The French government deployed 7,500 officers in Paris to manage the second wave of 'Yellow Vest' protests, which have been ongoing for 45 weeks. Despite the security measures, 163 individuals were detained for violent disturbances. The protests, which began in November 2018 against fuel tax increases, have evolved to express wider dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron's reformist policies. Opposition figures like Marie Le Pen supported the protests early, while others like Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined later. The protests coincided with other events in Paris, including the Heritage Day and a climate march, complicating the security situation.

With the Israeli elections approaching, President Donald Trump has influenced the outcome by considering a defense treaty with Israel. Trump's support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, is expected to sway voters. Netanyahu's campaign benefits from Trump's backing, while his rival Benny Gantz criticizes U.S. interference and the potential security implications of such a treaty. The defense treaty remains undefined, but the U.S. already provides substantial military aid to Israel. Netanyahu's electoral promise to annex the Jordan Valley, with perceived Washington's approval, adds to the controversy.

The UK parliamentary opposition, including Labour, Scottish and Welsh nationalists, Liberal Democrats, and the Independent Group for Change, have collectively rejected Prime Minister Boris Johnson's proposal for early elections, which he intended to hold on October 15, just before the European Council summit in Brussels. The opposition has also decided not to call for a vote of no confidence in Johnson's government. This marks Johnson's second major political setback in a week amid ongoing Brexit uncertainty. The opposition insists that any elections should not be held until at least November, after a potential Brexit extension is agreed upon with the EU. The House of Commons will be suspended until October 14, shortly before the European Council meeting, due to Johnson's initiative to block opposition.

Hurricane Dorian has caused unprecedented tragedy in the Bahamas, leaving at least five dead, tens of thousands of homes destroyed, and the island of Grand Bahama completely flooded. The Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Hubert Minnis, and Foreign Minister Darren Henfield have reported on the devastation, with the Red Cross estimating 13,000 homes destroyed. The slow-moving hurricane, now downgraded to Category 4, is heading towards the United States, with Florida preparing for potential impact. The state's Governor, Ron DeSantis, has called for vigilance, while the National Guard has been deployed to assist with humanitarian aid and potential search and rescue operations.

The United States, recognizing Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela, has escalated sanctions against the Maduro government, including a total asset freeze. This move adds Venezuela to a list of sanctioned countries alongside North Korea, Cuba, Iran, and Syria. The U.S. embargo, reminiscent of the one on Cuba, could severely impact Venezuela's economy, which heavily relies on oil exports, particularly to the U.S. The Venezuelan economy has already shrunk by 55.17% between 2013 and 2018, and oil production has dropped significantly since Chávez's rise to power in 1999. The external debt is estimated at 125 billion euros, and the U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has issued warnings to the international community at a conference in Lima.

The United States, under the leadership of Donald Trump, is seeking to strengthen its ties with Brazil, led by Jair Bolsonaro, in military and economic aspects, potentially threatening the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. The US has designated Brazil as a non-NATO strategic military ally, allowing for defense surplus transfers and joint military exercises. Trade Secretary Wilbur Ross expressed interest in a US-Brazil free trade agreement but noted it could be affected by Brazil's agreement with the EU. The US and Brazil signed a memorandum of understanding to finance infrastructure projects in Brazil, with Ross stating this will facilitate US investments. A study suggests that free trade between the US and Brazil could increase Brazil's GDP by 1.3% by 2030.

Michel Platini, former UEFA president, has been detained by French authorities in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption during the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Claude Gueant, former secretary general of the Elysee under Nicolas Sarkozy's administration, was also detained and later released with charges. Platini is under police custody in Nanterre, and the case involves accusations of bribes from Qatari authorities. Since FIFA's decision for Qatar to host the World Cup, 16 out of 24 executive committee members have been dismissed, suspended, or are under investigation. Mohammed Bin Hammam is a central figure in the controversy, accused of paying millions for Qatar's bid to be chosen.

The Pentagon released a video accusing Iran's Revolutionary Guard of being involved in attacks on tankers in the Middle East, specifically near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical point for global oil transport. The video allegedly shows an Iranian patrol boat removing an unexploded mine from the Japanese tanker Kokuta Courageous. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo formally accused Iran of the attacks, citing intelligence reports and the sophistication of the attacks. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohamad Yavad Zarif denied the allegations, blaming the U.S. and its allies for sabotaging diplomacy and accusing U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman of economic terrorism against Iran. Amidst rising tensions, President Trump has increased the U.S. military presence in the region and continued arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Oil merchant ships have been subjected to repeated sabotage operations in the Gulf of Oman, near the coasts of Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Iranian press reports two oil tankers attacked on Thursday morning, coinciding with a rise in oil prices. Explosions and distress calls from the tankers have been reported, with no injuries but crew evacuations. The incidents occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for oil transport. The UK's UKMTO has acknowledged the incident, advising extreme caution, while the US Fifth Fleet has confirmed its presence to assist. The UAE government has described the sabotage as a serious incident and called for international responsibility to prevent such actions that threaten maritime security. The situation is tense in the Gulf due to US prohibitions on oil purchases from Iran and military deployments in the region.

Hong Kong citizens are protesting against a controversial extradition law that would allow the Hong Kong government to extradite individuals to jurisdictions without prior agreements, particularly China and Taiwan, without legislative oversight. Human rights groups, lawyers, and millions of citizens fear this could lead to political dissidents being targeted. Despite widespread opposition, the law is supported by pro-Beijing figures, including Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam. The Legislative Council, influenced by a unique electoral system favoring pro-Beijing elites, is set to vote on the law. The protests are reminiscent of the 2014 Umbrella Revolution, with concerns over the erosion of Hong Kong's freedoms under the 'one country, two systems' principle.

The Champions League final, held at Wanda Metropolitano, is estimated to have an economic impact of 62.5 million euros for Madrid, according to the Confederación Empresarial de Madrid-CEOE (CEIM). Similar figures are provided by the Unión Empresarial por la Promoción Turística en Madrid, with an expected generation of 123 million euros in revenue, half of which would remain in the city. Hotel occupancy is predicted to exceed 95%, with prices increasing by up to 200% as seen in previous host cities. Airbnb is set to accommodate over 32,000 English guests, amidst past controversies over accommodation offerings. Airlines like Iberia, Ryanair, and Easyjet have increased flight capacity to meet demand. The event is seen positively by local business confederations for its economic benefits across various sectors and the promotional boost it provides for Madrid.

Following the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, Parisians are in a state of shock, reflecting on the cultural significance of the landmark. President Emmanuel Macron has promised reconstruction, but experts predict a multimillion-euro cost and a lengthy process, potentially spanning generations. Despite significant donations from companies like Grupo Charlois and Asturiana de Laminados, concerns about the availability of materials and skilled labor persist. The French Government is preparing a reconstruction plan, while architects and craftsmen from across Europe, including a stonemason association from Pontevedra, offer their services.

In an extraordinary meeting, the European Council has granted the United Kingdom a six-month extension to the Brexit process, now set to end on October 31. The UK is compelled to participate in the European elections from May 23 to 26 unless an agreement is ratified before May 23. The extension is flexible, allowing the UK to leave on the first day of the month following the approval of the withdrawal agreement by the UK Parliament. European leaders, except for France's Emmanuel Macron who expressed concerns, reached a unanimous position after ten hours of discussion. UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who initially sought a June 30 exit, has been reminded by European leaders of the improbability of that date and the need for loyalty and constructive action from the UK.

Following the UK Parliament's third rejection of the Brexit deal and Theresa May's announcement of her willingness to resign if her deal passed, various Conservative Party members are considered potential successors. Boris Johnson, Michael Grove, Andrea Leadsom, David Lidington, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sajid Javid, Amber Rudd, and Dominic Raab are among the mentioned candidates, each with varying degrees of support and political stances on Brexit.

Following the UK Parliament's third rejection of the Brexit deal and Theresa May's announcement of her willingness to resign if her deal passed, various Conservative Party members are considered potential successors. Boris Johnson, Michael Grove, Andrea Leadsom, David Lidington, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sajid Javid, Amber Rudd, and Dominic Raab are among the mentioned candidates, each with varying degrees of support and political stances on Brexit.

The British Parliament, led by Speaker John Bercow, has allowed Prime Minister Theresa May to present her Brexit deal for another vote on Friday. This follows May's offer to resign if her plan is approved and Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay's scheduling of a parliamentary session for the vote. Despite some support from Eurosceptic Conservatives, May still needs at least the abstention of her government allies, the DUP. The Parliament's failure to advance any of the eight different Brexit options previously debated highlights the ongoing crisis and division within British politics.

European Council President Donald Tusk has responded to UK Prime Minister Theresa May's request to postpone Brexit from March 29 to June 30, stating that a short extension is possible but conditional on the UK Parliament's approval of the Brexit deal previously rejected. Tusk has communicated with May and expressed that while Brexit fatigue is justified, efforts to find a positive outcome must continue. The extension raises legal and political uncertainties, including the UK's participation in European elections and their role in future EU decisions. The European Council has also approved measures to safeguard the rights of EU and UK citizens in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

The European Council, led by Donald Tusk, has approved a set of contingency measures in anticipation of a potential no-deal Brexit. These measures aim to protect the interests and rights of EU and UK citizens and cover social security, transportation of goods and people, fishing compensations, the Erasmus program, and dual-use products. The Council emphasizes that these unilateral EU measures are temporary and limited in scope, and some are contingent on reciprocal actions from the UK. The measures include safeguarding social security rights, ensuring Erasmus+ students can complete their studies and retain funding, continuing PEACE program funding until 2020, compensating fishermen through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund if necessary, and regulating transport and dual-use product exports.

The UK will not leave the EU on the initially scheduled date of March 29, as the British Parliament has approved a motion for Prime Minister Theresa May to request an extension of the Brexit deadline from the EU. The extension request must be unanimously approved by the remaining 27 EU member states at the European Council meeting on March 21-22. The extension is complicated by the upcoming European elections on May 26, which the UK would have to participate in if the extension goes beyond that date.

Ian Blackford of the Scottish National Party has argued for a second Brexit referendum following the UK Parliament's rejection of the Brexit deal. He suggests an extension of the Brexit date to allow the issue to be presented to the public again. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had proposed reasonable alternatives to Prime Minister May if the deal was rejected, which included the option of a second referendum. The UK Parliament has voted against the Brexit deal by 391 to 242, with Scotland previously showing a majority for remaining in the EU in contrast to England and Wales.

European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, European Council President Donald Tusk, and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, have advised UK Prime Minister Theresa May to consider delaying the Brexit departure date of March 29 to avoid a no-deal scenario. Donald Tusk publicly suggested planning an extension, citing May's lack of majority support in the House of Commons. Despite this, May has been actively engaging in negotiations, aiming to secure a Brexit deal approved by the UK Parliament before the deadline. The final Brexit deal vote is scheduled for March 12, with the potential for a no-deal exit or an extension if an agreement is not reached. Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell called for flexibility regarding a Brexit delay. Meanwhile, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn announced plans to push for a second Brexit referendum to prevent a damaging conservative Brexit and advocated for a closer UK-EU relationship.

Luxury housing prices in Spain have seen a moderate growth of 2% year-on-year in 2018, with the average price reaching 6,800 euros per square meter. The increase was most notable in cities like Madrid, San Sebastián, and Palma, as well as tourist-heavy regions such as the Costa del Sol, Valencia's coast, and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Despite a 20% drop in some luxury markets like Barcelona and the Catalan Costa Brava during the first half of the year, a significant recovery occurred in the second half. The luxury real estate market concentrated on properties priced between 500,000 and 3 million euros, with French, British, German, Belgian, and Latin American citizens being the quickest to purchase. Emmanuel Virgoulay of Barnes International Realty highlighted the market's movement at two speeds, with properties in high international demand selling quickly, while overpriced or poorly located properties remained on the market longer.

Mark Cuban, a self-made billionaire, has made significant investments in technology startups and is known for his direct personality and business success. He sold his streaming platform Broadcast.com to Yahoo! for $5.6 billion and used part of the proceeds to buy the NBA team Dallas Mavericks, which later won a championship. Cuban is a major figure on ABC's Shark Tank, where he finances startups, and owns various technology-focused companies. He has funded innovative startups like One Earth Designs, which competes with Elon Musk's SolarCity in solar energy technology. Cuban admires Musk and has a healthy rivalry with him. He believes in a long-term investment strategy and considers Amazon and Netflix among his best investments. Cuban has been recognized for his career achievements with several awards.

Matthew Levin, the Canadian Ambassador to Spain, advocates for the benefits of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, emphasizing its positive impact on trade, with Spain being one of the first EU countries to ratify the agreement. Despite some opposition, such as from Italian Vice Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio, Levin highlights the economic opportunities and the broad distribution of benefits, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. The agreement covers a wide range of economic aspects beyond the elimination of tariffs, including public works, services, environmental protection, and intellectual property.

Matthijs van Bonzel, the Dutch ambassador to Spain, discusses the Netherlands' ambition to become a major logistics hub akin to Hong Kong, Singapore, or Panama, leveraging its productive capacity, innovation, and strategic geographic location. Despite its small size, the Netherlands is a significant eurozone economy with the largest port in Europe, Rotterdam, and a busy airport, Amsterdam-Schiphol. Van Bonzel emphasizes the importance of free trade and the Dutch perspective on capitalism, which aligns with European Union values of supporting the less fortunate and investing in education and equal rights. He reflects on the challenges of fostering a European mentality and critiques the EU's bureaucratic tendencies. The ambassador also comments on the impact of Brexit, noting the Netherlands' success in attracting multinational companies and its low corruption perception, contrasting with Spain's higher corruption perception, while acknowledging Spain's progress in combating corruption and its positive international image.

Julie-Ann Guivarra, the Australian ambassador to Spain, discusses the potential of Australia as a gateway to emerging markets in Southeast Asia, highlighting the country's geographic position as an advantage. She expresses concern over global protectionist trends and emphasizes Australia's interest in a free trade agreement with the EU. The ambassador notes the growth of Spanish energy and construction companies like Acciona, Naturgy, Gamesa, and ACS in Australia, particularly in renewable energy, as Australia aims to meet its Kyoto Protocol commitments. The Australian government is finalizing the National Energy Guarantee to align with the Paris Agreement. Guivarra sees similarities between the Spanish and Australian economies, with both heavily oriented towards exports.

Francisco Ribeiro De Menezes, the Portuguese ambassador to Spain, highlights Portugal's complete modernization in recent years, which has positioned it favorably in international rankings. The ambassador emphasizes the importance of the Portuguese language for business and the natural partnership between Portugal and Spain for internationalization of companies. With a record number of Portuguese companies exporting to Spain, the bilateral trade volume is significant. Portugal's economy has shifted focus to innovation and research, becoming an exporter of automobiles and investing in aeronautics and space research. Despite positive views on an Iberian union, the ambassador believes that both countries will maintain their patriotic independence.

Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, aims to inspire people and continue his grandfather's legacy through his foundation, Africa Rising. He emphasizes the importance of education and professional opportunities for South Africans, particularly those from rural areas. Ndaba criticizes the role of foreign multinationals in Africa's development and advocates for sustainable economic growth that benefits Africans. He also addresses the issue of racism and discrimination in South Africa and the responsibility of former colonial powers in assisting African countries to build sustainable economies to curb mass migration.