Latest News
- Oil prices increase as attacks hinder Strait of Hormuz reopening prospects
- Two people hospitalised after scaffolding falls in downtown Regina
- Doctor discusses Fauci’s released texts on COVID vaccine and pregnancy risks
- Former US Marine Robert Gilman reunited with family following release from Russian prison
- Switzerland increases Lake Lugano discharge to support Lake Maggiore
- Judge Temporarily Blocks New York City Pied-à-Terre Tax Rollout
- Truck crash in Egypt claims 18 lives, including many child labourers
- N.S. changes employment support for income assistance recipients, leading to layoffs
Germany
Hamburg hosted its annual Pride event with heightened security, following a deadly attack at Berlin’s parade last week, which claimed one life and injured 29 others. Organisers anticipated around 250,000 attendees, emphasising solidarity and resilience in the face of recent violence.
A fatal attack during Berlin’s Pride parade has prompted renewed scrutiny of EU intelligence-sharing on suspected extremists. The suspect, Abdul Ballout, previously known to authorities, travelled outside the Schengen Area and returned undetected, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current cross-border security measures.
European leaders, including France’s Macron and the UK’s Keir Starmer, convened in Berlin for an E5 summit aimed at strengthening defence collaboration amid shifting US commitments. The summit addressed support for Ukraine and strategic military projects, coinciding with a key NATO summit in Ankara in July.
During the EU-Western Balkans summit, momentum for EU enlargement was underscored by Hungary’s decision to lift its veto on Ukraine’s accession negotiations. António Costa noted that upcoming talks will showcase renewed European unity, particularly ahead of the June summit, despite ongoing challenges in the accession process.
Péter Magyar, Hungary’s Prime Minister, will meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday. This tour focuses on restoring Hungary’s relations with the EU, following a political agreement to unlock €16.4 billion in blocked EU funds.
Germany plans to acquire a 40% stake in tank and weapons maker KNDS, which is currently under French control. Following an initial public offering, Germany aims to reduce its stake to 30% within two to three years while gaining rights equivalent to those of the French state.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel received the European Order of Merit on Tuesday. In her acceptance speech, she emphasised that Europe can no longer assume peace and security, highlighting concerns over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shifting US security policies that indicate a loss of established certainties.
US President Trump has intensified his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging him to focus on the Russia-Ukraine conflict rather than the Iran war. Trump’s remarks follow Merz’s assertion that the US is being “humiliated” by Iran, and highlight ongoing tensions over NATO troop presence in Europe.
The European Commission is shifting towards a firmer stance on China, spurred by China’s threat of retaliation against the EU’s Made in Europe legislation. On 29 May, EU Commissioners will debate a new strategy amid rising pressures from industry and economic threats perceived from Beijing, signalling potential changes in trade policy.
© 2026 WTX News.