Global Pulse

标签： Europe

欧洲

  • Olympic visitors to Milan get a rare chance to glimpse restoration of a long-hidden Leonardo gem

    Olympic visitors to Milan get a rare chance to glimpse restoration of a long-hidden Leonardo gem

    MILAN — In an extraordinary cultural initiative timed with the Milan Cortina Olympics, heritage authorities are granting public access to a long-concealed Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece during its ongoing restoration. The monumental wall and ceiling painting, hidden for centuries within Milan’s historic Sforza Castle, will be visible to visitors through a unique scaffolding viewing platform from February 7 to March 14.

    The artistic treasure, depicting an intricate pergola adorned with flowering branches, occupies the Sala delle Asse in Sforza Castle—located within the same Sempione Park that will host the Olympic flame during the Winter Games. Historical records confirm Leonardo initiated this work in 1498 but abandoned it unfinished when French forces invaded Milan, forcing the artist to flee. Subsequently, the castle was converted into military barracks, and the painting was concealed beneath layers of plaster for centuries.

    Early 20th-century restorers rediscovered the work by removing the plaster but unfortunately overpainted substantial sections, compromising its authenticity. “Leonardo scholars consequently dismissed it as a repainted version rather than a genuine work—essentially a fabrication using popular terminology,” explained Luca Tosi, heritage curator at Sforza Castle.

    Current restoration employs sophisticated techniques using Japanese rice paper and demineralized water to extract salts that have penetrated the walls. Conservators are meticulously cleaning the surface centimeter by centimeter due to the extreme fragility of Leonardo’s original brushwork. “The painting exhibits some liftings and vulnerable areas requiring utmost precision and care,” Tosi noted.

    According to Tomasso Sacchi, Milan’s cultural director, the artwork represents a botanical study reflecting Leonardo’s scientific curiosity, showcasing various plant species with remarkable accuracy. “This experience reveals another dimension of Leonardo’s genius and his extraordinary dedication to multidisciplinary knowledge,” Sacchi stated.

    Following the brief viewing window, the site will close for an additional 18 months to complete restoration. This temporary access provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to witness both a Renaissance masterpiece and the painstaking process of art conservation.

  • Social media mobilize to find Boro, a dog who survived Spain’s train crash

    Social media mobilize to find Boro, a dog who survived Spain’s train crash

    MADRID — In the devastating aftermath of Spain’s catastrophic rail collision that claimed 42 lives and injured over 150 passengers, an unexpected story of hope and compassion has captured the nation’s attention. Ana García, a 26-year-old survivor bearing visible injuries from the tragedy, has ignited a massive search effort for her missing dog Boro, who vanished during the chaos of the rescue operation.

    The tragedy unfolded when the high-speed train from Malaga to Madrid derailed under unclear circumstances, resulting in a catastrophic collision with an oncoming train that sent cars tumbling down an embankment. García, who was traveling with her pregnant sister, managed to escape the wreckage with rescue crews’ assistance but lost sight of her canine companion during the evacuation.

    Following medical treatment, García immediately returned to the disaster perimeter, delivering an emotional public appeal while visibly fighting back tears. “Please, if you can help, look for the animals,” she implored, emphasizing that Boro was “family, too” after their family weekend trip.

    Spanish citizens have responded with extraordinary solidarity, transforming social media platforms into a nationwide search network. Videos of García’s heartfelt plea have been shared thousands of times, while photos of Boro—a medium-sized black dog with distinctive white eyebrows and chest markings—have gone viral across multiple platforms.

    The search gained significant momentum when television broadcaster TVE captured footage of a dog resembling Boro running through a field near the crash site during their Monday afternoon coverage. Although the sighting provided a moment of hope, the elusive dog remained unlocated despite extensive efforts.

    In a remarkable demonstration of institutional support, Spain’s animal rights political party secured official permission from the Interior Ministry to deploy specialized animal rescue teams within the investigation perimeter. Party president Javier Luna announced in a video statement that rescue patrols would commence on Wednesday, expressing confidence that the operation would successfully locate the missing dog.

    This extraordinary display of collective empathy highlights how personal stories of loss and hope can emerge even from the most devastating tragedies, uniting a nation in support of survivors grappling with multiple layers of trauma.

  • EU chief says Trump’s threats challenge Europe’s security and prosperity, ahead of emergency summit

    EU chief says Trump’s threats challenge Europe’s security and prosperity, ahead of emergency summit

    BRUSSELS — European Council President António Costa issued a stark warning on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s dual threats of annexing Greenland and imposing tariffs on European allies represent a fundamental challenge to European security, principles, and economic prosperity.

    The escalating transatlantic tensions have prompted Costa to convene an emergency summit of the EU’s 27 national leaders in Brussels, where they will formulate a unified response to what they perceive as unprecedented provocations from Washington.

    Trump’s expressed determination to acquire mineral-rich Greenland, justified under questionable security pretexts, has severely eroded trust among traditional allies in Europe and Canada. The situation intensified when Denmark deployed military reconnaissance forces to Greenland—a semi-autonomous Danish territory—prompting Trump’s ire. Several European nations contributed small troop contingents to this operation, with Denmark considering a more permanent military presence in the Arctic region.

    Costa emphasized that EU leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to international law, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty—principles previously invoked in defending Ukraine against Russian invasion and now relevant to Greenland’s status. In an address to EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France, Costa unequivocally stated that only “Denmark and Greenland can decide their future.”

    The European Council President further warned that additional tariffs would fundamentally undermine transatlantic relations and violate the EU-US trade agreement negotiated last July. European lawmakers, who must ratify this agreement, have threatened to withhold approval in response to Trump’s tariff threats.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced developing plans for a “massive European investment surge in Greenland” to strengthen its economy and infrastructure, alongside a new European security strategy. She proposed enhancing security around the island through partnerships with the UK, Canada, Norway, and Iceland.

    Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, historically a strong advocate for transatlantic cooperation, declared on social media that “appeasement is always a sign of weakness,” emphasizing that “European assertiveness and self-confidence have become the need of the moment.” Von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, stating the EU stands “fully prepared to act, if necessary, with unity, urgency and determination.”

  • Rome pays its last tribute to fashion ‘Emperor’ Valentino in a two-day public viewing

    Rome pays its last tribute to fashion ‘Emperor’ Valentino in a two-day public viewing

    The city of Rome is preparing to bid its final farewell to Valentino Garavani, the legendary fashion designer who passed away at age 93 on Monday. The iconic creator, known universally by his first name, will lie in state at his foundation in Piazza Mignanelli on Wednesday and Thursday, situated mere steps from the renowned Spanish Steps—a symbolic location reflecting his deep connection to the Italian capital.

    Valentino’s funeral services will be conducted on Friday at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in central Rome, drawing international attention from the fashion world and beyond. The designer, often referred to as Italian fashion’s ‘last emperor,’ maintained his atelier in Rome throughout his career while predominantly presenting his collections in Paris.

    Throughout his nearly half-century career, Valentino became synonymous with high-glamour elegance and his signature shade of red, dressing generations of royalty, first ladies, and Hollywood celebrities. His clientele included style icons from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Julia Roberts and Queen Rania of Jordan, all of whom praised his ability to make them appear and feel their absolute best.

    Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri honored Valentino as one of ‘Italy’s most luminous and beloved figures,’ emphasizing the designer’s profound ties to the Eternal City. The public viewing is expected to attract hundreds of fashion luminaries, government officials, and ordinary citizens wishing to pay their respects.

    Valentino established his fashion house on Rome’s prestigious Via Condotti in 1959, and his fail-safe designs eventually made him the undisputed king of red carpet fashion. His sumptuous gowns graced numerous Academy Awards ceremonies, most memorably when Julia Roberts accepted her Best Actress Oscar in 2001 wearing a vintage black and white column dress, and when Cate Blanchett won Best Supporting Actress in 2005 in a butter-yellow silk creation.

    Alessandro Michele, the current creative director of the Valentino fashion house, posted on Instagram that he continues to feel Valentino’s ‘gaze’ as he prepares the next collection, which will be presented in Rome on March 12—a departure from the traditional Paris venue, further cementing the designer’s enduring legacy in the city he called home.

  • Danish veterans of US wars feel betrayed by Trump’s threats against Greenland

    Danish veterans of US wars feel betrayed by Trump’s threats against Greenland

    COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The profound bond forged between American and Danish soldiers on the battlefields of Afghanistan now stands in stark contrast to the diplomatic crisis unfolding over U.S. threats to acquire Greenland. Danish veterans who fought alongside U.S. troops express deep feelings of betrayal as the Trump administration escalates its campaign to seize the strategic Arctic territory.

    Martin Tamm Andersen, a 46-year-old former platoon commander, vividly recalls the moment in 2010 when his armored vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province. Amid the chaos and dust, American Marines immediately halted their firefight with Taliban forces to secure the area and evacuate the wounded Danish soldiers. “When America needed us after 9/11 we were there,” Andersen stated in an interview at the Danish War Museum, where his destroyed vehicle is now displayed.

    The current diplomatic tension stems from President Trump’s repeated assertions that the United States must take control of mineral-rich Greenland, even suggesting military force as a viable option. This stance has generated widespread shock across Europe, particularly among Danish military personnel who sacrificed greatly in joint operations with American forces.

    Denmark, a NATO member since 1949, suffered the highest per capita casualties among coalition forces in Afghanistan, with 44 soldiers killed. An additional eight died during operations in Iraq. Søren Knudsen, a 65-year-old veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan, described the situation as “surreal” and “like a bad joke.” The deputy president of the Danish Veterans Association has personally packed away his U.S. Bronze Star medal and American flag—gifts from his service alongside U.S. troops—until the alliance is restored.

    Both veterans emphasized that Denmark remains committed to regional security through existing agreements, including the 1951 defense pact that already grants the U.S. military access to Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base. They assert that their wartime experiences created unbreakable bonds with American comrades, whom they believe do not share the administration’s confrontational approach toward Denmark.

    The potential seizure of Greenland would represent, in Knudsen’s words, “the final moments of the NATO alliance” and the end of his “admiration and love of what has been the American experiment for 250 years.”

  • Barcelona commuter rail crash disrupts service days after deadly Spanish train collision

    Barcelona commuter rail crash disrupts service days after deadly Spanish train collision

    Spain’s transportation infrastructure faces unprecedented scrutiny following two separate rail incidents that have resulted in significant casualties and nationwide disruption. In the latest development, Catalonia’s commuter rail services experienced a complete suspension on Wednesday after a Barcelona-area train collided with a collapsed retaining wall on Tuesday evening.

    The northeastern incident near Gelida, approximately 37 kilometers from Barcelona, resulted in one confirmed fatality and 37 injuries according to emergency services. Five victims sustained serious injuries while six others received treatment for less severe conditions. Regional firefighters confirmed that the majority of casualties occurred in the train’s foremost carriage, with all passengers successfully evacuated from the wreckage.

    This tragedy occurs simultaneously with ongoing recovery operations from Sunday’s devastating high-speed rail accident in southern Spain, approximately 800 kilometers from the Barcelona incident. That collision has claimed at least 42 lives, with emergency crews continuing search operations for potential additional victims. The Spanish government has declared three days of national mourning in response to the dual tragedies.

    Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the recent accident via social media, expressing “all my affection and solidarity with the victims and their families” in the wake of the Barcelona-area crash.

    Initial investigations by Spain’s railway operator ADIF suggest that heavy rainfall across northeastern Spain likely caused the structural failure of the containment wall that ultimately fell onto the tracks. While Spain’s high-speed rail network has historically maintained an excellent safety record, these incidents have raised questions about the reliability of commuter rail infrastructure and the impact of extreme weather events on transportation systems.

  • Trump is on his way to Davos, where his quest to own Greenland could overshadow his other goals

    Trump is on his way to Davos, where his quest to own Greenland could overshadow his other goals

    President Donald Trump’s arrival at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, has been overshadowed by escalating tensions with European allies over his unprecedented territorial ambitions. The American leader’s push to acquire Greenland from Denmark through coercive tariff threats has fundamentally altered the diplomatic atmosphere at this gathering of global elites.

    Trump departed for the Swiss Alps just hours after imposing a 10% tariff on Denmark and seven other NATO allies, with plans to escalate these punitive measures to 25% by June unless negotiations regarding Greenland’s transfer commence. This aggressive economic stance directly contradicts the administration’s stated objective of addressing domestic affordability concerns during the forum.

    European leaders responded with remarkable unity against what they perceive as economic blackmail. French President Emmanuel Macron, without directly naming Trump, denounced the acceptance of “the law of the strongest” in international relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a more pointed warning, emphasizing that the EU’s response would be “unflinching, united and proportional” should the tariffs proceed.

    The controversy has already reverberated through financial markets, with Wall Street experiencing significant declines as investors weighed the potential collapse of the US-EU trade framework established just months earlier. The S&P 500 recorded its largest single-day drop since October, falling 2.1% amid the uncertainty.

    Complicating matters further, Trump’s travel to Davos encountered operational difficulties when Air Force One experienced electrical problems shortly after departure, forcing the aircraft to return and delaying the president’s arrival in Switzerland.

    The administration’s planned focus on housing affordability and economic issues appears increasingly disconnected from both the forum’s elite setting and the brewing diplomatic crisis. Economic analysts warn that undermining investor confidence through trade wars could ultimately increase interest rates, contradicting Trump’s stated goal of making homeownership more accessible.

    Additionally, Trump plans to promote his controversial “Board of Peace” initiative during the forum, though the proposal has garnered limited international support, with several key European allies declining participation in the alternative to United Nations diplomacy.

  • Why is Emmanuel Macron wearing sunglasses indoors at Davos?

    Why is Emmanuel Macron wearing sunglasses indoors at Davos?

    French President Emmanuel Macron’s distinctive blue reflective aviator sunglasses during his World Economic Forum address in Davos generated significant attention, overshadowing his diplomatic critique of former US President Donald Trump’s trade policies. The unusual indoor eyewear choice, coupled with his recent public appearance with a visibly red eye, prompted speculation about an underlying medical condition.

    Medical experts and French media reports suggest President Macron likely experienced a subconjunctival hemorrhage—a ruptured blood vessel in the eye characterized by its harmless, painless nature and spontaneous resolution within approximately two weeks. The condition typically results from minor trauma, vigorous coughing or sneezing, or may indicate underlying health factors such as hypertension or diabetes.

    During a recent military engagement in southern France, Macron acknowledged the visible condition with humor, referring to it as “l’oeil du tigre” (the eye of the tiger)—a cultural reference to the theme song from Rocky III—while assuring officials the condition was “totally benign” and “completely insignificant.”

    Medical commentator Dr. Jimmy Mohamed explained to RTL broadcasting that Macron’s sunglasses choice served primarily aesthetic purposes: “As a public figure, he opted for this style to manage public perception. The glasses protect his image rather than his vision, preventing continuous photography of the affected eye.”

    The fashion statement ignited social media reactions ranging from comparisons to Tom Cruise’s Top Gun persona to criticisms of showmanship, with some French commentators using the slang term “kéké” (show-off). Meanwhile, Macron’s substantive address warned against rising authoritarian tendencies and violations of international law, specifically referencing Trump’s threatened tariffs against eight European nations opposing his Greenland acquisition proposal and 200% duties on French wine imports following France’s refusal to join his Gaza peace initiative.

  • Global markets on alert as Europe to suspend approval of US trade deal

    Global markets on alert as Europe to suspend approval of US trade deal

    The European Parliament is poised to formally suspend ratification of a major US-EU trade agreement originally negotiated in July, marking a significant deterioration in transatlantic relations. This decision, scheduled for announcement in Strasbourg on Wednesday, comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s renewed efforts to acquire Greenland and his accompanying threats of punitive tariffs.

    The escalating tensions have triggered substantial financial market volatility across continents. European markets registered a second consecutive day of declines, while US indices experienced sharp drops—the Dow Jones fell 1.7%, the S&P 500 declined over 2%, and the Nasdaq closed approximately 2.4% lower. Asian markets showed mixed performance, though safe-haven assets surged with gold exceeding $4,800 per ounce for the first time.

    Key European legislators have condemned Washington’s approach. Manfred Weber, an influential German MEP, stated approval was ‘not possible at this stage,’ while Trade Committee Chair Bernd Lange declared there was ‘no alternative’ to suspension given threats against EU territorial integrity. Lange emphasized that using tariffs as coercive instruments undermines the stability of EU-US trade relations.

    The suspended agreement, initially hailed as a breakthrough, would have reduced US levies on most European goods to 15% from previously threatened 30% rates. In return, Europe committed to investment pledges and regulatory changes benefiting US exports. However, the pact requires parliamentary approval to take effect.

    With a temporary truce on EU retaliatory measures set to expire February 6th, the bloc must now decide whether to implement previously prepared tariffs targeting $109 billion in American goods. French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated considering retaliatory options, including the EU’s ‘trade bazooka’ anti-coercion instrument, calling Washington’s tariff accumulation ‘fundamentally unacceptable.’

    US officials delivered contrasting messages at Davos. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European leaders to refrain from retaliation and ‘have an open mind,’ while Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warned that the US would respond to any retaliatory measures. The dispute occurs within a broader context of technological and metals tariff disagreements that have strained the world’s largest trade partnership, which exchanged over €1.6 trillion in goods and services in 2024.

    As middle powers like Canada advocate for coordinated responses to great power rivalry, the legal foundation of Trump’s tariff regime remains uncertain pending a Supreme Court decision on their constitutionality.

  • Trump puts next steps on Gaza ceasefire plan at risk by antagonizing Europe over Greenland

    Trump puts next steps on Gaza ceasefire plan at risk by antagonizing Europe over Greenland

    WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to establish a ‘Board of Peace’ for resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict initially gained momentum with UN Security Council endorsement, positioning him as a self-proclaimed ‘president of peace’ entering 2026. However, the initiative now faces significant challenges following controversial military and diplomatic actions during January’s opening weeks.

    The administration’s simultaneous moves to threaten force against NATO ally Denmark over Greenland sovereignty and order the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have created diplomatic fractures. These actions have particularly alarmed European partners, with fewer than 10 of over 60 invitations to join the Board of Peace being accepted—mostly by leaders considered anti-democratic authoritarians.

    Key European nations including Britain, France and Germany have expressed reservations or declined participation entirely. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot explicitly rejected the proposed organization, stating France would not support any body designed to replace the United Nations. The inclusion of invitations to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has further heightened concerns among Western allies.

    The situation escalated when Trump threatened tariffs against European allies supporting Denmark, followed by provocative social media posts about seizing Greenland. In one notable exchange, Trump accused Norway’s government of blocking the Nobel committee from awarding him the Peace Prize, signaling a shift away from diplomatic priorities.

    According to defense expert Matthew Schmidt of the University of New Haven, these apparently separate issues are fundamentally interconnected in their impact on U.S. foreign policy credibility. The administration is now reportedly considering a scaled-back launch at Davos to avoid diplomatic embarrassment, potentially signing the charter while delaying membership announcements until later in January.

    The compounding controversies have created unprecedented challenges for NATO cohesion and threatened to undermine both the Gaza ceasefire process and potential negotiations regarding Ukraine, demonstrating how unilateral actions can jeopardize multilateral peace initiatives.