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- Croatia’s coast tops EU hotel bookings for summer 2025 with 34 million nights
- Trump threatens to target Iran’s power plants amid Strait of Hormuz deadline
- “I’m a British Trump Impersonator – I’ve faced Spitting for My Opinions”
- Savannah Guthrie is back on Today show after her mother’s disappearance
- Hundreds of bikers join procession in Sintra for Easter celebrations
- EU ministers call for urgent implementation of energy windfall tax
- Keir Starmer Raises Concerns Over Kanye West’s Planned UK Festival Dates
- Energy bills increase: media coverage differs on government support and public impact
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Croatia’s coast tops EU hotel bookings for summer 2025 with 34 million nights
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Croatia’s tops European hotel bookings for summer 2025
Summer Bookings Rise
Croatia’s Adriatic coast recorded the highest number of hotel bookings in the EU for summer 2025, with 34 million nights reserved across major platforms.
Croatia’s Adriatic coast recorded the highest number of hotel bookings in the EU for summer 2025, with 34 million nights reserved across major platforms.
Booking Volume
Between June and September 2025, Croatia’s Adriatic coast recorded 34 million hotel nights booked, the highest of any region in the Europe.
Between June and September 2025, Croatia’s Adriatic coast recorded 34 million hotel nights booked, the highest of any region in the Europe.
Industry Concern
“The rising oil and jet-fuel costs pose significant challenges for airlines, potentially leading to increased fares and flight reductions,” noted industry analysts.
“The rising oil and jet-fuel costs pose significant challenges for airlines, potentially leading to increased fares and flight reductions,” noted industry analysts.
Key developments
Croatia’s Adriatic coast surpassed all other EU regions, recording 34 million hotel nights booked between June and September 2025, attracting holidaymakers for its captivating landscapes and rich history. The coast is shared by 6 other countries including Italy, but not as many of them have seen the surge in bookings, like Croatia.
The Makarska region has become a notable attraction, with the Biokovo Skywalk drawing visitors seeking panoramic views from its 1,200-metre height, appealing to both casual tourists and experienced hikers.
Summer holidays: Why travellers are swapping the Riviera for the Balkans
Easter may now be behind us, but many Europeans are already rushing to book their summer 2026 getaways.
From Portugal to Greece for those seeking the sun, to Ireland for those chasing cooler days, the continent is packed with dream destinations.
But one region is rising above them all — and no, it’s not the usual heavyweights Spain, France or Italy.
Between June and the end of September 2025, it clocked the highest number of hotel bookings of any region in the EU: 34 million nights reserved across Airbnb, Booking and Expedia.
And it’s not difficult to see why.
What makes Croatia’s coast special?
The Adriatic coast’s natural beauty, warm weather and history appear to be the main pull factors for those coming from elsewhere in Europe and beyond.
It’s also known for its cultural scene and vibrant nightlife, making it popular for those on a one-week road trip.
The city of Split is a prime example, allowing tourists to enjoy historical sites such as the Roman palace of Emperor Diocletian alongside swims at the secluded Kasjuni beach.
Additionally, just an hour-long ferry ride away from Split is the island of Hvar, which prides itself on snorkelling spots like Jerolim and Marinkovac. Fans of windsurfing also frequent the island of Brač, just next to Hvar.
In the Makarska region, the Biokovo Skywalk has emerged as a primary draw. Situated at an elevation of around 1,200 metres, the glass-bottomed horseshoe pier offers panoramic views of the Adriatic, attracting both casual sightseers and seasoned hikers willing to navigate the Biokovo Range’s rugged terrain.
Further south, Dubrovnik remains the region’s most high-profile destination. Industry analysts attribute its sustained popularity to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site and its global recognition as the filming location for “King’s Landing” in the Game of Thrones franchise.
Activities such as perimeter wall tours and sunset kayaking have become staples of the local tourism economy.
However, the region is prone to overcrowding in the summer, prompting many to head to the coastal cities of Zadar or Sibenik for a more relaxed vibe.
Which other European regions feature in the top 10?
Croatia’s Adriatic coast may be top in the number of bookings for good reason, but the rest of the top 10 — at the regional level — is a Franco-Spanish duopoly, with Andalusia, Provence, the Valencian Community, Catalonia, Occitania, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Paris region, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and the Canary Islands making it into the top spots.
The only exception to that is the Greek macro-region of Crete and the Aegean Islands in fifth place.
Can Europe’s healthy tourism sector see off an unstable 2026?
There’s also a slight leaderboard reshuffle at the country level.
Overall, the tourism sector continues to look extremely healthy, according to Eurostat.
Looking at 2025 as a whole, tourists spent around 950 million nights in short-stay accommodations booked online, marking an 11.4% increase from 2024 and a 32.4% jump from 2023.
However, there’s a big caveat looming over 2026.
The war in Iran has already triggered a spike in oil and jet-fuel costs, which may force some airlines to cut flights and put up fares to cope with supply disruptions.
Trump threatens to target Iran’s power plants amid Strait of Hormuz deadline
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Media Lens: Trump threatens to target Iran’s power plants amid Strait of Hormuz deadline
Trump threatens to strike ‘every power plant’ in Iran. He issued a warning to Iran, threatening strikes on their power plants and infrastructure as the deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches. In an act of desperation on social media with the post laden with expletives and contradictions.
Quick links:
What has happened | Background | Confirmed facts | Points of divergence |
What’s not addressed | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
Donald Trump recently issued a warning regarding Iran, stating that he may target “every power plant” in the country if certain conditions are not met. This statement comes as tensions escalate surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipping. Trump emphasized that following a defined deadline, actions would be taken to ensure maritime security and protect U.S. interests in the region.
This declaration aligns with ongoing discussions about military readiness and regional strategies involving Iran, which has been a focal point of U.S. foreign policy. The potential for military intervention raises significant considerations regarding geopolitical stability, environmental impacts, and international relations in the Middle East.
Background
Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding Iran have escalated tensions as he warned of potential military action against Iranian power plants. This comes amid increasing negotiations surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil supply. The situation has raised concerns among international observers about the implications of any further conflict in the region.
Confirmed facts
- Donald Trump warned that he may strike “every power plant” in Iran.
- This warning comes as a deadline approaches to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump’s statements have been reported by multiple news outlets, including Fox News and NBC News.
- The context of the warnings involves ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
Preconceptions
- Emphasis Differences: Fox News highlights Trump’s potential threat to Iran’s infrastructure, specifically mentioning “every power plant,” suggesting a more aggressive approach in its headlines. In contrast, The New York Times focuses on the implications and lessons related to Trump’s strategies regarding Iran, indicating a broader contextual analysis rather than immediate threats.
- Framing Differences: NBC News frames the situation by linking Trump’s remarks to global security issues, presenting it as part of a larger geopolitical narrative. In comparison, The Washington Post emphasizes various related topics, such as the Artemis II images and dementia risk, diluting the focus on Trump’s threats to Iran by situating it within a wider range of current affairs.
- Priority Differences: Fox News prioritizes sensational headlines that attract immediate attention to Trump’s threats, while The New York Times provides a more analytical perspective that considers potential repercussions and historical context, aiming to inform rather than alarm its audience.
Elisions
- Limited coverage on the specific economic repercussions of potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, particularly regarding global oil prices and market reactions.
- Lack of in-depth analysis of the potential humanitarian impact in Iran, including the effects on civilian life and infrastructure amidst military actions.
- Insufficient reporting on international reactions from key allies and adversaries regarding Trump’s threats, particularly in terms of diplomatic efforts in the region.
- Minimal coverage on Congress’s perspective or responses to the escalating tensions and potential military action, leaving a gap in understanding legislative stance and oversight.
One story, four angles
Fox News – Trump warns Iran he may strike ‘every power plant’ as deadline to reopen Hormuz nears
Publication: Fox News | Primary framing pattern: Threat escalation | Tone register: Urgent | Intensity level: (8/10) | Sentiment: -0.4 | Legal precision: Medium
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Espresso Shot:
Fox News emphasizes Trump’s aggressive rhetoric on Iran, underscoring a direct threat to vital energy infrastructure amid ongoing tensions. The article portrays this stance as a significant escalation, framing it in the context of geopolitical urgency.
Framing analysis:
The emphasis on threats and military responses positions the narrative within a context of confrontation, aiming to evoke urgency and concern.
Bias:
Selection: Focuses exclusively on the threats rather than diplomatic solutions.
Language: Uses charged language like “strike” and “power plant,” heightening the sense of danger.
Omission: Lacks insights into potential diplomatic negotiations or peaceful resolutions.
Assessment:
The framing suggests a hawkish perspective, reflecting Fox News’s tendency to amplify aggressive policies in foreign affairs.
NBC News – Trump issues more threats over Strait of Hormuz and NASA astronauts pass moon milestone: Morning Rundown
Publication: NBC News | Primary framing pattern: Mixed coverage | Tone register: Cautionary | Intensity level: (7/10) | Sentiment: -0.2 | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot:
NBC News presents Trump’s escalating threats toward Iran within a broader news context, featuring both geopolitical tension and celebratory achievements in space exploration. This juxtaposition moderates the severity of the threats while maintaining awareness of the potential consequences.
Framing analysis:
By addressing multiple topics, the article mitigates alarmism, suggesting a more balanced report while still highlighting the seriousness of Trump’s statements.
Bias:
Selection: Incorporates a wider range of topics, reducing hyper-focus on threats.
Language: More measured language is used, fostering a cautious tone.
Omission: Limited depth on Iran’s response to threats or international perspectives on tensions.
Assessment:
NBC’s approach reflects a journalistic balance, attempting to provide a holistic view of current events while addressing geopolitical concerns.
The New York Times – Trump’s Lesson From Risky Rescue: Threaten to Go Harder at Iran
Publication: The New York Times | Primary framing pattern: Analytical | Tone register: Critical | Intensity level: (6/10) | Sentiment: -0.5 | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot:
The New York Times scrutinizes Trump’s rhetoric, suggesting it reflects a strategic lesson drawn from earlier engagements rather than impulse. The critical tone highlights the implications of such threats on international diplomacy and long-term stability.
Framing analysis:
The piece emphasizes a critical examination of Trump’s tactics, situating them within historical context, thus broadening the understanding of U.S.-Iran relations.
Bias:
Selection: Prioritizes analysis of motives behind Trump’s threats.
Language: Critical language questions the effectiveness and moral implications of using threats.
Omission: Less focus on immediate, nuanced reactions from Iran or allies.
Assessment:
The framing showcases The New York Times’s tendency to analyze governance actions critically, emphasizing the risks of escalatory rhetoric in foreign policy.
The Washington Post – Monday briefing: Trump’s threat to Iran; Artemis II images; how your job impacts dementia risk; and more
Publication: The Washington Post | Primary framing pattern: Informative | Tone register: Neutral | Intensity level: (5/10) | Sentiment: -0.1 | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot:
The Washington Post provides a broad overview that includes Trump’s threats against Iran, while contextualizing them among varied news items. This neutral tone dilutes the immediate urgency of the threats while still acknowledging their significance.
Framing analysis:
By including multiple subjects, the article aims to inform rather than alarm readers, balancing current events with other important topics.
Bias:
Selection: Covers a breadth of topics, presenting a more rounded view of the day’s news.
Language: Uses neutral language that seeks to inform instead of provoke.
Omission: Potential critiques on the explanation of the Iran situation in their historical complexity are missing.
Assessment:
The approach reflects The Washington Post’s commitment to balanced reporting, providing necessary context while covering significant developments.
In comparing the coverage of Trump’s threats against Iran across publications, The New York Times exhibits the strongest framing by contextualising his actions as a “lesson” in aggressive diplomacy, emphasising the implications for U.S.-Iran relations. In contrast, Fox News provides the most escalatory framing by highlighting Trump’s threats to target Iranian power plants, thereby inciting a response that raises the stakes of military confrontation. NBC News and The Washington Post offer variations that reflect on the broader geopolitical context, but do not engage in the same level of escalation or strategic framing. The facts do not change, what changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
Fox News
Trump warns Iran he may strike ‘every power plant’ as deadline to reopen Hormuz nears
NBC News
The New York Times
Trump’s Lesson From Risky Rescue: Threaten to Go Harder at Iran
The Washington Post
“I’m a British Trump Impersonator – I’ve faced Spitting for My Opinions”
12:31 pm
Get you up to speed: “I’m a British Trump Impersonator – I’ve faced Spitting for My Opinions” | News UK
Paul Cross, a professional Trump impersonator from Bristol, faces verbal and physical attacks since opening Trump Tower Thailand, highlighting the polarising views surrounding the former president.
Cross stated he has received death threats and insults since opening Trump Tower Thailand, emphasising, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” despite facing backlash for his pro-Trump views.
Paul Cross has reported ongoing verbal and physical abuse since opening Trump Tower Thailand, but his bar remains popular among tourists and has a robust social media presence.
What we know so far
Paul Cross, a 64-year-old Donald Trump impersonator from Bristol, has reported facing both verbal and physical attacks since launching his Trump-themed bar, Trump Tower Thailand, in Jomtien Beach last August. The former postman claims he has been “spat at” by critics and threatened while promoting his pro-Trump views.
Cross recounted an incident in October where an American tourist spat at him and attempted to punch him while he was wearing a MAGA hat. Reflecting on the experience, he quipped, “I’ve had my teeth done and Botox. I’ve spent a lot of money on this face, so it wasn’t worth fighting.”
Despite the backlash, Cross asserts that his bar has become a tourist attraction, hosting themed nights and charity events. He has reached out to The Trump Organisation regarding the establishment, noting, “They could have closed us down in seconds, but I have had no reply, so I assume they are happy about the bar.”
Cross attracts a mix of locals and tourists, highlighting that many Russian visitors are keen to pose for photographs with him, drawn by his imitation of a “strong leader.” As he continues to navigate the challenges of running his business, he remains unapologetically pro-Trump and optimistic about the bar’s future.
‘I’m a British Donald Trump impersonator – I’ve been spat at for my views’
‘Donald Trump’ has revealed he’s been spat at by his critics since opening Trump Tower Thailand last year.
By ‘Trump’, we mean former postman Paul Cross, a Bristol native who is a professional Trump impersonator.
Cross, 64, says that he’s faced verbal and physical attacks after he opened a Trump-themed bar in Jomtien Beach, near Pattaya, last August.
The comedian, who is proudly ‘pro-Trump, was wearing a MAGA hat in October when an American tourist spat at him and tried to punch him.
He joked about the incident: ‘I’ve had my teeth done and Botox. I’ve spent a lot of money on this face, so it wasn’t worth fighting.’
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The wig-wearing lookalike said he’s also had someone from England insult Bristol and often receives death threats on social media.
On Facebook in January, Cross said he was ‘threatened in a bar’ and had to leave.
‘Everyone is entitled to their opinion,’ he added.
Cross opened Trump Tower Thailand after splitting with his wife of nine years.
It’s since become a tourist hotspot, he says, with the bar’s Facebook group page showing it host ‘boys nights’ (‘no women’), parties and carry out charity work.
He sells t-shirts, coasters and mugs with the bar’s logo on them, styled like the entrance of the former Apprentice star’s New York City skyscraper.
Cross wrote to The Trump Organisation, the president’s real estate business, in November, saying he was opening the bar.
‘They could have closed us down in seconds, but I have had no reply, so I assume they are happy about the bar,’ Cross said.
Cross became interested in the Republican leader when he shocked the world by becoming the 45th president of the US.
‘Nobody gave him a chance, but he keeps proving people wrong,’ he said.
‘Even when he leaves politics, he will still be the most famous person in the world.
‘Trump is trying to bring peace around the world and the US is the only country with the power to achieve that.
‘Many Russian tourists ask to be photographed with me. They like a strong leader.’
Trump is increasingly facing calls from Democrats to step down – or be forcibly removed altogether – amid his war against Iran.
He issued Tehran an expletive-filled warning on his social media network, Truth Social, yesterday, vowing to destroy the country’s nuclear plants.
He said on Easter Sunday: ‘‘There will be nothing like it!!! ‘Open the F***in’ Strait, you crazy b******s, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.’
Savannah Guthrie is back on Today show after her mother’s disappearance
11:00 am
Savannah Guthrie is back on Today show after her mother’s disappearance
Return to Today
Savannah Guthrie is returning to NBC’s Today show after more than two months since her mother Nancy’s disappearance and potential kidnapping.
Reward Increased
The Guthrie family has raised the reward to $1 million for information on Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, amidst an ongoing investigation involving the FBI and local authorities.
The Guthrie family has raised the reward to $1 million for information on Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, amidst an ongoing investigation involving the FBI and local authorities.
Investigation update
Authorities continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, with no latest updates from the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department regarding her disappearance.
Authorities continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, with no latest updates from the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department regarding her disappearance.
Briefing summary
US television presenter Savannah Guthrie will return to NBC’s Today show following her mother’s disappearance, which has persisted for over two months. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31.
Authorities reported finding blood at Nancy Guthrie’s residence and believe she may have been kidnapped. The investigation includes the FBI’s release of surveillance footage showing a masked individual at the scene.
Full reading: Savannah Guthrie to return to Today show for first time since her mother’s disappearance | US News
US television presenter Savannah Guthrie is returning to NBC’s Today show on Monday for the first time since her mother’s disappearance more than two months ago.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Arizona home on 31 January and was reported missing the following day.
Officials say her blood was found on the front porch. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but deadlines for paying have passed.
Authorities believe she was kidnapped or abducted. During the investigation, the FBI released surveillance videos showing a masked man on the porch that night.
Nancy Guthrie and her daughter Savannah. Pic: Savannah Guthrie/Instagram
Today co-anchor Ms Guthrie, 54, has acknowledged she’s a changed person since her mother’s disappearance and that it’s difficult to press ahead without knowing what happened to her.
Despite a search that involved thousands of federal and local officers and volunteers, there has been no sign of the mother-of-three since she went missing.
In a video message released by her New York church on Easter Sunday, Ms Guthrie said she felt “moments of deep disappointment with God, the feeling of utter abandonment”.
But she said the resurrection is not fully celebrated “if we do not acknowledge the feelings of loss, pain, and yes, death”.
“Perhaps this is too dark a message to share on Easter morning, but I have long believed that we miss out on fully celebrating resurrection if we do not acknowledge the feelings of loss, pain and, yes, death,” she said.
“It is the darkness that makes this morning’s light so magnificent, so blindingly beautiful.”
Guthrie fears mum was kidnapped because of her fame
In her closing message, she said: “I see a bright vision of the day when heaven and Earth pass away because they are one, on Earth as it is in heaven.
“When we celebrate today, this is what we celebrate, and I celebrate, too. I still believe. And so I say with conviction, ‘Happy Easter.'”
Announcing her return to NBC’s flagship morning show, Ms Guthrie said she was unsure whether she’ll feel like she still belongs.
“It’s hard to imagine doing it because it’s such a place of joy and lightness,” she said just over a week ago on Today in her first interview since her mother’s disappearance.
“I can’t come back and try to be something that I’m not. But I can’t not come back because it’s my family.”
Savannah Guthrie visited the Today show in New York on 5 March. Pic: APMs Guthrie, one of US morning television’s most recognisable faces, has been a co-anchor on Today since 2012.
There had been a great deal of speculation about whether she would return to the show.
Pic: NBC/Today/Reuters
“I want to smile, and when I do it will be real,” she told broadcaster Hoda Kotb, who returned to Today to fill in for Ms Guthrie while she concentrated on the search.
“Being there is joyful, and when it’s not I’ll say so.”
FBI releases the first surveillance images from the night of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance
Nancy Guthrie made occasional appearances on Today over the years, once taking part in a cooking demonstration and surprising her daughter on set.
When Savannah Guthrie returned to her hometown of Tucson last year for a segment recorded for the show, the pair attended one of their favourite restaurants and talked about their love of Arizona.
The Guthrie family has offered a $1m (£754,000) reward for information leading to the return of their mother.
The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department both said late last week that they had no updates.
Early on, some media outlets reported receiving ransom messages linked to the case.
Ms Guthrie said she and her siblings responded to two they believed to be real and offered to pay.
Ms Guthrie said her celebrity status might be the reason her mother was taken, but that possibility was “too much to bear”.
Hundreds of bikers join procession in Sintra for Easter celebrations
10:00 am
Hundreds of bikers join procession in Sintra for Easter celebrations
Easter Procession
Hundreds of motorcyclists participated in the 19th annual Compasso Pascal Motard, led by Father Avelino Alves from Pêro Pinheiro to Sintra’s National Palace.
Hundreds of motorcyclists participated in the 19th annual Compasso Pascal Motard, led by Father Avelino Alves from Pêro Pinheiro to Sintra’s National Palace.
Community Engagement
The 19th annual Compasso Pascal Motard attracted hundreds of motorcyclists, emphasising the growing community solidarity and tradition in Sintra each Easter Sunday.
The 19th annual Compasso Pascal Motard attracted hundreds of motorcyclists, emphasising the growing community solidarity and tradition in Sintra each Easter Sunday.
Community Spirit
“On Easter Sunday, this is our family, this is our brotherhood, we are all brothers,” said participant Jorge Saramago, reflecting on the unity of the procession.
“On Easter Sunday, this is our family, this is our brotherhood, we are all brothers,” said participant Jorge Saramago, reflecting on the unity of the procession.
19th annual Compasso Pascal Motard in Sintra
Hundreds of motorcyclists participated in the 19th annual Compasso Pascal Motard in Sintra, where Father Avelino Alves led the procession carrying the cross of Christ through multiple parishes.
The event commenced at 10 am from the parish church in Pêro Pinheiro, culminating at Sintra’s National Palace at 1 pm, showcasing a tradition that has steadily attracted more participants since its inception in 2007.
Hundreds of motorcyclists join Portuguese priest in Easter celebration on wheels
Hundreds of motorcyclists joined a priest on Sunday to carry the cross of Christ through Sintra in a roaring Easter procession that has become a tradition in the Portuguese town of Sintra near Lisbon.
Father Avelino Alves led the 19th annual Compasso Pascal Motard, riding with the cross on what he calls the “motorcycle of freedom” from the parish church in Pêro Pinheiro to Sintra’s National Palace.
The procession set off at 10 am and travelled through several parishes including Montelavar, Almargem do Bispo and Terrugem before reaching the historic town centre at 1 pm.
Motorcycle of freedom
Father Avelino, a native of Lamego who serves as parish priest in Pêro Pinheiro, created the motorcycle procession in 2007. The event has grown steadily in popularity, with hundreds of bikers gathering each Easter Sunday morning.
“People already know that this is Easter Day, the day of the Resurrection, the day for motorcyclists to take to the streets, just as Pope Francis used to say, to go to the peripheries and tell people that, in this world of indifference, there is still Christ, there are still people who believe,” said Father Avelino.
Pope Francis, who died in April 2025, often urged the Catholic Church to bring faith “to the peripheries”.
The roar of motorcycle engines mixed with church bells at both the starting point and arrival in front of the National Palace of Sintra. Residents lined the streets along the route to watch the procession pass.
Jorge Saramago, one of the participants, described the event as a gathering of brotherhood. “On Easter Sunday, this is our family, this is our brotherhood, we are all brothers,” he said.
“And, as long as I can, I will come, this is our Easter family,” Saramago concluded.
EU ministers call for urgent implementation of energy windfall tax
9:01 am
EU finance ministers call for urgent implementation of energy windfall tax
The European Union is intensifying its diplomatic efforts as it prepares for a significant summit on energy security, with leaders emphasising the need for a concerted approach to tackle ongoing energy challenges exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. The European Commission is advocating for a coherent strategy to enhance energy resilience and reduce reliance on external suppliers, particularly in the context of rising costs due to the USA and Israel’s strategy of choking Iran’s energy and supply routes. Forcing the EU to buy more Gas from the US at hiked prices.
In the economic sphere, data reveals that imports of semi-finished products to the EU surged by a third in 2025, reflecting increased demand and potential supply chain adjustments in response to ongoing pressures. Market participants will be closely monitoring the upcoming decisions at the EU leaders’ summit on energy policy and long-term strategies, scheduled for March 14.
Key developments across the European Union
EU votes in favour of migrant ‘return hubs’
EU MIGRATION — The EU has approved ‘return hubs’ to facilitate the expulsion of migrants.
This decision aims to streamline the processing of illegally residing migrants in member states. The hubs are intended to offer more efficient repatriation procedures and are a response to rising migration challenges across Europe.
Europe must prepare for ‘long-lasting’ energy shock, EU warns
EU ENERGY — The EU has issued a warning about prolonged energy shocks following recent market fluctuations.
Hungary’s Orbán has long annoyed the European Union. Now some hope he faces defeat
EU POLITICS — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces increased criticism from EU leaders amid election challenges. He is one of Trump’s stooges in the EU, opposing any policy that is not pro-USA.
This comes as opposition parties rally against Orbán’s government, which has been accused of undermining democratic values. EU officials express hope that this shift could lead to improved relations between Hungary and the broader EU framework.
Germany, EU finance ministers call for energy windfall tax
EU ECONOMY — A call for a windfall tax has been made by German and EU finance ministers.
This proposal aims to capture exceptional profits made by energy companies during the energy crisis. The movement reflects growing concerns over consumer energy costs and aims to redistribute wealth to support vulnerable populations.
Portugal among EU countries with most people working 50 hours per week
EU BUSINESS — Portugal has been identified as one of the EU countries with the highest number of workers putting in 50-hour weeks.
The rising trend raises concerns about work-life balance and employee wellbeing. Labour advocates are calling for reforms to address these excessive working hours and improve conditions for workers across the EU.
What to watch — Increased EU responses to energy market challenges and political shifts within Hungary are anticipated in the coming weeks.
Further reading from across European news sources
Financial Times
Europe must prepare for ‘long-lasting’ energy shock, EU warns
Euronews
Portugal among EU countries with most people working 50 hours per week
Der Spiegel
Germany, EU finance ministers call for energy windfall tax
Politico Europe
J-Lo, Rihanna and Kardashians: How fur is fighting an EU ban
The Guardian
Labour to back down on foie gras and fur bans to ease EU trade deal
WTX EU News
Israel and US launch strikes against Iran ahead of EU energy talks
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