Global Pulse

标签： Europe

欧洲

  • Europeans push back at US over claim they face ‘civilizational erasure’

    Europeans push back at US over claim they face ‘civilizational erasure’

    MUNICH — European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas delivered a robust rebuttal to claims of Europe’s decline during her address at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, directly countering assertions made in recent U.S. national security assessments.

    Kallas challenged the characterization of Europe as facing “civilizational erasure”—a concept outlined in the Trump administration’s December national security strategy document. That document had pointed to European economic stagnation, immigration policies, declining birth rates, and alleged suppression of political opposition as factors contributing to what it described as a loss of national identity and self-confidence.

    “Contrary to what some may say, woke, decadent Europe is not facing civilizational erasure,” Kallas asserted before the international security gathering. “People still want to join our club and not just fellow Europeans,” she added, referencing her conversations during a recent Canada visit where many expressed interest in EU membership.

    The EU diplomat characterized such criticism as “European-bashing” and emphasized Europe’s ongoing role in advancing human rights and prosperity. “We are pushing humanity forward, trying to defend human rights and all this, which is actually bringing also prosperity for people,” Kallas stated.

    Her comments followed Saturday’s address by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who struck a more conciliatory tone than previous Trump administration officials while maintaining firm positions on policy differences. Rubio assured European allies that ending the trans-Atlantic partnership was “neither our goal nor our wish,” acknowledging America’s enduring ties to Europe while reaffirming the administration’s stance on migration, trade, and climate policies.

    European leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the strength derived from Europe’s diverse societies. Starmer noted the importance of defending “vibrant, free and diverse societies” while demonstrating how “people who look different to each other can live peacefully together.”

    Kallas acknowledged that while differences persist on specific issues, the fundamental trans-Atlantic relationship remains intact. “It is also clear that we don’t see eye to eye on all the issues and this will remain the case as well, but I think we can work from there,” she concluded.

  • Ukrainian drone strike sparks fires at Russian Black Sea port ahead of US-brokered peace talks

    Ukrainian drone strike sparks fires at Russian Black Sea port ahead of US-brokered peace talks

    In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukrainian forces launched a precision drone strike against the Russian port of Taman on the Black Sea, triggering substantial fires and damaging critical energy infrastructure. Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev confirmed two casualties and damage to oil storage facilities, warehouses, and terminal operations.

    Simultaneously, Russian drone attacks targeted civilian infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region, causing disruptions to power and water supplies. This exchange represents the ongoing strategic targeting of energy systems by both nations—Ukraine aims to cripple Russia’s oil export revenue financing its invasion, while Russia continues its campaign to disable Ukraine’s power grid amid winter conditions.

    The heightened violence precedes crucial U.S.-mediated negotiations scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, expressed reservations about proposed security guarantees and questioned the feasibility of U.S.-backed peace terms regarding the disputed Donbas region.

    International voices amplified these concerns. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned that without enforceable security commitments, conflict recurrence remains inevitable. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Russia of seeking diplomatic victories unattained militarily, emphasizing that European nations would decide on sanctions relief rather than the U.S. Previous negotiation rounds in Abu Dhabi failed to resolve core issues, particularly the status of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, casting uncertainty on the upcoming Geneva talks.

  • Italy’s Federica Brignone fastest after first run in women’s giant slalom. Shiffrin sits seventh

    Italy’s Federica Brignone fastest after first run in women’s giant slalom. Shiffrin sits seventh

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Italian skiing sensation Federica Brignone has positioned herself for a potential second Olympic gold medal within a week after delivering a commanding performance in the first run of the women’s giant slalom at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

    The 35-year-old veteran, who captured the super-G title just days ago after a 16-year Olympic pursuit, demonstrated exceptional form on the challenging Dolomite Mountains course. Brignone completed the 51-gate run in 1:03.23, establishing a substantial lead over her closest competitors in a field of 76 elite skiers.

    This impressive showing comes less than a year after Brignone suffered a severe fracture to her left leg that required surgical intervention with multiple screws and left her immobilized for weeks. The 2023 world champion in giant slalom has made a remarkable recovery to reach peak form at these Games.

    German skier Lena Duerr trails Brignone by 0.34 seconds, while Italian teammate Sofia Goggia sits third, 0.46 seconds behind. A three-way tie for fourth place at 1:03.97 includes defending Olympic champion Sara Hector of Sweden, Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund, and Albania’s Lara Colturi.

    American star Mikaela Shiffrin, the 2018 Olympic champion in this event, finished her first run in seventh position, more than a second behind Brignone. Shiffrin is seeking her first Olympic medal in eight years and aims to rebound from a disappointing fourth-place finish in the combined event earlier in these Games.

    Brignone described her approach: “I tried to attack, to be clean and intelligent on the terrain changes and then toward the end, to anticipate the bumps. It was just a natural reaction for me. I had a proper run and it all came naturally to me.”

    Current World Cup giant slalom leader Julia Scheib of Austria, who sits eleventh after the first run, acknowledged Brignone’s dominance: “Perfect skiing. She likes the snow. I noticed and it was not a huge surprise.”

    Brignone’s four Olympic medals now tie the record for most by an Italian woman in alpine skiing history. With her stellar first run, she stands poised to add a second gold to her collection when competition concludes.

  • Whether it’s a mini-sabbatical or an adult gap year, more people are taking extended work breaks

    Whether it’s a mini-sabbatical or an adult gap year, more people are taking extended work breaks

    While traditional vacations offer brief respites from work, a growing movement of professionals are embracing extended career breaks known as mini-sabbaticals, adult gap years, or micro-retirements. These transformative pauses—whether taken between jobs, through employer-approved leaves, or as digital nomad adventures—provide substantial mental, physical, and spiritual resets that go far beyond conventional time off.

    According to sabbatical experts and individuals who have taken extended breaks, significant barriers prevent many from pursuing this path. Financial constraints, personal responsibilities, and fears of social judgment from colleagues and family members often deter people from hitting pause on their careers to gain new perspectives.

    American attitudes toward extended time off differ markedly from European approaches, where rest and free time are culturally prioritized. Kira Schrabram, University of Washington management professor and researcher of meaningful work, notes that EU workers are legally entitled to at least 20 paid vacation days annually. However, more US companies are now offering weeks or months of paid or unpaid leave as retention strategies for valued employees.

    Schrabram brought her expertise on burnout to the Sabbatical Project, an initiative founded by Harvard Business School’s DJ DiDonna that promotes sabbaticals as “a sacred human ritual” deserving broader accessibility. Their research with University of Notre Dame’s Matt Bloom identified three distinct sabbatical types through interviews with 50 US professionals: working holidays pursuing passion projects; “free dives” combining adventure with rest periods; and transformative quests undertaken by burned-out individuals.

    Despite more than half of interviewees self-funding their breaks, the researchers advocate in Harvard Business Review for employer-sponsored sabbaticals as tools for recruiting, retaining, and developing talented workers. The Sabbatical Project has created coaching networks to support those considering extended leaves, challenging the notion that sabbaticals require employer sponsorship.

    Real-world examples demonstrate the transformative potential of extended breaks. Corporate lawyer Roshida Dowe, laid off at 39, spent a year traveling before co-founding ExodUS Summit with Stephanie Perry—a virtual conference helping Black women navigate sabbaticals and international relocation. Their initiative addresses both practical considerations (finances, safety, healthcare) and philosophical aspects (rest value, overcoming intergenerational trauma).

    Financial planning expert Taylor Anderson of Vancouver advises clients on sabbatical preparation, noting similar principles apply to retirement savings. She observes that while not everyone can afford extended unpaid time, many potential sabbatical-takers have savings but fear spending them—what she calls understanding “money breathing” patterns of accumulation and expenditure.

    For some, sabbaticals catalyze profound life changes. Artists Eric Rewitzer and Annie Galvin discovered their San Francisco gallery break led to permanent relocation after gaining new perspective on work-life balance. Similarly, Gregory Du Bois incorporated regular mini-sabbaticals throughout his IT career by negotiating extended time off with each new employer, ultimately finding these breaks essential for spiritual regeneration and peak performance.

    As these experiences demonstrate, extended career breaks are evolving from rare luxuries to strategic tools for personal and professional renewal in an increasingly burnout-prone workforce.

  • ‘First feline’ Larry marks 15 years as Britain’s political top cat

    ‘First feline’ Larry marks 15 years as Britain’s political top cat

    LONDON — Amid Britain’s turbulent political landscape, an unconventional figure has emerged as the nation’s most enduring symbol of stability: Larry the Cat, who celebrates his 15th anniversary this Sunday as the official resident of 10 Downing Street.

    The gray-and-white tabby, who bears the formal title ‘Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office,’ has outlasted six prime ministers since his appointment in February 2011. Originally rescued from London’s Battersea Dogs and Cats Home by former Prime Minister David Cameron, Larry has transformed from street stray to political institution.

    According to his official government profile, Larry’s duties extend beyond rodent control to include ‘greeting guests, inspecting security defenses, and testing antique furniture for napping quality.’ Yet his influence transcends these formal responsibilities. The feline regularly upstages world leaders during official visits, demonstrating a particular talent for strategic photo-bombing that delights press photographers.

    ‘He represents stability in a political environment where that’s at a premium,’ observed Cambridge University professor Philip Howell, an expert in human-animal relations. ‘Larry’s approval ratings consistently outperform those of the politicians he serves.’

    The cat’s diplomatic career has included encounters with numerous world leaders. He demonstrated particular affinity for former U.S. President Barack Obama and elicited smiles from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During Donald Trump’s 2019 visit, Larry famously interrupted the official doorstep photographs before retreating for a nap beneath the presidential armored vehicle.

    While his rodent-catching capabilities remain subject to debate—with documented captures including occasional mice and one escaped pigeon—Larry excels in his unofficial role as Britain’s furry diplomat. ‘He’s more of a lover than a fighter,’ noted freelance photographer Justin Ng. ‘His true expertise lies in lounging and projecting an air of nonchalant authority.’

    The feline statesman has navigated cohabitation challenges with various prime ministerial pets, maintaining territorial sovereignty over Downing Street’s working areas while avoiding current Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s private cats. His most notable rivalry was with Palmerston, the Foreign Office’s diplomatic cat, with whom he had several public altercations before Palmerston’s retirement and recent passing.

    Now estimated to be 18 or 19 years old, Larry continues his patrols from preferred napping spots, particularly a radiator-warmed window ledge near the famous black door. Experts suggest his enduring appeal lies in his nonpartisan authenticity and characteristically feline independence.

    ‘Cats are less tractable than dogs, and that’s part of Larry’s charm,’ Professor Howell explained. ‘His whimsical nonpartisanship and refusal to perform on command embody a certain unruliness that resonates deeply with the British public.’

    As Britain’s longest-serving political resident, Larry has become an institution that no prime minister would dare disrupt—a living symbol of continuity in a world of political transience.

  • Defiant Denmark challenges US on Olympic ice with hockey as the motivation, not Greenland

    Defiant Denmark challenges US on Olympic ice with hockey as the motivation, not Greenland

    MILAN — In a display of pure determination that transcended geopolitical narratives, Denmark’s national hockey team delivered a spirited performance against the heavily favored United States at the Winter Olympics. Despite ultimately falling 6-3 to their more experienced opponents, the Danish squad demonstrated remarkable resilience by twice taking the lead during the contest.

    The matchup had been preceded by discussions about the complex relationship between the U.S. and Denmark, particularly regarding Greenland’s status as a self-governing Danish territory where independence sentiments run strong. However, Danish players emphatically stated these external factors played no role in their preparation or mindset.

    “We didn’t even mention it within the team,” revealed captain Jesper Jensen Aabo. “We just wanted to win a hockey game against a world-class team. We didn’t need extra fire to fire us up.”

    Instead, the Danish approach centered on fundamental hockey values: relentless effort, emotional investment, and collective purpose. Nick Olesen, who scored the opening goal in a first period that ended 2-1 with Denmark threatening an upset, explained: “I think that’s what represents Denmark, to always work hard.”

    The team’s composition highlighted their achievement, dressing just three NHL players compared to the American roster filled with top-tier professionals. Other Danish players compete in leagues across Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, and Sweden.

    A Greenlandic flag spotted in the stands—reportedly displayed by Latvian supporters as a pro-European gesture rather than Greenlanders themselves—went largely unnoticed by the Danish players during competition. “I didn’t see it, but that was nice,” Jensen Aabo commented. “So hopefully they supported us.”

    Lars Eller, Denmark’s most experienced NHL player from the Ottawa Senators, emphasized the Olympic spirit that prevailed: “Obviously we see the news and you’re aware of what’s going on, but today and the time we spent in the Village, it’s all about sports, it was all about hockey.”

  • The spectacular multimillion-euro heist nobody noticed

    The spectacular multimillion-euro heist nobody noticed

    In what authorities are calling Germany’s most spectacular bank robbery in recent memory, a meticulously executed heist at a Gelsenkirchen Sparkasse bank has left investigators baffled and victims devastated. The audacious burglary, occurring during the quiet Christmas weekend of December 27-29, 2025, involved thieves drilling through concrete walls to access the bank’s vault and plunder approximately 3,250 safety deposit boxes.

    According to police reconstruction, the perpetrators gained entry through an adjacent multi-story car park in the town’s Buer district. They allegedly manipulated an emergency exit door between the facilities, creating ‘unhindered access’ to the bank premises. Once inside, the criminals navigated multiple security systems before reaching an archive room adjacent to the main vault. Using industrial drilling equipment, they bored a precise 40-centimeter hole through the reinforced wall directly into the strongroom.

    The timing of the operation reveals remarkable sophistication. Investigators believe the thieves nearly encountered authorities when they triggered a fire alarm at approximately 6:00 AM on December 27. Despite the arrival of police and twenty firefighters, the response team concluded it was a false alarm after finding no evidence of smoke, fire, or damage. Interior Minister Herbert Reul later explained that firefighters couldn’t access the vault due to security shutters, and police lacked legal authority to conduct a search without a warrant.

    Security camera footage released by authorities shows masked individuals carrying large bags through the car park stairwell during the night of December 28. The thieves utilized two vehicles—a black Audi RS6 and a white Mercedes Citan—both equipped with falsified license plates.

    The full extent of the theft wasn’t discovered until December 29, when another fire alarm brought responders back to the bank. What they encountered resembled ‘a rubbish dump,’ according to Minister Reul, with over 500,000 items scattered across the vault floor. The criminals had doused many valuables with water and chemicals, significantly complicating the forensic investigation.

    While official loss estimates remain unconfirmed, German media sources project the stolen property could approach €100 million. The emotional impact on victims has been profound, with many reporting the loss of life savings, irreplaceable family jewelry, and sentimental heirlooms. The psychological toll has been compounded by insurance limitations—the bank covers only €10,300 per safety deposit box—and the reality that many victims lack formal documentation for their stored valuables.

    The investigation continues without any arrests, raising difficult questions about institutional security protocols and response procedures. The case has evolved beyond criminal dimensions into a broader societal conversation about trust in financial institutions and public security systems.

  • Fans who raised Greenland’s flag at US-Denmark Olympic hockey game say it was a pro-European gesture

    Fans who raised Greenland’s flag at US-Denmark Olympic hockey game say it was a pro-European gesture

    MILAN — In a striking display of pan-European solidarity during the Winter Olympics men’s hockey preliminary round, two Latvian fans raised the flag of Greenland as the United States faced Denmark on the ice. Vita Kalniņa and her husband Alexander Kalniņš, German-based supporters of the Latvian hockey team, prominently displayed the distinctive white-and-red Greenlandic banner during pre-game warmups and again when Denmark scored the opening goal against the American team.

    The symbolic gesture comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Denmark following recent remarks by former President Donald Trump regarding potential American interest in acquiring Greenland. The autonomous territory remains under Danish sovereignty despite having self-governing status.

    “We are Europeans and I think as Europeans we must hold together,” Alexander Kalniņš explained to The Associated Press. “The Greenlandic people ultimately decide their future, but currently Greenland remains part of the Danish kingdom. In this sporting context, we support both Greenland and Denmark against the U.S.”

    Other spectators attending the Olympic hockey matchup in Milan expressed belief that sports should transcend political divisions. Both American and Danish fans emphasized the game’s ability to bridge diplomatic differences through athletic competition.

    The recent geopolitical discourse surrounding Greenland has ignited renewed national pride in Denmark. While players from both teams maintained their focus remained exclusively on athletic performance, the matchup provided an opportunity for Danish supporters to rally behind their team as significant underdogs in the tournament.

  • Lindsey Vonn says her latest surgery after Olympic crash ‘went well’ and she can return to US

    Lindsey Vonn says her latest surgery after Olympic crash ‘went well’ and she can return to US

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has undergone successful surgery following a devastating crash during her Olympic downhill run, marking the latest chapter in her courageous battle with injury. The 41-year-old champion confirmed on Saturday that the procedure on her fractured left leg “went well,” clearing her for medical transport back to the United States.

    The incident occurred merely 13 seconds into Vonn’s run during last Sunday’s competition, necessitating immediate helicopter evacuation from the course. Medical examinations revealed a complex tibia fracture described as “currently stable but requiring multiple surgical interventions for proper stabilization”—a prognosis Vonn disclosed earlier this week.

    This represents the third surgical procedure in a series of devastating setbacks for the Olympic champion. Just nine days prior to the downhill crash, Vonn had ruptured the ACL in her left knee during another training incident, compounding the physical challenges of her highly anticipated comeback after nearly six years of retirement.

    Through her Instagram platform, Vonn delivered an emotionally powerful message to supporters worldwide: “I have been reading messages expressing sadness about my situation. Please, don’t be sad. While I welcome empathy, love and support with an open heart, I ask for no sympathy. Instead, may my experience provide strength to continue fighting—as I am doing and will continue to do always.”

    The veteran skier demonstrated remarkable perspective regarding her calculated risk-taking: “When I reflect on my crash, I didn’t stand in the starting gate unaware of potential consequences. I knew precisely what I was doing. I consciously chose to accept that risk.”

    Despite her father Alan Kildow’s expressed desire to see his daughter retire from competitive racing, Vonn’s determination remains unshaken. She concluded her statement with characteristic resolve: “I still anticipate the moment when I can stand atop the mountain once more. And I will.”

  • American Jeremy Swayman allows a long-distance goal against Denmark at the Olympics

    American Jeremy Swayman allows a long-distance goal against Denmark at the Olympics

    In a stunning Olympic hockey moment that evoked memories of historic upsets, Denmark seized a surprise 2-1 lead against the heavily favored United States team following an extraordinary 95-foot goal that beat Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman during Saturday night’s preliminary round match.

    The remarkable sequence occurred just past the midpoint of the first period when Danish defenseman Nicholas B. Jensen launched a seemingly routine shot from beyond the center red line. Swayman, appearing to lose sight of the puck, misjudged the trajectory as the shot sailed over his right shoulder into the net. The goal marked only Jensen’s fourth in 11 years of international competition.

    NBC analyst and former NHL goaltender Brian Boucher speculated during the broadcast that the arena’s dark board coloring may have contributed to Swayman’s visual challenges in tracking the unexpected shot.

    The bizarre play immediately drew comparisons to one of international hockey’s most famous upsets: Belarusian forward Vladimir Kopat’s game-winning goal against Sweden’s Tommy Salo from center ice during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics quarterfinals.

    U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan had implemented a strategic goaltending rotation for the tournament’s demanding schedule, selecting Swayman for the Denmark matchup while preserving reigning NHL MVP Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets) for Sunday’s round-robin finale against Germany. Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars) completed the American goaltending trio.

    Swayman entered the Olympics boasting arguably the strongest NHL season credentials among the three netminders, having recently backstopped Team USA to victory at the world championships. Hellebuyck brings Vezina Trophy-winning pedigree, while Oettinger has demonstrated playoff excellence with three consecutive Western Conference final appearances.