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1. Latvia faces migration pressure from Belarus
Latvia has emerged as a new focal point in Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s strategy to use migration as a political tool against the European Union. Authorities in Latvia report increasing irregular crossings from Belarus, raising concerns among EU governments about border security.
2. EU plans to ease carbon emission cuts for businesses
The European Union has proposed adjustments to its climate policy that would slow the pace of cuts to greenhouse gas emissions for businesses. This reform aims to relax the emissions trading system rules, providing companies with additional time to meet their carbon reduction targets.
3. Major fire devastates Norwegian town
A significant fire is currently sweeping through the small Norwegian town of Krokstadelva, with local authorities confirming the destruction of around 100 residential units. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, which has also impacted the surrounding forest.
4. Landslide in China claims at least eight lives
A landslide near the city of Chongqing in south-western China has resulted in at least eight fatalities, with 34 individuals reported missing. The disaster occurred in Pengshui county, burying several homes and prompting the evacuation of over 1,100 residents.
5. Strong earthquake strikes off Mexico’s coast
A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Pacific. Fortunately, no fatalities or significant damage have been reported in Mexico or neighboring Guatemala, although the tremor was felt as far as El Salvador.
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6. The U.S. has intensified its military campaign against Iran, targeting bridges and energy infrastructure as strikes continue for a sixth day. In retaliation, Iran has reportedly damaged a power and desalination plant in Kuwait, escalating tensions in the region.
7. In England, a new law will prohibit the sale of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16, set to take effect in April 2027. This legislation targets beverages containing over 150 mg of caffeine per liter, aiming to protect young people from potential health risks associated with high caffeine consumption.
8. Ukraine has ramped up its offensive against Russia’s fuel supply network in the Black Sea, striking 12 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. The Ukrainian military aims to disrupt fuel supplies to occupied territories in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea, as part of efforts to counteract Russian sanctions evasion.
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Israel’s Environment Minister Idit Silman has announced a controversial decision to change the legal status of Nile crocodiles, allowing them to be used in moats around a prison that houses Palestinian security detainees. This move has sparked debate, with critics raising concerns about animal welfare and the implications for human rights.
In a separate development, Britain is set to bolster its military presence in Estonia, with plans to deploy an additional 300 soldiers, along with weapons and equipment, by next spring. This increase will bring the total number of British troops stationed in the Baltic nation to 1,200, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security in the region amid tensions with Russia.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 15 to 27 degrees with sunny low. In London, 17 to 30 degrees with sunny feels like. In Paris, 20 to 31 degrees with sunny feels like. In Brussels, 16 to 28 degrees with partly cloudy feels like. In Berlin, 20 to 30 degrees with sunny low. In Stockholm, 16 to 28 degrees with sunny feels like. In Madrid, 22 to 35 degrees with sunny feels like.
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