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- Venezuela’s earthquake death toll rises to 920 as rescue efforts intensify.
- Teams qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32
- Calgary festivals consult with city councillors about costs and planning issues
- U.S. military strikes Iranian targets following drone attack on cargo ship
- Footballer Héctor Bello pays tribute to wife who died protecting their daughter in Venezuela earthquakes
- Trump threatens 100% tariffs on countries imposing digital service taxes
- US strikes Iran in response to attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
- Dembele’s hat-trick leads France to 4-1 victory over Norway in World Cup 2026
EU
President Donald Trump has threatened a 100% tariff on goods from any country, particularly targeting European nations, that implement taxes on digital services provided by US companies. This escalation comes as countries seek revenue in increasingly digital economies, with unresolved tensions over digital tax regulations.
Europol reported a significant rise in organised crime within the EU, identifying 731 active criminal networks comprising over 400,000 members. Drug trafficking remains predominant, with cybercrime rapidly increasing. Law enforcement aims to dismantle these networks by targeting their financial structures and promoting cross-border collaboration.
The European Commission proposed excluding military-age Ukrainian men from its temporary protection scheme, extending the initiative until March 2028. This recommendation aims to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces, reflecting integration challenges and Kyiv’s needs amid ongoing martial law prohibiting most men aged 23 and older from leaving Ukraine.
Portugal’s Judicial Police conducted extensive raids targeting a corruption network within the Socialist Party’s local government. Five arrests were made, with 37 suspects identified. The operation investigates malfeasance in municipal contracts, highlighting violations that allegedly cost the public treasury over €800,000 from 2016 to 2022.
Giorgia Meloni’s government faces increasing tension with historic allies, the US and Israel, as calls grow for European sanctions against Israeli officials following controversial remarks by Itamar Ben-Gvir. The shift in Italy’s foreign policy has sparked debate among political figures amid concerns of self-sanctioning trade impacts.
Artificial intelligence is being weaponised, presenting significant cybersecurity threats, GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler stated. She emphasised that Russia’s hybrid activities against the UK and Europe are intensifying, while allied nations must prioritise cybersecurity to prevent miscalculations amid rising tensions and evolving AI technologies.
EU lawmakers are contesting a European Commission rule regarding data centre ratings, arguing it would limit public access to information on the environmental performance of individual facilities. This dispute highlights concerns about transparency in the sector’s impact on sustainability.
EU FOCUS
This morning, European Union leaders address energy strategies and economic challenges as tensions rise over recent geopolitical developments.
Member states seek coordinated responses to enhance stability and resilience.
Investment in digital infrastructure is critical for economic growth, yet developing economies lag behind in this area. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank highlights a pressing digital divide, where fundamental connectivity remains underfunded, impeding AI readiness and exacerbating inequities in access and opportunities.
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