European Union

After the AfD's election victory in Saxony-Anhalt, a member of the party – which is classified there as far-right extremist – has, for the first time in Germany, been elected as parliamentary speaker in the state parliament. Tobias Rausch received 48 out of 82 votes during the parliament's first constituent session. In addition to the AfD and BSW parliamentary groups, four representatives from other parties also voted for Rausch. Commentators take stock and examine the possibility of the AfD forming a government.

A laboratory worker at a plague research institute in Irkutsk, Russia, has died from a suspected case of pneumonic plague. As a result, several hospitals have been placed under quarantine for at least three weeks. According to official sources, no further cases of infection have been recorded, but the Russian authorities have disclosed very little information so far. The press discusses the risk of infection and calls for more transparency.

Local elections will be held in the Czech Republic on Friday and Saturday. However, due to a scheduling error, the election date clashes with President Petr Pavel's motorbike holiday in Morocco, so he won't be able to cast his vote. The head of state has said he regrets the mistake but does not intend to cut short his trip. Czech media have criticised the fact that the president, of all people, will be absent from the election.

The European Parliament demands a stronger and principled EU-China policy that combines dialogue with more protection of European interests.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The European Parliament demands a stronger and principled EU-China policy that combines dialogue with more protection of European interests.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The European Parliament demands a stronger and principled EU-China policy that combines dialogue with more protection of European interests.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Wednesday, MEPs gave the greenlight to disburse €6.91 million to help workers laid off in Belgium, Spain and Finland find new jobs.
Committee on Budgets

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Wednesday, MEPs gave the greenlight to disburse €6.91 million to help workers laid off in Belgium, Spain and Finland find new jobs.
Committee on Budgets

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP