Across Europe, leaders face a difficult decision over Russian steel imports. Although finished steel was banned after the invasion of Ukraine, semi-finished steel continues to enter the EU because several countries rely on it for infrastructure projects. Nearly three million tonnes arrive each year, worth billions of euros. Some lawmakers argue these purchases indirectly strengthen Russia’s war capacity, while others warn that a sudden ban would harm industries and delay construction. Negotiations are now under way to decide whether imports should end immediately or continue until 2028 as previously planned. The debate reveals a deeper struggle: balancing economic stability with moral responsibility during wartime. The outcome could shape Europe’s unity, economic resilience, and witness to justice, reminding believers that political decisions carry spiritual weight.

While Donald Trump’s administration is pedalling back on American commitment to green energy, China is rapidly expanding renewable energy across its vast landscapes, building huge solar and wind installations to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In some desert regions, solar panels are not only providing shade but also slowing land degradation, giving farmers renewed hope. The country now produces more solar panels than the rest of the world combined and aims to peak emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. Yet the transition brings tensions. Oversupply has hurt manufacturers, while some rural communities lose farmland or feel excluded from decisions. Concerns also remain about labour practices and environmental impacts linked to mining and construction. At the same time, coal still supplies much of the nation’s electricity, meaning the shift must balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. The changes show both promise and hardship as society adapts to a new energy future.

A major court case has just begun, designed to examine whether social media platforms are intentionally designed to keep children engaged in harmful ways. A young woman, ‘Kaley’, alleges that after she began using Meta and WhatsApp as a child, she developed anxiety, distorted body image, and suicidal thoughts after prolonged exposure. Company leaders argue they implemented safety measures and relied on research showing mixed evidence about mental health harm. Parents, however, say their children were exploited through addictive features and inadequate age protections. The trial, which started by cross-examining Mark Zuckerberg, might influence hundreds of similar cases and could force changes to how social media platforms operate. The debate raises broader concerns about technology, profit, responsibility, and the wellbeing of young people growing up online.

In western Syria, families live with fear after reports of kidnappings targeting women from the Alawite minority. Survivors describe being seized by armed men, beaten, threatened, and sometimes assaulted while held in secret locations for days or weeks. Human rights groups have recorded dozens of cases since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad (an Alawite) in December 2024, but many families say the authorities have failed to investigate properly. Some victims were questioned about their identity and accused because of their background, leaving deep trauma and stigma. Several families fled their homes, afraid of retaliation if they spoke publicly. Even after release, women struggle with nightmares, broken relationships, and isolation. The crisis highlights how instability can expose vulnerable people to exploitation and revenge.