Correspondence Dan Alexe // The Presidency of Poland and a pro-EU agenda

"Our future is in our hands, not in those of the Chinese or Americans, and we should not be afraid," said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk before the European Parliament when presenting his country's priorities for the six months of Poland's presidency of the EU Council. Under the motto "Security—Europe!" Warsaw has chosen to place security and defense at its European agenda. Poland's EU presidency in the first half of 2025 will focus on the integration of Ukraine and the enlargement of the EU, strengthening EU-US relations, rebuilding Ukraine after the war, and ensuring energy security in the EU.

Russian drone strikes Ukraine: Over 60 drones hit civilian areas

The Russian forces have attacked Ukraine with over 60 Shahed drones and two guided missiles in the past 24 hours, announces the Ukrainian army.

Slovakia protesters demand Fico's resignation over pro-Russian stance

Massive protests took place in Slovakia, where tens of thousands of people gathered in the streets to challenge Prime Minister Robert Fico's policies.

Marco Rubio freezes U.S. foreign aid, except for Israel, Egypt

The new head of U.S. diplomacy, Marco Rubio, has frozen U.S. foreign aid, except for the assistance provided to Egypt and Israel, pending a full review of all programs, as stated in an internal memo from the State Department, according to AFP.

Wage freeze sparks Union protests in Romania

In Romania, Union Day was observed without the presence of the country's top leaders. President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu did not attend the official ceremonies held in Iași and Focșani. The only high-ranking official in attendance was Senate President Ilie Bolojan, a member of the National Liberal Party.

Putin ready to discuss Ukraine war, nuclear disarmament with Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to engage in a phone conversation with his American counterpart, Donald Trump, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and reducing nuclear weapons.

EU pushes for stricter sanctions against Russia’s oil trade

Russia’s war in Ukraine is unjustified and illegal, and its disinformation campaign is a serious threat. In a resolution, European lawmakers voted on Thursday to impose sanctions on Russian media outlets, strengthen fact-checking rules, and reject Russia’s attempts to justify its aggressive war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Armed Forces official arrested amid corruption probe

The Chief Psychiatrist of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who also serves as the Deputy Head of the Central Military Medical Commission, was arrested by the Security Service in Kyiv.

Fire at Kartalkaya ski resort leaves 10 dead and 32 injured

Ten people have died and 32 others have been injured in a devastating fire at a hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort, located in the Bolu province of Turkey, according to local authorities.

Moldova seeks U.S. support for Transnistrian conflict resolution

Shifts in U.S. foreign policy and possible peace negotiations with Ukraine could present an opportunity for Moldova to secure American support in resolving the Transnistrian conflict.

Trump pardons Capitol rioters and signs key executive orders

One of Donald Trump’s first decisions after being sworn in for his second term as President of the United States was to pardon approximately 1,500 supporters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Trump's first day: State of emergency and oath of office

On Monday, Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States, a moment eagerly anticipated by political allies and foes,