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Thursday, 8 October 2026
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Thursday, 8 October 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

Ursula von der Leyen

Also known as: European Commission chief · European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen · European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen

European Commission President who has announced plans to restrict children's access to social media and received an expert panel's recommendations on the issue.

2026-05-062026-10-08

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. Citizen Digital

    … Others are Prime Ministers Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Shigeru Ishiba (Japan) and Keir Starmer (Britain), as well as European Union representatives António Costa (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission). …

    Ruto arrives in France for G7 Summit, to push Africa's case for financial reform
  3. The Standard

    … tes), Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.Others are Prime Ministers Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Shigeru Ishiba (Japan) and Keir Starmer (Britain), and the European Union's António Costa (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen …

    Ruto arrives in France for G7 Summit
  4. The Standard

    … European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen stressed the "priority now is its swift and full implementation" -- calling on "all parties to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and implement a genuine ceasefire.""There can be no peace in the Middle East while …

    EU welcomes US-Iran deal to end 'costly war'
  5. May 2026
  6. The Standard

    … "This means we will soon deliver on our part," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said as she welcomed the agreement and called for the implementation process to be finalised quickly."Together, we can ensure stable, predictable, balanced, and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade," …

    EU agrees to implement US trade pact after Trump threats
  7. Citizen Digital

    … Let's change that," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-m', container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails', placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' }); The European Commission …

    One trip, one ticket: New EU rules aim to ease train travel
  8. The Standard

    … The US president -- who has lambasted Europe for not backing his war against Iran -- said Thursday he had a "great call" with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, saying they were "completely united that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon." .std-banner-wrap { max-wid …

    US and Iran trade fire, threatening fragile truce
  9. Citizen Digital

    … "These attacks are unacceptable," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on X, warning that Gulf security has "direct consequences for Europe." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Iran to return to talks, echoing calls from the leaders of France and Britain.

    US pauses Hormuz escorts in bid for deal, as threats continue
World & Region

UK PM suggests possible EU return; Brussels responds cautiously

The News

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to the UK's possible return to the European Union, floating options ranging from staying as is to joining the EU's customs union, single market, or eventually full membership. The EU welcomed the shift in tone but said it is waiting to see what the UK government does next, rather than making changes based on rhetoric alone.

1 October 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 1 October

  1. UK PM suggests possible EU return; Brussels responds cautiously

    British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to the UK's possible return to the European Union, floating options ranging from staying as is to joining the EU's customs union, single market, or eventually full membership. The EU welcomed the shift in tone but said it is waiting to see what the UK government does next, rather than making changes based on rhetoric alone.

    1 October 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Ukraine condemns EU removal of Russian oligarchs from sanctions list

    Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky called the EU's decision to remove Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list "shameful and unjustifiable," saying it was a "concession" to the Kremlin and counterproductive during ongoing Russian attacks. Ukraine's Foreign Minister urged EU countries to impose their own national sanctions on the two individuals.

    22 September 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. EU proposes ban on social media for children under thirteen

    The European Union unveiled proposals Wednesday to ban social media for children under 13, as more than 20 countries worldwide have taken steps to block or restrict children's social media access. Seven countries have measures already in place or set to be implemented, targeting children under 15 or 16.

    16 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Friday 11 September

  1. EU plans social media restrictions to protect children

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to shield children from social media dangers, including addressing addictive design, extreme content, and non-consensual AI-generated images. She is considering either EU-wide social media limits for children under 13 or a blanket ban under 15, with details to be revealed in her speech to the EU parliament on Wednesday.

    11 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 3 September

  1. EU foreign ministers debate diplomacy overhaul plan

    European Union foreign ministers discussed proposals to reform the bloc's diplomatic apparatus, with France and Germany suggesting a potential merger of elements into the European Commission to strengthen EU influence on the global stage amid growing international tensions.

    3 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Germany blames Russia for drone attack, announces sanctions

    Germany blamed Russia for an attempted hybrid attack involving an explosive-laden drone at a strategic airport in August and announced diplomatic counter-measures including closing Russia's consulate in Bonn and canceling the contract for a Russian cultural centre in Berlin. Germany also announced it would tighten entry controls for Russian nationals and propose additional EU sanctions against Russian individuals.

    1 September 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 20 August

  1. Romania destroys drone near offshore gas field

    Romania's F-16 fighter jet destroyed a marine drone loaded with explosives near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project on Thursday. Romania's president blamed Russia for the incident, which he characterized as part of escalating hybrid warfare by the Russian Federation.

    20 August 2026 · The Standard →

  2. US sanctions ICC president, citing corruption and politicisation

    The United States sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, calling the ICC "corrupt and fatally politicised"; the ICC responded by calling the sanctions a "flagrant attack" on court independence, with EU officials voicing support for the court's autonomy.

    20 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Saturday 15 August

  1. Indonesia earthquake on Flores Island kills at least 38

    A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's Flores Island on Saturday, killing at least 38 people and injuring 13, with rescuers searching through debris for survivors trapped in damaged buildings. About 2,000 people evacuated, and dozens of houses and other buildings were damaged in the popular tourist island.

    15 August 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Colombia's largest earthquake in years kills at least 132

    A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Chocó province at 07:34 local time, killing at least 132 people with more feared trapped under collapsed buildings, and injuring more than 480. The quake was felt across western Colombia, with severe damage concentrated in Pereira and surrounding cities including the Valle del Cauca region.

    11 August 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Colombia earthquake kills at least 111, rescue efforts continue

    A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia's coffee region and Pacific areas, killing at least 111 people and damaging at least 1,500 buildings. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency as volunteers and rescuers searched through rubble for survivors.

    11 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 10 August

  1. Colombia declares emergency after 7.4 magnitude earthquake kills 111

    A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, injuring 87, and damaging over 1,000 buildings. The quake's epicenter was in the coastal Choco region, with major damage reported in cities including Pereira, Manizales, and Cali.

    10 August 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 24 July

  1. EU accuses TikTok of inadequate child safety protections

    The European Union accused TikTok on Friday of failing to protect children, saying default account settings expose minors to cyberbullying and predatory behaviour rather than providing high-level protection automatically. The company faces potential fines for non-compliance with the Digital Services Act.

    24 July 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. France's parliament approves social media ban for under-15s

    France's Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15, making France the first European country to bar children from apps such as TikTok. President Emmanuel Macron championed the ban and pledged to enforce it by September.

    22 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 21 July

  1. France to become first EU country banning social media for under-15s

    French lawmakers are expected to approve a bill banning social media access for children under 15, with the ban set to roll out in stages beginning September 1, when under-15s will be blocked from creating new accounts. President Macron has championed the law as a flagship reform and pledged enforcement by September, which would also include a mobile phone ban in secondary schools.

    21 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. France set to approve social media ban for under-15s

    French lawmakers are expected to approve a bill banning social media access for children under 15, making France the first European country to introduce such a digital age limit. The ban will be rolled out in stages, starting with blocking new account creation for under-15s from September 1.

    21 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 13 July

  1. EU expert panel delivers advice on possible social media ban for children

    An expert panel of doctors, academics, youth representatives and parents will deliver recommendations on Monday to help the European Union decide whether to ban children from social media. Greece, France and Spain have pushed for limiting minors' access, and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has tasked the panel to advise on how the bloc should address the issue, with a legal proposal expected this summer.

    13 July 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 9 July

  1. EU poised to restrict children's social media access

    An expert report expected July 13 is anticipated to recommend limiting minors' access to online platforms, potentially leading to EU restrictions as early as summer. Options under consideration range from a blanket ban on under-16s to restrictions on certain services and features, following Australia's similar move.

    9 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 22 June

  1. EU chief praises Starmer after announcing resignation

    EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen praised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for strengthening European and Ukrainian security after he announced his resignation, saying he became a statesman in just two years.

    22 June 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 17 June

  1. G7 leaders commit to dismantle migrant smuggling networks

    G7 leaders, alongside G7 partner countries Kenya and Korea, agreed Tuesday to intensify efforts against human trafficking and migrant smuggling by dismantling organised criminal networks and disrupting their business models.

    17 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Ruto attends G7 Summit in France to advocate for Africa

    President William Ruto arrived in Evian, France, to represent Africa at the G7 Leaders' Summit, invited by French President Emmanuel Macron. Ruto, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto and Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, will participate in discussions on the economy, international trade, climate action, security, and artificial intelligence.

    16 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Ruto represents Africa at G7 Summit in France

    President William Ruto arrived in Evian, France, to participate in the G7 Leaders' Summit as an invited guest of French President Emmanuel Macron. Ruto is expected to advocate for reforms of the global financial system and stronger Africa-world partnerships on trade, infrastructure, and energy.

    16 June 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 15 June

  1. EU welcomes US-Iran deal to end Middle East conflict

    The European Union's top officials welcomed a US-Iran agreement to end the Middle East war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. EU leaders called for swift implementation of the deal and said Europe was ready to contribute to lasting peace in the region.

    15 June 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. EU agrees to implement year-old US trade pact under Trump pressure

    EU lawmakers and member states reached an agreement to implement a trade pact with the United States that was struck last July, setting levies on most European goods at 15 percent. The deal aims to meet President Trump's July 4 deadline for ratification, with Trump threatening higher tariffs if implementation does not proceed.

    20 May 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 14 May

  1. EU forces railways to sell rivals' tickets on websites

    The European Commission has unveiled new rules requiring railway companies to sell competitors' tickets on their websites and share data with booking platforms, aiming to make multi-country train journeys seamless and comparable in a single booking.

    14 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Friday 8 May

  1. US and Iran exchange fire despite ceasefire in place since April

    US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire with Iran initiated April 8 remained in effect despite an Iranian attack on three American destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent US strikes on Iranian military targets in response. The UAE reported its air defences were engaging Iranian missile and drone attacks, while Iran accused the US of violating the truce by attacking ships.

    8 May 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. US pauses Strait of Hormuz escorts to pursue Iran peace deal

    President Trump announced the US will pause its operation escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a peace agreement with Iran. Secretary of State Rubio said the US has completed offensive operations against Iran while reserving the right to respond to further attacks on shipping.

    6 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Ursula von der Leyen — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute