The death of Pope Francis, announced this morning, has sparked speculation about his successor, who will be known when white smoke appears from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel following a complex and secretive election process.

Given the nature of the cardinal appointments made by Pope Francis during his reign, it is expected that the new pope will also be from outside Europe, and that he will be another progressive, opposing the conservative wing of the Roman Catholic Church, according to Reuters.

Among the potential candidates for the new pope are the Archbishop of Marseille Jean-Marc Aveline (66) from France, Cardinal Péter Erdő (72) from Hungary, Cardinal Mario Grech (68) from Malta, Cardinal Pietro Parolin (70) from Italy, Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle (67) from the Philippines, Cardinal Joseph Tobin (72) from Newark, USA, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Turkson (76) originally from Ghana, and the Archbishop of Bologna Matteo Maria Zuppi (69)…

The election process will take place after Pope Francis is buried, and the new leader will be elected by secret ballot by members of the conclave, which may only include cardinals under the age of 80 following the death or resignation of a pope.

Until a new pope is chosen, the College of Cardinals governs the Roman Catholic Church.

The complex voting process will reveal whether the current cardinals, most of whom were appointed by Pope Francis, believe that his embrace of liberal social values and progressive reform agenda has gone too far, or whether a period of retreat is needed.

The cardinals will determine the date for the start of the conclave once they begin arriving in Rome over the coming days.

After the funeral ceremony for the pope and once everything has been prepared for the conclave at both general and special meetings of the cardinals, they gather on a set day—no earlier than the 14th and no later than the 20th day after the pope’s death—for Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. That same afternoon, they gather in the Chapel of St. Paul in the Apostolic Palace and proceed in a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel, where the election takes place in strict secrecy.

The cardinals vote for their preferred candidate until a winner is determined—a process that can take several days, or even months.

The only clue as to how the voting is proceeding is the smoke that rises twice daily from the burning of the cardinals’ ballots. Black smoke means a negative outcome, while white smoke will be the sign that a new pope has been elected.

After the white smoke rises, the new pope usually appears within an hour on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

A senior cardinal participating in the conclave will announce the decision with the words: “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope), and then introduce the new leader by his chosen papal name.

The Catholic Church currently has 252 cardinals, of whom 138 are under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote. As many as 109 of the voting cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis, 22 by his predecessor Benedict, and five by Pope John Paul II.

Cardinals are “created” during ceremonies known as consistories, during which they receive

The reasons for these price increases are primarily climate change.

In March, German consumers had to pay 16.7 percent more for chocolate than in the same month last year, according to the German Federal Statistical Office.

The most significant price increase was recorded for chocolate (+25 percent).

However, prices for other chocolate products also rose noticeably (+11.1 percent), reports Deutsche Welle.

“In contrast, there was an uneven development in the prices of confectionery and pastry products,” the statisticians revealed. These products became 3.1 percent more expensive in March overall. This primarily refers to the prices of pralines and boxed chocolates. On the other hand, there was a slight decrease in the prices of chewing gum, gummy candies, and similar products. By comparison, food prices as a whole rose by three percent during the same period, according to Poslovni Dnevnik.

Mid-term comparisons also clearly show that last year, chocolate was 40 percent more expensive than in 2020. Classic chocolate became 32 percent more expensive, while other chocolate products saw a price increase of as much as 46 percent. Prices of sweets in general rose by 29 percent during that mid-term period, and eggs by as much as 38.5 percent. Over those four years, food prices overall increased by 33 percent.

The reasons for these price increases are primarily climate change. Poor harvests have affected cocoa prices in recent years. Periods of drought alternate with heavy rainfall, especially in the agricultural regions of West Africa. Cocoa trees are increasingly susceptible to pest infestations, which thrive and spread rapidly under such weather conditions.

Earlier this week, the West African country Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, warned of the risk of crop failure due to excessive rainfall. The harvest season in that country lasts from April to September. Forecasts indicate a risk of heavy rains, which threaten not only the quantity of crops but also the quality. This, in turn, means another price increase on the global market.

Thousands of Americans took to the streets of New York and other major cities today, on the second day of protests against President Donald Trump, held two weeks apart.

“No king in America” and “Resist tyranny” could be seen on signs at the protests in New York, alongside images of the U.S. president with Hitler-style mustaches.

The demonstrators are particularly condemning the White House’s anti-immigration policy, at a time when the country’s Supreme Court has suspended the deportation of immigrants based on the 1798 “Alien Enemies” Act.

“Immigrants are welcome here,” chanted the protesters gathered in front of the public library in the largest U.S. city, not far from the famous Trump Tower.

Protesters also gathered today in front of the White House in Washington, although in smaller numbers than during the previous demonstrations on Saturday, April 5, when tens of thousands of people took to the streets.

Protests were also reported in front of Tesla car stores, a brand owned by Elon Musk, the billionaire whom Trump tasked with drastically reducing the public administration.

The demonstrations are organized by a group called 50501, a number that represents 50 demonstrations in 50 U.S. states leading to a single movement – against the Republican president.

The movement represents “a rapid, decentralized response to the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies,” according to the group’s website.

The organization has scheduled around 400 demonstrations throughout the day.

It is difficult to get accurate figures on the number of participants, as many police departments refuse to provide estimates, reports Agence France-Presse.

The bodies of two people who had been reported missing during the storm in northern Italy were found today, firefighters reported, bringing the death toll in that area to three.

The body of a 64-year-old man and his 33-year-old son, whose car was swept away by the flood, were found near Vicenza in the northeastern region of Veneto. The president of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia, expressed condolences to the woman who lost her husband and son, calling it an "unimaginable tragedy."

The two had signed up as volunteers and were on their way to assist in rescue operations when the accident occurred.

On Thursday, a 90-year-old man was found in his flooded home in Piedmont, in the northwest of the country.

Northern Italy, along with the French and Swiss Alps, was hit by heavy rainfall on Thursday, which turned into snow at higher altitudes, leading to numerous road blockages caused by landslides and floods.

Dozens of people had to be evacuated from flooded areas, sometimes with their domestic animals. In the Aosta Valley, around 5,000 families were left without power on Thursday evening, according to the local electricity provider.

Footage from Agence France-Presse shows streets covered in mud in Monteu da Po, Piedmont, a small town where firefighters found the body of the 90-year-old man yesterday.

Footage from other areas in the region shows streets covered in debris and sludge.

Spot gold has surpassed the magical threshold of $3,300 per ounce for the first time.

The precious metal has extended its gains and has just reached $3,307 per ounce, marking a 2.4 percent increase on the day, as investors rush to invest in "safe havens."

Trump's trade war shows no signs of easing after the president ordered potential tariffs and an investigation into critical minerals, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical products, prompting a renewed shift toward safe havens such as gold, said the head of strategy at Saxo Bank, Ole Hansen.

Financial firm ANZ has today raised its year-end gold price forecast to $3,600 per ounce and its six-month forecast to $3,500.

It seems that Trump spared Turkey when setting tariffs – unlike the EU and China. The Turkish economy wants to profit from this and increase exports. But for that, it needs to meet certain conditions.

"I have great relations with a man named Erdogan" – this is how US President Donald Trump described his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this week in the Oval Office, sitting next to Erdogan's political rival Benjamin Netanyahu. "I like him. He likes me. We’ve never had a problem," the American president added.

This isn't entirely true: On October 7, 2019, Trump threatened to "destroy the Turkish economy" and said he had already done so once. In a letter dated October 16, 2019, sent to Erdogan, Trump urged the Turkish president to strike a "good deal" with him. And he emphasized: "I do not want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy."

The Turkish economy has faced significant challenges over the last six years – the Turkish lira has lost significant value. In March 2007, one US dollar was worth about 1.30 Turkish lira, in October 2019 it was 5.79, and today it’s 38.06 lira.

Although Trump may have harmed the Turkish economy back then, it seems that today the two heads of state are agreeing better than before. In fact, Turkey is one of the countries least affected by Trump's tariff policy: a "mere" 10 percent tariff was imposed on Turkish goods. Trump's 90-day tariff pause and the general reduction to ten percent for all countries except China temporarily level the playing field with Turkey.

New Hope?

Unlike the negative sentiment in Europe, Turkish business representatives do not see the tariffs as a crisis – but as an opportunity. They are convinced: with the right trade policy, Turkey can benefit from the new situation.

The new rules of the game by Donald Trump could especially help Turkish exporters gain an advantage in the US market, says Bulent Ajmen, vice president of the Mediterranean Furniture, Paper, and Wood Products Exporters Association (AKAMIB).

"The United States has been our main market for the last three years. Our exports are increasing every month. The intensification of the tariff war allows Turkey to gain market share in the US in areas such as the chemical and automotive industries, furniture and electronics production. We must definitely make the most of this advantage," says Ajmen.

The trade volume between Turkey and the US exceeds 30 billion US dollars. The US is currently Turkey's second most important trading partner – after Germany. Turkish exports to the US have increased by an average of 16 percent over the last five years, while US exports to Turkey have risen by 9 percent. According to the Turkish Exporters' Association (TİM), Turkey exported goods worth around 21.1 billion US dollars to Germany in 2023, while exports to the US amounted to about 14.8 billion. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), exports to the US reached 16.3 billion US dollars by the end of 2024.

Turkey primarily exports chemical products, automotive parts, clothing, carpets, and electronics to the US. At the same time, it imports more than half of its cotton – for textile products which it then exports to the US.

According to Şeref Fayat, a representative of the textile industry in the Union of Turkish Chambers of Commerce and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), Trump’s high tariffs on imports from China and the European Union could increase the visibility of Turkish products in the US market. "Now we must act quickly. We can use the problems that China, Vietnam, and Cambodia will likely face to our advantage," Fayat believes.

Criticism of Turkey's Trade Policy

Fayat is optimistic about the future of trade with Trump’s America. "I don't expect Turkey to be negatively affected by the new situation." He suggests negotiating with the US for limited tariff-free trade. "This is a very important opportunity, but we must carefully monitor how our most important trading partner, the European Union, will be affected by American tariff policies," he warns.

However, among some other governments, there is cautious optimism: the potential is sufficient, but many Turkish companies are not ready to take advantage of it, says Murat Akjuz, former president of the Chemical Products Exporters Association (IKMIB). "I believe that the new US tariff policy is a great opportunity for Turkey. At the same time, I think that exporters in Turkey are not adequately prepared." In the past, he says, many opportunities were missed because "a sustainable trade policy was not followed."

Fayat also notes shortcomings: access to US consumers for Turkish products is limited – due to a lack of shopping centers and warehouses. He criticizes the policy: "Although Trump announced these tariffs a long time ago, unfortunately, we have not made the necessary preparations."

Turkey as a Production Hub?

In addition to exports, Turkey could establish itself in another field as a strategic player: as a manufacturing location for Asian companies. Specifically, Turkey could invite companies from China to produce in Turkey – to circumvent high tariffs. Its geopolitical position as a bridge between the East and West supports this.

"We must explain to those countries – especially China – the advantage of relocating production to Turkey," says Akjuz. "We should actively encourage investments in our country. Turkey, with its infrastructure and the potential of a skilled workforce, is well-prepared for this," believes Akjuz.

The use of sonic weapons against peaceful demonstrators, as well as the actions of the prosecution and police against protest participants or representatives of civil society, will not bring Serbia closer to the European Union, says Danas in an interview with Manuel Sarrazin, Germany’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.

In his written responses, the senior EU official not only commented on questions about student protests in Serbia, the EU's stance toward the regime of Aleksandar Vučić, the role of Milorad Dodik in the Balkans, and the challenges on Serbia's path to EU membership, but also addressed the use of a sound cannon against demonstrators on March 15 in Belgrade, Europe's interest in lithium, and the growing dissatisfaction of the pro-European segment of the public in Serbia with Brussels.

*At student protests in Serbia, EU flags are notably absent. How do you interpret this absence?

– My personal impression is that many students are disappointed with the European Union. Ultimately, they are demanding nothing less than the rule of law, which is also a key requirement of the EU in Serbia’s accession process and the main reason why that process is stagnating. The German government shares concerns about the state of democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom in Serbia, and we expect the Serbian government to finally address these deficiencies, as this is essential for Serbia’s progress toward the EU.

*At the same time, a significant part of Serbia’s pro-European public is turning against the EU, driven by the belief that European leaders support the regime of Aleksandar Vučić. How do you respond to this view?

– As Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos explained, EU officials – and the same applies to the governments of member states – always engage in dialogue with elected officials in candidate countries, including President Vučić. This does not mean that the EU does not analyze reform progress and the situation in Serbia, especially concerning the so-called fundamental principles. One reason why Serbia has not opened a new chapter or cluster in the accession process for a long time is precisely the lack of progress in key areas: the rule of law, media freedom, democratic standards…

*How do you interpret the protests against Aleksandar Vučić’s regime, and how do you see their possible outcome?

– The protests have raised issues important for the whole society: transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. But it is not for me to interpret the protests or speculate on possible outcomes. It is up to the citizens to freely express their views. What I consider very important is that the right to peaceful assembly and the right of citizens to express their opinions without pressure or threats to their safety must be ensured. It is the responsibility of the Serbian government to ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators – both during and after the protests. The use of sonic weapons against peaceful demonstrators, as well as the actions of the prosecution and police against protest participants or representatives of civil society, will not bring Serbia closer to the European Union.

*Many critics claim that the European Union prioritizes access to lithium over the state of democracy in Serbia. How do you respond to such claims?

– I don’t see these things as mutually exclusive. Both the German government and the EU as a whole cooperate with the Serbian government on many topics of common interest. That does not mean we are blind to the shortcomings in democracy, media freedom, and the rule of law, especially regarding the lack of progress in implementing ODIHR recommendations for improving electoral conditions.

*Vladimir Putin recently received Milorad Dodik following his conviction, and after Dodik’s visit to Israel, while Interpol refused to issue a red notice for him. How do you comment on this?

– Vladimir Putin is responsible for the war in Ukraine and continues to wage this brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, against Europe. In this war against Europe, he seems to view Milorad Dodik and his dangerous separatist moves in Bosnia and Herzegovina as useful. Milorad Dodik is probably the only person in Republika Srpska who believes he can benefit from this alliance. Vladimir Putin has not supported Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Republika Srpska, with investments, jobs, or the prospect of EU membership. Nor does Dodik, through his actions. On the contrary – he is dragging the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina further away from the EU. The German government strongly condemns Dodik’s separatist moves.

“In response, Milorad Dodik expressed gratitude to Aleksandar Vučić. How do you see that gesture?

– I am deeply concerned that President Vučić and the Serbian government appear to effectively support or at least do not stop Milorad Dodik’s separatist moves in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The declaration of the All-Serb Assembly last year already contained dangerous rhetoric and ideas that will not bring either Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the European Union.

*What outcome do you foresee for the current regime in Serbia?

– It is not for me to speculate on the further development of the situation in Serbia. But I can tell you what kind of future I would like to see for Serbia: I would like to see Serbia as a full member of the European Union as soon as possible. I am convinced that Serbia would greatly benefit from a credible reform path required for membership. And the EU would benefit from the potential, creativity, culture, and passion of the Serbian people for their country, their region, and our shared European home.

More than three years after the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe's energy security remains seriously threatened, despite efforts to free the continent from dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Although the European Union set an ambitious goal immediately after the outbreak of the conflict to completely cut energy ties with Moscow by 2027, the reality on the ground paints a different picture – one full of challenges, uncertainty, and increasingly evident cracks in that strategy.

Under market pressure, but also due to increasingly unstable political relations with key partners such as the US, European companies are quietly but more frequently considering what was almost unthinkable just a year ago: the return of Russian gas, including direct cooperation with the state energy giant – “Gazprom.”

During the 2022–2023 energy crisis, American liquefied natural gas (LNG) was crucial in filling the gap caused by the halt of Russian deliveries. However, with the return of Donald Trump to the political scene – and his increasingly open strategy of using energy as a negotiating tool – European companies are becoming more cautious.

Trump makes no secret of his ambition for American energy resources to become an instrument in trade negotiations with the EU, further undermining European leaders’ trust in the stability and predictability of US supply. In such a climate, voices calling for a renewal of ties with Russia – even on a limited scale – are growing louder, though still mostly informal – writes Nova.

Major Companies

One of the first to openly speak about the possible return of Russian gas was Didier Holleaux, Executive Vice President of the French company “Engie.” He believes that in the event of a “reasonable peace” in Ukraine, Europe could consider importing 60 to 70 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually – which would cover between 20 and 25% of Europe’s needs. That is significantly less than the 40% share Russian gas held before the war, but still a substantial amount.

A similar view was expressed by Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of “TotalEnergies,” who warns against excessive dependence on American LNG. His company is a major exporter of American gas but is also involved in the sale of Russian LNG through the private firm “Novatek.” Pouyanné claims that the EU must turn to greater source diversification, because “relying on one or two suppliers poses a serious strategic risk.”

Germany Between Reality and Politics

Unlike France, which has a more diversified energy mix thanks to nuclear power, Germany built its industrial power over decades by relying on cheap Russian gas. That dependence made it particularly vulnerable after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

In the Leuna chemical complex, one of the country’s key industrial centers, more and more executives from companies such as “Dow Chemical” and “Shell” are openly calling for a return to Russian supply. Christoph Günther, director of the company “InfraLeuna,” emphasizes that Germany’s chemical industry has recorded five consecutive quarters of decline – something not seen in decades. According to him, restarting gas pipelines would have a greater impact on cost reduction than any currently available state subsidy.

German public opinion is also beginning to shift. Research shows that one-third of Germans support the return of Russian gas, while in eastern regions such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that percentage reaches 49%. Klaus Paur, director of the petrochemical company “Leuna-Harze,” states directly: “We need Russian gas and cheap energy – regardless of where it comes from. We must keep control over costs, and that is not possible without Nord Stream 2.”

Trump’s Gas – Partner or Weapon?

In 2024, American LNG accounted for 16.7% of the EU’s energy imports, placing it behind Norway (33.6%) but still ahead of Russia (18.8%). However, the Russian share is expected to fall below 10%, given the closure of Ukrainian transit routes. What remains mainly comes in the form of LNG, mostly through the company “Novatek.”

The European Commission has announced an increase in US LNG imports, but it is also aware of the growing risks. The Trump administration has made it clear that gas will be used as a means of pressure to reduce the EU’s trade surplus.

Tatiana Mitrova, an analyst at Columbia University, warns that American gas is no longer a “neutral commodity” but is becoming a geopolitical tool. If a trade war erupts, there is a real possibility that the US will limit gas exports, especially in the event of increased domestic demand due to industrial growth and artificial intelligence.

Legal Battles and Quiet Diplomacy

After “Gazprom” failed to deliver the contracted gas volumes at the height of the crisis, several European firms initiated arbitration proceedings. Courts ruled in favor of companies such as “Uniper,” which was awarded 14 billion euros, and Austria’s OMV, which received 230 million euros. German firm RWE is seeking an additional two billion, while others, like “Engie,” have yet to reveal specific claims.

Didier Holleaux suggests that one possible route for restoring cooperation with Russia would be to resume gas deliveries via Ukraine – as part of efforts to comply with arbitration rulings. “You want to return to the market? Fine – but first pay what you owe,” Holleaux told “Gazprom.”

Ukrainian Fears

The possibility of returning to Russian gas raises concerns not only in Brussels but also in Kyiv. Maxim Timchenko, CEO of the Ukrainian company DTEK, expresses hope that Europe will remain consistent and not repeat past mistakes. “It’s hard for me to say this as a Ukrainian, but I believe that European politicians have learned the lesson when it comes to relying on Russia,” he said.