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- EU leaders meet today for key retreat to address pressing issues.
- Manchester United Owner Says UK ‘Colonised by Immigrants’ | News UK
- French National Assembly approves revised assisted dying bill on 4 February
- NATO Launches Arctic Sentry Programme to Strengthen Arctic Operations
- Spain implements large-scale regularisation plan for thousands of migrants
- ‘Stupid grin’ – Max Verstappen snaps at reporter after Lando Norris wins F1 title
- 18-Year-Old Jesse Strang Identified as Gunman in Fatal Shooting of 9
- Arsenal star could miss rest of the season as injury expert explains World Cup dilemma
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EU leaders meet today for key retreat to address pressing issues.
7:00 am
TL:DR – EU leaders meet today for key retreat to address pressing issues.
• On 12 February 2026, EU editor Maria Tadeo presented expectations for the EU leader’s retreat.
• Jakub Janas provided insights on Mario Draghi, referred to as Super Mario.
• Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis was interviewed.
• Sasha Vakulina reported on the likelihood of a general election in Ukraine.
• Sandor Zsiros discussed a sex tape involving Péter Magyar, Hungary’s opposition leader.
Europe Today: Interview with Varoufakis; EU leaders to debate eurobonds in informal summit
On 12 February 2026, Euronews reported on a series of discussions and events anticipated at the EU leaders’ retreat. Key EU editor Maria Tadeo provided insights into what to expect from the gathering, which is crucial for shaping future policies in the European Union.
The programme featured interviews and analyses, including segments with former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis and a report on the potential for a general election in Ukraine. Additionally, discussions included the controversial sex tape involving Péter Magyar, Hungary’s opposition leader.
Euronews invites viewers to join chief anchor Méabh Mc Mahon and Maria Tadeo live on their TV and digital platforms every weekday for coverage of these events. The updated format aims to deliver key events and critical analyses of stories influencing the EU and beyond, also available through their newsletter and podcast.
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Manchester United Owner Says UK ‘Colonised by Immigrants’ | News UK
6:00 am
TL:DR – Manchester United Owner Says UK ‘Colonised by Immigrants’ | News UK
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United co-owner, claimed the UK is being “colonised by immigrants,” prompting calls for an apology from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
- Ratcliffe stated the UK faces economic challenges, citing nine million people on benefits.
- He suggested political leaders must undertake unpopular decisions to address issues like immigration.
- Starmer condemned Ratcliffe’s comments as “offensive,” reaffirming Britain’s diversity.
- Ratcliffe’s recent ownership changes at Manchester United have met with fan protests.
Manchester United owner claims UK ‘colonised by immigrants’ | News UK
Did Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe get his maths right? (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
The Prime Minister has called on Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise after he said ‘the UK has been colonised by immigrants’.
The billionaire, who is founder and chairman of one of the world’s largest chemical companies, Ineos, said politicians needed to ‘do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track’.
In an interview with Sky News, Sir Jim said: ‘You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in.
‘I mean, the UK is being colonised. It’s costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants.’
He added: ‘I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it’s 70 million. That’s 12 million people.’
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But the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that the population of the UK was 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024.
The UK population was estimated at 58.9 million in 2000.
Sir Keir Starmer responded to Sir Jim’s remarks on immigration, saying they were ‘offensive and wrong’.
‘Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country,’ the prime minister added. ‘Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.’
Leader Nigel Farage arrives on stage during a rally for Reform UK party at the NEC in Birmingham (Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire)
In the interview, Sir Jim said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was ‘maybe too nice’.
He added: ‘It’s a tough job, and I think you have to do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track.’
The Manchester United co-owner said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was an ‘intelligent man’ with ‘good intentions’.
He added: ‘But in a way, you could say exactly the same about Keir when Keir came in.
‘I think it needs somebody who’s prepared to be unpopular for a period of time to get the big issues sorted out.’
Sir Jim added: ‘If you really want to deal with the major issues of immigration, with people opting to take benefits rather than working for a living, if you want to deal with that, then you are going to have to do some things which are unpopular and show some courage.’
Sir Jim bought a minority share in Manchester United in late 2023 and his Ineos group has since taken control of football operations.
The billionaire has presided over a variety of contentious changes since becoming part of the ownership, with ticket pricing and availability causing particular anger among United fans.
Sir Jim continued: ‘Well, I’ve been very unpopular at Manchester United because we’ve made lots of changes. But for the better, in my view. And I think we’re beginning to see some evidence in the football club that that’s beginning to pay off.
‘But you’ve got all the same issues with the country. If you really want to deal with the major issues of immigration, with people opting to take benefits rather than working for a living, if you want to deal with that, then you’re going to have to do some things which are unpopular, and show some courage.’
A protest against the club’s owners – including for the first time towards Sir Jim as well as the Glazers – took place before Manchester United’s recent home game against Fulham.
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French National Assembly approves revised assisted dying bill on 4 February
4:00 am
TL:DR – French National Assembly approves revised assisted dying bill on 4 February
• Emmanuel Macron pledged to introduce legislation on assisted dying upon re-election in 2022.
• The National Assembly’s social affairs committee approved a revised version of the bill on 4 February, after Senate rejection in late January.
• Critics argue the eligibility criteria for assisted dying are too broad and poorly defined.
• Olivier Falorni, the bill’s rapporteur, insists that psychological suffering alone does not qualify individuals for assisted dying.
• The bill requires applicants to meet five conditions, including suffering from a serious, incurable illness.
• The National Assembly plans another vote in February before resending the bill to the Senate.
France’s assisted dying bill: Claims vs facts
Upon his re-election as President of France in 2022, Emmanuel Macron pledged to introduce legislation on assisted dying. Since then, the proposed law has faced significant criticism regarding the conditions under which patients could qualify, with concerns about its potential implications for healthcare professionals who attempt to dissuade patients from seeking assisted dying.
The ongoing debate regarding the bill has intensified, particularly on the social media platform X. According to reports, some users claim that the legislation would permit individuals suffering from depression to access euthanasia, leading to fears about the law’s interpretation and impact.
Bill Approved by MPs with Revised Criteria
On 4 February, Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly’s social affairs committee approved a revised version of the bill after the Senate rejected it in late January. The framework remains similar to the version adopted by the National Assembly in May 2025, but it has undergone modifications, including changes to the wording of the eligibility criteria. The revised text states that a person may be eligible for assisted dying if they experience “constant physical or psychological suffering” linked to a condition that is either “resistant to treatment or considered unbearable by the person concerned.”
The explicit sentence that psychological suffering alone could not justify access to assistance in dying has been removed, prompting fears that the law could allow access for those suffering solely from mental health issues.
Experts Clarify Psychological Suffering Criteria
Experts assert that, in its current form, the bill specifies that psychological suffering must accompany a serious and incurable disease. Claire Fourcade, a palliative care physician, explained that while depression is a form of psychological suffering, the law requires the existence of a serious illness. She clarified, “There must be a serious and incurable disease,” indicating that conditions such as diabetes could also lead to psychological distress.
Olivier Falorni, the bill’s rapporteur, reiterated during a committee session, “The text does not open access to assisted dying for anyone presenting psychological suffering,” highlighting the importance of adhering to the bill’s language to avoid confusion.
Concerns about Complex Medical Situations
Despite some reassurances, experts have expressed lingering concerns about the law’s ability to address complex medical realities. Fourcade pointed out that patients diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer might experience severe psychological distress, potentially qualifying them for assisted dying even before receiving treatment.
French MPs emphasised that access to medically-assisted dying would require meeting all five conditions laid out in the bill. These include being at least 18 years old, having French nationality or legal residence, and suffering from a serious, incurable, and life-threatening illness at an advanced or terminal stage, alongside persistent physical or psychological suffering.
Ongoing Debate Before Final Passage
The contentious bill remains under discussion and is yet to become law, garnering diverse opinions across the political spectrum. Critics argue it could signify a significant shift in ethical norms. Théo Bernhardt, a National Rally MP, remarked on the potential for a “dangerous loss of balance” in addressing psychological suffering.
Olivier Falorni has indicated that work on this legislation has been ongoing for three years, stating that “haste” is not applicable to its handling. The National Assembly is set for another vote in February, after which the bill will be sent back to the Senate, which may amend or reject it. Regardless, the National Assembly retains the power to override the Senate if a consensus is not achieved.
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NATO Launches Arctic Sentry Programme to Strengthen Arctic Operations
2:00 am
TL:DR – NATO Launches Arctic Sentry Programme to Strengthen Arctic Operations
• NATO launched the Arctic Sentry programme on Wednesday to enhance its operational strategy in the Arctic and High North, following discussions involving President Donald Trump and Secretary General Mark Rutte.
• Mark Rutte stated the need to counter Russia’s military activity and China’s interest in the Arctic.
• Joint Force Command Norfolk will lead the Arctic Sentry initiative, expanding its responsibilities to include the Arctic.
• The UK announced it will double its troop deployment in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 to support NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission.
NATO rejects claim ‘Arctic Sentry’ is a rebrand to appease Trump
The NATO military alliance announced the launch of its Arctic Sentry programme on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening NATO’s posture in the Arctic and High North. This initiative, developed during a meeting between United States President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos last month, intends to consolidate the activities of the 32 allies in the region under a unified operational strategy.
The significance of Arctic Sentry lies in the current geopolitical climate, with NATO aiming to enhance its collective defence capabilities in response to increasing military activity from Russia and growing interest from China. Mark Rutte stated, “In the face of Russia’s increased military activity and China’s growing interest in the High North, it was crucial that we do more.”
NATO Introduces New Arctic Strategy
The Arctic Sentry programme will incorporate activities such as Denmark’s Arctic Endurance exercises and Norway’s upcoming Cold Response exercise. Rutte remarked that this strategy will allow the alliance “to leverage what we are doing much more effectively” and to address existing gaps in capabilities.
A senior NATO military officer responded to complaints that Arctic Sentry was merely a rebranding effort, insisting, “Part of this is increasing our awareness of the region, which is vast and harsh.” The officer emphasised that this initiative demonstrates NATO’s intent to proactively address emerging threats.
Joint Force Command Norfolk to Lead Operations
Joint Force Command Norfolk, NATO’s newest operational headquarters, will oversee the new programme. This move comes shortly after Trump raised concerns about Greenland’s security, leading to discussions between the US, Greenland, and Denmark regarding the territory’s protection.
Mark Rutte expressed that the activities of Russia and China in the Arctic pose a “real threat,” underscoring the urgency for NATO to safeguard this critical area. The UK has already announced plans to double its troop presence in Norway over three years, contributing to NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission.
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Spain implements large-scale regularisation plan for thousands of migrants
10:00 pm
TL:DR – Spain implements large-scale regularisation plan for thousands of migrants
• Immigration has become a significant focus on the European political agenda, with tough questions being debated across Brussels and national capitals.
• Lawmakers are considering applying the “safe third country” concept to develop an EU-wide list of safe countries of origin for asylum procedures.
• Spain has initiated a regularisation plan for thousands of migrants, aiming to strengthen labour markets and support integration, despite concerns over migration dynamics in the Schengen area.
• This week, Euronews’ political debate show featured contrasting views from MEPs Juan Fernando López Aguilar and Tomas Tobé on migration policy.
Who decides who belongs in Europe? The migration debate returns
Immigration has returned to the forefront of the European political agenda, as discussions intensify surrounding the “safe third country” concept this week. Lawmakers in Brussels and national capitals are debating the creation of an EU-wide list of safe countries of origin to expedite asylum procedures. The importance of these discussions lies in their potential impact on the future of migration policies in the European Union.
Simultaneously, Spain is advancing a large-scale regularisation plan that aims to grant legal status to thousands of migrants already residing and working in the country. Supporters assert that this initiative could bolster labour markets and promote integration; however, critics express concerns that it may disrupt migration dynamics across the Schengen area.
Debate on Migration Policy in the European Parliament
On the latest episode of The Ring, Euronews’ political debate show from the European Parliament in Strasbourg, two influential lawmakers presented contrasting viewpoints on migration policy. Juan Fernando López Aguilar, a Spanish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Socialists & Democrats group and Chair of the Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee, emphasised the necessity of balancing migration control with adherence to international law and fundamental rights. In opposition, Tomas Tobé, a Swedish MEP and Vice-Chair of the centre-right European People’s Party, called for enhanced efficiency in border management and returns.
Their exchange underscores the significant tension at the heart of the EU’s migration debate: the challenge of reconciling control measures with compassion, and whether national initiatives can be harmonised with EU-wide regulations in practice.
Broader Implications for the European Union
As Europe confronts new proposals and changing political priorities, migration is revealed to be more than just a policy issue. It represents a critical test of how the European Union defines concepts of belonging, responsibility, and collective future.
This episode of The Ring is presented by Maria Tadeo, produced by Luis Albertos and Amaia Echevarria, and edited by Vassilis Glynos. The discussion can be viewed on Euronews TV or through the provided player link.
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‘Stupid grin’ – Max Verstappen snaps at reporter after Lando Norris wins F1 title
9:00 pm
‘Stupid grin’ – Max Verstappen snaps at reporter after Lando Norris wins F1 title
Two-minute read
Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but Lando Norris secured the 2025 formula 1 Championship by just two points, marking the closest title fight since 2008. Verstappen’s controversial DNF at the Spanish Grand Prix proved costly, as he finished fifth initially but was penalised to tenth. Norris’s third-place finish solidified his title victory.
Source: Original report
Max Verstappen hit back at a journalist after being questioned about his Formula 1 title loss to Lando Norris following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen won the race, but it was not sufficient to secure his championship, as Norris finished third and claimed the title by just two points, marking the narrowest margin in F1 since 2008.
During the post-race press conference at Yas Marina, Verstappen expressed his frustration over repeated questions about a pivotal incident during the season. He faced scrutiny regarding his deliberate crash into George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, which resulted in a penalty that cost him nine essential points.
Verstappen remarked, “You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season,” after a journalist focused solely on the Barcelona incident. He added, “Championship is won over 24 rounds,” highlighting the broader context of the season.
Verstappen Congratulates Norris on His Championship
Despite the disappointment, Verstappen was quick to congratulate Norris following the race, stating that he is proud of both his and the Red Bull team’s accomplishments in 2025. He noted, “I don’t see it like losing to be honest,” and praised Norris for having a “very good season.”
Verstappen acknowledged the emotional weight of Norris winning his first title, stating, “Winning your first is always super emotional. It’s very special because everyone on the grid is always dreaming about that moment.”
The press conference concluded with Verstappen and his fellow competitor, Oscar Piastri, clearly in no mood to continue the discussion, cementing a pivotal moment in the championship race.
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