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International Politics

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International Politics

Iran says no final decision made on peace deal with US despite Trump's announcement

Iran stated it has not reached a final decision on a peace agreement with the United States, contradicting an announcement by US President Donald Trump. Trump had declared at a briefing that a peace deal with Iran had been achieved, which he said would end the war in the Middle East and restore shipping traffic in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint through which about one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, and tensions in the region have previously disrupted international shipping routes.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

German Parliament Extends Bundeswehr Missions in the Balkans

The German parliament approved the extension of military mandates for two peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. The Bundestag voted to continue Germany's participation in KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and EUFOR Althea, the European Union-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both missions represent ongoing international efforts to maintain stability in the former Yugoslav region more than two decades after the conflicts of the 1990s. KFOR has operated in Kosovo since 1999 following NATO's intervention, while EUFOR Althea has been present in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2004, taking over from NATO's previous stabilization force. The German parliament's decision ensures continued Bundeswehr involvement in these multinational peacekeeping efforts that aim to prevent renewed ethnic tensions and support the development of democratic institutions in the region.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills Three in Russian Border Region

A Ukrainian drone struck a bus in the village of Voznesenovka near the Russian border, killing three people according to Russian regional authorities. The attack occurred in the Belgorod region, a Russian border area that has frequently been targeted by Ukrainian forces since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The Belgorod region's emergency headquarters confirmed the casualties from the drone strike in the border village.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

EU Implements Stricter Asylum Rules and Faster Deportation Procedures

The European Union has introduced significantly stricter asylum regulations that accelerate deportation processes and restrict the movement of asylum seekers between member states. The new rules, which took effect recently, are designed to prevent asylum seekers from moving illegally between EU countries, such as traveling from Greece or Italy to Germany after filing their initial applications. The reforms represent the culmination of years of political negotiations aimed at reforming the EU's Common European Asylum System. The updated framework accelerates asylum procedures while establishing more efficient deportation mechanisms for rejected applicants. A key provision strictly prohibits secondary migration, the practice where asylum seekers move from their initial point of entry in southern European countries to other EU member states deeper in the continent's interior, often seeking better economic opportunities or family connections.

SMEAktualityTASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Political Scientist Fukuyama Says Slovak PM Fico Chose Wrong Side in Geopolitical Struggle

American political scientist Francis Fukuyama criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his geopolitical alignment, arguing that Fico has chosen the wrong side in the current global struggle. Fukuyama suggested that Vladimir Putin's regime in Russia may collapse before Ukraine's government falls, implying that Slovakia's current foreign policy stance may prove to be a strategic miscalculation. The comments come as Slovakia under Fico's leadership has taken positions that differ from much of the European Union on issues related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Fico leads Smer-SD, Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, which has maintained more Russia-friendly positions compared to the previous government and many other EU member states.

SME
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International Politics

Iran Denies Agreeing to Deal with US Despite Trump Claims

Iranian media outlets have contradicted claims by former US President Donald Trump regarding a potential agreement between Tehran and Washington. Trump had posted on his Truth Social platform that negotiations and final terms of a deal with Iran had been approved by all parties involved, including the United States and Israel, with content and details fully agreed upon. However, Iranian sources maintain that Tehran has not consented to any agreement with the United States. The conflicting statements highlight ongoing tensions and diplomatic uncertainty between the two nations, with Trump's announcement appearing to be premature or inaccurate according to Iranian officials.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Slovakia Opens Embassy in Tanzania to Strengthen African Trade Relations

Slovakia officially opened its embassy in Tanzania, marking a significant expansion of the country's diplomatic presence in East Africa. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár expressed confidence that the new diplomatic mission would enhance political relations between the two nations and create opportunities for Slovak companies in the promising East African market. Both countries confirmed their interest in developing a pragmatic partnership, reflecting Slovakia's broader strategy to strengthen economic and political ties with emerging markets in Africa.

SMETASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Spanish Companies Ready for New Fighter Jet Project After FCAS Collapse

Spanish companies have expressed readiness to participate in a new fighter aircraft project following the collapse of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. Germany and France withdrew from the FCAS project this week, effectively ending the ambitious European defense initiative that was designed to develop a next-generation fighter jet. The FCAS program represented one of Europe's most significant military aviation projects, aimed at creating advanced fighter aircraft to replace current fleets and reduce dependence on non-European defense technology.

SME
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International Politics

US Considers Using Frozen Iranian Assets to Cover Damages from Tehran's Gulf Attacks

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has proposed using frozen Iranian assets to compensate for damages caused by Iran's attacks on American allies in the Persian Gulf. The proposal represents a potential escalation in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran in the strategically vital waterway. The Persian Gulf has been a flashpoint for regional conflicts, with Iran frequently targeting vessels and infrastructure belonging to US allies including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The US maintains significant frozen Iranian assets following years of economic sanctions imposed over Iran's nuclear program and regional activities.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Hungarian PM Orbán Launches Major Anti-Corruption Operation 60 Days Before Elections

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has initiated a large-scale anti-corruption operation that poses potential threats to assets of his ruling party members, coming just 60 days ahead of scheduled elections. The operation represents a significant development in Hungary's pre-election political landscape, though specific details about the scope and targets of the investigation remain unclear. The timing of this anti-corruption push is notable given its proximity to the electoral period, potentially signaling either genuine reform efforts or strategic political maneuvering as Orbán's Fidesz party prepares for the upcoming vote.

Dennik N
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International Politics

Czech Parliament Again Addresses Babiš Conflict of Interest as EU Suspends Subsidies

Czech parliamentarians have once again debated potential conflicts of interest involving former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who has rejected the criticism. The European Commission has meanwhile suspended reimbursements for subsidies to companies within Babiš's business holding. Babiš, who served as Czech Prime Minister from 2017 to 2021, has faced ongoing scrutiny over his dual role as a politician and owner of Agrofert, one of the Czech Republic's largest agricultural and chemical conglomerates. The conflict of interest allegations center on whether Babiš's companies improperly benefited from EU agricultural subsidies while he held political office, violating EU rules that prohibit officials from receiving funds that could create conflicts of interest.

SME
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International Politics

Hungarian PM's Statements Reignite Slovak Tensions Over Historic Treaty of Trianon

Recent statements by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have sparked passionate reactions in Slovakia, reviving century-old tensions over the Treaty of Trianon. The 1920 treaty redrew European borders after World War I, transferring territories with significant Hungarian populations to neighboring countries including Slovakia. Reactions to Orbán's latest remarks demonstrate that the Trianon issue continues to provoke strong emotions, though notably the most intense responses are now coming from the Slovak side rather than Hungary. The persistence of these historical grievances reflects ongoing sensitivities between the two EU neighbors over minority rights and territorial legacy issues that date back more than a century.

Dennik N
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International Politics

Trump Announces Plans to Strike Iran and Seize Oil Facilities

US President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to launch attacks against Iran and take control of the Islamic Republic's oil and gas infrastructure. Trump stated that the United States would gain complete control over Iran's oil and natural gas markets, comparing the strategy to what he described as successful American operations in Venezuela. The announcement signals a potential major escalation in US-Iran tensions and a significant shift in Middle Eastern energy geopolitics under the incoming Trump administration.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Czech PM Babiš to Attend Summit Despite Trump-Style Defense Spending Stance

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš will attend an upcoming summit despite maintaining what critics describe as a Trump-style approach to defense spending. Babiš has reportedly justified his position by arguing that the Czech Republic's relatively low defense budget allocation is defensible given current circumstances. The Czech leader's stance on military expenditure has drawn comparisons to former US President Donald Trump's criticism of NATO allies for insufficient defense spending, though Babiš appears to be taking the opposite position by defending lower contributions rather than demanding higher ones from others.

SME
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International Politics

Ukrainian Forces Reportedly Advance on Strategically Important Kinburn Spit Nature Reserve

Ukrainian forces have reportedly made advances toward the Kinburn Spit, a unique nature reserve featuring sand dunes and wild orchids that has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The potential liberation of this coastal area has generated significant excitement among Ukrainians due to its strategic military importance. The Kinburn Spit is a narrow peninsula extending into the Black Sea from southern Ukraine's Mykolaiv region, positioned at a crucial location that controls access to shipping lanes and coastal defenses. However, military experts remain cautious about confirming the extent of any Ukrainian gains in the area, emphasizing that the situation remains fluid and that strategic claims require careful verification in the fog of war.

Dennik N
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International Politics

EU Court Adviser Says European Commission Failed to Disclose Vaccine Contract Information

An EU court adviser ruled that the European Commission made an error by failing to publish information about vaccine procurement contracts. The adviser recommended rejecting an appeal filed by the Commission, suggesting the EU's executive body should have been more transparent about the details of its COVID-19 vaccine purchase agreements. The European Commission, which negotiated vaccine deals with pharmaceutical companies on behalf of all 27 EU member states during the pandemic, had apparently withheld certain contract information from public disclosure. The court adviser's opinion typically influences the final ruling of the European Court of Justice, though it is not binding.

SME
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International Politics

Turkey Calls French Military Deployment Agreement with Cyprus Illegal

Turkey condemned a new agreement allowing French military personnel to be stationed in Cyprus, declaring the deal a violation of international law and previous treaties regarding the Mediterranean island. Ankara's rejection of the deployment reflects ongoing tensions over Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the northern part of the island following a Greek-backed coup. The Republic of Cyprus, internationally recognized and an EU member since 2004, controls the southern two-thirds of the island, while Turkey maintains troops in the north and is the only country to recognize the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

TASR/Teraz
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International Politics

Hungarian Opposition Leader Péter Magyar Criticizes Fidesz Over EU Funds and Anti-Corruption Reforms

Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has sharply criticized the ruling Fidesz party for opposing anti-corruption reforms and blocking the release of billions in European Union funds. Magyar accused Fidesz of ignoring the country's needs in their resistance to these measures. The criticism highlights ongoing tensions in Hungary over EU funding that has been frozen due to concerns about rule of law and corruption issues under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government.

Aktuality
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International Politics

Czech Government Plans Public Media Funding Changes, Citing Slovakia as Warning

The Czech government under Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is preparing changes to public media financing, using recent developments in Slovakia as a cautionary example. In 2023, Slovakia's government under Eduard Heger eliminated television and radio license fees, claiming it was merely a technical change to simplify funding by having the public broadcaster RTVS receive money directly from the state budget instead of household payments. However, a year later, the new government of Robert Fico used this funding mechanism to dissolve RTVS entirely and create a new Slovak Television and Radio entity under different leadership. Czech officials are now pointing to Slovakia's experience as evidence of how changes to public media funding structures can lead to government control over broadcasting, with Hungary also being cited as an example of media capture by the state.

Dennik N
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International Politics

Knife Attack in Belfast Leaves Victim Without Eye, Sparks Migration and Identity Debate in Northern Ireland

A violent knife attack in Belfast left one victim severely injured, losing an eye after being repeatedly stabbed in the head and neck area. Video footage captured the assault, showing the attacker kneeling over the victim and stabbing him while bystanders screamed and attempted to intervene. A man with a hurley, a wooden stick used in the traditional Irish sport of hurling, eventually struck the attacker and helped subdue him along with other witnesses. The attack has sparked protests and debate about migration and identity issues in Northern Ireland, with the incident gaining international attention including support from tech billionaire Elon Musk. The violent nature of the assault and its aftermath have reignited sensitive discussions about community relations and immigration in the region, where questions of national identity remain politically charged.

Dennik N
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