Europe

Belgium’s three regions have announced the introduction of a road tax starting 1 May 2027, affecting both domestic and foreign drivers. The tax requires vehicle registration, with annual fees ranging from €90 for zero-emission cars to €125 for higher polluting vehicles.

The French government has activated the “Orsec extreme heat plan” for nine departments due to a persistent heatwave, with red alerts extended to 24 areas, including Ile-de-France. This unprecedented measure is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations amid increasing wildfires, which have already burned twice as much land as last year.

France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, oversaw a huge free party at a military firing range, drawing 17,000 to 40,000 attendees since Friday. Despite no major incidents, he affirmed the government’s resolve against such events, warning of heightened penalties and ongoing security presence amid safety concerns over unexploded ordnance.

Russia launched a ballistic missile at Mykolaiv early on Sunday, injuring five individuals. This strike is part of a broader assault involving hundreds of drones and missiles, leading to at least 10 fatalities and over 70 injuries across Ukraine within 24 hours, according to officials.

Israel has confirmed that Abu Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila are in the country for imminent interrogation, amid accusations of ties to Hamas. Both men will receive consular visits, while Spain’s foreign minister labels the detention as illegal, demanding accountability for potential mistreatment.

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