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A Canadian national of Chinese origin, accused of espionage, will remain in pre-trial detention in Belgium. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office extended her detention by one month after rejecting her appeal, following her arrest linked to NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe amid an ongoing investigation.

Romania is poised to forfeit €770 million in EU funds after failing to agree on a public-sector salary law by the 31 August deadline, jeopardising its post-pandemic recovery plan. The European Commission will assess the impact during the final payment request review due by the end of September.

Dominique de Villepin, a former French prime minister, is poised to enter the 2027 presidential race, confirming his candidacy “once the election campaign has begun.” He dismisses participating in a primary as “the latest gimmick for the desperate,” while Olivier Faure plans to announce his entry into the Socialist Party’s primary.

US defence contractor Covenant plans to produce medium-range missiles near Leipzig, targeting up to 1,000 units annually from 2027. The missiles, expected to exceed 1,500 kilometres in range, are part of Germany’s strategy to enhance its long-range strike capabilities with cost-effective armament solutions.

Iceland has voted against resuming European Union membership talks, with 52.8% rejecting the proposal. This decision reflects a mix of relief and disappointment among the populace, as Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir committed to respecting the result, highlighting the importance of the high voter turnout.

Research reveals a rise in digital addictions, notably among adolescents, with 11% exhibiting problematic social media use, up from 7% in 2018. Experts highlight issues such as gaming disorder and nomophobia, stressing the impact of excessive screen time on sleep, mental health, and social relationships.

Partial results from Iceland’s EU referendum show ‘No’ leading with 59.8% of votes cast, as counting continues. Approximately 10,000 votes are scrutinised, reflecting regional sensibilities about EU membership. Voter turnout appears comparable to the 2024 parliamentary elections, reaching around 80%.

Reykjavík recorded a higher voter turnout in the EU referendum by noon on Saturday, with 13.7% in the North constituency and over 14% in the South, surpassing 2024 parliamentary election figures. A close outcome is anticipated, with polls indicating a near tie on EU membership support.

More than 200 people in Ukraine’s Bucha district were evacuated after a Russian drone strike ignited a significant fire at a warehouse, injuring at least six and causing fatalities. Emergency teams are on-site, while a pre-trial investigation into potential negligence regarding storage conditions has been launched.

Spain has requested European Commission assistance from Frontex and Europol to enhance migrant screening in Ceuta. The Interior Minister emphasised the need for electronic triage and processing as the situation remains critical, following the influx of over 72,000 migrants, with tensions rising among local residents.