标签： Europe

The European Union has finalized a landmark agreement to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2040, marking a significant step in its climate policy. However, the deal has sparked criticism for perceived weakening of earlier commitments, particularly due to provisions allowing member states to purchase international carbon credits and reassess climate targets based on economic performance. Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland opposed the agreement, with Poland securing a delay in implementing a carbon trading plan for transport and heating. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, condemned the deal for enabling ‘carbon laundering’ by outsourcing emission reductions to less-developed countries. Despite these concerns, EU climate ministers hailed the agreement as a necessary compromise amid geopolitical and economic tensions. The European Parliament must now vote on the agreement before it becomes legally binding. EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will present the deal at the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Brazil, aiming to position Europe as a global leader in climate action. The agreement reflects the EU’s balancing act between environmental goals, economic competitiveness, and energy independence, as Europe faces increasing climate-related challenges like wildfires, heatwaves, and floods.

Brussels Airport, Belgium’s primary international hub, faced significant disruptions on Wednesday as dozens of flights were canceled following drone sightings that forced a temporary closure. This unprecedented incident prompted Prime Minister Bart De Wever to call an urgent meeting with senior ministers to address escalating safety concerns. The shutdown, which occurred on Tuesday evening, led to the cancellation of 54 flights and the diversion of 24 others, leaving approximately 400-500 passengers stranded overnight. The airport provided beds, water, and snacks to accommodate affected travelers, emphasizing that passenger and staff safety remains its top priority. This event marks the first time Brussels Airport has been closed due to drone activity, coming just days after unidentified drones were spotted near a military base storing U.S. nuclear weapons. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that repeated drone incidents pose a direct threat to national security and require a coordinated response. Defense Minister Theo Francken suggested that the drone operations were sophisticated and likely part of a spying operation aimed at destabilization. This incident adds to a growing trend of drone-related disruptions across Europe, including a recent shutdown at Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport. Belgium, home to NATO and EU headquarters, faces heightened security challenges, particularly amid discussions about using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a move that De Wever warned could provoke Russian retaliation.

In a press conference held outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV addressed pressing global issues, emphasizing the need for “deep reflection” on the treatment of migrants detained in the United States. The Chicago-born pontiff highlighted the plight of individuals who have lived peacefully for years but are now profoundly affected by current policies. He stressed that spiritual rights of detainees must be upheld, urging authorities to grant pastoral workers access to these individuals, many of whom have been separated from their families. Leo referenced scripture, posing the critical question: “How did you receive the foreigner?” as a call to action for compassionate treatment of migrants. On the topic of U.S. military strikes against suspected drug traffickers off Venezuela’s coast, the Pope expressed concern over escalating tensions, advocating for dialogue over conflict. Regarding the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, Leo acknowledged the complexity of the situation, particularly in addressing Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. He emphasized the need for justice and collaboration to ensure the rights of all peoples. The Pope’s upcoming engagements include a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his first papal visit to Turkey and Lebanon later this month.

Adau, a 23-year-old from South Sudan, thought she was embarking on a life-changing opportunity when she signed up for the Alabuga Start programme in Russia. Promised professional training in logistics, catering, and hospitality, she was instead thrust into the harsh reality of working in a drone factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan. Adau’s story is not unique; the programme, which targets young women from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, has been accused of deceptive recruitment practices and exploiting workers in dangerous conditions.