David Köngeter, analyst at Foreign Brief

Iceland to hold closely contested snap parliamentary elections 0

Daily News
October 28, 2017

Almost exactly a year after last October’s parliamentary snap elections, Icelanders will head to the polls again today. The new

Kenya holds rerun of presidential election but opposition boycotts 0

Daily News
October 26, 2017

Today, Kenyans head to the polls, for the second time in three months, to elect a president. The August 8 vote —won

EU-27 to face up to migration challenges amid human rights criticism 0

Daily News
October 19, 2017

The heads of 27 EU member states (minus Britain) meet today to discuss a number of pressing internal and external

European Parliament to vote on establishing EU Public Prosecutor’s Office 0

Daily News
October 5, 2017

Four years after the establishment of a European Public Prosecutor’s Office was first proposed by the European Commission, the European

US forces join Aurora 17, largest Swedish military exercise in decades 2

Daily News
September 21, 2017

It is war-gaming season in Europe. While Russia recently concluded its Zapad drills, Sweden will enter the final phase of its Aurora

Russia begins large scale Zapad 2017 military exercise in Belarus 0

Daily News
September 14, 2017

Russian and Belarusian soldiers will march in unison today, as their countries commence the quadrennial Zapad—Russian for “West”—military exercise. According

Nigerian militant group cancels planned attacks 0

Daily News
September 10, 2017

The Niger Delta Agitators, a coalition of militant groups operating in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, has cancelled Operation Zero Oil,

India’s interior minister visits Jammu and Kashmir to soothe tensions 0

Daily News
September 8, 2017

India’s interior minister will head to the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir in the country’s north today. With the

Angela Merkel and Martin Schulz face off in TV debate 0

Daily News
September 3, 2017

Today, Germany’s chancellor and her main challenger face each other in the first and only televised debate ahead of the

Kenya’s parliament sits for the first time since controversial election 0

Daily News
August 31, 2017

After being sworn in on Tuesday, Uhuru Kenyatta calls the first sitting of Kenya’s 12th parliament today. MPs aligned with the National

Kulsoom Nawaz runs for her husband’s seat in bellwether by-election 0

Daily News
August 26, 2017

Pakistan’s election commission will release the candidate list today for September’s by-election in the constituency previously held by Nawaz Sharif.

US Defence Secretary James Mattis to visit Ukraine as country marks independence 0

Daily News
August 24, 2017

Jim Mattis arrives in Kiev today just in time to commemorate 26 years of Ukrainian independence from the USSR. The

Nepal’s prime minister walks the tightrope on visit to India 0

Daily News
August 23, 2017

Sher Bahadur Deuba commences his four-day state visit to Nepal’s southern neighbour today, his first since assuming office in June.

Vatican and Orthodox Church representatives meet in Moscow as relations warm 0

Daily News
August 20, 2017

The second most senior Vatican official, Pietro Parolin, arrives in Russia today to hold talks with Patriarch Kirill, head of

UK to unveil Brexit customs relationship plan 0

Daily News
August 14, 2017

This week, Her Majesty’s government will release an official document detailing its view on a Brexit deal. The paper will

Primary elections in Argentina 0

Daily News
August 13, 2017

Argentinians will head to the polls today to determine the candidates for October’s legislative midterm elections. Observers will especially be

Kia launches carsharing operation 0

Daily News
August 11, 2017

Kia Motors, the world’s eighth-largest car manufacturer, launches its carsharing service WiBLE in Seoul today. South Korea’s capital already counts more than 9,000 users

Donald Tusk goes home to Poland for plane crash hearing 0

Daily News
August 3, 2017

European Council President Donald Tusk will be questioned about his role in the 2010 Smolensk air crash today. The crash killed several

Less UN peacekeepers for the Democratic Republic of Congo 0

Daily News
July 31, 2017

Taken on March 31, the decision to significantly reduce the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC will be felt on

Vladimir Putin visits Finland 0

Daily News
July 27, 2017

100 years after Finland declared independence from Russia, Vladimir Putin heads to Helsinki today for talks with counterpart Sauli Niinisto.

Russia and China to hold joint naval exercises in the Baltic Sea 0

Daily News
July 24, 2017

The ‘coastal stage’ of the Sino-Russian Maritime Cooperation exercise in the Baltic Sea concludes today; it will be followed by an active

ECB to slowly retreat from expansive monetary policy 0

Daily News
July 19, 2017

As the European Central Bank’s (ECB) governing council meets in Frankfurt today and tomorrow, investors and analysts will look for

India elects a new president 0

Daily News
July 17, 2017

After incumbent President Pranab Mukherjee announced he would not stand for re-election in January, an electoral college comprised of legislators

Olympic Committee mulls hosts of 2024 and 2028 summer games 0

Daily News
July 12, 2017

Today, the International Olympic Committee will decide whether to award the 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics simultaneously for the first

Wray faces confirmation hearing to replace Comey 0

Daily News
July 12, 2017

Christopher Wray, President Trump’s pick for the vacant FBI director post, faces his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee

Russia passes controversial Moscow renovation bill 0

Daily News
June 28, 2017

On June 14, Russia‘s Lower House, the State Duma, passed a bill that will see the demolishing of thousands of

Social Democrats unveil election platform 0

Daily News
June 25, 2017

Germany’s Social Democratic Party will unveil its manifesto for September’s election during its party conference today. After crushing defeats in

EU heads discuss defence cooperation in Brussels 0

Daily News
June 22, 2017

As the leaders of the European Union meet in Brussels today, impeding Brexit negotiations are sure to dominate the agenda.

Bank of Japan to keep interest rates stable 0

Daily News
June 16, 2017

The Bank of Japan will announce whether it will move interest rates today; it would be a surprise if the

EU roaming charges abolished 0

Daily News
June 15, 2017

By now, the EU is used to being blamed and mocked for regulating all kinds of things. But when a

Macedonia eyes EU accession as it submits reform report 5

Daily News
June 14, 2017

Macedonia will be in focus in Brussels today when the European Parliament receives a report on the country’s recommended reforms,

Macron expected to win legislative election 0

Daily News
June 11, 2017

After winning the presidential election with two-thirds of the vote last month, Emmanuel Macron and his En Marche movement are

Saudi Arabia introduces new sugar and tobacco taxes 0

Daily News
June 10, 2017

New ‘sin’ taxes on tobacco and sugary drinks will come into effect in Saudi Arabia today. While these types of

America’s social security system gets a safety boost 0

Daily News
June 10, 2017

From today onwards, US citizens will be required to undergo a stronger authentication process to access their social security accounts.

Merkel visits Mexico, seeks EU trade deal 0

Daily News
June 9, 2017

After talks in Argentina, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Mexico today, where she’ll be welcomed by President Enrique Pena

Britain votes as polls show gap tightening 0

Daily News
June 8, 2017

Brits head to the polls today in a snap election that conservative PM Theresa May had hoped would strengthen her

Comey testifies as Trump announces Christopher Wray as replacement 0

Daily News
June 8, 2017

Washington DC will come to a standstill today when former FBI Director James Comey testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation admits India and Pakistan 0

Daily News
June 8, 2017

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will become the world’s most populous regional bloc today when both Pakistan and India formally join

State of Mexico votes in bellwether election 0

Daily News
June 4, 2017

Mexico’s most populous state—unoriginally named the State of Mexico—goes to the polls today to elect its next governor. Much is

West African leaders gather for ECOWAS summit 0

Daily News
June 4, 2017

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold its summit today in Liberia, attracting top foreign dignitaries, including

Varadkar set to become prime minister in Ireland 0

Daily News
June 1, 2017

Ireland is set to make history on Friday with Leo Varadkar poised to become the Catholic country’s first openly gay

Brazil’s economy grows for the first time in two years 0

Daily News
May 31, 2017

Brazil will release its economic growth figures for the first three months of the year on Wednesday. Finance Minister Henrique

G7 leaders meet in Sicily: climate deal hangs in the balance 0

Daily News
May 25, 2017

G7 leaders will gather in Sicily on Friday for two days of talks ranging from North Korea’s continued belligerence to

NATO leaders meet in Brussels: roadmap to spending on the cards 0

Daily News
May 25, 2017

As NATO leaders meet on Thursday, the alliance will likely take steps to become less reliant on the US, as

Ecuador’s presidential inauguration: Lenin Moreno faces economic challenges 0

Daily News
May 24, 2017

After beating a conservative rival in April’s election, leftist Lenin Moreno will be inaugurated as Ecuador’s new commander-in-chief on Wednesday.

Saudi Aramco to sign join venture: IPO outlook gloomy 0

Daily News
May 19, 2017

Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant is expected to sign agreements with at least 10 US companies on Saturday, as President

East African Community meets: no deal on trade 0

Daily News
May 19, 2017

Having been postponed three times, the East African Community (EAC) summit will finally take place on Saturday, with leaders from

G20 health ministers meet: spectre of antibiotic resistance looms 0

Daily News
May 19, 2017

More dangerous than war. And harder to control too.

France marches on: Macron unveils his government 0

Daily News
May 16, 2017

French President Emmanuel Macron will reveal his government on Wednesday, two days after he named his prime minister: Edouard Philippe—a

All eyes on Germany’s west: North Rhine-Westphalia votes 0

Daily News
May 14, 2017

Berlin will be looking west on Sunday—the election in North Rhine-Westphalia has far-reaching implications for the general election in September.

US car market tightens: Toyota reports earnings 0

Daily News
May 10, 2017

The world’s second-largest automaker will post its earnings for the April to March financial year on Wednesday. Coming in at

Brazil’s oil scandal: ex-president faces court 0

Daily News
May 10, 2017

The stakes will be high when Brazil’s former President Lula da Silva faces anti-corruption judge Sergio Moro in court on

Testing ground: Germany’s Schleswig-Holstein votes 0

Daily News
May 7, 2017

The election will demonstrate whether the centre-left SPD can finally cash in on the hype surrounding their recently appointed leader,

Working out their differences: Russia and Turkey 0

Daily News
May 5, 2017

On Saturday, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich will travel to Turkey to finalise talks on normalising economic relations. Ties

Can she close the gap? French hopefuls duel one last time 0

Daily News
May 3, 2017

Photo: AP With five days before the final showdown, Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen face off in their last

NATO? NATO! Trump hosts Stoltenberg 0

Daily News
April 11, 2017

The tone of Wednesday‘s meeting between Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will be much friendlier than it would’ve

Humming along: Germany’s economy 0

Daily News
March 31, 2017

Since the global financial crisis Germany’s economy has been the heart pumping up the eurozone’s anaemic growth rate. On Friday,

Tillerson onboard: NATO summit in Brussels 0

Daily News
March 31, 2017

After some scheduling trouble, NATO foreign ministers will meet on Thursday, welcoming US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for the

The point of no return: Article 50 0

Daily News
March 29, 2017

No country has ever left the European Union before. On Wednesday, Theresa May will make history when she triggers Article

United against corruption? Protests in Brazil 0

Daily News
March 26, 2017

Brazil has been rocked by a series of seemingly never-ending scandals in recent years, the latest of which involves the meat

No laptops onboard: new rules come into force 0

Daily News
March 24, 2017

The US ban on large electronic devices on flights from 10 Middle Eastern airports comes into effect on Friday. US

Out of the dark? Brazil’s economy 0

Daily News
March 22, 2017

Poor economic management, spendthrift policies and ongoing political crises have tormented Brazil over the past two years, leading South America’s

Bending the rule: Monte dei Paschi 0

Daily News
March 21, 2017

Italy’s finance minister will meet top EU officials on Tuesday to discuss the fate of over-leveraged Monte dei Paschi –

On its knees: France’s political establishment 0

Daily News
March 20, 2017

Viewers will witness a historic event when the top contenders vying for the French presidency meet for the first debate

Dim prospects: conservatives in South Korea 0

Daily News
March 18, 2017

With a presidential election to be held on May 9, South Korea’s conservative Liberty Party – known as Saenuri until

Strait into crisis? Taiwan’s defence review 0

Daily News
March 16, 2017

Unsurprisingly, the focus will be on China when Taiwan’s Defence Minister Feng Shih-kuan presents a Quadrennial Defence Review to parliament

$Fragmented and fractious: the Dutch election$

Fragmented and fractious: the Dutch election 0

Daily News
March 15, 2017

As the Dutch head to the polls on Wednesday, one question looms large: how many seats will Geert Wilders’ right-wing

Reconciling the neighbours: EU mediates in the Balkans 0

Daily News
March 4, 2017

The EU is forging ahead with its long-running mediation in the troubled Western Balkans. On Saturday, Federica Mogherini, the EU’s

Russia and Belarus: a special relationship turning cold 0

Former Soviet Union
March 2, 2017

President Lukashenko’s flirtation with Europe is hurting Belarus’ relationship with Russia

How long until Merkel enters campaign mode?0

Daily News
March 1, 2017

Germany’s recent economic figures are impressive, with low unemployment, GDP growth stronger than expected, and the DAX stock index set

Georgia goes west, Ukraine to follow 0

Daily News
February 28, 2017

The European Council will adopt a new agreement on Monday allowing Georgians into the passport-free Schengen Area without a visa.

Trees to go, but Russia just a tap away 0

Daily News
February 27, 2017

Despite delays in Italy’s Puglia region caused by more than 200 ancient olive trees, decision makers have confirmed that the

Crunch time: Turkey’s referendum campaign begins 0

Daily News
February 25, 2017

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the most powerful Turkish president since Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who established the country in 1923. On

UN revisits South Sudan mission 0

Daily News
February 24, 2017

On Friday, the UN Security Council (UNSC) will hold consultations on its peacekeeping operations in South Sudan. The mission, which

When trade goes nuclear 0

Daily News
February 22, 2017

India’s top diplomat, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, will head to China on Wednesday for the first-ever strategic dialogue. New Delhi views the

Lies and democracy in Bolivia 0

Daily News
February 21, 2017

Tuesday marks one year since the rejection of a referendum that barred Bolivian President Evo Morales from running for a

Venezuela: on a road to nowhere 0

Daily News
February 18, 2017

Venezuela’s imprisoned opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has called for fresh anti-government protests to be held on Saturday. Since 2014, the

Sideline talks in Munich 0

Daily News
February 17, 2017

On Friday, top world leaders will meet for what’s become one of the premier international security talk shops: The Munich

Rome’s Five Star Movement under investigation 0

Daily News
January 30, 2017

Rome’s mayor, Virginia Raggi, will be questioned in court on Monday over her connection to corruption allegations that led to

Europe at the crossroads: France’s election 0

Europe
January 24, 2017

Socialist Party members will decide the next French president – but the winner is unlikely to be a Socialist.

Supreme Court to rule on Brexit 0

Daily News
January 24, 2017

On Tuesday, the UK’s top court will make a final ruling on whether the government must seek parliamentary approval before

Fresh Syrian peace talks begin 0

Daily News
January 23, 2017

Syrian peace talks led by Russia, Iran and Turkey kick off in Kazakhstan this week. The Astana talks, which begin

Trumped 0

Daily News
January 20, 2017

Donald Trump becomes US president on Friday. Since winning the election in November, Mr Trump has led an unusual transition.

Moldova’s new president visits Moscow 0

Daily News
January 17, 2017

In his first foreign visit, newly elected Moldovan President Igor Dodon, a former air force commander, will hold talks with

Italian court rules on another referendum 0

Daily News
January 11, 2017

On Wednesday, Italy’s Constitutional Court will rule on a challenge to labour reforms brought by the country’s largest trade union

Trump’s secretary of state faces Senate 0

Daily News
January 11, 2017

On Wednesday, the US Senate will review Donald Trump’s controversial pick for secretary of state – former ExxonMobil CEO Rex

Colombia and ELN talks scheduled to resume 0

Daily News
January 10, 2017

Peace talks between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) – a left-wing guerrilla group – are scheduled

Critical hearing in The Gambia 0

Daily News
January 10, 2017

Gambia’s Supreme Court will begin hearing a case brought by President Yahya Jammeh on Tuesday over his loss to rival

North Korea’s leader celebrates a birthday 0

Daily News
January 8, 2017

On Sunday, North Korea’s dear leader, Kim Jong Un, will celebrate his 33rd birthday. Mr Kim boasts a litany of

Ghana’s new president sworn in 0

Daily News
January 7, 2017

On Saturday, Ghana will swear President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo into office. Incumbent President Mahama conceded on Dec. 9, 2016, after it

Anti-Modi protests in India 0

Daily News
January 5, 2017

On Thursday, India’s opposition National Congress Party (NCP) will hold protests against PM Narendra Modi, stirred by corruption allegations and

US Senate committee on cyber threats 0

Daily News
January 5, 2017

The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing into cyber threats to the United States on Thursday, a month

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