Russia Who is coming to Putin’s Victory Day parade — and who is not? For the Russian president, Victory Day is arguably the most important public holiday of the year. But this time, even Russia’s former allies are staying away, leaving the Kremlin alone in its much scaled-down celebration. 08/05/2026
Europe News Europe’s airlines face jet fuel shift as safety concerns grow Potential jet fuel shortages due to the war in Iran could force a shift in fuel types, raising operational and safety risks across airlines and airports. 08/05/2026
Europe News German police announce end to hostage-taking crisis at bank in Sinzig Police said a situation which saw armed robbers taking several people hostage at a German bank in the town of Sinzig earlier on Friday has ended, adding that none of the victims were hurt in the incident. 08/05/2026
Health news Are cruise ships a hotspot for virus outbreaks? A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise in the Atlantic has raised questions about the health risks at sea. 08/05/2026
No Comment Brown bears rescued from harsh captivity conditions in Armenia Bears rescued from captivity in Armenia are recovering at a wildlife refuge after being kept in poor conditions as status symbols. 08/05/2026
Europe News After 20 rounds of sanctions, the EU sees cracks in Russia's economy Europeans are taking credit for the growing signs of strain in the Russian economy. Does that mean sanctions are working? It's complicated. 08/05/2026
Travel News Dublin to Belfast rail journeys set for major speed boost A major investment in the Enterprise rail service will bring new trains, faster journey times and more frequent departures between Dublin and Belfast, with the upgraded cross-border route set to launch by 2028. 08/05/2026
Culture news Edinburgh Fringe 2026 to feature the UK’s first 'Sauna Theatre' The “Sauna Theatre” will be the first of its kind in the UK, providing an immersive experience for wellness and culture fans alike. 08/05/2026
Europe News China denounces UK spy convictions as 'political farce' The high-profile case exposed how ex-police superintendent Bill Yuen and Peter Wai conducted "shadow policing" operations on British soil targeting Hong Kong dissidents. 08/05/2026
Europe News Portugal tests fire response in European exercise with 700 operatives With the arrival of hot weather and the increased risk of fires, more than 700 operatives from six European countries took part in an exercise in Viseu that simulated a large rural fire. 08/05/2026
Europe Today EU defence chief tells Euronews 'Russia is outproducing us militarily' As Poland and Lithuania prepare to finalise nearly €50 billion in defence loans on Friday – just one day before Russia’s controversial Victory Day parade – the EU’s defence chief said the timing is symbolic. But despite the show of resolve, he warned Europe is still not moving fast enough. 08/05/2026
Europe News Forest fire burning near Chernobyl plant after drone crash, Kyiv says Radiation levels at the site were within "normal limits," authorities reported, adding that firefighters were working to contain the blaze. 08/05/2026
No Comment Bejewelled skeletons on display in German monastery fascinate visitors Decorated catacomb saints at Bavaria's former Banz monastery continue to attract visitors centuries after arriving from Rome. 08/05/2026
Business Europe's electricity storage race: Who leads in battery capacity? Batteries are vital to using electricity from solar and wind efficiently. Battery capacities vary widely across European countries, with several planning significant expansion in their pipelines. 08/05/2026
Brussels, My Love? Podcast | How is Europe juggling all this geopolitical turmoil? From the ice-cold treatment from an age-old ally to continued threats from Russia and economic concerns over China, Europe is having a hard time. Is this turmoil uniting or dividing the bloc? What steps can it take to defend itself? Brussels, My Love? tries to answer these questions. 08/05/2026
Culture news The gilded dead: Germany's eerie catacomb saints revealed Known as Vincenzius, Valerius, Benedictus, and Felix Benedictus, these catacomb saints were brought to the Bavarian town of Bad Staffelstein from Rome during the late 17th and 18th centuries. The remains are believed to be those of early Christian martyrs. 08/05/2026
Europe in Motion Where in Europe is tap water the most and least safe? Water purity varies across Europe, with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic having some of the most polluted groundwater on the continent. 08/05/2026
Europe News Starmer says he will not quit after Labour losses in local elections The votes are widely seen as an unofficial referendum on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose popularity has plummeted since he was elected less than two years ago. 08/05/2026
Europe Today Newsletter: Another Trump ultimatum, another fragile trade truce Also in this newsletter: Europe Today speaks to the EU's Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius as he's set to sign the EU's first defence loan deals under the €150-billion SAFE programme in Poland and Lithuania. 08/05/2026
Travel News Tourist traffic in Cyprus down 30-40% but with signs of recovery Concerns remain for tourism in Cyprus due to the war in Iran, though there are smiles of optimism from the recovery trend of the last few days with an increase in bookings. 08/05/2026
Hungary Péter Magyar's first cabinet crisis: the brother-in-law who had to go Melléthei-Barna is a lawyer and a university peer of Hungary's next prime minister. He was one of the founding 10 members of the Tisza Party when it was formed in 2020 and served as the party's legal director. 08/05/2026
Tech News Elon Musk faces criminal probe in France over X's AI deepfakes Paris prosecutors have escalated an investigation of Elon Musk and his social network X to a criminal probe. 08/05/2026
Europe News Falling tourist numbers: Why Berlin is losing its appeal The German capital has significantly fewer overnight stays than just a few years ago. Visitors complain about rubbish, traffic problems and dwindling cultural offerings. 08/05/2026
Europe News Why more Israeli and American Jews are seeking German citizenship A German passport as protection in uncertain times: Driven by fear, pragmatism and a changing relationship with Germany, growing numbers of Israeli and American Jews are applying for German citizenship. 08/05/2026
Culture news Inside KFDA: Belgium's festival for established and emerging artists The Kunstenfestivaldesarts in Brussels is small in budget but big in ambition. Each year, it brings together Belgium’s Flemish and French-speaking communities while showcasing artists from around the world — a fitting opening to the European festival season. 08/05/2026
Climate Why batteries are changing the renewables debate The cost of battery storage has dropped more than 90 per cent since 2010, bringing the cost of renewable energy down with it. 08/05/2026