Latest News
- Trump orders reduction in childhood vaccines as Kennedy’s research stalls
- Sainsbury’s halts facial recognition at London store after false accusation
- 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
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
This morning, as oil prices surge amid ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, tensions rise between the European Union and the United States over potential US sanctions relief on oil trading, stirring apprehension in Brussels.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Today, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Paris, reiterating that Slovakia may block the EU’s €90 billion loan package for Ukraine if oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline are not restored.
EU ENERGY FOCUS
Today, European leaders meet to discuss energy prices and regulations.
Key decisions expected to shape future policies.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
The European Union’s energy community initiative faces significant obstacles this morning, with barriers dampening citizen participation and project implementation. Immediate action is required to address legal and technical challenges hindering progress.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has urged the European Union to suspend sanctions on Russian energy imports due to rising energy prices this morning. Oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel, intensifying consumer price concerns.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
NATO forces intercepted another Iranian missile targeting Türkiye this morning, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Turkish government has formally rebuked Iran following these incidents.
© 2026 WTX News.