2025-08-21

Tech News

Social media sites accused of pushing suicide-related content to teens

The popular social media platforms recommend "shocking levels of harmful content" to teenagers, the researchers said.

21/08/2025

Cyprus

Greek Cypriot who entered the north arrested on drugs charges

The case is being investigated by the Dhekelia bases police and a procedure to return the man's vehicle is under way under with the help of the UN.

21/08/2025

No Comment

Hungary stages Europe’s largest fireworks display for national holiday

Hungary celebrated its national holiday on Wednesday with a record-breaking fireworks display over the River Danube in Budapest, billed as the largest in Europe.

21/08/2025

South Korea

95-year-old North Korean soldier campaigns to be returned home

Ahn Hak-sop volunteered to fight for the North Korean army in 1952 but was captured by South Korean soldiers in April 1953, months before the fighting stopped with the armistice.

21/08/2025

Culture news

New 'South Park' episode targets Trump's federal D.C. police takeover

South Park’s Season 27 continues to be one of the most talked-about in recent memory, with its new episode - which aired last night - pulling no punches when it comes to satirising Trump, tech CEOs kowtowing to the US president, and the controversial federal takeover of Washinton D.C.’s police.

21/08/2025

Germany

Ukrainian suspected of links to Nord Stream pipeline blasts arrested

The damage added to tensions over the war in Ukraine as European countries moved to wean themselves off Russian energy sources following the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour.

21/08/2025

Tech News

US lawmakers urge probe into Spain's deal with Chinese firm Huawei

American lawmakers accused Spain of putting US national security at risk by contracting Chinese tech giant Huawei to handle sensitive data.

21/08/2025

Tech News

How a startup is helping Ukraine become the Silicon Valley of defence

The Ukrainian startup is developing long-range drones and missiles to take the battle to Russia.

21/08/2025

Top News Stories Today

Latest news bulletin | August 21st, 2025 – Midday

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 21st, 2025 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

21/08/2025

Culture news

Denmark slashes 25% book sales tax in a bid to boost reading

With data showing one in four 15-year-olds struggle to understand a simple text, Denmark is scrapping its 25% VAT on books, the world's highest tax, in a effort to tackle a growing literacy crisis.

21/08/2025

Brazil

Jair Bolsonaro planned to seek asylum in Argentina, Brazil police say

Bolsonaro is currently awaiting a Supreme Court ruling about an alleged coup attempt and learned on Wednesday he might face another case as police formally accused him and one of his sons, Eduardo Bolsonaro, of obstruction of justice.

21/08/2025

Money

Why China is expanding into digital currencies

China launched its own digital yuan, the e-CNY issued by its central bank, on a trial basis in 2019.

21/08/2025

Culture news

Why has the UK banned this shower gel ad?

A shower gel commercial has been banned in the UK for “suggesting white skin superior to black skin”. The company behind ad has defended their spot...

21/08/2025

Health news

Walmart recalls shrimp over potential radioactive contamination in US

One food safety expert says the risk is low from the recalled shrimp, which was sold in 13 US states.

21/08/2025

Experiences

Venetians frustrated by tourists using €2 ferries as low-cost gondolas

The ‘traghetti’ ferry passengers between the two banks of the Grand Canal - a useful service considering there are only four bridges that cross it.

21/08/2025

Turkey

US opposed to Turkey re-joining F-35 programme, State Department says

Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme and its Defence Industry Agency was sanctioned after Ankara announced in 2017 it would purchase Russian S-400 missiles.

21/08/2025

Europe in Motion

Eurobarometer: citizens want minimum tax for the super-rich

The majority of EU citizens are willing to increase environmental taxes, and most support the introduction of a minimum tax for the super-rich.

21/08/2025

No Comment

SAIL festival returns to Amsterdam with hundreds of historic ships

The Dutch capital welcomed a fleet of ships from all over the world on Wednesday as SAIL began, the country’s largest maritime festival.

21/08/2025

Nutrition

Green kiwis earn EU’s first-ever fruit health claim for keeping you regular

Kiwis are now EU-certified to keep your digestive system on schedule, becoming the first fresh fruit to get the bloc’s green light for health benefits.

21/08/2025

World News

Major Russian aerial attack on Ukraine kills one and injures 15

The attacks come despite an uptick in international diplomacy and talks focused on striking a peace agreement.

21/08/2025

Green News

Spain sees worst wildfire damage since 1994 with 382,607 hectares lost

The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) calculate that 380,000 hectares have burned in Spain so far this year, while the fight against the flames continues.

21/08/2025

New Zealand

New Zealand to buy US helicopters in €1.3bn military spending package

New Zealand’s military spending has trailed that of its larger partners in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing group of countries, which includes the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia.

21/08/2025

Economy

Fed official says she won't be 'bullied' by Trump into resigning

US president Donald Trump is seeking to influence central bank policy after repeatedly criticising chair Jerome Powell for not cutting the short-term interest rate.

21/08/2025

Belarus

Russian allies Belarus and Iran agree to boost bilateral defence ties

Lukashenka, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory as a staging ground for Moscow’ full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and later allowed the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear missiles.

21/08/2025

Culture news

Explained: French streamer’s death sheds light on 'trash streaming'

French streamer Jean Pormanove was known for performing extreme acts in live broadcasts. His death exposes a disturbing internet phenomenon.

21/08/2025

USA

Texas House approves redrawn maps to benefit Republican party in 2026

The approval came at the urging of US President Donald Trump, who pushed for the extraordinary mid-decade revision of congressional maps to give his party a better chance at holding onto the US House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections.

21/08/2025

Destinations

Why Estonia’s remote islands may be Europe’s best-kept travel secret

These secluded Estonian islands offer solitude, nature, ancient architecture and abundant wildlife for a more rejuvenating holiday.

21/08/2025

Art

England’s oldest psychiatric hospital hosts exhibition of patient art

Dead squirrels, haunted dreamscapes and anxious midnight thoughts: Bethlem’s new exhibition explores how patients have long wrestled with sleep and nightmares through art.

21/08/2025

EuroVerify

Is Paris Europe's most deadly capital during heatwaves?

There are certain factors relating to geography and large-scale weather systems that make the French capital particularly vulnerable to heatwaves.

21/08/2025

Partner content

Why Turkmenistan is one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets

Partner content presented by Turkmenaragatnashyk

Discover Turkmenistan’s enduring appeal – from cultural revival to enduring natural wonders – and why it is high on the list of Central Asia’s most fascinating destinations.

21/08/2025