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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
Officials in Brussels are addressing the potential implications of Viktor Orbán’s veto on the €90 billion loan for Ukraine. This situation may extend past the Hungarian elections on 12 April.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
At least four people were killed and 15 wounded in overnight Russian strikes on Ukraine’s Kyiv region, targeting energy infrastructure. Rescue operations are ongoing in various regions as both sides report frontline advancements.
E.U. MORNING UPDATE
This morning, Europe faces key developments in trade relations, sustainable initiatives, and geopolitical tensions amid ongoing challenges.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Iran’s ambassador indicated potential strikes on European nations if attacked, as violence escalates in the region. This morning, President Macron confirmed a French soldier’s death in Iraq amid rising military tensions.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
EU lawmakers express concern over US trade investigations into European goods this morning. The fate of the EU–US trade deal remains uncertain as negotiations intensify ahead of next week’s pivotal discussions.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
European Union leaders criticise President Trump’s sanction lift on Russian oil, asserting it undermines efforts against Russia’s war in Ukraine. Tensions escalate amid rising Middle Eastern conflict and soaring oil prices.
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