Top story per country this week, ranked by coverage volume. Select a story to visit the full country summary, or a region name to visit the region overview.
Frontline and Eastern Europe
Eastern European allies are pushing back against US policy while strengthening their own defense ties.
Poland
Central bank keeps interest rates unchanged, governor signals possible March cut
Estonia
President triggers foreign policy crisis with Ukraine negotiation comments
Finland
President delivers parliamentary opening speech criticizing US foreign policy ideology
Romania
George Simion accused of lobbying against Romania’s Visa Waiver status in the US
Ukraine
US sets June deadline for Ukraine-Russia peace agreement with US presidential mediation
Lithuania
Prime Minister calls Taiwan representative office opening a ‘mistake,’ hints at China rapprochement
Czech Republic
Czech military modernization and Ukraine support under scrutiny
Latvia
Latvian officials attend Milan-Cortina Olympics, showcase Baltic unity
Western Europe
Western European democracies accelerated defense spending and alliance coordination this week while facing major domestic political crises in France, Germany, Britain, and Italy.
France
Prime Minister’s government passes 2026 budget and announces major reforms
United Kingdom
Prime Minister fights for political survival as Mandelson-Epstein scandal engulfs government
Norway
Prime Minister criticizes royal family and Jagland over Epstein contacts, eventually accepts parliamentary investigation
Italy
President’s Olympic presidency: Tram arrival stunt and ceremonial role at Milano-Cortina 2026
Spain
Prime Minister clashes with tech giants over social media restrictions for minors
Germany
Christian Democratic Union social policy proposals spark internal party conflict over ‘lifestyle part-time work’
Sweden
Swedish Armed Forces faces multiple development challenges and incidents
Asia-Pacific
Japan consolidated historic electoral gains while Australia and Indonesia signed a sweeping defense treaty despite facing domestic pressures.
Japan
Prime Minister’s Liberal Democratic Party wins historic supermajority in snap election landslide
Australia
Reserve Bank raises interest rates to 3.85% in first hike since 2023
Taiwan
Kuomintang delegation holds forum with Chinese Communist Party in Beijing
Indonesia
Indonesia stock market suffers major selloff amid MSCI concerns, Danantara intervenes
South Korea
President launches aggressive campaign against real estate speculation
Near East and South Asia
This week, four major regional powers strengthened ties with the US while maintaining relationships with countries that could limit American influence.
India
Parliament chaos as Rahul Gandhi cites unpublished army chief memoir, prime minister speech canceled
Turkey
Bahçeli calls for ‘hope right’ for Öcalan and freedom for Demirtaş in Kurdish peace process push
Saudi Arabia
NEOM megaproject faces major scaling back amid budget pressures
United Arab Emirates
UAE SWAT Challenge 2026 brings together 110 elite police teams from 48 countries in Dubai
The Americas
Canada and Mexico are restructuring economic policy amid trade disruptions, while Chile maintains conservative positioning and Brazil ramps up its 2026 election campaign.
Mexico
Pemex reports major financial recovery with debt at 11-year low and announces massive 2026 investment
Brazil
Workers’ Party celebrates 46th anniversary with major political event setting 2026 election tone
Canada
Poilievre survives leadership review with 87% support at Conservative convention
Chile
President announces subsecretaries and regional delegates for incoming government