2026-03-12

Economy

Trump admin could suspend a century-old law in bid to curb oil prices

The Trump administration is allegedly set to suspend the Jones Act, a century-old federal maritime law. A waiver would allow foreign tankers to transport cargo between US ports as oil prices remain above $100.

12/03/2026

Destinations

Japan tourism is booming as travellers look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

Authentic experiences and adventure are driving growth in Japan, while next year’s Green Expo in Yokohama will bring natural and cultural sites to the fore.

12/03/2026

Economy

Global banks tighten security in Gulf hubs after new Iran threat

Precautionary moves by global lenders highlight growing concern that regional tensions could disrupt banking operations in the Gulf, as Iran is signalling that it may diversify its attacks.

12/03/2026

Economy

Oil shock splits the world: Who's gaining and who's paying the price?

As oil prices surge, one question is emerging as the key determinant of economic vulnerability: does a country sell energy, or buy it?

12/03/2026

Europe Today

Watch: Strait of Hormuz, Iran and naval mines — an explosive mix?

The narrow Strait of Hormuz is becoming a literal geopolitical landmine. The US wants to control it, but for Iran, the waterway is its ultimate leverage. Who is up for a history lesson?

12/03/2026

Travel News

Paris to Berlin night train set to restart later this month

Served by European Sleeper, the train will take around 18 hours to reach its destination.

12/03/2026

Europe News

Commission denies unfair trade practices as US opens new probe

The European Commission dismissed new US trade investigations as unjustified, as uncertainty keeps growing over the EU–US trade deal struck in the summer of 2025.

12/03/2026

Green News

Positive environmental stories from 2026

Eco anxiety is very real, so we share this year's most uplifting stories to prove there’s hope for our climate.

12/03/2026

Culture news

Mount Vesuvius eruption victims feature in landmark Pompeii exhibition

Casts of victims of Pompeii’s tragic destruction after Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79 are going on display together for the first time in a new permanent exhibition. The residents are captured in the positions in which they died, alongside everyday items, buried for centuries under lava and ash.

12/03/2026

Europe News

EU asks Ukraine to allow inspection to oversee damaged pipeline

As the Hungarian veto on the €90 billion loan for Ukraine drags on, the European Commission has formally proposed an inspection to check the damage on the Druzhba pipeline at the core of the dispute.

12/03/2026

Partner content

A Pocket Cinema Camera: Inside vivo's X300 Ultra

Partner content presented by vivo

Smartphones have long dominated photography, but video is quickly becoming the priority for creators and social media users alike.

12/03/2026

Focus

Southern Gas Corridor meeting reviews energy cooperation

In partnership with Azpromo

Energy leaders and policymakers discussed supply security, diversification and renewable cooperation, highlighting the evolving role of the Southern Gas Corridor in Europe’s energy strategy.

12/03/2026

Tech News

Iran threatens Amazon, Google and Microsoft assets in Middle East

Iranian news agency Tasnim published a list of approximately 30 Big Tech targets throughout the Middle East as “enemy technology infrastructure,” signalling that they could be the next targets.

12/03/2026

Europe News

EU’s largest economies push for faster capital market integration

France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain are urging the EU to agree by summer on a set of proposals designed to strengthen oversight of financial market infrastructures and improve operations across the bloc.

12/03/2026

Culture news

Celebrity chef René Redzepi quits Noma restaurant over abuse claims

Celebrity Danish chef René Redzepi has quit Noma, the world renowned modern Nordic restaurant he co-founded, after admitting he abused and physical assaulted staff over many years.

12/03/2026

Portugal

Russia-linked hackers target messaging apps of European officials

Portugal and Dutch agencies warn of a state-backed cyber campaign infiltrating WhatsApp and Signal of officials and journalists via AI-powered phishing.

12/03/2026

Lebanon

Lebanon's displaced face high rent, tepid state response and war fears

Hundreds of thousands flee southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fires on Haifa, facing chaotic evacuations, profiteering landlords and limited state aid.

12/03/2026

Iraq

Video shows moment ship struck off Iraq

Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard claimed it had attacked a vessel off Iraq, releasing a video that purports to show the moment the ship was attacked. The footage claims to show explosions striking the Safesea Vishnu, a ship flagged in the Marshall Islands, overnight.

12/03/2026

Destinations

This European capital was named the best creative city for 2026

Ljubljana beat more than 200 other cities for the top gong, with the jury praising its festival calendar and creative quarters.

12/03/2026

Economy

Iran strikes neutralise record IEA reserves release as oil tops $100

Oil spiked above $100 a barrel on Thursday following fresh Iranian attacks on Omani oil storage facilities, reversing any downward pressure from the IEA's record release of 400mn barrels announced the previous day.

12/03/2026

Green News

‘Loophole’ in EU’s 2040 emissions target could delay climate action

Experts warn that the EU’s interim climate targets are being ‘undermined’ by a loophole that comes into effect in 2036.

12/03/2026

Climate

Is nuclear power the solution to Portugal's energy independence?

Portugal has been investing in renewable energy but nuclear has been largely neglected.

12/03/2026

Culture news

Controversial AI 'actor' Tilly Norwood releases the worst song ever

There's been some heated backlash against AI creation Tilly Norwood, and it's only getting worse with the release of the digital avatar's first single...

12/03/2026

Iran

Missing in action: What we know about Mojtaba Khamenei's condition

Mojtaba Khamenei’s secretive rise as Iran’s new ayatollah and absence from public has fuelled speculation over his injuries, whereabouts and whether he really controls the IRGC. What is known so far?

12/03/2026

Top News Stories Today

Latest news bulletin | March 12th, 2026 – Midday

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this March 12th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

12/03/2026

World News

Iran war fuels threats to Europe's Jewish communities, experts warn

Europe faces rising terror threats to Jewish communities, with synagogue attacks, foiled plots and experts warning the Iran war is fuelling radicalisation even further.

12/03/2026

Destinations

Why Macao is one of 2026's most unique city breaks

At a recent Macao tourism event in London, the city’s attractions, culture, and gastronomy and latest offerings were showcased to guests.

12/03/2026

No Comment

More than 1,000 athletes compete in World Indoor Tug-of-War Championships in Taiwan

More than 1,000 athletes compete in the World Indoor Tug-of-War Championships at Taipei Arena, marking the first time Taiwan has hosted the international competition.

12/03/2026

Portugal

Nine Portugal police officers detained as abuse probe widens

Nine PSP officers are in custody over alleged torture, rape and abuse in Lisbon, as authorities probe wider police involvement and pledge swift justice.

12/03/2026

Europe Today

Iran escalation risks 'stagflation shock' for Europe, Dombrovskis says

EU economy chief says intensity and duration of the Iran war will define fallout of the crisis on Europe as global coalition agrees to the biggest release of oil reserves in history to stabilise energy market.

12/03/2026