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Vaccine Makers Criticize U.S. Panel’s Move to Limit Hepatitis B Shots for Newborns

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Vaccine manufacturers and health experts have raised alarm after a U.S. immunization advisory panel voted to end its long-held recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now advises that only infants born to hepatitis B-positive mothers get the immediate dose, while others should decide timing with healthcare providers. Companies like Merck and GSK say the change risks reversing decades of progress, noting that universal newborn vaccination since 1991 has led to a 99% drop in infections and prevented thousands of deaths.

Health organizations and infectious disease specialists argue that hepatitis B, which can be passed from mother to child during birth and can cause lifelong liver damage and cancer, remains dangerous without a cure. They insist there is no scientific benefit in delaying vaccination and warn that the new approach could leave infants unprotected if maternal infections go undetected. Merck urged the panel to restore more scientific and frontline medical voices to its working groups to ensure evidence-based decisions.

Shares of Merck and GSK fell slightly after the decision, while Sanofi saw a small rise. GSK says it stands behind its vaccine and is awaiting the CDC’s formal adoption of the recommendation before responding further. Critics also noted that many panel members were appointed by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, fueling concerns about political influence over public health policy.

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Merz Secures Pensions Bill Despite Internal Revolt, Exposing Leadership Strains

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz narrowly secured parliamentary approval for a contentious pensions bill, passing it with 318 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag, despite internal rebellion from members of his own conservative bloc. The bill, which adds €185 billion to pension spending over 15 years and maintains pension levels at 48% of average wages until 2031, was a key coalition agreement with the centre-left SPD.

However, the tense vote exposed Merz’s shaky control over his ruling coalition, just seven months into his term. Several conservative lawmakers opposed the plan, calling it financially irresponsible and unfair to younger generations. Analysts warn that internal conflicts and governance challenges are damaging Merz’s authority and could hinder future economic and defence reforms, while fuelling a surge in support for the far-right AfD.

Merz has pledged broader pension reforms next year, including possible longer working years and delayed pension eligibility. Despite winning international praise for his stance on Ukraine, his domestic approval has fallen sharply to about 25%. Polls show declining support for both governing parties, reinforcing concerns that the coalition appears divided, ineffective, and increasingly unstable.

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Irish Police Investigate Drone Sightings During Zelensky Visit

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Irish police, An Garda Síochána, have launched an investigation after several drones were detected over Irish skies on the night Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Dublin for a one-day official visit with his wife, Olena Zelenska. The sightings coincided with his late Monday night arrival at Dublin Airport.

The Special Detective Unit (SDU) is leading the probe, working alongside the Defence Forces and international security partners. Crew aboard the Irish naval vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats reported seeing multiple unidentified drones near Howth, over the Irish Sea, around the same time as Zelensky’s arrival. Senior Irish officials, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, have been briefed, and the matter will be discussed at a National Security Council meeting later this month.

While Martin praised the security measures during Zelensky’s visit, he noted that drones have become a growing concern across Europe since the onset of the Ukraine war. He emphasized that any review will be thorough and declined to comment on possible Russian involvement until investigations are complete.

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Donald Trump Honored with Inaugural Fifa Peace Prize Ahead of 2026 World Cup Draw

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United States President Donald Trump was awarded the first-ever Fifa Peace Prize at a ceremony in Washington DC ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup draw. Introduced by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, the award honors individuals who have taken “exceptional actions for peace” and fostered global unity. Trump received a golden trophy, medal, and certificate before addressing the audience, claiming he had saved “tens of millions of lives” through diplomatic interventions and highlighting record ticket sales for the upcoming World Cup.

The ceremony, held at the Kennedy Center, was attended by football stars, US sports personalities, and the leaders of co-hosting nations Mexico and Canada. Trump, alongside Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, conducted the ceremonial World Cup draw. The event featured a blend of entertainment and politics, including a performance by the Village People and Trump’s commentary on soccer terminology in the United States.

Critics have questioned Fifa’s political neutrality, noting the close relationship between Trump and Infantino and the timing of the award. While some argue that the Peace Prize celebrates extraordinary efforts in a divided world, others view it as an alignment with Trump’s administration. Fifa officials defended the move, emphasizing football’s global influence and its role in recognizing contributions to peace.

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Germany Introduces Voluntary Military Service for 18-Year-Olds

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Germany’s parliament has approved a voluntary military service program for 18-year-olds, marking a major shift in the country’s defense policy. From January 2026, all 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire asking if they are interested in joining the armed forces. While participation will initially be voluntary for men and women, mandatory medical exams for men will start in July 2027 to assess fitness for potential service. The move aims to strengthen Germany’s military after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to meet NATO force targets.

The decision has sparked protests across the country, with students in as many as 90 cities planning strikes. Critics argue that military service disrupts lives, encourages obedience training, and exposes young people to the realities of war. In Hamburg alone, about 1,500 people were expected to protest, highlighting widespread skepticism among German youth about the new law.

Germany’s armed forces currently number around 182,000, and officials plan to increase this to 260,000 by the early 2030s, supplemented by 200,000 reservists. Incentives for voluntary service include a monthly salary of €2,600, making it more attractive than similar programs in France. The legislation reflects Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s push to rebuild the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest conventional army amid growing security concerns.

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Germany’s Merz Wins Crucial Vote on Pensions Reform Despite Internal Revolt

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz secured an absolute majority in parliament on Friday for his controversial pensions bill, overcoming resistance from younger members of his own conservative bloc. The draft, which guarantees current pension levels until 2031, passed with 319 votes, indicating it likely succeeded without the support of opposition parties.

The vote came after days of turbulence within Merz’s Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance. A youth faction inside the party had threatened to vote against the bill, arguing that it preserves an unsustainable system and places an unfair financial burden on future generations.

The dispute underscored growing questions about Merz’s control over his party and the stability of the coalition government, which includes conservatives and the center-left Social Democrats. Analysts say the internal tensions and reliance on a slim parliamentary majority point to challenges ahead for implementing reforms aimed at reviving Germany’s struggling economy and strengthening its neglected military sector.

Across Europe, pensions and generational fairness are emerging as hot political issues as aging populations strain budgets. Although Merz ultimately avoided the embarrassment of needing opposition support—despite a surprising offer from the Left Party to abstain—the infighting has deepened doubts about his ability to steer major legislation in the future.

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Macron Stresses Need for U.S.–Europe Unity on Ukraine

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French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that unity between Europe and the United States remains crucial in supporting Ukraine. Speaking during a visit to China, Macron dismissed suggestions that he had questioned Washington’s commitment to Kyiv, insisting there was “no mistrust” and underscoring that transatlantic cooperation is vital on the issue.

Macron welcomed the peace efforts led by the U.S. but highlighted that Europe must play a leading role alongside Washington. He noted that the United States “needs Europeans to lead these peace efforts,” reinforcing his stance that a collaborative approach is required to secure a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

The comments followed a report published by Germany’s Spiegel, alleging that Macron and German Chancellor Scholz were skeptical of U.S. diplomatic efforts. Macron strongly denied the claims, stating that an enduring peace would only be possible through joint efforts by Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan. “There is no scenario,” he said, “where peace in Ukraine is achieved without shared responsibility.”

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Ukraine Condemns Diver Sofiia Lyskun for Switching Allegiance to Russia

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The Ukrainian Diving Federation has condemned diver Sofiia Lyskun after the 23-year-old European champion switched her sporting nationality to Russia. The federation said Lyskun changed her citizenship without informing Ukrainian officials, calling the move “categorically unacceptable” and harmful to the reputation of the national team.

Lyskun, who competed for Ukraine at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, told Russian media that she felt she was no longer progressing under Ukraine’s coaching system. In response, the federation held an emergency meeting and unanimously voted to expel her and request that she be stripped of all titles and awards earned under Ukraine.

Ukraine now plans to appeal to international sports bodies to impose a sporting quarantine on Lyskun, in line with existing regulations. Her switch comes as Russian and Belarusian athletes are gradually being allowed back into global competitions, competing only as neutral athletes since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

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Faroe Islands Ends Decades-Old Abortion Ban with Historic Vote

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The Faroe Islands has voted to legalise abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy, ending one of Europe’s most restrictive abortion laws. The new legislation, passed in a tight 17–16 vote after intense debate, replaces rules dating back to 1956 that allowed abortions only in exceptional circumstances such as rape, incest, serious fetal abnormalities or risks to the woman’s health.

Supporters of the reform, including MP Ingilín Didriksen Strømm, described the decision as historic, saying it finally ensures women’s autonomy and access to safe healthcare. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International also welcomed the change, noting that many Faroese women previously had to travel to Denmark—where abortion is legal up to 18 weeks—for the procedure due to strict local laws and social stigma.

While pro-choice advocates celebrated what they call a major step forward, conservative opponents argued that fetal rights must be protected and suggested efforts may be made to reverse the law in the future. The reform marks a significant cultural shift for the small, traditionally conservative archipelago of 56,000 people, where past attempts to liberalise abortion policy have repeatedly failed.

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Eurovision Faces Major Rift as Israel Cleared to Compete, Prompting Multiple Withdrawals

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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided not to hold a vote on Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, confirming the country’s entry and triggering an immediate backlash. Broadcasters from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia announced their withdrawal from the contest, citing the mounting death toll in Gaza and accusing Israel of violating Eurovision’s neutrality rules. Israel dismissed these objections as part of a global campaign against it.

The EBU instead approved new rules intended to curb government influence and prevent undue promotion of performers, after concerns that Israel boosted its 2025 entrant. While Israeli officials celebrated the decision as a stand against cultural boycotts, critics—including Ireland’s RTE and Spain’s RTVE—said the move exposed Eurovision as deeply shaped by geopolitical interests. Additional countries like Iceland are now weighing their participation, underscoring the widening divide.

Amid the fallout, Germany welcomed Israel’s inclusion, saying it aligned with Eurovision’s founding values of unity after World War II. Contest director Martin Green acknowledged the turbulence but said the event remains committed to neutrality and international cooperation. With the contest set for Vienna in May, Eurovision faces one of the most significant crises in its history.

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