EU Extends Sanctions Against Russia Until 2026
The European Union has agreed to extend sanctions against Russia, targeting approximately 2,600 individuals and organizations, with the measures set to remain in place until September 15, 2026. Seven individuals, including Dutch oil trader Niels Troost, were removed from the sanctions list, while Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman remain sanctioned despite attempts by Hungary and Slovakia to have them excluded. Ongoing tensions within the EU persist, as Hungary continues to block a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and a new sanctions package against Russia.
French Municipal Elections Test Far-Right National Rally
French citizens are voting in municipal elections today, a key test for the far-right National Rally party ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The elections, which will determine leadership in nearly 35,000 communities, are being closely watched as the National Rally aims to secure victories in major cities like Marseille and Toulon to build momentum for its presidential campaign. The first round of voting will conclude at 8 p.m. local time, with a second round scheduled for March 22 if no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes.
Germany to End Funding for Asylum Counseling in 2027
Germany's Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced plans to halt government funding for independent asylum counseling starting in 2027, citing budgetary constraints and the need to streamline migration policy. This decision has drawn criticism from welfare organizations and opposition parties, with leaders arguing that it undermines legal protections for asylum seekers. The Interior Ministry maintains that funding decisions are part of ongoing budget negotiations.
