Europe

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has announced plans to grant legal status to about 500,000 undocumented migrants, a move officials describe as a recognition of the economic and social value of migration, even as other Western countries adopt stricter immigration policies, Aaljazeera has reported.

For Joel Caceda, a 30-year-old migrant from Peru, the decision offers long-awaited relief. After losing his left arm in a farming accident, he now struggles to earn a living through delivery work, a situation common among migrants who arrive in Spain without legal documents.

Caceda welcomed the government’s plan, which stands in contrast to tougher approaches in parts of Europe, including Denmark, Germany and Austria, as well as in the United States.

“This is good for me and many others. It will mean the chance to become legal after six years working here without any official papers,” he told Al Jazeera from his home in Barcelona.

“It will give me the chance to get a flat with my partner and her daughter and live a better life.”

His experience reflects that of thousands of migrants who survive through Spain’s informal economy while navigating lengthy and complex administrative processes in pursuit of residency papers.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Spanish Migration Minister Elma Saiz said those covered by the policy would have the right to work “in any sector, in any part of the country,” while stressing “the positive impact” of migration on Spain.

“We are talking about estimations, probably more or less the figures may be around half a million people,” she said, adding that the government was “recognising” migrants already living in the country and restoring dignity to their lives.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has repeatedly argued that migration remains essential to Spain’s economy. He has said the country needs foreign workers to fill labour shortages and to balance the effects of an ageing population that places pressure on pensions and social services.

Civil society groups have also welcomed the decision. Laetitia Van der Vennet of the Platform for Undocumented Immigrants described the policy as a sharp contrast to rising hostility toward migrants in Europe and North America.

“At a time when a hostile environment against migrants is spreading on both sides of the Atlantic, this move shows both humanity and common sense,” she said.

Ousman Umar, a Ghanaian migrant and founder of the NASCO Feeding Minds NGO, said the policy would benefit Spain as much as migrants themselves. Umar spent five years attempting to reach Europe and survived extreme hardship before arriving in Spain, where he once lived on the streets.

“This is not only going to be good for migrants but the whole society. It will mean that these people can start working legally, pay taxes and social security,” he told Al Jazeera.

“This will mean that all these people pay into the pension system in a country where the birthrate is low and there is a growing number of older people.”

Lamine Sar, who came to Spain from Senegal 18 years ago and now works with the Top Manta fashion label, echoed similar views. The brand highlights the reality faced by migrants who sell goods on blankets, known as mantas, in city streets.

“This is a huge step forward, not just for migrants in Spain but for everyone. It will mean these people contribute to society instead of being used in a kind of slavery in the black economy,” he said.

Under the new rules, the regularisation will cover migrants who have lived in Spain for at least five months and who applied for international protection before December 31, 2025. Children of eligible applicants who already reside in Spain will also be included. Applications will open in April and close in June.

The government approved the measure through a decree, which avoids a parliamentary vote. The Socialist-led coalition lacks a majority and could have faced strong resistance from the conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox party.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal criticised the move, warning of serious consequences. “The invasion kills. The arrival of half a million migrants will be a call to another half million migrants and put under strain on our health system, social security and security,” he wrote in an online post.

Despite such opposition, official figures show that irregular migration to Spain dropped by more than 40 percent last year. Authorities attribute the decline largely to agreements with Morocco and several West African countries that focus on security and cooperation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

More than half of Europeans now regard US President Donald Trump as an “enemy” of Europe, a new opinion poll has shown.

The survey, published on January 23, was conducted across seven European Union countries. It revealed that 51 percent of respondents hold a negative view of Trump’s relationship with the continent. By contrast, only eight percent described him as a “friend” of Europe.

The findings indicate a steady rise in distrust toward the US president since September last year. Public confidence has weakened over time, reflecting growing unease about his policies and rhetoric toward Europe.

According to TRT World, respondents in Denmark emerged as some of the most critical in the poll. This followed repeated statements by Trump in which he threatened to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.

The poll highlights widening scepticism across Europe about the US president’s intentions and his approach to transatlantic relations.

By Maryam Ahmad

Russian President Vladimir Putin struck a defiant tone in a speech to his defence ministry, insisting that Russia’s goals in the war in Ukraine “will undoubtedly be achieved,” either through diplomacy or by “military means.”

While signalling openness to what he described as “substantive talks” with the United States, Putin dismissed European leaders in crude terms, referring to them as “little pigs” as they discuss proposals to increase funding for Ukraine.

The comments come as diplomatic activity intensifies in Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to join European Union leaders in Brussels on Thursday, where discussions will focus on continued political, military and financial support for Kyiv amid the protracted conflict.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, including HBO Max and the company’s historic film studios, in a landmark deal valued at $83 billion, marking one of the most significant shake-ups in modern entertainment history.

The agreement brings together Netflix’s vast global streaming footprint with Warner Bros’ deep library of iconic franchises, from DC superheroes to the Wizarding World, and critically acclaimed HBO series such as Game of Thrones and Succession.

As part of the arrangement, Warner Bros Discovery will first spin off its cable networks — including CNN, TNT and TBS — into a separate entity before the sale is finalised. The merger still faces regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe, with critics warning that the consolidation could suppress competition and limit creative diversity.

If approved, the tie-up would create a powerhouse straddling both Hollywood tradition and streaming dominance, reshaping the future of global media.

By Maryam Ahmad

German police have arrested 16 people in a major operation against an international network behind a telephone fraud known as the “grandchild scam.”

The Berlin State Criminal Police Office stated that the operation involved officers from all German states, as well as Europol and police forces in Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

Several call centres linked to the scam were shut down, and 44 planned fraud attempts — worth about €2 million (₦3.9 billion) — were prevented.

In the scheme, fraudsters call elderly victims pretending to be relatives in urgent need of money. In some cases, they claim to have caused a fatal road accident and are followed by fake police officers demanding cash to avoid prosecution.

The suspects, aged between 22 and 63, included callers and money collectors. Among them is a 26-year-old Slovakian woman accused of similar crimes in her country.

Police said the coordinated raids took place between mid-September and late October.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Swiss Federal Council has ruled out introducing a nationwide ban on schoolgirls wearing the hijab in public schools, stating that existing laws sufficiently regulate issues of participation and equality in education.

In a statement issued this week, the Council emphasized that current legal frameworks already ensure that all students, regardless of religion or cultural background, take part fully in lessons, sports, and swimming classes. It added that individual cantons retain authority over education policies, including dress codes in schools.

The decision follows ongoing debates in several European countries over the wearing of religious symbols in public institutions. Swiss authorities reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of religion and expression while maintaining that integration and participation remain key priorities in the education system.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a stunning act of political defiance, nine Dutch ministers have resigned en masse, declaring they could not be complicit in what they described as the “silent endorsement of a humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

The resignations have sent shockwaves through the Netherlands’ political establishment, shaking the foundations of the coalition government and igniting fierce debate across Europe. In their fiery joint statement, the departing ministers condemned the West’s “selective morality” and accused their own government of “turning a blind eye to mass suffering.”

Crowds gathered outside parliament in The Hague to applaud the move, with activists hailing it as an unprecedented moral stand in modern European politics. Critics, however, warned the resignations could plunge the government into chaos at a time of deepening international tensions.

“This is not about politics; it is about conscience,” one of the resigning ministers declared. “History will not forgive silence in the face of Gaza’s devastation.”

Analysts say the mass resignation marks a rare moment where political survival has been sacrificed for principle—an act many believe will reverberate far beyond Dutch borders.

By Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim

Recently, I have been reflecting on public behaviour as I witness it in our local environments—schools, seminars, workshops, and similar gatherings. There is a stark contrast between what I observe here and what I see while watching lectures and discussions in the US, Europe, and other developed regions. The difference is striking, and unfortunately, it does not favour us.

Consider, for example, the simple yet profound act of listening and paying attention. I recently watched a Harvard professor facilitating a mature and highly engaging debate among his students on affirmative action and legacy admissions. What struck me was not only the relevance and depth of the topic but also the respect, composure, and attentiveness of the participants. Each speaker was heard without unnecessary interruption, and ideas were exchanged with mutual understanding—something that even the Nigerian Senate struggles to master.

Now, think about similar gatherings in Nigeria. It’s almost inevitable to hear teachers, speakers, or MCs repeatedly pleading, “Please be quiet!” during lessons or formal sessions. But why is it so hard for us to stay silent? Part of the problem is that many people do not realize that their individual choices matter.

People assume, “My little noise won’t make a difference; others are listening anyway.” But that is precisely the issue. The collective “little noise” from multiple individuals merges into a loud, distracting hum in the hall. If every person makes a conscious decision to remain silent and focused, the entire atmosphere will change. Ironically, those who think they are too insignificant to make an impact often do—but in a negative way. As the saying goes, if you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito!

Listening is not just about remaining silent—it is an act of respect and engagement. Your noise doesn’t just disturb serious-minded people around you; it also impacts the speaker’s performance. Non-verbal cues—such as the facial expressions of the audience—are vital to a speaker. A presentation can be either enhanced or ruined by the listeners’ posture, attention, and responsiveness. The energy a speaker receives from the audience directly affects the effectiveness of the session.

Your attention speaks volumes about you. Have you ever noticed how some people form friendships at events without even speaking to one another during the session? Yet, they find themselves drawn together by the positive energy they radiate through their attentiveness. I personally experienced this—I once met a remarkable individual whose rapt attention during a session caught my eye. After the event, I approached him, only to discover that he had also noticed the same attentiveness in me. That silent connection laid the foundation for a lasting friendship. We did not interrupt the session, nor did we disturb others, yet we gained something invaluable.

As a student, recognize that your attention is your most valuable asset. You get the most from your teacher not only by attending class but also by actively listening and fostering an environment where learning can flourish. The saying “attention is not free; it is paid” rings true—you must pay attention to acquire knowledge.

Likewise, as an audience member at any formal gathering, remember that your main purpose is to learn. Learning occurs only when you truly listen. Let us develop the discipline of attentiveness, as it is not only a sign of respect but also a characteristic of highly successful individuals. Public conduct is important, and in this instance, it starts with silence and a receptive ear.

Abubakar wrote from Katsina via abubakarmuhammadaminu21@gmail.com.

Coming to Europe—legally or otherwise—is not easy. Countries, including Germany, have tightened their immigration policies and continue to do so.

Of course, several European countries have a shortage of highly skilled workers. However, they follow due, often bureaucratic, processes to hire those workers.

I don’t know how to hire or influence anybody or any institution to hire anyone. If I knew, my immediate family and close friends would be the first I would bring here, not “random” social media contacts.

I appeal to some people who contact me via DM about job and scholarship opportunities in Germany. I share such openings here and, especially, on LinkedIn. Try your luck and pray. Muhsin may not be able to help you in the way you think.

Everything is available on the Internet. Explore sites and YouTube. But don’t fall for scammers. Your employers will not ask you for money; instead, they will pay you. Scholarships are not for sale. Your qualifications and competence will earn you one.

May the Almighty God make it easy for everyone, amin. May you secure your dream job or scholarship sooner than you anticipate, amin.

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim teaches at the University of Cologne in Germany and he can be reached via muhsin2008@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Jameel Yusha’u, PhD

Apart from hosting us in their house during the Thanksgiving holiday, Danielle Callaway Njama and her husband, Philip Njama, booked a ticket for us to visit the National Museum of African American History in Washington DC. It was another rich historical voyage. I strongly recommend visiting the museum if you happen to be in Washington DC.

The museum, formally launched by President Barack Obama in 2016, documents the history of slavery and the unspoken contribution of Africans to European and American economies.

Walking through the floors of the museum, an air of historical insecurity, goosebumps, and lamentation engulfs you. As you read through the stories of how the enslaved Africans were transported to Europe and North America in chains and other inhuman conditions, you feel the blood of sympathy circumambulating in your veins.

While these thoughts were going through my mind, there was sudden silence among my family. I turned back, and my eldest daughter was in tears, struggling to hold her emotions while reading through the stories of Africans like Ayoub Suleiman from The Gambia, who was enslaved in Maryland, and Mahommah Baquaqua from Benin, who was sold in Brazil and transported to New York.

Being a student of economic development, I couldn’t miss the section in the museum that estimated the value of cotton produced by African Americans to $250,000,000 in 1861; and the value assigned to enslaved African Americans at $3,059,000,000 in 1860. What is the value in today’s terms?

This is a difficult history, but as I have discussed many times with friends and colleagues, Africans shouldn’t allow themselves to be the psychological prisoners of the trauma caused by slavery. Yes, it is difficult, but Africans must move forward with zeal and unparalleled determination to write a glorious chapter of their story no matter the odds against them. Creating a path to development is the antibiotic to economic dependency.

Takeaway: Torturous lessons of history are difficult to ignore. It is the lessons from history that help determined communities to write a glittering chapter for future generations.

Muhammad Jameel Yusha’u, PhD, is a candidate for a Mid-Career Master’s in Public Administration at Harvard University, John F Kennedy School of Government. He can be reached via mjyushau@yahoo.com.