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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
Hungary and Slovakia are currently opposing the renewal of European Union sanctions against over 2,700 individuals amid ongoing tensions regarding the Druzhba pipeline.
Another meeting is scheduled for today as the 15 March deadline approaches.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
The European Union faces significant economic challenges as the Iran war continues. This morning, calls for intervention grow to secure energy supplies and protect consumers amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, the EU Asylum Agency warns of potential instability in Iran leading to a significant refugee crisis. With ongoing conflicts in the region, the implications for Europe are becoming increasingly immediate.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Claims that Ukraine’s Supreme Court legalised same-sex marriage are misleading. The court recognised a same-sex couple as a de facto family, but marriage remains illegal as Ukraine’s constitution defines it as between a man and a woman.
EU ENERGY INITIATIVES
This morning, Europe focuses on energy independence strategies amid escalating prices and geopolitical tensions.
Discussions on legislative measures are underway.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, Iranian forces escalated missile and drone attacks on regional targets, impacting NATO airspace. European nations remain vigilant as NATO enhances its defensive posture amid rising tensions and potential threats.
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