Latest News
- US pauses military operation as possible peace deal emerges with Iran
- China urges EU to amend ‘Made in Europe’ proposal amid trade tensions
- German court rules in favour of tourist over sunbed reservation issues
- European Commission unveils anti-poverty strategy targeting EU exclusion
- London’s tallest pool may offer 580ft panoramic vistas | News UK
- US Navy conducts successful test flight of autonomous MQ-25A Stingray drone
- Hungary returns seized cash and gold to Ukraine’s Oschadbank, says Zelenskyy
- Trump-endorsed candidates oust incumbent Republicans in Indiana primaries
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
Knowledge Hub
Global Reaction to DE Elections
US pauses military operation as possible peace deal emerges with Iran
10:00 pm
Get you up to speed: US pauses military operation as possible peace deal emerges with Iran
Donald Trump has paused a military operation to free stranded ships off Iran in light of a possible peace deal. The proposed deal involves Iran halting all uranium enrichment for 12 to 15 years and moving stockpiles of its highly enriched uranium out of the country.
Donald Trump announced a pause in military operations to free stranded ships off Iran, stating a potential peace deal based on a 14-page document could emerge. According to Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, the offensive stage of the war, known as Operation Epic Fury, is now over.
Donald Trump has paused a military operation as a possible peace deal involving Iran’s uranium enrichment is being considered. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has assured that summer holiday plans will not face major disruption due to jet fuel being imported from the US.
Strait of Hormuz reopening hope grows after Trump pauses Project Freedom | News World
Careful optimism is brewing that the troubled Strait of Hormuz could reopen (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Donald Trump has paused a military operation to free stranded ships off Iran as a possible peace deal emerges – giving millions of holidaymakers hope of a summer getaway after all.
The nine-week Middle East conflict has seen fuel prices soar because of Tehran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and led to airlines scrapping planned flights to cope with shortages.
Yesterday it was revealed seating capacity on planes has fallen by 2 million this month, with 13,005 flights cancelled around the world.
But the US president yesterday said his Project Freedom was being put on hold as a deal – said to based on a 14-page A4 document – was possible.
‘If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,’ Mr Trump posted.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Mr Trump said previously in a post on Truth Social that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen ‘assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption.’
Oil prices plunged on news of a possible deal. Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell more than 10% to below $100 per barrel. Though still well above the average $70 before the conflict began, the fall helped US stock markets rise.
Only two merchant ships are known to have passed through the route protected by American ships and aircraft, and hundreds of merchant ships remain stranded.
But a shaky ceasefire had largely held, despite exchanges of fire, and the sinking of six small Iranian boats, as the operation in the strait began on Monday.
The carefully optimistic situation was put to test this evening after US fighter jet fired at an Iranian-flagged ship to stop it from reaching a blockaded port, the US Central Command said.
US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has said the offensive stage of the war, Operation Epic Fury, is over.
Iran’s hard-line religious regime said the statements meant the US had ‘retreated’ but did not respond to suggestions a deal was close.
Mr Trump has argued the war – which began on February 28 with a missile attack that killed Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86 – was to stop it building a nuclear bomb.
The proposed deal is said to involve Iran halting all uranium enrichment for 12 to 15 years, with extra years added if it violates terms. It would also have to agree to move stockpiles of its highly enriched uranium out of the country. It has claimed its stocks are for a nuclear power programme – not weapons.
Mr Trump has called his predecessor Barak Obama’s 2015 agreement with Iran the ‘worst deal ever’. But the new plan is said to echo it, with sanctions lifted and assets worth billions gradually released.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei later said the proposal to end the war is ‘still being considered’. But another official described the plan as more of a ‘wish-list than reality’.
Both sides hope China can bridge the gap between them, after the repeated breakdown so far of peace talks brokered by Pakistan.
Mr Trump is due to visit Beijing next week to meet president Xi Jinping. His country’s close economic and political ties to Tehran give it unique influence.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi was there yesterday for his first visit since the US and Israel attacked.
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi said the conflict ‘has not only caused serious losses to the Iranian people, but also had a severe impact on regional and global peace’. He added: ‘China is deeply distressed by this. We believe a comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed.’
But at a White House briefing Mr Rubio responded: ‘I hope the Chinese tell him (Araghchi) what he needs to be told… that what you are doing in the strait is causing you to be globally isolated. You’re the bad guy in this.’ Aviation analytics company Cirium revealed 120 flights from the UK have been axed so far this month as jet fuel prices soar.
Around 20% of global oil is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, off Iran’s coast. Though the figure represents only 0.53% of all departures it has cut capacity by 7,972 seats. The final week of May is half-term at many schools, and a peak getaway period.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander vowed summer holiday plans will not face major disruption as fuel for planes is being imported from the US.
But Paul Charles, founder of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said if the conflict continues ‘there will need to be many more cancellations as the jet fuel supply is squeezed’.
Comment now
Comments
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
China urges EU to amend ‘Made in Europe’ proposal amid trade tensions
9:00 pm
China urges EU to amend ‘Made in Europe’ proposal amid trade tensions
Trade tensions rise
China has urged EU member states to alter the bloc’s proposed “Made in Europe” legislation aimed at tightening rules for foreign companies in public procurement contracts.
China has urged EU member states to alter the bloc’s proposed “Made in Europe” legislation aimed at tightening rules for foreign companies in public procurement contracts.
Escalating Tensions
Trade conflicts may intensify as China’s commerce ministry threatens retaliatory measures against the EU’s proposed “Made in Europe” legislation targeting foreign firms in public procurement.
Trade conflicts may intensify as China’s commerce ministry threatens retaliatory measures against the EU’s proposed “Made in Europe” legislation targeting foreign firms in public procurement.
Official Warning
Beijing’s commerce ministry stated that if the EU “insists on this punishment and treats China’s enterprises in a discriminatory manner,” it would implement countermeasures.
Beijing’s commerce ministry stated that if the EU “insists on this punishment and treats China’s enterprises in a discriminatory manner,” it would implement countermeasures.
Key developments
Escalating trade tensions emerge as China urges EU member states to amend the proposed “Made in Europe” legislation, which tightens rules for foreign companies in EU contracts.
In response to the draft proposal, China’s commerce ministry warned of countermeasures if the EU proceeds with what it views as discriminatory practices against Chinese enterprises.
How to avoid a trade war with China? MEPs debate on The Ring
Published on
Trade tensions between China and the European Union are escalating after Beijing called on EU member states to revise the bloc’s proposed “Made in Europe” legislation.
The draft proposal of the European Commission seeks to tighten the rules for foreign companies that want to participate in EU public procurement contracts or benefit from investment opportunities.
The initiative, which aims to bolster Europe’s industrial capacity, was met with sharp criticism by China’s commerce ministry who affirmed that if the EU “insists on this punishment and treats China’s enterprises in a discriminatory manner,” Beijing would respond with countermeasures. In other words, retaliation.
While Europe is trying to navigate a world of aggressive tariffs by Trump’s administration, is it heading toward a full-scale trade conflict with China — or can it still strike a balance between protection and cooperation?
The topic couldn’t have been more timely when this week’s contenders stepped into The Ring at the European Parliament in Brussels.
In the left corner: Sakis Arnaoutoglou, a Greek MEP from the Socialists and Democrats Group (S&D), member of the Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China in the European Parliament and an advocate for a pragmatic approach to global tensions.
He cautions against escalation: “Europe must remain open to cooperation with China, but it cannot remain naive. We need a relationship based on fairness, reciprocity and transparency. The aim is not confrontation.”
In the right corner: Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, a Spanish MEP from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), member of the Committee on Security and Defence in the European Parliament and a strong transatlanticist.
He warns about the global power shift driven by Beijing: “China’s export restrictions are an escalation of the weaponization of trade policies. We have to confront this in a smart way. That means we cannot decouple from China, but we have to de-risk.”
This episode of The Ring is anchored by Stefan Grobe, produced by Luis Albertos and Amaia Echevarria, and edited by Vassilis Glynos.
Watch The Ring on EU News TV or in the player above and send us your views by writing to thering@euronews.com.
German court rules in favour of tourist over sunbed reservation issues
7:00 pm
Get you up to speed: German court rules in favour of tourist over sunbed reservation issues
A district court in Hanover ruled in favour of a German man who sued his tour operator following difficulties in securing sunbeds during his holiday in Kos, Greece. The court determined the holiday package was ‘defective’ because it did not provide the level of service expected, leading to a partial refund of £850.
A district court in Hanover ruled in favour of a German father, recognising that his package holiday was ‘defective’ due to inadequate sunbed availability, awarding him a partial refund of £850. The court stated the tour operator still had a duty to ensure a ‘reasonable’ ratio of loungers available, despite not operating the hotel itself.
The district court in Hanover ruled that the German dad is entitled to a partial refund of £850 due to the tour package being ‘defective’. The court noted that the tour operator had a duty to ensure a reasonable ratio of loungers available at the hotel.
German tourist sues tour operator after losing 6am race to reserve sunbed | News World
Tourists often wake up early to stake their claim to a sunbed (Picture: Getty Images)
If there is one topic that can divide Europe like no other it is the annual sunbed wars that grip beach resorts every summer.
Tourists wake up at the crack of dawn and wait for the gates to the hotel pool to open, before making a mad dash to reserve a lounger with a towel.
Now one German dad has successfully sued his tour operator because he kept on losing the battle for a sunbed.
The unnamed man had spent £6,200 on a holiday with his wife and two children to the Greek island of Kos in August 2024.
He thought he would not have to stress about reserving a spot in the sun because the hotel had an explicit rule banning loungers with towels.
However a district court in Hanover heard how the family’s mornings became a rush for pool space, with guests ignoring the ban in practice.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
The German man wanted a relaxing holiday in Kos without stressing about loungers (Picture: Getty Images)
The dad said that even when they got up at 6am, most of the sun beds had already been nabbed by other guests.
He complained to the court that the situation was so dire the family spent up to 20 minutes each day trying to find a spot they could all sit togehter,
The children were sometimes left lying on the floor because of the lack of loungers, he said.
The German man claimed hotel staff refused to step in to help.
The tour operator – which was not named in proceedings – previously offered £300 to the family in compensation.
But the court sided with the holidaymaker and ruled he was entitled to a partial refused of £850.
The court ruled the package holiday had been ‘defective’ because it had not provided the ‘character’ that the customer was contractually entitled to expect.
The ruling acknowledged that the travel company did not operate the hotel itself so could not guarantee sunbed access.
The family said they spent 20 minutes searching for sunbeds they could all sit on together (Picture: Getty Images)
However the judges said the operator still had a duty to ensure there was a structure in place that meant a ‘reasonable’ ratio of loungers available.
Germans actually dislike the annual sunbed wars, despite the stereotype as one of the most dogged participants.
One poll showed that as many as 66 per cent of them opposed it and 14 per cent had even removed offending towels.
However a survey of German tourists last summer revealed that 71 per cent of them thought it was a ‘predominantly German’ custom.
British holidaymakers thought that the biggest culprits were fellow Brits, a different survey showed.
Comment now
Comments
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
European Commission unveils anti-poverty strategy targeting EU exclusion
6:00 pm
European Commission unveils anti-poverty strategy targeting EU exclusion
Anti-poverty Strategy
European Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu announced a new strategy to eradicate extreme poverty and social exclusion in the EU by 2050, aiming to support 92.7 million at risk.
European Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu announced a new strategy to eradicate extreme poverty and social exclusion in the EU by 2050, aiming to support 92.7 million at risk.
Poverty Statistics
Approximately 92.7 million people in the 27 EU countries are currently at risk of poverty or social exclusion, representing nearly one in five Europeans.
Approximately 92.7 million people in the 27 EU countries are currently at risk of poverty or social exclusion, representing nearly one in five Europeans.
Official Response
“NGOs like Caritas Europa warn that the absence of concrete legislative proposals risks leaving the EU’s most ambitious poverty goals without the necessary tools,” said a spokesperson.
“NGOs like Caritas Europa warn that the absence of concrete legislative proposals risks leaving the EU’s most ambitious poverty goals without the necessary tools,” said a spokesperson.
Key developments
European Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu reasserted her dedication to eradicating poverty in the EU within 25 years during an interview, coinciding with the launch of the first anti-poverty strategy.
The strategy, lacking a dedicated budget, proposes non-binding recommendations for member states, aiming to address social exclusion and extreme poverty by 2050, with significant funding already allocated from the European Social Fund Plus.
Commissioner vows to end poverty in 25 years as EU unveils first major strategy
European Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu said in an interview with EU News on Wednesday that she is committed to eliminating poverty in the EU within 25 years.
Her comments followed the Commission’s presentation of its first-ever anti-poverty strategy, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and social exclusion by 2050 through non-binding recommendations and best practice guidelines for member states.
The strategy comes amid alarming statistics: around 92,7 million people are today at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the 27 EU countries, almost one out of five Europeans.
Mînzatu acknowledged that the strategy’s objective is highly ambitious, noting that the EU remains far from meeting its 2030 target of lifting at least 15 million people out of poverty. “We have only managed to help around 3.7 million Europeans,” she said.
The energy crisis due to the conflict in the Middle East is also set to add an economic burden on households, with a significant impact on the bills and the cost of living. “This 93 million number [of people at risk of poverty] could become higher in a few months or in a very short time,” Mînzatu said.
The EU anti-poverty strategy focuses on several aspects, from helping children in disadvantaged families to expanding social and affordable housing.
However, the plan does not come with a dedicated budget for its implementation. The Commission considers that the EU already provides significant funding to tackle poverty, such as €50.2 billion from the European Social Fund Plus to address social inclusion and material deprivation as well as €100 billion for social policies earmarked in the next multiannual budget.
Strengthening the EU programme meant to help households, supporting unemployed people to get a job and improving support for older citizens through adequate pensions are among the strategy’s key objectives.
For example, the Commission will pilot the “child guarantee card” in some countries, a digital tool allowing governments to track children in need and offer them free services.
“If a child in a precarious situation needs medical attention, dental health care assistance, for example, we should know that this is the case, and make all necessary so that he gets this support,” Mînzatu said.
Tackling homelessness is another of the key priorities set out in the strategy. “We recommend member states […] to prevent housing exclusion, for example through early warning systems, debt counselling so that you avoid situations where people get evicted,” Mînzatu said, also underlining the need to make long-term rentals more attractive than short-term rentals for landlords.
However, according to NGOs like Caritas Europa, the absence of concrete legislative proposals in the strategy risks leaving its most ambitious goals without the necessary tools to achieve them.
The network of organizations promoting social justice welcomed the EU’s anti-poverty plan, but criticized it for failing to include measures like a proposal to protect “mobile” citizens, who are excluded from social protection both in their country of origin and their country of residence.
On Wednesday, the Commission also presented a review of its strategy to boost the inclusion of people with disabilities, who who account for roughly 90 million individuals across the EU.
It encompasses the full rollout and digitalisation of some initiatives such as the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card, meant to allow people to enjoy the same rights all across the 27 countries.
London’s tallest pool may offer 580ft panoramic vistas | News UK
4:00 pm
Get you up to speed: London’s tallest pool may offer 580ft panoramic vistas | News UK
HOTEL REVAMP
Plans to transform the BT Tower into a luxury hotel with a sky-high swimming pool and public access have been announced by MCR Hotels following its £275 million purchase.
Plans to transform the BT Tower into a luxury hotel with a sky-high swimming pool and public access have been announced by MCR Hotels following its £275 million purchase.
BT TOWER PLANS
Next week, MCR Hotels will hold public consultations at University College London to unveil its proposals for transforming the BT Tower into a luxury hotel.
Next week, MCR Hotels will hold public consultations at University College London to unveil its proposals for transforming the BT Tower into a luxury hotel.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Public consultation events about the BT Tower’s redevelopment plans will be held at University College London throughout May, led by MCR Hotels.
Public consultation events about the BT Tower’s redevelopment plans will be held at University College London throughout May, led by MCR Hotels.
What we know so far
The BT Tower is set to undergo a significant transformation as plans emerge for a luxury hotel that could include a sky-high swimming pool. MCR Hotels is consulting the public next week about its proposals for the Grade II-listed landmark, after acquiring the site in 2024.
The ambitious plans call for a swimming pool perched at a height of 580 feet, along with the opening of the tower’s top to the public for the first time in nearly fifty years. The 34th floor, which once featured fine dining and observation areas, has remained closed since a bomb attack in 1971.
MCR Hotels aims to create a mixed-use development that preserves the building’s heritage while enhancing the area’s amenities. Public consultations will be held throughout May at University College London, allowing local residents to engage with the proposed changes.
A statement from MCR Hotels reads: “MCR intends to bring one of Britain’s most iconic buildings into public use through a hotel‑led, mixed‑use development that celebrates the BT Tower’s rich heritage.” The project also includes provisions for new shops, restaurants, and public spaces.
Read in full
London’s highest pool could feature 580ft panoramic views | News UK
The iconic BT tower could host a sky-high swimming pool and reopen to the public under fresh plans to turn the building into a luxury hotel.
The communications tower is set to be revamped after it was sold to MCR Hotels in 2024.
The American hotel chain is set to consult the public next week about its proposals for the Grade II-listed landmark.
The plans would see a swimming pool installed as high up as 580ft in the air for guests.
Bosses also want to open the top of the BT Tower to the public for the first time in almost half a century.
The structure’s 34th floor was a hub of fine dining and sightseeing trips until a bomb went off in one of the viewing galleries in 1971.
The blast damaged buildings and cars up to 400 yards away and forced the revolving restaurant and observation deck to close.
It was never clear who was behind the attack.
Anarchist group Angry Brigade claimed responsibility, but a call also came in from someone claiming to be from the Kilburn battalion of the IRA.
MCR Hotels has also included a new public square and walking routes through the site in its plans
The group wants new shops and restaurants to be installed as part of the revamp.
Latest London news
To get the latest news from the capital, visit WTX’s London news hub.
Where is the BT Tower?
The BT sits in the middle of Fitzrovia in central London.
The main structure is 581 ft high, with a further section of
aerial rigging bringing the total height to 620 ft.
After it was built in 1964, it became the tallest structure in London until 1980, when it was surpassed by the NatWest Tower.
What is being done to the BT Tower?
BT Group has agreed to the sale of the tower for £275 million to MCR Hotels.
The chain is planning on preserving the iconic building, which has become a much-loved part of London’s skyline.
BT said they did not want to ‘hang on to something they no longer need’, with many once-important features such as microwave aerials being removed more than a decade ago.
A project team will be hosting public consultation events throughout May at University College London, to the public the chance to see the proposals for the site.
A statement from the project team reads: ‘MCR intends to bring one of Britain’s most iconic buildings into public use through a hotel‑led, mixed‑use development that celebrates the BT Tower’s rich heritage, complements Fitzrovia’s historic character, and delivers meaningful placemaking and employment opportunities for the local community.’
US Navy conducts successful test flight of autonomous MQ-25A Stingray drone
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: US Navy conducts successful test flight of autonomous MQ-25A Stingray drone
The autonomous MQ-25A Stingray successfully completed its first two-hour test flight, demonstrating its ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, land, and respond to commands from the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 Ground Control Station. Developed by Boeing and the US Navy, the MQ-25A Stingray will primarily serve as a carrier-based aerial refuelling drone for the US Navy.
Developers Boeing and the US Navy completed the first two-hour test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray, which demonstrated its capabilities to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, land, and respond to commands from the MD-5 Ground Control Station. Dan Gillian, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Air Dominance, stated that the successful flight marks a significant advancement in the integration of the Stingray into carrier operations.
Boeing and the US Navy will conduct additional test flights of the MQ-25A Stingray out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to validate its flight controls and capabilities before transitioning to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, for carrier qualifications. The aircraft is one of four Engineering Development Models under an $805 million contract with the Navy.
First flight of US drone which can refuel fighter jets mid-air | News US
The United States has shown off the first flight of a robot aircraft which could make jet fighter missions more deadly.
The autonomous MQ-25A Stingray will be able to refuel warplanes in mid-flight, allowing for longer missions.
Developers Boeing and the US Navy say they have now completed the first two-hour test flight of an operational model.
During the flight, the unmanned aircraft successfully demonstrated its ability to autonomously taxi, take off, fly, land and respond to commands from the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 Ground Control Station.
The MQ-25A Stingray will be used mainly as a carrier-based aerial refuelling drone for the US Navy.
It will help refuel fighter jets at sea, extend the range of the carrier air wing and free up F/A-18 Super Hornets to focus on strike missions.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
The unmanned drone will work with the US Navy (Picture: SWNS)
It may also be used for surveillance and other support roles from an aircraft carrier.
A statement from Boeing said: ‘The milestone advances the Stingray closer to aircraft carrier operations and marks the beginning of a new era in naval aviation.’
Dan Gillian, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Air Dominance, said: ‘Today’s successful flight builds on years of learning from our MQ-25A T1 prototype and represents a major maturation of the program.
Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran‘s key South Pars gas field if there were further attacks against Qatar’s main gas plant. Trump confirmed on his Truth Social platform that Israel had struck the South Pars field but said the US "knew nothing" of the attack, which spurred Iran to strike Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility. (Photo by NAVCENT Public Affairs / DVIDS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / US CENTRAL COMMAND" – HANDOUT – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS” decoding=”async” loading=”lazy”/>
FA Super Hornet fighter jets will be able to be refuelled mid-air (Picture: AFP)
‘The MQ-25A is the most complex autonomous system ever developed for the carrier environment, and this historic achievement advances us closer to safely integrating the Stingray into the carrier air wing.’
The aircraft is the first of four Engineering Development Model aircraft that will be delivered to the Navy under the original $805m Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract.
Boeing and the Navy will conduct additional test flights out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to further validate the aircraft’s flight controls and capabilities before transitioning to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, to prepare for carrier qualifications.
The drone will be able to refuel fighter jets mid-air (Picture: SWNS)
The US has been ramping up its use of more advanced military weapons in recent combat operations, including 5,000-pound penetrator bombs, which have been dropped along Iran’s coastline.
The munitions, named by a government official as GBU-72 Advanced 5k Penetrator bombs, were first released in 2021.
The US released them over Iran in hopes of reaching ‘hardened, deeply buried target challenges’ – namely, missile silos along the Strait of Hormuz.
The Air Force said of the bombs: ‘The weapon design and its projected effectiveness were developed using advanced modelling and simulation techniques and processes before the first warhead was forged.
‘This is a repeatable process for all future direct attack weapons. Lethality is expected to be substantially higher compared to similar legacy weapons like the GBU-28, according to James Culliton, GBU-72 program manager.’
Comment now
Comments
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
Local insights
Related Election News
© 2026 WTX News.