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EU Leaders Push for Increased Defence Spending Amid U.S. Uncertainty

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European Union leaders are set to endorse bold measures to boost defence spending and reaffirm support for Ukraine during a high-stakes summit in Brussels on Thursday. The meeting, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, comes amid growing concerns over the U.S.’s shifting stance on military aid under Donald Trump. French President Emmanuel Macron has stressed the need for Europe to prepare for its own security, even suggesting that France’s nuclear arsenal could be extended to protect EU allies. Meanwhile, Germany is moving to loosen borrowing limits to fund additional defence spending, and the European Commission has proposed mobilizing up to €800 billion for European defence.

Despite widespread European support for Ukraine, internal divisions remain, with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatening to veto a statement backing Kyiv. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has proposed a military aid pledge of at least €20 billion for Ukraine in 2025, but disagreements persist over contributions, with Nordic and Baltic nations urging larger commitments from France, Italy, and Spain. Paris, Rome, and Madrid reject claims they are not doing enough, arguing that public figures do not fully reflect their military contributions.

The summit highlights the deepening geopolitical rift as Europe seeks to bolster its security in the face of a potentially reduced U.S. role. Trump’s mixed signals on NATO and Ukraine have fueled concerns about European defence autonomy, prompting urgent discussions on coordinated military efforts. While most EU nations are eager to reassure Ukraine of continued support, Orban’s opposition underscores lingering fractures within the bloc. European leaders are now working to finalize concrete defence measures and financial commitments to safeguard the continent’s security.

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Serbian Parliament Erupts in Chaos as Opposition Protests Intensify

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Serbian opposition lawmakers ignited smoke grenades and used pepper spray inside parliament on Tuesday in a dramatic protest against the government, supporting ongoing student-led demonstrations. The chaos erupted after the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) approved the legislative agenda, prompting opposition members to scuffle with security guards. Amid the mayhem, SNS lawmaker Jasmina Obradovic suffered a stroke and was hospitalized in serious condition.

The unrest follows four months of protests sparked by the collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad last November, which killed 15 people. Demonstrators, including students, teachers, and farmers, accuse the government of corruption and incompetence, demanding justice for the victims. Outside parliament, hundreds of protesters held a silent vigil, while inside, opposition lawmakers disrupted the session with whistles and horns, holding signs calling for a “general strike” and “justice for those killed.”

Despite calls for a transitional government to ensure fair elections, President Aleksandar Vucic and his allies have rejected the demand, alleging foreign interference in the unrest. While parliament was set to approve increased funding for universities, tensions escalated over the planned acknowledgment of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s resignation. The session was adjourned and is set to resume on Wednesday, as opposition leaders urged for a major rally in Belgrade on March 15.

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Scottish Painter Jack Vettriano Dies at 73 in France

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Renowned Scottish artist Jack Vettriano, best known for his iconic painting The Singing Butler, has passed away at the age of 73. His publicist confirmed that he was found dead in his apartment in Nice, France, on Saturday, with local reports stating there were no suspicious circumstances. Remembered as a deeply private and humble man, Vettriano gained widespread popularity for his evocative paintings depicting themes of romance, mystery, and nostalgia.

Born in 1951 into a coal mining family in Methil, Scotland, Vettriano took up painting in his early twenties and was largely self-taught. His breakthrough came in 1988 when two of his paintings sold at the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show, leading to a successful career despite criticism from the art establishment. The Singing Butler fetched a record-breaking £744,800 at auction in 2004, and a reinterpretation by Banksy is expected to sell for up to £5 million this week.

Vettriano’s later work became more overtly erotic, mirroring his own hedonistic lifestyle, which included struggles with drugs and alcohol. Despite his immense commercial success, he often clashed with art critics, believing their disapproval stemmed from jealousy and his lack of formal training. “I am a melancholic romantic,” he once said, describing his paintings as both a celebration of women and a reflection of human desires. His legacy lives on through his captivating and widely admired artwork.

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Acting Leader Badra Gunba Wins Presidential Election in Abkhazia

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Acting President Badra Gunba has secured victory in Abkhazia’s presidential election, winning nearly 55% of the vote against opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba, who garnered just under 42%, according to preliminary results from the region’s electoral commission. The election follows months of political turmoil that saw former leader Aslan Bzhania ousted after mass protests against an investment deal with Russia. In a speech following his win, Gunba vowed to make Abkhazia “independent, free, and prosperous.”

Abkhazia, a Russia-backed breakaway region of Georgia, has been grappling with an electricity crisis caused by low water levels at a key hydroelectric plant and extensive cryptocurrency mining. The Georgian government condemned the election as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as most countries recognize Abkhazia as part of Georgia. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Gunba on his victory, reinforcing Moscow’s strong ties with the territory.

Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia after a war in the early 1990s, with Russian support, and Moscow officially recognized the region following the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. Despite heavy reliance on Russia for political and economic stability, some Abkhazians remain wary of growing Russian influence. The region has experienced political instability, with Gunba’s win marking the third time since 2014 that an Abkhazian leader has been forced out by mass protests.

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Jamaica Moves to Remove King Charles as Head of State, Sparks Debate on Full Decolonization

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Jamaica is pushing forward with a bill to remove King Charles as its head of state, reflecting a growing shift away from colonial ties. Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ government introduced the bill in December, setting the stage for a parliamentary debate and a potential national referendum. However, critics argue that the proposed method of selecting a new president—appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the opposition leader—risks creating a symbolic rather than substantive change.

Opposition groups, including the People’s National Party (PNP), and civil rights advocates are calling for deeper reforms, including the adoption of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as Jamaica’s final court of appeal, replacing the London-based Privy Council. Many argue that maintaining the Privy Council contradicts the country’s push for independence and could discourage public support for the referendum. PNP leader Mark Golding emphasized the need for “full decolonization” rather than a phased approach.

The bill, expected to pass the lower house where the governing Jamaica Labour Party holds a majority, will require opposition support in the upper house before heading to a public vote. If passed, the referendum—likely by next year—will need a two-thirds majority to take effect. However, with a general election also on the horizon, the timeline for Jamaica’s break from the monarchy remains uncertain.

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UK Regulator to Probe Conflicts of Interest in Private Asset Management

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The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced an investigation into potential conflicts of interest at firms managing private assets, warning of possible adverse impacts on investors. As money managers shift focus to private markets—such as infrastructure and credit funds—amid declining interest in actively-managed stocks, the regulator aims to ensure that investor interests are not compromised. Unlike publicly-traded assets, private market investments lack liquidity and price transparency, heightening risks for investors.

In a letter to market participants, the FCA highlighted concerns over firms operating in overlapping business lines, which could lead to conflicts of interest. The regulator will evaluate how firms implement their conflict-of-interest frameworks and expects updated procedures to manage these risks as private markets expand. The FCA emphasized that governance bodies must oversee these frameworks effectively to protect investor outcomes.

Additionally, the FCA published a speech by its executive director, Sarah Pritchard, addressing leverage-related risks in private markets. Speaking at an Investment Association roundtable, Pritchard acknowledged that leverage supports well-functioning markets but warned of vulnerabilities when poorly managed. She cautioned that excessive leverage, lack of transparency, or concentrated risks could amplify instability and erode confidence during economic shocks.

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Musicians Protest UK’s AI Copyright Law with Silent Album Release

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More than 1,000 musicians, including Kate Bush and Cat Stevens, have released a silent album titled Is This What We Want? to protest proposed changes to Britain’s copyright laws. The UK government is considering allowing artificial intelligence developers to train their models on any legally accessible material unless creators explicitly opt out, a move that artists argue undermines copyright protections and threatens their livelihoods. The album features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces to symbolize the potential consequences for musicians.

The proposal, part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s vision to make Britain an AI superpower, has sparked widespread criticism from the creative community. Opponents, including Annie Lennox, Hans Zimmer, and The Clash, warn that the changes would allow AI companies to use artists’ work for free, making it harder for human creators to compete. Ed Newton-Rex, founder of the nonprofit Fairly Trained, stated that while the UK can lead in AI, it should not come at the expense of its world-renowned creative industries.

A government spokesperson defended the proposal, stating that the current copyright and AI regulations were limiting the potential of creative industries, media, and the AI sector. They emphasized that no final decisions had been made and that extensive consultations with stakeholders would continue. The public consultation on the legal changes closed on Tuesday, with many in the music industry urging the government to reconsider its approach.

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Moldova Urges Clergy to Speak Out Against Russia’s War in Ukraine

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Moldova’s government has called on the country’s Orthodox clergy to “tell the truth” about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the destruction of around 500 places of worship since the war began. Government spokesperson Daniel Voda made the appeal on Sunday, highlighting that the conflict is not just about territorial control but also the devastation of religious sites. His remarks come amid a growing rift between Moldova’s Orthodox churches, with many parishes shifting allegiance from the Moscow-linked Moldova Metropolis to the Romania-linked Metropolis of Bessarabia.

While the Moscow-affiliated church in Moldova insists it has condemned the war from the start and has provided aid to thousands of Ukrainian refugees, media reports suggest that some priests continue to support Russia’s actions. The church has acknowledged that groups of clergy have taken pilgrimages to Russian holy sites with financial backing from Moscow. Despite these divisions, Metropolitan Vladimir, head of the Moscow-linked church, maintains that he prays for peace and refrains from mentioning Russian President Vladimir Putin in his services.

Moldova’s religious schism mirrors the country’s complex history, as its territory has shifted between the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and Greater Romania. The Romania-linked Metropolis of Bessarabia has increasingly aligned with Moldova’s aspirations to join the European Union by 2030. With more than 90% of Moldovans adhering to Orthodox Christianity, the ongoing church split underscores deeper geopolitical and social shifts within the nation.

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Suspect Arrested in Berlin Holocaust Memorial Stabbing Ahead of German Election

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Berlin police have arrested a suspect in connection with the stabbing of a man at the city’s Holocaust memorial on Friday evening. The victim suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, though his life was not in danger. Authorities have not disclosed the identity or motive of the attacker, and forensic investigations are ongoing at the site, which is located near the U.S. Embassy.

The attack, which occurred just two days before a pivotal national election, has heightened tensions in Germany amid a series of recent violent incidents. Witnesses reported seeing the two men approach each other before the sudden stabbing, and trauma counseling was provided at the scene. The area surrounding the 4.7-acre memorial, which commemorates the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, was sealed off as police continued their investigation.

This incident comes as Germany grapples with security concerns during a contentious election season, with polls suggesting a far-right party could secure second place for the first time in nearly a century. Recent violent attacks, including a fatal stabbing involving an Afghan immigrant and a deadly car ramming at a Christmas market, have fueled debates over immigration and national security. Earlier on Friday, an 18-year-old ethnic Chechen was also arrested for allegedly planning an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Berlin.

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British Journalist Charlotte Alice Peet Missing in Brazil for Over 10 Days

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A British journalist, Charlotte Alice Peet, 32, has been missing in Brazil for more than 10 days, according to the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents (ACIE). Peet, who had worked as a freelancer for Al Jazeera and British news outlets, last contacted a friend in Rio de Janeiro on February 8, expressing plans to visit the city and find accommodation. However, the friend was unable to host her, and Peet’s family in Britain later reported losing contact with her.

Authorities in Sao Paulo are leading the investigation based on Peet’s last known whereabouts. The ACIE confirmed that her family has provided local authorities with details of her flight to Brazil and a copy of her passport to assist in the search. Sao Paulo’s public security office stated that the case is being handled by the 5th Missing Persons Unit, which is working to locate her and uncover more details about her disappearance.

The foreign press association has urged Brazilian authorities to intensify their efforts to find Peet. Concerns over her safety have grown, with journalists and human rights groups closely following developments. The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by foreign correspondents working in the region.

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