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Germany has announced a sweeping climate programme aimed at meeting its 2030 targets and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, allocating €8 billion to fund the initiative. The plan comes as concerns grow over rising energy prices and supply disruptions, partly linked to global tensions such as the Iran war. It outlines 67 measures designed to accelerate the country’s transition to cleaner energy.

Europe’s largest economy is targeting a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030 and aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. However, current progress stands at around 48%, with experts warning that existing policies are insufficient. The new strategy focuses on expanding wind energy, boosting electric vehicle adoption, and supporting industries in shifting to low-carbon technologies.

Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said the measures would cut millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions while significantly reducing natural gas and petrol consumption by the end of the decade. The plan also includes efforts to strengthen forests and soil ecosystems, positioning climate action as both an economic and environmental priority.

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Germany is considering new legislation to criminalise pornographic deepfakes following a high-profile case involving actress Collien Fernandes. She has filed a legal complaint in Spain against her former husband, Christian Ulmen, accusing him of spreading manipulated sexual images of her online—claims he denies. The case has sparked nationwide debate over “digital sexualised violence” and exposed gaps in existing laws.

The controversy has mobilised more than 250 prominent women across politics, business, and culture, demanding stronger protections and legal reforms. Proposals include stricter consent laws and recognising gender-based violence such as femicide in criminal codes. Studies in Germany show digital abuse is widespread, particularly among young people, yet only a small fraction of cases are reported to authorities.

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has announced plans to introduce a law making the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography a criminal offence. The move aims to help victims seek justice faster and curb the spread of harmful content. Public protests in Berlin have further highlighted the urgency of tackling online abuse as AI tools make such manipulation increasingly accessible.

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Russia launched its biggest aerial assault on Ukraine within a 24-hour period, deploying a total of 948 drones alongside missiles in attacks across multiple regions. Ukraine’s Air Force reported hundreds of drones striking both overnight and during the day—an unusual tactic—causing deaths and widespread destruction. In his address, Volodymyr Zelensky said the масштаб of the strikes showed Russia had no intention of ending the war.

Western cities, including Lviv, were heavily affected, with damage reported to historic sites such as the Bernardine monastery and nearby residential buildings. Other regions like Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, and Vinnytsia also suffered casualties and infrastructure damage, including a maternity hospital strike. Officials confirmed multiple deaths and dozens injured across the country.

Despite Ukraine intercepting many drones, several strikes hit their targets, highlighting the scale and coordination of the attack. The conflict, ongoing since Russian invasion of Ukraine, continues with near-daily assaults. Meanwhile, peace efforts remain stalled, and Ukrainian officials have urged the world not to overlook the human cost as the war drags on.

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Germany’s military is advancing plans to integrate artificial intelligence into wartime operations, aiming to process battlefield data faster and improve decision-making. Army chief Christian Freuding highlighted lessons from Ukraine, where drones and sensors generate vast amounts of data. AI systems can analyze this information to predict enemy behavior and recommend responses, significantly reducing the time and manpower traditionally required.

Freuding stressed that AI will remain a support tool rather than replacing human judgment. While the technology can enhance speed and efficiency, final decisions will always rest with soldiers. The German army also plans to train these systems using data from both Ukrainian combat experience and its own military exercises, ensuring compatibility with operational doctrines.

Germany intends to align its AI development with NATO standards and is considering both European and U.S. technologies. Freuding noted that American solutions, such as tools developed by Palantir Technologies, may offer quicker deployment advantages. However, concerns around data security and sovereignty will remain key factors in selecting the final system.

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Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen led the Social Democrats to victory in Tuesday’s parliamentary election, but the party slumped to its weakest result since 1903 with just 21.9% of the vote. Her left-wing “red bloc” secured 84 seats—short of the 90 needed for a majority—leaving coalition talks essential for forming a government. Frederiksen expressed pride in her party’s continued popularity despite the disappointing outcome.

The election saw significant losses for the traditional right as well, with the Liberals falling to 10.1%, behind the Green Left SF. With twelve parties on the ballot, the balance of power now rests with the centrist Moderates, holding 14 seats, whose leader, former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, could act as kingmaker. Rasmussen indicated openness to forming a cross-center government, while the Liberals urged him to align with the right bloc.

Frederiksen’s gamble to call early elections, boosted by her handling of US President Donald Trump’s Greenland controversy, did not translate into the expected majority. Domestic issues, including the cost of living, economic stability, welfare, and environmental concerns like pesticide levels in drinking water, dominated voter priorities, signaling a more complex path ahead for Denmark’s next government.

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The Irish government has announced plans to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel in an effort to ease pressure on motorists facing sharp fuel price increases linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The temporary measures, expected to take effect from midnight Wednesday until the end of May, will lower diesel duty by 20 cents per litre and petrol by 15 cents per litre, pending cabinet approval.

Fuel prices have surged in recent days, with diesel rising from around €1.80 per litre to between €2.20 and €2.30, while petrol prices climbed close to €2 per litre. In addition to the duty cuts, authorities are preparing a backdated diesel rebate scheme aimed at supporting hauliers and bus operators, along with reductions for agricultural and green diesel users.

The broader support package, estimated to cost €235 million, will also include targeted energy assistance for pensioners, carers, and people with disabilities. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin noted that recent diplomatic developments involving the United States and Iran had helped lower crude oil prices but declined to confirm whether the changes would alter the government’s planned relief measures.

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Vatican has stated that Catholics may receive organ transplants from animals, endorsing the practice as medical science advances. The guidance supports the use of animal tissues, provided procedures follow ethical standards and avoid cruelty.

The decision addresses xenotransplantation, a process involving the transfer of organs or tissues between species. Pope Leo XIV’s administration reaffirmed that there are no religious objections to such treatments, as long as they are conducted responsibly and transparently.

The Vatican also urged doctors to clearly communicate risks, including possible organ rejection and infections. While still rare, animal-to-human transplants are gaining traction, marking a significant step forward in medical innovation.

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Giorgia Meloni faced a major political setback after Italian voters rejected her proposed judicial reforms in a national referendum. Around 54% voted against the changes, dealing a blow to her right-wing coalition ahead of upcoming elections.

Despite the defeat, Meloni said she would not resign, acknowledging the result while expressing regret over the missed opportunity to modernize Italy’s justice system. The vote saw strong turnout, reflecting deep divisions between the government and the judiciary.

The outcome has weakened Meloni’s political momentum and boosted opposition forces, with centre-left parties now aiming to unite. Analysts suggest the referendum result may reshape the political landscape as the country heads toward future elections.

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Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned aerial military strikes, calling them indiscriminate and urging that they be permanently banned. Speaking in Vatican City, he warned that no one should live in fear of destruction coming from the sky, especially in light of ongoing global conflicts.

Although he did not directly reference the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war involving Iran, the pope criticized the continued use of airpower in warfare, describing it as a regression rather than progress. He emphasized that after the devastating experiences of the 20th century, such tactics should have been eliminated entirely.

The pope has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the conflict, recently labeling it a “scandal to the whole human family.” His remarks came during a meeting with staff from ITA Airways, the airline that typically handles his international travel.

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Slovenia has become the first EU country to introduce fuel rationing in response to supply disruptions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent regional tensions. Private motorists are now limited to 50 litres per day, while businesses and farmers can purchase up to 200 litres. Petrol stations are tasked with enforcing the rules, and stricter limits are encouraged for foreign drivers.

The move comes as “fuel tourism” increases, with drivers from neighbouring Austria crossing into Slovenia to take advantage of lower, regulated prices. While Austria sees petrol prices approaching €1.80 per litre and diesel near €2.00, Slovenian rates remain capped at €1.47 and €1.53, respectively, though an increase is planned.

Reactions among locals are mixed: some view the foreign visitors as a nuisance, causing long queues, while others appreciate the economic boost they bring to shops and restaurants. Prime Minister Robert Golob reassured citizens that Slovenia’s fuel reserves are sufficient and there will be no shortage despite the rationing.

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