Europe News How can beaches be made accessible to people with reduced mobility? In Belgium, the Inter agency launched the "Sun, Sea... Carefree" programme in 2006, to improve access to the coastline. 12/08/2025
Ukraine Fire seen near Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest such facility in Europe, has been a focus of concern for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during the war in Ukraine amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. 12/08/2025
Belgium Brussels' top prosecutor slams inaction over drug gang violence There have been 57 shootings in the Belgian capital to date this year, including 20 since the start of the summer, resulting in at least four deaths. 12/08/2025
Cinema Pink Slip returns: What are the best fictional movie bands? As pop-punkers Pink Slip return for 'Freakier Friday', we reflect on the other fictional bands that rocked, rebelled, and reeled movie magic up to eleven. 12/08/2025
Culture news Fans flock to Finland to celebrate as Moomins turn 80 Eight decades after their debut, the Moomins remain Finland’s most treasured literary export. Fans flocked to the official Moomin Museum to honour the impact of the beloved characters. 12/08/2025
Markets Trump–Putin talks propel Russian markets to 3-month high Russian stocks have reached a more-than-three-month high, driven by geopolitical momentum ahead of the Trump–Putin summit. 12/08/2025
Portugal Portuguese police shift up a gear with Ferrari seized in drug case Portuguese police's latest acquisition is a Ferrari 488 GTB, which will join a BMW i8 and Ford Mustang V8 in being used for non-crime related duties. 12/08/2025
No Comment Deadly wildfire contained after raging near Madrid suburb At least one person has died after a wildfire swept through scrub and grassland on the outskirts of Tres Cantos, 21 kilometres north of Madrid, late on Monday. 12/08/2025
EU Decoded Can the EU be a climate leader and boost its economic competitiveness? A recent proposal by the European Commission to set an emission reduction target of 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 level is being criticised by European lawmakers, member states and environmentalists alike. 12/08/2025
Ukraine Russian forces reportedly breach Ukrainian defences in eastern Donetsk Russian forces have intensified their push in eastern Ukraine, pushing towards the Dobropillia–Kramatorsk highway in Ukraine's Donetsk region, as Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns that Russia is redeploying its troops in preparation for a new offensive. 12/08/2025
Experiences How to prepare for a holiday in Europe’s wildfire-prone destinations Summer blazes are common in Europe, where experts warn that climate change is exacerbating the situation. 12/08/2025
Europe in Motion What is the main use of plastics in Europe amid global negotiations? As the world's nations strive to agree on a treaty to combat plastic pollution, plastic consumption continues to rise, resulting in the European Union producing about 13.4 million tonnes of CO2 annually from plastics. 12/08/2025
Poland Poland charges suspect over parcel bomb amid Russia sabotage fears Four foreign nationals have been investigated over a parcel containing explosives that was sent via a courier company in Poland last year. 12/08/2025
Green News Artist’s plastic sculpture at UN urges delegates to act on pollution An evolving sculpture built from waste confronts negotiators as talks on a landmark plastic continue. 12/08/2025
EuroVerify Fact-checking Russian claims that Ukraine is stalling prisoner swap A war of narratives has erupted between Moscow and Kyiv over the implementation of a prisoner exchange agreed in late July. 12/08/2025
Climate What are dry storms? A deadly mix of lightning, wind, and heat Dry storms are a curious meteorological phenomenon. The sky turns dark and thunders, but it doesn't seem to rain. 12/08/2025
No Comment Berlin protesters condemn killing of journalists in Gaza airstrikes Hundreds of protesters gathered in central Berlin on Monday evening, rallying against the killing of journalists in Gaza during Israeli airstrikes a day earlier. 12/08/2025
Travel News Why Bosnian mountain resorts want to become year-round tourist spots Tourism operators in the Jahorina and Bjelasnica mountains near Sarajevo have started expanding their summer offerings in recent years, after several summers with little snow. 12/08/2025
Economy Norway’s sovereign wealth fund sells its shares in 11 Israeli firms The fund held stock in 61 Israeli companies at the end of June this year, although public pressure to terminate the contracts has been mounting. 12/08/2025
Spain Wildfire near Madrid kills one as fires burn across Spain The fire was brought under control overnight, after a blaze in the Tres Cantos area killed one person and prompted evacuations, the authorities said. 12/08/2025
Spain Spain orders town to drop Muslim community religious gathering ban The ban, which affects Muslims celebrating religious holidays in sports centres in the southeastern town of Jumilla, has been challenged by Madrid. 12/08/2025
Europe News Has the 1.5°C target set out in the Paris Agreement been breached? In the past 25 months, just four did not see the average temperature exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Does this mean the Paris Climate Agreement failed? 12/08/2025
Europe News Agression must never be rewarded - lead MEPs weight in ahead of Alaska If Russia succeeds in altering Ukraine’s borders by force, no country will be safe. Borders can not be assured - 7 lead MEPs warn in a joint statement. 12/08/2025
Destinations Medieval towns, low crime rates: Why these are Europe’s safest cities Cities like Dubrovnik and Tallinn have succeeded in preserving their medieval heritage while balancing tourist and resident safety and comfort. 12/08/2025
No Comment Public swimming in Seine proves popular in French capital Thousands of people have been swimming in the River Seine since Paris opened three public bathing sites last month, the first in more than a century. 12/08/2025
Economy UK job vacancies fall at a slower pace while wage growth holds steady Payrolled employment decreased by 8,000 in July compared with June, the smallest decline since a modest rise in January. 12/08/2025