environmental Policy·National Politics·Albania·Edi Rama·EU membership·Flamingo-Revolution·Jared Kushner·Protests
·Environmental Policy·National Politics·Albania·Edi Rama·EU membership·Flamingo-Revolution·Jared Kushner·Protests
Albania Suspends Kushner Resort Amid EU Pressure, “Flamingo Revolution” Stays Firm and Rama Struggles ↗︎
Albania has reportedly suspended the controversial Kushner-backed luxury resort project on Sazan Island while environmental and anti-corruption investigations proceed.
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Tens of thousands rally in Serbia ahead of elections (DW)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Albanian opposition and ruling-party lawmakers scuffle in parliament over student protests (Euronews)
→Update (18.10.2026): News: Albanian PM warns mass protests threaten EU membership, not government (Reuters)
→Update (17.10.2026): News: Albanian anti-government protesters clash with police in Tirana (Reuters)
→Update (17.10.2026): News: Young Albanian lawmaker demands change amid nationwide protests (Reuters)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Albanian PM condemns chaos amid violent protests (RFI)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Albanian PM Rama refuses to resign amid protests (Reuters)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Violent anti-government protests erupt in Albania’s capital (Le Monde)
→Update (02.10.2026): News: Albania’s PM to US Democrats: Don’t use us to get revenge on Trump (POLITICO)
→Update (07.09.2026): Commentary: Flamingo protests test Albania’s European future (BirdLife International)
→Update (01.09.2026): News: Albania’s anti-government protests turn confrontational (Albanian Daily News)
→Update (July 24, 2026): Albanian police clash with protesters over resort construction, protests continue (BNN)Update (July 13, 2026): Jared Kushner-Backed Resort Project Hits New Speed Bump As Forged-Deed Claims Emerge (Zerohedge)
→Update (July 05, 2026): Protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama (AP)
→Update (July 01, 2026): Greens/EFA mission to Albania 29.06.-01.07.2026 (Greens)
→Update (June 28, 2026): “Flamingo Revolution” spreads further, threatening government of PM Edi Rama (DW)Update (June 15, 2026): Protests escalate further about the Kushner resort (The Independent)
→June 09, 2026:
→Project suspended pending an environmental impact assessment
→EU pressure increased, warning Albania to comply with environmental rules tied to EU membership
→An anti-corruption investigation is underway into the project's land ownership and legal status
→Mass protests continue, with demonstrators demanding that the project be cancelled entirely
→Prime Minister Edi Rama insists environmental protections will be respected and that the investment will benefit Albania's economy
→IntelliNews, Euronews
→Interested in the topic? Check for more here: Politico
·Diplomacy·Economic Policy·European Governance·National Politics·Technology and Digital Policy·Transatlantic Relations·Canada·European Union·Mark Carney·SAFE·Unique Alliance·USA
·Diplomacy·Economic Policy·European Governance·National Politics·Technology and Digital Policy·Transatlantic Relations·Canada·European Union·Mark Carney·SAFE·Unique Alliance·USA
Canada Eyes Closer EU Alliance ↗︎
Canada is exploring an unprecedented new relationship with the European Union as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to reduce dependence on the United States and deepen economic and security ties with Europe.
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Senior MEP calls for concrete action to strengthen EU-Canada relations (Euronews)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: EU and Canada strengthen ties amid Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy, with Britain watching closely (Euronews)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: Germany leads opposition to Canada’s proposed EU associate membership (POLITICO)
→Update (30.09.2026): News: EU and Canada to announce sweeping new partnership pact (POLITICO)
→Update (22.09.2026): News: EU and Canada to unveil new partnership, but it may not be ‘associate membership,’ says ambassador (POLITICO)
→Update (20.09.2026): News: Costa says EU wants ‘closest possible relationship’ with Canada (POLITICO)
→Update (18.09.2026): Analysis: EU-Canada partnership could become model for other democracies (Euronews)
→Update (17.09.2026): News: Details emerge on Canada’s EU associate membership offer (EUobserver)
→Update (17.09.2026): News: EIB chief heads to Ottawa as EU-Canada ties deepen (POLITICO)
→Update (17.09.2026): News: Trump calls potential EU-Canada associate membership a ‘hostile act’ (Financial Times)
→Update (17.09.2026): Address to the European Parliament by Mark Carney (YouTube)
→Update (16.09.2026): News: Canada keeps EU ‘associate membership’ label at arm’s length (Euractiv)
→Update (15.09.2026): Analysis: How far can EU-Canada alliance go? (Euronews)
→Update (14.09.2026): Commentary: Canada’s unique alliance with EU is already taking shape (EUobserver)
→News: Canada eyes EU associate membership amid US tensions (Euronews)
→Commentary: EU should offer Canada deeper defence ties (ECFR)
→Quick Brief
→Carney says Canada is not seeking EU membership, but wants a “unique alliance” that could bring the country substantially closer to the bloc
→Ideas under discussion include easier movement of goods, services and workers, alongside deeper cooperation in defence, AI, energy and critical minerals
→Canada is already moving closer to EU structures: it became the first non-European country to participate in the EU’s SAFE defence instrument in 2026
→The shift comes as Canada-US trade tensions intensify, pushing Ottawa to diversify beyond its traditionally dominant economic relationship with its southern neighbour
→Sources: Reuters, Prime Minister of Canada, Council of the European Union
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
