London’s visa rejections and stance on the single market have dampened early optimism in Brussels. Initially frustrated, the EU now accepts the status quo, realizing expectations were too high when Starmer took office. With other pressing issues like Trump, AI, and climate change, the EU’s focus has shifted away from London. EU diplomats express contentment with the current relationship, noting it’s not a priority. Starmer is set to meet EU leaders in Brussels amid this backdrop. Penelope Kingsley 03/02/2025 6:00 pm
Fears of an impending earthquake have led to an exodus from Santorini, Greece’s popular island, following a series of tremors. Authorities are on high alert, with residents, tourists, and workers leaving via ferries and planes. Aegean Airlines doubled flights from Athens, selling out quickly, while ferry companies added services due to high demand. Over 200 undersea tremors occurred, with a 4.8 magnitude quake recorded on Monday. Seismologist Dr. Gerassimos Papadopoulos noted increased tremors and risk levels, clarifying the earthquakes are tectonic, not volcanic. Ava Sinclair 03/02/2025 6:00 pm
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, in a CNN interview, claimed ignorance about Rwandan troops’ presence in the DRC, despite international beliefs that Rwanda supports the M23 rebels. UN experts estimate 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers are aiding M23 in the DRC. Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s need to protect itself, dismissing comparisons to Putin’s actions in Ukraine. He labeled the FDLR in the DRC as an “existential threat” to Rwanda. Ava Sinclair 03/02/2025 6:00 pm
EU leaders are concerned about potential trade conflicts with the U.S. under President Trump, who has threatened tariffs on EU imports and hinted at military action in Greenland. Polish PM Donald Tusk warned of a “serious test” of EU unity amid Russian threats and Chinese expansion. French President Macron emphasized EU resilience and unity in response. The EU is preparing for possible trade disputes, recalling past tariffs on steel and aluminum, and coordinating with allies like Canada. Noah Prescott 03/02/2025 6:00 pm
A bomb exploded in Moscow’s Scarlet Sails complex, killing pro-Russia paramilitary leader Armen Sarkisyan and his bodyguard. Sarkisyan, head of the boxing federation in Russian-occupied Donetsk and founder of the “Arbat” battalion, was targeted in a suspected assassination. He was wanted in Ukraine for violence during the Maidan uprising. No group claimed responsibility, but the attack aligns with Ukraine’s pattern of targeting Russian military figures. The blast damaged the lobby, and Russian security services labeled it a targeted assassination. Ava Sinclair 03/02/2025 2:30 pm
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino announced plans to end a development deal with China after meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This decision follows President Trump’s concerns about Chinese influence over the Panama Canal. Mulino emphasized Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and expressed intentions to strengthen ties with the U.S. Rubio, supporting Trump’s “America First” policy, stated the U.S. would not allow China’s growing control over the canal. Mulino aims to increase U.S. investments in Panama, moving away from China’s Belt and Road initiative. Penelope Kingsley 03/02/2025 2:30 pm
President Trump acknowledged that tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China might cause “short term” pain for Americans, as global markets fear a trade war. Despite planned talks with Canadian and Mexican leaders, Trump downplayed any changes to his stance. He confirmed tariffs on the EU would proceed, criticizing their trade practices. The tariffs, set to begin Tuesday, include 25% on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China. Economists warn these could slow global growth and raise prices, though Trump argues they’re necessary to curb immigration and boost domestic industries. Penelope Kingsley 03/02/2025 2:30 pm
The Arctic has become a geopolitical and military frontier, with NATO and Russia expanding their influence. Since the Russia-Ukraine war, Arctic peace has been disrupted, attracting interest from non-Arctic countries like China. Melting ice opens new shipping routes, sparking strategic interest. Russia has 32 military sites in the Arctic, while NATO countries collectively have more. Russia’s Arctic population and extensive military infrastructure highlight its dominance. The Arctic Council’s activities were disrupted post-Ukraine invasion, resuming in 2023 with Norway as chair. Russia controls over half the Arctic coastline. Noah Prescott 03/02/2025 11:00 am
EU leaders will meet in Brussels to discuss strengthening defense against Russia and addressing U.S. President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The informal “retreat” will focus on geopolitics, U.S. relations, and defense spending, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attending. Discussions will include military capabilities, funding, and cooperation, amid concerns over Trump’s demands for increased European defense spending and tensions over Greenland. Funding debates are expected, with differing views on joint EU borrowing for defense. Ava Sinclair 03/02/2025 11:00 am
Tens of thousands protested in Berlin against collaboration with the far-right AfD, following CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s attempts to gain AfD support for immigration-related bills. The protests, occurring three weeks before national elections, highlight public outrage over perceived breaches of post-war political taboos against working with the far right. Demonstrators, including first-time protester Anna Schwarz, demanded democratic parties uphold democratic values. Despite leading in polls, Merz’s CDU faced criticism, including from Angela Merkel, for engaging with AfD. Police estimated 160,000 participants in the protest. Noah Prescott 03/02/2025 11:00 am
