Latest News
- US Ambassador to EU Puzder Praises Rubio’s Call for EU Alignment at Munich
- New regulations introduced for London pedicabs – what do they entail?
- Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne attends Eurozone meeting
- Romania’s Finance Minister Nazare Supports EU Two-Speed Union Proposals
- Lando Norris branded ‘cocky’ as F1 legend makes brutal title showdown prediction
- Police arrest multiple suspects in Quentin Deranque killing in Lyon on Tuesday
- Ex-Chelsea star told he could reach ‘another level’ by joining Manchester United
- France arrests four suspects in death of far-right activist in Lyon
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US Ambassador to EU Puzder Praises Rubio’s Call for EU Alignment at Munich
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TL;DR – Key developments in US Ambassador to EU Puzder Praises Rubio’s Call for EU Alignment at Munich
• US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech at the Munich Security Conference on Wednesday for improving trans-Atlantic alliance.
• Puzder noted that Rubio received a standing ovation, indicating a positive reception from the European audience.
• The ambassador acknowledged progress in the EU’s alignment with US migration policies, specifically addressing issues of mass immigration.
• Puzder mentioned concerns about the economic effects of climate policies on Europe and identified civilisational challenges posed by past mass migration.
• Rubio also visited Slovakia and Hungary, where Puzder defended the visit as legitimate, stating Hungary is a US ally.
Trump administration ‘woke Europe up’ from slumber, US ambassador tells Euronews
US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder stated that the Trump administration has encouraged Europeans to “wake up” and align more closely with the United States, following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference this week. Puzder described Rubio’s speech as “positive” for the trans-Atlantic alliance and noted that the European audience responded well, giving Rubio a standing ovation.
The remarks underscore a significant shift in US-European relations. According to Puzder, European cooperation on migration policy has improved, aligning more closely with American perspectives.
During an interview with Euronews’ flagship morning show Europe Today on Wednesday, Puzder remarked on the importance of diplomatic communication, stating it is a “hallmark of a great diplomat” to convey difficult truths. He highlighted that Rubio’s tone markedly differed from US vice president JD Vance’s prior address at the same conference, which was perceived as unfriendly.
Puzder pointed out the need for better management of migration, contrasting managed migration with mass migration, which he claims has brought challenges to Europe. He further mentioned that despite a reported decline in migrant arrivals in the EU, the repercussions of past mass migrations remain significant. The ambassador also addressed concerns regarding the impact of climate policies on Europe’s economy.
Additionally, Rubio’s trip included stops in Slovakia and Hungary, where he met with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Puzder defended this visit, stating, “I think he has every right to visit Budapest. Hungary is an ally of the US, it’s a member of the European Union.” This ongoing dialogue reflects the evolving relationship between the United States and its European allies.
New regulations introduced for London pedicabs – what do they entail?
8:00 am
TL:DR – New regulations introduced for London pedicabs – what do they entail?
- Stricter regulations for London pedicabs will be implemented from October 2026, including mandatory licences and safety checks.
- Maximum fares will be enforced to prevent overcharging tourists.
- Drivers must pass a DBS check and meet English speaking assessments.
- Residents can expect reduced noise as external audio from pedicabs will be banned.
- Mixed reactions from Londoners, with some advocating for complete bans on pedicabs.
- Mayor Khan emphasises improved safety and reliability for users and drivers alike.
New strict rules are being brought in for London pedicabs – what are they? | News UK
The loud, colourful and generally obnoxious vehicles will no longer be freely taking up precious space on pavements (Picture: Ray Tang/LNP/REX/Shutterstock)
Congratulations Londoners. From next month, pedicabs will be subject to much stricter conditions.
The loud, colourful and generally obnoxious vehicles will no longer be freely taking up precious space on pavements, lurking outside tourist traps ready to take a mum and her children back to the hotel for more than £100.
But they have not just ripped customers off. They have been put road users at serious risk as pedicab drivers have not been held to any regulatory standards.
But from next month, they will be brought under strict new rules, which include maximum fares for journeys and mandatory licences.
And it is thanks to a public consultation which has permanently put the breaks on the vehicles.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘After years of campaigning, I’m pleased that TfL will be regulating pedicabs across the capital to ensure they meet proper operational standards.
‘Pedicabs should be a fun way to explore London – but too often people face rip-off fares, blaring music and unsafe behaviour.
New rules for pedicabs are being into force next month (Picture: Richard Baker/In Pictures via Getty Images)
‘We’re bringing in these new rules so that both customers and drivers can benefit from an industry that is more safe, reliable and professional.
‘This will play an important role in supporting our vital night-time economy and enabling more people to enjoy all that our great city has to offer as we continue building a safer, fairer, greener London for everyone.’
What are the new rules for London’s pedicabs?
All pedicab drivers must have a full licence or a valid theory test certificate, be DBS checked and meeting English speaking assessments.
Vehicles must undergo regular safety checks as well as being given a number plate.
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Residents of the West End can hopefully get a better night’s sleep, with external audio from cabs completely banned.
Transport for London will also be enforcing maximum journey fares for the first time, to make sure no other tourist is ripped off.
Fares will be regulated in a similar way to black cabs and be based on journey time – rather than whatever arbitrary system is made up on the spot to justify £500 fees.
If approved by the Finance Committee, the base fare will be a maximum of £5, a minute charge of £1 and when there is more than one passenger a charge of up to £3.
Pedicab drivers can expect to pay a proposed £114 licence fee, and a pedicab licensing fee of £100.
Licences will be mandatory for drivers and operators from 30 October 2026 and for vehicles from February 2027.
Regulated maximum fares would come into force from 30 October 2026 alongside driver and operator licences.
What do Londoners think of the new rules?
Some Londoners don’t just want pedicabs regulated – they want them criminalised.
Fadil Maqedonci has lived and owned a restaurant in Leicester Square for more than 25 years and has said the pedicabs are ‘the most dangerous thing ever invented.’
The new rules include maximum fares and basic safety checks (Picture: Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)
‘Transporting pedestrians and the way they behave is a formula for a disaster.’
Heart of London Business Alliance’s Chief Executive, Ros Morgan, said: ‘HOLBA has campaigned for more than a decade to see pedicabs regulated, because people should be able to board a pedicab confident that it is roadworthy, that drivers are properly vetted and that fares are transparent.
‘These regulations are a significant step forward for the nation’s capital – protecting passengers and enabling the pedicab sector to operate legitimately while strengthening London’s reputation as a world-class destination.’
Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne attends Eurozone meeting
6:00 am
TL;DR – Key developments in Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne attends Eurozone meeting
• On 17 February 2026, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne attended a meeting with euro area ministers in Brussels to discuss global macroeconomic imbalances.
• Champagne stated that Canada aims to deepen ties with the European Union, particularly in security and defence, critical minerals, and trade diversification.
• Eurozone finance ministers, alongside Champagne, discussed the euro’s role in international trade and digital monetary policy, indicating future political directions.
• The leaders agreed to continue discussions in upcoming G7 and G20 meetings.
Why the Canadian finance minister is taking an interest in the euro
Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne attended a meeting of 21 ministers from the euro area in Brussels on 17 February 2026 to discuss global macroeconomic imbalances. This meeting is significant as Canada seeks to strengthen its global ties amidst deteriorating relations with the United States and aims to enhance collaboration with the European Union.
During the discussions, Champagne and eurozone partners agreed to coordinate policy actions aimed at promoting economic rebalancing while addressing geo-economic threats. Champagne stated, “As the rules-based international order is fading, Canada’s government is firmly committed to deepening our relationship with the EU and its Member States, particularly on security and defence, critical minerals, innovation and research, and trade diversification.”
Euro area finance ministers also began debating the euro’s role in international trade and digital monetary policy. Although no concrete strategies were decided, the ministers indicated a political direction aiming towards addressing these issues. The conversation is set to continue in upcoming G7 and G20 meetings.
Global macroeconomic imbalances, such as the trade deficit of the United States and the surplus of China, create significant gaps in the world economy, which many view as a vulnerability to coercion. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously remarked at the World Economic Forum that great powers are weaponising economic integration, using tariffs as leverage, and exploiting supply chains.
Romania’s Finance Minister Nazare Supports EU Two-Speed Union Proposals
2:00 am
TL;DR – Key developments in Romania’s Finance Minister Nazare Supports EU Two-Speed Union Proposals
• Alexandru Nazare, Romania’s Finance Minister, expressed support for EU measures to enhance competitiveness and investment on Euronews.
• Nazare endorsed the two-speed union proposal following an informal EU summit aimed at reviving economic stagnation.
• He backed initiatives like the Capital Markets package and the Saving and Investments union.
• Romania holds the highest budget deficit in the EU and aims to exit the excessive deficit procedure by 2029 or 2030.
• The coalition government, led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, implemented austerity measures to reduce the deficit.
Romanian finance minister backs Eurobonds and ‘Made in Europe’ in competitiveness drive
Romania’s Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare stated on Tuesday that he supports several measures proposed in the European Union aimed at enhancing the bloc’s competitive edge and increasing investments. His comments followed an informal EU summit focused on revitalising the EU’s stagnant economy, where a two-speed union proposal was discussed, allowing at least nine countries to collaborate on initiatives without unanimous consent.
Nazare emphasised the importance of adopting these measures for the economic future of the European Union. He noted, “Romania supports the Capital Markets package, Romania supports the Saving and Investments union,” and remarked on the necessity to accelerate these proposals within the Economic and Financial Affairs Council.
Two-Speed Union Gains Support from Romania
The concept of a two-speed union emerged prominently after EU leaders sanctioned a €90 billion loan to Ukraine without the consent of Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Nazare expressed his endorsement of this approach, stating, “If this format will accelerate some of the files that we already have in EcoFin, I think that’s a good idea.”
Furthermore, Nazare backed a new elite club of EU economies known as the “E6,” which includes Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Poland. He conveyed optimism about the club’s intentions, assuring that he believes “they planned to solve some of the critical issues that are on the table,” which could ultimately benefit Europe.
European Economic Strategy and Recovery
In alignment with ongoing discussions, Nazare expressed support for a “Made in Europe” strategy, aimed at establishing minimum European content requirements for goods produced locally. He argued that this supports the “strategic autonomy” necessary for a unified European project.
Addressing concerns about potential negative impacts on relations with key trading partners, Nazare affirmed the necessity of creating an investment-friendly environment in Europe. He pointed out that approximately €300 billion of Romanian savings are currently invested abroad, advocating for those funds to be redirected to stimulate European investments.
Nazare also highlighted Romania’s budget deficit situation, stating that it has improved recently. He reported, “We gained trust. We not only met the deficit targets for 2025, but we overperformed by 0.7%,” while noting that ongoing efforts are needed to exit the EU’s excessive deficit procedure by 2029 or 2030—an essential step for Romania’s future euro adoption.
Editor check: Office-holder not named in source.
Lando Norris branded ‘cocky’ as F1 legend makes brutal title showdown prediction
1:00 am
Lando Norris branded ‘cocky’ as F1 legend makes brutal title showdown prediction
Two-minute read
Lando Norris remained in contention for the F1 world title after a dramatic Qatar Grand Prix, where he faced a blunder from McLaren. Heading into Abu Dhabi, he required only a podium finish to secure the championship, with Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri trailing closely. Verstappen needed to win and rely on Norris finishing fourth or lower to reclaim the title.
Source: Original report
Lando Norris needs to secure a podium finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday to clinch his first Formula One world title, according to Bernie Ecclestone. The former F1 chief stated that despite a recent blunder by McLaren in Qatar, Norris remains the favourite to become the first British world champion since Lewis Hamilton, with rivals Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri trailing him by 12 and 16 points, respectively.
Ecclestone’s comments come as the title race reaches its climax. He has predicted that Verstappen will ultimately claim his fifth consecutive title, suggesting that the Dutch driver must win the race while hoping Norris fails to achieve a top-three finish, which was the case in Qatar.
Verstappen’s Title Path
Max Verstappen can win the championship if he triumphs in Abu Dhabi and Norris finishes fourth or lower. Should Verstappen finish second, Norris must come in eighth or lower, while if Verstappen takes third, Norris would need to finish ninth or lower, with Piastri finishing second or lower for Verstappen to secure the title.
Ecclestone praised Verstappen’s abilities, stating, “I still believe Max will do it.” He noted that, while Norris is a talented driver, he could be “over-confident” and nervous during critical moments, which may hinder his performance in the title-deciding race.
Verstappen Responds to Comparisons
In related news, Verstappen responded to comments made by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who compared him to a horror movie villain in his competitive pursuit of Norris and Piastri. Verstappen quipped, “He can call me Chucky,” embracing the light-hearted comparison ahead of the final race weekend.
As the championship battle intensifies, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi, where the final outcomes will determine the fate of the 2024 Formula One World Championship.
Police arrest multiple suspects in Quentin Deranque killing in Lyon on Tuesday
10:00 pm
TL;DR – Key developments in Police arrest multiple suspects in Quentin Deranque killing in Lyon on Tuesday
• A series of arrests were made on Tuesday evening regarding the killing of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque in Lyon.
• Conflicting narratives and misinformation about alleged suspects associated with the case have proliferated online.
• The situation reflects ongoing challenges in addressing misinformation related to criminal investigations in France.
• Authorities are likely to intensify efforts to clarify facts surrounding the incident.
Arrests in French far-right activist murder case follow misinformation about suspects’ identities
A flood of conflicting narratives and misinformation regarding alleged suspects linked to the killing of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque in Lyon has emerged online, preceding a series of arrests made on Tuesday evening. The situation has ignited heightened public attention and scrutiny around the case, underscoring the impact of misinformation on ongoing investigations.
The misinformation has raised concerns among law enforcement and public officials about how such narratives can influence perceptions and impede justice. The Lyon police are now focused on addressing the spread of these false claims while conducting their investigation.
Investigation and Arrests Following Misinformation
Authorities are working diligently to assess the information disseminated through social media, as the series of arrests on Tuesday night aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding Deranque’s death. These developments highlight the necessity for accurate reporting and public awareness in criminal cases.
The Lyon police are expected to continue their work to counteract misinformation and ensure the integrity of the investigation remains intact.
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