The year 2025 saw Donald Trump reclaim the presidency of the United States, significantly influencing global politics while Europe grappled with internal crises and conflicts. Major events included ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, and political instability within the European Union. As Trump reasserted his dominance on the world stage, Europe witnessed a rise in far-right politics, a political paralysis in France, and the surprising return of Andrej Babiš to power in the Czech Republic.
Trump’s Influence on Global Affairs
Trump’s return to the White House in 2025 transformed international relations. His administration implemented substantial tariffs on imports from numerous countries, reshaping global trade dynamics. According to N1, his influence was acknowledged by Brussels’ Politika, which named him the most powerful figure in Europe, despite the list typically being reserved for European leaders. Trump’s approach reignited tensions with EU nations, compelling them into unfavorable trade agreements and pushing NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.
His administration renewed diplomatic ties with Russia, while adopting a confrontational stance towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump insisted on access to Ukraine’s strategic minerals in exchange for continued support, as the conflict with Russia dragged into its fifth year. Efforts to end the war yielded limited results, though he successfully pressured both sides to agree to a fragile ceasefire in Gaza on October 10, 2025.
Ceasefire Developments and Humanitarian Challenges
The tenuous ceasefire in Gaza followed over two years of intense conflict, catalyzed by U.S. intervention. The agreement included a halt to hostilities, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Despite this, the situation remained volatile, with both parties accusing each other of ceasefire violations. Since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, over 69,000 Palestinians had died, with thousands more affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The ceasefire allowed for increased humanitarian aid, but the destruction in Gaza left hundreds of thousands in dire conditions. The conflict escalated following a June attack by Israel on Iran, which led to a 12-day war, culminating in U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. In September, Israel conducted an unprecedented strike on Qatar’s capital, targeting Hamas leadership engaged in ceasefire negotiations.
The brutal Israeli offensive in Gaza, described by UN representatives as genocidal, prompted a wave of recognition for Palestine, with several Western nations—including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia—acknowledging its statehood.
Continued Conflict in Ukraine
Despite Trump’s diplomatic efforts, the war in Ukraine persisted, edging closer to its fifth year. Late in 2025, Ukraine and the U.S. revised an initial American peace proposal that had aligned too closely with Russian interests for Kyiv’s and its European allies’ approval. Ukraine announced its withdrawal from NATO accession talks in exchange for security guarantees, yet disagreements remained over control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Throughout 2025, fierce fighting continued as Ukraine managed to resist the Russian invasion, bolstered by significant military and financial aid from the West. Ukrainian forces executed successful attacks on Russian oil facilities, while Russia made slow advances at a high cost. As winter approached, Moscow intensified its assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, further destabilizing the region.
Political Shifts in Europe
The political landscape in Europe was marked by significant changes. In Germany, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) returned to power after parliamentary elections held on February 23, 2025, succeeding the Social Democratic government. CDU secured 28.4% of the votes, forming a coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which faced its worst results since 1945, garnering only 16.3%.
The radical right-wing party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), emerged as a major player, more than doubling its support to 20.7% of the vote. With 152 seats in the Bundestag, the AfD reflected a growing influence of far-right politics in the country.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron faced an unprecedented political crisis, as no single bloc managed to secure a majority in the newly elected parliament. This led to the appointment of four minority governments, with Macron’s second cabinet being ousted in September 2025 due to budget disputes. The appointment of close ally Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister ended after just 27 days amid threats of a no-confidence vote.
Babiš’s Return and EU Challenges
In the Czech Republic, Babiš returned to power after a decisive victory in October 2025, forming a government with radical nationalists and Eurosceptics. His populist approach raised concerns about his alignment with far-right leaders in Hungary and Slovakia, particularly regarding EU policies on Ukraine. Babiš’s promises, including halting military aid to Ukraine, faced skepticism as he attempted to balance domestic expectations with international obligations.
Corruption Scandals Erupt in the EU
The European Union faced yet another corruption scandal by the end of 2025, following the arrest of former Foreign Affairs Chief Federica Mogherini. Accusations related to corruption in a youth diplomat training program were levied against her and other high-ranking officials, jeopardizing the credibility of EU institutions. The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, raised alarms about potential conflicts of interest and breaches of professional secrecy.
As Europe grappled with these challenges, political violence in the U.S. intensified, culminating in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025. His death further polarized American society, highlighting the increasing tensions and extremism characterizing the political landscape.
The Vatican also witnessed a historic transition with the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born in the United States. Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the new pope vowed to continue his predecessor’s focus on social issues, including poverty and environmental protection.
Amid these political upheavals, the Louvre Museum in Paris experienced a spectacular heist on October 19, 2025, as thieves stole jewelry valued at €88 million in under eight minutes. This incident raised serious questions about security at cultural institutions in France, prompting authorities to reassess their protective measures.
As 2025 concluded, the world found itself at a critical juncture, with global security, democracy, and institutional integrity facing unprecedented challenges.
