A high-profile US delegation is set to visit Greenland this week, touring an American military base and attending the country’s national dogsled race, amid President Donald Trump’s push for US annexation of the Danish territory. The move has faced opposition from both Greenland and Denmark, according to Reuters.
Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, will visit Greenland with her son and a US delegation to explore historical sites and learn about Greenlandic heritage. The team includes White House national security adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
The White House National Security Council emphasized that the trip aims to strengthen partnerships while respecting Greenland’s self-determination and advancing economic cooperation.
EU STRUGGLES TO STRIKE BALANCE IN TIES WITH TURKEY
The relationship between the European Union and Turkey remains complex. While Ankara is still technically a candidate for EU membership, its bid has stalled amid democratic concerns. As NATO allies, Turkey and most EU states have pledged mutual defense, but tensions persist.
The EU has long criticized President Erdoğan for undermining democracy, yet Brussels is now softening its stance following the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu. While Erdoğan calls the protests “violent,” France’s foreign ministry condemns the arrests as serious threats to democracy, reflecting the growing complexity of Europe’s stance on Turkey’s political landscape.
LUKASHENKO INSISTS HIS ‘DICTATORSHIP’ IS A MODEL FOR HALF THE WORLD
Belarus has built a sovereign state rooted in a “dictatorship of real accomplishments” and national interests, a model that half the world aspires to, according to President Alexander Lukashenko.
Speaking at his seventh inauguration in Minsk, Lukashenko praised Belarusian unity, calling himself a “happy president” surrounded by loyal, hardworking citizens. He claimed Belarus enjoys greater democracy and freedom of speech than many self-proclaimed democratic nations but warned that free speech would not be used to undermine the country.
At 70 years old, Lukashenko remains Belarus’ only post-independence leader, winning his latest term with 86.82% of the vote.
RARE ANTI-HAMAS DEMONSTRATION IN GAZA AS RESIDENTS URGE WAR’S END
Palestinians in Gaza staged a rare protest against Hamas, urging the group to end the war and leave the Strip.
Videos online show hundreds marching in Beit Lahiya, a partially destroyed northern town, on Tuesday. Reports suggest protests spread south to Khan Younis by evening.
Some Hamas supporters attempted to disperse the crowds. While some demonstrators called for an end to the war with Israel, others blamed Hamas for the conflict and demanded its removal from Gaza.
EU HITS RECORD-HIGH CITIZEN APPROVAL DESPITE GLOBAL TENSIONS
The latest Eurobarometer survey, conducted between January and early February 2025, shows growing support for the EU, particularly amid the current geopolitical climate.
A record 74% of respondents believe their country benefits from EU membership, the highest since the question was introduced in 1983.
90% think EU member states should unite on global challenges, while 76% say the EU needs more resources to tackle future crises.
With budget negotiations underway, the European Parliament will vote on its priorities in May 2025, while the Commission plans to propose its budget after summer.
