12.05.2025 -WEEKLY BRIEFING

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  • Türkiye’s EU accession process must remain frozen – 07.05.2025

The European Parliament emphasized that Türkiye’s geopolitical and strategic importance cannot compensate for the government’s democratic backsliding, stating that EU membership criteria are non-negotiable. The report highlights the serious deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye, the suppression of dissenting voices, and the politically motivated actions against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu as harmful to democratic processes. It stresses that Türkiye’s EU accession can only progress if it meets clear criteria such as democracy, rule of law, human rights, and alignment with EU foreign policy. While calling for deeper cooperation on climate, energy, counter-terrorism, and regional stability, MEPs condemned President Erdoğan’s illegal and provocative visit to occupied areas of Cyprus. They also noted that the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish society, especially its youth, remain a key reason to keep the accession process alive despite being frozen.

  • After Spain’s blackout, questions about renewable energy are back – 09.05.2025

The massive power outage on April 28 in the Iberian Peninsula has reignited debate over Spain’s plan to shut down its nuclear power plants and transition to renewable energy. While the cause of the blackout remains unclear, some have called for reconsidering the phase-out, arguing that nuclear energy provides stability. However, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the government will not “deviate a single millimeter” from its energy transition goals and argued that nuclear power did not prove effective during the crisis. The sudden collapse of the grid highlighted technical challenges in systems heavily reliant on intermittent sources like solar and wind, but officials said the blackout was triggered by failures at two substations, not by the nuclear plants.

  • Who is Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV? – 09.05.2025

At the age of 69, Robert Francis Prevost has ascended to the throne of St. Peter as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the 267th leader of the Catholic Church and the first American to hold the position. Due to his many years as a missionary in Latin America, he is also seen as closely connected to the region. Born in Chicago to Spanish and Franco-Italian parents, Leo XIV was ordained in 1982 and later moved to Peru, where he worked with marginalized communities, taught at a seminary, and served as a local parish priest. He was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis and later became head of the Dicastery for Bishops in Latin America, which oversees the selection of bishops. In his first public address, Pope Leo praised his predecessor and described the Church as “a beacon to illuminate dark nights.” A historian in Louisiana noted that his family has deep roots in New Orleans, with records showing that his ancestors were described as Black or mixed-race before being registered as white upon moving to Chicago—highlighting how the Pope’s personal history reflects broader themes of race, migration, and identity in American history.

  • US and Chinese officials pursue Geneva talks on easing trade war – 10.05.2025

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng took an initial step toward easing the trade war that has been shaking the global economy by holding talks in Geneva at a location kept confidential. With expectations low due to deep mutual distrust, the negotiations—which may continue through Sunday or even Monday—aim to ease tensions caused by soaring tariffs, with the U.S. having raised duties on Chinese goods to 145% and China responding with 125% retaliatory tariffs. The U.S. seeks to reduce its trade deficit and push China toward domestic reforms that would boost consumption, while China demands equal treatment, lower tariffs, and clearer expectations from Washington. The meeting, brokered with the help of Swiss diplomacy, was seen as a positive sign, with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcoming it as a constructive step. Despite firm stances on both sides, the continuation of dialogue is viewed by analysts as a potential path to de-escalation.

  • South Korea’s conservatives settle on Kim Moon-soo after nomination turmoil exposes rifts – 10.05.2025

South Korea’s main conservative opposition party, the People Power Party, made another reversal by reinstating Kim Moon-soo as its presidential candidate, just hours after dropping him in favor of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The decision, made following an internal party poll, comes just four weeks before the presidential election. Kim, originally nominated last week, had resisted pressure to step aside and challenged the party legally, calling attempts to replace him a “political coup.” Despite his criticism, he welcomed his reinstatement and pledged to unify the party to challenge liberal Democratic Party frontrunner Lee Jae-myung. The conservative party justified its actions by citing the failure of Kim and Han to unite behind a single candidate. The internal conflict has overshadowed policy debates, weakening the conservatives’ position as Lee leads in polls with 43% support against Kim’s 29%, and 44% to 34% against Han.

  • Ras Baraka arrest: Trump administration eyes charging three more NJ Democrats in ICE fracas – 10.05.2025

The Trump administration stated that New Jersey Democratic lawmakers involved in Friday’s incident at a federal immigration detention center in Newark — which led to the arrest of Mayor Ras Baraka — could also face criminal charges. The Department of Homeland Security alleged that some members of Congress physically assaulted ICE officers, though the lawmakers strongly denied the accusations, calling them political manipulation and asserting their legal right to conduct oversight. Video footage of the altercation outside the facility was shared online, and DHS indicated that more arrests could follow. Mayor Baraka was released without bond after being charged with trespassing for refusing to leave the facility despite multiple warnings.

  • Fragile ceasefire holds between India, Pakistan as Trump offers more help – 11.05.2025

A fragile ceasefire was established on Sunday between India and Pakistan following four days of intense clashes, prompted by diplomatic pressure from the United States; both sides accused each other of violating the truce, and brief artillery exchanges and explosions were reported in border areas, with the overall death toll reaching around 70. U.S. President Donald Trump praised the leaders for halting the escalation and stated he would work toward finding a solution to the Kashmir issue. The violence began after an attack in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 Hindus, sharply raising tensions.

  • Putin says Russia ready for ‘direct talks’ with Ukraine as US and European leaders press for a ceasefire – 11.05.2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed holding direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 without preconditions, signaling a potential opening for diplomacy in the three-year conflict. The proposal came after European leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump jointly called for a 30-day ceasefire, warning of massive sanctions if Russia does not comply. While Putin expressed readiness for serious negotiations aimed at long-term peace, the Kremlin emphasized that there are unresolved issues and rejected external pressure. Ukraine and its Western allies, including Trump, have long pushed for a ceasefire, but Moscow has remained hesitant, citing “nuances” that still need to be addressed. Trump, who has prioritized ending the war since returning to the White House, welcomed the development and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to mediation efforts, despite Russia’s resistance to outside influence. Direct Russia-Ukraine talks have not occurred since early 2022, and skepticism remains over whether the proposed Istanbul meeting will lead to a lasting ceasefire.

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