Global Pulse

标签： Europe

欧洲

  • ICC to hold hearing on charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

    ICC to hold hearing on charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

    THE HAGUE, Netherlands — International Criminal Court prosecutors commenced proceedings Monday to substantiate charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a pivotal moment in one of the court’s most significant cases. The prosecution alleges Duterte orchestrated systematic killings during his anti-drug campaigns, first as mayor of Davao City and later as national leader.

    The evidentiary hearing represents a critical juncture in the years-long investigation into extrajudicial killings that human rights organizations estimate claimed between 6,000 and 30,000 lives during Duterte’s presidency. While not a full trial, the proceedings allow prosecutors to demonstrate sufficient evidence for judges to determine within 60 days whether formal charges should proceed to trial.

    Victims’ families expressed emotional relief at the development. Llore Pasco, whose two sons disappeared in May 2017 and were later found bullet-ridden, stated: ‘We have waited for this for so long, for years we have waited, but we did not relent.’

    Duterte, who waived his right to attend the Hague proceedings, described the charges as an ‘outrageous lie’ in a letter to judges. The octogenarian cited his advanced age and frailty as reasons for non-attendance, claiming he would forget the proceedings ‘within minutes.’

    The case has ignited political tensions in the Philippines, with Duterte’s supporters criticizing current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration for cooperating with the court. Vice President Sara Duterte, the former leader’s daughter and recent presidential aspirant for 2028, has emerged as a prominent detractor of the proceedings.

    Human rights advocates note Duterte attempted to evade accountability by withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC’s Rome Statute in 2018 after prosecutors announced their investigation. However, judges rejected jurisdictional challenges, asserting countries cannot abuse withdrawal procedures to shield individuals from justice for crimes already under consideration. An appeal of this decision remains pending.

    For families like Sheerah Escudero, whose 18-year-old brother was found wrapped in packaging tape in 2017, the case represents not just accountability for past crimes but prevention of future violence. ‘We know that the same policy of killings will continue,’ Escudero warned, highlighting concerns about political dynasties perpetuating violent policies.

  • From bakeries to beauty shops, Russian businesses are feeling the pain from a new wartime tax policy

    From bakeries to beauty shops, Russian businesses are feeling the pain from a new wartime tax policy

    As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year, mounting economic pressures are forcing the Kremlin to shift financial burdens onto consumers and small enterprises. Recent tax reforms have significantly increased the fiscal strain on Russia’s small business sector, triggering widespread concern and closures across the country.

    The situation gained national attention when Denis Maksimov, owner of Mashenka bakery in suburban Moscow, appealed directly to President Vladimir Putin during his annual call-in show last December. Standing before his bakery named after his eldest daughter, Maksimov articulated the struggles facing small businesses under new tax regulations that have drastically lowered revenue thresholds for value-added tax (VAT) requirements.

    While acknowledging the country’s difficult circumstances, Maksimov expressed grave concerns about the sustainability of many enterprises. The reforms have reduced the VAT payment threshold from 60 million rubles ($783,000) in annual revenue to 20 million rubles ($261,000) this year, with plans to further decrease it to 10 million rubles ($130,500) by 2028. Businesses previously using the patent taxation system—which involved fixed annual payments—now face at least a 6% tax on revenues plus 5% VAT if they exceed the new thresholds.

    Although Maksimov’s televised plea brought temporary increased sales and presidential attention to his bakery, it failed to reverse the policy. While Putin raised the case at a government meeting and Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov proposed temporary relief measures, concrete implementation remains uncertain.

    The economic fallout extends far beyond Moscow. Social media videos show vacant commercial spaces along St. Petersburg’s main Nevsky Prospekt, where numerous shops have ceased operations. Darya Demchenko, who owns a chain of beauty salons in Russia’s second-largest city, describes unprecedented anxiety among business owners. She has already closed one salon and sold another to remain operational amid soaring costs and declining demand.

    An online campaign dubbed “We Are Mashenka,” initiated by the Association of Beauty Industry Enterprises, has highlighted similar cases nationwide. Unlike Maksimov, most entrepreneurs lack access to high-level intervention. Industry reports indicate approximately 10% of beauty businesses in St. Petersburg closed in December and January alone, with predictions of further collapses after April tax deadlines.

    According to Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory Ltd., this represents a deliberate strategy by the Finance Ministry to create stable revenue sources as oil revenues dwindle and military spending levels off. While small and medium enterprises constitute just over 20% of Russia’s economy, expanding VAT application to these businesses will generate significant budget funds.

    The cumulative pressure—including restrictions on social media platforms that eliminated cheap advertising avenues, supplier price hikes exceeding the 2% VAT increase, and requirement for specialized accounting staff—has created perfect storm conditions for small businesses. Many entrepreneurs who survived previous challenges, including COVID-19 pandemic and sanctions following the annexation of Crimea, now face what they describe as an existential threat without government support.

    As more businesses become subject to increased taxes in 2027 and 2028 under the progressive implementation schedule, the sector most crucial for economic expansion and innovation continues to suffer, potentially hampering Russia’s post-war recovery prospects.

  • Zelensky tells BBC Putin has started WW3 and must be stopped

    Zelensky tells BBC Putin has started WW3 and must be stopped

    In an exclusive interview with the BBC from Kyiv’s heavily fortified government compound, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a resolute declaration of defiance against Russian aggression. The wartime leader categorically rejected territorial concessions as a pathway to ceasefire, framing such compromises as both a strategic weakening and moral abandonment of Ukrainian citizens.

    Zelensky characterized Vladimir Putin’s expansionist ambitions as having already triggered a global conflict, asserting that only intensified military and economic pressure could force Russian retreat. When questioned about relinquishing control over Donetsk’s remaining 20% and southern territories, Zelensky countered that land represents people’s lives and national sovereignty rather than mere bargaining chips.

    The president addressed complex geopolitical dynamics, including Donald Trump’s administration pressuring Ukraine for concessions while reducing military aid. Zelensky demonstrated strategic diplomacy in navigating relations with the unpredictable U.S. leader, emphasizing that security guarantees require congressional ratification beyond presidential whims.

    Regarding potential elections, Zelensky outlined substantial practical obstacles including displaced populations and occupied territories, while maintaining that legitimate democratic processes require international security assurances first.

    Despite acknowledging current weaponry limitations and air defense shortages, Zelensky projected unwavering confidence in Ukraine’s ultimate victory. He defined success not merely as territorial restoration but as preventing global authoritarian expansion and preserving Ukraine’s hard-won independence.

    The interview concluded with Zelensky switching to English to emphasize multi-track diplomatic strategies, comparing geopolitical negotiations to complex chess matches requiring parallel approaches toward ultimately constraining Putin’s aggression.

  • Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on public display in Italy

    Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on public display in Italy

    In an unprecedented event marking the 800th anniversary of his death, the skeletal remains of Saint Francis of Assisi have been unveiled for public veneration in the Italian town that bears his name. The historic exhibition, which commenced this Sunday, is taking place within the hallowed walls of the Basilica of St. Francis’s lower church.

    The 13th-century relics, meticulously preserved within a nitrogen-filled plexiglass case positioned before the altar, represent one of the most significant religious exhibitions in modern history. Italian authorities report an overwhelming global response, with approximately 400,000 pilgrims and visitors having secured reservations to witness the sacred remains firsthand.

    This extraordinary viewing opportunity marks only the second time the saint’s bones have been accessible to the public. The previous occasion occurred briefly in 1978 when a select group was permitted a single day of veneration.

    Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182, Saint Francis underwent a profound spiritual transformation that led him to renounce considerable family wealth and embrace a life of poverty and service. His legacy includes founding the Franciscan Order and becoming the recognized patron saint of animals, ecology, and Italy itself.

    The current exhibition holds particular significance given the recent papacy of Pope Francis, who consciously modeled his leadership after the saint’s radical humility and dedication to the poor. The display will remain accessible to the public through March 22nd, providing an extended period for reflection and veneration of one of Christianity’s most beloved figures.

  • Greenland says ‘no thanks’ to Trump US hospital boat

    Greenland says ‘no thanks’ to Trump US hospital boat

    Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has issued a diplomatic rebuke to former U.S. President Donald Trump following his unexpected announcement about deploying a U.S. hospital ship to the Arctic territory. The exchange marks the latest development in Trump’s longstanding interest in Greenland, which he previously attempted to purchase during his presidency.

    Trump took to his Truth Social platform to declare he was dispatching ‘a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there,’ accompanied by an illustration of the USNS Mercy, one of two hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy. The post provided no specifics regarding the timing or motivation behind this decision.

    In a firm response, Prime Minister Nielsen declined the offer, stating unequivocally that ‘it’s going to be a no thanks from us.’ He emphasized Greenland’s robust public healthcare system, noting that ‘we have a public healthcare system where treatment is free for citizens,’ drawing an implicit contrast with the United States’ healthcare model. Nielsen further urged more conventional diplomatic channels, suggesting Trump should ‘talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media.’

    The unusual exchange occurs against the backdrop of continued U.S. interest in Greenland’s strategic position. Trump previously attempted to purchase the vast Arctic island during his presidency, though he conceded in January that he would not pursue acquisition by force. Subsequently, he announced a ‘framework for a future deal’ regarding U.S.-Greenland relations, though details remain unspecified despite claims from U.S. Vice President JD Vance that European countries were ‘willing to make a lot of accommodations.’

    The timing of Trump’s hospital ship announcement raised questions as it followed closely after Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command reported evacuating a crew member requiring urgent medical attention from a U.S. submarine near Nuuk, though any connection between the events remains unconfirmed.

  • Six Nations favorite France scores 5 tries in 33-8 win against Italy

    Six Nations favorite France scores 5 tries in 33-8 win against Italy

    LILLE, France — The French national rugby team solidified their position as frontrunners for the Six Nations Championship with a hard-fought 33-8 victory against Italy on Sunday. Despite occasional lapses in discipline, Fabien Galthié’s squad secured their third consecutive tournament win while demonstrating both offensive brilliance and defensive resilience.

    The match at Stade Pierre-Mauroy witnessed France establishing early dominance with three first-half tries. Lightning-quick winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, lock Emmanuel Meafou, and versatile flyhalf Thomas Ramos all crossed the try line before halftime, with star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont orchestrating two of these scoring opportunities.

    After building a commanding 19-0 lead within thirty minutes, France’s performance became somewhat disjointed as tactical indiscipline allowed Italy back into contention. Italian fullback Ange Capuozzo capitalized on this shift in momentum with an opportunistic try, complemented by a Paolo Garbisi penalty, narrowing the deficit to 19-8.

    The scoreboard remained unchanged until the 71st minute when Ramos executed a precision kick to the right corner, enabling debutant winger Gaël Dréan to score his first international try. This crucial score occurred while Italy faced numerical disadvantages, with winger Louis Lynagh—son of Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh—serving a sin-bin penalty for a deliberate knock-on.

    Controversy emerged as Italy’s substitutes expressed frustration over Dréan’s try, arguing they were effectively reduced to 13 players since Capuozzo remained off-field receiving treatment for a shoulder injury. France sealed their bonus-point victory when center Emilien Gailleton demonstrated impressive physicality by breaking through a tackle to score in the final moments, with Ramos adding the conversion.

    With five tries scored in this match, France continues to showcase their offensive prowess, having accumulated 19 tries throughout the tournament thus far. This positions them favorably to challenge their own championship record of 30 tries established last year.

  • EU says US must honor a trade deal after court blocks Trump tariffs

    EU says US must honor a trade deal after court blocks Trump tariffs

    BRUSSELS — The European Union has formally requested comprehensive clarification from the United States regarding its rapidly evolving tariff policies, urging its transatlantic partner to honor previously established commitments. This diplomatic maneuver comes in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent invalidation of significant portions of former President Donald Trump’s tariff framework, followed by Trump’s subsequent announcement escalating his proposed global tariff rate from 10% to 15%.

    The European Commission, representing the trade interests of the 27 EU member nations, declared the current environment incompatible with achieving the “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial” trade and investment relationship mutually agreed upon in the EU-U.S. Joint Statement of August 2025. This agreement had established a 15% import tax on approximately 70% of European goods entering American markets.

    Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, characterized the situation as “pure tariff chaos on the part of the U.S. administration,” noting that the unpredictability has created “only open questions and growing uncertainty” for EU trading partners. In response to the turmoil, Lange announced his intention to propose suspending the ratification process of the existing trade agreement through the European Parliament’s negotiating team.

    The EU emphasized its expectation that U.S. trade policies remain consistent with established agreements, stating unequivocally that “a deal is a deal.” As America’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods and services reaching €1.7 trillion ($2 trillion) in 2024, the EU maintains that its products should continue receiving the competitive treatment outlined in previous agreements.

    Europe’s primary exports to the U.S. include pharmaceuticals, automobiles, aircraft, chemicals, medical instruments, and alcoholic beverages, while American exports to the EU predominantly feature professional and scientific services, energy products, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, aerospace technology, and automotive products.

    The Commission warned that unpredictably applied tariffs “undermine confidence and stability across global markets” and create significant uncertainty throughout international supply chains. The EU retains the option to deploy its Anti-Coercion Instrument—a comprehensive trade defense mechanism enabling restrictive measures against nations applying undue pressure on EU members. These measures could potentially restrict goods and services trade, exclude entities from EU public tenders, limit foreign direct investment, or ultimately restrict access to the EU’s 450-million-consumer market, potentially inflicting billions in losses on U.S. companies and the American economy.

  • Jessie Diggins ‘full of gratitude’ after ending a glittering Olympic career in cross-country skiing

    Jessie Diggins ‘full of gratitude’ after ending a glittering Olympic career in cross-country skiing

    TESERO, Italy — American cross-country skiing legend Jessie Diggins brought her illustrious Olympic journey to a poignant close Sunday, finishing fifth in the grueling 50-kilometer classic race at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The 34-year-old Minnesota native collapsed in exhaustion at the finish line, mere seconds from capturing what would have been a fourth Olympic medal.

    Diggins, who revolutionized American cross-country skiing during her 15-year international career, reflected on her extraordinary progression in the sport. ‘If you had told me a year ago I’d be competing for a bronze medal in a 50k classic race, I would have found it unbelievable,’ she stated, her cheeks still marked with competition glitter. ‘I can confidently say I left everything on that course—every ounce of energy was expended.’

    The historic significance of Diggins’ career cannot be overstated. She captured America’s first-ever Olympic gold in cross-country skiing alongside teammate Kikkan Randall at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, adding silver and bronze medals in Beijing 2022. Her final Olympic appearance in Milan Cortina saw her battle through significant adversity, including painful rib injuries sustained in an earlier race crash.

    Sunday’s race unfolded as a testament to Diggins’ legendary endurance. She maintained position with the lead group featuring eventual gold medalist Ebba Andersson of Sweden until a equipment change on the third lap caused her to lose ground. Despite battling severe muscle cramps in the latter stages, Diggins mounted a courageous comeback attempt, though the wax on her skis ultimately prevented her from overtaking Swiss bronze medalist Nadja Kaelin on the final climb.

    Beyond competitive achievements, Diggins’ legacy encompasses impactful advocacy work. She has committed to continuing her campaigns for climate change awareness—particularly addressing diminishing global snowfall—and supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders. ‘I take pride in bringing determination not just to competition but to being a positive force beyond the snow,’ Diggins emphasized.

    Even during these final Olympic moments, Diggins embraced joy and mentorship. She participated in choreographed dances with younger teammates in social media content, embodying the balanced approach of intense competitiveness coupled with genuine openness that has characterized her leadership.

    While her Olympic chapter concludes, Diggins’ competitive career continues with the World Cup circuit. As current overall leader, she will pursue another crystal globe in upcoming races in Lake Placid, New York. Ronn Randall, father of late teammate Kikkan Randall who traveled from Alaska to witness Diggins’ final Olympic races, observed: ‘She approaches each event with complete commitment, determined to leave nothing behind.’

    True to her character, Diggins exits the Olympic stage not with disappointment over near misses but with profound gratitude. ‘I’m filled with appreciation, happiness, and love—this journey has been extraordinary,’ she reflected. ‘So many people contributed to reaching this point, and I’m content knowing I concluded my Olympic story giving absolutely everything.’

  • Display of St. Francis of Assisi’s bones confirms enduring appeal of relics for Christians

    Display of St. Francis of Assisi’s bones confirms enduring appeal of relics for Christians

    ASSISI, Italy — In an unprecedented spiritual event marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death, the revered saint’s skeletal remains were unveiled for public veneration Sunday, attracting nearly 400,000 registered pilgrims. The bones, meticulously preserved within a sleek bulletproof Plexiglas case, are displayed in the Lower Basilica of St. Francis—the very hilltop Umbrian town the medieval friar transformed into a global spiritual destination.

    The month-long exposition, running through March 22, represents both a commemorative act and a spiritual revival initiative. Franciscan organizers aim to reinvigorate St. Francis’s enduring messages of peace, fraternity, and radical humility—values that subsequently inspired Pope Francis to adopt his name upon election to the papacy.

    This extraordinary display concludes an eight-century saga surrounding the saint’s physical remains. Born in 1182 to wealth before embracing mendicant poverty, St. Francis reportedly manifested the stigmata—Christ’s crucifixion wounds—toward his life’s end. His posthumous journey proved equally remarkable: fearing relic theft common during medieval Christianity, followers secretly interred his body within the basilica’s unmarked column, where it remained hidden for nearly six centuries until its 1818 rediscovery and subsequent authentication by Pope Pius VII.

    Brother Giulio Cesareo, spokesman for Assisi’s Franciscans, emphasized the exhibition’s theological significance: ‘This is not macabre veneration but rather encountering Francis through venerating the Holy Spirit that animated his humanity. For believers, this becomes a pathway to spiritual renewal.’

    Contemporary visitors witness the striking physical fragility of the saint—his delicate bone structure reflecting documented struggles with health and nutrition. Yet the spiritual magnitude remains undeniable. Devotee Fiorella Farina, who named her children Francesco and Francesca, expressed profound emotion: ‘Just discussing this gives me goosebumps. In our current historical moment, we need his message more than ever.’

    Security measures surrounding the relics are both extensive and discreet, incorporating metal detectors, enhanced police presence, canine units, and surveillance systems—appropriate precautions given historical accounts of attempts to fragment the saint’s garments during his lifetime. Pilgrims experience the relics in carefully managed 10-minute intervals, with registrations opening months in advance.

    As explained by Brother William Short of the University of San Diego: ‘Relic veneration stems from natural human desire for connection. The Church channels this toward Christ through the physical remains of saints—our heavenly siblings.’ Despite historical instances of forgery and commercialization, the spiritual potency of relics remains undiminished for the faithful, making this exhibition a once-in-a-lifetime convergence of history, faith, and tradition.

  • Milan Cortina Olympics to close at Verona Arena as Olympic flag passes to France

    Milan Cortina Olympics to close at Verona Arena as Olympic flag passes to France

    VERONA, Italy — The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics concluded Sunday with a spectacular closing ceremony held within the ancient Verona Arena, marking the end of the most geographically dispersed Winter Games in Olympic history. The ceremony celebrated Italy’s rich cultural heritage through a fusion of classical and contemporary performances.

    The 2.5-hour event featured internationally acclaimed ballet dancer Roberto Bolle alongside popular Italian singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gaby Ponte, showcasing Italy’s diverse musical traditions. Approximately 1,500 Olympians—representing just over half of all competitors—paraded into the first-century amphitheater that once hosted gladiator contests and exotic animal hunts.

    Athletes entered en masse behind dual flag bearers from each of the 92 participating nations, including Italy’s gold medalists biathlete Lisa Vittozzi and speedskater Davide Ghiotto, and Team USA’s hockey champion Hilary Knight and ice dancing gold medalist Evan Bates.

    The ceremony paid special tribute to Italian lyric opera, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural treasure, while simultaneously honoring contemporary Italian classics. The Verona Arena provided an ideal backdrop, being the regular summer host to both opera festivals and the prestigious ‘Roberto Bolle and Friends’ dance gala.

    Some 12,000 spectators attended the more intimate closing event, contrasting sharply with the 60,000-strong opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium that featured Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli.

    The Olympic flag was formally transferred to France, host of the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps, during key ceremonial proceedings overseen by IOC President Kirsty Coventry—a two-time Olympic swimming champion presiding over her first Games as committee head—alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

    The Games spanned an unprecedented 22,000 square kilometers (8,500 square miles) across northern Italy, with venues stretching from Milan’s ice sports to border regions near Austria and Switzerland. This distributed model, designed to utilize existing facilities and avoid new construction costs, will influence future Olympics including the 2030 Games that will span the French Alps and Mediterranean coast.

    The ceremony concluded with the simultaneous extinguishing of the dual Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina via video link, featuring a light show替代 prohibited fireworks to protect local wildlife. The Games featured 116 medal events across eight sports and 16 disciplines, including the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering.

    The Verona Arena will next host the Milan Cortina Paralympics opening ceremony on March 6, with competitions running through March 15.