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- Twelve people killed in tourist bus crash on M3 motorway in Hungary
- 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
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
Today, the Hungarian veto on the €90 billion loan for Ukraine continues. Over the night, the European Commission proposed an inspection of the Druzhba pipeline, central to the ongoing dispute.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed legislation enabling access to €44 billion in European Union defence loans this morning. Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government plans to propose alternative measures in response.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Iran’s Foreign Minister claims recent bombings on Tehran have not affected military operations against Israel and the US, asserting a resilient defence strategy. Iran’s regional influence continues to grow amidst escalating conflict this morning.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
The European Commission this morning rejected US claims of exporting industrial overcapacity, amidst ongoing trade tensions. EU officials reaffirmed commitment to the Turnberry trade deal, urging the US to honour its commitments.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
EU economy chief warns that the Iranian war’s intensity and duration will shape its impact on Europe.
The global coalition has approved the largest-ever release of oil reserves to stabilise the energy market.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, Cyprus revealed emergency inspections found approximately 200 civil shelters unusable after a drone strike. The EU’s limited authority complicates the restoration of these deteriorating Cold War-era shelters across the region.
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