Monaco Journal - News from Monaco, Monte-Carlo and the world

EU leaders will converge on a Belgian castle on Thursday as the bloc seeks ways to punch its economic weight on the global stage -- faced with threats from China and the United States, and hamstrung by its own divisions.

Two weeks before setting off for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics to compete as Kyrgyzstan's only alpine skier, Timur Shakirov was weaving down a slalom course in his homeland.

A new push to lift aid sanctions on North Korea could kickstart efforts to lure Kim Jong Un into nuclear negotiations with US President Donald Trump, analysts told AFP.

The Berlin Film Festival will kick off on Thursday evening with an eclectic selection of films reflecting current upheavals, and with Wim Wenders, one of Germany's most illustrious directors, heading the jury.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called for greater defence and AI cooperation between Taiwan and Europe, as the democratic island seeks to bolster its protection against China.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te warned that countries in the region would be China's next targets should Beijing seize the democratic island, as he insisted on the need for Taiwan to dramatically shore up its defences.

Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have skyrocketed on FIFA's official resale platform, with seats for many matches listed at several times their face value even though most tickets have only recently been distributed following the end of the main sales phase in January.

What began as an ordinary shift for Jerusalem bus driver Fakhri Khatib ended hours later in tragedy.

Venezuela's attorney general said Wednesday that an amnesty envisaged for political prisoners and those who jailed them during years of political repression must also be extended to toppled leader Nicolas Maduro.

The closure of a Texas airport triggered conflicting explanations Wednesday, as the government claimed an incursion by Mexican cartel drones but lawmakers and media reports suggested the Pentagon's use of anti-drone technology was to blame.

President Donald Trump is poised Thursday to revoke a landmark scientific finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health by driving climate change -- a determination that underpins US regulations aimed at curbing planet-warming pollution.

Argentine workers hurled stones and bottle bombs Wednesday at police who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets as a protest against proposed labor reforms turned briefly violent.

Nottingham Forest sacked manager Sean Dyche on Wednesday after a dismal draw with Wolves left them hovering above the Premier League relegation zone.

France's foreign minister has requested a probe into a French diplomat who corresponded with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and who another envoy said was investigated while at the United Nations over child sex abuse websites.

Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers and retired NBA stars Amar'e Stoudemire, Blake Griffin and Kevin Johnson were among finalists named Wednesday for 2026 election to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog said Thursday antisemitism in Australia is "frightening" but most people want good relations, on the final day of a visit expected to spark protests in the city of Melbourne.

YFQ-42A Uncrewed Fighter Jet Executes Mission Autonomy Test

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / February 12, 2026 / U.S. Polo Assn., the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), announces the reopening of its experiential USPA Shop Flagship at the USPA National Polo Center (NPC) in Wellington, Florida. The sports brand is introducing a reimagined retail destination that reflects the brand's deep connection to the sport of polo and its modern global positioning.

US President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon on Wednesday to buy electricity from coal-fired plants, in his latest bid to boost an industry that is a major contributor to climate change.

Arne Slot praised Mohamed Salah after the "unbelievable" Egypt star equalled Liverpool's record for assists in the Premier League by setting up Virgil van Dijk's winner in Wednesday's 1-0 victory at Sunderland.

Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen joined the Olympic greats on Wednesday, while French pair Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry won a remarkable ice dancing title.

Pep Guardiola is hoping two rare free midweeks will refresh his "exhausted" Manchester City squad for the Premier League title run-in after beating Fulham 3-0 on Wednesday.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Wednesday vowed to power a "dramatic increase" in Venezuelan oil output as part of a plan to "make the Americas great again" after talks with acting president Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas.

French figure skaters Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry pulled off an incredible exploit on Wednesday, winning Olympic gold in ice dancing after skating together for just a year.

Manchester City beat Fulham 3-0 to close in on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League on Wednesday, as Liverpool inflicted Sunderland's first home defeat of the season to ease the pressure on Arne Slot.

Virgil van Dijk lifted Liverpool back into the race to qualify for the Champions League as the defender sealed a 1-0 win at Sunderland on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi missed practice for Inter Miami on Wednesday with a nagging left hamstring strain that pushed the squad to delay a match in Puerto Rico, the MLS club announced.

Harry Kane scored a penalty and Luis Diaz struck again as Bayern Munich beat RB Leipzig 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the German Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2020.

Benat Turrientes fired Real Sociedad into a 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first leg lead at Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

Women's Champions League holders Arsenal cruised to a 4-0 win away to Belgian side OH Leuven in the first leg of their knockout round play-off tie on Wednesday.

Argentine protesters angry over a labor reform bill clashed with police Wednesday outside Congress, as lawmakers debated plans to facilitate work contract flexibility and make it easier and cheaper to fire staff.

Bangladesh has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt overthrew former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, ending her 15-year autocratic rule.