Thousands of demonstrators in Belgrade, Serbia, defied cold and rainy weather on Saturday to participate in a march condemning violence against university students and challenging the autocratic governance of President Aleksandar Vucic. The protest marked the anniversary of a violent attack on drama students by pro-government supporters, which ignited widespread faculty blockades and daily rallies across the nation.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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One dead after days of torrential rain brings flooding across large swaths of Albania
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Albania is grappling with severe flooding following days of relentless rainfall, which has claimed at least one life and left numerous communities isolated. Police confirmed on Saturday that a 76-year-old woman was found dead in the southeastern municipality of Devoll after floodwaters receded. Her son had reported her missing, and a search operation by soldiers on Friday proved unsuccessful. Authorities suspect she was swept away by powerful currents. The heavy rains caused the Vjosa and Seman rivers to overflow, inundating vast stretches of agricultural land. The Vjosa flows through southern Albania, while the Seman traverses the low-lying Myzeqeja plain. In the northwestern Lezha region, approximately 220 hectares (544 acres) of land remain submerged, according to the Civil Protection Agency. Distressing footage shared online depicted flooded homes and farmland, with farmers reporting significant crop losses. Defense Minister Pirro Vengu visited the southern Sarande District on Saturday to evaluate the damage firsthand. With more rain predicted in the coming days, fears are mounting that conditions could deteriorate further. Civil Emergency Teams remain on high alert to respond to potential crises.
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Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80
Renowned Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe, celebrated for his influential contributions to British and Irish fashion, has passed away in London at the age of 80. His family confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, expressing their profound sorrow over his death following a brief illness. Costelloe, who was surrounded by his wife and seven children, died peacefully in London. Born in Dublin, Costelloe’s journey into fashion began in his hometown, where his father managed a thriving raincoat manufacturing business. After honing his skills at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design, he moved to Paris to study at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. In 1979, Costelloe established his eponymous label, Paul Costelloe Collections, and quickly rose to prominence, showcasing his designs at major fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan, and New York. His career reached new heights in 1983 when he was appointed as the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. Costelloe was known for incorporating traditional Irish fabrics such as linen and tweed into his creations, blending heritage with modernity. He also collaborated with Dunnes Stores and played a pivotal role in the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October this year. Despite facing criticism in 1998 for his controversial remarks about Irish women’s sense of style, Costelloe later reflected on Ireland’s evolving fashion identity, noting its growing European influence in a recent interview with RTÉ. His legacy as a trailblazer in the fashion industry remains indelible.
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Drones spotted near Dutch military base
Unidentified drones were reported hovering over Volkel Air Base, a key NATO military installation in the Netherlands, prompting heightened security measures. The incident occurred between 19:00 and 21:00 local time on Friday, with Dutch military personnel deploying weapons in an attempt to intercept the drones. However, the devices reportedly departed and were never recovered, leaving authorities without concrete evidence of their origin. This event is part of a broader pattern of drone sightings across northern Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, and Germany, which have disrupted air traffic and raised significant security concerns. While some European officials have suggested these incidents could be linked to “hybrid warfare” tactics by Russia, the Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement. In response, defense ministers from 10 EU countries have agreed to establish a “drone wall” to enhance surveillance and countermeasures. The Netherlands, along with its NATO allies, continues to investigate the incidents, but the lack of evidence has complicated efforts to identify the perpetrators or their motives.
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Pope Leo XIV accepts resignation of Spanish bishop accused of abuse in first known case for pontiff
In a significant move, Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Rafael Zornoza of Cádiz, Spain, who is under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of a young seminarian in the 1990s. This marks the first known instance of the new pontiff removing a bishop accused of such misconduct. The Vatican issued a brief statement confirming the acceptance of Zornoza’s resignation but did not elaborate on the reasons. Zornoza, 76, had submitted his resignation last year upon reaching the standard retirement age for bishops, but it was only accepted after recent reports of the investigation surfaced. Spanish newspaper El País revealed earlier this month that Zornoza is accused of abusing a former seminarian while serving as a priest and director of the diocesan seminary in Getafe. The alleged victim, in a letter to the Vatican, claimed Zornoza engaged in inappropriate behavior and manipulated him into seeking psychiatric treatment to ‘cure’ his homosexuality. The Diocese of Cádiz denied the allegations but acknowledged the ongoing investigation by the church tribunal in Madrid. Zornoza has temporarily suspended his duties to focus on his health, as he battles an aggressive form of cancer. This case is part of a broader reckoning within the Spanish Catholic Church, which has faced widespread criticism for decades of abuse and cover-ups. In 2023, an official probe suggested hundreds of thousands of victims could exist, prompting the church to launch a compensation plan for survivors.
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Britain’s Daily Mail publisher enters exclusive talks to buy Telegraph Media Group for $654 million
The publisher of Britain’s Daily Mail, Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), has initiated exclusive negotiations to acquire Telegraph Media Group in a landmark deal valued at approximately £500 million ($654 million). This potential acquisition would unite two prominent British news organizations, both historically aligned with the right-leaning Conservative Party. The talks aim to finalize the terms of the purchase from Redbird IMI, an Abu Dhabi-backed venture, which had previously sought to acquire the Telegraph but faced scrutiny over foreign ownership concerns. The proposed transaction has reignited debates about foreign influence in British media, prompting Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to pledge a thorough review to safeguard public interest and compliance with media merger legislation. DMGT Chairman Jonathan Harmsworth, also known as Lord Rothermere, expressed confidence in the deal, envisioning the Daily Telegraph as a global brand akin to the Daily Mail. The ownership battle for the Telegraph, a cornerstone of British media since 1855, began in 2023 when the Barclay family relinquished control amid disputes with lenders. In November 2023, RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments had agreed to acquire the Telegraph to settle the Barclays’ debts, sparking parliamentary debates about foreign state influence in national media. The previous Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, swiftly announced plans to review the deal, emphasizing the importance of preserving editorial independence and freedom of expression in British newspapers.
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European leaders scramble to respond to a US peace plan for Ukraine seen as favoring Russia
European leaders are scheduled to meet in South Africa on Saturday to discuss alternatives to a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. The 28-point blueprint, perceived as favoring Moscow, has raised concerns in Kyiv and European capitals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed apprehension on Friday, stating that Ukraine faces a critical decision between defending its sovereignty and maintaining essential American support. European nations, viewing their own future as intertwined with Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression, have emphasized the importance of their involvement in any peace negotiations. The meeting, set to occur on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, was announced by top European Union officials, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President António Costa, following a call with Zelenskyy. Von der Leyen reiterated the principle of ‘nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,’ underscoring the need for Kyiv’s active participation in any resolution. The U.S. plan, which includes provisions for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, reduce its military size, and abandon its NATO aspirations, aligns closely with Moscow’s demands while offering minimal security assurances to Kyiv. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike on a fuel refinery in Russia’s Samara region resulted in two fatalities and two injuries, marking another instance of Kyiv’s long-range attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. Russian air defenses reportedly intercepted 69 Ukrainian drones overnight, disrupting operations at several airports and causing power outages in Rylsk.
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No All Blacks without Donegal man who died at Passchendaele
In a poignant ceremony held at Dave Gallaher Park in Ramelton, County Donegal, the legacy of All Blacks legend Dave Gallaher was celebrated with a symbolic exchange of soil, marking his ‘homecoming.’ Gallaher, who left Ramelton at the age of five, became a pivotal figure in New Zealand rugby, captaining the historic 1905 All Blacks team, known as the Originals. This team achieved an extraordinary record, winning 34 of 35 matches during their tour of Great Britain, Ireland, France, and the USA, with their only loss to Wales. Gallaher’s life was tragically cut short during World War I at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. The ceremony, attended by former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick, featured the exchange of sacred soil from New Zealand’s Eden Park and Irish soil from Ramelton, symbolizing the enduring connection between Gallaher’s birthplace and his adopted homeland. Fitzpatrick described Gallaher as the ‘original All Black,’ emphasizing the humility and legacy he instilled in the team. The event also included musical performances by a traditional Maori singing group, Te Waka Aumihi, and the recitation of a poem titled ‘Common Ground.’ Kevin Shields, one of the event organizers, highlighted Gallaher’s dual legacy as both a rugby icon and a war hero, noting that the ceremony honored his Irish roots and celebrated his global impact. Malcolm Stewart, a relative of Gallaher, expressed pride in their family’s connection to the legend, describing the soil exchange as a monumental day for the community. The event underscored the profound influence Gallaher had on New Zealand rugby and the enduring respect for his contributions to the sport and the nation.
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Ukraine allies to hold talks at G20 on White House peace plan
As the G20 summit convenes in South Africa, Ukraine’s allies are set to bolster a US-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the commitment of Ukraine’s ‘friends and partners’ to achieving a lasting peace. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s history, as pressure mounts to accept a plan perceived as favorable to Moscow. The leaked draft includes contentious provisions such as ceding control of eastern regions, reducing Ukraine’s military size, and pledging not to join NATO. European leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have expressed concerns over the plan’s bias towards Russia, stressing that any agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has urged Kyiv to accept the proposal, warning of further territorial losses if the plan is not adopted. The White House has defended the plan, asserting that Ukraine was involved in its drafting. Amid these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated openness to the proposal but reiterated Russia’s commitment to its military objectives. The summit will also address the broader implications of the conflict, including the potential reintegration of Russia into the global economy and the lifting of sanctions.
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Frustrations grow in Russia over cellphone internet outages that disrupt daily life
In 2025, Russians may look back on the year as a turning point when the government intensified its grip on internet access. Widespread cellphone internet shutdowns, ostensibly to counter Ukrainian drone attacks, have disrupted daily life across dozens of Russian regions for months. Popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram face restrictions, while the government promotes MAX, a state-controlled app critics view as a potential surveillance tool. Despite broadband and Wi-Fi remaining unaffected, Russians report significant digital disruptions, from non-functional ATMs to blocked messaging apps and restricted SIM cards. Families with diabetic children struggle to monitor glucose levels remotely, while public transport payment systems fail during outages. Authorities defend these measures as necessary for security, but analysts question their effectiveness. Meanwhile, the government’s push for MAX, which lacks end-to-end encryption and shares user data with authorities, has been met with skepticism. As restrictions tighten, many Russians resort to VPNs, though these are routinely blocked. Experts warn that while a total internet shutdown is unlikely, further stifling of online freedoms is on the horizon.