US bans foreign students from studying at Harvard
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning almost all foreign students from attending prestigious Harvard University, dealing another blow to the oldest and wealthiest university in the US.
The Trump administration justifies this step by citing national security. Trump describes the presence of foreign students on Harvard's campus in Massachusetts as a potential risk.
The university thus risks losing a significant portion of its students, as about 25% of them come from abroad.
NATO speaks about the Russian threat: "We must be prepared for the worst"
NATO and Western countries must be prepared for a possible confrontation with Russia, it was emphasized yesterday during the summit of the Atlantic Alliance's defense ministers. US Ambassador Matthew Whitaker and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the threat from the Kremlin is real and requires an immediate response.
"NATO must be a step forward."
Rutte also stressed that "the alliance must always be prepared for any scenario."
First phone call between Putin and Pope Leo XIV: Emphasis on peace in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Pope Leo XIV, the first of its kind between them. According to the Kremlin, the discussion focused on peace efforts in Ukraine and the Holy See's possible role in mediation.
Putin thanked the Pope for his willingness to help end the conflict and expressed his desire for the Holy See to be more actively engaged in religious freedom in Ukraine.
Bulgaria gets green light to use the euro in 2026
The European Commission and the European Central Bank have given Bulgaria the approval to switch to the euro currency from the beginning of 2026, making it the 21st country to join this currency.
In the convergence report published on Wednesday, the Commission assesses that the Bulgarian economy meets the formal criteria for membership, as well as has sufficient integration with the markets and economies of other EU countries.
The euro is expected to bring more stability and strengthen Bulgaria's economic ties with the rest of the union.
