An Iranian asylum seeker took hostages on a train in the Vaud canton, Switzerland, and was later shot dead by police. The incident began when the train driver was forced to join the passengers, and the police were alerted by trapped individuals. Around 60 officers responded, closing off the area. Negotiations were conducted with a Farsi interpreter and through WhatsApp. The police stormed the train when the hostage-taker moved away from the hostages, using a stun grenade before fatally shooting him. The hostages were unharmed and received care. The motive is unclear, with no evidence pointing to terrorism.

Donald Tusk has become Poland's next prime minister, signaling the end of eight years of right-wing nationalist rule. His centrist alliance won the October elections with promises to restore Polish democracy and mend relations with European allies. Tusk faces challenges such as repairing EU relations, depoliticizing the judiciary, restoring media independence, and bolstering rights for women and minorities. Despite resistance from President Andrzej Duda and the Law and Justice Party, Tusk's government is expected to be endorsed in a parliamentary vote. The European community has shown support for Tusk, who is known for his previous tenure as prime minister and as president of the European Council.

Donald Tusk has become Poland's next prime minister, signaling a shift away from eight years of right-wing nationalist rule. His centrist alliance won the October elections with commitments to restore Polish democracy and mend relations with European allies. Tusk faces challenges in repairing EU relations, depoliticizing the judiciary, and bolstering media independence and minority rights. Despite resistance from President Andrzej Duda and the Law and Justice Party, Tusk's government is expected to be endorsed in a parliamentary vote. The European Commission has expressed support for Tusk, highlighting his experience and commitment to European values.

Donald Tusk has become Poland's next prime minister, signaling the end of eight years of right-wing nationalist rule. His centrist alliance won the October elections with promises to restore Polish democracy and mend relations with European allies. Tusk faces challenges in repairing ties with the EU, depoliticizing the judiciary, restoring media independence, and bolstering rights for women and minorities. Despite resistance from President Andrzej Duda and the Law and Justice Party, Tusk's government is expected to be endorsed in a parliamentary vote. The shift in power has been met with high expectations for a social revolution in Poland, including the restoration of women's rights and an end to state-backed homophobia.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's trip to the Indo-Pacific was canceled due to recurring malfunctions with the government aircraft. Despite attempts to fly to Sydney, the plane had to turn back, dumping 80 tons of fuel. The Luftwaffe plans to decommission the problematic aircraft ahead of schedule. Past incidents have affected other officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The German government has faced criticism for using older aircraft and has since invested in new Airbus A350 planes. Baerbock's agenda included discussions on economic security, Russia's war in Ukraine, and a cultural ceremony with the Indigenous Kaurna people. She will return to Berlin on a commercial flight.

Wolves have made a significant comeback in Germany, with numbers increasing sixfold in the past decade, now totaling about 1,300. This resurgence has led to conflicts, particularly with livestock attacks, sparking a heated debate between farmers and conservationists. The European Union, including Germany, protects wolves by law, but there is pressure to downgrade these protections. Measures such as electric fencing and protection dogs have been implemented to help manage the situation, with mixed success. The debate has reached high political levels, with some advocating for culling and others for coexistence.

Till Lindemann, the lead singer of German rock band Rammstein, is under investigation for sexual assault allegations after a 24-year-old fan claimed she was drugged at a concert in Vilnius. Several women have since accused Lindemann of similar offenses. Rammstein's lawyers deny the allegations, but the Berlin prosecutors have initiated a probe into sexual offenses and narcotics distribution. Universal has suspended cooperation with Rammstein, and the band's drummer, Christoph Schneider, has publicly distanced himself from Lindemann's private activities. The case has reignited discussions in Germany about consent and the #MeToo movement, while also drawing attention to Lindemann's controversial lyrics and writings.

Till Lindemann, the lead singer of German rock band Rammstein, is under investigation for sexual assault allegations after a fan claimed to have been drugged at a concert. Several women have accused Lindemann of pressuring them into sexual acts or assaulting them with little memory of the events. Rammstein's lawyers deny the allegations, but the Berlin prosecutors have initiated a probe into sexual offenses and narcotics distribution. Universal has suspended cooperation with the band, and Lindemann's book publisher has severed ties. The allegations have sparked a debate in Germany about consent between stars and fans, and have brought Lindemann's controversial lyrics and writing into question.

Till Lindemann, lead singer of the German rock band Rammstein, is under investigation for sexual assault allegations. Multiple women have accused him of drugging and assaulting them at concerts. The band's record label, Universal, and Lindemann's book publisher, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, have both cut ties with him. Rammstein's drummer, Christoph Schneider, has publicly addressed the accusations, expressing shock and distancing the band from Lindemann's actions. The allegations have reignited discussions in Germany about consent and the #MeToo movement.

Five men in their 20s were sentenced to four to six years in prison by a Dresden regional court for stealing jewels worth 100 million euros from Dresden's Green Vault museum. The theft included a breast star of the Polish Order of the White Eagle and other items, some of which may never be recovered. A plea bargain was reached after most jewels were returned in late 2022. The eastern state of Saxony has claimed damages of almost 89 million euros. Barbara Klepsch, Saxony's regional culture minister, expressed gratitude for the recovery of a large part of the stolen jewellery and the lawful conviction of the perpetrators.

Five men in their 20s were sentenced to four to six years in prison by a Dresden regional court for stealing 100 million euros worth of jewels from Dresden's Green Vault. The theft included a breast star of the Polish Order of the White Eagle and other items, some of which may never be recovered. The court found them guilty of serious arson, theft with weapons, and other charges. A plea bargain was reached after most jewels were returned in late 2022. The eastern state of Saxony has claimed damages of almost 89 million euros. Barbara Klepsch, Saxony's regional culture minister, expressed gratitude for the recovery of a large part of the stolen jewellery.