World

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has continued to resist pressure from other European leaders to lift his blockade on a vital 90-billion-euro EU loan to Ukraine, leaving the much-needed funding in limbo. This financial support is critical for Kyiv as it grapples with a ballooning budget deficit amid Russia's war, now in its fifth year, with Ukrainian authorities stating there are no alternative financing options if the loan remains blocked.

Turkey, one of the world's most cherished vacation spots and the fourth most popular destination in 2024, has seen a significant downturn in tourist arrivals following the outbreak of war with Iran. Official data indicates that Turkey welcomed approximately 64 million tourists in 2025, generating revenues of around €56 billion, but its 2026 targets of 65 million visitors and €59 billion have been derailed by the conflict. The tourism sector, which had heavily invested in comfort and safety post-COVID-19, now faces uncertainty as geopolitical tensions escalate.

Several European nations and Japan have issued a joint statement declaring their readiness to take steps to stabilize energy markets. This move comes a day after strikes on energy facilities in the Gulf region sent oil and gas prices soaring amid the ongoing United States-Israel war on Iran.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, intensified Israeli attacks in March have resulted in the deaths of 1,001 people, including 79 women, 118 children, and 40 healthcare workers. More than 2,584 individuals have been wounded, forcing over one million people to flee their homes in southern Lebanon and parts of the capital, Beirut, amid a severe humanitarian crisis.

The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) is seeking an additional $200 billion from Congress to fund the United States-Israel war with Iran, a conflict that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned has no “timeframe” for ending. Asked about the figure on Thursday, Hegseth did not directly confirm the amount but said it could change, stating, “As far as $200bn, I think that number could move. Obviously, it takes money to kill bad guys.”

At least 18 African refugees drowned off the coast of the Comoros after smugglers dropped them into the water some distance from shore as they attempted to reach the French island of Mayotte, officials and rescuers said Thursday. Approximately 30 others survived the incident.

Budget cuts outlined by the UK Foreign Secretary will see some of the world's poorest countries lose out on British aid that funds programs such as schools and clinics. The UK's bilateral aid to Africa will be reduced by almost £900 million by 2028-29 – a 56% cut – part of more than £6 billion in cuts that are funding an increase in defense spending.

As countries worldwide race to build new nuclear reactors in pursuit of energy independence, the daunting challenge of decommissioning old plants remains largely unresolved. At the former Lubmin nuclear power plant on Germany's Baltic Sea coast, radiation protection worker Florian Grose, clad in protective overalls, approaches a corner of a 1960s industrial building with a dosimeter, which begins beeping furiously. He notes a radiation level of around 10 microsieverts—far above the normal rate of under 0.2 microsieverts—and warns in a disarmingly jovial tone that prolonged exposure in this area is hazardous.

European Union leaders convened for a summit in Brussels on March 19-20, focusing on the war in Iran and its impact on energy prices, alongside discussions on aid for Ukraine. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán threatened to block a major financial assistance package for Ukraine, demanding the repair of the Druzhba oil pipeline. Orbán stated, "I will never support any kind of decision here which is in favor of Ukraine," emphasizing that oil supplies are "existential for Hungarians."

US President Donald Trump issued a typically combative statement following recent events in the war with Iran. Israel struck the South Pars gas field, part of the world's largest natural gas reservoir shared by Iran and Qatar, prompting Tehran to retaliate against an energy complex in Qatar. These attacks caused a spike in energy prices and fueled Trump's anger, as he took to his Truth Social platform to respond.

Uzbekistan has maintained its 53rd position in the World Happiness Report 2026 ranking of the world's happiest countries, with a happiness score of 6.283 out of 10. This result indicates stability compared to previous years. The report is released annually ahead of International Day of Happiness on March 20 and is prepared by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Gallup Institute and the United Nations.

A drone attack originating from Sudan struck the eastern border town of Tine in Chad late Wednesday, killing 17 people and injuring several more. Chadian government officials confirmed that all those killed were civilians. Local eyewitnesses reported that the explosions targeted mourners at a funeral and children playing nearby, highlighting the attack's impact on non-combatants.