2026-02-17

Travel News

‘Real economic consequences’: US warned over ESTA changes

Research by the World Travel and Tourism Council reveals that the US risks losing 157,000 jobs and up to 4.7 million international tourists.

17/02/2026

Tech News

EU launches formal probe into fast fashion company Shein

If breaches are confirmed, Shein could face hefty fines, as the EU steps up enforcement of its digital rulebook against large tech companies.

17/02/2026

Top News Stories Today

Latest news bulletin | February 17th, 2026 – Midday

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this February 17th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

17/02/2026

Ukraine

Ukraine urges action as Russia launches mass attack before talks

Deadly Russian strikes hit Ukrainian regions hours before US-backed Geneva talks, as Zelenskyy urged the world to hold Moscow accountable for continued attacks.

17/02/2026

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Burabay Ice: Over a thousand runners brave -15°C on frozen lake in Kazakhstan

More than a thousand participants gathered on the frozen surface of Burabay Lake for the “Burabay Ice” race.

17/02/2026

Austria

Austria charges man with terrorism over Taylor Swift attack plot

Prosecutors in Austria have filed terrorism charges against a 21-year-old who allegedly plotted to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024.

17/02/2026

Culture news

American civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson dies aged 84

Reverend Jesse Jackson was a prominent civil rights campaigner who ran twice for the US Democratic Party's nomination for president in 1984 and 1988.

17/02/2026

Travel News

Why Skopelos and Andros are on the must-visit list for 2026

The author of an award-winning travel blog has included the two Greek islands on a list of 'adored' destinations.

17/02/2026

Switzerland

Why do Iran and the US choose Switzerland as common ground for talks?

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, Switzerland has played a pivotal diplomatic role, serving as a conduit for exchanging documents and proposals when direct communication between Washington and Tehran was limited or nonexistent.

17/02/2026

Europe News

Ministers back plans worth half of EU's €150bn defence loan scheme

Sixteen out of 19 plans have now gotten the final green light required to secure first disbursements of funds to buy defence equipment.

17/02/2026

Climate

‘It scares me’: Greenland dog sled traditions at risk as ice melts

Sled dog champion Jørgen Kristensen, 62, says it’s the first time he can remember when there has been no snow in January.

17/02/2026

Ukraine

Ukraine is ramping up its counteroffensive regaining territories from Russian troops

Ukraine is coming to the talks in Geneva with the significant counteroffensive momentum on the ground. Over the past several days Kyiv troops regained territories from Russian forces, wiping out weeks of Moscow gains, with the help of Elon Musk and Starlink.

17/02/2026

Greece

Greece seeks to obtain Nazi execution photos listed for sale on eBay

A series of photographs that appear to show the execution of 200 Greeks by Nazi soldiers in Athens surfaced on eBay over the weekend.

17/02/2026

Moments

Fancy pizza with a view when visiting the Vatican?

The Vatican unveils plans to expand the visitor experience to mark the 400th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica.

17/02/2026

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China marks Lunar New Year with temple visits and traditional prayers

People in Beijing visited the Lama Temple to burn incense and offer prayers as the Year of the Horse began.

17/02/2026

Culture news

Frederick Wiseman, giant of documentary filmmaking, dies aged 96

Wiseman’s influence on non-fiction cinema is impossible to overstate. Over the course of six decades, his work was primarily about exploring American institutions.

17/02/2026

Europe Today

Watch: Seven-year wait — EU's most competitve job exam returns

Is seven a big number? Taking seven months to land a job in the epicentre of the EU is sometimes considered a speed run. But it has been seven years since the last massive, general entry-level recruitment exam for the EU institutions.

17/02/2026

Iran

Iran's FM sees 'window of opportunity' after fresh US nuclear talks

The second round of indirect talks came amid fears of escalation after Iran said it temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz for live fire drills, and as the United States bolstered its military presence in the Middle East.

17/02/2026

Tech News

Ireland investigates Elon Musk’s Grok AI over sexualised images

Ireland can levy fines of up to 4 percent of a company's global revenue under EU rules.

17/02/2026

Europe Today

India's ambassador 'confident' EU trade deal will be swiftly signed

India is "confident" that the free trade deal struck with the European Union in January will be signed and implemented quickly, the country's ambassador to the European Union has told Europe Today in an exclusive interview.

17/02/2026

Europe Today

Newsletter: The EU’s balancing act on Trump’s Peace Board

Also in this newsletter: Trilateral Ukraine peace talks resume; the Indian ambassador to the EU calls for swift implementation of the EU-India trade pact; top EU military official says bloc's mutual defence should be defined for "below Article 5."

17/02/2026

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2026 Year of the Horse: Dragon dances and lanterns as Moscow celebrates Lunar New Year

Festivities marking the Lunar New Year began in Moscow, featuring decorations, performances and food markets across the city.

17/02/2026

Tech News

Vatican to use AI to translate Mass in 60 languages

"We wish to serve the mission that defines the centre of the Catholic Church, universal by its very vocation," said Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.

17/02/2026

Destinations

Europe’s best beaches for 2026, according to Tripadvisor reviews

There is also a new ‘one of a kind’ category for beaches with extra-special features.

17/02/2026

Europe News

EU countries 'need to urgently coordinate' to adapt to climate change

More frequent climate-related events such as flooding, wildfires, repeated heatwaves, and droughts call for a precautionary approach, according to the latest report from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.

17/02/2026

Europe News

Fight to ban Russian steel intensifies in Brussels

The European Parliament is pushing for a full ban on Russian steel to choke off Moscow’s revenues, but several EU governments still rely on importing it. High-stakes negotiations start next week.

17/02/2026

Europe Today

Europe Today: Ukraine peace talks to kick off in Geneva

Tune in to Euronews' new flagship morning programme at 8 am Brussels time. In just 20 minutes, we bring you up to speed on the biggest news of the day.

17/02/2026

EU.XL

EPSO exam: Record-breaking participation with only 3% success rate

The EU’s EPSO exam has returned after seven years. With over 50,000 candidates expected, only about 3% will reach the final reserve list.

17/02/2026

Europe News

Top general: EU defence clause should be an option prior to NATO's

The EU's mutual defence clause is more strongly worded than NATO's Article 5, but is generally seen as weaker as allies in the military alliance have so far counted on the deterrence provided by the US.

17/02/2026

Culture news

Hell and back: Gisèle Pelicot book celebrates life after rape horror

Gisèle Pelicot's memoirs "A Hymn to Life" are her first account of her rape ordeal, the subsequent trial, waiving her right to anonymity and the consequences of her choices.

17/02/2026