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- European commission cuts 2026 growth forecast amid rising energy prices
- European Commission finalises €90 billion support loan to Ukraine.
- Christian charity claims boys now rape boys instead of girls
- Itamar Ben Gvir faces backlash over treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees
- Germany seeks 40% stake in weapons maker KNDS to gain influence
- Bodycams recovered from divers killed in Maldives may shed light on tragedy
- European parliament debate highlights military spending amid geopolitical tensions
- DOJ indicts Raúl Castro over 1996 shooting of civilian aircraft in Cuba
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European commission cuts 2026 growth forecast amid rising energy prices
10:00 am
European Commission cuts 2026 growth forecast amid rising energy prices
Growth Forecast
The European Commission has revised its growth forecast for the EU economy in 2026 to 1.1%, down from 1.4% due to rising energy prices.
The European Commission has revised its growth forecast for the EU economy in 2026 to 1.1%, down from 1.4% due to rising energy prices.
Economic Adjustment
Revised growth forecasts indicate the EU economy will expand by only 1.1% in 2026, reflecting heightened risks from geopolitical tensions affecting energy prices and supply stability.
Revised growth forecasts indicate the EU economy will expand by only 1.1% in 2026, reflecting heightened risks from geopolitical tensions affecting energy prices and supply stability.
Italian Appeal
“energy security should be treated with the same urgency as defence spending,” stated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, urging the European Commission for fiscal rule relaxation.
“energy security should be treated with the same urgency as defence spending,” stated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, urging the European Commission for fiscal rule relaxation.
EU cuts 2026 growth forecast as Strait of Hormuz crisis pushes inflation up
The European Commission on Thursday cut its 2026 growth forecast for the European economy, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East drives energy prices sharply higher.
The EU economy is now expected to grow by just 1.1% in 2026, down from the 1.4% projected in the Commission’s autumn forecast. The eurozone outlook was revised down further to 0.9%.
In its report, the Commission warned that disruption to global energy markets — caused by escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key oil and gas shipping routes — has significantly worsened Europe’s economic outlook.
“Before the end of February 2026, the EU economy was expected to continue expanding at a moderate pace, alongside a further decline in inflation,” the report said. “However, the outlook has changed substantially since the outbreak of the conflict.”
Inflation is also expected to rise sharply due to the disruption around Hormuz.
EU inflation is forecast to reach 3.1% this year — a full percentage point higher than previously expected — driven mainly by soaring energy costs after oil and gas prices surged amid fears of supply disruptions in the Gulf.
For EU officials, the shock recalls 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered Europe’s worst energy crisis in decades.
The Commission described the latest turmoil as “the second such shock in less than five years”, warning that Europe’s dependence on imported fossil fuels leaves it highly vulnerable whenever geopolitical tensions threaten global energy supplies.
Consumer confidence has already fallen to a 40-month low, according to the forecast, as households prepare for higher heating and fuel bills while businesses face rising operating costs and weaker demand.
Investment is also expected to slow as companies confront tighter financing conditions and growing uncertainty. Export growth is weakening as global demand softens.
Despite the deteriorating outlook, Brussels said the bloc is better prepared than during the Ukraine-related energy crisis, thanks to years of investment in renewable energy, lower gas consumption and efforts to diversify away from Russian supplies.
“The push towards supply diversification, decarbonisation and lower energy consumption has left the EU economy better placed to absorb today’s shock,” the Commission said.
However, EU officials acknowledged that risks remain heavily skewed to the downside.
The report warned that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz or across wider Middle Eastern supply chains could drive energy prices even higher, derail the expected easing of inflation in 2027 and potentially stall Europe’s recovery altogether.
The Commission also cautioned that shortages of refined oil products, fertilisers and other industrial inputs could spread through global supply chains, increasing food and manufacturing costs across Europe.
Meanwhile, European governments are preparing for growing fiscal pressure. Public deficits across the EU are expected to widen as governments increase spending to protect households from rising energy bills while also boosting defence expenditure amid mounting geopolitical instability.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has recently urged the European Commission to relax fiscal rules for households and industries struggling with soaring energy costs, arguing that energy security should be treated with the same urgency as defence spending.
At the centre of Rome’s request is the EU’s national escape clause, adopted on 8 July, which allows member states temporary fiscal flexibility to increase defence spending under exceptional circumstances.
Meloni said Brussels had already shown a willingness to loosen budget rules in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and growing concerns about Europe’s military preparedness. Italy is now seeking similar flexibility for emergency energy measures.
European Commission finalises €90 billion support loan to Ukraine.
9:01 am
European Commission finalises €90 billion support loan to Ukraine.
European leaders are gathering for a summit in Prague this week, where discussions will centre on the ongoing geopolitical challenges posed by the war in Ukraine. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz is advocating for a special EU status for Ukraine, signalling a potential shift in the EU’s approach to Ukraine’s integration amidst its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Eastern European nations.
In economic developments, the European Commission anticipates a reduction of 15 billion cubic metres in gas consumption this year, a move aimed at increasing energy independence and sustainability across Member States. As the EU faces mounting pressure from rising energy costs, all eyes will be on the summit outcomes and potential policy announcements regarding energy strategies and economic support mechanisms.
Key developments across Europe
EU mulls Angela Merkel or Mario Draghi as possible Vladimir Putin whisperer
EU POLITICS — The EU is considering appointing prominent figures as intermediaries with Putin to enhance diplomatic relations.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. Merkel and Draghi’s influence could be pivotal in fostering dialogue aimed at easing tensions in Europe.
Greens chief Bas Eickhout quits EU Parliament after acknowledging ‘relationships’
EU POLITICS — Bas Eickhout has resigned as leader of the Greens in the EU Parliament amidst personal controversies.
His departure comes after he acknowledged improper relationships that have raised ethical questions. This potentially alters the landscape for Green Party influence in upcoming legislative sessions.
EU agrees to implement US trade deal struck last summer
EU TRADE — The EU has finalised steps to enact a previously agreed trade deal with the United States.
This agreement is expected to enhance transatlantic economic cooperation and improve trade relations. Implementing the deal underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening financial ties with the US amidst global economic challenges.
Germany’s Merz pitches ‘associate’ EU membership for Ukraine
EU FOREIGN POLICY — Germany’s opposition leader proposes a new form of EU membership for Ukraine.
This proposal suggests an ‘associate’ status could facilitate Ukraine’s integration into the EU, enhancing its political and economic ties with Europe. The plan aims to address current geopolitical dynamics stemming from the conflict with Russia.
EU Commission thinks Europe can cut gas consumption by 15 bcm this year
EU ENERGY — The EU is optimistic about significantly reducing gas consumption in the coming year.
This reduction aims to address energy dependency and environmental targets amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability goals in the face of global challenges.
What to watch — Watch for developments on Ukraine’s potential EU membership status as Germany’s proposal gains traction.
Further reading from across European news sources
Financial Times
EU mulls Angela Merkel or Mario Draghi as possible Vladimir Putin whisperer
Politico Europe
Greens chief Bas Eickhout quits EU Parliament after acknowledging ‘relationships’
The Guardian
EU agrees to implement US trade deal struck last summer
Reuters
Germany’s Merz pitches ‘associate’ EU membership for Ukraine
Euronews
EU pays Egypt billions to manage migration — Cairo says it is not enough
Christian charity claims boys now rape boys instead of girls
6:00 am
Get you up to speed: Christian charity says ‘it’s a problem boys don’t rape girls anymore – they rape boys’ | News UK
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Daniel Centre Church in Slough, Berkshire, stated in a sermon that boys no longer rape girls but instead commit acts against other boys, linking homosexuality to paedophilia and bestiality. The charity is facing scrutiny for rhetoric deemed incompatible with its legal obligations to act for the public benefit.
The Charity Commission has faced criticism for its handling of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Daniel Centre Church, with calls for stricter oversight of charities that promote harmful ideologies. Last year, a centre in Liverpool was found to have conducted conversion therapy sessions, sparking ongoing discussions about the implications of registered charities operating under the guise of religious advancement.
The National Secular Society has condemned the rhetoric from the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Daniel Centre Church, stating that it is “completely incompatible with its legal obligation to act for the public benefit.” The Charity Commission is facing calls for more stringent regulatory measures to ensure that registered charities do not promote harmful ideologies under the guise of religious advancement.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how the Charity Commission plans to address the homophobic rhetoric promoted by Mountain of Fire and Miracles International.
Christian charity claims boys now rape boys instead of girls
A Christian charity in the UK has said it’s a ‘problem boys don’t rape girls anymore’ and instead children are being ‘homosexualised’.
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Daniel Centre Church in Slough, Berkshire, has linked homosexuality to paedophilia and bestiality in one of their sermons online.
They are registered as a charity with their purpose being ‘the advancement of religion’, meaning the taxpayer subsidises the group’s activity ‘for the public benefit’.
She says the ‘homosexualisation of children will be deadly’, repeatedly raising supposed examples of paedophilia perpetrated by gay men which will then cause children to be attracted to the same sex.
She said: ‘The problem of rape right now in the world of our children is the fact that boys no longer rape girls. More boys now rape boys.’
Mountain of Fire and Miracles has a number of branches across the UK. In 2017 a centre in Liverpool was found to practice gay conversion therapy sessions, which included intense prayer and starvation.
And in a 2022 Facebook post, pastor Raphael Olushola Peters for the church in Belfast likened homosexuality with ‘offering children as sacrifices’.
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National Secular Society spokesperson Alejandro Sanchez said: ‘The vicious homophobia promoted by MFM Daniel is completely incompatible with its legal obligation to act for the public benefit.
‘Taxpayer money should not be subsidising this repugnant rhetoric.
‘But MFM Daniel is just the latest in a litany of charities registered under “the advancement of religion” espousing virulent homophobia. The Charity Commission cannot continue to issue mere “advice and guidance” – the regulatory equivalent of a slap on the wrist.’
Last month WTX reported a church in Reading telling women ‘they have no authority over their bodies’.
Wellspring Ministry filmed their sermons showing chair of trustees Bienvenue Hombessa telling married women ‘the devil will come’ if they deny their husbands sex.
They were again registered as a charity under the ‘advancement of religion’, which is meant to include running food banks, providing community services and assisting in international aid.
Alejandro Sanchez, from the National Secular Society, told WTX: ‘Charities must demonstrate they provide a genuine public benefit.
‘But guidelines are vague on what constitutes a public benefit, particularly in relation to religious activities.
‘There is still an assumption in the charity system that religion is inherently beneficial.
‘Some religious charities promote divisive, extremist or otherwise harmful ideas and practices that other kinds of charities would not be able to promote.
‘By promoting homophobic or misogynistic views rooted in scripture, religious charities are indeed ‘advancing religion’ – at least as they interpret it.’
WTX has contacted Mountain of Fire and Miracles International and the Charity Commission for comment.
Itamar Ben Gvir faces backlash over treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees
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Get you up to speed: Israeli minister Ben Gvir under fire for ‘inhumane’ treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees | News World
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was recorded taunting detained activists in Ashdod, Israel, as they protested against the Gaza blockade. Activists, including a detained Irish woman identified as Caitriona Graham, faced aggressive treatment from Israeli forces, prompting statements from Amnesty International and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the situation.
Authorities have confirmed that over 400 participants, including 15 UK residents, are currently detained in a newly constructed detention centre near Ashdod, characterised by harsh conditions. The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, known as Adalah, is providing legal support to the detained activists and has called for their immediate release, citing previous instances of ill-treatment during such operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the treatment of detained activists by Itamar Ben Gvir was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms,” and instructed for the activists to be deported “as soon as possible.” In response, the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, Adalah, called for urgent international measures to protect the activists and demanded their immediate release from detention, citing a continued pattern of abuse by Israeli authorities.
What remains unclear — The number of detained activists currently held by Israeli authorities has not been specified.
Itamar Ben Gvir faces backlash over treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees
Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir can be seen smirking, taunting and telling detained activists they should be imprisoned for a very long time.
One handcuffed Irish woman named by activists as Caitriona Graham shouts ‘Free Palestine’ at Ben Gvir but is taken down quickly with her head forced to the floor as the minister is ushered away smiling.
‘The courage of Catriona Graham in the face of Israeli outrages, puts our leadership to shame’, Stephen Bowen, Executive Director, Amnesty International Ireland said.
She posted on X: ‘Utterly appalling and unacceptable behaviour by Minister Gvir and the Israeli government.
‘Our Embassy has formally raised this matter with the Israeli authorities and has demanded proper and humane treatment of Irish citizens. These actions cannot be allowed to continue.’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said although Israel has every right to stop ‘provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters,’ the way that Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists ‘is not in line with Israel’s values and norms.’
Armed guards patrol the barbed wire perimeter, guarding the activists trying to bring supplies to Gaza.
Detainees are lined up and cramped together on deck (Picture: Katie Thompson)
‘I say to Prime Minister Netanyahu, give them to me for a long, long time, give them to us for the terrorist prisons, that’s what it should look like,’ Ben Gvir said.
Netanyahu said that he has given instructions that the activists be deported ‘as soon as possible.’
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reacts as flotilla activists are detained by Israeli forces, in Ashdod Port (Picture: via REUTERS)
Gvir drew the ire of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who publicly chastised his fellow minister on X, posting that ‘you knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display’ and that he had ‘undone tremendous, professional and successful efforts made by so many people.’
‘No, you are not the face of Israel,’ Sa’ar wrote.
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Ben Gvir shot back at Sa’ar in the Israeli parliament, accusing him of ‘bowing to the terrorists’ which he called ‘a disgrace and a shame.’ He said that any Israeli apology to the activists would send a message of ‘weakness,’ ‘submission’ and ‘surrender.’
‘Is he worried about the images? I am worried about the security of the residents of the state of Israel, and I care about them,’ Gvir said.
Ben Trowell from UK Global Sumud speaks of his experience on the flotilla
The situation in Palestine is beyond desperate.
So, myself and over 700 comrades from around the world, took it upon ourselves to deliver essential and life-saving aid to the people of Gaza in April this year.
In 2025, the largest civilian-led effort – known as the Global Sumud Flotilla – deployed dozens of vessels, but all were intercepted by the Israeli army, with hundreds of activists detained and deported.
So last month, we set out on another peaceful mission to again deliver essential aid.
The Israeli army thwarted our plans by initially intercepting 22 of our boats – I was on one of them – and have now done the same to the rest of our fleet, detaining the rest of our comrades.
While I was detained, I was beaten, psychologically tortured and had the majority of my clothes stolen.
Now, Israeli soldiers have kidnapped more than 400 participants.
There are currently 15 residents of the UK being held hostage and I am very concerned for their safety.
In my experience, we were held in a newly constructed detention centre, made up of a few shipping containers and a lot of razor wire. There were floodlights and strobe lights on us around the clock and the army pointing guns on us from the elevated platforms.
There was not enough space inside the containers for all of us to sleep and, while some were sleeping outside, Israel security services flooded the floor, leaving us soaking and freezing all night.
Whilst this was a horrific experience for all of us, it is absolutely nothing in comparison with what Palestinians have been forced to endure for more than eight decades – and that is why we do what we do.
Our Government in the UK should be doing everything in their power to get our citizens back safely.
We have even witnessed, live-streamed, shooting towards those on the boats and still our government has done nothing.
When our Government fails, it is down to us, the people, to act.
An Israel-based legal advocacy group, the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, or Adalah, accused Israeli authorities of ‘employing a criminal policy of abuse and humiliation against activists.’
Adalah said in a statement that this followed similar patterns of ill-treatment by Israeli authorities against activists in previous flotilla missions ‘for which Israel faced zero accountability.’
The group said that its lawyers and other volunteers were providing legal advice to activists at Ashdod and were demanding their immediate release.
‘The international community must take urgent measures to protect the flotilla members against this brutal and illegal conduct by Israeli officials,’ the group said.
Flotilla organisers have said the activists from more than 40 different countries were ‘being subjected to violent abuse after being illegally abducted at sea’ while attempting to bypass the Gaza blockade. In a post on Telegram, they urged the international community to end the blockade and release all 9,500 Palestinians ‘held in Israeli torture dungeons.’
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Germany seeks 40% stake in weapons maker KNDS to gain influence
4:00 am
Germany seeks 40% stake in weapons maker KNDS to gain influence
Germany’s Stake
Germany is seeking a 40% stake in tank and weapons maker KNDS, to be reduced to 30% within two to three years.
Germany is seeking a 40% stake in tank and weapons maker KNDS, to be reduced to 30% within two to three years.
Strategic Influence
Acquiring a 40% stake in KNDS will grant Germany equal operational rights with France, bolstering its influence over key military supply chains amidst European rearmament efforts.
Acquiring a 40% stake in KNDS will grant Germany equal operational rights with France, bolstering its influence over key military supply chains amidst European rearmament efforts.
Government Agreement
“Under the agreement, Germany will obtain the same rights as the French state, ensuring a balanced shareholding structure as we navigate future developments.”
“Under the agreement, Germany will obtain the same rights as the French state, ensuring a balanced shareholding structure as we navigate future developments.”
German state to secure 40% stake in KNDS weapons firm, sources say
Published on
The German state is seeking a 40% stake in the tank and weapons maker KNDS, government sources familiar with the matter revealed to AFP on Wednesday.
According to an “agreement reached regarding the state’s participation in KNDS”, this stake is to start at 40% and then be reduced to 30% within “two to three years”, a source said.
KNDS is currently effectively controlled by the French state, as it is part-owned by French public holding company GIAT Industries, with Germany’s Wegmann family owning the other part.
The company had been planning an initial public offering, at a time when defence stocks are booming with Europe racing to re-arm. The German government had said it was examining an investment in the group, in a bid to gain more influence over it.
Under the agreement, Germany will obtain the same rights as the French state, including after its stake is lowered, the source said.
France is meanwhile to reduce its own stake “insofar as possible”, they added. Berlin is set to buy shares at the initial public offering price.
KNDS is a key supplier to both the German and French militaries, making equipment including the Leopard 2 battle tanks and Caesar howitzers.
It was created in 2015 through a merger of France’s Nexter and Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann firms.
Additional sources • AFP
Bodycams recovered from divers killed in Maldives may shed light on tragedy
1:01 am
Get you up to speed: Bodycams found on divers killed in Maldives could reveal final moments | News World
Five Italian scuba divers died during a dive into the 160 ft deep ‘shark cave’ in the Devana Kandu cave system in the Maldives last week. The deceased included ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, researcher Muriel Oddenino, marine biologist Federico Gualtieri, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti, with the Maldivian military rescue diver Mohamed Mahudhee also confirmed dead from decompression illness during a recovery mission.
Authorities have launched an investigation following the deaths of six individuals during a cave dive in the Maldives. The Italian tour operator that organised the trip has denied authorising the dive beyond the permitted depth of 100 ft, complicating ongoing inquiries.
The Italian tour operator involved in the diving trip has denied any prior knowledge or authorisation of the group’s deep dive, asserting through its lawyer that they did not exceed local limits. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and what regulatory measures may be implemented to prevent future occurrences.
What remains unclear — The investigation has not yet revealed the specific cause of death for the divers.
Bodycams recovered from divers killed in Maldives may shed light on tragedy
Monica Montefalcone one of the five Italian scuba divers who died (Picture: Greenpeace via AP)
Bodycams have been found with the divers killed in a Maldives cave which could finally reveal what happened in their final moments.
Five Italians on a research trip were killed during a dive into the 160 ft deep ‘shark cave’ in the Devana Kandu cave system last week.
The bodies of ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, researcher Muriel Oddenino, and marine biologist Federico Gualtieri have now all been retrieved.
They were accompanied by diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti, whose body was found last week.
In total six people have been killed as part of the cave dive, with Maldivian military rescue diver Mohamed Mahudhee dying from decompression illness on Saturday during a recovery mission.
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In total six people have died during the dive, including ecology professor Monica Montefalcone (left) and her daughter Giorgia Sommacal (right)
Federico Gualtieri, a marine biologist, died during the cave dive on Thursday.
Three expert divers who recovered four of the bodies handed over GoPro cameras which were found with the group.
The footage has not yet been made public.
But it is hoped they could piece together the group’s final moments as investigators scramble to figure out what happened to the group who went deep below the recommended depth.
They were on a research trip about soft corals on Thursday morning when the group is believed to have died around 160 ft deep.
They had launched the expedition from the Duke of York yacht, which did not have a permit allowing dives of more than 100 ft.
Researcher Muriel Oddenino had been on an official scientific mission with Ms Montefalcone prior to the dive (Picture: Facebook)
Gianluca Benedetti’s body was the first to be recovered last week
Monica’s husband and dad of Giorgia Carlo Sommacal told Italian media his wife ‘was one of the best divers in the world’ and would never put his daughter at risk.
He said she had carried out about 5,000 dives and was ‘never reckless’.
The Italian tour operator that managed the diving trip has denied authorising or knowing about the group’s deep dive, which exceeded local limits, its lawyer told Italian local publication Corriere della Sera.
An investigation is underway to establish the cause of death.
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