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- Hegseth expresses frustration over grooming standard non-compliance by troops
- Ukraine targets 49 ships from Russia’s shadow fleet in recent attacks
- Belgium to introduce road tax for foreign drivers starting May 2027
- Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race amid ongoing allegations
- US Agrees to Continue Talks with Iran as Trump Claims Ceasefire Is Over
- Dozens of schoolchildren and teachers rescued two months after abduction in Nigeria
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- Trump administration backs bill for heavy tariffs on Russian oil to pressure Moscow
Europe
Belgium’s three regions have announced the introduction of a road tax starting 1 May 2027, affecting both domestic and foreign drivers. The tax requires vehicle registration, with annual fees ranging from €90 for zero-emission cars to €125 for higher polluting vehicles.
The French government has activated the “Orsec extreme heat plan” for nine departments due to a persistent heatwave, with red alerts extended to 24 areas, including Ile-de-France. This unprecedented measure is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations amid increasing wildfires, which have already burned twice as much land as last year.
Andy Burnham, a veteran politician, has garnered support from 322 Labour MPs in his bid to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader. With nominations closing on 16 July, Burnham stands poised to become the sole candidate, potentially taking office on 20 July following a special conference.
Despite Eurovision’s official stance on non-political neutrality, the event remains deeply intertwined with geopolitical issues, as evidenced by ongoing protests and calls for Israel’s exclusion amid its military actions in Gaza.
Pope Leo, elected less than 24 hours prior, led his first holy mass in the Sistine Chapel, emphasising the Church’s role in guiding “the dark nights of this world.”
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, condemned US intelligence gathering on Greenland, asserting that “you cannot spy against an ally.”
US-born Robert Prevost, who holds citizenship in both the US and Peru, has been chosen to be the next Pope – following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
Robert Prevost, elected as Pope Leo XIV, is the first US candidate to lead the Catholic Church, holding dual citizenship in the US and Peru.
Luxembourg’s Xavier Bettel and Finland’s Elina Valtonen expressed optimism about Johann Wadephul’s appointment, highlighting a government capable of action in Germany.
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