EU
🏛️⚖️ Rights groups oppose EU deportation regulation amid health and civil rights concerns (0.8)🎁
Over 70 organizations have called for the suspension of the EU's Return Regulation, which aims to strengthen deportations of irregular migrants. Critics warn that the proposal could normalize ICE-style raids and racial profiling, while health experts express concern that it may deter vulnerable populations from seeking medical care. The European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee is set to vote on the regulation in early March, amid widespread opposition from rights groups and health advocates. read → 🎁 today's freebie
World
🏛️🤝 US and Hungary sign nuclear pact amid Rubio's support for Orbán (0.89)
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement in Budapest on February 16, 2026. The pact, valued at up to $20 billion, includes plans for Hungary to purchase small modular reactors. Rubio emphasized Orbán's leadership as essential to U.S. interests, pledging support amid potential financial challenges ahead of Hungary's elections on April 12. This visit reflects a strategic alignment with EU-skeptical governments in Central Europe, potentially reshaping U.S.-EU relations. read →
⚔️🌍 Wagner recruits Ugandan soldiers for Ukraine operations (0.87)
A video revealing Ugandan soldiers being recruited for the Russian army has raised alarms about Uganda's military ties with Moscow. Reports suggest that over 100 Ugandans with military experience are being covertly recruited for deployment in Ukraine. Despite these developments, the Ugandan government has not acted against recruitment networks. Concerns are growing over the implications of this collaboration for regional security. read →
⚖️🌍 European states accuse Russia of Navalny's poisoning on second anniversary of his death (0.85)
🏛️ Trump's Peace Council proposes $5 billion for Gaza reconstruction (0.8)
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a $5 billion allocation for Gaza's reconstruction through his Peace Council, emphasizing Hamas's need for demilitarization. The EU will send an observer to the Council's inaugural meeting but will not join, citing governance concerns. Italy has expressed readiness to train police forces in Gaza. The Peace Council's legitimacy and compatibility with UN principles remain contentious issues as the situation in Gaza continues to evolve. read →
🏛️ Israel approves West Bank land-registration reform amid regional backlash (0.73)
Israel's cabinet has approved a land-registration process in the West Bank for the first time since 1967, a move condemned by Arab states as a de facto annexation. The reform allows Israeli citizens to purchase land and strengthens Israeli control over the territory, particularly in Area C. Jordan and Egypt have issued strong statements against the measure, citing violations of international law and warning that it undermines the two-state solution. The decision is expected to complicate future peace negotiations and exacerbate tensions in the region. read →
⚖️🕊️ Iran engages in nuclear talks with IAEA and US in Geneva (0.64)
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Geneva for critical negotiations on the country's nuclear program, engaging in indirect talks with the US and discussions with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi. Amid military tensions, including recent naval drills by Iran, the talks aim to address concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions. Tehran has expressed a willingness to allow IAEA inspections of its nuclear sites, while resisting US demands to limit its ballistic missile program. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact regional stability. read →
🕊️🤝 US-brokered talks in Geneva focus on territorial disputes in Ukraine (0.61)
US-brokered talks in Geneva between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. will focus on territorial disputes, particularly concerning the Donbas region. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the discussions will cover a broader range of issues, but the main emphasis will be on these contentious areas. U.S. pressure on Ukraine to make concessions, including potential territorial handovers, has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials. Key representatives from all three nations are confirmed for the talks, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. read →
France
🏛️🔍 French police investigate Epstein links at Arab World Institute (0.55)
French police are investigating former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter for alleged tax fraud linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Searches were conducted at the Arab World Institute in Paris following the release of U.S. Department of Justice documents. Jack Lang has resigned from his position at the institute, denying any wrongdoing. A special team has been formed to analyze evidence related to Epstein's crimes involving French citizens. read →
Spain
🏛️ Spain raises minimum wage to €1,221 (0.92)
Spain has raised its Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) by 3.1% to €1,221 per month, effective January 1, 2026. The agreement, signed by Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz and union leaders, will benefit approximately 2.5 million workers, particularly in agriculture and domestic sectors. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized employers for their absence during the signing and urged them to support wage increases, emphasizing the need for social justice. The Royal Decree formalizing the increase is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers soon. read →
🏛️ María Guardiola courts Vox for Extremadura government partnership (0.88)
María Guardiola, acting president of Extremadura, is actively seeking a partnership with the far-right Vox party, emphasizing shared values and a commitment to a stable government. Her statements, including an alignment with Vox's feminist rhetoric, have raised democratic-alert concerns. Meanwhile, the national PP leadership has urged her to maintain discretion in negotiations. Guardiola expresses confidence in reaching a government agreement, aiming to avoid repeat elections, which she believes do not reflect the citizens' desires. read →
🏛️ Sumar requests investigation into Spaniards in Israeli army during Gaza offensive (0.83)
On 16 February 2026, Sumar's leader Lara Hernández announced a request to the Spanish Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate around 450 Spanish citizens allegedly serving in the Israeli army during the Gaza offensive. The inquiry aims to determine their involvement in potential crimes against humanity, following reports from 'Declassified UK'. Hernández emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and accountability for those involved in actions deemed genocidal. read →
⚖️🏛️ Supreme Court rebukes Constitutional Court on judicial appointments (0.73)
The Supreme Court of Spain has reaffirmed its doctrine against political discretion in judicial appointments, particularly in response to the Constitutional Court's endorsement of such practices. The High Court emphasized the necessity for explicit, justifiable reasons for discretionary selections to prevent clientelism. This ruling underscores the importance of judicial oversight in maintaining the integrity of the appointment process, rejecting any notion that constitutional bodies should be exempt from scrutiny. The Supreme Court's stance aims to reinforce the rule of law and ensure that appointments are based on merit rather than arbitrary preferences. read →
⚖️🏛️ PSOE files constitutional appeal against Senate reform (0.71)
The PSOE has filed a constitutional appeal against recent Senate reforms enacted by the PP, citing procedural irregularities and the introduction of a 'presumed veto'. The appeal challenges provisions that limit ministers' speaking time and allow Senate committees to convert Congress texts into law without a Plenary vote. This marks the PSOE's third constitutional challenge against PP-led reforms in the current legislature, raising significant concerns about the legislative balance between Congress and the Senate. read →
🚄🛠️ Uncertainty over Madrid–Seville high-speed line reopening (0.66)
Transport Minister Óscar Puente has indicated that the high-speed line between Madrid and Seville may reopen as soon as 17 February 2026, following repairs from the Adamuz accident on 18 January. Ticket sales have resumed, with prices ranging from €17 to €89. However, official confirmation of the reopening remains uncertain, as previous timelines have been delayed due to adverse weather conditions affecting repair work. read →
🏛️ ERC withdraws IRPF bill to negotiate financing amendments (0.64)
On 16 February 2026, Oriol Junqueras, leader of ERC, announced the withdrawal of a bill aimed at granting Catalonia control over personal income tax (IRPF). This strategic move is intended to facilitate negotiations with the PSOE on a new regional financing system. ERC's support for the 2026 budgets is now contingent on progress regarding fiscal sovereignty. Junqueras emphasized the complexity of negotiations but remains optimistic about reaching an agreement, urging collaboration from the PSC to unblock the process. read →
⚖️📰 Prosecutor blocks ETA member Goñi's semi-liberty status amid victim concerns (0.62)
The Prosecutor's Office has appealed the Basque Government's decision to grant ETA member Asier Arzalluz Goñi third-degree status, which allows for semi-liberty. The appeal argues that the decision is premature and lacks sufficient evidence of rehabilitation. Victims' associations have condemned the move, claiming it undermines their rights and constitutes a covert amnesty. Goñi, convicted of multiple murders, is set to complete his sentence in 2030. The case will now be reviewed by the Penitentiary Surveillance Judge. read →