Europe News Von der Leyen talks trade disruption with China amid tariff barrage Amid escalating trade war with the US, the EU reached out to China on Tuesday in a telephone exchange between Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. 08/04/2025
Earth News Meet Zen, the border collie leading avalanche rescues in the Dolomites When things go wrong, the only weapon Alpine rescuers have to search is dogs. 08/04/2025
Europe News Belgium to follow Dutch voluntary military service initiative To increase reservists, 18-year-olds in Belgium will soon receive letters informing them about voluntary military service, following a recently announced initiative in the Netherlands. 08/04/2025
Food and Drink Swiss chocolatiers respond to Trump's tariffs at annual chocolate fair At an annual chocolate fair in Versoix, Switzerland, local chocolatiers voiced concern over the new 31% US tariffs, but most say the impact will be minimal as their focus remains on the domestic market. 08/04/2025
Europe News Gridlock at Slovakia border crossings over foot-and-mouth disease A fresh outbreak of the disease was also detected in Hungary, some 15 kilometres from the Slovak border near Bratislava. 08/04/2025
Europe News Kallas says Albania faces tricky reforms but its future is in the EU Brussels decided in 2020 to start full membership negotiations with Albania, and talks began last October on how the Western Balkan country aligns with the EU in its fundamental principles. 08/04/2025
Travel News Italy fines Colosseum ticketing agencies for ripping off tourists Ticketing agencies made it almost impossible to purchase standard-price entry to Italy's most popular tourist attraction. 08/04/2025
Design The end of an odyssey: Ancient Greek theatre uncovered in Lefkada After a decade-long excavation following the theatre's first discovery more than 100 years ago, experts describe its revelation as “undoubtedly the most important and imposing monument that has come to light in ancient Lefkada.” 08/04/2025
Climate Europe just experienced its hottest March on record Early spring weather is starting to feel more and more like summer, say campaigners who want to see polluters pay. 08/04/2025
Economy Which European firms and industries are more vulnerable to US tariffs? European firms with high US exposure face mounting risks from tariffs, recession fears, and a weakening dollar, while domestically focused companies appear more insulated, according to a new Goldman Sachs analysis. 08/04/2025
Belgium NATO cannot be 'naive' about China's arms build-up, says Rutte The head of the transatlantic military alliance stressed that China's military build-up and support for Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine should not be overlooked, as he called on NATO members to work together and assess the issue. 08/04/2025
Europe News How can EU improve tank production to cut defence dependency on US? The EU is trying to break its military dependency on the US amid pressure from the Trump administration, and buy more defence equipment in Europe. 08/04/2025
World News Global execution figures hit highest level in almost a decade Amnesty International says that 1,518 executions were carried out worldwide in 2024, marking a 32% increase on the previous year. 08/04/2025
Ukraine Ukrainian troops advance into Russia’s Belgorod, Zelenskyy confirms The Ukrainian president publicly stated for the first time that Ukrainian troops have been active in Belgorod, making it the second incursion into Russia’s border regions since August 2024. 08/04/2025
Moments Spain’s anti-tourism sentiment is brewing again as peak season nears Residents say new government measures are not enough to combat the negative effects of mass tourism. 08/04/2025
Economy French trade deficit increases in February as transport exports lag France’s imports advanced in February, boosted by communication and publishing products. However, transport and refined petroleum product exports fell. 08/04/2025
Europe in Motion LGBTQ+ dating: Best European cities for a weekend of romance ranked Planning your summer getaway and looking for an LGBT-friendly destination? Here are Europe's best ranked options. 08/04/2025
No Comment Lake Constance water level hits historic lows amid drought Due to prolonged drought and reduced Alpine meltwater, Lake Constance’s water levels have dropped drastically, leaving harbours dry and boating nearly impossible. 08/04/2025
No Comment Paris recycling plant engulfed in massive fire Emergency crews were deployed in large numbers Monday evening after a fire broke out at a Paris recycling centre, sending smoke over the city and halting operations. 08/04/2025
Culture news What are the 10 most Instagrammable bookstores in the world? From the bookstore that inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision of Hogwarts to one featuring a magical book portal, these are the most Instagrammable bookstores around the world. 08/04/2025
Health news Woman gives birth after UK’s first womb transplant The woman received a womb transplant from her sister in 2023, becoming the first in the UK to undergo the procedure. 08/04/2025
Belgium Belgian prince loses bid for legal benefits on top of royal allowance A Brussels court rejected a request for welfare by the 61-year-old, who receives an annual allowance of €388,000 and rent-free accommodation. 08/04/2025
EuroVerify Fact-check: How common is Le Pen's ban from public office? The National Rally party leader has described the court ruling that banned her from running for office as a political witch hunt". Euroverify asked experts about the legal grounds for her sentence. 08/04/2025
Business Swiss chocolatiers face bittersweet Easter after Trump's tariffs With the normally brisk Easter season around the corner, the mood in Switzerland's chocolate business is bittersweet, thanks to high cacao prices and — now — the newly added US tariffs on imports. 08/04/2025
Tech News TikTok made changes ahead of Romanian election re-run, says Virkkunen The European Commission started an investigation into TikTok last December following reports about voter influence through social media. 08/04/2025
Markets European markets move higher after punishing global sell-off European markets rebound after Monday's punishing global sell-off despite tariff tensions continuing to weigh on investor sentiment. 08/04/2025