Most passengers were German tourists coming back from holidays in Spain. French President Hollande said that there are probably no survivors. Black box has been found.

Pro-Russian gunmen terrorised Christians in Donbass and other towns of the region. Pastors have died and many churches have been destroyed.

Italian Vatican expert Leonardo de Chirico looks back to the first 2 years of Pope Francis: “His popularity is more of a social media phenomenon than a real one”. 

Caroline Spelman grew up in a Christian family but in her teens she “rebelled a bit”, wanting to see if “it was still significant to me when I left home to go to University.”

Hundreds of refugees seek sanctuary in churches to avoid deportation, under the protection of an ancient custom.

The bill, which complements the previous law of 2005 about the end of life, is perceived as a compromise between pro-life and pro-euthanasia.

“We need people with a vocation in the public square who can influence society with the gospel”, says Italian Evangelical Alliance’s Stefano Bogliolo.

Deputies from the left sought to push the “end of life” draft bill further, but the three amendments were rejected by 89 to 70. Next week sees the definitive vote on the new bill. 

The European Commission President argues that NATO is not enough, and an EU army would convince Russia the bloc is serious about defending its values.

France will double the funds for Islamic studies in their Universities. UK invests money in areas with big Muslim communities. 

“Preaching a Christ with no power leads to a church with no message”, concluded the Spanish Evangelical Alliance at their annual meeting. Evangelical identity and ecumenism were the main topics under discussion.

Another tragedy in the conflict zone: about 70 people were working when the explosion happened in the Zasyadko mine in Donetsk. Many are still trapped underground. 

The police are asking Evangelical, Jewish and Catholic authorities about their activities and security, within the framework of preventive anti-terrorist measures.

U.N. rapporteur Heiner Bielefeldt suggests preventing violence in the name of religion through trust building and a political agenda based on freedom of conscience

In France, the timely “Libre de le dire” campaign adds an Evangelical voice to the debate about freedom of religion and ‘Laicité’. Jurist Nancy Lefèvre thinks the pressure from politicians and the media causes Christians to be “unsure about their rights”.

Strong reactions from world leaders asking Russia for an “impartial investigation”. Nemtsov was assassinated hours before an anti-Putin rally in Moscow.

Parliament approved initiative to stop radicalisation of Muslim leaders in the country. Imams will also be asked to speak German. 

Police estimate that around 300 people, mainly Romanian nationals, may have been exploited.

Evi Rodemann gives details of the Mission-Net congress in December 2015. “Increasingly Europeans are aware that Europe has become a mission field again.”

Freedom of speech of the Christian Unions is “assured,” says Home Secretary. UCCF had reacted to Government plans to ‘protect’ Universities from radical ideas which included restrictions to Christian activities on Campus.

“About 650 families will not be able to provide income because water flooded the crops,” said Evangelicals on the ground. Aid is needed for “people who have lost everything”.

Head of the Republic Sergio Mattarella is described as “a man who knows how to listen and engage.”

Church of England says country needs “new approach to political life”. Conservative party reacts: “There is a very definite left-wing leaning to their message”.

“Politicians are not going to be able to answer the questions that the world is facing today”, Graham told Evangelical Focus. The evangelist introduced Festival of Hope in Spain and talked about secularised European societies.

Belgian newspaper Le Soir published in its weekend edition a magazine supplement on Islam. French schools debate how to teach the country's values.