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- EU proposes major tobacco tax overhaul, raising cigarette duties by 139%
- US economy shows signs of recovery as inflation rates begin to stabilize
- Thieves steal Renaissance masterworks from MuMe museum during Ferragosto holiday
- Grizzly bear escapes enclosure at Calgary Zoo before being recaptured
- Trump directs Pentagon to reduce military exercises with South Korea after its refusal to aid Iran’s denuclearisation efforts
- One dead as Hurricane Lala hits Hawaii with 91mph winds and heavy rain
- Belgium battles historic wildfire as heat fuels blazes across Europe
- Search continues for missing pilot in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region
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.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán rallied supporters this morning in Budapest, framing April’s election as a choice between peace and war. He criticised Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and the European Union regarding the Druzhba pipeline dispute.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Overnight, Hungary’s opposition leader Péter Magyar accused Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of collaborating with Russian agents ahead of the 12 April elections. Magyar emphasised the need to address economic challenges in his campaign.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
European Union foreign ministers meet today in Brussels to discuss extending the Aspides naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz. Pressure from the US rises as the region’s oil supply faces escalating risks.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, the EU faces increased security and economic challenges following the outbreak of war in Iran. Experts warn of immediate impacts on crime and energy reliance across Europe.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, the Iranian ambassador to the UN reaffirmed that Tehran does not attack civilian sites in the Gulf, despite accusations. He indicated that any facility used to target Iran, including in Europe, could become a legitimate military target.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, EU leaders continue discussions on the Savings and Investment Union to unify Europe’s financial landscape. Concerns over national market impacts remain, hampering progress ahead of next week’s European Council summit.
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