How Christmas Markets Became Symbols of Terror in Western Europe

Once symbols of festive calm and Christian heritage, Western Europe’s Christmas markets have increasingly become targets of Islamist terror since the early 2000s. From Strasbourg to Berlin and Magdeburg, repeated attacks and foiled plots have reshaped how Europe celebrates Christmas—forcing heavy security, cancellations and a growing sense of fear.

People wait for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV before his visit to the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf at the Saint Maron monastery in the mountainous village of Annaya on December 1, 2025.

What Lebanese Christians Need from Pope Leo XIV

‘The Pope should ensure that the Christians of Lebanon have a united vision for the future of their country, which they can convey to their fellow compatriots from different religious backgrounds.’

European Jewish Association

Israel–Central Europe Partnership in Focus at Budapest Conference

A high-level conference in Budapest on 24 November 2025 highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Israel and Central Europe. Hosted by the Europe Israel Press Association, it examined shifting Middle Eastern geopolitics, Europe’s security priorities, and disinformation undermining Israel’s right to self-defence.

Hejaz Railway Reborn: Türkiye’s Bridge to Arab Power

‘The renovation of the Hijaz railway is not an independent project but part of broader Turkish foreign policy, which aims to elevate Türkiye’s position in the Middle East hierarchy. Through neo-Ottomanism, Ankara is not only striving to be a strong actor in the region but also to be indispensable to the local states.’

Revolut Moves Closer to Offering Hungarian IBAN Accounts

Revolut UAB has officially been added to the Hungarian central bank’s registry, paving the way for local HU IBAN accounts in Hungary. The update could soon simplify transfers for more than 1.5 million Hungarian users, as Revolut prepares to launch its domestic branch.

Israeli soldiers patrol the Nova Music Festival Memorial, honouring victims of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack. Kibbutz Reim, Eshkol Regional Council, Israel, 30 March 2025

Israel’s Unfolding Mystery

‘“Religious Zionism”…keeps unsettling end-of-history pieties about confining faith and observance to the margins of the public square and smoothing out the nation state’s ethno-religious edges. Yet instead of cool-headed assessments precisely when it holds the keys to governability…the rise of this national-religious bloc of parties is often met by incurious moral hysteria.’