Sammendrag
Global 3. feb 2026, 04.10
German chancellor announces EU-Mercosur deal amid Russia rebukes and AfD youth assessment
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced at the Deutsche Börse New Year's reception in Eschborn that the EU free trade agreement with Mercosur states will enter provisional force before the completion of an EuGH review. Signed at the start of the year after over 25 years of negotiations, Merz described it as a path to greater European independence amid global uncertainties. In a separate development, CDU politician Johann Wadephul dismissed Moscow's accusations portraying Germany as seeking revenge for historical defeats as mere distractions. Wadephul made the remarks during a meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters in New Zealand, where Russia has sharply criticized Germany's support for Ukraine and warned of consequences over potential troop deployments. Meanwhile, the Federal Interior Ministry reported no signs of moderation in the AfD's new youth organization, Generation Deutschland, compared to the dissolved Junge Alternative. Responding to a query from Green MP Marlene Schönberger, the ministry highlighted high personnel and ideological continuity following the group's founding in November 2025 in Gießen.
- Merz forventer provisorisk ikrafttræden af Mercosur-aftalen
- Wadephul afviser russiske revanchismeanklager
- Indenrigsministeriet ser ingen moderering i AfD's ungdomsorganisation
Trump sends naval force toward Iran while addressing Cuba sanctions and hosting Colombia's Petro
President Donald Trump stated that the United States is deploying a larger naval force toward Iran, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The move aims to pressure Tehran over its crackdown on protesters, deter attacks on U.S. troops and regional allies, and encourage renewed nuclear talks. Cuba has denied engaging in formal talks with the United States regarding the oil embargo, contradicting Trump's assertions of advanced negotiations after Mexico halted supplies. Havana condemned a recent U.S. executive order tightening sanctions amid Cuba's worsening energy crisis. Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in Washington on February 2 for a scheduled February 3 meeting with Trump at the White House. The discussions seek to strengthen bilateral relations and advance anti-narcotrafficking efforts, with Colombian officials expressing optimism. Trump described the encounter as positive, noting Petro's shifted attitude following Nicolás Maduro's arrest in Venezuela.
- Trump orders additional U.S. forces to Middle East as tensions with Iran rise
- Cuba denies US claims of formal oil embargo talks as Mexico pledges aid
- Petro-Trump meeting looks positive in Washington
2026 Grammy Awards highlight wins for Bad Bunny, Lamar, Eilish amid Noah-Trump exchange
At the 2026 Grammy Awards held on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Bad Bunny made history as the first artist to win album of the year for a Spanish-language project. Kendrick Lamar and SZA claimed record of the year for their collaboration 'Luther,' while Billie Eilish won song of the year for 'Wildflower.' Olivia Dean took best new artist, rounding out a night filled with tributes, bold outfits, and standout performances. Host Trevor Noah mocked rapper Nicki Minaj’s recent endorsement of President Donald Trump during his opening monologue. Noah later drew a sharp response from Trump on Truth Social following a separate joke related to Epstein, as reported from the broadcast.
- Trevor Noah jokes about Nicki Minaj’s pro-Trump turn at the Grammys, prompting a Truth Social rebuke from Trump
- 2026 Grammy Awards celebrate diverse winners and memorable performances
Trump and Modi announce US-India trade deal cutting tariffs and pledging massive purchases
President Donald Trump announced that he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached a trade agreement during a call. Under the deal, India would cease purchasing Russian oil and increase U.S. imports, with Washington reducing tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. Trump also stated India would eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers on U.S. products and commit to buying over $500 billion in American goods, though key elements lacked immediate confirmation from U.S. or Indian governments. A separate report confirmed the trade deal announcement post-phone call, noting U.S. tariffs on Indian exports cut from 50% to 18%, as verified by Indian officials. Trump reiterated India's halt to Russian oil buys and $500 billion U.S. goods purchase pledge.
- Trump says U.S. and India reached trade deal tied to ending India’s Russian oil purchases
- US cuts tariffs on Indian goods to 18% in Modi-Trump trade deal
Swedish footballer Hugo Bolin transfers to Borussia Mönchengladbach as Emil Holm joins Juventus
Goalkeeper Hugo Bolin, 22, is departing Malmö FF via a loan to German club Borussia Mönchengladbach that includes an obligatory purchase option valued at 21 million kronor. Bolin expressed thanks to the club in a press statement. Swedish national team defender Emil Holm, 25, has joined Juventus on loan from Bologna until the summer, with a buy option included. The club officially welcomed him, and Holm voiced pride in the move. The transfer followed rumors and a medical check in Turin. Key Transfer Details: - Hugo Bolin: Malmö FF → Borussia Mönchengladbach (loan + obligatory buy, 21M SEK) - Emil Holm: Bologna → Juventus (loan to summer + buy option)