Europe

• Russia: EU imposes sanctions for ‘unlawful deportation’ of Ukrainian children 14 May 2026
  The EU has imposed sanctions on 23 Russian institutions and officials accused of involvement in the unlawful deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine estimates that around 20,000 children have been forcibly transferred from occupied territories, where many have reportedly faced pro-Russian ideological training,…
• Brussels: EC considers introducing ban on minors’ social media usage 14 May 2026
  The European Commission is considering introducing an EU-wide social media ban for minors, possibly as early as this summer. Ursula von der Leyen said growing concern about the harmful effects of online platforms on children has prompted calls for stronger protections across European Union member states. Countries including France, Spain,…
• Russia: Putin facing frustration and criticism, especially due to crackdown on internet 7 May 2026
  Mounting pressures are testing Vladimir Putin as Russia faces economic strain, battlefield setbacks and growing public frustration. Years of sanctions, inflation and war fatigue linked to the conflict in Ukraine have weakened confidence, while recent government crackdowns on internet access and messaging apps have sparked an unusually high level of…
• Spain: new government amnesty programme for migrants 7 May 2026
  Chaotic scenes outside the Gambian embassy in Madrid, which went viral on social media, have intensified debate over Spain’s migrant amnesty programme, after crowds gathered overnight seeking documents to legalise their status. When they were told that no appointments were available, some migrants climbed the embassy walls, prompting police intervention…
• Crewe: Ahmadi sect accused of sexual offences, forced marriage, modern slavery 2 May 2026
  Nine people have been arrested in Crewe following allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery linked to members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol), a sect from which mainstream Muslim groups have long distanced themselves. More than 500 officers took part in coordinated raids…