Browsing: featured-eu

The EU is revising the Tobacco Taxation Directive, proposing a 139 per cent increase in minimum excise duties on cigarettes. This overhaul also aims to establish EU-wide minimum taxes on vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, marking the most significant change in tobacco taxes in over a decade.

Wildfires are raging across Belgium, Germany, France, Croatia, Spain, and Greece amid extreme heat and dry conditions. In Belgium, a major blaze has consumed 3,000 hectares in the High Fens reserve, prompting the deployment of over 250 firefighters and international aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Ukraine launched hundreds of drones targeting military and energy facilities across Russia, resulting in at least six fatalities. This marks one of Kyiv’s largest aerial assaults since early 2022. President Zelenskyy called for European missile interceptors to aid Ukraine against Russian strikes.

Two Spanish F-18 fighter jets intercepted and destroyed an unidentified drone in Romanian airspace early on Sunday, 24 kilometres north of Galati. Defence Minister Miruta confirmed the incident, highlighting Romania’s role in the European Union’s defence and the importance of vigilance amid ongoing tensions with Russia and Ukraine.

A 55-metre statue of the Virgin Mary has been erected in the Polish village of Konotopie, becoming the tallest Marian monument in Europe. Funded by billionaire Roman Karkosik at an estimated cost of 100 million zlotys, the statue will be blessed on 15 August, despite the site remaining unfinished.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced strikes on key Russian military sites, including the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara, using FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles. The operation aimed to reduce Russian military capabilities and was part of Ukraine’s strategy to pressure Moscow amid ongoing hostilities.

Europe faces escalating wildfires, with thousands evacuating as temperatures soar and droughts worsen. In France, 100 people fled near Luglon, while Germany’s Eifel region saw 1,800 evacuated amidst the largest fire in North Rhine-Westphalia’s history. Firefighting efforts intensify across the continent.

British academic Jason Arday, 41, was found dead on Friday in south London, following his resignation from Cambridge University amid allegations of plagiarism and racism claims. His death comes shortly after a high-profile investigation into these accusations was announced.

The EU has rejected US trade pressure over claims it facilitates Chinese tariff evasion, with Washington’s ambassador urging alignment of new environmental laws with a prior trade deal. The EU maintained its regulatory framework is non-negotiable, despite ongoing discussions on trade issues.

A drone crashed in Romania on Friday after flying undetected in the country’s airspace, as reported by local authorities. The incident occurred near Luncavița, approximately five kilometres from the Ukrainian border, amid increasing drone incursions across NATO’s eastern flank. No casualties have been reported.