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- 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
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.
EU Urges Ukraine to Permit Access to Key Russian Oil Pipeline Today EU officials are…
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT UPDATE
This morning, the escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent attack on Iran has increased the price of energy by 30% and catastrophic the significant humanitarian impact.
Most European States are assessing how to support their allies in the Gulf and prepare for potential fallout from diplomatic and security failures.
REFUGEE CRISIS
This morning, the EU faces potential spikes in asylum applications
due to US and Israel’s attacks on Iran, despite recent application declines.
European leaders meet this week to discuss energy security and climate commitments. I apologise, but…
EU lawmakers are set to suspend the EU-US trade agreement following a US Supreme Court ruling deeming 2025 tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump as illegal. EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič emphasized the importance of respecting the deal amid ongoing trade tensions.
Political jostling for the European Central Bank presidency has begun, following reports of Christine Lagarde’s potential early departure. This development is significant as it could influence monetary policy amidst ongoing economic challenges.
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