2025-04-08

Europe News

Belgium to follow Dutch voluntary military service initiative

To increase reservists, 18-year-olds in Belgium will soon receive letters informing them about voluntary military service, following a recently announced initiative in the Netherlands.

08/04/2025

Food and Drink

Swiss chocolatiers respond to Trump's tariffs at annual chocolate fair

At an annual chocolate fair in Versoix, Switzerland, local chocolatiers voiced concern over the new 31% US tariffs, but most say the impact will be minimal as their focus remains on the domestic market.

08/04/2025

Culture news

What are the biggest-selling vinyl releases of 2025 (so far)?

How many to do own / celebrate on a daily basis / wish were higher in the rankings?

08/04/2025

Tech News

Meta blocks teens livestreaming on Instagram without parental consent

The measures will come out in Europe in the following months after rollout in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia first, Meta said.

08/04/2025

Europe News

Gridlock at Slovakia border crossings over foot-and-mouth disease

A fresh outbreak of the disease was also detected in Hungary, some 15 kilometres from the Slovak border near Bratislava.

08/04/2025

Silk Road Adventures

How Uzbekistan is reviving its textile heritage for the global market

In partnership with Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In this episode of Silk Road Adventure, we look at Uzbekistan's rich textile heritage - from traditional suzani embroidery to modern production - which is shaping the country's role in the global fashion and textile industry.

08/04/2025

Europe News

Kallas says Albania faces tricky reforms but its future is in the EU

Brussels decided in 2020 to start full membership negotiations with Albania, and talks began last October on how the Western Balkan country aligns with the EU in its fundamental principles.

08/04/2025

Travel News

Italy fines Colosseum ticketing agencies for ripping off tourists

Ticketing agencies made it almost impossible to purchase standard-price entry to Italy's most popular tourist attraction.

08/04/2025

Design

The end of an odyssey: Ancient Greek theatre uncovered in Lefkada

After a decade-long excavation following the theatre's first discovery more than 100 years ago, experts describe its revelation as “undoubtedly the most important and imposing monument that has come to light in ancient Lefkada.”

08/04/2025

Climate

Europe just experienced its hottest March on record

Early spring weather is starting to feel more and more like summer, say campaigners who want to see polluters pay.

08/04/2025

Culture news

Elton John and Madonna end bitter old beef over lip-sync row

Madonna and Elton John kissed and made up backstage on Saturday Night Live, where the British singer was performing alongside Brandi Carlile on 5 April.

08/04/2025

Economy

Which European firms and industries are more vulnerable to US tariffs?

European firms with high US exposure face mounting risks from tariffs, recession fears, and a weakening dollar, while domestically focused companies appear more insulated, according to a new Goldman Sachs analysis.

08/04/2025

Belgium

NATO cannot be 'naive' about China's arms build-up, says Rutte

The head of the transatlantic military alliance stressed that China's military build-up and support for Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine should not be overlooked, as he called on NATO members to work together and assess the issue.

08/04/2025

Europe News

How can EU improve tank production to cut defence dependency on US?

The EU is trying to break its military dependency on the US amid pressure from the Trump administration, and buy more defence equipment in Europe.

08/04/2025

World News

Global execution figures hit highest level in almost a decade

Amnesty International says that 1,518 executions were carried out worldwide in 2024, marking a 32% increase on the previous year.

08/04/2025

Ukraine

Ukrainian troops advance into Russia’s Belgorod, Zelenskyy confirms

The Ukrainian president publicly stated for the first time that Ukrainian troops have been active in Belgorod, making it the second incursion into Russia’s border regions since August 2024.

08/04/2025

Culture news

The 10 best and funniest signs from the US ‘Hands Off’ protests

Beyond the devastating implications of the Trump administration's policies, protesters have gotten to showcase their creativity during recent protests. Here are some of our favourite signs and banners.

08/04/2025

Experiences

Spain’s anti-tourism sentiment is brewing again as peak season nears

Residents say new government measures are not enough to combat the negative effects of mass tourism.

08/04/2025

USA

US Supreme Court lifts block on Venezuelan deportations to El Salvador

The Trump administration has claimed Monday's 5-4 ruling as a victory.

08/04/2025

No Comment

US-Russian crew lifts off to ISS for 8-month mission

Two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut launched on Tuesday aboard a Soyuz spacecraft for an eight-month research mission at the International Space Station.

08/04/2025

No Comment

Flooding in Kinshasa leaves at least 33 dead and hundreds displaced

Heavy rains in Kinshasa caused the Ndjili River to overflow, killing 33 people and displacing hundreds as floodwaters damaged homes and key infrastructure.

08/04/2025

EuroVerify

How a false headline about a tariff pause sent markets into wild swing

US markets briefly surged on Monday amid false rumours that President Donald Trump was mulling a 90-day pause on tariffs, before they plunged again. Euroverify investigates.

08/04/2025

Economy

French trade deficit increases in February as transport exports lag

France’s imports advanced in February, boosted by communication and publishing products. However, transport and refined petroleum product exports fell.

08/04/2025

Europe in Motion

LGBTQ+ dating: Best European cities for a weekend of romance ranked

Planning your summer getaway and looking for an LGBT-friendly destination? Here are Europe's best ranked options.

08/04/2025

No Comment

Lake Constance water level hits historic lows amid drought

Due to prolonged drought and reduced Alpine meltwater, Lake Constance’s water levels have dropped drastically, leaving harbours dry and boating nearly impossible.

08/04/2025

Business

President Trump orders review into Nippon Steel’s bid for US Steel

The two companies sued the US government in January after then president Joe Biden halted the Japanese purchase in the name of national security.

08/04/2025

No Comment

UN marks 31 years since genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda

Addressing the commemorative ceremony at the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General António Guterres said Rwanda’s history reminds us that "no society is immune from hate and horror."

08/04/2025

USA

Millions will die due to latest US food aid cuts, UN warns

The World Food Programme said that the Trump administration had axed funding for life-saving schemes in 14 impoverished countries — despite previously pledging to spare vital aid.

08/04/2025

Top News Stories Today

Latest news bulletin | April 8th – Midday

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

08/04/2025

No Comment

Paris recycling plant engulfed in massive fire

Emergency crews were deployed in large numbers Monday evening after a fire broke out at a Paris recycling centre, sending smoke over the city and halting operations.

08/04/2025