Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

Belarus releases 250 political prisoners as part of US deal Belarus freed 250 political prisoners in its largest release yet — a move celebrated as a humanitarian breakthrough and tied to the easing of US sanctions. However, many remain behind bars. EU summit: Hungary holds Ukraine aid ransom over Druzhba oil Hungary and Slovakia have said they will not approve a major loan package for Ukraine until oil deliveries from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline are restored. EU leaders failed to sway them in Brussels. Impact of US-Israel war with Iran on Turkish tourism Turkey is one of the most cherished vacation spots in the world. In 2024, it was the fourth most popular destination. But there has been a flurry of cancellations in the wake of the Iran war. Major rally planned as Czech MPs mull 'foreign agent' law Prague could see one of its largest demonstrations in recent years on Saturday as many prepare to protest what organizers of the rally describe as democratic backsliding under Prime Minister Andrej Babis. UK–Nigeria relations in focus as London hosts Tinubu Britain has rolled out the red carpet for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. Amid severe geopolitical quakes, what do both countries aim to achieve? Social media makes people unhappy — World Happiness Report The 2026 World Happiness Report found that life satisfaction among those under 25 in some English-speaking countries has fallen sharply over the past decade. Finland was once again the happiest country. Skeleton in Magdeburg Cathedral is almost certainly Otto I When the sarcophagus of the former Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great sustained damage and had to be opened, researchers decided to analyze the contents. They're convinced that the remains inside are the real deal. Russian Orthodox Church makes inroads in Africa The Russian Orthodox Church is slowly but surely gaining a foothold in Africa. Experts say Russia is using its expansion as a form of ideological soft power. Backlash against sex ed threatens Poland's health curriculum The government's decision to introduce voluntary health education at schools caused uproar last year. Supporters say the subject prepares young people for life, but conservatives fear that it will lead children astray. Has Europe's center-right started relying on the far right? With the center-right increasingly teaming up with the far-right in the European Parliament, EU politics may be headed for a significant shift.