ECB raises rates for first time since 2023
From June 17, the deposit facility rate rises to 2.25 per cent, the main refinancing rate to 2.40 per cent and the marginal lending rate to 2.65 per cent.
Politics
Latest reporting and analysis on politics.
French regulator finds bias against National Rally at state-funded Radio France
The decision follows an analysis of airtime on France Inter and France Info between January 1 and March 31, 2026.
Borrell warns war is ‘a possible reality’ in Europe
The EU's former foreign affairs chief urged the EU to cut its reliance on the US, particularly in technology and energy.
UK Defence Secretary unexpectedly resigns in major blow to Starmer over ‘inadequate’ defence spending plan
Healey announced his departure in a resignation letter, submitted to Starmer amid a deadlock between the defence and finance ministries.
French president hopeful Bruno Retailleau wants mandatory chemical castration for sex offenders
"Given the difficulties surrounding mandatory prison sentences, we must consider other solutions".
Belgium cracks down on radical climate activists
Several activists were taken into custody for questioning, with at least some remaining in detention.
Sweden backs down on jailing 13-year-olds
This marks a significant retreat from one of the government’s flagship proposals to tackle youth gang crime.
Soaring housing costs leave more Europeans homeless
The EU's fundamental rights watchdog has warned that surging housing costs are eroding the basic right to a home.
Polish government voices anger over being excluded from talks about Ukraine war
Tusk also expressed dissatisfaction with the E3 format which comprises Britain, France and Germany but excludes Ukraine's other European allies.
Part I: How Germany is destroying itself and the EU
The European Union is an empire. This empire is now failing economically and civilisationally.
British military chief takes rare step of writing directly to Starmer, warns defence investment plans are underwhelming
The letter was sent ahead of a long-awaited announcement on the Defence Investment Plan.
UK probes Ryanair over fees for parents to sit with children
Britain's competition watchdog said Thursday that it had opened an investigation into Irish carrier Ryanair over fees that parents must pay to sit with their children.
Council and Parliament strike deal on ETS2 Market Stability Reserve ahead of 2028 launch
The deal aims to provide greater price stability, particularly to combat sharp price spikes, and predictability for the controversial system.
Albania protests against Kushner resort swell as EU warns over accession bid
Rama, a socialist, has rejected calls to resign and defended the scheme, saying an environmental impact assessment would be completed.
Peru runoff stays too close to call as Fujimori and Sánchez deadlock
The electoral authority said it was still counting ballots from rural areas and from Peruvians abroad.
EU moves to lock US tech giants out of sensitive cloud market
The European Commission presented its Technological Sovereignty Package.
Tomas Tobé: EU Democracy Shield must get much tougher on Russia and foreign interference
He stressed that troll farms in Saint Petersburg and bot networks are not protected free speech.
France bans Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich for promoting ‘recolonisation’ of Gaza
France also banned four leaders of settler organisations and 21 violent settlers.
France hard Left party turns national team football jersey into campaign cash grab
At €25, each purchase is framed as both a gesture of sporting patriotism and direct campaign financing.
European fans lead backlash as FIFA faces US probes over World Cup ticket prices
Football's world governing body FIFA has come under investigation by several authorities in the United States over the ticket-pricing practices behind the 2026 World…
EU strikes deal to cut red tape for defence investment and procurement
National law could still allow exceptions to automatic approval where there was a serious risk to human health or national security.
Poland furious about failing to land any EU ambassador posts
EU delegations are the EU's main representations abroad and play a key role in protecting and promoting EU interests outside Europe.
The G-7 is Trump’s chance to express US dominance within the Western alliance
The upcoming G-7 summit in France is getting little attention in light of the continuing saga in Iran.
US urges Europe to tighten Ebola travel measures, most EU states push back
The current consensus favours enhanced exit screening in affected African countries, contact tracing, and public health advice.
Germany’s flagship rail megaproject delayed to 2031 after over 1,000 km of cables laid incorrectly
The errors occurred because cabling work began before the final technical planning for the new digital signalling system was complete.
Back in the USSR
After a meeting of European leaders on Sunday, a spokesman for German Chancellor Merz voiced Europe’s readiness to take “the leading role in negotiations to…
Conor McGregor urges military to clear asylum centres after Belfast knife attack
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion is one of the most prominent anti-immigration voices in Ireland.
Left-wing violence surges over 42 per cent in Germany
Attacks on police officers were also driven almost exclusively by left-wing perpetrators.
Italian journalist fired over Israel question takes reinstatement battle to court
The controversy dates back to October 13, 2025, when Nunziati attended the European Commission’s daily midday briefing.
EU moves to freeze Russian oil price cap to deny Moscow a windfall
The European Union, alongside the G7 and Australia, has capped the price of Russian oil since December 2022.