Latest News
- Ukrainian Strikes Kill Six in Belgorod, Escalating Tensions with Russia
- USS Lincoln crisis raises concerns over crew welfare and operational readiness
- Marcus Ericsson claims victory at inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham
- 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
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.
Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, expressed key insights during a recent interview, emphasizing the current significance of the Palestinian situation amid global political shifts and escalating tensions.
The president of Eurochambres, Vladimír Dlouhý, called for the removal of self-imposed barriers hindering EU competitiveness during a recent panel discussion, highlighting concerns over the Green Deal’s impact amid ongoing EU-US relations scrutiny.
Germany’s Defence Ministry has confirmed it will not purchase additional F-35 fighter jets, dismissing reports amid delays in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project. This decision is significant as it underscores the ongoing challenges in European defence collaboration.
A YouGov survey reveals that a majority of EU citizens support modifying the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to enable deportation of serious crime offenders. Notably, 75% of Germans favour this change, amid widespread confusion about the ECHR’s role.
Cliff Notes – How the European Union looks to counter China in Africa The EU…
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the country’s participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) agreement, paying €10 million, marking Canada as the first non-European state involved. The UK, however, faces demands of €4 billion to €6.75 billion for similar access.
© 2026 WTX News.