By Anna Schroeder
Former EU affairs correspondent based in Brussels. Covers the Commission, Parliament and the diplomacy of the twenty-seven.
Morning briefing: August 22, 2026 – key European updates
Our morning briefing covers the latest developments across Europe on August 22, 2026. From political shifts to economic news, stay informed
Meloni admits Trump ties tougher than expected in NYT interview
Giorgia Meloni told the New York Times she expected smoother ties with Donald Trump given shared views on migration and woke culture, but re
Muslim World League launches West Africa peace initiative in Abuja
At a conference in Abuja, Muslim and Christian leaders from West Africa adopted the Abuja Declaration and signed four cooperation agreements
New footage shows deadly landslide engulfing CAR gold miners
Newly released footage from the Zamboye mining site shows a landslide sweeping through an artisanal gold mine in the Central African Republi
Boa constrictor found under car bonnet near Toulouse
A driver in Colomiers, near Toulouse, found a 1.5-metre boa constrictor under his car bonnet while changing the battery. Five firefighters,
Sweden joins push to return asylum seekers to Italy under Dublin rules
Sweden has confirmed it will apply EU asylum rules and send Dublin transferees to Italy. France and Spain decline to join, citing cooperatio
Ceuta prepares second beach eviction as migrants return to Trampolín
Ceuta authorities will attempt a second eviction at Trampolín beach on Friday after migrants returned. Around 500 people are camping there,
Iran's president urges end to war from position of strength as US tightens sanctions
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran is in a position of strength and should end the war on its own terms. Washington is preparin
Liev Schreiber urges renewed Patriot support after Kyiv air raid
US actor Liev Schreiber was forced into a shelter during a Kyiv visit after Russian overnight strikes killed at least 16. He urged renewed P
Russia tests missiles on disputed Kuril islands as Japan protests
Russia's Pacific Fleet conducted a Bastion missile test near the disputed Kuril islands, days after President Putin's visit. Japan lodged a
ICC president warns US sanctions could end international rule of law
ICC President Tomoko Akane says US sanctions against her could mark the beginning of the end for international rule of law. The EU and sever
Iran executes foreign national over Isfahan protest involvement
Iran executed a foreign national over alleged involvement in January protests in Isfahan. Rights groups warn of forced confessions and a sha