This roundup summarises the most important news stories around the world in the last month (May 2025).

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The United Kingdom (UK) signed three trade deals this month, with the United States (US), India, and the European Union (EU). Nearly a decade after Brexit, the UK also signed a security deal with the EU.

There were also election news around the world. In Australia, left-leaning prime minister Anthony Albanese and his Labour Party were re-elected. In Canada, prime minister Mark Carney kept his role after his Liberal Party won the national election, albeit with a minority government. Mr. Carney benefited from his predecessor’s resignation as well as the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canadian goods and derogatory comments on Canada. In Portugal, the centre-right party won an early parliamentary election, but fell short of a full majority. In Romania, a pro-EU candidate won the country’s presidential election over a hard-right candidate.

And relatedly, in Germany, after falling short in a first vote – an unprecedented and unexpected failure in post-war German history – conservative leader Friedrich Merz won a second vote to become the country’s next chancellor.

There are also some geopolitical developments. Approximately two weeks after a militant attack in India-controlled Kashmir, the conflict between India and Pakistan escalated, as India launched a military operation and Pakistan returned fire. Four days later, they agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the US. In Sudan, the military said it took full control of Khartoum state, rendering it completely free of rebel forces.

Finally, in other news:

• Vatican City: An American, who took the name Pope Leo XIV, was elected pope.
• Spain: Widespread power outage led to blackouts and disruptions to critical infrastructure in Spain and parts of France and Portugal.