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- EU officials express concerns over Spain’s undocumented migrant regularisation on Monday
- ‘Joyful’ dad identified as second victim in Lancashire moorland plane crash
- European Court of Auditors Raises Concerns Over EU Agricultural Budget Plan
- Iranian chess grandmaster Mitra Hejazipour urges international aid against protests crackdown on Monday
- Ursula von der Leyen urges EU nations to pursue smaller economic coalitions
- When does 2026 F1 season start? Full schedule, calendar, driver line-up and rule changes
- Arsenal and Chelsea in talks to sign son of Inter Milan legend
- Armoured Van Exploded by Armed Robbers in Dramatic Heat-Inspired Heist in Italy
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EU officials express concerns over Spain’s undocumented migrant regularisation on Monday
8:00 am
TL:DR – EU officials express concerns over Spain’s undocumented migrant regularisation on Monday
• EU officials have expressed reservations regarding Spain’s decision to regularise undocumented migrants.
• The reservations were raised in discussions earlier this week.
• The EU is considering the potential implications of this move on migration policies.
• Additionally, EU leaders are advocating for an end to the price cap on Russian oil.
Newsletter: EU leaders raise the stakes ahead of talks on economic revival
On Thursday, EU officials expressed reservations regarding Spain’s decision to regularise undocumented migrants. This development has significant implications for immigration policy within the European Union as it may influence other member states to adopt similar measures.
The concerns articulated by EU officials suggest a potential shift in the dynamics of immigration regulation across the bloc. Spain’s move has sparked discussions about the standardisation of policies regarding undocumented migrants in the EU.
EU Officials Critique Spain’s Migration Policy
According to the report, EU policymakers are apprehensive that Spain’s actions could create inconsistencies in how member states handle undocumented migration. This could lead to varying levels of security and integration strategies within the EU.
Potential Impact on EU Immigration Standards
The European Commission has emphasised the need for a cohesive approach to immigration that reflects shared values. The reservations raised by EU officials could prompt further dialogue among member states regarding immigration policies and enforcement.
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‘Joyful’ dad identified as second victim in Lancashire moorland plane crash
6:00 am
TL:DR – ‘Joyful’ dad identified as second victim in Lancashire moorland plane crash
- Mustafa Qays Obadey, 39, and Arian Abassi, 36, died in a Cirrus aircraft crash near Rochdale, after taking off from Birmingham on February 3.
- Obadey was described as ‘humble’ and ‘the kindest person you could meet’ by family and friends.
- An investigation is being led by Greater Manchester Police and the Air Accident Investigation Branch.
- Search continues for a parachute component involved in the crash, hampered by difficult terrain.
‘Cheerful’ father named as second victim in plane crash over Lancashire moors | News UK
Mustafa Obadey, who was one of two men killed when the Cirrus light aircraft went down in Littleborough (Picture: PA)
The family of an aviation buff who died in a plane crash have described him as ‘the kindest person you could meet’.
Mustafa Qays Obadey, 39, suffered fatal injuries alongside Arian Abassi in an aircraft which plunged into farmland after taking off at Birmingham airport.
The pair took off in a Cirrus SR20 G6 Premium Platinum plane on February 3, and an investigation is underway into the crash.
A parachute was seen caught in a pylon close to the crash site in the Lancashire moors.
Mr Obadey from Greenford was described by family and friends as ‘humble’ and willing to help anyone.
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A spokesperson for his family said: ‘He was the most humble, kind man you’ll ever meet. A man made of peace. The glue of the family and community. Always available and accepting for everyone. Thank you Mustafa.’
A parachute caught in a pylon close to the crash site (Picture: MEN Media; Getty)
The plane crashed near Rochdale and the investigation is being led by Greater Manchester Police and the Air Accident Investigation Branch.
Nersess Siragan, who worked with Mr Obadey, wrote in a tribute on Facebook: ‘You’ll never get a chance to say goodbye to loved ones until it’s too late. My friend Mustafa died in a plane crash in Manchester. He was such a lovely young man, always cheerful and an optimist.
‘I can’t imagine going to work and not seeing him. My heart goes out to his mother, father, brothers and his children. I’m sure you’re in a better place now.
‘God bless your soul and rest in peace.’
The emergency response after a small plane crashed near a lake in Greater Manchester
(Picture: Michael Perry / SWNS)
Another tribute online said: ‘The other man who died in the crash is Mustafa Obadey who shared a passion for flying.
‘He was a very popular person and loved by everyone who met him, and a good friend of mine. I remember a few weeks ago he showed me pictures of the low wing plane and its modern avionics.’
Arian Abbasi, 36, was one of two men sadly pronounced dead at the scene in Littleborough, Rochdale on Tuesday.
Last week, Mr Abassi’s family described him as a ‘deeply loving father and a devoted husband’.
‘He lived his life for his family and friends, giving them his constant love, strength, and support.
‘Flying was his passion, and he was on the brink of beginning an exciting new chapter with a commercial airline on 23 February; a dream he had worked toward with immense pride and determination.’
Officers are searching for part of the parachute system which contains propellant.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: ‘The nature of the terrain, and the wide area over which it may have travelled, has made finding the device very difficult.’
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101.
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European Court of Auditors Raises Concerns Over EU Agricultural Budget Plan
4:00 am
TL:DR – European Court of Auditors Raises Concerns Over EU Agricultural Budget Plan
• The European Court of Auditors (ECA) published a report on 09 February 2026 regarding the EU’s long-term agricultural budget for 2028-2034.
• The ECA raised concerns about a lack of clarity in tracking public funds under the new European Common Agriculture Policy.
• The ECA warned that uncertainties could create unpredictability for fund recipients during planning stages.
• The ongoing budget negotiations are expected to maintain the overall structure, despite debates over specific figures.
Proposed EU long-term agriculture budget has monitoring flaws, Court of Auditors warns
A lack of clarity regarding the tracking of public funds has been highlighted by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) concerning the European Union’s upcoming long-term agricultural budget. This assessment was released on Monday and is part of a series evaluating the EU’s proposed budget for 2028-2034.
The ECA’s report addresses significant concerns about the new proposal, particularly its departure from the previous EU budget framework, which previously had set guidelines. Under the new arrangement, EU countries will create their own national plans, mirroring the EU Recovery Plan initiated to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
European Court of Auditors Warns of Uncertainties
In the report, the ECA warned that this shift could lead to unpredictability for recipients. The auditors stated, “For the recipients of funds, this could create unpredictability at the planning stage about how much funding they can expect.”
Issues raised by the ECA include a lack of clear rules on payments and monitoring, which could facilitate potential misuse of funds. They noted, “This reduces predictability for beneficiaries, delays the delivery of funds, and may ultimately undermine the objective of simplification.”
Negotiation of the EU Long-Term Budget Continues
The ECA also pointed out that it remains unclear whether payments will be made based on predefined targets or contingent upon achieved results. The negotiations for the next EU long-term budget are ongoing among the bloc’s institutions. According to three EU officials who spoke with Euronews on condition of anonymity, while budget figures are under debate, the overall structure is likely to remain consistent.
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Iranian chess grandmaster Mitra Hejazipour urges international aid against protests crackdown on Monday
2:00 am
TL:DR – Iranian chess grandmaster Mitra Hejazipour urges international aid against protests crackdown on Monday
• Iranian chess grandmaster Mitra Hejazipour has urged international powers to intervene against the Iranian government’s crackdown on protesters, stating over 30,000 were killed, on Monday.
• Hejazipour accused the regime of “brutal repression,” mentioning military weapons used on demonstrators.
• She advocates for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as a leader for a democratic transition in Iran.
• Hejazipour considers negotiations with Tehran a “dead-end situation” and believes military intervention is supported by many Iranians.
• Human rights groups reported casualties between 6,000 and 30,000 during the protests starting on 28 December 2025.
Tehran ‘will continue to massacre people’ if not stopped, Iranian chess grandmaster tells Euronews
Iranian Chess Grandmaster Urges International Action Against Crackdown on Protesters
Iranian chess grandmaster living in exile Mitra Hejazipour has called on international powers to intervene and help end the Iranian government’s deadly crackdown on protesters, as casualty figures continue to rise. Hejazipour made her statements during an interview on Euronews’ morning show Europe Today on Monday, highlighting the gravity of the situation following the protests that began in late December due to economic collapse.
Hejazipour described the protests as a “bloody massacre that killed more than 30,000 Iranians,” attributing the violence to the Tehran regime’s “brutal repression” and detailing the use of military weapons against demonstrators, including “snipers from rooftops.” The grandmaster has been an outspoken critic of the Islamic Republic since her expulsion from Iran’s national team in 2020 for removing her headscarf during a competition in Moscow.
Mitra Hejazipour Criticises Negotiations with Tehran
Mitra Hejazipour believes that democracy cannot be achieved in Iran with the current regime’s consent and describes negotiations with Tehran’s leadership as a “dead-end situation.” She expressed that “a majority of Iranians support a military intervention” to overthrow the government, warning that the regime will “continue to massacre the people” without such action.
Hejazipour pointed out that she has not observed sufficient support from European countries regarding the situation. The protests have escalated since their inception on 28 December 2025, driven by a currency collapse and persistent hyperinflation; they quickly transformed into nationwide anti-regime demonstrations, resulting in a violent crackdown and a complete information blockade.
US Military Presence and International Response
While protests in Iran have led to an alarming death toll, US President Donald Trump has urged Iranians to persist in their demands for change, asserting that “help is on the way.” However, he has refrained from military intervention following resumed US-Iran talks, amid reports suggesting Tehran had pledged to halt the crackdown.
In the meantime, the United States has positioned its aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, along with naval and air forces in the Middle East, as a strategy to apply pressure on Tehran and maintain readiness for military action if required.
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Ursula von der Leyen urges EU nations to pursue smaller economic coalitions
9:00 pm
TL:DR – Ursula von der Leyen urges EU nations to pursue smaller economic coalitions
• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, proposed that member states form smaller groups for economic matters if consensus is not achievable before a key summit on 09/02/2026.
• Von der Leyen emphasised the need for an “ambitious” economic agenda agreed by all 27 member states, while allowing for enhanced cooperation.
• European leaders will gather for an informal retreat on 09/02/2026 at Alden Biesen Castle.
• A group of 10 countries, including France, will meet prior to the summit, led by Germany, Italy, and Belgium.
• Von der Leyen will launch an initiative to reduce bureaucratic “gold-plating” affecting European companies.
Von der Leyen pitches two-speed Europe ahead of Draghi crunch summit
Ursula von der Leyen Advocates for Enhanced Cooperation Among EU States
On 9 February 2026, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, suggested that member countries willing to collaborate on economic initiatives should form smaller coalitions if unanimity cannot be achieved ahead of a crucial summit. This move comes as the European economy faces pressure from the United States and China.
The implications of von der Leyen’s statement are significant, as it could lead to a new approach in European integration amidst political differences. She emphasised the importance of an “ambitious” economic agenda that includes all 27 member states but acknowledged the necessity of enhanced cooperation if progress stalls.
Ursula von der Leyen Comments on Enhanced Cooperation
In her letter to leaders, von der Leyen stated, “Our ambition should always be to reach agreement among all 27 member states.” However, she noted that if a lack of progress threatens Europe’s competitiveness, action should not be delayed. The principle of enhanced cooperation allows a minimum of nine countries to deepen integration independently of others.
This approach represents a notable shift from the existing consensus model and could facilitate a two-speed Europe. European leaders are expected to gather for an informal retreat at Alden Biesen Castle, where discussions will focus on implementing reports by prominent figures including Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta.
Preparations for the Summit
Prior to the summit, a group of 10 countries, including Germany, Italy, and Belgium, will convene to establish a common line, with France’s participation confirmed by a diplomat. Von der Leyen also outlined plans for the Commission to accelerate its simplification agenda and roll back on “gold-plating,” a practice criticised by European companies for adding unnecessary bureaucracy.
This initiative aims to reduce costs and regulatory confusion for businesses operating within the EU.
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When does 2026 F1 season start? Full schedule, calendar, driver line-up and rule changes
8:00 pm
When does 2026 F1 season start? Full schedule, calendar, driver line-up and rule changes
Two-minute read
Lando Norris won his first F1 drivers’ title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 7 December 2025, finishing third in the race, while Max Verstappen claimed victory. Norris became the first McLaren driver to win the championship since Lewis Hamilton in 2008, concluding a dramatic season filled with intense competition.
Source: Original report
Lando Norris won his first formula 1 title after a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, 7 December. While Max Verstappen claimed victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the four-time champion finished second in the end-of-season standings, allowing Norris to secure his maiden F1 drivers’ title by achieving a third-place finish.
The 26-year-old becomes the 11th British driver to win the F1 drivers’ title and the first for McLaren since Sir Lewis Hamilton’s first triumph in 2008. Norris will now focus on defending his title as the 2026 season approaches, which begins in just under three months.
Norris Movements After Winning the Title
Lando Norris took time to celebrate his championship victory before turning his attention to preparations for the upcoming season. His win was a significant event in his career and McLaren’s history, as the team looks to build on this success.
Upcoming 2026 F1 Season Details
The 2026 F1 season is set to commence on 6 March with the Australian Grand Prix, a traditional race in Melbourne. Teams will participate in three pre-season tests, including one in Barcelona and two in Bahrain. The season’s schedule will maintain 24 races, with the Imola Grand Prix being replaced by the Madrid Grand Prix.
Changes to Teams and Drivers for 2026
Cadillac will join the grid as the eleventh team, while Sauber will be renamed Audi following a 2024 takeover. Confirmed driver line-ups show notable changes, including Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas driving for Cadillac, and Isack Hadjar partnering with Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
The confirmed team and driver line-up for the new season includes McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and Mercedes’ George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, among others.
The season will also bring sweeping regulations, with cars being lighter and smaller, and a new power unit setup. These changes aim to enhance overtaking opportunities during races, confirmed by the FIA.
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