World

Iran war enters day 12 as European leaders voice frustration

Published on 11/03/2026 – 7:51 GMT+1•Updated 12:07 On today’s show: ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Our EU Editor Maria Tadeo fills us in on the latest developments and reactions to the US-Israeli war on Iran, including Germany’s Friedrich Merz, who expressed concerned yesterday saying “there’s no plan.” Interviews with Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner…

How the EU protects citizens and the economy in times of crises

As the conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran escalates, the EU is implementing measures to protect its citizens and economies, including evacuation flights and management of oil reserves. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT On March 6, EU foreign ministers warned that the conflict puts Europeans in the region at risk and could…

Cutting off Hezbollah from Iran critical, Lebanese minister says

Published on 11/03/2026 – 9:41 GMT+1•Updated 12:06 Lebanese Energy Minister Joe Saddi confirmed his country has asked for direct talks with Israel, through a US intermediary, to try to put an end to an Israeli offensive that has cost close to 500 lives and displaced some 700,000 people along the…

After backlash, von der Leyen stresses support for rules-based order

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has underlined the European Union’s “unwavering commitment” to international law and the multilateral system, two days after she invited controversy by declaring the 27-member bloc could “no longer be a custodian for the old-world order, for a world that has gone and will…

Fact check: Has Ukraine just legalised same-sex marriage?

A number of news headlines and social media posts are claiming that Ukraine’s Supreme Court has legalised same-sex marriage, following reports of the court’s recognition of a same-sex couple in Kyiv. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Some have led readers to believe that same-sex unions are now legal in Ukraine, while others have…

Watch: Is Europe ready for Iranian refugees?

Published on 11/03/2026 – 13:06 GMT+1 History shows that when a home becomes a battlefield, people move toward safety and existing ties. So, where could they go? ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Currently, roughly 4 million Iranians live abroad, and most of them migrated during or after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In Europe,…

Polish president vetoes law unlocking €44bn in EU defence loans

By&nbspAnna Weglarczyk Published on 12/03/2026 – 22:40 GMT+1 Poland’s president, Karol Nawrocki, has vetoed legislation that would have enabled the country to access nearly €44 billion in European Union defence loans, escalating a political clash with the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk over how to finance the country’s defence…

Hungary, Slovakia resist renewal of Russia sanctions as deadline nears

Published on 11/03/2026 – 19:42 GMT+1 Hungary and Slovakia are resisting a renewal of sanctions from the European Union on over 2,700 individuals and entities in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, just days before a 15 March deadline as tensions over a damaged oil pipeline drag on. ADVERTISEMENT…

The Ring: Is the EU a spectator or player as war grips Middle East?

Published on 11/03/2026 – 20:30 GMT+1 The European Union is bracing itself for potentially major repercussions as the Iran war persists, with Brussels urged to intervene to cushion the economic impact on consumers and secure energy supplies. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT But beyond the immediate concerns, the war is also raising existential…

Tehran claims US-Israeli strikes have ‘no impact’: Is this true?

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has alleged that bombings on Tehran had “no impact” on the country’s ability to continue fighting Israel and the US, crediting its strength to the “decentralised mosaic defence strategy.” ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The statement, posted on X, comes as the Iran war rages on, triggered…