In January 2026, the Renault Clio became the bestseller in the European new car market, selling 14,660 units. This was due to the hybrid version and an increase in corporate sales in France and Italy.
British and French troops have completed preparations for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. This comes amid statements from London and Paris about their readiness to lead a contingent in the event of a ceasefire.
France will not boycott the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina on March 6. This decision was made despite the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the competitions under national flags.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced snap elections to the Folketing on March 24, 2026. This will happen several months before the deadline amid a foreign policy crisis and US threats regarding Greenland.
The US Secretary of State stated that the administration continues to pressure Moscow by imposing sanctions and selling weapons to Ukraine. The US is the only country that can be a catalyst for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Countries in the 'coalition of the willing' have acknowledged that deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine would require Putin's consent. This could derail the British-French plan for upholding a ceasefire.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit, where he will discuss fair economic conditions for German companies and China's assistance in ending the Russian-Ukrainian war. He emphasized the importance of the European context of Germany's policy towards China.
The French president dismissed Louvre director Laurence des Cars after a seven-minute robbery. The perpetrators stole royal jewels, revealing critical security flaws.
The UK government has responded to Russia's statements regarding nuclear weapons. This has been called an attempt by Putin to distract from his actions in Ukraine, with no truth in these accusations.
G7 leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and Trump's peace efforts. They also welcomed assistance to Ukraine for getting through the winter.
Australia and New Zealand announced new packages of sanctions and additional financial assistance to Kyiv. This happened on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that there are no prerequisites for a quick peace in Russia's war against Ukraine. He noted that Moscow has no real desire for a peaceful settlement, but Ukraine is making progress.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to meet with Putin. He also emphasized the importance of pressure from the US and Europe on Putin to end the war.
The aggressor country is trying to present this fabricated threat as an important factor for future peace talks and, at the same time, accuse Ukraine's allies of violating the non-proliferation regime.
The US met with a Russian delegation in Geneva and plans to meet with a Chinese delegation to discuss a multilateral nuclear arms control treaty. This comes amid US calls for a broader agreement that includes China and Russia.
The XXV Winter Olympic Games 2026 have concluded, with Ukraine represented by 46 athletes, achieving eight top-10 finishes. The closing ceremony took place in Verona, Milan, and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine wants to see a foreign contingent closer to the front line, not in rear cities. France and Britain are ready to provide a brigade each, and other countries are also expressing readiness.
French President Emmanuel Macron said his country is adapting to new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Paris will analyze the consequences and possible measures to adapt to the situation.
In the Austrian Alps, five people died as a result of a series of avalanches due to heavy snowfall. Among the victims are a 42-year-old German and three skiers near the resort of St. Anton.
Ukraine has information about Russia's preparation of new strikes on energy infrastructure. The country will attract 600 million euros to strengthen energy resilience.
Ukraine has agreed to attract over 600 million euros in financial and technical assistance for the restoration of its energy sector. The country will also receive equipment from at least six decommissioned European combined heat and power plants (CHPPs) and thermal power plants (TPPs).
France will allocate 71 million euros in grant aid to Ukraine, part of which will go to support the energy sector. The agreement was reached during a meeting with the French Minister of Economy, Finance, Industry, Energy and Digital Sovereignty, Roland Lescure.
Relations between the US and Iran are escalating over Tehran's nuclear program, threatening a major war in the Middle East. Ukraine is interested in peace to avoid rising oil prices and the strengthening of the Russian Federation.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that protecting freedom of speech on social media is "pure nonsense," contradicting Donald Trump's foreign policy. European countries are considering banning social media for minors, while the US criticizes such actions as censorship.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the results of the negotiations in Geneva are insufficient. He emphasized the need for further meetings, preferably in February, with the participation of European countries.
A study has found that the tropical disease chikungunya can be transmitted by mosquitoes across much of Europe. Rising temperatures allow the infection to spread as far north as southern England.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting with Ukrainian negotiators before the second day of talks in Geneva. He noted that Russia is trying to prolong the negotiations and set the task of making them productive.
An AboutPeople poll showed that 22% of Europeans consider dictatorship better than democracy in certain cases. 26% support a leader who restricts democratic rights.
Rustem Umerov met with representatives of the USA, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. The parties discussed the results of the negotiations and synchronized approaches for further steps.
