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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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G7 and EU Leaders Hold Side Talks on US-Backed Ukraine Peace Plan at G20 Summit

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Group of Seven leaders and senior European officials, including EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, held closed-door discussions on Saturday regarding Washington’s proposed peace framework for Ukraine. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, according to people familiar with the talks. Ahead of the broader conversation, the E3 group—France, Britain and Germany—convened separately to align positions.

The talks included several other European nations such as Finland, Norway, Spain and the Netherlands. The United States is currently negotiating a 28-point roadmap with Russia aimed at ending the conflict, but Brussels has not been directly involved in the negotiations so far. Von der Leyen said she plans to reach out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy after the developments.

Zelenskiy responded that Ukraine is ready for “constructive, honest and prompt” engagement with Washington. Meanwhile, Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, confirmed that Ukrainian and US officials are holding consultations in Switzerland to work on potential pathways to ending the war.

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Germany to Classify Date Rape Drugs as Weapons in Criminal Trials

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Germany is preparing to classify the use of date rape drugs as the equivalent of using a weapon in criminal cases, aiming to impose stricter punishments for sexual assault and domestic violence. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the move is designed to close legal loopholes and ensure stronger protection for victims, noting that these drugs are increasingly used as tools to commit serious offences.

According to police data, nearly 54,000 cases of sexual crimes were recorded in 2024 in Germany — an increase of 2.1% from the previous year. Around 36% of the reported incidents involved rape or serious sexual assault. Meanwhile, domestic violence cases rose to almost 266,000, marking the highest numbers ever recorded and reflecting a 3.8% increase compared to 2023. Authorities believe the real figures are likely much higher due to underreporting.

The German government has also approved new measures including electronic ankle monitoring for violent offenders and alert devices that warn victims if the perpetrator is nearby. Officials say the proposed bill, which includes a minimum sentence of five years for using date rape drugs in assault, will be re-tabled after a postponed parliamentary debate.

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Zelenskiy Vows Not to Compromise Ukraine’s Interests in US-Led Peace Proposal

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has vowed that he will not sacrifice Ukraine’s national interests in negotiations being pushed by the United States, saying the country faces one of the most difficult and dangerous moments in its history. Speaking in a video address, Zelenskiy warned that Kyiv may be forced to choose between preserving national dignity and risking the loss of a major international ally.

A 28-point peace plan proposed by Washington reportedly includes conditions that align with some of Russia’s demands, including ceding more territory, reducing Ukraine’s military strength, and blocking Ukraine from joining NATO. Sources told Reuters that the U.S. has signaled it may cut crucial support if Kyiv refuses to accept the framework.

Zelenskiy said he would continue working with the United States but anticipates increased political pressure in the coming week. Meanwhile, Russia continues to intensify military strikes and advance on the battlefield, as Ukraine confronts internal turmoil following a high-profile corruption scandal involving senior officials and business leaders.

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Pope Leo Urges U.S. Youth: Use AI Wisely, Not for Homework

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Pope Leo has advised American students to avoid using artificial intelligence to complete their homework, saying it should be used as a tool for personal growth rather than a shortcut. Speaking via live video from the Vatican to about 15,000 young people gathered at a Catholic youth conference in Indianapolis, the pope said AI is rapidly becoming a defining force in society, but should be used responsibly and in ways that build knowledge, not replace effort.

In the 40-minute dialogue, Leo — the first U.S.-born pope — answered questions about faith, friendships, and personal development. He urged the young audience to make real connections and rely on human relationships over digital replacements.

Pope Leo also briefly touched on U.S. politics, reiterating his call for compassion in immigration debates. Criticizing divisive rhetoric, he emphasized that Christians should be “bridge builders rather than wall builders” and reminded listeners that the Church is not bound to any political party but is meant to guide conscience and promote wisdom and love.

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