Hello, this is EUR Radio News.
1. Sweden plans to ban cell phones in schools
Sweden is set to implement a ban on cell phones in all primary schools starting next academic year. The government has introduced a draft law requiring students to hand in their devices at the beginning of the school day, aiming to improve focus and learning environments.
2. US YouTube star IShowSpeed to get Ghanaian passport
Ghana’s foreign minister has announced that popular YouTube influencer IShowSpeed will be granted a Ghanaian passport as his African tour concludes. While some view him as a “worthy ambassador,” the decision has sparked criticism among certain segments of the Ghanaian public.
3. Spain offers amnesty to 500,000 undocumented migrants
In a significant move, Spain’s left-wing government is preparing to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez argues that this amnesty will provide essential legal protections for informal workers and bolster the economy.
4. Ukraine intensifies strikes deep into Russia
Since August 2025, Ukraine has escalated its military campaign with strikes targeting deep within Russian territory. Although Western allies have hesitated to provide long-range missiles, they have not opposed Ukraine’s use of domestically-produced drones in these operations.
5. EU moves to blacklist Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
The European Union is considering blacklisting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard amid concerns over its involvement in international diplomacy tactics, including the detention of Europeans. This follows the release of former EU official Johan Floderus from Iran’s notorious Evin Prison in 2024.
Next.
6. Switzerland plans to raise its VAT to enhance defense spending, a move that necessitates a constitutional change. A public consultation is set to begin in the spring as the nation reassesses its military strategy in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
7. In a bid to bolster its ranks, Russia is reportedly recruiting foreign nationals, including Kenyans, to fight in Ukraine. This strategy aims to circumvent a nationwide mobilization while addressing the urgent need for more troops as the war continues.
8. A recent report from a US think tank reveals that the Ukraine war has resulted in nearly two million military casualties over the past four years. The study indicates that Russian forces have suffered the most, with estimates of up to 325,000 killed or missing in action.
Next.
Speaking to Euronews at the European Parliament, Poland’s finance minister, Domanski, emphasized the importance of maintaining the złoty over adopting the euro. He highlighted the recent free trade agreement with India as a significant step for Europe amid rising global trade tensions, underlining Poland’s cautious approach despite its strong economic performance.
Concerns are growing in parts of Asia regarding the Nipah virus, which has a mortality rate of up to 92 percent. Following the confirmation of two new cases in India, the situation is prompting alarm across the region as health officials monitor the developments and prepare for potential outbreaks.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, -6 degrees with light freezing rain riga can expect a bitterly cold day. In London, 3 to 8 degrees with sunny. In Paris, 3 to 8 degrees with overcast. In Brussels, 2 to 6 degrees with overcast. In Berlin, -2 to 1 degrees with sunny. In Stockholm, -2 degrees with partly cloudy stockholm can expect a bitterly cold day. In Madrid, 2 to 7 degrees with moderate rain.
Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.