Correspondence Dan Alexe // How Macron "set the bar very high" for Trump, and Keir Starmer can't match him

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will arrive in Washington today for talks with Donald Trump, and some British officials fear that Emmanuel Macron “set the bar so high” in his visit to the White House on Monday that Starmer will struggle to match him. Combining flattery with detached politeness and affectionate irony, the French president presented Trump with his plan for European security and the defence of Ukraine. The success was so great and unexpected that, in a Europe in the throes of crisis, the French president is on his way to become the leader the continent needs.

Călin Georgescu faces charges for fascist activities and election fraud

UPDATE: Călin Georgescu, former candidate in the Romanian presidential elections, has officially been charged by the General Prosecutor’s Office with six offenses, including actions against the constitutional order; initiating or establishing a fascist, racist, or xenophobic organization; and promoting the cult of individuals guilty of committing crimes of genocide.

Romania passes bill allowing drone destruction in airspace

Unmanned drones that illegally cross Romania’s state border and enter national airspace without authorization may be destroyed or neutralized if their flight cannot be controlled by Romanian military forces or NATO, reports Agerpres.

Keir Starmer boosts UK defense spending amid European tensions

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a press conference last night, announcing an increase in defense spending to 2.5%, ahead of important discussions he will have with Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday.

Ukraine reconstruction: $524B cost & rising

The World Bank, the European Commission, and the UN have increased their estimated total cost for Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery.

Ukraine's resources: EU vs. US tug-of-war

The European Union has offered Ukraine its own deal on "critical materials," while U.S. President Donald Trump asserts that Washington is close to finalizing an agreement with Kyiv for rights to its vast natural resources, according to Politico.

Europe's security depends on a just peace in Ukraine

Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of the Russian invasion, emerging as a key pillar of Europe’s security architecture, according to Igor Munteanu, leader of the Coalition for Unity and Welfare.

Macron and Trump discuss Ukraine war in White House meeting

French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday that his meeting with his American counterpart, Donald Trump, was "highly productive" and "cordial," amid tensions over Washington’s decision to negotiate directly with Moscow—bypassing European leaders and Kyiv—in an effort to end the war in Ukraine, according to Agerpres.

Three years of war in Ukraine // Aftermath of a devastating conflict and unknown prospects

February 24, 2025 marks three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has become the bloodiest in Europe since World War II. After three years of intense fighting, the human and material toll is devastating, and a diplomatic solution remains uncertain.

Germany’s federal elections: Key issues and party dynamics

On Sunday, February 23, early federal elections will take place in Germany, where members of the 21st Bundestag will be elected.

EU plans €20B military aid package for Ukraine amid tensions

The European Union is preparing an additional military aid package for Ukraine worth approximately €20 billion, according to Bloomberg.

Russia plans 'victory' declaration in Ukraine war by February 2025

Russia is preparing to declare a purported "victory" in the war against Ukraine by February 24, 2025, marking the third anniversary of the large-scale invasion ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This claim comes from the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service, as reported by Politico.