Europe

• Maltese Christian cleared in landmark ‘conversion practices’ case 12 March 2026
  A Maltese Christian has been cleared in a landmark court case widely viewed as a significant moment for freedom of expression and religious testimony. Matthew Grech was acquitted by the magistrates’ court in Valletta after being prosecuted for allegedly 'advertising conversion practices' during a 2022 podcast interview in which he…
• Ukraine / Russia: five hundred prisoners exchanged 12 March 2026
  On 5 March, Ukraine and Russia exchanged two hundred prisoners of war, with a further exchange of three hundred the next day. The swap, agreed during talks in Geneva in February, marks one of the latest humanitarian steps during the long-running conflict between the two countries. Volodymyr Zelensky said the…
• EU: von der Leyen affirms commitment to international law 12 March 2026
  Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to international law after her remarks on 9 March about a changing global order sparked controversy. She had said that Europe could ‘no longer be a custodian for the old world order’, suggesting that shifting geopolitical realities require new approaches.…
• Hungary / Ukraine: heated accusations ahead of election 12 March 2026
  Tensions have risen between Hungary and Ukraine ahead of Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary election on 12 April. Viktor Orbán has accused Ukraine of attempting to influence the vote and even preparing hostile actions against his country. Ukrainian officials reject the claims, saying the accusations are part of a political campaign intended…
• Social media: growing disruption caused by deepfake videos 5 March 2026
  Security experts are warning about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in online disinformation campaigns after a British academic discovered a deepfake video using his likeness. Professor Alan Read of King’s College London was surprised to see a video circulating on social media in which a synthetic version of his…