Browsing: featured-eu

Portuguese police arrested the mother of two young French boys found abandoned near Comporta, where they were left alone with backpacks. The boys, aged four and five, were reported missing from Colmar, France. Authorities are investigating charges of abuse and abandonment related to the case.

A French appeals court has convicted Air France and Airbus of involuntary manslaughter over the 2009 crash of Flight AF447, which killed 228. The ruling reversed a prior acquittal, deeming both companies wholly responsible and ordering fines of €225,000 each, although they plan to appeal.

The European Commission has downgraded its 2026 growth forecast for the EU economy to 1.1%, citing increased energy prices due to the Middle Eastern conflict. The eurozone outlook fell to 0.9%, reflecting risks from global energy market disruptions and escalating inflation, now expected to reach 3.1%.

Germany plans to acquire a 40% stake in tank and weapons maker KNDS, which is currently under French control. Following an initial public offering, Germany aims to reduce its stake to 30% within two to three years while gaining rights equivalent to those of the French state.

Concerns about Europe’s security strategy intensify amid ongoing debates in the European Parliament over military spending. MEPs Lukas Mandl and Marc Botenga expressed starkly opposing views on investing billions in defence amidst geopolitical tensions, particularly Russia’s actions in Ukraine, highlighting Europe’s shifting military priorities.

Radio Caroline, established in 1964 to challenge the BBC’s broadcasting monopoly, has transitioned from its original ships off the English coast. This iconic station continues to impact the UK’s media landscape, reflecting the evolving nature of broadcast media in the region.

Lithuania’s capital Vilnius was temporarily shut down due to a potential drone incursion on Wednesday, reflecting heightened tensions along NATO’s eastern flank amid ongoing conflicts. The incident prompted airport closures and evacuations of key government figures, as well as strong condemnations from European leaders regarding Russia’s actions.

The European Commission has retained its carbon border tax in a new plan for fertilisers, aimed at supporting farmers despite rising costs linked to carbon pricing. Commissioner Christophe Hansen stated the importance of maintaining competitiveness against cheaper imports while acknowledging the financial pressure on agriculture and food prices.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel received the European Order of Merit on Tuesday. In her acceptance speech, she emphasised that Europe can no longer assume peace and security, highlighting concerns over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shifting US security policies that indicate a loss of established certainties.

Diplomats and MEPs reached an agreement to implement the EU-US pact, which removes duties on most US industrial goods imported into Europe. The deal follows US President Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on EU cars, with MEPs negotiating terms amid ongoing tensions in transatlantic relations.