Europe

• Russia / USA: resumption of nuclear testing in tit-for-tat decisions 6 November 2025
  Vladimir Putin’s announcement that Russia may resume nuclear testing marks one of the most dangerous escalations in global security since the Cold War. He has instructed senior military and intelligence officials to prepare proposals for possible tests at the Novaya Zemlya site in the Arctic - where the Soviet Union…
• Netherlands: winners and losers after election 6 November 2025
  The Netherlands’ latest election has upended expectations, signalling both renewal and deep division in Dutch politics. After two years of turmoil and paralysis, centrist liberal party D66, led by 38-year-old Rob Jetten, surged to an unprecedented victory, capturing 26 seats and dethroning the far-right PVV of Geert Wilders. Jetten’s optimistic,…
• France: two citizens released by Iran after more than three years 6 November 2025
  Iran’s release of French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, after more than three years in detention, marks a cautious diplomatic breakthrough between Tehran and Paris. The couple, accused of espionage by Iran (a charge France has consistently rejected), were freed from Evin prison and are now safe at the…
• Spain / France: ‘game-changer for women’s health’ 31 October 2025
  A groundbreaking approach to diagnosing endometriosis offers potential to revolutionise research and treatment of the disease. Affecting one in ten women, endometriosis often goes undiagnosed for years. Traditionally, diagnosis involves invasive procedures like laparoscopy. However, scientists in Spain and France have developed a method of analysing blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs)…
• Spain: trauma and anger continue, one year after Valencia floods 31 October 2025
  In October 2024, devastating floods swept through Spain’s Valencia region, leaving 229 people dead and countless others traumatised. Among the victims were Miguel and Sara, a father and daughter who perished together while trying to save their car from rising waters. For their widow and mother, Toñi García, the pain…