The Time of My Life: Top 20 International News Stories of February 27, 2025: Global Affairs, Environment, Economy, and Politics

International Relations

US-Russia high-level officials to meet in Istanbul, discuss normalization of embassy operations
US and Russian high-level officials are set to meet in Istanbul to discuss normalizing embassy operations between the two countries.
Trump announces 25% tariff on EU products
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on products from the European Union.
Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports delayed to April 2
President Trump has announced that the implementation of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports will be delayed until April 2.
Ukraine war enters its third year, low prospects for negotiations
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, fighting is likely to intensify with little hope for major military or political breakthroughs.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to visit US on February 28
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit the United States on February 28.

Extreme heatwaves predicted if fossil fuel emissions not reduced
New research suggests that extreme temperatures are expected across Australia if measures are not taken to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
2024 recorded as hottest year in world history
2024 has been recorded as the hottest year in world history, with January 2025 also being the hottest January on record.

G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting scheduled
South Africa is set to host the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, with climate finance, food insecurity, and inequality expected to be on the agenda.
World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings scheduled
The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings are scheduled for April 21-26, with discussions expected on inflation outlook, growth trends, and geopolitical developments.

Early general election in Germany
Germany is holding an early general election due to the collapse of the coalition government. A coalition between the center-right Christian Democratic Union and the current ruling Social Democratic Party is expected.
Romanian presidential election to be re-held
The Romanian presidential election, which was invalidated due to allegations of Russian interference, will be re-held. Far-right candidate Calin Georgescu is favored to win.
Albanian parliamentary elections
Albania is holding parliamentary elections. The Socialist Party is expected to retain power, and for the first time, Albanian citizens living abroad will be able to participate through electronic voting.

UK announces plans to increase defense spending
The UK Prime Minister has announced plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
IISS Shangri-La Dialogue scheduled
The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue is scheduled to be held in Singapore from May 30 to June 1. Major security issues in the Indo-Pacific region are expected to be discussed.

Boxing likely to be included as official sport in 2028 LA Olympics
Boxing, which was at risk of being excluded from the Olympics, is now likely to be included as an official sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Safety concerns rise during Jewish Passover holiday
Threats against Jewish communities are expected to increase in some countries during the Passover holiday period from April 12 to 20.
World Health Assembly scheduled
The 77th WHO World Health Assembly is scheduled to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 27 to June 1, with the theme "Health for all, all for health."
Increased security threats expected during Ramadan
Security threats are expected to increase in some regions during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, from February 28 to March 30.
AI Action Summit scheduled
The 3rd AI Action Summit is scheduled to be held in Paris, France from February 10 to 11, with discussions on AI for public good, the future of work, innovation and culture, AI trust, and global AI governance.
China's Two Sessions to be held
China's annual "Two Sessions" meetings of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the National People's Congress are scheduled to begin on March 5, with expectations for China's economic policy direction to be outlined.