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- Spain and four EU countries advocate for windfall tax on energy firms.
- Russia escalates aerial attacks on Ukraine, damaging civilian areas.
- Britain’s ‘priciest cycle lane’ costs taxpayers £4,000 for each metre | News UK
- Youth involvement in terrorism grows significantly across Europe and North America
- Hungary uses EU veto power to extract concessions on unrelated issues
- London Stansted Airport has highest parking fees in Europe at €66
- Flora 1 departs Russian oil port Primorsk en route to Brazil
- Chef Nick Bril receives suspended sentence for running over intern in Belgium
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Global Reaction to DE Elections
Spain and four EU countries advocate for windfall tax on energy firms.
11:01 am
Spain and four EU countries advocate for windfall tax on energy firms.
In a notable diplomatic manoeuvre, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued an ultimatum to Armenia over the latter’s deepening ties with the European Union, threatening to reconsider military cooperation if Armenia moves closer to European institutions. This comes ahead of the planned EU-Armenia summit scheduled for May 4-5, 2026, highlighting the increasing geopolitical tensions in the region as the EU seeks to enhance its influence amid Russian assertions of power.
Economically, five EU finance ministers are advocating for a tax on energy companies’ windfall profits, reflecting growing concerns over inflated energy costs amidst ongoing market volatility. This proposal may gain traction as EU leaders prepare for the upcoming discussions, which could culminate in a significant policy announcement later this month regarding energy taxation. Stakeholders will be keenly watching these deliberations as the EU navigates the intricacies of energy dependency and fiscal responsibility.
Key developments across Europe
Putin issues ultimatum to Armenia over closer ties with EU
EU FOREIGN POLICY — Russia’s President Putin has pressured Armenia regarding its growing relationship with the EU.
This ultimatum underscores Russia’s discontent with Armenia’s shift towards closer ties with European nations as negotiations progress for potential EU membership. This development occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, impacting Armenia’s domestic politics and foreign relations.
Europe must prepare for ‘long-lasting’ energy shock, EU warns
EU ENERGY — The EU has announced the need for preparations for a prolonged energy crisis.
Europe Pushes for a Gentler Internet for Children
EU LAW — Europe is advancing legislation aimed at protecting children online.
The EU’s proposal focuses on implementing stricter regulations for digital platforms to ensure child safety from harmful content and online exploitation. This initiative reflects ongoing concerns over children’s welfare in the digital age, demanding that tech firms comply with new standards.
Five EU finance ministers call for tax on energy companies’ windfall profits
EU ECONOMY — A coalition of five EU finance ministers advocates for taxing excessive profits from energy companies.
This call for a new tax comes as a response to the soaring profits observed during the energy crisis, aiming to redistribute funds to support consumers facing high costs. It reflects ongoing debates within the EU regarding economic equity and the financial strategies needed in times of crisis.
What to watch — The EU’s response to the ongoing energy crisis and potential regulatory measures are anticipated in the coming weeks.
Further reading from across European news sources
euronews
Putin issues ultimatum to Armenia over closer ties with EU
Financial Times
Europe must prepare for ‘long-lasting’ energy shock, EU warns
Politico Europe
‘Who doesn’t enjoy a good catfight story?’: Kallas shrugs off von der Leyen tensions
Reuters
Exclusive: Five EU finance ministers call for tax on energy companies’ windfall profits
The Guardian
Biometric checks stalled again for cross-Channel travellers
Russia escalates aerial attacks on Ukraine, damaging civilian areas.
9:01 am
Russia escalates aerial attacks on Ukraine, damaging civilian areas.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated significantly, marked by a series of intense aerial attacks across multiple regions of Ukraine over the past 24 hours. Ukrainian officials report that the Kyiv region has faced what has been described as a “massive” day-time missile assault, heightening concerns over civilian safety and further military escalation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned these actions, labelling them an “Easter escalation” of hostilities as casualties have begun to rise. This surge in violence raises alarms regarding regional stability and international response capabilities, as calls for diplomatic intervention intensify.
In economic ramifications, the renewed military aggression is expected to exacerbate inflationary pressures across Europe, especially affecting food prices due to disrupted supply chains. Market analysts suggest that any forthcoming measures by NATO might directly influence the commodity markets, particularly in agricultural products, as stakeholders assess the implications of this renewed conflict. What to watch: NATO’s upcoming summit is anticipated to address military support for Ukraine and discuss strategic responses to Russia’s provocative actions.
Key developments across the world
Iran Guards recruit children to ‘defend the homeland’, placing them in line of fire
GLOBAL SECURITY — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is reportedly enlisting minors for military operations.
This alarming development is aimed at bolstering Iran’s military capabilities amidst ongoing tensions. Child recruitment raises serious human rights concerns and reflects the increasing militarisation of Iranian society.
Ukraine-Russia war: Zelensky hits out at ‘Easter escalation’ as strikes kill five
GLOBAL SECURITY — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned recent Russian military escalations that resulted in casualties during the Easter holiday.
As drone and missile attacks surge, Ukraine’s leadership has called for international support to defend against this renewed aggression. This spike in violence highlights the persistent volatility of the conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Fuel price hike to take heavy toll on farm incomes
GLOBAL ECONOMY — The recent surge in fuel prices is anticipated to significantly impact agricultural income worldwide.
A spike in operational costs has left farmers struggling, forcing many to reconsider their planting decisions. This economic pressure is likely to exacerbate food insecurity in several regions, especially with ongoing conflicts affecting supply chains.
Russia conducts massive rolling aerial attacks on Ukraine
GLOBAL SECURITY — Russia has intensified aerial assaults on Ukraine, with widespread strikes reported across multiple regions.
This latest offensive includes drone and missile attacks targeting urban areas, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. The escalation of hostilities raises serious concerns about civilian safety and the potential for further international reaction.
What to watch — Attention will remain on the impact of escalating military activities in Ukraine and Iran’s recruitment of minors.
Further reading from global news sources
The Guardian
Iran Guards recruit children to ‘defend the homeland’, placing them in line of fire
BBC
Iran using children in security roles in war, reports and witnesses say
Financial Times
Fuel price hike to take heavy toll on farm incomes
The Independent
Ukraine-Russia war: Zelensky hits out at ‘Easter escalation’ as strikes kill five
Al Jazeera
These Foods Are Already More Expensive Thanks To Iran War
Britain’s ‘priciest cycle lane’ costs taxpayers £4,000 for each metre | News UK
7:00 am
Get you up to speed: Britain’s ‘priciest cycle lane’ costs taxpayers £4,000 for each metre | News UK
PUBLIC SPENDING CRITICISM
Walsall Council faces backlash over a £5,037,792 cycle lane in Willenhall, deemed a ‘monumental waste of public money’ by locals and business owners affected by the construction.
Walsall Council faces backlash over a £5,037,792 cycle lane in Willenhall, deemed a ‘monumental waste of public money’ by locals and business owners affected by the construction.
COMMUNITY BACKLASH
Labour councillor Simran Cheema described the £5 million cycle lane in Willenhall as a ‘waste of money’ that has significantly disrupted local businesses.
Labour councillor Simran Cheema described the £5 million cycle lane in Willenhall as a ‘waste of money’ that has significantly disrupted local businesses.
POLITICAL CONTROVERSY
Walsall Council leader Adrian Andrew defends the £5.04 million cycle lane project, asserting it will enhance local transport connectivity despite widespread public dissatisfaction.
Walsall Council leader Adrian Andrew defends the £5.04 million cycle lane project, asserting it will enhance local transport connectivity despite widespread public dissatisfaction.
What we know so far
Residents in Willenhall, Walsall, are expressing outrage over a newly unveiled cycle lane that has cost over £5 million to construct. This 0.8-mile route, stretching from Pinson Road to Rose Hill, has been branded a “monumental waste of public money” after its final bill of £5,037,792 emerged, amounting to £4,198 per metre.
Local business owners have voiced concerns that the ongoing construction is causing significant disruption, impacting trade and livelihoods. Jack Taylor, an assistant manager of a local shop, stated, “I think the money would have been better spent fixing the potholes in the roads rather than providing a blue path for a few cyclists.” Many residents have also described the lane as “unwanted,” with some noting that it is rarely used.
The project, funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund, has faced criticism for its design, which residents claim is confusing and disjointed. Labour councillor Simran Cheema labelled the project a waste of money, urging that the scheme does not represent value for expenditure. As local discontent grows, the future of the cycle lane and its potential usage remains uncertain.
Read in full
Britain’s ‘most expensive cycle lane’ costs taxpayers £4,000 per metre | News UK
Locals are up in arms over a new cycle lane that is less than a mile long and costs over £5,000,000 to build.
Work has been underway for a year to install a new, segregated cycle lane in Willenhall, Walsall.
However, the 0.8-mile lane, which runs along New Road and Bilston Street, has been labelled a ‘monumental waste of public money’ after the full cost of the project was revealed.
Business owners have claimed the construction is causing disruption and even putting livelihoods at risk.
The price tag for the lane is exactly £5,037,792 – equivalent of £4,198 per metre – making it the UK’s most expensive cycle lane when it is completed.
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In comparison, a single divided zebra crossing typically costs between £37,000 and £52,000, while upgrading major motorway junctions can cost up to £100 million.
Residents said the lane design is too disjointed, and users have to cross the road several times.
Local Angie Watson, 40, said: ‘When I heard about the final cost being more than £5 million I was honestly gobsmacked.
‘How on earth can anyone justify spending such a crazy amount of money on a cycle path? Especially one which is all over the place and not even a mile long.
‘The council say the lane is 1.2km long but the actual cycle lane bit is only a few hundred metres long. It hardly seems worth it.
‘It’s a monumental waste of public money and the council leaders should hang their heads in shame.’
Labour councillor Simran Cheema, who is a ward member for Willenhall South, said the project is a ‘waste of money’ that has disrupted lives.
She said: ‘At a cost of more than £5million the scheme is not value for money and has caused major disruption for residents and businesses.
‘The design of the lanes is disjointed and confusing with people having to keep crossing the road to rejoin the lane every few hundred metres.
‘Willenhall is not a cycling town like Oxford or Cambridge so I don’t know who will use the lanes anyway.’
Businesses said their footfall has been hit as customers have had to navigate the building works.
Jack Taylor, 24, the assistant manager of Angling Direct, said the shop has noticed a drop in footfall since the work started last year.
‘I think the money would have been better spent fixing the potholes in the roads rather than providing a blue path for a few cyclists,’ he said.
(Picture: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
The situation is even more dire for the Bengal Relish restaurant.
Its owner, Shah Ali, said: ‘I don’t know how my business is going to survive.’
Leader of Walsall Council Adrian Andrew said: ‘This scheme, along with the other transport schemes currently being delivered in Willenhall, will help make cycling more direct, safe and attractive.
‘Improving our connectivity across the borough and the wider Black Country means more opportunities for local people to travel for work and leisure.’
Cycling crashes in Willenhall
Over the years, several crashes have left cyclists injured along New Road and Bilston Street alone.
A 17-year-old boy was seriously hurt in a crash with a driver in May 2015 while riding a bike on Rose Hill.
In September 2017, a 38-year-old cyclist was seriously injured in a crash on New Road, official collision data collated by CycleStreets shows.
Another cyclist, a 19-year-old man, was seriously injured in a crash at the junction of New Road and Pinson Road in January 2021.
And New Road, Bliston Street and Rose Hill – where the cycle lane now runs – saw nine slight injury crashes involving a cyclist between 2002 and 2024.
An 85-year-old man was killed on June 15, 2020, while riding a bike on Temple Bar, a major road further north in the neighbourhood, after a crash with a driver at a T junction.
How often do you cycle?
-
A handful of times a year or less
Youth involvement in terrorism grows significantly across Europe and North America
5:00 am
Youth involvement in terrorism grows significantly across Europe and North America
Terrorism Statistics
In 2025, youth and minors accounted for 42% of all terror-related investigations in Europe and North America, a threefold increase since 2021.
In 2025, youth and minors accounted for 42% of all terror-related investigations in Europe and North America, a threefold increase since 2021.
Youth Involvement
Minors and young adults constituted 42% of all terror-related investigations in Europe and North America in 2025, highlighting a significant rise in recruitment and radicalisation.
Minors and young adults constituted 42% of all terror-related investigations in Europe and North America in 2025, highlighting a significant rise in recruitment and radicalisation.
Official Insight
“The involvement of minors in terrorism is a pressing security concern, with recruitment observed in children as young as eight,” stated the Institute for Economics and Peace.
“The involvement of minors in terrorism is a pressing security concern, with recruitment observed in children as young as eight,” stated the Institute for Economics and Peace.
Key developments
The Institute for Economics and Peace’s Global Terrorism Index 2026 highlights a concerning trend: minors and young adults now represent 42% of all terror-related investigations in Europe and North America, a significant rise from 2021.
The study indicates a shift in radicalisation timelines. Previously requiring months or years, the process can now be completed within days, raising alarms about the speed of ideological indoctrination.
Political polarisation and rising antisemitic violence are noted as factors contributing to the ongoing threat of terrorism, particularly concerning the vulnerability of youth to extremist ideologies.
Youth involved in nearly half of terrorism probes in Europe and North America, study finds
Despite the overall impact of terrorism in the West being lower now than a decade ago, the involvement of minors and young adults “has become one of the most pressing security concerns“, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Global Terrorism Index 2026.
The radicalisation process is now quicker than ever. Historically, what used to take months or even years can now take place within weeks or even days.
“While the primary target demographic for terrorist networks spans youths aged 15 to 25, active recruitment and ideological indoctrination have been documented in children as young as eight years old,” the study noted.
Youth and minors accounted for 42% of all terror-related investigations in Europe and North America in 2025, a threefold increase since 2021.
In 2024, teenagers were involved in nearly two-thirds of Islamic State-linked arrests in Europe.
For instance, the Belgian intelligence service (VSSE) reported that one-third of its terrorist investigations between 2022 and 2024 concerned minors.
Political polarisation, rising antisemitic violence, and the rapid online radicalisation of young people continue to create an ongoing environment where terrorism remains a serious threat.
How has terrorism evolved in Europe over the past two decades?
The Western and Central Europe region had the second-lowest average impact of terrorism in 2025, registering 14 terrorism-related deaths and 51 incidents. This is a drop from 2024, which had 25 deaths and 81 incidents.
Germany experienced the most deaths and injuries from terrorism in the region, with six deaths from five terrorist attacks.
The largest attack occurred in Munich in February 2025, when a 24-year-old man drove a car into a protest rally, killing two and injuring at least 39 people.
Germany has recorded 221 attacks and 53 deaths from terrorism since 2011.
Meanwhile, in France, there have been 281 fatalities from terrorist attacks since 2007.
In 2025, the country experienced 12 terrorist attacks resulting in the deaths of four people, with 18 more injured. It is the highest number of attacks and injuries since 2020.
Yet, the overall impact remains medium for Germany and low for France and Greece, with the three countries ranking 29th, 35th, and 40th, respectively, out of the whole world.
In fact, Austria was the EU country where the impact of terrorism increased the most in 2025.
Czechia recorded the largest improvement on the Index in the region.
The country has largely been free of terrorist attacks over the past 15 years, with just six incidents recorded since 2011.
No incident in that period other than the 2023 mass shooting resulted in any fatalities.
Hungary uses EU veto power to extract concessions on unrelated issues
3:00 am
Hungary uses EU veto power to extract concessions on unrelated issues
EU Veto Powers
Member states can veto EU decisions in key areas such as foreign policy and taxation, reflecting their status as a union of sovereign states.
Member states can veto EU decisions in key areas such as foreign policy and taxation, reflecting their status as a union of sovereign states.
Veto Power Issue
Hungary has exercised its veto 21 times on key geopolitical issues since 2011, highlighting the challenges of reform within an EU reliant on consensus decision-making.
Hungary has exercised its veto 21 times on key geopolitical issues since 2011, highlighting the challenges of reform within an EU reliant on consensus decision-making.
Core Sovereignty
“No government should be forced into decisions that cut against its fundamental interests,” emphasised a spokesperson on the implications of veto powers in the EU.
“No government should be forced into decisions that cut against its fundamental interests,” emphasised a spokesperson on the implications of veto powers in the EU.
Key developments
Under EU treaties, member states retain the right to veto decisions affecting core sovereignty areas such as foreign policy and taxation, which complicates regional governance.
Hungary has employed its veto 21 times on 38 issues since 2011, citing sovereignty concerns to justify its opposition to aid for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia.
Despite calls for reform, abolishing the veto power requires unanimous agreement, hindering progress on establishing formal safeguards to clarify its legitimate use.
Is the EU done with member states using vetoes as a power move?
Under EU treaties, member states can veto decisions in areas that touch their core sovereignty: foreign policy, taxation, enlargement, and the budget. Under the EU treaties, the bloc is a union of sovereign states, not a federation, and no government should be forced into decisions that cut against its fundamental interests.
The problem is what happens when it’s used to extract concessions.
There are no formal safeguards to differentiate between a legitimate sovereignty veto, and one used as leverage on unrelated issues. Member states consistently present each veto as a matter of sovereignty protection. For example, Hungary has vetoed aid to Ukraine or sanctions against Russia (21 times across 38 issues since 2011), officially justifying these actions in the same manner as other countries.
Yet abolishing the veto requires unanimity, locking the bloc in a cycle where reform seems out of reach.
London Stansted Airport has highest parking fees in Europe at €66
1:00 am
London Stansted Airport has highest parking fees in Europe at €66
Parking Costs
London Stansted Airport has emerged as Europe’s most expensive, charging around €66 (£57.99) for 24-hour parking.
London Stansted Airport has emerged as Europe’s most expensive, charging around €66 (£57.99) for 24-hour parking.
Record Flight Volume
Nearly 30,000 flights are scheduled throughout Europe this Easter, marking a significant increase in air travel compared to previous years.
Nearly 30,000 flights are scheduled throughout Europe this Easter, marking a significant increase in air travel compared to previous years.
Parking Prices
“London Stansted’s 24-hour parking rate of €66 sharply contrasts with London Heathrow’s, highlighting the significant disparities in airport parking costs across Europe.”
“London Stansted’s 24-hour parking rate of €66 sharply contrasts with London Heathrow’s, highlighting the significant disparities in airport parking costs across Europe.”
Key developments
Many Europeans are still set to travel this Easter, despite disruptions from airport strikes and rising flight prices linked to the ongoing war in Iran. Airlines, such as easyJet, confirmed they will operate nearly 30,000 flights across Europe.
A recent study identified London Stansted Airport as the most expensive in Europe for 24-hour parking, charging approximately €66 (£57.99). In contrast, London Heathrow offers significantly lower rates, highlighting sharp price discrepancies within the city.
Data shows that London Stansted’s parking fees are nearly 50% higher than those at Copenhagen Airport, which charges around €35.75. This price variation illustrates the increasing costs that travellers need to consider this holiday season.
Which European airports are most expensive to park your car this Easter?
Despite the Easter holidays getting off to a bad start amid airport strikes and flight price hikes due to the war in Iran, many Europeans are still expected to hit the road.
Airlines like easyJet have announced this will be their busiest Easter ever, with nearly 30,000 flights throughout Europe.
Last year, the biggest increase in EU air passenger traffic was registered between March and April, with a rise of 18.9%, according to Eurostat data.
But while factoring in flights and accommodation to your holiday budget is par for the course, it’s easy to ignore the cost of airport parking.
The UK and the Netherlands are the European countries with the most expensive parking in the 30 busiest airports in Europe, according to a new study from the e-vignette motorway toll site VignetteSwitzerland.com.
London Stansted Airport emerges as Europe’s most expensive for 24-hour parking, charging around €66 (£57.99).
However, not all airports in the city charge the same prices.
For instance, a traveller parking at London Stansted will pay nearly double what they would at London Heathrow — Europe’s busiest airport.
The difference in parking prices across Europe is also striking.
London Stansted’s 24-hour rate is nearly 50% more expensive than Copenhagen Airport, at around €35.75 (DKK 267), and substantially higher than Oslo Gardermoen Airport, at around €34.88 (NOK 412).
Waiting to embark might be longer than expected
The differences don’t stop at parking prices: both Manchester and London Stansted airports are among the top three worst airports in the UK for Easter flight delays.
At both airports, almost a third of flights were delayed over the Easter period, with delays lasting more than 15 minutes, according to UK Civil Aviation Authority data.
In the European Union, Athens and Lisbon airports recorded the most delays in April 2025 due to aerodrome capacity restrictions, according to Eurocontrol, the bloc’s air traffic agency.
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