Taiwan: Knife Attack and Smoke Grenades Reported Near MRT Stations in Taipei

A 27-year-old suspect was detained following smoke grenade and knife attacks near Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan MRT station on Friday evening, December 19. Several people were injured after the suspect allegedly carried out a knife attack inside Zhongshan Station, set off smoke grenades, and entered a nearby Eslite Spectrum store before falling from an upper floor. He was taken to hospital, and police are investigating the incidents.

Taiwan: Knife Attack and Smoke Grenades Reported Near MRT Stations in Taipei 2

A 27-year-old suspect was detained following smoke grenade and knife attacks near Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan MRT station on Friday evening, December 19. Several people were injured after the suspect allegedly carried out a knife attack inside Zhongshan Station, set off smoke grenades, and entered a nearby Eslite Spectrum store before falling from an upper floor. He was taken to hospital, and police are investigating the incidents.

Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China.

Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China.

Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China.

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Entrance of the Perrier factory in Vergeze. Nestle Waters says it has met the State s requirement, namely to change its microfiltration system at the Perrier site in Vergeze. France, Gard, Vergeze, November 18, 2025. Photo by Thibaut Durand /ABACAPRESS.COM

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Entrance of the Perrier factory in Vergeze. Nestle Waters says it has met the State s requirement, namely to change its microfiltration system at the Perrier site in Vergeze. France, Gard, Vergeze, November 18, 2025. Photo by Thibaut Durand /ABACAPRESS.COM

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Entrance of the Perrier factory in Vergeze. Nestle Waters says it has met the State s requirement, namely to change its microfiltration system at the Perrier site in Vergeze. France, Gard, Vergeze, November 18, 2025. Photo by Thibaut Durand /ABACAPRESS.COM

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Entrance of the Perrier factory in Vergeze. Nestle Waters says it has met the State s requirement, namely to change its microfiltration system at the Perrier site in Vergeze. France, Gard, Vergeze, November 18, 2025. Photo by Thibaut Durand /ABACAPRESS.COM

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Entrance of the Perrier factory in Vergeze. Nestle Waters says it has met the State s requirement, namely to change its microfiltration system at the Perrier site in Vergeze. France, Gard, Vergeze, November 18, 2025. Photo by Thibaut Durand /ABACAPRESS.COM

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Entrance of the Perrier factory in Vergeze. Nestle Waters says it has met the State s requirement, namely to change its microfiltration system at the Perrier site in Vergeze. France, Gard, Vergeze, November 18, 2025. Photo by Thibaut Durand /ABACAPRESS.COM

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Entrance of the Perrier factory in Vergeze. Nestle Waters says it has met the State s requirement, namely to change its microfiltration system at the Perrier site in Vergeze. France, Gard, Vergeze, November 18, 2025. Photo by Thibaut Durand /ABACAPRESS.COM

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Millions of Perrier Bottles Blocked After New Contamination Incidents - Vergeze

Entrance of the Perrier factory in Vergeze. Nestle Waters says it has met the State s requirement, namely to change its microfiltration system at the Perrier site in Vergeze. France, Gard, Vergeze, November 18, 2025. Photo by Thibaut Durand /ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Snow Hits St. Louis, Blanketing Roads

A surprise early-afternoon snowstorm hit St. Louis on Monday, December 1 causing crashes, traffic jams, and school closures. Major incidents included a pile-up on westbound I-270 and heavy congestion across the region. Officials said the snow arrived earlier than forecast, preventing timely road treatment.

Spain: Storm Claudia Damages Andalusia, especially in Huelva 2

Storm Claudia began retreating from the Iberian Peninsula on Sunday. November 16, after causing thousands of incidents over the weekend, following several days of heavy rain with accumulations exceeding 200 liters in large areas. The region of Andalusia bore the brunt of the storm, accounting for a total of 1,400 incidents. While serious incidents were largely avoided across the country, the province of Huelva experienced significant flooding on Saturday, November 15.

Spain: Storm Claudia Damages Andalusia, especially in Huelva

Storm Claudia began retreating from the Iberian Peninsula on Sunday. November 16, after causing thousands of incidents over the weekend, following several days of heavy rain with accumulations exceeding 200 liters in large areas. The region of Andalusia bore the brunt of the storm, accounting for a total of 1,400 incidents. While serious incidents were largely avoided across the country, the province of Huelva experienced significant flooding on Saturday, November 15.

Spain: Severe Flooding Hits Seville After Heavy Rainfall 2

On October 29, heavy rain, flash floods, and tornadoes hit Andalusia, especially Huelva and Seville, causing over 1,300 incidents, including flooded roads and fallen trees. Huelva received 160 mm of rain, Seville 115 mm. This video shows Calle García de Vinuesa in Seville, submerged by floodwaters.

Spain: Severe Flooding Hits Seville After Heavy Rainfall

On October 29, heavy rain, flash floods, and tornadoes hit Andalusia, especially Huelva and Seville, causing over 1,300 incidents, including flooded roads and fallen trees. Huelva received 160 mm of rain, Seville 115 mm. This video shows Calle de Alfonso XII in Seville near Plaza de Museo, completely submerged by floodwaters.

RECAP: Seville Hit by Floods, Heavy Rain Amid Andalusia Storm

On Wednesday, October 29, Seville was hit by heavy rain, flash floods, and tornadoes, recording around 115 mm of rainfall. Emergency services reported hundreds of incidents, including flooded roads, fallen trees, and trapped drivers. Two people were injured in the province. Alerts from Spain’s meteorological agency (Aemet) proved accurate, with Seville under an orange warning as the storm moved across Andalusia.

Spain: Heavy Rains and Strong Winds Hit Parts of Andalusia 7

On Wednesday, October 29, heavy rain, flash floods, and tornadoes struck Andalusia, especially Huelva and Seville. Emergency services reported over 1,300 incidents, including flooded roads, fallen trees, and trapped drivers. Huelva recorded up to 160 mm of rainfall, while Seville saw around 115 mm. Two people were injured, and a man in Gibraleón suffered a severe head injury after being struck by a falling structure. Alerts from Spain’s meteorological agency (Aemet) proved accurate, with red warnings for Huelva and orange for Seville.

Japan: Bear Incidents Spike in Northern Regions Ahead of Hibernation Season 5

Bear incidents have been increasing in northern Japan. Between April 2025 and March 2026, seven people were killed, marking the highest number of fatalities since records began in 2006. Bears become more active in the autumn before hibernation, so the Ministry of the Environment is urging people to exercise caution.

Japan: Bear Incidents Spike in Northern Regions Ahead of Hibernation Season 4

Bear incidents have been increasing in northern Japan. Between April 2025 and March 2026, seven people were killed, marking the highest number of fatalities since records began in 2006. Bears become more active in the autumn before hibernation, so the Ministry of the Environment is urging people to exercise caution.

US: New York City Joins Nationwide “No Kings” Protest Against Trump 2

Tens of thousands gathered in New York City on October 18, 2025, as part of the nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations opposing what participants called President Trump’s authoritarian rule. Marchers moved from Times Square to Union Square carrying signs like “We Don’t Bow to Billionaires.” The protest remained peaceful, with no major incidents reported. Organizers said over seven million people joined similar rallies across the U.S., making it one of the largest coordinated protests in recent years.

US: New York City Joins Nationwide “No Kings” Protest Against Trump

Tens of thousands gathered in New York City on October 18, 2025, as part of the nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations opposing what participants called President Trump’s authoritarian rule. Marchers moved from Times Square to Union Square carrying signs like “We Don’t Bow to Billionaires.” The protest remained peaceful, with no major incidents reported. Organizers said over seven million people joined similar rallies across the U.S., making it one of the largest coordinated protests in recent years.

Japan: Bear Incidents Spike in Northern Regions Ahead of Hibernation Season 3

Bear incidents have been increasing in northern Japan. Between April 2025 and March 2026, seven people were killed, marking the highest number of fatalities since records began in 2006. Bears become more active in the autumn before hibernation, so the Ministry of the Environment is urging people to exercise caution. This video was shot in Shari, Hokkaido on October 16.

Japan: Bear Incidents Spike in Northern Regions Ahead of Hibernation Season

A wild bear was spotted running on the sidewalk in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture on Thursday, October 16. Bear incidents have been increasing in northern Japan. Between April 2025 and March 2026, seven people were killed, marking the highest number of fatalities since records began in 2006. Bears become more active in the autumn before hibernation, so the Ministry of the Environment is urging people to exercise caution.

Australia: Pro-Palestinian Protests Erupt After Gaza Aid Flotilla Intercepted

Sydney and Melbourne saw snap pro-Palestinian protests on Thursday, October 2 after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. About 400 people gathered in Sydney, briefly spilling onto light rail tracks, while around 200 protested in Melbourne. Police restrained some demonstrators, but no arrests were reported, and both rallies dispersed without major incidents.

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, appears before the media after his meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, appears before the media after his meeting with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, appears before the media after his meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, appears before the media after his meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, appears before the media after his meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, appears before the media after his meeting with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, appears before the media after his meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, appears before the media after his meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, appears before the media after his meeting with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, appears before the media after his meeting with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r) and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), appear before the media after their meeting at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sánchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r) and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), appear before the media after their meeting at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sánchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, appears before the media after his meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r) and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), appear before the media after their meeting at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sánchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r) and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), appear before the media after their meeting at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sánchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r), receives the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r) and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), appear before the media after their meeting at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sánchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r) and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), appear before the media after their meeting at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sánchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r) and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), appear before the media after their meeting at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sánchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, during his meeting with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sánchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r), receives the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez (r), receives the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz (l), at the Moncloa Palace, on September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

Pedro Sanchez Receives Friedrich Merz - Madrid

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, receives the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, at the Moncloa Palace, September 18, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. The meeting is marked by the current escalation of diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, motivated by the Spanish government's harsh criticism of the bombings in Gaza and Sanchez's call to exclude Israel from international competitions as long as the offensive in the Strip continues. The meeting also addressed the war in Ukraine, NATO coordination in the face of security incidents in Eastern Europe and the Spanish request to Germany to improve its support for the official status of the Catalan language in the EU. Photo by A. Perez Meca/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM