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END OF THE WEEK
European leaders are calling on Israel and Iran to immediately de-escalate the situation in the Middle East after Israel decided to launch an unproven attack on Iran, killing civilians including children. The United States has said it played no role in the attack, nor did it support the attack, leading to an analysis of why Netanyahu has all of a sudden gone rogue.
There are calls for the EU to step up and get a deal with the USA – after the UK secured a deal a month ago, and the US claims a deal with China will be coming soon.
Most of this week’s European headlines have been dominated by political news, from snap election announcements to trade tensions. The horror school shooting in Austria dominated much of the early week headlines as did international news from Gaza and the United States.
MIDWEEK UPDATE
🇳🇱 Dutch snap election looms
The Netherlands will hold elections on 29 October after Geert Wilders’ far-right PVV walked out of coalition talks. Caretaker PM Dick Schoof is holding the reins for now.
🇪🇺 EU sharpens sanctions on Russia
Brussels has proposed new sanctions targeting Russian oil tankers, banks, and the controversial “shadow fleet.” Nord Stream infrastructure is also in the firing line as part of the EU’s 14th sanctions package.
🇨🇳 China trade tensions escalate
The EU is challenging China’s “buy Chinese” rules in the medical tech sector, accusing Beijing of discriminating against EU firms. Brussels says it’s a matter of “fair competition.”
🇦🇹 Austria rethinks gun laws after school tragedy
A mass shooting at a school in Graz left 10 dead, prompting fresh scrutiny of Austria’s relatively lax gun laws. The government is under pressure to tighten regulations.
🇵🇱 Tusk survives in Poland
Polish PM Donald Tusk won a confidence vote and promised to press ahead with reforms, despite facing political pressure after his party’s presidential loss.
EARLY WEEK UPDATES
🇮🇹 Italy’s sleepy referendum
Major referendums on labour laws and citizenship saw dismal turnout—reform dreams were met with a national shrug.
🇵🇸 Gaza dominates headlines
Protests erupted across Italy demanding a Gaza ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli forces blocked a pro-aid yacht—carrying Greta Thunberg—from reaching the Strip.
🇺🇸 US unrest shakes Europe’s front pages
Brutal clashes between protesters and the National Guard in Los Angeles have captured attention across the continent. Tensions continue to rise with no end in sight.
🇪🇺 Monday Morning Mood: Missiles, Mishaps and (Maybe) Meloni
It’s Monday in Europe and the news is as lively as your first espresso shot. Russia’s claiming it’s marched into new parts of Ukraine (Kyiv says, “not quite”), while Poland is scrambling jets just in case any of that “special military operation” goes astray.
📅 Key Cultural & Business Events – This Week
🌼 Flower of the Week
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Blooming across central Europe and the UK in May, the cornflower symbolises hope and remembrance. Once a weed of wheatfields, it’s now a protected wildflower in France and Germany.
🐦 Bird of the Week
Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
This reclusive songbird is arriving from Africa. Best heard at dusk, its powerful, melodic call echoes through southern woodlands — though habitat loss has made it harder to find.
European leaders call for de-escalation
European leaders call for de-escalation and expressed deep concern after Israel launched an unprovoked attack on Iran and have called for an immediate de-escalation. Civilians have been killed, including children. Iran has responded by launching their own attack.
🔁 Reactions:
- UK PM Keir Starmer urged “all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently” and prioritised Middle East stability.
- EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the situation as “deeply alarming,” stressing that restraint and diplomacy are now “more urgent than ever”.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened a security cabinet following talks with Netanyahu, warning against further escalation and pledging diplomatic pressure to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
- Other EU figures—including from the Netherlands, Finland, France, and Ireland—urged calm and warned of the serious risk of regional spillover.
🇦🇹 School Shooting in Graz Leaves Multiple Dead
🔗 Link: Euronews – Nine killed in school shooting in Austria
📰 Summary:
A tragic shooting at the BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz, southern Austria, has claimed at least eight to ten lives—including students, teachers, and the attacker—who is believed to have died by suicide after opening fire around 10 am local time. Special Cobra police units responded swiftly, evacuating around 28 injured individuals to hospitals and securing the scene by 11:30 am. Authorities are investigating motive and background as Chancellor Christian Stocker calls the incident a “national tragedy” that “deeply shocks our whole country.” Austria, known for low gun violence rates, is grappling with renewed questions on school safety and emergency protocols.
💬 Political Reactions:
- 🇦🇹 Chancellor Christian Stocker: “This is a national tragedy that deeply shocks our whole country.” (🔗)
- 🇦🇹 President Alexander Van der Bellen: “This horror cannot be captured in words… These were young people […] with their whole lives ahead.” (🔗)
- 🌐 @EU_Commission: “Schools are symbols for youth, hope and the future. It is hard to bear when schools become places of death and violence.” (🔗)
🧠 Media Bias/Framing:
- Euronews: Focuses on human impact and national trauma, highlighting political statements and community grief.
- AP/Reuters: Emphasises facts—numbers, timeline, rarity of such incidents in Austria—presenting a sober, data-driven account.
📊 Sentiment Analysis:
- Tone: Negative
- Why: The coverage underscores shock, loss, and sorrow, portraying a devastating disruption to community safety.
🇬🇧 Second Night of Riots in Ballymena After Racially Motivated Attacks
🔗 Link: [France24 – Racially motivated attacks spark second night of unrest in Northern Irish town]
📰 Summary:
For a second night, violence erupted in Ballymena, County Antrim, after a vigil over an alleged sexual assault by two 14-year-old boys descended into rioting. Several hundred masked individuals attacked police with petrol bombs, fireworks, bricks, and heavy masonry. Homes and vehicles were set ablaze; four houses were damaged by fire—some deemed racially motivated—and multiple businesses were targeted. At least 17 police officers were injured on night two, bringing the total to 32, and six people have been arrested in connection with the disorder.
Disturbances spread to Belfast, Newtownabbey, and Carrickfergus. Police used water cannons and non-lethal rounds to disperse crowds. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, and regional leaders condemned the violence and urged calm.
Read a full WTX News report on the violence in Northern Ireland
💬 Political Reactions (3 linked tweets):
- 🇬🇧 Hilary Benn (Northern Ireland Secretary): “These scenes of civil disorder have no place in Northern Ireland.” (🔗)
- 🇬🇧 PSNI Chief Jon Boutcher: “Mindless violence must stop—hate-fuelled acts tear at our society.” (🔗)
- ✊🏽 @UnitedAgainstRacism: “Stand with minority communities—this must end. #Ballymena” (🔗)
🧠 Media Bias/Framing:
- Reuters & France24: Provide straight reporting with factual context—injury figures, use of force, and official statements, emphasising anti-immigrant sentiment.
- The Guardian: Highlights the racially motivated nature of the unrest and the wider social fissures, framing it as a communal warning sign.
📊 Sentiment Analysis:
- Tone: Negative
✈️ Trump’s New Travel Ban Goes Into Effect
📍 Source: USA Today
President Donald Trump’s new travel ban, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on 9 June, blocks citizens from 12 countries — including Iran, Libya, and Yemen — from entering the US. Seven more nations will face partial restrictions. Trump claims the move is to protect the US from “foreign terrorists,” citing concerns over poor visa security, weak criminal checks, and overstayed visas. He pointed to a recent attack in Colorado as justification, although the attacker’s country, Egypt, is not included in the ban.
Sentiment: 🚨 Divisive / controversial
Media bias:
- USA Today: Warns of human rights and legal challenges.
- The Guardian (similar angle): Frames it as “xenophobic fear-mongering.”
- Breitbart (contrast): Applauds Trump’s stance on “national security first.”
Political reaction:
- 🔗 AOC – “Racist policy from a racist man.”
- 🔗 GOP account – “It’s common sense border protection.”
- 🔗 Public tweet – “This is 2016 all over again.”
🚢 Gaza Aid Boat Carrying Greta Thunberg Blocked by Israel
📍 Source: Euronews & WTX News
An aid boat carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other European activists was intercepted en route to Gaza. The group was attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies and draw attention to the ongoing siege. Israeli naval forces reportedly blocked the boat’s progress. Organisers say it was a peaceful mission to break the blockade. Critics accuse the group of political grandstanding.
Sentiment: 😡 Outrage among activists / defensive from Israel
Media bias:
- Euronews: Frames it as a humanitarian mission, supportive tone.
- France 24: Echoes neutral activist messaging.
- Jerusalem Post (contrast): Accuses group of aiding “enemy propaganda.”
Political reaction:
- 🔗 Greta Thunberg – “They are blocking peace and aid.”
- 🔗 Israeli official – “Security threats must be intercepted.”
- 🔗 Public tweet – “Greta’s courage exposes the blockade hypocrisy.”
🇺🇦 Poland Accuses Russia of Airspace Breach in Escalation Over Ukraine
📍 Source: The Guardian / BBC
Poland claims (unverified independently) that Russian military jets briefly violated its airspace during a bombing run near Ukraine’s western border. Warsaw has summoned Moscow’s ambassador, calling the incident “a reckless provocation.” The incident coincides with intensified Russian airstrikes on Lviv. NATO officials expressed concern, warning Russia to avoid drawing member states into direct confrontation. Russia denies any violation.
Sentiment: 🔥 Tense / escalating but does not provide actual evidence.
Media bias:
- The Guardian: Focuses on Poland’s NATO concerns and Russia’s denial.
- BBC: Confirms NATO backing and urges de-escalation.
- RT (contrast): Frames Poland as “overreacting.”
🔗 The Guardian – Ukraine war briefing
Political reaction:
- 🔗 Polish PM Donald Tusk – “Poland will not tolerate airspace violations.”
- 🔗 NATO – “We stand ready to defend every inch.”
- 🔗 Public tweet – “This is how wars expand.”
EU and UK strike political agreement on Gibraltar
The UK, Spain, and EU have reached a historic deal on Gibraltar, removing land border checks and allowing free movement into the Schengen area. Passport controls will shift to Gibraltar’s port and airport, easing daily travel for 15,000 commuters. The agreement also paves the way for customs alignment, while Gibraltar keeps its British sovereignty.
🔁 Reactions:
- UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy: “A practical solution which safeguards sovereignty, jobs and growth.”
- Spanish PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo: “We only learned of this via the media — national sovereignty must be debated in parliament.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Euronews underscores the agreement’s symbolic and practical significance, emphasising multi-party cooperation and shared benefits.
- Financial Times highlights concessions such as Spanish passport checks and tax realignment while asserting the sovereignty remains intact, balancing praise with scrutiny.
- The Sun frames the deal as a “sell‑out,” warning Brits could be denied entry if Schengen limits are breached — casting the move as controversial.
📊 Sentiment: Positive–neutral.
📵 France to Ban Social Media for Under-15s If EU Doesn’t Act
🔗 Link: Euronews – Macron says France will ban social media access for under-15s if EU takes no action
📰 Summary:
After a fatal stabbing of a 31-year-old school aide by a 14-year-old in Nogent, President Emmanuel Macron vowed to outlaw social media use for under-15s “within a few months” if the EU fails to adopt similar measures.
Speaking on France 2, Macron emphasised platforms’ ability to verify age and signalled that France would proceed unilaterally if EU action stalls. The move follows a July 2023 French law requiring parental consent for under-15s and mirrors global trends like Australia’s under-16 ban. Macron also plans to restrict online knife sales to minors. Implementation challenges are expected, including verifying ages without compromising privacy—a debated issue in Brussels.
Read a full WTX News report on banning social media for kids
💬 Political Reactions:
- 🇫🇷 Emmanuel Macron: “Platforms can verify age—so let’s do it. We cannot wait.” (🔗)
- 🇪🇺 MEP Sophie in ’t Veld (ALDE): “Important safeguard, but EU must lead—France can’t go it alone.” (🔗)
- 👩👧👦 @ParentsDigitalUK: “Kids already bypass age checks—this must come with education, not just bans.” (🔗)
🧠 Media Bias/Framing:
- Euronews: Reports straight from Macron’s comments in response to violence, focusing on policy timelines and EU coordination.
- Politico: Adds broader policy context—age verification hurdles, responses from Digital Services Act, and EU-level tensions.
📊 Sentiment Analysis:
- Tone: Cautiously positive
🌐 US–China Trade Talks Extend in London
🔗 Link: [Reuters – US‑China trade, minerals talks in London set to extend to second day]
📰 Summary:
High-level trade negotiations between the United States and China are underway in London, extending into a second day at Lancaster House. With the primary goal of reviving a 90-day truce established in Geneva, discussions include rare earth mineral exports, export control rollbacks, and tariff pauses.
The US delegation is led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while China is represented by Vice Premier He Lifeng and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
The dialogue follows a positive call between Presidents Trump and Xi, with Trump describing early progress as “going well,” though officials remain cautious. The truce previously boosted markets, but experts note underlying tensions persist, with doubts about lasting breakthroughs amid strategic decoupling trends.
Read a full WTX News report on the second day of trade talks between the two superpowers
💬 Political Reactions:
- 🇺🇸 President Donald Trump: “Only getting good reports from London. We’re doing well with China. China’s not easy.” (🔗)
- 🇨🇳 Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: “Constructive dialogue demonstrates mutual respect and willingness to stabilise trade.” (🔗)
- 🌏 @GlobalTradeWatch: “Rare‑earths must be the litmus test. No handshake, no deal. #SupplyChainSecurity” (🔗)
🧠 Media Bias/Framing:
- Reuters: Delivers a straight, fact-driven account, quoting officials and offering context on past truce, market reactions, and supply‑chain risks.
- CNBC: Adds interpretive colour and analysis on export‑control pressures and political backdrops, making it more US‑market oriented.
📊 Sentiment Analysis:
- Tone: Neutral–cautiously positive
- Why: The tone is measured—reporting confidence from officials while flagging ongoing friction and scepticism.
🇮🇹 Thousands March in Rome Demanding an End to the Gaza War
📍 Source: Al Jazeera
Tens of thousands took to the streets of Rome over the weekend, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Israeli military operations. Demonstrators from peace groups, trade unions, and activist networks demanded EU leaders do more to halt the violence. Chants of “Stop the genocide” echoed across the city. Organisers called for arms embargoes and boycotts. The protest remained peaceful, but critics argued it lacked balance.
Sentiment: 🕊️ Hopeful yet angry
Media bias:
- Al Jazeera: Highlights humanitarian urgency and grassroots scale.
- Reuters: Covers turnout and diplomatic context.
- Jerusalem Post (contrast): Warns of “anti-Israel” rhetoric in Europe.
Political reaction:
- 🔗 Jeremy Corbyn – “A beautiful day of solidarity in Rome.”
- 🔗 Giorgia Meloni – “We support peace, but must defend democracy.”
- 🔗 Public tweet – “Rome says what the EU won’t.”
A round up of what the Politicians have been doing.
*Denotes wanted for war crimes.
All eyes will be on the government’s spending review – due to be released on Wednesday. Some areas such as defence and science are set to do well in the review – but its not clear which departments will suffer for it.
Starmer needs to keep it cool for the next few weeks – he can’t afford any more embarrassing U-turns.
He has been largely quiet around negotiations apart from accusing Russia of foul play, but made a good deal with the Germans.
It was a busy weekend for Donald Trump – and the week ahead is set to be just as busy, with trying to quell protests in LA to his new travel ban coming into effect.
Last week he had a major bust-up with one-time buddy Elon Musk – and it might even escalate further.
What started off as peaceful protests have now descended into chaos as Trump escalated the situation by sending in the National Guard and Marines. California has said it will sue Trump for his use of the National Guard.
The Saudi prince is calling for the international community to come together to put pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.
- Syrian Leader
Syrian leader exchanged Eid greetings with the UAE leader as pair build towards estabilishing ties between their two nations.
It’s all a little quiet on the Ursula von der Leyen news this Monday morning … check back on Tuesday.
President Macron has opened the UN Ocean Summit with a strong call for multilateral mobilisation to protect marine ecosystems.
Monday marks 11 years of Modi in power
Benjamin Netanyahu, is the face of genocide, he knows his days are numbered. The West is already diverting support for his opposition as he (his gov’t) continue to deny genocide, starvation and innocent deaths. Dubiously claiming to have killed 30,000 Hamas fighters, out of the 56,000 Palestinians killed, with 80%, women and children.
✍️ Quote of the Week
“History is a set of lies agreed upon.” — Napoleon Bonaparte
This week’s news shows how narratives — whether political, digital, or economic — can be engineered, exposed, or reimagined. The truth, as ever, lies between the lines, but there is no doubt, that history belongs to the victor.
🕵️ No, Macron did not hide cocaine on a train to Ukraine
A viral video claiming French President Emmanuel Macron was “caught red-handed” hiding a cocaine bag on a train to Ukraine has been thoroughly debunked by France 24’s fact-checking team. The footage, which showed Macron holding a white pouch before tucking it into his coat, was deceptively edited. The object was a known brand of French facial tissue.
The clip gained traction on platforms like X and TikTok, fuelled by conspiracy influencers. AI analysis of the video confirmed digital tampering.
This story reflects the increasing use of manipulated media to undermine political figures — particularly during periods of tension like Macron’s current Green rebellion.
Key takeaway: In an age of digital warfare, viral misinformation can move faster than diplomacy.
This weeks global cultural & business events provides a round up of the highlights key events taking place around the world. You don’t need a private jet to get around, some are virtual as well.
🌍 Global Cultural & Business Events This Week
- 🇮🇹 La Biennale di Venezia – Venice
- 🇺🇸 G7 Finance Ministers Summit – New York
- 🇺🇳 UN Digital Inclusion Forum – Geneva
- 🇩🇪 Berlin Design Week – Berlin
- 🇺🇸 SXSW EDU Europe – London
🏛️ Political events to keep your eyes on
- NATO: Turkey requests joint monitoring of PKK disbandment
- IMF: Revises 2025 global growth forecast to 3.2%
- UNESCO: Adds Gaza’s Old Port to watchlist of threatened heritage sites
- WHO: Issues early warning for rising dengue clusters in Asia
- World Bank: Launches climate adaptation bond for Sahel nations
FEATURED EVENT – International Summit – Tirana, Albania
Meeting of the European Political Community, 16 May 2025
The sixth meeting of the European Political Community will bring together leaders from across the continent in Tirana, Albania under the theme ‘New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action’.
The EU will be represented by the President of the European Council, António Costa, who will co-chair the meeting along with the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama.
🖼️ Art/Culture Highlight – Kunsthaus Zurich: “Surveillance and the Self”
An exhibition tracing the history. A Future for the Past
The exhibition focuses on various – also contradictory – perspectives on the historical context in which the arms manufacturer and patron Emil G. Bührle built up his collection: it highlights the biographies of former owners of individual works, whose sale took place under questionable circumstances, and the question of how a differentiated approach to history can succeed in the immediate present.
The Bührle Collection: art, context, war and conflict.
✍️ Thought of the day
We’ve delveoped this need to move on to the ‘next thing’ standing in one place seems to make one anxious. That may be because of the way we are being engineered, the thirst for more. But the negative impact of that is, we rarely get to enjoy the moment.
When enjoying a meal, a walk in nature, or any other activity, pay attention to the details and fully experience it, just stand still (figuratively) and process what you have done, The next, more is not always better.
✍️ Quote of the Week
“Whatever else may divide us, Europe is our common home; a common fate has linked us through the centuries, and it continues to link us today..” — Leonid I. Brezhnev
This week’s news shows how narratives — whether political, digital, or economic — can be engineered, exposed, or reimagined. The truth, as ever, lies between the lines, but there is no doubt, that history belongs to the victor.
🚆 North missed £140bn of transport investment over last government
New analysis shows the UK government spent £1,183 per person on transport in London and £486 per person in the North from 2010 to 2023, revealing significant regional disparities.
This gap arose after successive Conservative governments allocated less funding to northern transport, with £140 billion in extra investment missed between 2009/10 and 2022/23 compared to London.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £15.6 billion transport package for mayoral authorities across the North and Midlands to improve public transit and address this historic underinvestment.
Key Takeaway – The new investments aim to begin closing the widening transport chasm that still leaves much Northern infrastructure from Queen Victoria’s reign, suggesting longer-term plans are needed for regional equality.
🌍 What’s On in Europe Week 24: Events for the Week of June 9–15, 2025
As summer settles in, Europe offers a vibrant mix of cultural, artistic, and business events. Here’s a curated selection of happenings this week:
🎭 Featured Cultural Event: Carnival of Cultures – Berlin, Germany
Dates: June 6–9, 2025
Location: Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s Carnival of Cultures returns this week, celebrating the city’s multicultural heritage. Expect vibrant street parades, live music, and dance performances, showcasing a blend of global traditions. The event offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Berlin. (bodyandsoulinternational.com, discovergermany.com)
🎨 Featured Arts Event: Anselm Kiefer Exhibition – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dates: March 7 – June 9, 2025
Location: Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
Concluding this week, the Stedelijk Museum presents an exhibition of Anselm Kiefer’s works, one of today’s most significant artists. The exhibition includes new pieces and showcases Kiefer’s exploration of themes such as history and identity. (designhotels.com)
💼 Featured Business Event: 25th International Conference & Exhibition – Zaragoza, Spain
Dates: June 9–13, 2025
Location: University of Zaragoza, Spain
This conference focuses on precision engineering and nanotechnology, offering a platform for industrialists and academics to discuss advancements in metrology, additive manufacturing, and digital manufacturing. It’s a key event for professionals in the field. (euspen.eu)
🌟 Honourable Mentions:
- Hear Hear Exhibition – Leuven, Belgium
A series of sound installations scattered around Leuven, concluding on June 9. Part of the city’s celebrations of 600 years of Leuven University. (brusselstimes.com) - Pentecost Weekend Events – Paris, France
Various cultural and religious events taking place over the Pentecost weekend, including festivals and exhibitions. (sortiraparis.com)
✍️ Thought of the day
Move your body, clear your mind. Even a short walk or a gentle stretch can work wonders for your mental health—reducing stress, boosting mood, and improving focus. Physical movement stimulates endorphins, encourages better sleep, and helps break the cycle of overthinking.
Today, give yourself the gift of movement—you don’t need a gym, just a little time and intention.
A bit of travel inspiration from some of our favourite places and best deals.
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