The European Commission, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda, does not foresee indicative dates for the conclusion of accession negotiations in the roadmaps of Ukraine and Moldova. Although the enlargement package will be presented on November 4, decisions could still evolve. This position contrasts with some media predictions and the timelines hoped for by the two candidate countries.
An alleged drug trafficking leader, known as the «Hashish Tiger», was arrested in Tangier on October 8, ending months on the run. The international operation, conducted in collaboration between Moroccan and Spanish authorities, also led to 86 arrests in Spain and the seizure of 10.8 tons of hashish and 20 kg of marijuana. The suspect is accused of leading a vast European distribution network.
Seven French citizens have been sentenced to prison terms in Iraq for belonging to the Islamic State group. Six of them received life imprisonment, which under Iraqi law is equivalent to twenty years, while a seventh was sentenced to fifteen years. The court judged them to be “particularly dangerous”. They are among numerous individuals linked to ISIS prosecuted in Iraq.
Gabriel Rufián (ERC) and Irene Montero (Podemos), candidates for the November 29 elections, were jointly interviewed on David Broncano's program "La Revuelta". During the discussion, they expressed converging positions on the housing issue but significant divergences on immigration and the political strategies of the left. Montero also commented on the accusations against Íñigo Errejón.
The Meloni government's fifth budget law, with an initial value of 23.5 billion euros, is expected today in the Council of Ministers for approval. The final text emerges after intense negotiations and a synthesis effort by the Mef to balance limited resources and numerous requests. Key measures include fiscal interventions for young people and the tax exemption for thirteenth-month salaries.
Zhang Yiming, founder of TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is once again the richest person in China with a fortune of 89.4 billion euros. His rise, highlighted by the Hurun Report and reported by Euronews, is attributed primarily to the artificial intelligence boom. This phenomenon reveals a polarized Chinese economy, where the technology sector prospers while real estate and traditional industries struggle.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that his phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Vladimir Putin on October 27 occurred in cooperation with Ukraine. As reported by Ukrainska Pravda, Stubb justified the dialogue as necessary to clarify cross-border issues and convey direct messages, reiterating support for Kyiv.
The Consulate General of Spain in Rabat has introduced new procedures for Schengen and long-stay visa applications, with instructions updated to October 23, 2026. The changes include specific schedules for appointments via BLS and direct submission methods for certain categories of applicants, aiming to optimize the process in Morocco, as reported by Hespress.
The Albanian President Bajram Begaj has initiated consultations to set the date for the 2027 local elections, scheduled between April 15 and May 15. The Socialist Party, through Taulant Balla, confirmed its participation, defining the process as a consolidated practice. The leader of the Democratic Party parliamentary group, Gazment Bardhi, on the other hand, rejected the invitation, calling it a “political theater” and accusing the President of serving the government.
German police are investigating a deliberate ramming that occurred in Neustadt am Rübenberge, where a car injured four or five people. Officers intervened by shooting at the vehicle. Preliminary investigations suggest the act is attributable to violence between organized criminal gangs, with a targeted attack. Three people have been detained, while the situation is declared under control.
A French bill, currently under discussion, aims to make rioters liable for compensation for damages caused during protests, up to 10,000 euros. Human rights groups and lawyers criticize the measure, calling it undemocratic and potentially harmful to the right to peaceful protest, while the government defends it as necessary to compensate victims of vandalism.
Three hooded individuals broke into the Rosso20sette Gallery in Rome, vandalizing artist Laika's exhibition “The Collapse of Democracy”. The gallery owner was threatened and immobilized while all the works were being defaced. The attack follows previous threats to the artist, which had so far occurred via social media, as reported by RaiNews.
King Charles III has begun a nine-day tour of the Caribbean, arriving in the Bahamas. During his first engagement, he acknowledged “great sufferings and injustices of the past”, while Buckingham Palace specified that the visit will address the colonial legacy without formal apologies or reparations. The journey will also include Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on climate and future collaborations.
Italy is preparing for a day of disruptions on Friday, October 30, due to a national strike called by USB and USI-CIT that will involve public and private sectors. Despite Minister Salvini's order to postpone the halt for some transport services, USB confirms the mobilization for economic and professional demands, with demonstrations in various cities.
The Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism (BMTA) 2026 in Paestum focuses on innovation, accessibility, and the digital transformation of heritage. The event promotes institutional dialogue for new models of enjoyment, addressing European challenges, and celebrating ArcheoVirtual, highlighting technological projects and international underwater archaeology.
The Chinese Communist Party Plenum is currently underway, with the main discussions focusing on President Xi Jinping's firm grip on power. The meeting, which takes place behind closed doors in Beijing, also addresses his prolonged anti-corruption campaign. An analysis by France 24 highlights how these themes are crucial for understanding China's internal dynamics and future political direction.
Ukrainian forces have improved the interception of Russian jet drones, with an average rate of 60% for Geran-4s in the last three months. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine indicates that in specific attacks, success can reach 80%. Tactical aviation and short-range air defense (SHORAD) are crucial, despite the missile shortage.
Abdelilah Benkirane, leader of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), questioned the outcomes of the September parliamentary elections in Morocco, claiming that his party obtained more seats than officially reported. He accused the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) of aiming to marginalize the PJD, while also admitting to errors by the PJD leadership that contributed to the 2021 defeat.