United News of Bangladesh

Anti-immigrant rhetoric and tougher migration policies are gaining momentum across Europe as immigration rises on the political agenda and right-wing parties increase their influence, according to an Associated Press report. In the U.K. and several European countries, overt hostility toward immigrants and ethnic minorities has become more visible. Tens of thousands marched in London this year chanting anti-immigrant slogans, while senior politicians made controversial remarks about race and called for deportations of long-term residents born abroad. Right-wing parties advocating mass deportations and portraying immigration as a threat to national identity are polling strongly, including Reform U.K., Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and France’s National Rally. Analysts say rhetoric once confined to the political fringe is now central to mainstream debate. Experts link the growing polarization to economic stagnation since the 2008 financial crisis, the impact of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the amplifying role of social media. Immigration has increased over the past decade, driven partly by people fleeing wars in Africa, the Middle East and Ukraine, though asylum-seekers make up a small share of overall migration. Racist language and hate crimes are also rising. Police in England and Wales recorded more than 115,000 hate crimes in the year to March 2025, a 2% increase. Lawmakers and minority politicians report escalating online abuse and threats. Violent anti-immigrant protests have also occurred in Ireland, the Netherlands and the U.K., often targeting housing for asylum-seekers. Mainstream parties, while condemning racism, are adopting tougher migration stances. Britain’s Labour government has announced measures to make permanent settlement harder, while several European states are pushing to ease deportations and weaken migrant protections. Human rights advocates warn this risks normalizing increasingly extreme policies. Some centrist leaders have drawn criticism for echoing far-right language, fueling concerns that divisive rhetoric deepens social fractures. Analysts argue political leaders must consider how their words shape public attitudes, though many fear confrontational language is increasingly seen as electorally effective across Europe.

The European Union on Friday moved to freeze Russian assets in Europe indefinitely, blocking any attempt by Hungary and Slovakia to prevent their use in support of Ukraine. Invoking a special economic emergency mechanism, the EU decided that the assets will remain immobilized until Russia ends its war against Ukraine and pays compensation for the damage caused during nearly four years of conflict. The decision bypasses the usual six-month renewal of sanctions, which requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. EU Council President António Costa said European leaders had pledged in October to keep Russian assets frozen until Moscow halts its aggression and provides compensation, adding that the bloc has now fulfilled that promise. He said the next step would be finalizing plans at a Dec. 18 summit to use the funds to help meet Ukraine’s financial and military needs in 2026–27. Around 210 billion euros ($247 billion) in Russian assets are frozen in Europe, most of them held at Belgium-based clearing house Euroclear. The move also prevents the funds from being used in any peace negotiations without EU consent. Hungary and Slovakia, both led by governments more sympathetic to Moscow, oppose further aid to Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the decision, claiming it undermines the rule of law and accusing EU leaders of overstepping legal boundaries to prolong a war he said cannot be won. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that using the assets could undermine U.S. peace efforts. Russia’s Central Bank said it has filed a lawsuit in Moscow against Euroclear, calling the EU’s actions illegal and contrary to international law. EU officials dismissed the legal challenge, saying the decision is sound and that Russia is likely to pursue further court actions to obstruct EU policy. The decision came amid rising tensions with Moscow, hours after Germany summoned the Russian ambassador over allegations of sabotage, cyberattacks and election interference.

Hundreds of thousands of workers across Italy went on a 24-hour national strike on Friday, disrupting public transport, schools, healthcare, and other key services to protest the government’s draft budget for 2026. The strike was organised by Italy’s largest trade union, the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), opposing the 18-billion-euro (21.1 billion U.S. dollars) budget package approved by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet in mid-October. The draft budget still requires parliamentary approval and may be amended before the end of the year. Public sector operations, including education, healthcare, local transport, and postal services, were partially halted, and several private companies were also affected. Organisers reported around 500,000 people joined demonstrations nationwide, according to the ANSA news agency. Major rallies took place in Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Florence. In Florence, CGIL leader Maurizio Landini addressed an estimated crowd of 100,000, urging the government to adopt stronger fiscal measures to support working-class families, pensioners, and youth, and to improve access to affordable housing and public transport. The draft budget is currently under review by the Senate’s finance committee and will later be debated and voted on by both chambers of parliament.  

US special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Germany this weekend to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders for high-level discussions on ending the war in Ukraine. Witkoff, leading the White House’s mediation efforts between Kyiv and Moscow, is set to discuss the latest draft of a proposed peace agreement in Berlin. The Trump administration aims to finalise a deal by Christmas and has held multiple rounds of talks with Ukrainian and Russian representatives, though a breakthrough has yet to emerge. According to reports, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are expected to join the discussions. The talks come days after Ukraine submitted its revised 20-point peace plan to the US, building on proposals first circulated in late November. The plan remains contentious, particularly regarding eastern Ukraine, where Kyiv refuses to cede territory occupied by Russia, while Moscow insists on taking full control of the Donbas region unless Ukraine withdraws. Zelenskyy has expressed scepticism over the White House proposal, which suggests Ukraine pull back its forces and convert the area into a “special economic zone.” He questioned the plan’s ability to prevent Russian incursions. European allies have described the US-led talks as productive, noting improvements to an initial plan widely seen as favouring Russia. However, reports indicate growing frustration from Trump over the pace of negotiations with Zelenskyy and European partners. As diplomatic efforts continue, Europe is also focused on supporting Ukraine financially and militarily in the event of a peace deal. The Ukrainian government faces a funding gap of €135.7 billion over the next two years, while the EU has agreed to freeze €210 billion worth of Russian assets, potentially to be loaned back to Kyiv. The latest peace draft reportedly includes provisions for Ukraine to join the European Union by January 2027, accelerating its membership process, although it remains unclear whether Washington has endorsed this element.   With inputs from BBC

The European Union is expected on Friday to lock up Russia’s assets held in Europe until it gives up its war in Ukraine and compensates its neighbor for the heavy damage that it has inflicted for almost four years. The move is an important step that would allow EU leaders to work out at a summit next week how to use the tens of billions of euros in Russian Central Bank assets to underwrite a huge loan to help Ukraine meet its financial and military needs over the next two years. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán – Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally in Europe – accused the European Commission, which prepared the decision, “of systematically raping European law.” A total of 210 billion euros ($247 billion) in Russian assets are frozen in Europe. The vast majority of the funds — around 193 billion euros ($225 billion) at the end of September — are held in Euroclear, a Belgian financial clearing house. The money was frozen under sanctions that the EU imposed on Russia over the war it launched on Feb. 24, 2022, but these sanctions must be renewed every six months, and all 27 member countries must approve them for that to happen. Hungary and Slovakia oppose providing more support to Ukraine. Friday’s expected decision, which is based on EU treaty rules allowing the bloc to protect its economic interests in certain emergency situations, would prevent them from blocking the sanctions rollover and make it easier to use the assets. Orbán said on social media that it means that “the rule of law in the European Union comes to an end, and Europe’s leaders are placing themselves above the rules.” “The European Commission is systematically raping European law. It is doing this in order to continue the war in Ukraine, a war that clearly isn’t winnable,” he wrote. He said that Hungary “will do everything in its power to restore a lawful order.” In a letter to European Council President António Costa, who will chair the summit starting on Dec. 18, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that he would refuse to back any move that “would include covering Ukraine’s military expenses for the coming years.” He warned “that the use of frozen Russian assets could directly jeopardize U.S. peace efforts, which directly count on the use of these resources for the reconstruction of Ukraine.” But the commission argues that the war has imposed heavy costs by hiking energy prices and stunting economic growth in the EU, which has already provided nearly 200 billion euros ($235 billion) in support to Ukraine. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the expected move as “a major decision that will undoubtedly influence the course of the war and accelerate peace.” “Because Europeans do not want to let anyone else decide for them ... we have decided to lock those sums (assets) for as long as necessary,” Barrot said on France Info news broadcaster. The decision would also prevent the assets from being used in any way without European approval. A 28-point peace plan drafted by U.S. and Russian envoys stipulated that the EU would release the frozen assets for use by Ukraine, Russia and the United States. That plan was rejected by Ukraine and its backers in Europe. Belgium, where Euroclear is based, is opposed to the “reparations loan” plan. It says that the plan “entails consequential economic, financial and legal risks,” and has called on other EU countries to share the risk. Russia’s Central Bank, meanwhile, said on Friday that it has filed a lawsuit in Moscow against Euroclear for damages it says were caused when Moscow was barred from managing the assets. Euroclear declined to comment. In a separate statement, the Central Bank also described wider EU plans to use Russian assets to aid Ukraine as “illegal, contrary to international law,” arguing that they violated “the principles of sovereign immunity of assets.”

Bulgaria’s government stepped down on Thursday as mass protests swept the country, coming just weeks before its planned entry into the eurozone. The minority coalition, led by the center-right GERB party, submitted its resignation minutes before parliament was set to vote on a no-confidence motion brought by the opposition over economic mismanagement and deep public frustration over corruption. “Ahead of today’s vote of no confidence, the government is resigning,” Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told reporters in parliament. The latest demonstrations erupted after large protests last week against the government’s proposed 2026 budget, which included higher taxes, increased social security contributions and expanded spending. The government later withdrew the budget plan, but calls for its resignation intensified. Zhelyazkov acknowledged the pressure from the streets, saying, “The decisions of the National Assembly are meaningful when they reflect the will of the people. We want to be where society expects us to be.” Students from Sofia’s universities joined Wednesday’s rallies, which organizers said exceeded last week’s turnout of more than 50,000 people. Media outlets, citing drone footage, estimated the crowd at over 100,000. Tens of thousands protest against Bulgarian government over corruption Central to the public anger is the influence of Delyan Peevski, a sanctioned politician and oligarch whose MRF New Beginning party backs the government. Opponents accuse him of steering government policy to serve oligarchic interests. Zhelyazkov said he expected his coalition to survive the no-confidence vote but added that parliament’s decisions “are important when they reflect the will of the sovereign.” Bulgaria, a country of 6.4 million people, is scheduled to adopt the euro on January 1 and become the 21st member of the eurozone.  

Tens of thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets Wednesday to protest alleged government corruption, just weeks before the country adopts the euro as its official currency. The demonstrations followed last week’s rallies against the government’s 2026 budget proposals, which included higher taxes, increased social security contributions, and spending hikes. The government later withdrew the plan, but protesters have expanded their demands, calling for Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s resignation. In Sofia, crowds gathered near the parliament, government, and presidential offices, chanting slogans such as “Resignation” and “Mafia.” Student groups from local universities joined the protests, which organizers said exceeded last week’s 50,000-strong rallies. Drone footage suggested over 100,000 participants. Central to the unrest is Bulgarian politician and oligarch Delyan Peevski, sanctioned by the U.S. and the U.K., whose MRF New Beginning party supports the government. Opponents accuse Peevski of influencing government policies to serve oligarchic interests. No violence was reported, and the protests concluded peacefully. Meanwhile, the opposition coalition We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria filed a no-confidence motion against the government, the sixth such attempt, scheduled for Thursday. President Rumen Radev, a government critic, described the protests as a symbolic vote of no confidence and urged lawmakers to respect the public’s demands. Bulgaria, a nation of 6.4 million, is set to join the eurozone on Jan. 1, becoming the 21st EU country to adopt the euro.  

Denmark plans to ban social media access for children under 15, following Australia’s move to restrict use for those under 16, in a bid to protect young people from online risks. The Danish government said last month that it reached an agreement with three coalition and two opposition parties in parliament on the measure, which could become law by mid-2026. Parents may have limited rights to allow children aged 13 and above to use social media, though the ministry has not fully outlined the enforcement details. Many platforms already bar users under 13, and EU rules require safeguards for minors. Yet authorities say restrictions have limited impact: about 98% of Danish children under 13 already have social media profiles, including nearly half under 10. Minister for Digital Affairs Caroline Stage, announcing the plan, said a consultation and multiple parliamentary readings are still needed. “For too long, social media platforms have had free play in children’s lives,” she said. “In the digital world, we don’t have bouncers, and we need that.” The Danish proposal comes amid mixed reactions. Some teenagers fear losing contact with online friends. Fifteen-year-old Ronja Zander said she relies on social media to stay in touch with friends she only knows online. Others, like 14-year-old Chloé Courage Fjelstrup-Matthisen, highlighted exposure to graphic content and cyberbullying. Parents largely support the move. Line Pedersen from Nykøbing said children were given smartphones and social media too early, leaving them unsure of what is normal online. The government plans to use a new “digital evidence” app, expected next spring, displaying age certificates to ensure compliance with age limits. Stage emphasized that political action is needed because social media companies often fail to enforce their own rules. Experts caution that age restrictions may not fully protect children and could affect their democratic rights. Anne Mette Thorhauge, associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, said social media is a key way for young people to connect with society, similar to broadcast media for previous generations. The EU Digital Services Act requires platforms to implement parental controls and age verification, but enforcement remains challenging across member states. Denmark joins several countries following Australia’s lead. Malaysia plans to bar social media for users under 16 from next year, while Norway is considering similar restrictions. China already limits children’s online gaming and smartphone usage.  

European leaders are set to discuss stricter migration policies this week, a move critics say caters to far-right pressure and risks undermining protections for vulnerable migrants.Ministers from the 27 EU member states convened in Brussels to address migrant smuggling, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivering a keynote speech. Meanwhile, the Council of Europe, representing 46 countries from Iceland to Azerbaijan, is debating measures to make deportations easier for treaty signatories.Last year, nine countries—including Denmark, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Poland—attempted to limit the authority of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), arguing that its interpretation of human rights obligations hindered efforts to expel migrants who commit crimes. That effort failed, though support for its principles has grown. The ECHR handles complaints under the European Convention on Human Rights, including many related to migrants and asylum seekers.Centrist and left-leaning parties are increasingly backing tougher migration rules as a way to counter far-right political momentum. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote in an op-ed that their approach targets economic migrants rather than refugees fleeing conflict, framing it as a practical, humane solution rather than political opportunism.Despite unauthorized border crossings into the EU dropping 22% from January to October, migration remains a pressing concern. Frontex recorded 152,000 irregular entries during that period, while most migrants arrive legally, often overstaying visas.The EU has invested billions to curb irregular migration, funding interception programs in Africa and the Middle East, yet member nations also face labor shortages and an aging population, prompting efforts to attract foreign workers legally.Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset emphasized the importance of safeguarding individual rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, warning that the convention’s integrity is inseparable from Europe’s broader direction.The upcoming meetings in Brussels and Strasbourg will signal whether European nations prioritize stricter migration enforcement or maintain a balance between security and human rights protections.

France’s social security budget faces a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Tuesday that could spark a political crisis and leave a €30 billion ($35 billion) shortfall for healthcare, pensions, and welfare programs. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, lacking a parliamentary majority, has secured Socialist backing by suspending President Macron’s 2023 pension reform, but this move alienated centrist and conservative allies, leaving the bill’s approval uncertain, reports reuters. Lawmakers in the lower house began reviewing the legislation after 4 p.m. local time, following narrow approval of the taxation portion. Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin said she could not predict the outcome, though the government might promise additional funding for hospitals to win over reluctant parties, including the Greens. Socialist leader Olivier Faure indicated his party’s support after concessions, while far-right and hard-left factions are expected to oppose the bill. Centrist Horizon and conservative Republicains may abstain or vote against it, criticizing Lecornu for sacrificing pension reform and increasing taxes to appease the Socialists. Social security accounts for over 40% of France’s public spending. Lecornu warned that rejection could create a €30 billion gap, nearly double the original €17 billion allocation, threatening the entire 2025 budget. With the year-end approaching, the government may need stopgap measures. The administration aims to reduce France’s budget deficit to below 5% of GDP next year but faces a fragmented parliament without a majority, making budget passage difficult. Budgetary instability has plagued France since Macron lost his parliamentary majority in last year’s snap election, leading to three governments falling. Last year, budget disputes triggered a no-confidence vote that toppled Michel Barnier’s cabinet, highlighting ongoing political volatility. This vote is seen as a key test of Lecornu’s ability to navigate a divided legislature while securing funding for essential social programs.