Global Pulse

标签： Europe

欧洲

  • Transfer deadline: Premier League clubs most active with hours left in winter window

    Transfer deadline: Premier League clubs most active with hours left in winter window

    European football’s winter transfer window approaches its decisive finale, with Monday marking the deadline for elite clubs across the continent’s top leagues to finalize their squad reinforcements. The closing hours present a final opportunity for strategic acquisitions and sales that could define team fortunes for the remainder of the competitive season.

    England’s Premier League has emerged as the financial powerhouse of this transfer period, with British clubs collectively investing approximately $450 million in player acquisitions. Manchester City has executed the most significant financial maneuvers thus far, securing the services of winger Antoine Semenyo and center back Marc Guehi for a combined transfer fee of $115 million.

    Several compelling narratives dominate the final hours of negotiation. Liverpool faces pressing questions about reinforcing their defensive line following injury setbacks. Crystal Palace contemplates the potential departure of French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with Serie A powerhouse AC Milan reportedly monitoring the situation. Chelsea’s transfer activity remains under particular scrutiny given the club’s historically aggressive approach to both incoming and outgoing transfers.

    The transfer deadline falls simultaneously across multiple leagues at 19:00 GMT for England, France, Germany, and Italy, while Spain’s window remains open until 22:59 GMT, providing La Liga clubs with additional hours for last-minute negotiations.

  • Iran summons EU ambassadors to protest Revolutionary Guard being listed as terror group

    Iran summons EU ambassadors to protest Revolutionary Guard being listed as terror group

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran has initiated a significant diplomatic escalation by summoning European Union ambassadors in Tehran to formally protest the bloc’s recent designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and the potential threat of U.S. military action in response to Iran’s crackdown on demonstrators and possible mass executions.

    Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that ambassador summons began Sunday and continued through Monday, characterizing the EU’s decision as “illegal, unreasonable and very wrong.” Baghaei indicated that Iranian authorities are preparing reciprocal measures, with decisions expected in coming days.

    The EU’s designation last week specifically references the Revolutionary Guard’s role in suppressing nationwide protests in January that resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of detentions. This places the EU alongside the United States and Canada, which had previously classified the paramilitary force as terrorist entities.

    Concurrently, Iran’s parliament speaker declared that Tehran now considers all European Union militaries to be terrorist organizations, invoking a 2019 law that mandates reciprocal responses to such designations.

    The Revolutionary Guard, established during Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution as a protector of the clerical government, has evolved into a powerful parallel military force with substantial economic influence. Its expansion into private enterprise followed the Iran-Iraq war under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s authorization.

    Evidence emerging via Starlink satellites and other means indicates the Guard’s Basij force played a central role in the violent suppression of protests, with footage showing armed personnel shooting and beating demonstrators during internet blackouts that isolated Iran’s 85 million citizens.

    Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Guard conducted naval exercises in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, through which twenty percent of globally traded oil passes. While Iran had notified shipping traffic of the drills, it hasn’t officially acknowledged their execution. The U.S. Central Command issued stern warnings against Iranian harassment of its warships and aircraft or interference with commercial vessel transit through the vital waterway.

  • Son of Norway’s crown princess to go on trial on rape and other charges

    Son of Norway’s crown princess to go on trial on rape and other charges

    OSLO, Norway — A significant criminal trial commenced Tuesday against Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, marking a profound embarrassment for the royal family amidst simultaneous revelations about the crown princess’s past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

    Høiby, 29, stands indicted on 38 criminal counts including rape, domestic abuse, drug trafficking, death threats, and traffic violations. The Oslo District Court will hear allegations detailing four separate rape incidents occurring between 2018 and November 2024, alongside patterns of violence against two former partners. Prosecutors indicate a potential decade-long prison sentence if convictions are secured during the trial, projected to continue through mid-March.

    The defendant, product of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s previous relationship, holds no royal title or formal duties within the monarchy. His stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, issued an unusual public statement clarifying that neither he nor Mette-Marit intend to attend court proceedings, emphasizing Høiby’s status as a private citizen subject to Norway’s judicial system like any other.

    Compounding the royal family’s challenges, newly unsealed court documents from the Epstein files reveal extensive communications between Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the disgraced financier. Norwegian media reports confirm she utilized Epstein’s Palm Beach, Florida property in early 2013 through a mutual acquaintance. In a contrite statement, the crown princess acknowledged ‘poor judgment’ and expressed deep regret for her association with Epstein, extending sympathy to his victims.

    This dual controversy emerges alongside ongoing public scrutiny of Princess Märtha Louise’s unconventional business activities and her 2024 marriage to American self-described shaman Durek Verrett, collectively presenting unprecedented public relations challenges for Norway’s typically popular monarchy.

    Defense attorney Petar Sekulic maintains his client’s innocence regarding all sexual abuse charges and most violence allegations, promising Høiby will present his comprehensive version of events during the judicial process.

  • ‘Enemy’ insults and questioning Putin: Steve Rosenberg on tightrope of reporting from Russia

    ‘Enemy’ insults and questioning Putin: Steve Rosenberg on tightrope of reporting from Russia

    In a revealing account of contemporary media operations within Russia, BBC Moscow correspondent Steve Rosenberg details the increasingly hostile environment facing Western journalists. The situation has deteriorated markedly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, creating what Rosenberg describes as a ‘legal minefield’ for foreign correspondents.

    The hostility manifests through multiple channels, including vitriolic attacks on state-controlled television. Prominent presenter Vladimir Solovyov has personally targeted Rosenberg with derogatory remarks, labeling him ‘Steve Rotten-berg’ and comparing his appearance to a ‘defecating squirrel’ while explicitly branding him ‘a conscious enemy of our country.’

    Operational challenges have intensified significantly. Journalists from nations designated ‘unfriendly’ by the Kremlin, including the United Kingdom, now face heightened scrutiny. Visa arrangements have been tightened, with accreditation requiring renewal every three months instead of the previous annual permits. Travel involves ‘additional checks’ at borders, creating constant administrative hurdles.

    The legal landscape has become particularly perilous. The 2023 espionage conviction of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who spent sixteen months imprisoned despite widespread condemnation of the charges as fabricated, demonstrated that foreign citizenship provides no protection against detention. New repressive laws have silenced dissent and criminalized criticism of authorities, forcing many former Russian contributors to avoid Western media outlets entirely.

    Despite these challenges, some access persists. Western broadcasters maintaining Moscow bureaus continue receiving invitations to Kremlin events, occasionally providing opportunities to question President Putin directly. These rare interactions offer insights into Moscow’s perspective, particularly Putin’s persistent resentment over NATO expansion and perceived Western disrespect toward Russian interests.

    The geopolitical alignment has shifted notably with Donald Trump’s return to the American presidency. Moscow perceives improved relations with Washington, resulting in redirected media hostility toward European nations and the UK instead of the United States. This marks a dramatic reversal from the 1990s, when Rosenberg appeared on popular Russian television programs celebrating British culture and Allied cooperation during World War II.

    The correspondent’s personal reflections highlight Russia’s contradictions: simultaneous hostility and warmth from different segments of society. While state media propagates antagonistic narratives, individual Muscovites continue expressing appreciation for Western journalists’ presence, embodying the nation’s double-headed eagle symbolism of conflicting orientations.

  • Norway’s PM agrees crown princess had ‘poor judgement’ over Epstein links

    Norway’s PM agrees crown princess had ‘poor judgement’ over Epstein links

    The Norwegian royal family confronts converging scandals as newly released documents reveal Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s extensive connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, coinciding with her stepson’s impending criminal trial. Judicial files disclosed by the U.S. Department of Justice document hundreds of communications between the princess and Epstein spanning 2011-2014, including a four-day stay at his Palm Beach residence in January 2013.

    In a Saturday statement, Princess Mette-Marit acknowledged “poor judgement” and expressed profound regret for maintaining any association with Epstein. “It is simply embarrassing,” the princess stated, while extending her “deep sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the abuses committed by Jeffrey Epstein.”

    Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre endorsed the princess’s self-assessment, simultaneously criticizing former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland for similar misjudgment regarding planned travels to Epstein’s private island. The prime minister’s explicit commentary on royal conduct marks a notable departure from conventional diplomatic reserve.

    Compounding the royal family’s challenges, Marius Borg Høiby—the princess’s biological son from a previous relationship—faces 38 criminal charges including rape and sexual assault. The 29-year-old, who holds no royal status, denies all allegations, with the most severe charge involving intercourse with an unconscious victim. A conviction could result in a minimum ten-year imprisonment.

    Neither Crown Princess Mette-Marit nor Crown Prince Haakon will attend the Oslo District Court proceedings, though the prince recently expressed familial concern for “everyone affected by this case.” The royal household simultaneously navigates the princess’s serious health challenges, as she awaits lung transplantation due to pulmonary fibrosis.

    Norwegian commentators express particular alarm over the casual tone of the Epstein correspondence, including one email inquiring whether nude women carrying surfboards would constitute appropriate wallpaper imagery for her son. The revelations intensify scrutiny regarding royal advisers’ failure to recognize the dangers of sustained contact with a known sex offender.

  • Over €3m of benzodiazepine seized in Dublin

    Over €3m of benzodiazepine seized in Dublin

    In a significant blow to organized crime networks, Ireland’s national police force An Garda Síochána has intercepted illicit drugs with an estimated street value of €3.4 million during coordinated operations across Dublin. The substantial seizure occurred on Wednesday through a series of targeted searches conducted as part of Operation Tara, an ongoing strategic initiative designed to dismantle drug trafficking operations throughout the country.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed the confiscated substances consisted entirely of benzodiazepine tablets, a class of prescription psychoactive medications frequently misused recreationally. While the operation successfully removed a substantial quantity of dangerous substances from circulation, authorities noted that no arrests have been made in direct connection with Wednesday’s seizures.

    The intercepted drugs have been transferred to forensic laboratories for detailed chemical analysis, which will help investigators identify distribution patterns and manufacturing sources. An Garda Síochána emphasized that their investigation remains active and ongoing, with further operational developments anticipated as they continue to target the infrastructure supporting illegal drug distribution networks across the Irish capital and surrounding regions.

    Operation Tara represents one of Ireland’s most comprehensive law enforcement strategies against drug-related criminal activity, focusing specifically on disrupting supply chains and prosecuting those involved in drug dealing operations at various levels. Wednesday’s successful seizure demonstrates the continued effectiveness of this coordinated approach to combating the illegal drug trade.

  • France’s Capgemini to sell subsidiary working with ICE during anger at US immigration crackdown

    France’s Capgemini to sell subsidiary working with ICE during anger at US immigration crackdown

    PARIS — In a significant corporate move, French technology consulting giant Capgemini has announced the immediate divestiture of its U.S. federal government subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions. This decision comes amid intensifying global scrutiny of the subsidiary’s contractual relationship with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly regarding the agency’s enforcement tactics during the previous administration’s immigration initiatives.

    The announcement follows sustained pressure from the French government, which had demanded greater transparency regarding the company’s engagements with ICE. Recent operations conducted by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, which resulted in the fatal shootings of two American citizens, had generated particular concern in European diplomatic circles.

    In an official statement released Sunday, Capgemini cited regulatory constraints that limited parental oversight as the primary rationale for the divestiture. “The rules for working with U.S. federal government agencies did not allow the group to exercise appropriate control over certain aspects of the operations of this subsidiary to ensure alignment with the group’s objectives,” the company stated.

    Chief Executive Officer Aiman Ezzat revealed he had only recently become aware of the subsidiary’s contractual arrangements with ICE. Through a LinkedIn post, Ezzat acknowledged that “the nature and scope of this work has raised questions compared to what we typically do as a business and technology firm.”

    The divestment decision emerged shortly after French Finance Minister Roland Lescure publicly urged Capgemini to provide complete transparency regarding its activities and reconsider their nature. While the Minister’s office declined to comment on the specific decision, the company’s announcement represents a direct response to governmental concerns.

    According to reports from the non-governmental organization Multinationals Observatory, the subsidiary provided ICE with technical tools designed to assist in locating targets for immigration enforcement operations. Capgemini did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding these specific technologies.

    The financial impact appears minimal, with the subsidiary representing merely 0.4% of Capgemini’s projected 2025 revenue. Capgemini, which employs over 340,000 professionals across more than 50 countries, continues to position itself as a global leader in technology services and consulting.

  • Tens of thousands of Czechs rally in support of President Pavel over dispute with foreign minister

    Tens of thousands of Czechs rally in support of President Pavel over dispute with foreign minister

    PRAGUE — The Czech Republic witnessed unprecedented political mobilization as tens of thousands of citizens flooded Prague’s historic squares on Sunday, demonstrating firm support for President Petr Pavel amid a escalating constitutional confrontation with Foreign Minister Petr Macinka. The massive gathering, which overflowed from Old Town Square to Wenceslas Square, featured a sea of Czech, Ukrainian, and EU flags alongside banners proclaiming ‘Long Live Pavel’ in a striking show of public solidarity.

    The core of the dispute centers on President Pavel’s refusal to appoint Filip Turek as environment minister, a nominee from the right-wing Motorists for Themselves party. This decision came after media investigations revealed Turek’s Facebook posts containing openly racist, homophobic, and sexist content. While Turek offered partial apologies for some posts, he denied authorship of others, further complicating the nomination.

    Foreign Minister Macinka, who leads the Euro-skeptic party, has accused the president of constitutional violations and threatened legal consequences if the appointment isn’t finalized. President Pavel characterized these threats as attempted blackmail and has scheduled a critical meeting with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš for Wednesday to resolve the impasse.

    The current government, sworn in on December 15 after Babiš’s ANO movement formed a coalition with the Freedom and Direct Democracy party and the Motorists, has advocated for shifting away from Ukraine support and rejecting key EU policies. This stands in direct opposition to President Pavel’s staunch pro-Ukraine stance as a retired army general, highlighting the deepening ideological divide within Czech leadership.

    Parallel demonstrations supporting the president emerged in multiple cities across the country, signaling broad public engagement in this constitutional crisis that pits presidential authority against government ambitions.

  • Twelve killed by Russian strike near bus in Ukraine, official says

    Twelve killed by Russian strike near bus in Ukraine, official says

    A Russian drone attack targeting a civilian shuttle bus in eastern Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of twelve mine workers and left seven others wounded, according to regional authorities. The assault occurred in the Pavlohrad district, where the vehicle was transporting employees of energy provider DTEK following their shift.

    Regional military administration chief Oleksandr Ganzha confirmed the casualties via Telegram, stating that investigation into the details is ongoing while air alerts continue throughout the region. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy firm, denounced the incident as a deliberate attack on civilian workers, initially reporting fifteen fatalities in their official statement.

    This devastating strike follows a pattern of intensified attacks across Ukraine over the weekend. In a separate incident in Zaporizhzhia, a drone strike hit a maternity hospital, injuring six people including two women undergoing medical examinations. Regional head Ivan Fedorov described the hospital attack as further “proof of a war directed against life,” sharing visual evidence of extensive damage including blown-out windows and debris-strewn medical facilities.

    Additional violence claimed three lives in Kherson and Dnipro, according to local officials. These developments occur amidst Russia’s continued targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during an exceptionally cold winter, with temperatures forecast to drop below -20°C. The attacks on power grids have severely compromised heating and electricity supplies across the country.

    Contradictory statements have emerged regarding potential ceasefires, with US President Donald Trump claiming on Thursday that Russian President Putin had agreed to halt attacks on major Ukrainian cities during the cold snap. The Kremlin later indicated this pause would extend only until Sunday, leaving the humanitarian situation precarious.

  • Bayern powerbroker Uli Hoeneß ‘appalled’ by agent’s behavior as Dayot Upamecano contract talks go on

    Bayern powerbroker Uli Hoeneß ‘appalled’ by agent’s behavior as Dayot Upamecano contract talks go on

    MUNICH — Bayern Munich’s leadership has expressed growing concern over the unresolved contract situation of French international defender Dayot Upamecano. The 27-year-old center-back’s current agreement with the German champions is set to expire at the conclusion of this season, creating mounting anxiety within the club’s hierarchy.

    Uli Hoeneß, the influential honorary president of Bayern Munich, revealed his disappointment regarding the stalled negotiations. In an exclusive interview with Kicker magazine published Sunday, the 74-year-old club legend stated: “I would be absolutely delighted if Dayot Upamecano decides to remain with FC Bayern. I am aware that both he and his family have established strong roots in Munich and feel thoroughly comfortable here.”

    However, Hoeneß voiced significant concerns about external influences potentially derailing the extension talks. “My apprehension lies with his representatives, who appear to be employing every possible tactic to facilitate his departure from our club,” he added, highlighting the contentious nature of the discussions.

    The veteran executive, whose association with Bayern spans over forty years across various roles including player and manager, indicated that the club has made considerable financial concessions to meet the demands of both player and agent. Hoeneß described himself as “appalled” by the negotiating stance adopted by Upamecano’s representatives.

    According to Kicker’s sources, Bayern’s management team plans to arrange urgent talks with the defender in the coming days to address his future prospects and encourage a definitive decision. The situation has gained additional urgency due to reported interest from European powerhouses Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, who could secure the player’s services without transfer compensation.

    Upamecano originally joined Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in 2021 after the Bavarian club activated his €43 million release clause. His professional journey in Germany began with Leipzig in 2017, following his transition from sister club Red Bull Salzburg. During his tenure with Bayern, the French international has made 178 competitive appearances while earning 35 caps for the French national team.