EUROPE

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President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit, confirmed via a post on X. The announcement follows a week in which Ukraine was excluded from US-Russia talks on the ongoing war. Both leaders "agreed on the urgent need for an inclusive peace process" during a phone conversation, with Zelensky emphasizing, "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine."

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Romania's outgoing centrist president, Klaus Iohannis, resigned on Monday to preempt an impeachment attempt by hard-right opposition parties in parliament. The resignation comes after Romania, an EU and NATO member bordering Ukraine, was plunged into institutional chaos last year when a far-right NATO critic won the first round of the presidential election.

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Every year on February 20, the world observes World Day of Social Justice, a day dedicated to promoting equality, human rights, and the eradication of social injustices. Established by the United Nations, this day serves as a reminder that fairness, dignity, and equal opportunities should be fundamental rights for all, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or nationality.  

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The EU has ordered online fashion giant Shein to provide information on risks related to illegal products sold on its platform, opening the door for a second investigation into the Chinese-founded company. The European Commission's request, announced Thursday, comes a day after confirming a separate probe into Shein's compliance with EU consumer protection rules.

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French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday, granting him a reprieve after less than two months in office. However, his future remains uncertain after using a controversial constitutional article on Monday to push through his cost-cutting budget without a vote. Bayrou, a veteran centrist appointed by President Emmanuel Macron to resolve a political crisis, defended the budget as "an urgent step."

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Thousands are evacuating the Greek island of Santorini due to intense seismic activity. Local reports indicate that around 6,000 individuals have departed via ferry since Sunday, and emergency flights are set for Tuesday. Over the past 48 hours, more than 300 earthquakes have been detected near the island, with some experts suggesting the tremors could persist for weeks. Schools have been shut down for the week, and warnings have been issued against large gatherings indoors, though Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is calling for calmness among residents and visitors.