NewsWatch

Will Europe Stand Up?

In a powerful commentary published in Politico, Gary Kasparov, former world chess champion and public advocate for democracy, and Gabrielius Landsbergis, member of the European Council on Foreign Relations and former Lithuanian foreign minister, highlighted the European Union’s current ineffectiveness on the world stage (August 3, 2025). They state that the EU we know today was founded on the principles of peace, diplomacy, incrementalism, and cooperation—thus, most of the EU’s efforts to work with its adversaries have involved trying to gently bring them to the negotiating table. However, these writers claim that this philosophy cannot work in today’s world, where dictators and extremist leaders are continually on the rise. In their opinion, incrementalism is ineffective with such rulers and “only feeds their aggression.”

“The solution,” they claim, “requires a wholesale re-envisioning of what European leadership will look like in the 21st century, in response to the new threats facing the continent.” Their vision is reflected well in the essay’s title: “Europe’s Future Depends on Confrontation, Not Compromise.” They conclude their essay by asserting, “Europe is not doomed to fail. But to survive will take the understanding that freedom is no longer free, and that all available means must be used to defend it.” In essence, they suggest that Europe begin to take a more “No more Mr. Nice Guy” approach to world affairs or face becoming irrelevant. Such a dramatic change of direction may force the EU to revisit the “two-speed Europe” idea that has been bantered about for so long.

The Future of the Euro

The United States dollar has been the global reserve currency for decades, but its recent weaponization is moving nations to seek alternatives. One of the potential alternatives that is gaining world attention is the “unit” currency being considered by BRICS nations, though it remains in the theoretical stage. However, the European Union already has the euro, and some leaders are calling for efforts to raise its profile as an alternative global currency. In May 2025, the European Central Bank president, Christine Lagarde, suggested that “the euro could become a viable alternative to the dollar, earning the 20-nation bloc immense benefits, if governments could only strengthen the bloc’s financial and security architecture” (Reuters, May 26, 2025).

Nations and investors, concerned with the erratic nature of U.S. fiscal policy, have recently been moving out of the dollar and into gold. Lagarde, however, suggested that Europe must take advantage of the current situation: “The ongoing changes create the opening for a ‘global euro moment.’” She noted that such a situation will not arise by chance; it must be pursued. She also acknowledged that “any enhanced role for the euro must coincide with greater military strength that can back up partnerships.” And trust in the EU seems to be growing. A recent poll showed that more Europeans trust the EU than trust their own national governments (Reuters, May 28, 2025).

As volatile U.S. decisions propel Europe forward on the world scene, it is important to view these events through the lens of Bible prophecy. God’s word reveals that a future European “beast” power will also become a major global trade engine (see Revelation 17–18). This effort could be greatly enhanced if European currency becomes more widely used and trusted.

European Youth Lose Faith in Democracy

Democracy is hailed by many as the best form of government that mankind has ever invented. Yet, surprising to some, democracy is not the longest lived or the most stable form of government. Advocates of democracy claim it empowers the people and makes possible greater freedoms, but what happens when democracy fails to bring about its promises?

A new study reflects the disillusionment many European youth feel about democracy. “Only half of young people in France and Spain believe democracy is the best form of government, with support even lower among their Polish counterparts” (The Guardian, July 4, 2025). Soberingly, 21 percent admitted that they would prefer authoritarian rule to democracy under some circumstances. Among those who identify as being disadvantaged and “politically to the right of centre,” only a third support democracy. As a political scientist at Berlin’s Free University observed, “Democracy is under pressure, from within and without.”

While the perspectives highlighted by this recent study are not surprising given the political uncertainty in democracies today, they are particularly sobering from a prophetic perspective. When people become disillusioned with their governments, they become more receptive to something different. And when a powerful leader comes on the scene with promises of a better way, such individuals will be more willing to follow. This is exactly what the Bible prophesies will take place at the end of the age—an extremely influential political leader will arise in Europe, allied with a religious leader who will perform signs and wonders (see Revelation 13).

The Destructive Power of Marijuana

For decades, marijuana advocates have touted how supposedly safe cannabis or marijuana is for recreational use, even in the face of many studies showing otherwise. This mistaken approach has led many states and nations to decriminalize its use. Yet, even as usage expands, new research findings continue to build a powerful case for the many dangers of this psychoactive drug. A study from the University of California, San Francisco, for instance, shows that “chronic smokers of marijuana have poorly functioning blood vessels similar to chronic smokers of tobacco” (Live Science, June 3, 2025). The study’s lead researcher also warned of the negative health effects of marijuana edibles (brownies and gummies), noting, “THC edibles also appear to be associated with this problem.” Cannabis use is also associated with increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Marijuana is an addictive drug that impairs memory, learning, attention, muscle coordination, and reaction times. It damages lungs and is linked to social anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and decreased male fertility. Among pregnant mothers, it is linked to lower birthweight in babies, “which puts the baby at risk of having a harder time eating, gaining weight, and staving off infection. Cannabis use also increases the odds that a baby will be stillborn” (Maine Department of Public Safety, June 2025). Ultimately, THC makes marijuana a psychoactive drug—meaning that it alters brain function, interfering with one’s thoughts and emotions.

Marijuana use, like drunkenness from alcohol, results in intoxication. The Bible clearly states that drunkards—those seeking intoxication—will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10) and teaches that the body is the “temple” of God’s Holy Spirit (v. 19). Such strong admonitions make it clear that we should not put into our bodies substances that will destroy them. While proponents of recreational marijuana use proclaim its virtues, the facts reveal that it is a dangerous and destructive drug.

The Complexities of the Milky Way

Scientists have predicted that our Milky Way galaxy may host more than 100 faint “satellite galaxies”—far beyond the roughly 60 that have already been cataloged—using cutting-edge dark matter simulations and new mathematical models (Live Science, July 14, 2025). The idea of hidden galaxies was presented recently at the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting in Durham, England, and gives us a glimpse into the Creator’s divine hand in the universe around us.

While astronomers are just now discovering that these hidden galaxies may exist, the Bible reveals that God “counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name” (Psalm 147:4). Each unseen galaxy speaks of God’s infinite knowledge and wisdom. As these satellite galaxies come into view, they testify to a Creator who ordains even the smallest wonders. King David, who also contemplated the stars, wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Astrophysicists theorize that dark matter halos—invisible to the eye—sculpt the cosmos, guiding every galaxy’s formation and path. In such powerful but silent influences, we glimpse the hand of our Creator and the divine order shaping all things. The real possibility of hundreds of hidden galaxies serves to deepen our sense of God’s creative power.

Will a Russian Nuclear Test Site Restart?

Russia may be preparing to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 1990. Senior Russian officials, including lawmakers and military leaders, have visited the Novaya Zemlya test site—a Cold War-era facility where the Soviet Union conducted more than 130 nuclear tests. Novaya Zemlya was the site of the Tsar Bomba detonation in 1961—the most powerful nuclear explosion ever recorded. The site is reportedly “fully combat ready,” with personnel and equipment prepared to begin testing if ordered (MSN, August 27, 2025). Some Russian hardliners have urged a live nuclear test as a show of defiance to the West amid tensions over Ukraine. Rear Admiral Andrei Sinitsyn, who oversees the facility, stated that testing could begin immediately if authorized.

Dmitry Stefanovich, a defense analyst at the Russian Centre for International Security, has warned that internal pressures—especially from a new generation of nuclear officials—could push for testing. He has noted that no technical need exists for live detonations, as Russia has advanced simulation technologies.

The resurgence of extreme military posturing, including nuclear threats, reflects a dramatic loss of international restraint—even as Scripture warns of a time coming when peace will be taken from the earth (Revelation 6:4).