Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Friday, October 23, 2026
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
From France to Albania, social unrest is setting Europe’s streets ablaze
Rising fuel costs, discontent with the state of schools, declining public services and a housing crisis are fueling an autumn of protests in Europe. Crowds have protested for weeks in major cities, with some demonstrations marked by arrests, looting, injuries and violence across France, Spain, Italy and Albania.
Crowds have protested for weeks in major cities, with some demonstrations marked by arrests, looting, injuries and violence across France, Italy and Albania. In Spain and Portugal, tent camps have sprung up to protest unaffordable housing.
Young Europeans are experiencing “a strong sense of uncertainty and a lack of control,” said María Silvestre, professor of sociology at the University of Deusto in Spain. “And when specific situations come together, a spark suddenly ignites that is capable of channeling that discontent and driving people into the streets.”
Cities have turned into battlefields as top EU economies, including France, Italy and Spain, approach pivotal elections, while far-right parties have made electoral gains in Germany and could do so elsewhere. It also comes as Europe faces a critical moment in its support for Ukraine, with President Donald Trump making overtures to President Vladimir Putin even as Russia is blamed for increasingly frequent arson attacks, cyberattacks and other acts of sabotage in NATO countries.
Right-wing politicians have seized on the chaos. While protests in France have appeared broad-based, Trump portrayed immigrants as responsible for the destruction, writing Monday on his Truth Social platform: “The migrants have taken over France. They must CLOSE THE BORDERS, FAST!”
Many of the protests have been fueled by frustrated young people. Other actors, including black-clad, masked agitators, have fomented violence, but French authorities and police have not blamed immigrants.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Something Is Going Very Wrong in Europe...
Something Is Going Very Wrong in Europe...
reallygraceful
Oct 16, 2026
What’s happening with the protests in Europe—and what gets left out of the headlines?
In this video, I examine the (on-going) French student protests, including the unrest in Belgium, Italy, Greece, and Albania...and the debate surrounding demonstrations in Britain (which I find suspicious). From media coverage and political responses to immigration policy and public frustration, there’s more to unpack than just the viral clips circulating online.
I also revisit reporting on the Arab Spring (and it's manipulators), explore the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its earlier United Nations “Replacement Migration” report, and discuss developments in Albania. We went from student protests to regime change in a blink of an eye. Along the way, I compare public statements, historical examples, and competing narratives—and share my perspective on the questions they raise.
Which comparisons hold up? Where does the reporting end and interpretation begin? Are nation states becoming extinct?
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This video includes news footage and historical material for documentary discussion and commentary. Inclusion of a clip or quotation does not imply endorsement.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
"Close Borders, Save Europe": Afroditi Latinopoulou’s Vision for Europe
"Close Borders, Save Europe": Afroditi Latinopoulou’s Vision for Europe
The Financial Express
Oct 13, 2026
At a political gathering in Italy, Greek politician Afroditi Latinopoulou delivers a forceful critique of the European Union, accusing Brussels’ institutions of undermining national sovereignty, traditional values and democratic accountability. Aligning herself with right-wing European figures including Matteo Salvini and Viktor Orbán, she calls for tighter borders, mass deportations and a rejection of policies she associates with the EU establishment. Her speech also attacks what she describes as excessive bureaucracy, state intervention and the political left, while emphasising the themes of nation, religion and family. Latinopoulou presents the debate as a struggle over who should shape Europe’s future: national governments and their citizens, or institutions based in Brussels. This report examines the arguments and political rhetoric behind her challenge to the European project.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
We Followed The World's Deadliest Migration Route - TRAILER
We Followed The World's Deadliest Migration Route - TRAILER
Muckraker
Oct 13, 2026
Muckraker's new documentary, Replacing Europe: Following the World's Deadliest Migration Route documents what nobody is meant to see. Brothers Anthony and Joshua Rubin followed one of the deadliest illegal immigration routes on Earth from Africa to the Canary Islands, Spain, and France, ending in the United Kingdom.
By covertly engaging with migrants, NGOs, and criminal organizations, Muckraker exposed what is meant to be hidden from the public: European governments are not merely tolerating this shift. They are facilitating, encouraging, and funding it.
Replacing Europe will drop October 14th, exclusively on Muckraker.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Russia-Linked Group Claims Armed Incursion Into NATO Territory, Threatens Further Sabotage
Oct 13, 2026 10:51
Latvia’s State Security Service opened criminal proceedings on October 9 concerning the alleged establishment of a criminal organization intended to commit particularly serious crimes against peace, as well as against Latvia and Ukraine.
The agency declined to provide further details, citing the interests of the ongoing investigation. No official determination linking the group directly to Russian or Belarusian intelligence services has been publicly established.
Earlier, in July 2026, Latvia tightened security around critical energy infrastructure, including a major hydroelectric dam and its largest underground gas storage facility, following intelligence warnings of potential Russian sabotage. Latvian officials also called for additional NATO air defenses and a stronger allied military presence amid growing concerns over hybrid threats.
Updated Oct 13, 2026 13:01
Concrete anti-tank obstacles known as “dragon’s teeth” near the Latvia-Belarus border in Piedruja, Latvia, on August 17, 2026. (Source: Getty Images)
An armed group calling itself “Black Rus” has claimed responsibility for a cross-border operation in Latvia involving masked individuals, damaged surveillance equipment, and an attempt to push 20 undocumented migrants across the border from Belarus.
A senior NATO strategic communications official said the incident showed signs of possible involvement by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services.
According to Latvia’s public broadcaster LSM on October 12, the group published a video statement on Telegram claiming responsibility for the incident, which took place overnight on October 5–6 near the Latvian-Belarusian border.
An armed group calling itself “Black Rus” has claimed responsibility for a cross-border operation in Latvia involving masked individuals, damaged surveillance equipment, and an attempt to push 20 undocumented migrants across the border from Belarus.
A senior NATO strategic communications official said the incident showed signs of possible involvement by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services.
According to Latvia’s public broadcaster LSM on October 12, the group published a video statement on Telegram claiming responsibility for the incident, which took place overnight on October 5–6 near the Latvian-Belarusian border.
In the video, a masked man using a distorted voice and identifying himself as Neman, the group’s spokesperson, claimed that three members had participated in the operation. He also threatened further acts of sabotage against countries bordering Belarus.
Jānis Sārts, director of NATO’s Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, suggested that the group was unlikely to be operating independently. He said the involvement of armed individuals in moving migrants toward Latvia’s border bore characteristics of an operation potentially coordinated by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services.
During the initial incident, armed individuals accompanying migrants from Belarus reportedly threatened Latvian military personnel while attempting to force their way across the border.
Several hours later, masked individuals entered Latvian territory again near the village of Matuliški, stealing surveillance cameras and damaging border monitoring equipment.
Jānis Sārts, director of NATO’s Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, suggested that the group was unlikely to be operating independently. He said the involvement of armed individuals in moving migrants toward Latvia’s border bore characteristics of an operation potentially coordinated by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services.
During the initial incident, armed individuals accompanying migrants from Belarus reportedly threatened Latvian military personnel while attempting to force their way across the border.
Several hours later, masked individuals entered Latvian territory again near the village of Matuliški, stealing surveillance cameras and damaging border monitoring equipment.
Latvia’s State Security Service opened criminal proceedings on October 9 concerning the alleged establishment of a criminal organization intended to commit particularly serious crimes against peace, as well as against Latvia and Ukraine.
The agency declined to provide further details, citing the interests of the ongoing investigation. No official determination linking the group directly to Russian or Belarusian intelligence services has been publicly established.
Earlier, in July 2026, Latvia tightened security around critical energy infrastructure, including a major hydroelectric dam and its largest underground gas storage facility, following intelligence warnings of potential Russian sabotage. Latvian officials also called for additional NATO air defenses and a stronger allied military presence amid growing concerns over hybrid threats.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Can churches help make an alternative asylum system a reality?
Dr Torsten Moritz, general secretary of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), reflects on a recent conference, “Protecting People More Than Borders,” and how churches can help make an alternative asylum system a reality.
Photo:
Joy Eva Bohol/CCME/UMCOR
08 October 2026
Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe
Refugees and migration
What were your biggest takeaways from the conference?
Dr Moritz: We met 28-30 September with some 30 participants representing churches from all over Europe. Discussions were around a draft paper outlining what elements of an alternative, protection-oriented asylum system in Europe could look like – a system which protects people more than borders.
These were very earnest discussions. They showed how important it is in asylum policy and practice to put the human being first - and how often this is not the case in Europe these days. There is thus great support for the draft paper. At the same time, there is a fear that any policy reform might even more be influenced by the extreme right and those following their agenda. Last not least, the message protecting people more than borders is a good common message, but it needs to be translated and contextualised into the different languages and contexts of churches in Europe.
What is the most crucial information for churches to know right now?
Dr Moritz: We – that is the CCME office and a task force from among members – will be working with the input we received from churches in Europe.
In early 2027 we will make an updated version of the proposals for an alternative asylum system in Europe available. It will be mainly policy-oriented and will contain specific suggestions for organising recognition of people asking for protection in Europe, their reception and integration, how this can happen while social cohesion increases, and how it doesn’t have to cost more than the current policy of dissuasion. The proposals are informed by good practices, as we could for example find them in the protection of Ukrainians fleeing in and since 2022. We will present an outline which shows that protecting people is not an a lofty illusion, but a real option if we dare to be values-based and realistic at the same time.
We will also provide accompanying information templates – like an explanation of policy proposals in a less technical language, which non-expert church members and members of the public can relate to. Throughout 2027, we will spread this information—online but also through events across Europe – to a church audience and policymakers, but also a broader public.
What is your urgent call to churches?
Dr Moritz: First of all, continue your work around the principle of protecting people more than borders. With hardening of policy and practice towards the most vulnerable, damage control is essential. Churches in many places make a different for upholding the dignity of persons seeking protection in Europe, while working to uphold social cohesion for all.
And, secondly, work with us on making an alternative asylum system a reality. Let us know what will help you in making an argument for a policy which prioritises protecting people – what information do you need, do you want us to visit and explain, and whom would you like to reach with your arguments? We all know that times are difficult and our resource at different levels are limited, but if we work together, we can have impact!
Joy Eva Bohol/CCME/UMCOR
08 October 2026
Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe
Refugees and migration
What were your biggest takeaways from the conference?
Dr Moritz: We met 28-30 September with some 30 participants representing churches from all over Europe. Discussions were around a draft paper outlining what elements of an alternative, protection-oriented asylum system in Europe could look like – a system which protects people more than borders.
These were very earnest discussions. They showed how important it is in asylum policy and practice to put the human being first - and how often this is not the case in Europe these days. There is thus great support for the draft paper. At the same time, there is a fear that any policy reform might even more be influenced by the extreme right and those following their agenda. Last not least, the message protecting people more than borders is a good common message, but it needs to be translated and contextualised into the different languages and contexts of churches in Europe.
What is the most crucial information for churches to know right now?
Dr Moritz: We – that is the CCME office and a task force from among members – will be working with the input we received from churches in Europe.
In early 2027 we will make an updated version of the proposals for an alternative asylum system in Europe available. It will be mainly policy-oriented and will contain specific suggestions for organising recognition of people asking for protection in Europe, their reception and integration, how this can happen while social cohesion increases, and how it doesn’t have to cost more than the current policy of dissuasion. The proposals are informed by good practices, as we could for example find them in the protection of Ukrainians fleeing in and since 2022. We will present an outline which shows that protecting people is not an a lofty illusion, but a real option if we dare to be values-based and realistic at the same time.
We will also provide accompanying information templates – like an explanation of policy proposals in a less technical language, which non-expert church members and members of the public can relate to. Throughout 2027, we will spread this information—online but also through events across Europe – to a church audience and policymakers, but also a broader public.
What is your urgent call to churches?
Dr Moritz: First of all, continue your work around the principle of protecting people more than borders. With hardening of policy and practice towards the most vulnerable, damage control is essential. Churches in many places make a different for upholding the dignity of persons seeking protection in Europe, while working to uphold social cohesion for all.
And, secondly, work with us on making an alternative asylum system a reality. Let us know what will help you in making an argument for a policy which prioritises protecting people – what information do you need, do you want us to visit and explain, and whom would you like to reach with your arguments? We all know that times are difficult and our resource at different levels are limited, but if we work together, we can have impact!
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Sunday, October 04, 2026
Wounded in the house of my friends - Zechariah 13:6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW83ov9Zu9Y&t=144s
Emmanuel Episcopal Church Geneva
Chasuble
@
Rue de-Monthoux 3 · 1201 (3 Rue de Monthoux 1201 Geneva, Switzerland)
And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. Zechariah 13:6.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
We Won’t Get Europe with the Democratic Socialists of America
And that's what they're counting on.
Vanessa Mares
Sep 15, 2026
A commenter on one of my recent YouTube videos said the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are “doing nothing but trying to resurrect social democracy.”
For many Americans that may read as benign.
But what is social democracy? And if the DSA is only trying to resurrect it in the U.S., does that mean people against the DSA platform are just fear-mongering?
After all, social democracy is what’s popular in Europe.
Many Americans may not know that European-style of governance by the name “social democracy,” but now is the most critical time to get to know it.
Because conflating it with democratic socialism, is not only false, but playing with fire.
But First, How Did We Get Here?
For over 20 years now, social media has connected people from all over the planet.
Suddenly, what was happening in one place could be made visible in the palm of your hand, on the other side of the world.
And when that happened, millennials priorities shifted.
We saw the rise of what is known as the experience economy, where millennials began prioritizing experience and travel over physical things.
Around that time, came the rise in creator economies and cohorts of Americans and Europeans abroad turning their lives into escapism content for the American audience.
Their content would circle around praising the healthcare system, free education, the pace of life, food, etc.,— all to high engagement among Americans.
Many of these influencers rarely posted anything negative in their experiences abroad, likely because it didn’t perform as well.
As an American that lives in Europe, and has for many years now, I can state with certainty it’s not all roses like the influencers make it seem.
There’s nuance in every experience, yet this is rarely shown in escapism content.
So, it’s only natural that young Americans getting these European utopias on their screens everyday want what Europe has.
Any political strategist could tell you, this is a powerful entry point— which is exactly how the DSA are strategizing it.
In 2021, Zohran Mamdani virtually attended a 2021 Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) conference and said as much himself, in his own words.
I clipped the most revealing part of this strategy as he laid it out, for you below.
Vanessa Mares
Sep 15, 2026
A commenter on one of my recent YouTube videos said the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are “doing nothing but trying to resurrect social democracy.”
For many Americans that may read as benign.
But what is social democracy? And if the DSA is only trying to resurrect it in the U.S., does that mean people against the DSA platform are just fear-mongering?
After all, social democracy is what’s popular in Europe.
Many Americans may not know that European-style of governance by the name “social democracy,” but now is the most critical time to get to know it.
Because conflating it with democratic socialism, is not only false, but playing with fire.
But First, How Did We Get Here?
For over 20 years now, social media has connected people from all over the planet.
Suddenly, what was happening in one place could be made visible in the palm of your hand, on the other side of the world.
And when that happened, millennials priorities shifted.
We saw the rise of what is known as the experience economy, where millennials began prioritizing experience and travel over physical things.
Around that time, came the rise in creator economies and cohorts of Americans and Europeans abroad turning their lives into escapism content for the American audience.
Their content would circle around praising the healthcare system, free education, the pace of life, food, etc.,— all to high engagement among Americans.
Many of these influencers rarely posted anything negative in their experiences abroad, likely because it didn’t perform as well.
As an American that lives in Europe, and has for many years now, I can state with certainty it’s not all roses like the influencers make it seem.
There’s nuance in every experience, yet this is rarely shown in escapism content.
So, it’s only natural that young Americans getting these European utopias on their screens everyday want what Europe has.
Any political strategist could tell you, this is a powerful entry point— which is exactly how the DSA are strategizing it.
In 2021, Zohran Mamdani virtually attended a 2021 Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) conference and said as much himself, in his own words.
I clipped the most revealing part of this strategy as he laid it out, for you below.
September 13, 2026 - Cover Story: Immigration Crisis
Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson
Sep 13, 2026
On September 11, 2001 after Islamic extremist terrorists murdered nearly 3,000 people in the U.S., there were fears of an anti-Muslim backlash. Twenty-five years later, that’s flipped. Ten million or more Muslims have immigrated to the west. Today, Muslim figures are mayor of New York and London. But there’s also conflict. Europe is gripped by tensions caused by the rapid demographic change. President Trump showed that tough immigration policies can win elections. And now, after a wave of Conservative populist gains, Europe is following his lead. Today, an eye-opening Full Measure report from the UK on a story we’ve tracked for over a decade.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Russian warship fires flares at Danish helicopter
Richard Connor
Denmark has summoned Russia's ambassador over a Baltic Sea encounter that Copenhagen says is part of an increasingly aggressive pattern of Russian behavior.
Denmark's military uses the related Fennec helicopter for tasks including surveillance and reconnaissance
Image: gemeinfrei
A Russian warship fired two flares toward a Danish military helicopter in the Baltic Sea, with one passing close to the aircraft, Denmark's armed forces said on Tuesday.
The confrontation comes amid heightened security concerns on NATO's eastern flank during Russia's war in Ukraine.
How has Denmark responded?
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the incident fitted a broader pattern of increasingly aggressive Russian behavior in Europe.
She accused Moscow of intensifying its "hybrid war against Europe" and testing and challenging NATO, and called on European countries to strengthen their defenses.
"Reckless action from Russia towards Danish military during a routine overflight yesterday. Russian actions are meant to intimidate and divide. They will not succeed. We will not waver," Frederiksen said in a statement on X.
A Russian warship fired two flares toward a Danish military helicopter in the Baltic Sea, with one passing close to the aircraft, Denmark's armed forces said on Tuesday.
The confrontation comes amid heightened security concerns on NATO's eastern flank during Russia's war in Ukraine.
How has Denmark responded?
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the incident fitted a broader pattern of increasingly aggressive Russian behavior in Europe.
She accused Moscow of intensifying its "hybrid war against Europe" and testing and challenging NATO, and called on European countries to strengthen their defenses.
"Reckless action from Russia towards Danish military during a routine overflight yesterday. Russian actions are meant to intimidate and divide. They will not succeed. We will not waver," Frederiksen said in a statement on X.
Sunday, September 06, 2026
Monday, August 31, 2026
NYC first lady Rama Duwaji jets off to Europe for posh Islamic calligraphy retreat
By Adry Torres and David Spector
Published Aug. 29, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji is once again jetting off to Europe for a posh, Islamic- centered women’s retreat, The Post has learned.
Gotham’s controversial first lady will be resuming her role as the “artist-in-residence” with The Women Sanctuary for the third time this year when they host the “Journey through Islamic Calligraphy” retreat in Porto, Portugal.
The spiritual wellness gathering is set to take place in two sessions from Sept. 16-21 and 25-30, according to the group’s website.
Published Aug. 29, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji is once again jetting off to Europe for a posh, Islamic- centered women’s retreat, The Post has learned.
Gotham’s controversial first lady will be resuming her role as the “artist-in-residence” with The Women Sanctuary for the third time this year when they host the “Journey through Islamic Calligraphy” retreat in Porto, Portugal.
The spiritual wellness gathering is set to take place in two sessions from Sept. 16-21 and 25-30, according to the group’s website.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is joined by his wife, First Lady Rama Duwaji, following a news conference at Gracie Mansion on Jan. 12.James Keivom
“Some days, we will explore the rich history of Islam in Portugal, uncovering the traces of a remarkable legacy still woven into the landscape. On others, we will gather for a marvelous illustration workshop with our artist-in-residence, Rama Duwaji, celebrating this heritage,” the retreat’s website says.
Other afternoons will be dedicated to picnics, poolside hangouts, walks and chats.
“We believe these unhurried moments are just as much a part of the retreat as the program itself; a space for suhbah, spiritual reflection, and presence, where hearts can soften, souls can be nourished, and remembrance can arise naturally amidst the beauty of creation,” The Women Sanctuary boasts.
The retreat, priced from $4,300 for a shared room to $5,260 for a private room with a private bathroom, will take place at the manor house in the tranquil countryside of Arcos de Valdevez.
“Surrounded by nature, the venue provides a truly restorative environment, featuring an exceptional heated outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens,” says the Women Sanctuary website.
Critics scoffed at Duwaji’s latest high-flying jaunt.
“Some days, we will explore the rich history of Islam in Portugal, uncovering the traces of a remarkable legacy still woven into the landscape. On others, we will gather for a marvelous illustration workshop with our artist-in-residence, Rama Duwaji, celebrating this heritage,” the retreat’s website says.
Other afternoons will be dedicated to picnics, poolside hangouts, walks and chats.
“We believe these unhurried moments are just as much a part of the retreat as the program itself; a space for suhbah, spiritual reflection, and presence, where hearts can soften, souls can be nourished, and remembrance can arise naturally amidst the beauty of creation,” The Women Sanctuary boasts.
The retreat, priced from $4,300 for a shared room to $5,260 for a private room with a private bathroom, will take place at the manor house in the tranquil countryside of Arcos de Valdevez.
“Surrounded by nature, the venue provides a truly restorative environment, featuring an exceptional heated outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens,” says the Women Sanctuary website.
Critics scoffed at Duwaji’s latest high-flying jaunt.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Total solar eclipse Aug. 12, 2026 live updates
Follow our live coverage of the total solar eclipse 2026 as we count down to eclipse day with the latest news, expert insight and updates before bringing you live reports from Greenland and Spain.
By Daisy Dobrijevic
Today, Aug. 12, a total solar eclipse will darken the sky for millions of people. (Image credit: © Created in Canva Pro)
Today, Aug. 12, 2026, Europe will experience its first total solar eclipse since 1999, as the moon's shadow sweeps across Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and the Balearic Islands.
Along the narrow path of totality, day will briefly turn to twilight as the moon completely covers the sun, revealing its elusive outer atmosphere — the corona. Meanwhile, millions more skywatchers across much of Europe, as well as parts of northeastern United States and eastern Canada, will witness a partial solar eclipse as the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun.
Live reporting from the path of totality
We'll be following the eclipse from two locations along the path of totality.
Our skywatching editor Daisy Dobrijevic is currently aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen exploring Greenland's dramatic coast. She'll be aiming to witness totality from Scoresby Sund, the world's largest and longest fjord system. Dobrijevic is hoping for more eclipse luck than last time, when unfortunately, totality was a total bust, but not for the reason you may think.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Christian J. Pinto: The Bible On Trial In Europe The Real Reveal
Chris discusses the ongoing controversy with the issue of so-called "hate speech" in Europe, where Dr. Paivi Rasanen has been persecuted for some six years for communicating the Word of God in Finland. Her original offense was to post a verse of Scripture that opposed the LGBT narrative, but now her book in which she explains God's original design for a family is being called a "war crime" by the courts. The case is part of the ongoing attack against free speech, where Christians are almost always the people targeted. We discuss the origins of free speech and how it was built on the principles of Common Law, which is based on God's Law in the Bible. Can Western civilization survive if it abandons the Christian faith?
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