EU Decoded EU DECODED: How to balance rights to privacy with combatting online child sex abuse? Child sexual abuse is a growing problem and crimes committed via the Internet make it much more difficult to combat. The EU is revising its the rules in an attempt to criminalise behaviour online as well as in the real world. 14/01/2025
The Europe Conversation Bernard Phelan recounts harrowing experiences as state hostage in Iran Held hostage in Iran for over 220 days, Bernard Phelan endured harsh conditions and witnessed executions, ultimately being released in May 2023 after diplomatic efforts. 14/01/2025
Europe News Euroviews. Foreign interference and the Musk effect The limit between foreign meddling and freedom of speech in a world of modern communications - a question that will determine the future of Europe, MEP András László writes. 14/01/2025
Business Germany mulls sale of energy supplier Uniper to Canadian group A potential bidder is Brookfield, the investment group run by Mark Carney, who was Bank of England governor between 2013 and 2020. Uniper has a range of UK assets that are seen as valuable for any would-be purchaser. 14/01/2025
Europe News Freezing temperatures and heavy snow cause disruptions across Europe Southeastern Europe is experiencing much lower than expected temperatures this week, bringing heavy snowfall and flooding risks. 14/01/2025
Health news Tobacco advertising bans do help lower odds of smoking, study shows Researchers say a new pooled data analysis shows that bans on direct and indirect tobacco advertising should be expanded internationally. 14/01/2025
United Kingdom Farage's Reform UK party just one point behind Labour, poll shows British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has struggled since being elected six months ago, paving the way for the right-wing Reform UK party's rise. 14/01/2025
Europe News German police investigate AfD for sending out 'deportation tickets' The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been embroiled in controversy after distributing campaign flyers that resemble "deportation tickets" in the city of Karlsruhe. 14/01/2025
Europe News German defence minister makes surprise visit to Kyiv The surprise visit comes a day after Pistorius met with his counterparts from France, the UK, Italy and Poland to discuss coordinating their defence plans and assistance for Ukraine. 14/01/2025
Culture news UK union demands celebrity book ghostwriters get credited UK trade union Society of Authors calls for the ghostwriters behind celebrity books to get more recognition. 14/01/2025
Europe News NATO to bolster Baltic military presence after power cables cut NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte pledged to send drones, frigates and aircraft to the region as he highlighted a concerted campaign of 'cyber-attacks, assassination attempts and sabotage.' 14/01/2025
Europe News European defence ministers say Trump’s 5% spending goal is unrealistic US President-elect Donald Trump has called for NATO's 32 member states to spend 5% of their GDP on defence, up from the existing target of 2%. 14/01/2025
Europe News Zelenskyy challenges Fico to resolve gas dispute — in Kyiv The leaders of Ukraine and Slovakia are locked in a spiralling dispute over supplies of Russian gas, and can't even agree on a location to hold further talks. 14/01/2025
Business Mercedes and Porsche 'downgraded' as German car makers struggle As European car makers face mounting challenges in 2025, Goldman Sachs has downgraded both Mercedes-Benz AG and Porsche SE, citing rising costs, tariffs, and margin pressures. 14/01/2025
World News Top Jewish leader calls on Europe to tackle rising antisemitism Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association (EJA), said antisemitism in Europe is rising due to the Israel-Hamas war. 14/01/2025
Economy Spain calls for 100% tax charge on property bought by non-EU buyers Spain is planning to bring in strict legislation for property purchases in an attempt to control the country's rapidly escalating housing crisis, which has left residents complaining of being unable to afford to buy or rent a property. 14/01/2025
United Kingdom Queen Elizabeth II 'kept in dark' for years about Soviet spy in palace Anthony Blunt, a royal art historian, confessed in 1964 to spying for the Soviets, but the late queen was not officially told about his past until 1973. 14/01/2025
Art Shortlist for 2025 Prix Marcel Duchamp unveiled The shortlist for the prestigious Prix Marcel Duchamp, France’s top contemporary art award, has been revealed. Four artists are vying for the €90,000 prize, to be announced later this year. 14/01/2025
Europe News Russian drones kill two and injure 19 in Ukraine, including infants Ukraine claims to have shot down 58 of 80 Russian drones overnight, with attacks killing two in Donetsk. A Russian chemical plant was also hit by a drone strike. 14/01/2025
Business France's new PM faces first big test as he spells out key budget plans France's new Prime Minister François Bayrou has addressed politicians through a general policy speech meant to outline his top priorities, including key budget decisions, one month after stepping into his new role. 14/01/2025
Culture news Just Stop Oil activists arrested for targeting Charles Darwin’s grave The activists claimed famous evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin would support their cause if he were alive today, citing the ongoing sixth mass extinction. 14/01/2025
Europe News Neutral Switzerland to join EU military mobility project Switzerland will become a member of the EU's initiative to facilitate the mobilization of military forces and equipment, already including third countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Norway and Canada. 14/01/2025
Travel News Ryanair demands EU airports limit passengers to two alcoholic drinks The call comes as the airline sues a passenger for €15,000 after they caused a flight to be diverted. 14/01/2025
Health news Study finds rise in abortion patients using fertility tracking methods Over five years, abortion patients were increasingly likely to be using less reliable fertility awareness methods when they got pregnant. 14/01/2025
Culture news Actor Michael Sheen to fund new national theatre in Wales Actor Michael Sheen is funding a new theatre company to replace the National Theatre Wales. 14/01/2025
Economy Energy price surge risks pushing EU economy into stagflation Natural gas and crude oil prices have surged recently amid rising demands and the US's wider sanctions on Russia. Elevated energy prices could jeopardise the eurozone's inflation outlook and push the regional economy into stagflation. 14/01/2025