Europe Arms Up With €150 Billion Defense Fund

Eastern Europe

EU Unveils €150 Billion Defense Fund to Reduce U.S. Reliance

The European Union has announced SAFE (Strategic Autonomy and European Forces), a proposed €150 billion fund aimed at strengthening the bloc’s defense capabilities and decreasing dependence on the United States. The fund would help EU member states procure arms faster, ramp up domestic weapons manufacturing, and unify military standards across countries. Officials say the move is a response to both Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and fears over U.S. disengagement. Proponents hail the plan as a major step toward European strategic autonomy, but critics warn it lacks transparency and risks being co-opted by large defense contractors. The proposal still requires approval by all 27 member states.

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Romania’s far-right populist George Simion lost the presidential runoff to centrist Nicușor Dan, preserving the country's pro-EU direction. Simion has not yet conceded. Read more

Russia and Ukraine completed the war’s largest prisoner exchange yet, releasing 390 prisoners on each side. The swap follows the first direct talks between the two combatants. Read more

Asia & the Pacific

ASEAN Confronts Tariffs, Territorial Disputes, and Myanmar at 46th Summit

The 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur will be dominated by a trio of challenges: U.S. tariffs on Southeast Asian exports, China’s maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea, and the unrelenting violence in post-coup Myanmar. While Malaysia’s Prime Minister urged unity and stronger regional cooperation, internal divisions continued to hinder collective action. Several member states pushed for renewed efforts to engage the Myanmar junta and coordinate a humanitarian response, but progress remained limited. Meanwhile, leaders warned that rising trade barriers and global uncertainty threaten economic growth across the region. The summit once again highlighted ASEAN’s growing relevance—and its persistent struggles to speak with one voice.

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Donors, including China, pledged more than $220 million to the World Health Organization ahead of the United States’ planned withdrawal. Officials say the funding will help stabilize essential health services worldwide. Read more

Torrential rains triggered deadly landslides in southern China, killing at least four and leaving 17 missing. Emergency crews continue search and rescue efforts as rains persist. Read more

Middle East

Some Aid Reaches Gaza as Blockade Slightly Eases

After weeks of international pressure and worsening humanitarian conditions, Israel has slightly eased its blockade of Gaza, allowing a small convoy of aid trucks carrying baby food, flour, and medical supplies to enter the enclave. While the development marks the first movement of basic goods in nearly a month, aid agencies caution that the supplies are a fraction of what is needed. The United Nations and Red Cross report that hospitals remain overwhelmed, food is scarce, and 90% of Gaza’s population have been forced to flee their homes. Palestinian authorities say continued restrictions on fuel and medical equipment are crippling relief efforts. The move comes as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.

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Lebanon launched a formal plan to disarm Palestinian factions operating inside its refugee camps, following months of deadly clashes. The effort is being coordinated with Palestinian authorities and local leaders. Read more

The EU has lifted all economic sanctions on Syria, following Washington’s move to do the same last week. Read more

Africa

Former DR Congo President Loses Immunity Over M23 Ties

Joseph Kabila, who served as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2019, has lost his legal immunity amid allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group. The group, which has been behind a series of deadly attacks in eastern Congo, is accused of war crimes and displacing over a million people. A court ruling opens the door for Kabila to be formally investigated for financing and coordinating with the group to destabilize rivals. His political allies have dismissed the charges as politically motivated. Nonetheless, the case marks an unprecedented legal challenge to one of Africa’s most controversial former leaders.

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In Malawi, a HeForShe campaign is taking on “sex-for-fish” abuse that exploits women in lakeside communities. The program promotes local accountability and gender equity. Read more

Over 300 workers were trapped in a South African gold mine after a shaft collapse, but most are now safely resurfacing, according to union leaders. An investigation is underway. Read more

Latin America & the Caribbean

Bolivia’s President Arce Solidifies Control with Party Nominee Pick

President Luis Arce tightened his grip over Bolivia’s ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) party this week by installing his protégé, Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo, as the party’s 2025 presidential nominee. The nomination immediately drew backlash from former President Evo Morales and his supporters, who accuse Arce of subverting internal party processes. Del Castillo faces a serious challenge from senate president Andrónico Rodríguez, who was expected to secure the MAS nomination on a unity ticket but is now contesting the election with a new party. The dispute signals deepening divisions within Bolivia’s left, even as the MAS remains the country’s most powerful political force.

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Dozens were injured in Argentina after pension reform protests outside Congress turned violent. Riot police clashed with demonstrators opposing austerity measures. Read more

Two aides to Mexico City’s Mayor were murdered this week, further highlighting the country’s rising political violence ahead of elections. Investigations are ongoing. Read more

Good News Around the World

Marine protected areas in the EU must now be shielded from trawling, according to a new court ruling. Conservation groups celebrated the landmark decision.

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A 105-year-old Thai athlete stole the show at the World Masters Games, where he competed in multiple track events. He says he hopes to inspire other seniors to stay active.

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A new rapid test for brain tumors could transform cancer care, allowing doctors to identify malignancies in under 30 minutes. Experts call it a game changer.

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