Greece has firmly rejected the idea of accepting the return of refugees who initially applied for asylum in Greece and later submitted another application in Germany. Migration Minister Makis Voridis emphasized that, under the current circumstances, such returns are out of the question. He stated, “As long as there is no fair distribution of burdens within the European Union, Greece will not accept any returns,” highlighting the nation’s stance on the matter.

This position follows a ruling by Germany’s Federal Administrative Court, which deemed the deportation of certain migrants—specifically single, healthy, and employable individuals—to Greece permissible. The court concluded that these individuals are not at risk of extreme hardship in Greece, despite acknowledged deficiencies in the Greek reception system.

Minister Voridis further clarified that while Athens would carefully examine any return requests from Germany, it would not be particularly open to such requests. This stance underscores Greece’s concerns about the adequacy of its asylum infrastructure and the equitable distribution of responsibilities among EU member states.

In response to these developments, Germany has reintroduced border controls and deported Afghan refugees, marking a significant shift from its previously open immigration policy. This move has sparked a tense debate in Europe, with countries expressing varied reactions. Hungary supports the action, while Poland and Greece criticize it, emphasizing the importance of the Schengen area’s principle of free movement. The European Union has seen a 36% drop in irregular migrant arrivals this year, yet the political climate remains volatile, particularly with the rise of far-right parties across the continent. Germany’s decision aims to address security concerns and the burden on local authorities due to increased refugee numbers. The debate extends to the broader EU, where some member states push for policies similar to the UK’s “Rwanda model” to handle asylum seekers outside Europe. Overall, the immigration issue continues to polarize political discourse within the EU, reflecting a shift towards tougher policies driven by rising security concerns and political pressures .

In light of these developments, Greece’s firm stance on asylum returns underscores the ongoing challenges within the EU regarding migration policy and the distribution of responsibilities among member states.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has requested additional time from the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee to provide a comprehensive briefing on the state’s current situation. This request was made during a closed-door meeting with the committee in Abuja on Friday, April 25, 2025. Ibas expressed regret for his previous absences from scheduled sessions on April 17 and 24, attributing them to the complexities of the transitional period in Rivers State.

The committee was established following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature. In response, the House of Representatives inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee to oversee legislative functions in the state .

Ibas emphasized the importance of transparency and accuracy in the forthcoming briefing, stating that any engagement with the committee must reflect the complexities and sensitivities of the current transitional period. He assured the committee of his full cooperation and commitment to providing all relevant information to support their oversight responsibilities.

This development comes amid growing concerns from various stakeholders. A coalition of 35 Civil Society Organizations in Rivers State recently petitioned the House of Representatives, accusing Ibas of “severe and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity.” The petition alleges that Ibas has been using federal power and security operatives to intimidate public officers, suppress democratic institutions, and interfere with the proper functioning of government in the state .

The House of Representatives has recommended that Ibas report directly to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council, as initially stipulated by the President. This recommendation underscores the legislature’s role in overseeing the administration of Rivers State during the state of emergency .

The House Ad hoc Committee is expected to reschedule the interactive session with Ibas, aiming to ensure that the legislative oversight process is thorough and transparent. The public will be informed once a new date for the session is confirmed.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has suggested that Ukraine might need to consider temporarily ceding territory to Russia as part of a peace deal. In a recent BBC interview, Klitschko acknowledged that while such a concession would be “unfair,” it could serve as a temporary solution to end hostilities. However, he emphasized that Ukrainians would “never accept occupation” and that any agreement would require public support. Klitschko also noted that President Volodymyr Zelensky might face a “painful solution” to achieve peace.

This statement comes amid escalating violence, including a recent Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv that killed 12 people and injured over 80. Klitschko criticized the lack of consultation with him on peace negotiations, highlighting the need for unity and transparency in such critical matters. He also suggested that key issues between top politicians should be discussed “without video cameras.”

The possibility of territorial concessions has been a point of contention, with U.S. President Donald Trump proposing a peace plan that includes recognizing Russian control of Crimea, a proposal that Ukrainian officials have rejected. Klitschko’s comments indicate a shift in Ukraine’s stance, acknowledging that peace may require difficult compromises.

In a previous interview, Klitschko suggested that President Zelensky would likely need to hold a referendum to legitimize any territorial compromises, as such decisions would be politically sensitive and require public approval.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about the best path to peace while maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

California overtaking Japan to become the fourth largest economy in the world is a pretty striking milestone. Here’s a quick breakdown of what this all means and why it matters:

California’s Economic Rise

• GDP in 2024: $4.10 trillion
• Japan’s GDP: $4.01 trillion
• Global Rank: Now behind only:
  1. United States (total): $29.18 trillion
  2. China: $18.74 trillion
  3. Germany: $4.65 trillion

California now leads all other individual countries, including economic heavyweights like the UK, India, and France.

Why California’s Economy is Booming

• Tech Powerhouse: Silicon Valley continues to drive global innovation.
• Entertainment Hub: Hollywood and the wider media industry remain global forces.
• Agriculture & Manufacturing: The state has the largest share of both sectors in the US.
• Ports: LA and Long Beach are the two busiest seaports in the country.

Newsom vs. Trump: Economic Clash

• Newsom: Celebrated the economic growth, but warned that Trump’s tariffs are a serious threat.
• Trump’s Tariffs:
  • 10% on most imports
  • Up to 145% on Chinese goods
  • China retaliated with up to 125% on American products
  • Some combined tariffs now effectively reach 245% on certain items

Newsom is legally challenging Trump’s authority to impose these tariffs, arguing that they could harm California’s economy, which is deeply integrated with global trade.

🇯🇵 Japan’s Economic Struggles

• Shrinking and aging population
• Rising social welfare costs
• Slower-than-expected recovery, despite wage growth
• IMF downgraded Japan’s growth outlook, partly due to the uncertainty caused by global tariffs

California isn’t just an American economic success—it’s a global one. But its future growth could hinge on national trade policy, something Gavin Newsom is clearly keeping an eye on, especially with 2028 political ambitions potentially on the horizon.