Oct 7, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks a diplomatic agreement to end the war in Ukraine, following a phone conversation between the two leaders. Speaking after a subsequent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump called on both sides to reach a resolution prior to winter, stating that "if Zelensky wants a deal, that would be great."

Zelensky described his discussions with the American president as "positive and productive," adding that both Washington and Kyiv share the goal of stopping the conflict in the coming months. Trump reiterated his push for a negotiated settlement, emphasizing that both sides must enter negotiations to conclude hostilities.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced target average monthly wages of €1,600 by 2028, alongside upcoming consultations in October to adjust the gross minimum wage from its current €1,050. To support long-term economic resilience, the government also presented a National Industrial Plan through 2034, allocating nearly €3 billion to boost manufacturing's share of GDP through technological modernization.

However, business representatives and economists expressed concern over the sustainability of current growth models. Mislav Balković, president of the Croatian Employers' Association, cautioned that wage growth is outpacing labor productivity, arguing that private enterprise must drive future expansion rather than public spending and EU funds. Additionally, economist Ljubo Jurčić warned that despite 22 consecutive quarters of growth, economic momentum is slowing, describing the economy as floating "without an engine and without a rudder."

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik, Vijesti.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her sixth State of the Union address, emphasizing the need for a new security architecture and economic independence from global powers such as China and the United States. She highlighted competitive business environments, reduced energy costs, climate adaptation, and migration reform as key priorities for the bloc.

In parallel, von der Leyen met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković at the EU MED9 summit in Split. Their bilateral talks focused on regional energy security amid Middle Eastern instability, government efforts to cap fuel and electricity prices, and political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Plenković emphasized the importance of electoral and political reforms to ensure the equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina's three constituent peoples.

Sources: Avaz, HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik

French authorities convened an interministerial crisis unit led by Sébastien Lecornu after student-led blockades escalated into widespread violence across secondary schools and urban transport networks. Education Minister Édouard Geffray ordered 400 to 500 high schools to suspend in-person classes and transition to distance learning, citing severe safety concerns.

According to ministry reports, at least 24 educational facilities suffered vandalism or arson, including an intentional fire that destroyed the entrance of Nantes's Nelson Mandela High School. Unrest also extended to public transport, with attacks on bus drivers reported in Marseille and transit disruptions in Strasbourg. High school and university groups have called for further mobilization to demand additional funding and teacher replacements, while government officials characterized the escalating agitation as urban violence.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

Tehran has formally transitioned to a "completely offensive" military stance following the breakdown of peace negotiations with Washington and the expiration of a 60-day memorandum of understanding. Iranian military officials declared they will not yield until achieving the "complete defeat" of American forces in the region. In response, Washington confirmed it has no intention of renewing the temporary ceasefire agreement.

The diplomatic impasse has immediately escalated into direct military action near strategic maritime choke points. United States Central Command stated that American forces struck five Iranian oil tankers, sinking one vessel, following Iranian attacks against a US warship. Analysts caution that mounting economic pressures and naval clashes near the Strait of Hormuz drastically increase the likelihood of a wider regional confrontation.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.