Europe
Everything that does not fit a single desk: the continent in its full contradictory complexity.
Europe's gas prices double as storage shortfalls loom over winter
Dutch TTF gas futures have risen about 120% since January, reaching €63.7/MWh. Storage levels are historically low, and analysts warn of fur
Seven EU states seek Brussels aid for tourism hit by war fears
Seven EU countries have asked Brussels to include tourism support in the next long-term budget. They argue that proximity to Russia and Bela
Denmark to compensate victims of abuse in youth care homes
Denmark will compensate people who suffered abuse in youth care homes. The decision follows a government-commissioned report documenting wid
European socialists clash over migration as Danish PM aligns with Meloni
The Party of European Socialists is split over migration policy after Danish PM Mette Frederiksen sided with Italy's Giorgia Meloni during t
Azerbaijan bans under-16s from social media as global restrictions grow
Azerbaijan has passed a law banning under-16s from social media, joining a global trend. Experts warn that bans alone may not address underl
EU's new tobacco tax plan targets vapes and nicotine pouches
The European Commission wants to raise minimum excise duties on cigarettes by 139% and tax vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches for t
Russian trawlers suspected of spying on Europe's undersea infrastructure
The EU and Norway have sanctioned two Russian fishing companies for alleged espionage and sabotage activities. Experts say many more Kremlin
EU-backed Cyprus power link stalls amid Turkey's maritime claims
The €1.9 billion Great Sea Interconnector, meant to end Cyprus's energy isolation, is stalled by Turkish maritime claims and funding disagre
Denmark to compensate victims of abuse in youth care homes
Denmark will compensate individuals who suffered abuse in youth care homes. The decision follows years of pressure from victims and advocacy
Europe's evening briefing: August 18, 2026 – key updates
From Brussels to Berlin, here are the key developments shaping Europe this evening. Trade talks advance, a major tech merger clears hurdles,
EU backs Spain's plan to return migrant minors from Ceuta to Morocco
The European Commission says EU law covers the return of all migrants illegally in Ceuta, including unaccompanied minors. Spain estimates ne
France's prisons face a new threat: drone-delivered contraband
In Villefranche-sur-Saône, over 1,800 drone deliveries were logged in under two months. In Strasbourg, drone flights now interfere with medi