US warned Raiffeisen access to dollar system could be curbed over Russia

Syria’s foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani will participate in an annual EU conference in Brussels on March 17, 2025, focusing on Syria’s economic recovery and reconstruction post-al-Assad regime. The EU plans to reveal additional funding, potentially involving the European Investment Bank, to support Syria’s transition and address humanitarian needs, amid concerns of a US aid freeze exacerbating the crisis. The EU is expected to increase financial commitments towards Syria’s reconstruction, aiming for a contribution similar to...

Brambles are considered a nuisance by woodland managers, but recent research has revealed that fallow deer surprisingly have a taste for them, as shown by analysis of plant DNA in their feces. This discovery sheds light on deer diets and their impact on woodland ecosystems, particularly as deer populations thrive in human-altered landscapes in the UK. The government's target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 may be at risk due to deer grazing on...

Experts predict a significant drop in slug populations this spring, attributed to cold winter weather and a recent dry spell by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) entomology team. This decline will benefit gardeners growing plants like lettuce, carrots, and broccoli from seed, following a record-breaking year for slugs in 2024 due to mild, wet conditions. The RHS notes that years of high slug activity typically lead to periods of lower activity, with weather playing a...

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Southampton and the University of Vienna found that people in the UK tend to believe that fictional heroes like Harry Potter and Gandalf share their political views, while villains like Darth Vader and Cruella de Vil would support opposing parties, leading to increased political polarisation. The tendency to project personal views onto fictional characters also extended to real-life politicians, with participants associating positive attributes with politicians...

Tina Nash, a mother from Cornwall, was blinded by her ex-partner Shane Jenkin in a horrific attack in 2011, where he also broke her nose and jaw while her sons slept nearby. Despite being sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of six years, Jenkin was recently moved to an open prison, causing Nash to fear for her safety as he had previously had six parole bids rejected. Full Article

The Council has decided to extend restrictive measures against individuals threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence until September 15, 2025. The renewal targets those responsible for undermining the country's stability, ensuring continued pressure on key individuals. This decision reaffirms the Council's commitment to supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions on those posing a threat to its security. Full Article