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EU Court Orders Bloc-Wide Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages

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The European Union’s top court has ruled that same-sex marriages must be legally recognised across all member states, even if national laws do not permit such unions. The decision came after Poland refused to acknowledge the marriage of two Polish citizens who wed in Germany and later returned to Poland. The court stated that denying recognition violated the couple’s fundamental rights, including freedom of movement and family life.

The ruling emphasised that EU citizens must be guaranteed the ability to maintain a “normal family life” within the bloc, regardless of where they reside. Although the judgment does not compel member states to legalise same-sex marriage domestically, it prohibits discrimination against couples whose marriages are legally recognised in another EU country.

The case has intensified debate within Poland, where same-sex marriage remains illegal and LGBTQ+ rights are politically contentious. While the current government is preparing a civil partnership bill, progress has been slowed by internal resistance and opposition from conservative leaders, including President Karol Nawrocki, who has pledged to veto any legislation seen as challenging traditional marriage definitions.

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Zuma Family Rift Deepens Over Alleged Russia Recruitment

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South Africa is facing a political storm after Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, filed a criminal complaint accusing her sister, MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, of recruiting South African men to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. Zuma-Mncube alleges 17 men were deceived into believing they were travelling to Russia to train as bodyguards for Jacob Zuma’s political party, Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK).

Police have confirmed they are investigating the claims, while Zuma-Sambudla has not responded publicly. The South African government previously acknowledged distress calls from citizens who said they had been lured into mercenary groups with promises of lucrative jobs. Analysts warn that high unemployment—over 30% nationally and even higher among youth—makes many vulnerable to such schemes.

The allegations come as Zuma-Sambudla already faces terrorism-related charges connected to unrest in July 2021, when violent protests after Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment left more than 300 people dead. She denies wrongdoing and says the case is politically motivated. The accusations add new pressure on the MK party, which Zuma formed after his presidency and led to third place in last year’s elections.

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Belgian Airports Shut Down as Nationwide Strike Escalates

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Belgium is preparing for severe disruption this week as unions launch a three-day national strike in protest against Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s austerity plans aimed at reducing the country’s high debt. The action spans multiple sectors, with teachers, healthcare workers, and waste collectors joining rolling walkouts, and public transport facing major interruptions beginning Monday. The strikes are set to culminate in a nationwide general stoppage on Wednesday.

Transport services are already heavily affected, with national rail operator SNCB running only part of its schedule and several Eurostar routes between Brussels and Paris cancelled. The country’s main airports—Bruxelles-Zaventem and Charleroi—have warned passengers of significant disruption, announcing that all departures on Wednesday will be cancelled and arrivals may also be affected due to staff participation in the strike.

Unions argue that proposed reforms to labour rules, pensions, and unemployment benefits threaten welfare security, demanding fair pensions and new taxation measures including a wealth and digital tax. Belgium’s government, which has recently reached a budget agreement, says the reforms are essential to safeguard the welfare system amid a deficit of 4.5% of GDP and debt above 104%.

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German Family-Business Group Eases Ban on AfD Contacts

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Germany’s association of family-owned companies has lifted its ban on engaging with lawmakers from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), reflecting the party’s rising acceptance in sections of the business sector as it gains strength in national polls. Just two years ago, leading industry figures warned that right-wing extremism posed a threat to Germany’s global reputation and ability to attract investment and skilled labour.

The shift comes as the AfD has surged to first place in multiple nationwide surveys after coming second in February’s federal election. Association president Marie-Christine Ostermann said that political indignation alone is no longer effective and argued that addressing the AfD’s positions directly is more productive. While she maintained that the organisation rejects the AfD’s ideology and opposes the party’s participation in government, she stressed the need for dialogue given its support from around 25% of voters.

The association is among the first major business groups to advocate for more engagement with the AfD, though others remain firmly resistant. The BDI industry association said it does not seek contact with radical parties, warning that the AfD’s populist agenda risks undermining the stable economic environment on which Germany’s industry relies.

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Finland Tops Happiness Despite Economic Strain

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Finland has retained its title as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, according to the annual World Happiness Report, despite facing economic challenges. Rising unemployment, stagnating growth, and a strain on public finances are testing the Nordic nation, yet citizens like 33-year-old Juho-Pekka Palomaa remain resilient. Palomaa, who has been unemployed for over 1,000 days, credits Finland’s social safety net for helping him cope, even as some welfare benefits are being trimmed.

The Finnish economy has struggled since Nokia’s collapse in 2014 and has faced further pressure from sanctions on Russia, disrupted trade, and weaker tourism. The Bank of Finland forecasts minimal growth of 0.3% this year, down from 0.4% last year, while unemployment hovers near 10%, and youth unemployment among 15- to 24-year-olds reaches 21.2%.

Despite these challenges, pensions remain largely protected, reflecting the country’s enduring commitment to social security. Experts attribute Finland’s continued happiness to a strong collaborative spirit and resilience among its citizens, helping the nation maintain high levels of well-being even amid economic headwinds.

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Ukrainian Soldiers Divided Over US Draft Peace Plan: Anger, Defiance and Reluctant Acceptance

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Frontline Ukrainian soldiers have reacted sharply to a leaked draft US peace proposal, expressing a mix of anger, defiance and reluctant acceptance. Speaking to the BBC via social media and email, several troops rejected the idea of conceding territory and limiting military strength. Yaroslav, serving in eastern Ukraine, said the plan “sucks… no one will support it,” while an army medic known as Shtutser called it an “absolutely disgraceful draft.” Another soldier, Matros, said the proposals undermine years of sacrifice and would “disregard the lives of fallen soldiers and civilians.”

One of the most contentious elements of the draft is the suggestion that Ukraine give up control of the entire Donbas region, parts of which it has defended since 2014. Snake, a soldier on the front line, argued that abandoned and devastated towns are no longer worth prolonged loss of life, saying “let them take it.” However, others insist surrendering territory would nullify everything the country has fought for. The proposal also suggests reducing Ukraine’s armed forces from more than 800,000 to 600,000 troops, a move some say could weaken national security, although others argue it is necessary for economic recovery and peace.

Security guarantees and political reforms remain key areas of debate. The draft rules out NATO membership but pledges US assurances if Russia launches another attack, while also proposing fresh elections within 100 days of war’s end. Some troops express mistrust in both Europe and the US, doubting their ability to protect Ukraine. Yet despite widespread frustration and dissatisfaction, one message is clear: many are exhausted by the prolonged conflict and would support any plan capable of ending the war. As soldier Andrii put it, “If it stops the war, then it works for me.”

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Spain’s Chief Prosecutor Resigns After Supreme Court Leak Verdict

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Spain’s chief prosecutor, Alvaro Garcia Ortiz, has resigned after the Supreme Court ruled last week that he was guilty of leaking confidential information relating to a tax fraud case involving the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, a regional leader from the opposition Popular Party. The verdict marks a major setback for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s leftist coalition government, which appointed Garcia Ortiz in 2022 and has consistently defended him.

In a resignation letter addressed to Justice Minister Felix Bolaños and seen by Reuters, Garcia Ortiz said he was stepping down out of “profound respect” for the judicial system, even before the court’s sentence banning him from serving for two years formally takes effect. He insisted he had served his role with loyalty, a commitment to public service, and dedication to institutional integrity.

The government expressed disappointment over the ruling, with spokesperson Pilar Alegria stating that while they respect the decision, they disagree with it, citing concerns over the lack of consensus among judges and the unusual issuance of a verdict before full reasoning was published. Garcia Ortiz is expected to appeal to Spain’s Constitutional Court and may eventually take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.

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French PM Urges Lawmakers to End Budget Standoff and Pass 2026 Bill

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French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has pressed lawmakers to pass the 2026 national budget before the end of the year, following the lower house’s rejection of key tax provisions. The bill now moves to the Senate, where a review will begin immediately, amid rising political tensions within France’s fragmented parliament.

Lecornu said there is still time to reach consensus and called on opposition groups to avoid blocking the legislative process. With President Emmanuel Macron’s minority government facing intense pressure from both the far right and far left, any setback could trigger a no-confidence vote that may topple the prime minister. He said he would meet party leaders in the coming days to negotiate a compromise.

Once the Senate debates the proposal, a joint committee will attempt to reconcile differences between the two chambers before a final vote in the lower house. Lecornu stressed that the government is determined to keep next year’s deficit below 5% of GDP, despite major revisions expected to the initial plan, which includes over €30 billion in deficit reduction primarily through spending cuts and selective tax increases.

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Irish Fashion Icon Paul Costelloe Dies Aged 80

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Renowned Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe has died in London at the age of 80 following a short illness, his family announced on Saturday. Surrounded by his wife and seven children, Costelloe passed away peacefully. Known as one of the most influential names in British and Irish fashion, he built a global reputation with his innovative designs, craftsmanship, and decades-long leadership in the industry.

Born in Dublin, Costelloe studied at the Grafton Academy before moving to Paris for advanced couture training. He launched his own label in 1979 and showcased his collections at London, Paris, Milan, and New York Fashion Weeks. His career reached a major milestone when he was appointed personal designer to Princess Diana in 1983, a partnership that continued until her death in 1997. He frequently worked with traditional Irish fabrics, including linen and tweed, and collaborated with major retailers such as Dunnes Stores.

Costelloe remained a key figure on international runways and served as the closing designer at the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in 2025. Tributes poured in from political leaders and fashion figures alike. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin called him “an icon of design” who brought Irish fashion to the world stage, while Tánaiste Simon Harris praised his remarkable career and lasting influence. Despite past controversy over comments about Irish women’s fashion, Costelloe recently expressed pride in Ireland’s evolving style identity.

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Rubio Calls Geneva Talks on Ukraine Peace Plan the ‘Best Meeting So Far’

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that closed-door peace discussions in Geneva on Sunday marked major progress towards a draft U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters after meeting a Ukrainian delegation, Rubio described the session as the most productive since the administration took office, calling it “probably the best meeting and day we’ve had so far in this entire process.”

The talks are ongoing in Geneva and involve collaborative efforts to refine joint proposals, with participation expected from European partners. Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, called the discussions “very productive,” confirming that another round of meetings would continue later on the same day. He expressed appreciation for U.S. support and diplomatic engagement.

Yermak publicly thanked the United States and President Donald Trump for their commitment to pursuing peace, echoing Zelenskiy’s earlier message of gratitude. The acknowledgment followed recent comments by Trump on social media suggesting Kyiv had shown insufficient appreciation for U.S. assistance. Both sides signaled optimism about advancing negotiations that could shape the next phase of diplomatic efforts.

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