In Madrid, the recent eviction of 67-year-old pensioner Mariano Ordaz highlights the severe strain on the city’s housing market. Evicted on the fifth attempt, Ordaz faces homelessness as Spain sees a surge in rents, fuelling concerns of up to 60,000 evictions nationwide amid the lapse of an anti-eviction moratorium.

A farmer in Raddusch, Brandenburg, reported the theft of 48 cattle valued at €75,000, following a similar incident involving 74 cattle near Herzberg. Police suspect organised crime is behind the rise in livestock thefts across eastern Germany, highlighting escalating rural crime challenges for farmers.

Fake job ads are increasingly prevalent, with Europol and national governments warning job seekers to remain vigilant. Research shows nearly one in three recruiters in the UK and Germany has been targeted by identity theft linked to scams that exploit urgency and financial pressure among candidates, particularly Gen Z.

EU NEWS BRIEFING

EU updates on trade tensions and energy policy
Key shifts in diplomatic relations noted this morning.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged painful losses for the Labour Party in local elections, admitting over 20% voter abandonment. With challenges mounting, he plans a speech promising closer ties with the EU, though concerns linger over his leadership stability and potential shifts in UK political dynamics.

Bulgaria’s parliament approved Rumen Radev as prime minister, aiming to end political instability and boost economic development. The election, which saw a vote of 124-70, follows his party’s significant victory in April and comes amid challenges like inflation and energy crises affecting the EU member state.