2026-05-21

Europe News

Two French children found alone by main road in Portugal

Two French children aged three and five were found alone on a main road late on Tuesday by a passing couple. Police strongly suspect they were abandoned by their parents.

21/05/2026

Europe Today

Drones, bunkers and political turmoil: what’s going on in Lithuania?

A drone incursion into Lithuania on Wednesday brought the capital to a standstill and forced the country’s leaders to shelter in a bunker. Ursula von der Leyen has said Europe will respond with “unity and strength”. We speak to Lithuania’s defence minister, Robertas Kaunas.

21/05/2026

Markets

SpaceX IPO countdown to what could be the biggest ever listing

SpaceX plans a record-breaking IPO that could raise around $75 billion (€64.5bn) despite ongoing losses. The Elon Musk-led firm says funds will support Moon and Mars missions, while strong Starlink earnings contrast with losses in X and xAI.

21/05/2026

World News

Trump sets tone on Taiwan after Xi summit, signals talks

Trump last week issued a warning to Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China.

21/05/2026

Economy

Which European countries saw the fastest income growth in 2025?

Poland and Portugal saw the strongest real household income growth in Europe over the last two years. Among major economies, Spain led the way.

21/05/2026

Food and Drink

We're jamming: Azerbaijan’s enduring tea ritual

To mark International Tea Day, Nadira Tudor stopped for a brew in Azerbaijan where the history of sharing a cuppa is shaped by a particular pairing defined by tradition and flavours.

21/05/2026

Europe News

United States lifts sanctions on Francesca Albanese

The US Treasury Department has announced that sanctions against UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese have been lifted. Last week, a federal judge ordered their suspension after upholding an appeal lodged by Albanese’s relatives.

21/05/2026

Australia

Musk's X fined for failing to comply with Australian online safety law

The initial violation notice was sent by Australian authorities to Twitter Inc shortly before billionaire Elon Musk acquired the company and renamed it to X. The social media platform’s attorneys argued that the fine was not justified as the violation came during a period of change and transition.

21/05/2026

Egypt

EU pays Egypt billions to manage migration — Cairo says not enough

Egypt’s growing refugee and migrant population, seeking safety from wars in Sudan, Syria and the wider region, has put further pressure on aid agencies and public services as Cairo urges Europe to share more of the cost.

21/05/2026

Travel News

A brand new airline is set to launch this July

Riyadh Air is set to launch flights to Manchester and Madrid too, with more than 100 destinations set to join the network before 2030.

21/05/2026

Top News Stories Today

Latest news bulletin | May 21st, 2026 – Morning

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 21st, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

21/05/2026

Europe News

NATO ministers meet as US plans to pull away from European security

The summit will focus on the Trump administration's plans to withdraw guarantees of support for European security architecture – even in wartime – and the depletion of the alliance's critical weapons stocks due to the ongoing war in Iran.

21/05/2026

Earth News

Christian leaders call for ‘permanent tax’ on fossil fuel profits

“Europe holds a historic duty and opportunity to lead the transition to a new era away from fossil fuels”, say faith groups from across the EU.

21/05/2026

Cuba

US charges former Cuban President Castro with murder in new indictment

Trump called the indictment of Castro a “very big moment” but dismissed plans of the US taking military action on the island nation as they had with Venezuela in recent months.

21/05/2026

Europe News

Germany targets major stake in Europe’s tank titan KNDS

The KNDS weapons group is a merger between France’s Nexter and Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann weapons firms. The German state is set to initially own 40% of the company with plans to reduce its stake to 30% within two to three years.

21/05/2026