söndag 13 september 2026
Latest news
The political situation in Kosovo
After 18 months of chaos – Kosovo has a new government
Kosovo has a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, following three elections and 18 months of political chaos, the AP reports.
In the parliamentary election of February 2025, no party won enough votes to form a government. A new election was held in December 2025, resulting in Kurti forming a government—though he lacked the parliamentary support needed to elect a president.
After yet another election in June, Kurti’s party was voted in once again. One of his key campaign promises has been to move Kosovo from being a potential EU candidate country to an official candidate country.
The political situation in Germany
The varied backgrounds of AfD lawmakers: Stasi agent, porn actor, and neo-Nazism
A group of "colorful characters" is set to take seats in the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt following the AfD's victory there, reports *The Telegraph*.
The far-right party made significant gains, securing 20 new seats in the parliament. However, when the newly elected politicians were introduced on Thursday, it emerged that some have somewhat questionable backgrounds, *The Guardian* reports.
One of them is 78-year-old Frank-Ronald Bischoff, a former high-ranking Stasi officer in East Germany. Media reports also highlight Simon Lansmann and Sebastian Koch, both of whom are under investigation for ties to the far-right, neo-Nazi network "Artgemeinschaft," which has been banned by German security services.
Lawmaker Philipp-Anders Rau, 43, has a background that perhaps stands out even more within the context of the AfD. He was convicted of theft after stealing 100 towels and large quantities of bedsheets from a hotel in Munich in 2009. He has also appeared in adult films but claims he never made any money from doing so.
Canada-Europe Relations
Reports: Canada in secret talks – seeks "associate EU membership"
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is attempting to get as close to EU membership as possible, in what the *Washington Post* describes as a hasty marriage following a messy divorce from the US.
According to the newspaper, Carney has proposed the title of "associate EU member"—a concept to which the EU has reportedly shown openness.
In recent months, Carney has held private meetings with nearly every European leader—including Sweden’s—to discuss how Canada might move a step closer to being part of the fold without becoming a full member. As a result, Canada and the EU are now exploring closer cooperation on trade in areas such as AI, rare earth metals, and defense.
The Tariff Crisis Trump’s Tariff Policy
Trump: Lifting 15% tariffs on Irish whiskey
US President Donald Trump says he will lift the 15% tariffs on Irish whiskey, Reuters reports.
"Everyone has been pestering me to do it," the president said during the awards ceremony at the Irish Open golf tournament.
The tariffs on Irish whiskey are part of the 15% tariffs imposed on imports from the EU. In late April, Trump lifted tariffs on British whiskey—including whiskey from Northern Ireland—after meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla.
It is unclear exactly when the tariffs will be removed.
Nearly 130 missing following ferry accident in Indonesia
At least six people have died and 129 are missing after a ferry capsized between Java and Borneo in Indonesia. So far, 198 people have been rescued, according to AFP.
The ferry capsized due to severe weather; rescue workers encountered two-meter-high waves while attempting to reach the vessel.
The accident occurred overnight, local time. Ferry accidents are not uncommon in the region; the BBC reports that 111 maritime accidents were recorded in the Indonesian archipelago between 2020 and 2026.
The 764 Network
Sadistic networks compared to terrorist groups: Shaping children
These sadistic networks recruit children via social media platforms such as TikTok and Roblox. Due to the severity of the crimes young people are urged to commit, these cult-like organizations are being compared to terrorist groups, reports *Berlingske*.
However, they differ from other violent extremist milieus—not least because they lack a political ideology or traditional hierarchies, according to the newspaper. Generally, the only thing uniting the participants is their youth and significant online presence. Experts suggest the groups build their power on the allure of inclusion, which can appeal to individuals who feel marginalized. The phenomenon is believed to have emerged from internet algorithms and the "attention economy," where transgressive acts can be rewarded.
"Children are impressionable, and these communities can shape them," the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) writes in a comment.
Swede identified as leader of international sadistic network
These are the networks that pressure young people into committing acts of torture, murder, or self-harm. An investigation by the Danish newspaper *Berlingske* has now identified a Swedish national as one of the leaders of the 764 network—one of the most notorious sadistic groups.
The newspaper has obtained transcripts of conversations between two suspected leaders operating under the aliases "The Swede" and "The Dane." Within their network, curious individuals are offered "membership" if they demonstrate a willingness to commit crimes or harm themselves. According to the investigation, it was through this network that a major case of arson was instigated in Ängelholm last November—an act that appears to have been retaliation for the arrest of "The Dane" in an unrelated matter.
The problem of sadistic networks is growing. In the past year alone, these networks are believed to have instigated 138 crimes internationally. Suspicions include murder, school shootings, and sexual assault.
Several dead after vessel capsizes in Indonesia
At least six people have died and over 130 are missing after a vessel encountered severe weather in Indonesia and capsized.
The vessel was traveling between the islands of Java and Borneo when it encountered rough weather and lost contact with its operating company. Shortly before, the captain had reported that the vessel was listing. Local authorities were later informed that it had capsized, though according to Indonesian Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, it has not sunk.
A total of 243 people were on board, and over 100 have been evacuated. However, 140 are missing and six people have died, according to the national search and rescue agency.
Conditions are "extremely risky" for the vessels involved in the rescue operation, which have faced waves of up to 3 meters while trying to reach the ship.
Maritime accidents are common in Indonesia—an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands that relies heavily on boat transport.
UK nations seek greater independence
The leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have agreed to jointly pressure the government in London for greater autonomy within the UK—and perhaps even independence from the union.
The leaders of these nations are set to meet in Wales on Monday to discuss how to move forward together in seeking greater freedom, and—crucially—to push for referendums on independence.
While the three nations differ from one another, Rhun ap Iorwerth—leader of the Welsh separatist party Plaid Cymru—told the BBC that they also share a great deal in common.
"Such as the desire for a different attitude than that of the government," he said.
All three nations are more pro-EU than England, and all three harbor political concerns regarding Nigel Farage’s far-right party, Reform UK.
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