The EU defends the sanctions as a means toward protecting the rule of law, judicial independence, and transparency; Warsaw and Budapest, however, read the ruling as a political tool used to punish governments that the EU disapproves of.

Beware of those who would betray the proud Gascon. Obviously, Joe Wright, the American director who embarked on the highly questionable adventure of adapting Cyrano to the wokish style, must not have been aware of the risks involved.

The German Agora Institute proposed the introduction of a new car toll to compensate for the loss of tax revenue that will follow the transition from gas to electric vehicles. It is the latest proposal of an institute with strong ties to Germany’s Green lobby.

The temporary measure, having spent nearly two years on the statute books, was due to expire at the end of this month.

International Women’s Day saw a rift between feminists marching in Spanish cities, as some supported the government’s legislation on gender identification, whereas others preferred a biological definition of the female sex.

Tolkien maintained a great Marian piety throughout his lifetime. Indeed, he said that his entire vision of beauty was grounded in the simplicity and magnificence of the Mother of God.