Europe

On April 22, the world celebrates International Mother Earth Day, reminding us of the importance of caring for the planet. In the USA, it's National Jelly Bean Day, and Orthodox Christians celebrate Bright Tuesday in honor of the Iveron Icon.

Airbnb will now show customers the total cost of accommodation by default, including cleaning and service fees. The change is being implemented due to a new US Federal Trade Commission rule that takes effect on May 12.

The United Arab Emirates plan to be the first to involve artificial intelligence in the development and amendment of legislation. This should speed up the process by 70% and allow tracking the impact of laws, although there are reservations about the transparency of AI.

On April 21, Wet Monday is celebrated with the traditional dousing with water, as well as International Cannabis Day. This date highlights the potential of cannabis and the progress in its legalization.

US President Donald Trump may sign an order to reduce the activities of the State Department. It provides for the liquidation of the Bureau of African Affairs, the closure of non-essential embassies, and the dismissal of some diplomats and civil servants.

British Air Force fighters took off from Poland twice in 48 hours to intercept Russian aircraft. Russian military planes were approaching NATO borders over the Baltic Sea and near Kaliningrad.

Pope Francis (88) appeared on April 20 in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Easter in a wheelchair for the blessing. The Pontiff blessed the faithful, said "Happy Easter!" and called for an end to wars in the world.

French President Emmanuel Macron invited foreign researchers to choose his country and Europe. He announced a financial support program and launched a platform for receiving scientists and collecting their projects.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine held telephone talks with the head of European diplomacy. The discussion focused on the next steps to restore a just peace and strengthen air defense.

In Bukovyna, a man was detained while trying to cross the border with Moldova, hiding in the oil tank of a truck. He was detained at the Mamalyga checkpoint.

The Cold War-era complex housing NATO's top commanders in Mons will get a new building by 2030. Construction of the facility for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe will begin in May 2026.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine's readiness to buy at least 10 Patriot systems from the USA. Funding can be provided by European countries.

From April 19, Venice is again charging an entry fee for tourists. Those who book tickets less than three days in advance will pay twice as much. The fee will be in effect for 54 days.

IAEA experts record explosions and gunfire near the ZNPP almost daily. Drones have also been reported near the South Ukraine NPP.

Volodymyr Prokopiiv, who has been suspended from his duties, is suspected of organizing schemes for the illegal transfer of draft evaders to Europe. In October 2024, he was already involved in a corruption scandal.

The EU will not impose sanctions against Russian LNG in the new package due to internal disputes and lack of alternatives. A gradual abandonment of energy from the Russian Federation is planned by 2027.

Michael Kratsios stated that US technologies allow controlling time and space, eliminating distance and increasing productivity. Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on US technologies.

Zelenskyy announced the preparation of a new security architecture and new support packages from partners. He emphasized that Ukraine is ready for political decisions.

There are 6. 373 million Ukrainian refugees in Europe. There is a slight outflow of population from Ukraine, compared to 2023, about 0.5 million people.

Ursula von der Leyen stated that the usual perception of the "West" is irrelevant. Europe is the guarantor of Western values, is in demand for the organization of trade and is known for its reliability.

European countries are considering reducing their dependence on US technologies due to Trump's unpredictable policies. Most technologies in Europe are American, which is causing concern.

In the first two months of the year, Dacia Sandero became the leader in European sales with 45,524 cars. The top ten also included Renault Clio and Volkswagen Golf.

In Kyiv, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) discovered a large arms cache: over 35,000 rounds of ammunition, grenade launchers, UAVs, grenades, assault rifles, rifles, and more. The owners of the arsenal turned out to be a law enforcement officer and his father.

Dan Caldwell was sent on leave for disclosure. An investigation is underway, but details are not disclosed. He is known for isolationist views and criticism of aid to Ukraine.

2024 was the warmest year in Europe since records began, with record high temperatures. Storms and floods led to deaths and widespread destruction.

J. D. Vance stated that de Gaulle was right about Europe's military independence. He believes that Europe should not be a vassal of the United States in the field of security, but should have its own defense.

North Korea has sent more than 15,800 containers of ammunition to Russia. This has become an important contribution to Moscow's war against Ukraine, according to Newsweek.

J. D. Vance criticized Zelenskyy for his recent comments and called them unproductive.

Since 2022, the enemy has hit more than 63,000 small and large energy facilities. More than half of the capacities damaged last year have been restored.

Donald Trump replied that he already has sanctions against Russia, mentioning the halt of Nord Stream 2.