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- USS Lincoln crisis raises concerns over crew welfare and operational readiness
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- 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
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, approximately 800 US-made missiles have been deployed in the Middle East over the last three days. The utilisation rate surpasses that of Ukrainian forces during the preceding four winter months.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
The European Commission has unveiled its intergenerational fairness strategy this morning. This initiative aims to ensure today’s policies enhance future opportunities for young Europeans and addresses long-term consequences of decision-making.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
This morning, European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib affirmed the European Commission’s commitment to address tensions in the Middle East and enhance repatriation efforts for stranded Europeans. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated for this purpose.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Energy ministers from six EU nations express concern this morning over potential changes to market rules. They claim such changes could undermine investments in clean power and threaten the future of the bloc’s carbon market.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
Several EU countries, including France and Germany, have heightened security measures this morning due to concerns over potential attacks linked to Iranian networks or extremist actors.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
France is set to oppose a European Commission proposal to use only English versions of trade agreements during ratification discussions, a move some member states support. This decision follows concerns regarding transparency and language rights.
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