[New Times] President Paul Kagame and his DR Congo counterpart Felix Tshisekedi and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held talks in Doha on Tuesday, March 18, as part of efforts to solve the crisis in eastern DR Congo, according to the three countries' joint statement.

In this issue... ● US President Trump starts enacting his economic policy agenda and threatens the EU with tariffs. ● Headline inflation falls to 2.4% as underlying indicators ease. ● ECB reduces key policy rate by 25 bps. ● The euro continues to strengthen against the dollar amid growing uncertainty on US’s tariffs. ● The Fed keeps rate unchanged among economic uncertainty while challenges to independence arise. ● ECB reckons new US approach to cryptos and CBDCs strengthens the case for a digital euro. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The LUX Audience Award is the largest audience film award in the European Union, presented by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in collaboration with Creative Europe MEDIA and Europa Cinemas. Each year, five films are nominated for the award, all tackling important social and political issues within the EU, while showcasing some of Europe's most exciting filmmakers. Beyond being a film prize, the award strengthens European film distribution, promotes gender equality, and fosters critical discussion at the heart of European democracy. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Were the US to impose large and lasting tariffs on its imports from the EU, the effect on the euro area (EA) would be substantial and far-reaching. We expect the direct impact to be inflationary in the US and contractionary on EA aggregate demand and output. The indirect impact through an appreciation of the dollar (partly already occurred) tends to transfer inflation from the US to Europe. The ECB should be mindful that both deflationary and inflationary influences may ensue, and be ready to adjust monetary policy promptly if necessary to maintain price stability. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 20 March 2025. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This briefing report evaluates the ECB's monetary policy in a context of declining inflation and stagnant growth. Inflation risks have been averted and, after a period of relatively tight policy in 2024, benchmark comparisons indicate that the current interest rate is consistent with the ECB's mandate. The prevailing economic and inflation outlook supports further rate cuts. However, the high level of economic policy uncertainty necessitates cautious adjustments. Moreover, official ECB communications offer valuable signals regarding future policy steps. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 20 March 2025. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The repeated crises of recent years, including the COVID pandemic and the Russian war on Ukraine, have disrupted trade relations in many ways. Competition on global markets has become fiercer and the rules-based multilateral order established after World War II is increasingly challenged. The tariffs imposed by the new United States (US) administration are adding to the uncertainty. Trade in goods and services accounts for 22.4 % of EU GDP – the EU is the world's biggest trading bloc and top trading partner for 80 countries. Trade is thus crucial for the EU's growth and competitiveness. In that context, the development of a robust trade policy, enabling the EU to defend itself effectively against unfair trade practices and to level the playing field, has become a core priority for EU leaders. Consequently, trade – an issue traditionally in the hands of the European Commission – has grown in importance on the European Council agenda in recent years. Developing a bold trade policy is also one of the core elements of the New Competitiveness Deal, which was discussed at the EU leaders' special meeting in April 2024. The importance of EU assertiveness on the global stage to defend its trade interests was underlined in the European Council's 2024-2029 Strategic Agenda, the document setting out the EU's direction for the current 5-year term, as well as in the Budapest Declaration of November 2024. It is in light of recent developments that EU leaders will discuss trade at their 20-21 March meeting in Brussels. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Observers fear the move has compromised evidence of war crimes by Russian officials and will hinder efforts to rescue thousands of missing Ukrainian children.

Get the latest news on President Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the new Congress.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is expected to unveil fresh curbs on handouts this afternoon despite opposition inside Cabinet and in the wider Labour Party.

The Trump administration has pushed back hard against U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg’s order barring use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations.

ISTANBUL, Türkiye (HOL) — A scuffle among Somali soldiers undergoing military training in Türkiye left 24 troops injured, including two in critical condition, following a football match at the General Ihsan Alper Military Base in Isparta, officials said Tuesday.

Mogadishu (HOL) — A roadside bomb targeting Somalia’s presidential convoy in Mogadishu on Tuesday morning killed journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, marking the first journalist fatality in the country this year.

The Russian president also reiterated that ways out of the conflict should take into consideration 'the absolute necessity of removing the root causes of the crisis'

According to Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, the Russian and US presidents have taken a big step toward peace

According to the readout released by Washington, the two leaders agreed 'that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire'

Dennis Kucinich told TASS that 'the world will benefit from all efforts made by our two great countries in the cause of peace'

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that 'the European Union was repeating that ‘the ball is in Moscow’s court'

Ce mois-ci, c'est le mois de sensibilisation sur le cancer colorectal… L’occasion pour l’Institut du Cancer de Polynésie de lancer la campagne Mars bleu, pour éduquer la population sur cette maladie et promouvoir les habitudes de vie saines. Ce cancer qui touche de plus en plus les Polynésiens pourrait être évité avec «un dépistage et une alimentation saine» rappelle le docteur Teanini Tematahotoa, directrice de l’Institut du cancer, qui était l'invité café de ce mardi 18 mars.

Vladimir Poutine a accepté, ce mardi 18 mars, d'interrompre pour 30 jours les frappes sur les infrastructures énergétiques en Ukraine, a indiqué le Kremlin à l'issue d'un appel avec Donald Trump, au cours duquel le président russe a fixé ses conditions pour un cessez-le-feu global.

La grève est effective depuis minuit à l'Apair Apurad, une première en 25 ans d'existence. Le préavis déposé par la CSTFO met en avant plusieurs revendications, dont un turnover incessant et des cas de harcèlement au sein de l'établissement. La direction se veut rassurante : aucun patient ne sera impacté.

Ce mardi 18 mars, Putai Taae a été condamné 3 ans d’inégibilité et 18 mois de prison avec sursis. Son épouse, Sonia Punua, actuelle maire de Papara, a, elle, écopé de 10 mois de prison avec sursis. Leur avocat a confirmé leur intention de faire appel de la condamnation.

The Iron Man star touched on Montecito neighbor Meghan Markle 's new Netflix series and her powerhouse brand GOOP. There was even a mention of her ex-fiance Brad Pitt .

Michael Jones, 39, was found guilty of burglary, while Fred Doe, 36, was convicted of trying to sell the stolen gold, following a trial at Oxford Crown Court.

India's nuclear programme achieved a major milestone as the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station's seventh unit was connected to the northern grid. With the operation of 25 reactors and 13,100 MW capacity under construction, the indigenous 700 MW PHWR series plays a crucial role in reaching a goal of 100 GW by 2047.

HUDCO targets to become a zero non-performing asset company within 18 months by resolving major loans under NCLT and DRT. Currently, with a gross NPA of 1.88% and net NPA at 0.27%, HUDCO plans to raise $500 million from Japanese loans at competitive interest rates as part of its growth strategy.

Sitapur's Congress MP, Rakesh Rathore, will be released from jail after obtaining bail twice in a rape case. Accused of rape and deceitful intercourse, Rathore claimed political motives behind the four-year delayed charges. The survivor's FIR cited rape, criminal intimidation, and wrongful confinement, alleging trust misuse due to his political stature.

The home ministry stated it does not maintain data on fatalities and injuries from the stampede at Maha Kumbh mela, as such incidents fall under state jurisdiction. The ministry shared that religious event management and disaster response are state responsibilities, and no central data is available.

Karnataka's revenue department repossessed 14 acres of contested land in Ramanagara district from Union minister HD Kumaraswamy and his relatives. The action followed a High Court order prompting officials to move swiftly. Kumaraswamy claims the action is politically motivated and insists he purchased the land legally 40 years ago.

On March 17, the republic’s ministry of health said that the shelling of northeastern parts of Lebanon had led to casualties among civilians

The Russian defense ministry said that up to 200 Ukrainian militants and 29 combat vehicles, including five tanks, 16 armored combat vehicles, three obstacle removal vehicles, an UR-77 mine clearing system, and four automobiles, were involved

The Russian defense ministry said that the Russian border was not violated

The Kremlin press service reported earlier that the two leaders discussed the issue of Ukraine in detail and frankly