World | Deutsche Welle

Unpacking the 2026 Venice Biennale controversies and highlights Following the return of Russia to the Biennale, the EU said it will carry out its threat to cut its funding from the international art show. Amnesty International paints a grim picture for human rights In its 2025/2026 report, the human rights watchdog Amnesty International calls out the "predatory behavior of the powerful" and calls for action to defend the global order. A booklover's dream holiday in Scotland As UNESCO celebrates World Book Day on April 23, we visit a Scottish coastal town that was saved by books. Denmark: Two trains collide injuring several Two trains have crashed into each other in Denmark, leaving several people critically injured, authorities have said. UK, France agree 3‑year deal to curb Channel crossings For the first time, the deal links some UK payments to France to performance in stopping migrants. Funding will be halted after one year if targets are not met. Germany's Merz: Climate protection must not hold economy back German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the public would not accept climate policies that lead to deindustrialization, warning that they would hinder progress and innovation. School's out in Iran: No phone, no internet, no classes Iran's schools are closed because of the war. Classes are being held via TV programs and the national intranet. Children without a laptop or smartphone are left out. The country is effectively cut off from the internet. Japan: South Korean arrested outside Yasukuni Shrine ceremony for war dead Police said a South Korean national holding a banner with political messages was arrested at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine to Japan's war dead. Japan's prime minister did not attend proceedings, but around 120 lawmakers did. Nepal: Interior minister elected on anti-corruption platform steps down amid financial investigation Nepal's new government elected on an anti-corruption platform after youth protests toppled its predecessor has now lost two ministers in weeks. Sudan Gurung said he was quitting to ensure "a fair investigation." Iran war fuels crisis for Africa's aviation sector The Iran war is pushing up jet fuel prices, forcing African airlines to raise ticket prices, cancel flights and rethink operations to stay financially viable. Russia to block Kazakh oil flows to Germany via key pipeline Germany has confirmed that Russia will block flows of Kazakh oil to a vital refinery that supplies much of Berlin's energy needs from May 1. EU unblocks €90 billion loan to Ukraine Envoys from EU member states have finally paved the way for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine that had long been blocked by Hungary. They also approved a 20th package of sanctions on Russia over its invasion of its neighbor.