EU tightens migration rules with plan for offshore ‘return hubs’

The European Commission has proposed exempting AI gigafactories and datacentres from mandatory environmental impact assessments, marking a significant shift in EU environmental policy. This proposal is part of a broader initiative to streamline permitting processes for critical projects, which also includes plans to repeal a hazardous chemicals database.

A teacher in Hungary is under investigation and facing potential criminal charges for organizing a peaceful Pride march in Pécs, which has been described by rights organizations as an unprecedented and dangerous situation for the EU. This event, held in early October, marked the fifth consecutive year of the Pride march in the city, highlighting its commitment to diversity and minority coexistence.

Thirteen Labour MPs voted in favor of initiating discussions on the UK potentially rejoining the EU customs union, as part of a bill proposed by the Liberal Democrats. The vote resulted in a tie, with 100 MPs supporting and 100 opposing the measure, highlighting a divided stance on this issue within Parliament.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and Europe are preparing to present a 'refined' peace plan to the United States in the near future, amid ongoing tensions with Russia. This development follows recent criticisms from former President Donald Trump regarding European nations, which he labeled as 'weak' and 'decaying.'

A motion to create a bespoke UK-EU customs union has passed in the House of Commons following a rare tied vote, reflecting ongoing debates about the UK's post-Brexit trade relationships. The motion's passage indicates a significant moment in the discussions surrounding the UK's economic strategy and its ties with the EU.

The European Union has launched an investigation into Google to assess whether the tech giant has failed to provide appropriate compensation to web publishers for using their content to generate AI-driven summaries in search results. This inquiry is part of a broader scrutiny of Google's practices in the digital content landscape.

Civicus, a nonprofit organization monitoring global civic freedoms, has downgraded the civic health rating of the United States from 'narrowed' to 'obstructed', reflecting increased restrictions on civil society under the Trump administration. This classification indicates that while civil society organizations still exist, they face significant challenges from state authorities, including illegal surveillance and bureaucratic harassment.

The second year of London’s Armenian film festival showcases the evolving landscape of Armenian cinema, highlighting the impact of recent conflicts with Azerbaijan and the country's aspirations for closer ties with the EU. Tamara Stepanyan’s documentary, My Armenian Phantoms, reflects on themes of trauma and resilience, drawing connections to the legacy of Soviet-era films.