World | Deutsche Welle

International development aid suffers unprecedented 2025 dip, led by Trump gutting USAID International development aid spending fell by more than one-fifth in real terms last year, the biggest dip on record. The US slashing its outlay by more than half set the tone, making Germany the largest overall donor. Iran war: Tehran claims victory but people fear what's next As a tenuous truce takes hold after over a month of bombing, Iranians fear a wounded yet surviving regime will clamp down even more harshly on its opponents at home. Hungary election: Voters want new EU approach, but tough on Ukraine, poll shows A new poll ahead of Hungary's election suggests that most voters want at least minor changes to ties with the EU. But it also found skepticism of financial support for Ukraine, and voters prioritizing domestic issues. Fragile Iran truce brings brief relief to African markets The truce between the US, Israel and Iran has eased pressure on African markets. But economists warn that deep‑rooted vulnerabilities mean the rebound may be short‑lived. Fact check: Orban points to Ukraine over pipeline bomb Orban strongly suggests explosives found near a key gas pipeline in Serbia are evidence of Ukrainian sabotage. Serbia's intelligence chief publicly disagrees. Southeast Asia trusts the EU more, but Brussels still has work to do Southeast Asia increasingly sees the European Union as a trusted hedge against US-China rivalry, but analysts say Brussels will need stronger political engagement to turn growing goodwill into real strategic influence. Migrant dinghy sinks in English Channel off France, 4 people die A boat carrying more than 40 people ran into trouble early in the morning, with two men and two women dying in the waters. Crossings are building up after the winter lull, but the sea temperatures are slower to rise. Facts vs. influencers: Is the 'Dubai dream' really over? Some residents in Dubai insist life is going on as normal in the eternally-sunny emirate during the Iran war. Others proclaim the "Dubai dream" over, never to be recovered. Who's right? Guinea-Bissau on edge after activist's killing The death of activist Vigario Luis Balanta, found with signs of extreme violence, has triggered protests and accusations against Guinea-Bissau's military rulers, raising concerns over repression and media freedom. Hungarian election: How football has helped Orban keep power Viktor Orban is a football fanatic but has long used the sport as a political tool, both in Hungary and abroad. With polls predicting election defeat, he could also lose his chance of hosting the Champions League final. Trump criticizes NATO over Iran in meeting with Rutte President Donald Trump said NATO "wasn't there" after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran. But NATO head Mark Rutte said "a large majority of European countries" lived up to their side of the deal. Iran war: Who gained ground, who lost influence While civilians in the region pay the highest price, the Iran war has reshaped power balances far beyond the Gulf. Some states have gained leverage. Others have lost influence.