Europe
Everything that does not fit a single desk: the continent in its full contradictory complexity.
Europe's emergency oil reserves: who really controls the taps?
Europe's emergency oil stocks are held nationally, not by Brussels. The European Commission monitors compliance, but the IEA coordinates maj
Midday Europe Bulletin: October 5, 2026 – Key Updates
Stay informed with the midday bulletin for October 5, 2026. Key developments across Europe and beyond, from politics to business.
Euro slides to 17-month low as French debt worries and Spanish snap election rattle markets
The euro fell to $1.1161, its weakest since May 2025, as French bond spreads widened and Spain called a snap election. Investors worry about
EU tightens migration rules with faster returns and stronger Frontex
EU ministers have approved new rules to speed up returns of irregular migrants and strengthen Frontex's role. The bloc is also deepening coo
EU tightens border controls and accelerates migrant returns
EU interior ministers have agreed to tighten migration rules, focusing on stricter border controls and faster returns. A standardized Europe
Shots fired near Swedish royal residence; police investigate
A shooting occurred near the Swedish royal residence in Stockholm on October 5, 2026. Police have launched a major investigation; no injurie
Muslim World League chief sees no cause for alarm in Europe's political shift
The Muslim World League's secretary-general expressed confidence in Europe's constitutional safeguards against far-right political excesses.
NATO's Teflon chief: Mark Rutte's quiet mission to hold the alliance together
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is on a mission to keep the alliance together, balancing Russian nuclear threats with US demands. In an ex
Europe still dominates retirement rankings, but Uruguay takes top spot
Uruguay has overtaken Portugal as the world's best retirement destination, but Europe still claims six of the top ten spots. The index weigh
Koga and Yusifov claim first golds at Judo World Championships in Baku
The Judo World Championships opened in Baku with Japan's Koga and Azerbaijan's Yusifov taking the first gold medals. Both athletes delivered
Seventeen EU leaders urge Irish presidency to shield farm and cohesion funds
Seventeen EU leaders have written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, urging the Irish presidency to safeguard farm and cohesion funding in the nex
Europe's housing divide: Portugal and Bulgaria lead double-digit price surges
EU house prices rose 4.7% year-on-year in Q2 2026, outpacing inflation. Portugal and Bulgaria led with double-digit increases, while Finland