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- Activity farm faces criticism over Titanic-themed ride seen as disrespectful
- Trump criticises US military exercises with South Korea amid Kim Jong-un ties
- Ukrainian forces strike Wildberries warehouse in Moscow region, impacting logistics
- Ukrainian Strikes Kill Six in Belgorod, Escalating Tensions with Russia
- USS Lincoln crisis raises concerns over crew welfare and operational readiness
- Marcus Ericsson claims victory at inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham
- Trump orders reduction in childhood vaccines as Kennedy’s research stalls
- Sainsbury’s halts facial recognition at London store after false accusation
EU
The EU is revising the Tobacco Taxation Directive, proposing a 139 per cent increase in minimum excise duties on cigarettes. This overhaul also aims to establish EU-wide minimum taxes on vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, marking the most significant change in tobacco taxes in over a decade.
Wildfires are raging across Belgium, Germany, France, Croatia, Spain, and Greece amid extreme heat and dry conditions. In Belgium, a major blaze has consumed 3,000 hectares in the High Fens reserve, prompting the deployment of over 250 firefighters and international aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Two Spanish F-18 fighter jets intercepted and destroyed an unidentified drone in Romanian airspace early on Sunday, 24 kilometres north of Galati. Defence Minister Miruta confirmed the incident, highlighting Romania’s role in the European Union’s defence and the importance of vigilance amid ongoing tensions with Russia and Ukraine.
New data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reveals that over one-third of individuals in 38 member countries used generative AI tools in 2025, with young people and those with higher education levels leading AI adoption.
The EPSO exam, once a key entry point into EU administration, has been discontinued, causing significant concern among aspiring candidates. Officials have not provided a clear rationale for this decision, which affects recruitment processes within the EU.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began his Central European tour in Bratislava with Prime Minister Robert Fico, aiming to enhance collaboration on nuclear energy and military modernisation. His visit follows concerns over Europe’s cultural and economic decline, as outlined in the recent US National Security Strategy.
At the Munich Security Conference, US Senator Marco Rubio urged European leaders to unite in preserving a common civilisation, while Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas countered that Europe does not require saving, underscoring differing perspectives within Western alliances.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that America seeks stronger partnerships and reduced dependency from European allies, during a joint press conference in Bratislava with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, amid ongoing discussions on military cooperation and support for Ukraine.
Hungary’s main opposition leader Péter Magyar accused the government of blackmail using a secretly recorded sex tape to discredit him. He called for respect for privacy and urged voters to mark the upcoming elections, where his Tisza Party leads opinion polls.
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