Donald Trump has invited numerous countries to join his "Board of Peace", which according to the US president will not only deal with the situation in Gaza, but also serve as a permanent body for conflict resolution. The possible participation of leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenka is particularly controversial. Commentators also warn that the Board could be used to permanently weaken the UN.
The World Economic Forum (WEF), which brings together leading figures from business, politics and science, is taking place this week at the Swiss resort of Davos under the motto "Spirit of dialogue". All eyes are now on US President Donald Trump, who before boarding his plane to head to the meeting today said he believed a solution would be found in the dispute over Greenland that would make Nato and the US 'very happy'.
In its final report, a commission of experts appointed by Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner has called for Austria to extend its military service, which at six months is currently the shortest compulsory military service in Europe. Of three models put forward, the commission has recommended eight months of basic military service plus two months of subsequent training. The decision now rests with the politicians.
A deadly train crash occurred in the Spanish region of Andalusia on Sunday when the last few carriages of a high-speed train derailed and were hit by an oncoming train. Forty-two fatalities have been reported so far. The tragedy is also a serious blow to Spain's image as a high-tech railway nation. The national press discusses the failures and the behaviour of politicians.
US President Donald Trump has announced punitive tariffs against eight European countries that oppose his plans for Greenland. The ten percent surcharges are to be introduced on 1 February and are to remain in effect until the Arctic island is acquired. The EU plans to reach a decision on countermeasures at a special summit to be held on Thursday. Commentators make their own recommendations for responses.
Donald Trump began his second term as US president one year ago today. The Republican had promised his voters that he would "make America great again" and settle conflicts around the world. The 47th US president has disregarded conventions and dominated the headlines to an unprecedented degree. Where do Trump - and the world - stand one year on?
After the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's government in December, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced on Monday that he is also stepping down, but hinted that he plans to stay in politics and launch his own political party. There is now speculation that Radev, a known Eurosceptic, will run for the post of prime minister. The Bulgarian press takes stock.
For the first time in 40 years, the Portuguese presidential election will go into a second round. On 8 February, the socialist candidate António José Seguro (31 percent) will face off against the right-wing populist André Ventura (23.5 percent). The candidate of the ruling conservative PSD party came in fifth in the first round of voting on Sunday. Portuguese media take stock.
According to a representative of the Iranian government, 5,000 people have been killed during the recent wave of protests in Iran, 500 of whom were members of the security forces. The Sunday Times puts the number of deaths at 16,500 or more, however. Washington had initially stated it would stage a military intervention. Then, on Wednesday, Donald Trump announced there would be no intervention for now as the regime had cancelled its plans to carry out executions.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado to the White House on Thursday to discuss the future of her country, Venezuela. At the end of the meeting, Machado presented the president with the Nobel Peace Prize medal she received last year, citing his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. Commentators are appalled.
After an unsuccessful meeting on the Greenland issue on Wednesday, several European Nato states will send military delegations to the Arctic island. There is now also disagreement about the objective of a working group set up at the Washington meeting: according to US President Donald Trump, it will merely clarify technical details for the US takeover of Greenland. This has been vehemently contradicted in Copenhagen and Nuuk.
Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok announced the date for the 2026 parliamentary elections on Tuesday. The Hungarians will decide on 12 April who governs their country: Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party, which has been in power for 16 years, or Péter Magyar's Tisza party. Several opinion polls put the Tisza party ahead of Fidesz. Commentators predict a heated campaign.