European news of the week, 19 – 25 окт. 2026 — Exchange of 270 prisoners from each side between Kyiv and Moscow

European news of the week

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Ukraine - Russia

Exchange of 270 prisoners from each side between Kyiv and Moscow

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 270 people each following discussions with U.S. negotiators earlier this week. Among those returned to Ukraine are nine civilians, as well as military personnel who had been held since 2022. Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the outcome as a major achievement.

On the Russian side, the released soldiers are currently in Belarus and will be transported to Russia after receiving psychological and medical care. The Russian Human Rights Commissioner stated that Ukraine handed over seven civilians to Russia.

Source : Reuters

Technology

Musk admits to restricting Starlink

Elon Musk stated on Saturday that SpaceX had restricted Starlink service in Ukraine, just as Kyiv reported that connection issues appeared to have been resolved. He accused the Ukrainian military of violating the terms of service by using this civilian service for offensive drone strikes, while denying responsibility for a simultaneous issue with Starshield.

These disruptions, which occurred last week amid a dispute between Washington and Kyiv, reportedly hampered Ukrainian defensive operations for more than a week.

Source : BBC

Society

Another week of protest across Europe

Once again this week, protests took place in cities across the Continent, from France to Albania, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Pensions, housing, education, corruption, and opposition to war: the demands vary from country to country, but reflect a mix of grievances shared by many Europeans.

Despite the precautions, bans, and heavy police presence observed in several European capitals, citizens have once again taken to the streets.

Source : Euronews

Middle east

MEPs Call for the Houthis to be added to the Terrorist List

On Thursday, the European Parliament approved a non-binding resolution calling for the Houthis to be added to the EU’s list of terrorist organizations and for all their funds to be frozen. The final decision rests with the member states, which must approve it unanimously.

This request follows an escalation of attacks by the Iran-backed group against Saudi Arabia, which has led the United Kingdom to engage in defensive missions to protect Riyadh.

Source : Euronews

International prize

The Sakharov Prize Awarded to the International Criminal Court

On Thursday, October 22, the European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its staff. This gesture comes as the United States is targeting the Court by announcing new sanctions aimed at paralyzing its day-to-day operations starting in April 2027.

The Court may no longer have access to U.S. financial and digital services. Roberta Metsola reiterated that the EU is founded on respect for multilateralism and international institutions.

Source : Le Monde

International

A new strategy for the Arctic

The European Commission has unveiled a new strategy for the Arctic, which it considers its “northern neighborhood.” The plan is based on four priorities: security, climate, the economy, and the people.

The EU promises to place local communities and indigenous peoples at the center of its approach, with more Erasmus+ opportunities for young people. It aims to work with its partner countries, including Norway, Canada, and the United States, in coordination with NATO.

Source : Commission européenne

Elections in Serbia

In historic legislative elections, students challenge Aleksandar Vucic

Serbs are set to go to the polls today for early parliamentary elections. The student protest movement is seeking to unseat populist leader Aleksandar Vucic, who has been in power since 2014. This election follows student-led protests against perceived corruption and authoritarian tendencies, which were sparked by the deaths of 16 people in 2024.

Voter turnout stood at 27.3% at 11 a.m., compared with 15.1% at the same time during the 2023 election, and Vucic himself waited nearly two hours to cast his ballot.

Source : Reuters

Elections in Bulgaria

Presidential election: the War in Ukraine and the economy take center stage in the vote

There is a record number of 27 candidates, but the race is expected to come down to two of them: incumbent President Iliana Yotova, backed by Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s party, who seeks dialogue with Moscow and opposes military aid to Ukraine; and former interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, backed by the pro-Western opposition.

To win, a candidate needs a turnout of more than 50% and a majority of the votes, but the expected turnout is less than 40%; a runoff election is therefore likely on November 1.

Source : Euronews