Author: Olga Winter - EU Newsdesk

A snapshot of the headlines across the European newspapers and media sites. 

There’s ongoing coverage of the devastating floods in Spain, as anger continues to grow over the government’s handling of the crisis – and ahead of warnings of more potential floods. 

Coverage of the latest from the Russia-Ukraine war is heavily covered across a variety of European newspapers as well as upcoming meetings between European leaders ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025.

Tourism, crime and fears over football violence tonight dominate the headlines.

Pompeii will introduce a cap of 20,000 daily visitors starting November 15, following a dramatic rise in tourist numbers. This move aims to balance preservation efforts with the growing popularity of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site.

Simon Harris, is to request the dissolution of the Dáil from President Michael D. Higgins, paving the way for Ireland’s next general election.

Germany’s governing coalition is on the brink of collapse after Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, triggering a political crisis. Scholz, leader of the Social Democrats (SPD), announced that he had lost trust in Lindner, who heads the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and is part of the coalition.

Much like the UK, the newspaper front pages went to print long before the results of the US election rolled in. Some of the front pages reported on the predictions of the election whilst others left US politics off their front pages altogether. Online, most major European newspapers/news sites lead with the presidential election – here are some of the highlights. 

Barcelona experienced significant flooding on Monday as heavy rains swept through the region, just days after devastating floods struck Valencia. The Spanish weather agency placed parts of Catalonia on red alert, with local media showing images of partially submerged cars on highways.

Moldova’s pro-EU leader Sandu re-elected Maia Sandu, Moldova’s pro-European Union (EU) leader, has secured re-election in a closely watched presidential runoff. Sandu won with 54.94% of the vote, defeating Alexandr Stoianoglo, a candidate supported by the pro-Russian Socialist party, who garnered 45.06%, according to nearly complete results from the election commission. The victory follows a recent referendum in which Moldovans narrowly backed closer ties with the EU. The election was marked by tensions and claims…

Angry crowds throw mud and insults at Spanish royals and PM in flood-hit Valencia King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain faced a tense reception during their visit to flood-stricken Paiporta, Valencia. The royal couple, accompanied by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and regional leader Carlos Mazón, were met by angry protesters who threw mud and shouted insults, including “murderer” and “shame.” The king and queen were seen with mud-streaked clothes, consoling members of the affected…

Many of the stories dominating the European headlines are related to the catastrophic flooding in Spain, which has so far killed at least 158 people. More bad weather is expected throughout Friday, increasing fears that the death toll will continue to rise. 

A teenager and four others have been seriously wounded in a shootout in the city of Poitiers in western France, which erupted into a fight involving “several hundred people”
EU countries clash with WHO over trans rights and access to healthcare

Nearly half of European Union countries consider ‘transsexualism’ a psychiatric diagnosis

Spain flood death toll passes 150 Spain is facing its deadliest flooding disaster in decades, with at least 158 confirmed deaths as heavy rains and flash floods devastated parts of the country. The hardest-hit area was Valencia, which recorded 155 deaths, while casualties also occurred in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia. Rescuers, including 1,200 workers supported by drones, continue efforts to locate survivors as more rain looms. The floods, triggered by an extraordinary weather event known…

European news bulletin today – Spain’s flood death toll to rise, Migrants die crossing Channel, Trump warns EU will pay A lot is happening across Europe today with the recent floods in Spain leading many newspapers and publications. There’s a lot of coverage of the upcoming US election and what it will mean for the EU if Donald Trump is elected as well as coverage of European politics. Spain’s flood death toll expected to rise …

Spain’s flood death toll expected to rise Spain is grappling with its worst flooding in decades, with at least 95 confirmed dead and dozens still missing after torrential rains devastated the eastern province of Valencia and beyond. Flash floods struck on Tuesday, sweeping away buildings, bridges, and forcing residents to seek safety on roofs and trees. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has declared three days of national mourning as search and rescue operations face challenges from…

Rescue efforts continue after deadly flash floods in Spain Flash floods from intense rain have caused devastation in southeastern Spain, especially in the Valencia region. Several bodies have been found, though officials are withholding details out of respect for families. Six people remain missing in the small town of Letur, Albacete. Rescue operations are ongoing, with footage showing floodwaters demolishing bridges, sweeping away cars, and forcing people to cling to trees for safety. Emergency services,…

UN experts call France’s hijab ban in sports ‘discriminatory’ UN human rights experts have criticised France’s decisions to ban women and girls wearing the hijab from participating in sports competitions, labelling these moves “discriminatory” and calling for their reversal. In preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, France is enforcing strict secularism laws that prevent athletes from displaying religious symbols, including the hijab. This restriction extends to football and basketball federations, affecting players who wear the…

Bulgarians head to the polls again amid political deadlock Bulgarians will vote in their seventh general election in just over three years this Sunday, as the country grapples with ongoing political instability. Since 2021, only two of the six elections have resulted in a working government, but each coalition soon collapsed over attempts to tackle corruption, reduce Russian dependence, and push reforms. June’s election yielded no clear winner, leaving a divided parliament with no stable…

Lithuania’s crucial parliamentary elections: What to watch for in the final round On Sunday, Lithuanians will head to the polls for the second and final round of parliamentary elections, with the conservative ruling party still in the race following the first round, which saw gains for the left-leaning opposition. Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė’s government, in power since 2020, has faced challenges from strict COVID-19 measures, political scandals involving key cabinet members, and an influx of…

France hosts Lebanon aid conference in Paris France is hosting an aid conference in Paris to support Lebanon, aiming to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid. The conference, taking place Thursday, comes as the country faces Israel’s attack on Hezbollah. So far, 1,500 people have been killed and more than 700,000 displaced. Around 70 countries and 15 international organisations are attending, though key players like Iran and Israel are absent. French President…

Moldova’s EU referendum too close to call with 98% of votes counted Moldova’s referendum on joining the EU remains undecided, with Yes votes at 50.08% and No at 49.92% after 98% of ballots were counted. The tight race has sparked tension, as many expected the pro-EU vote to pass in the country of 2.6 million, which borders Romania and Ukraine. President Maia Sandu, a strong EU supporter, claimed foreign interference influenced the narrow results, accusing…

Ukraine strikes oil depot in occupied Crimea Ukraine’s military has launched a missile strike on the Feodosia oil terminal, the largest oil processing facility in Crimea, in the latest wave of attacks targeting Russian-controlled energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials confirmed the strike, saying the terminal supplies fuel to Russian occupation forces. While Russian-installed officials in Crimea did not confirm the attack, they acknowledged a fire at the facility, prompting the evacuation of 300 people. Videos circulating…

Violent killings shake the French city of Marseille Two shocking killings involving teenagers have rocked the French city of Marseille, highlighting the city’s ongoing struggle with drug-related violence. Last week, a 14-year-old boy shot and killed a taxi driver in a failed revenge attempt for the brutal murder of a 15-year-old. Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone warned that drug lords are recruiting young boys to kill without remorse. The 15-year-old’s murder, described as “unprecedented savagery,” was…

Macron calls for arms sales ban on Israel French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel, which has been bombing Gaza for over a year and recently expanded military operations into Lebanon. In an interview with France Inter, Macron emphasised the need for a political solution, urging a stop to weapon supplies fueling the conflict. He reiterated France’s stance, stating that the country is not currently supplying weapons to…

3 children injured in knife attack at Zurich daycare centre A knife attack at a daycare centre in Zurich has left three children injured, one of them seriously. A 23-year-old man reportedly attacked a group of children as they were being escorted to the daycare by a staff member—fortunately, a daycare worker and a bystander managed to subdue the attacker before the police arrived. The most seriously injured is a five-year-old boy, who is currently…