Macron and Trump to Discuss Ukraine Peace Plan; Greenpeace Faces $300 Million Lawsuit

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump today in Washington, D.C., where he will outline Europe’s plan for achieving peace in Ukraine. The meeting follows Trump’s recent controversial remarks, in which he falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war with Russia, a statement that shocked European leaders. NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley reports that Macron will emphasize to Trump that Russia poses a major threat to Europe. France and Britain—Europe’s only nuclear powers—are reportedly preparing to deploy military forces to help secure a peace agreement in Ukraine. Despite uncertainty over U.S. support, European nations have already contributed more than the U.S. in military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Many European governments are now considering increasing their defense spending as a safeguard against future instability.

➡️ What’s next? Keep an eye on these key developments in the Ukraine conflict and ongoing peace efforts.

Germany’s Political Shift: Christian Democrats Poised to Lead

Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic leader, Friedrich Merz, is set to become the country’s next chancellor after winning Sunday’s elections. His leadership would mark a return to Germany’s traditional two-party government, which has been dominant for the past three decades. NPR’s Rob Schmitz reports that Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government collapsed due to disagreements over economic recovery strategies. His three-party coalition struggled to respond to Europe's ongoing crises. Although Scholz’s center-left Social Democrats are expected to remain in government, the Christian Democrats under Merz will now take charge. Merz has pledged to strengthen Europe’s independence from the U.S. and aims to form a new government by mid-April.

Greenpeace Faces $300 Million Lawsuit Over Dakota Access Pipeline Protests

Environmental organization Greenpeace USA is heading to court today to defend itself against a $300 million lawsuit filed by Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline. The company claims that Greenpeace and other activists conspired to damage its reputation, incite protests, and delay construction of the 1,100-mile pipeline, which was stalled for 90 days due to demonstrations led by Native American groups in 2016 and 2017. NPR’s Jeff Brady explains that Greenpeace considers the lawsuit a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation)—a legal tactic often used by powerful corporations to silence critics by forcing them into costly legal battles. Greenpeace is fighting the case not just to defend itself but to discourage future lawsuits aimed at suppressing activism.

The outcome of the trial could determine Greenpeace’s future, as a loss may force the organization to shut down.

See more in: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/24/g-s1-50422/up-first-newsletter-emmanuel-macron-trump-ukraine-germany-friedrich-merz-greenpeace