24Brussels – Breaking News from Brussels & Europe

Oliver Devereaux

China, Russia, Iran diplomats hold nuclear talks
China, Russia, Iran diplomats hold nuclear talks

China, Russia, Iran diplomats hold nuclear talks

Senior diplomats from China, Russia and Iran have gathered in Beijing to talk about Iran’s nuclear program. China has called for a “diplomatic” Iran nuclear solution. Diplomats from China, Russia and Iran met in Beijing
3 minutes ago
Germany's Merz in Paris for talks with President Macron
Germany's Merz in Paris for talks with President Macron

Germany’s Merz in Paris for talks with President Macron

After securing the largest share in the German election, Conservative party leader Friedrich Merz has met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. They discussed European security in the face of a shifting
2 weeks ago
German election: CDU/CSU, SPD begin preliminary talks
German election: CDU/CSU, SPD begin preliminary talks

German election: CDU/CSU, SPD begin preliminary talks

Friedrich Merz aims to swiftly form government after his conservative bloc’s February 23 election win. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil stressed a coalition with the CDU/CSU was “not automatic” amid key policy disagreements.
2 weeks ago
Brave Sir Keir Runs Away from the Battle
Brave Sir Keir Runs Away from the Battle

Brave Sir Keir Runs Away from the Battle

LONDON – Almost exactly 50 years ago, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” hit cinemas – a mercilessly sarcastic parody of Britain’s national myth: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round
2 weeks ago
Thailand criticized for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China
Thailand criticized for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China

Thailand criticized for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China

Thailand has deported a group of Uyghurs to China against their will, where they say they face torture and ill-treatment. Germany, the US, Australia and the UN are now condemning the decision.
2 weeks ago
Fenerbahce boss Mourinho banned for 'offensive' comments
Fenerbahce boss Mourinho banned for 'offensive' comments

Fenerbahce boss Mourinho banned for ‘offensive’ comments

Jose Mourinho, the manager of Fenerbahce, has been fined and banned by Turkey’s football federation for four matches after he made derogatory remarks against Turkish referees. Fenerbahce’s coach Jose Mourinho has been
2 weeks ago
Oldest known Holocaust survivor dies aged 113
Oldest known Holocaust survivor dies aged 113

Oldest known Holocaust survivor dies aged 113

After having survived the Nazi pogroms and escaped to New York via China, Rose Girone passed away on Monday. Aged 108, Mirjam Bolle is now believed to be the oldest living Holocaust
2 weeks ago
Mexico extradites 29 drug traffickers to US
Mexico extradites 29 drug traffickers to US

Mexico extradites 29 drug traffickers to US

Mexico’s removal of major drug cartel figures comes as the country seeks to dissuade Trump from slapping 25% tariffs on Mexican goods. The extradition is Mexico’s largest in years. Mexican authorities on Thursday
2 weeks ago
German election: CDU/CSU and SPD to begin preliminary talks
German election: CDU/CSU and SPD to begin preliminary talks

German election: CDU/CSU and SPD to begin preliminary talks

Germany’s conservative CDU/CSU bloc, which won last week’s elections, and the Social Democrats plan to begin initial exploratory talks on Friday about the possibility of forming a coalition government. The conservative CDU/CSU bloc led
2 weeks ago
Police probe arson attack linked to Tesla plant in Berlin
Police probe arson attack linked to Tesla plant in Berlin

Police probe arson attack linked to Tesla plant in Berlin

Police in Germany are investigating what they describe as an “assumed” arson attack at a Berlin construction site after activists reportedly claimed responsibility. German police said on Wednesday they are investigating an “assumed” arson
2 weeks ago
Trump says he will slap European goods with 25% tariff
Trump says he will slap European goods with 25% tariff

Trump says he will slap European goods with 25% tariff

President Trump has said the European Union has taken advantage of the US. He said the bloc was formed “in order to screw the United States.” US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that European
2 weeks ago
Sudan: UN food agency pauses aid in famine-hit refugee camp
Sudan: UN food agency pauses aid in famine-hit refugee camp

Sudan: UN food agency pauses aid in famine-hit refugee camp

The World Food Program has halted aid distribution in the Zamzam camp in North Darfur. WFP officials said intensified fighting between the military and RSF paramilitary forced them to stop providing the
2 weeks ago
Romania: Prosecutors probe canceled election front-runner
Romania: Prosecutors probe canceled election front-runner

Romania: Prosecutors probe canceled election front-runner

Far-right populist Calin Georgescu, who won the first round of the annulled presidential elections in Romania last year, is accused, among other things, of promoting antisemitism and spreading false information. Romanian prosecutors said
2 weeks ago
Germany: Shots fired outside Bielefeld court
Germany: Shots fired outside Bielefeld court

Germany: Shots fired outside Bielefeld court

Four people were injured after shots were fired outside a court building in the northwestern German city of Bielefeld. Four people were injured, one of them critically, after three shots were fired
2 weeks ago
Sudan: More than 40 killed in military plane crash
Sudan: More than 40 killed in military plane crash

Sudan: More than 40 killed in military plane crash

A military aircraft crashed outside of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, killing both military personnel and civilians. The army has been engaged in an internal conflict in Sudan for nearly two years. At
2 weeks ago
Middle East: Gaza ceasefire back on after hostage deal
Middle East: Gaza ceasefire back on after hostage deal

Middle East: Gaza ceasefire back on after hostage deal

Israel and Hamas agreed overnight to resume a prisoner swap, meaning the fragile ceasefire in Gaza can continue. Egyptian mediators said on Wednesday that a deal had been secured between Hamas and Israel to exchange the
2 weeks ago
Taiwan dispatches forces as China holds live-fire drills
Taiwan dispatches forces as China holds live-fire drills

Taiwan dispatches forces as China holds live-fire drills

China’s state news agency has reported that a high-ranking political leader had called for a greater reunification push this week. Taiwan on Wednesday dispatched naval, air and land forces in response to China’s “live-fire” drills
2 weeks ago
Freedom declined globally, but bright spots in Asia
Freedom declined globally, but bright spots in Asia

Freedom declined globally, but bright spots in Asia

The report said that political violence and armed conflict fueled the 19th straight year of decline of global freedom. But 34 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Syria registered improvements. Freedom
2 weeks ago
EU launches Clean Industrial Deal to overhaul energy sector
EU launches Clean Industrial Deal to overhaul energy sector

EU launches Clean Industrial Deal to overhaul energy sector

The Clean Industrial Deal will support renewable energy sources within the European Union. The EU is facing cheaper competition from abroad and the threat of US tariffs. The European Commission will outline its Clean
2 weeks ago
Trump touts $5 Million 'gold card' visas for the rich
Trump touts $5 Million 'gold card' visas for the rich

Trump touts $5 Million ‘gold card’ visas for the rich

The US President says the card would offer residency and a path to citizenship and attract ‘wealthy people.’ US President Donald Trump on Tuesday revealed plans to sell new “gold card” US residency permits at $5 million
2 weeks ago
US: DOGE employees resign over destruction
US: DOGE employees resign over destruction

US: DOGE employees resign over destruction

Some 21 employees from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have said they won’t use their skills to “dismantle critical public services.” Undeterred, Elon Musk repeated threats to fire federal workers. On
2 weeks ago
German election: Merz to 'intensify' SPD coalition talks
German election: Merz to 'intensify' SPD coalition talks

German election: Merz to ‘intensify’ SPD coalition talks

Conservative leader Friedrich Merz says he aiming to close a coalition agreement with the SPD in a “short time.” Meanwhile, talks are ongoing on how to increase defense spending. Christian Democrat (CDU) leader
2 weeks ago
Syrian conference seeks way forward after Assad ouster
Syrian conference seeks way forward after Assad ouster

Syrian conference seeks way forward after Assad ouster

Syria has held a wide-based conference on the country’s future after the ouster of Bashar Assad. But although the interim president stressed unity, minority groups complained of under-representation. Around 600 people from
2 weeks ago
Russian security chief boosts ties with Indonesia's Subianto
Russian security chief boosts ties with Indonesia's Subianto

Russian security chief boosts ties with Indonesia’s Subianto

Indonesia, southeast Asia’s largest economy, has long maintained a neutral foreign policy. But President Prabowo Subianto appears keen to deepen defense and security ties with Russia. Senior Russian security official Sergei Shoigu
2 weeks ago
MH370: Search resumes to find missing plane 11 years on
MH370: Search resumes to find missing plane 11 years on

MH370: Search resumes to find missing plane 11 years on

A major tech firm has started a new hunt for a Malaysia Airlines plane that vanished more than 10 years ago, officials say. The disappearance of flight MH370 remains one of aviation’s
2 weeks ago
Taiwan detains China-crewed ship after undersea cable cut
Taiwan detains China-crewed ship after undersea cable cut

Taiwan detains China-crewed ship after undersea cable cut

Taiwanese officials say the vessel, which had a Chinese crew but was flying a Togolese flag, had been lingering in waters close to the damaged underwater cable. It’s the fifth such incident
2 weeks ago
Germany: Suspected Hamas cell members face terrorism trial
Germany: Suspected Hamas cell members face terrorism trial

Germany: Suspected Hamas cell members face terrorism trial

Four men suspected of belonging to a clandestine Hamas cell are charged with preparing terror attacks in Europe. They are accused of creating arms depots under orders from the Palestinian Islamist group’s
2 weeks ago
South Korea: 4 dead in bridge collapse
South Korea: 4 dead in bridge collapse

South Korea: 4 dead in bridge collapse

At least ten workers fell from an elevated piece of highway in the city of Anseong. Authorities said the cause of the highway collapse could not immediately be determined. At least four construction
2 weeks ago
South Korea's Yoon faces final impeachment hearing
South Korea's Yoon faces final impeachment hearing

South Korea’s Yoon faces final impeachment hearing

The eight-judge bench of South Korea’s Constitutional Court will hear from Yoon Suk Yeol before they decide his fate. South Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to make a closing
2 weeks ago
Sudan: MSF halts operations in famine-hit displacement camp
Sudan: MSF halts operations in famine-hit displacement camp

Sudan: MSF halts operations in famine-hit displacement camp

Violence engulfing the Zamzam camp in North Darfur forced the medical charity out, imperiling the lives of nearly half a million displaced people. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced on Friday
2 weeks ago
Morocco says it has broken up 'Islamic State' cell
Morocco says it has broken up 'Islamic State' cell

Morocco says it has broken up ‘Islamic State’ cell

The north African country’s counterterrorism unit said it had foiled attacks planned by a 12-member terror cell in the Sahel region. Authorities described their plans as an “imminent dangerous terrorist plot.” Morocco’s
2 weeks ago
France: Trial of doctor accused of mass sex abuse underway
France: Trial of doctor accused of mass sex abuse underway

France: Trial of doctor accused of mass sex abuse underway

The 74-year-old documented his crimes, noting his victims’ details and the nature of the abuse. He is already serving jail time on separate charges. A former French surgeon went on trial charged with raping
2 weeks ago
Human toll of Russia's war in Ukraine explained in graphics
Human toll of Russia's war in Ukraine explained in graphics

Human toll of Russia’s war in Ukraine explained in graphics

Three years on, Russia’s war in Ukraine has reduced infrastructure to rubble and displaced millions. Though estimates of the number of people killed in the invasion vary, the human tragedy is indisputable.
3 weeks ago
A guide to Germany's political parties
A guide to Germany's political parties

A guide to Germany’s political parties

Here’s a look at Germany’s political parties — CDU, CSU, SPD, FDP, Left Party, Greens, AfD, BSW — who they are and what they want. Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU)
3 weeks ago
EU leaders in Kyiv on third anniversary of Russia's invasion
EU leaders in Kyiv on third anniversary of Russia's invasion

EU leaders in Kyiv on third anniversary of Russia’s invasion

On the third anniversary of the Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has honored his country’s resilience. Meanwhile, the UN is scheduled vote on rival resolutions on Ukraine.  European Union leaders arrived
3 weeks ago
Germany: Strikes paralyze Düsseldorf and Cologne airports
Germany: Strikes paralyze Düsseldorf and Cologne airports

Germany: Strikes paralyze Düsseldorf and Cologne airports

Passengers at Düsseldorf and Cologne-Bonn airports faced massive flight cancellations and delays on Monday. A separate strike has been called at Munich Airport later in the week. The airports of Cologne-Bonn and
3 weeks ago
Spain busts South American sex-trafficking pipeline
Spain busts South American sex-trafficking pipeline

Spain busts South American sex-trafficking pipeline

Police say they have arrested 48 people, including three ringleaders, accused of trafficking more than 1,000 women from Colombia and Venezuela. The women were lured with false job ads. Police in southeastern
3 weeks ago
Ukraine: Zelenskyy offers to quit in return for NATO entry
Ukraine: Zelenskyy offers to quit in return for NATO entry

Ukraine: Zelenskyy offers to quit in return for NATO entry

The Ukrainian president said would resign “immediately” if his country was offered NATO membership. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday he would quit as Ukraine’s head of state in exchange for the country gaining NATO membership. “If there
3 weeks ago
Middle East: Nasrallah funeral draws large crowds
Middle East: Nasrallah funeral draws large crowds

Middle East: Nasrallah funeral draws large crowds

Huge crowds gathered in Beirut for the funeral of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Meanwhile, Israel has not yet released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an
3 weeks ago
Vietnam approves bold reforms to streamline ministries
Vietnam approves bold reforms to streamline ministries

Vietnam approves bold reforms to streamline ministries

Vietnam’s Parliament has green-lighted bureaucratic reforms, slashing ministries, agencies and broadcasters to reduce red tape and boost growth. The changes risk short-term disruption but may offer long-term benefits. Vietnam’s communist government plans
3 weeks ago
Sweden investigating new reports of Baltic Sea cable damage
Sweden investigating new reports of Baltic Sea cable damage

Sweden investigating new reports of Baltic Sea cable damage

Sweden’s coast guard has dispatched a vessel to waters east of Gotland. A number of telecommunications and power cables have been damaged in the Baltic Sea in recent months. Swedish authorities said
3 weeks ago
Chinese naval 'live-fire' drills spark concern in Australia
Chinese naval 'live-fire' drills spark concern in Australia

Chinese naval ‘live-fire’ drills spark concern in Australia

The drills sparked a warning to airlines flying between Australian airports and New Zealand. Australia voiced concern Friday over Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises off its coast in the Tasman Sea. “It is, as I understand
3 weeks ago
German election: Parties face off over Ukraine, NATO, Trump
German election: Parties face off over Ukraine, NATO, Trump

German election: Parties face off over Ukraine, NATO, Trump

Top German politicians and chancellor candidates, in a final TV debate, traded blows over topics such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, defense expenditures, and healthcare. The debate kicked off with a discussion
3 weeks ago
Middle East: Explosions hit empty buses in Tel Aviv suburb
Middle East: Explosions hit empty buses in Tel Aviv suburb

Middle East: Explosions hit empty buses in Tel Aviv suburb

Several explosions hit empty buses in central Israel. Authorities said other explosive devices were disabled. Israeli police said three buses exploded in a southern suburb of Tel Aviv. Authorities have referred to the
3 weeks ago
Pope Francis' condition 'improving slightly,' Vatican says
Pope Francis' condition 'improving slightly,' Vatican says

Pope Francis’ condition ‘improving slightly,’ Vatican says

Hospitalized for double pneumonia, Pope Francis’ condition was improving slightly. He has no fever, and his blood analyses are stable, the Vatican said. Pope Francis’ overall condition was “improving slightly” and his
3 weeks ago
India's Kumbh Mela brings up environmental challenges
India's Kumbh Mela brings up environmental challenges

India’s Kumbh Mela brings up environmental challenges

Hosting the world’s largest religious gathering comes with big environmental challenges. However, spiritual leaders in India used the festival to champion environmental sustainability Nearly one-third of India’s 1.4 billion plus population descended on the Maha
3 weeks ago
South Africa postpones budget in 'unprecedented' step
South Africa postpones budget in 'unprecedented' step

South Africa postpones budget in ‘unprecedented’ step

The African National Congress and Democratic Alliance disagree over proposed VAT increases, casting doubt on the ruling coalition’s ability to govern. South Africa on Wednesday took the “unprecedented” step of postponing its budget
3 weeks ago
Rubiales found guilty of sexually assaulting Hermoso
Rubiales found guilty of sexually assaulting Hermoso

Rubiales found guilty of sexually assaulting Hermoso

Former Spain FA chief Luis Rubiales has been convicted of sexual assault for kissing Jennifer Hermoso. The verdict was delivered much sooner than expected. Former Spanish football federation President Luis Rubiales has been
3 weeks ago
South Korea: President Yoon faces criminal trial
South Korea: President Yoon faces criminal trial

South Korea: President Yoon faces criminal trial

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to face charges of orchestrating a rebellion. He is the first South Korean president to stand trial in a criminal case. South Korea’s impeached
3 weeks ago
Mexico: 'Nothing illegal' about US drone flights
Mexico: 'Nothing illegal' about US drone flights

Mexico: ‘Nothing illegal’ about US drone flights

After US media reported an increase in drone flights over Mexican territory, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum insisted that they form part of a yearslong collaboration between the two countries. The president of Mexico, Claudia
3 weeks ago
Trump tariffs would up US prices for German cars
Trump tariffs would up US prices for German cars

Trump tariffs would up US prices for German cars

A German car association called tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump a “provocation” that would increase prices for US consumers. The group also said any further tariffs would “directly hit the American
3 weeks ago
German election: Afro-Germans hope for a better future
German election: Afro-Germans hope for a better future

German election: Afro-Germans hope for a better future

Immigration is one of the biggest political concerns in the upcoming German election on February 23. The African diaspora talks to DW about their hopes and fears. “If these elections could bring
3 weeks ago
Germany: Public transport strike called for Friday
Germany: Public transport strike called for Friday

Germany: Public transport strike called for Friday

Trade union Verdi said local transport services in six states will come to a standstill after negotiations for a wage increase failed to reach a breakthrough. Public transport employees in six German states will
3 weeks ago
Middle East: Trump's Gaza plan rejected by UAE
Middle East: Trump's Gaza plan rejected by UAE

Middle East: Trump’s Gaza plan rejected by UAE

The UAE President told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio they oppose a plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza. His statement on the issue comes ahead of a key summit in Saudi
3 weeks ago
Donald Trump's trio for the Balkans
Donald Trump's trio for the Balkans

Donald Trump’s trio for the Balkans

President Trump’s new team for the Balkans includes some familiar faces with close ties to Serbia: son-in-law Jared Kushner, former special envoy Richard Grenell and ex-governor Rod Blagojevich. The first weeks of Donald
3 weeks ago
Pakistan: Gunmen kill seven Punjabis in bus attack
Pakistan: Gunmen kill seven Punjabis in bus attack

Pakistan: Gunmen kill seven Punjabis in bus attack

Gunmen in Pakistan’s Balochistan province attacked a bus and killed passengers of Punjabi origin, authorities said. Attacks targeting Punjabi laborers have been on the rise. Gunmen killed seven passengers aboard a bus
3 weeks ago
Brazil prosecutor charges Bolsonaro with 2022 coup plot
Brazil prosecutor charges Bolsonaro with 2022 coup plot

Brazil prosecutor charges Bolsonaro with 2022 coup plot

Brazil’s former leader, Jair Bolsonaro, is formally charged with attempting a coup to stay in office after losing the 2022 election. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro knew and agreed to a plan to poison
3 weeks ago
US: Judge won't block Musk from firing federal workers
US: Judge won't block Musk from firing federal workers

US: Judge won’t block Musk from firing federal workers

US President Donald Trump’s administration scored a victory when a judge opted not to immediately stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from ordering the firing of federal workers or accessing the databases of seven
3 weeks ago
Uganda deploys troops to DR Congo to repel militias
Uganda deploys troops to DR Congo to repel militias

Uganda deploys troops to DR Congo to repel militias

The Ugandan troop deployment comes as the Congolese army faces a major challenge from rebel groups seeking to control the mineral-rich region. Uganda’s army said on Tuesday that its troops would be
3 weeks ago
Germany: Funeral held for former President Horst Köhler
Germany: Funeral held for former President Horst Köhler

Germany: Funeral held for former President Horst Köhler

Horst Köhler spent most of his early life as a refugee and became a highly popular president. He was also lauded for his post-presidency activism. The state funeral for former German President Horst
3 weeks ago
Tesla starts hiring in India after Modi and Musk meet
Tesla starts hiring in India after Modi and Musk meet

Tesla starts hiring in India after Modi and Musk meet

The electric carmaker posted 13 job openings in Mumbai and New Delhi days after its CEO Elon Musk met Indian PM Modi last week. India has recently lowered taxes on high-end cars.
3 weeks ago
Canada: Plane crash injures 18 at Toronto airport
Canada: Plane crash injures 18 at Toronto airport

Canada: Plane crash injures 18 at Toronto airport

A passenger plane crashes on landing in Toronto, with the 80 passengers possibly narrowly escaping disaster. A Delta regional jet overturned in Canada while landing Monday at Toronto Pearson Airport after a blizzard, injuring
3 weeks ago
Pope Francis in 'complex' health situation
Pope Francis in 'complex' health situation

Pope Francis in ‘complex’ health situation

In a brief statement, the Vatican announced that the pope’s respiratory infection requires a new course of treatment. The infection has kept him hospitalized longer than a 2023 battle with pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed
3 weeks ago
US: Heavy rains and flooding kill 9
US: Heavy rains and flooding kill 9

US: Heavy rains and flooding kill 9

Flooding in the US has killed at least eight adults and one child, authorities said. Thousands have been left without access to power and drinking water. Heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the US killed
4 weeks ago
Canadian warship passing through Taiwan Strait irks China
Canadian warship passing through Taiwan Strait irks China

Canadian warship passing through Taiwan Strait irks China

The Taiwan Strait separates Taiwan from mainland China, and Beijing claims jurisdiction over the maritime territory. Earlier this month, two US vessels also crossed the waterbody. China’s military on Monday said a Canadian
4 weeks ago
MSC 2025: France plans Ukraine summit amid US fallout
MSC 2025: France plans Ukraine summit amid US fallout

MSC 2025: France plans Ukraine summit amid US fallout

European and US leaders have diverged on how to deal with Russia’s war on Ukraine during the Munich Security Conference. German Chancellor Scholz, along with others, has been critical of US comments.
4 weeks ago
Austria stabbing 'Islamist attack,' interior minister says
Austria stabbing 'Islamist attack,' interior minister says

Austria stabbing ‘Islamist attack,’ interior minister says

A Syrian asylum seeker suddenly attacked passersby in Villach, killing a teenager and injuring five others. Austria’s interior minister said the perpetrator was linked to the so-called “Islamic State” group. The perpetrator
4 weeks ago