Europe

Merz seeks influence in Washington during first Oval Office visit

SMGN June 6, 2025

A diplomatic start: Merz and Trump meet in the Oval Office German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to the White House on June 5 was marked by a surprisingly warm tone. Standing before the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Merz appeared satisfied. His two-and-a-half-hour meeting with President Donald Trump was longer than

Dutch Government Collapses Amid Migration Policy Dispute

SMGN June 3, 2025

The Netherlands faces political upheaval as the ruling coalition disintegrates over contentious asylum policy disagreements. Coalition Breakdown The Dutch government has collapsed after Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), withdrew his party from the governing coalition. The decision came after a dispute over proposed asylum policies,

EU Seeks to Ease Trade Strain with U.S. as Tariff Deadline Approaches

SMGN May 20, 2025

As the U.S. and China reach a temporary truce in their trade dispute and the United Kingdom finalizes a limited trade deal with Washington, the European Union is moving to accelerate its own negotiations with the United States to avoid new import duties. On Thursday (May 15, 2025), European Commissioner

German Carmakers Adapt to U.S. Tariff Plans with Production Shifts and Strategic Moves

SMGN May 15, 2025

German automakers are adjusting their strategies as U.S. trade policies introduce new challenges for international manufacturers. In response to proposed tariffs from the U.S. government, several German car manufacturers have increased short-term production aimed at the American market in an effort to offset potential future costs. Although Germany is not

New Pope Leo XIV urges faith renewal in debut Mass: ‘The Church must light the world’s darkest hours’

SMGN May 9, 2025

In his inaugural Mass at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV urged the Catholic Church to urgently respond to a widespread spiritual void, declaring it must act as “a beacon that lights the world’s darkest hours.” Speaking just one day after becoming the 267th Pope—and the first American to lead the

EU Unveils Strategy to Phase Out Russian Gas and Energy Imports by 2027

SMGN May 7, 2025

The European Commission has released a detailed roadmap outlining the European Union’s plan to eliminate its dependence on Russian energy supplies by the end of 2027, including all imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to the proposal, EU member states will be required to end all

Merz Confirmed as German Chancellor After Overcoming Rare Parliamentary Setback

SMGN May 6, 2025

Conservative figure Friedrich Merz has officially secured his role as Germany’s new chancellor following a second-round parliamentary vote, succeeding after a historic failure on his first attempt. In an unexpected twist on Tuesday morning, Merz initially missed the required absolute majority by six votes, marking an unparalleled defeat in post-war

Power restored in Spain and Portugal after widespread blackout

SMGN April 29, 2025

Electric service was almost completely restored on Tuesday in Spain and Portugal after the unusual and large-scale blackout that plunged both countries into a day of disorder and confusion.On Monday, April 28, the Iberian Peninsula experienced a severe power failure whose causes remain unknown. Although electricity has returned, the effects

A humble farewell: Pope Francis to be buried in Rome after historic funeral

SMGN April 25, 2025

Pope Francis will be laid to rest this Saturday, as dignitaries, church leaders, and mourners from around the world gather to honor his legacy. The ceremony marks not only the passing of a spiritual leader but also a significant departure from long-standing papal traditions. Francis passed away six days ago

Pope Francis, global moral leader and first Latin American Pontiff, dies at 88

SMGN April 21, 2025

Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a global moral compass for over a decade, has died at the age of 88. As the first pontiff from Latin America and the first non-European pope in over a thousand years, Francis reshaped the modern papacy with his

More News

Expert Tips to Navigate Flight Delays and Cancellations During Crisis

SMGN November 6, 2025

Widespread flight delays and cancellations are impacting major airports nationwide as the government shutdown, now the longest in history, continues to drag on. Air traffic controller shortages have caused issues at numerous airports for more than a month, creating ripple effects across the entire travel network. In response to the

Trump says government shutdown pressures Republicans and suggests ending the filibuster

SMGN November 6, 2025

Former president reflects on election results after record-long shutdown During a meeting with Republican senators, former President Donald Trump said the prolonged federal government shutdown negatively affected recent election results for his party. Trump stated that pollsters identified the shutdown as a major factor influencing voter sentiment against Republicans. “If

U.S. Government Revises SNAP Benefit Cuts, but Millions Still Face Major Reductions

SMGN November 6, 2025

USDA Adjusts Reduction Formula Amid Ongoing Legal and Technical Challenges The U.S. government has revised its plan for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announcing a smaller reduction in monthly food benefits. According to updated guidance from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), maximum allotments will now be cut by 35%