Although the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) continued developing EU data retention standards after invalidating the former EU Data Retention Directive in 2014, national interpretations diverge and efforts towards alignment have stalled. Law enforcement and judicial authorities report operational challenges arising from this fragmentation, sometimes precluding timely access to communications-related data necessary for identifying suspects and victims, reconstructing criminal activity, and generating investigative leads. In response to these issues and to calls from the Council, the European Commission is assessing the need for a new EU framework. Any legislative action would require a series of politically and legally sensitive design choices. Controversy may arise in relation to the legitimacy and appropriate scope of renewed EU legislative intervention; the operationalisation of the CJEU's system of graduated objectives and safeguards; the adequacy of retention periods; the design of access conditions and safeguards; and, possibly, the need to regulate automated processing of retained datasets. This briefing builds on the overviews provided in the EPRS briefings 'Towards new EU data retention rules' and 'Mapping CJEU limits on data retention framework'. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

As the European Union prepares to redefine its external financing framework for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the proposed Global Europe Instrument raises key questions about the future place of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in EU external action. While intended to enhance coherence, flexibility and geopolitical responsiveness, the new framework must also ensure that values-based commitments remain visible, adequately funded and operationally effective. The workshop held on 23 February 2026, organised on behalf of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), examined how the proposed instrument may affect the EU’s capacity to support democratic governance, accountability, civil society, human-rights defenders and fundamental rights worldwide. Against a background of democratic backsliding, shrinking civic space and growing geopolitical competition, participants discussed the risks and opportunities of moving from dedicated funding structures towards a more integrated external financing instrument. The discussion also addressed the balance between strategic interests and values-based external action, and the role of the European Parliament in ensuring democratic oversight, policy coherence and sustained support for human rights and democracy. This publication brings together the workshop proceedings, including exchanges with Members, academics, civil society experts and EU representatives, with a briefing on the same topic. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The number of missiles and launchers that Germany plans to buy remains a secret

Russia's Acting Permanent Representative to the UN Anna Yevstigneyeva stated that «deaths of innocent civilians, killings of women, children and the elderly will not stop them»

Only 79 lawmakers voted in support of the document

Alaeddin Boroujerdi highlighted that the Americans saw it as their goal to interfere in the affairs of every independent country and bring war to it

Alexander Novak stressed that all measures aimed at supplying such regions with necessary resources should be closely monitored by the authorities and decisions should be made as quickly as possible

A rebel Trinamool Congress MLA will approach the Supreme Court regarding frozen party bank accounts. The Calcutta High Court allowed limited operation of these accounts for routine expenses. Ritabrata Banerjee alleges money laundering in aircraft and helicopter purchases using party funds. He plans to submit a complaint to the Enforcement Directorate in Delhi. The TMC denies all allegations, calling the probe politically motivated.

Congress ramps up its campaign regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds for the Ram temple donation and dubious land acquisitions. While Prime Minister Modi opts for silence, accusations arise that the BJP-RSS is shielding the true culprits. Furthermore, Congress claims that the establishment targets low-level employees to divert attention from high-profile figures. They also criticize the trust's lack of transparency concerning its composition and exclude it from the RTI Act.

Three former Trinamool Congress leaders have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. They were immediately nominated as BJP candidates for upcoming Rajya Sabha bypolls. These by-elections are for seats that fell vacant after their resignations last month. Their move follows internal turmoil and a significant defeat for the TMC. The BJP aims to strengthen its West Bengal presence with their experience.

[New Zimbabwe] A broad coalition of churches, labour unions, civic groups, students, war veterans and opposition political actors has launched a nationwide campaign to challenge Zimbabwe's newly enacted constitutional amendments in court and mobilise peaceful mass action, escalating resistance to legislation critics say entrenches President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule.

[Premium Times] «For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander,» he said.

It emerged today that nine EU countries wrote to Eurocrats warning the bloc still wasn't ready to fully implement the strict new controls.

Moulton Grange in Northamptonshire was raided on May 28 as part of an ongoing investigation into unlicensed medicines.

Hannah Waddingham led the stars on day 11 of Wimbledon on Thursday as the women take centre court in back-to-back semi finals.

Explore our new search tool to see which baby names have fallen out of favour or soared in popularity across England and Wales, using the latest Office for National Statistics data.

The plot fell apart after widespread criticism and objections from the English and Mexican Football Associations - as well as outgoing prime minister Starmer.

Many residents of the Capital Region have recently noticed advertisements at bus shelters bearing the message: "Operation 86: Stop Whaling."

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has expressed concern about NATO’s funding of Ukraine’s war effort against Russia Read Full Article at RT.com

Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency is investigating a purported presidential council linked to allegations of forgery and impersonation Read Full Article at RT.com

Thousands of migrants are awaiting repatriation in South Africa as the authorities intensify deportation operations Read Full Article at RT.com

India and Russia are expanding local currency settlements and de-dollarization efforts,a key official has told RT India Read Full Article at RT.com

Street fury in Lviv shows where fear really lives – not in the Kremlin but in a country that forces its own men into uniform Read Full Article at RT.com

A man who admired Charles Sobhraj was apprehended after an astonishing 36-year-long hotel scam. Meanwhile, three former TMC Rajya Sabha lawmakers transitioned to the BJP amidst growing internal dissent. In international news, US projectiles were reported to have hit near Iran's Bushehr nuclear facility. In Germany, the summer heatwave led to a staggering toll of over 5,100 heat-related fatalities.

The entire nation of India is now experiencing monsoon conditions, which has helped in mitigating the previous rainfall deficit. Unfortunately, ten states are still grappling with considerable shortages of rain, hampering kharif crop sowing operations. This year, kharif crop acreage is down by twenty-one percent when compared to last year. Moreover, some areas may soon face another reduction in rainfall activity as predictions indicate limited respite ahead.