Europe
Everything that does not fit a single desk: the continent in its full contradictory complexity.
Spanish Civil Guard warns of possible Ceuta mass crossing on 15 August
Spain's Civil Guard has flagged a social media campaign calling for a mass migrant crossing into Ceuta on 15 August. The report says the cam
France bans cold calls from August 11 in consumer crackdown
France will ban unsolicited sales calls from August 11, replacing the opt-out system with prior consent. Fines reach €375,000 per call. Moro
Why the EU's anti-smuggling law is stuck and what it means for Ceuta
EU migration chief Magnus Brunner has urged the European Parliament to adopt a stalled anti-smuggling law after the Ceuta border surge. The
Brussels weighs new aid for Ceuta after record migrant surge
The European Commission is in talks with Spain over new funding for Ceuta after a record migrant surge. Brussels has received Spain's needs
Why Leipzig/Halle airport keeps attracting sabotage attempts
A drone rigged with explosives was found at Leipzig/Halle airport, prompting Germany's interior minister to warn of a 'new level of threat.'
Rome fines Lime, Bird and Dott €2.6 million over free-ride scheme
Italy's competition watchdog has fined Lime, Bird and Dott a total of €2.675 million for obstructing free rides promised to Rome's public tr
AI fakes and old clips muddy Ceuta border crossing coverage
During the Ceuta border surge, AI-generated images and old videos were shared as authentic. Reuters did not publish a viral photo of a soldi
Greece reports 34% drop in migrant arrivals in first half of 2026
Greece recorded 15,389 migrant arrivals in the first half of 2026, down 34% from 23,243 a year earlier. Arrivals from Turkey fell 59%, while
Europe's defence shift tests the bloc's four neutral states
As the EU pours billions into defence, Austria, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus cling to neutrality. Their positions differ legally and politicall
Lithuania sees German brigade as cornerstone of NATO deterrence
Lithuania's foreign minister says Germany's permanent brigade is vital to deterring Russia. The Bundeswehr will station 5,000 troops near Be
Early social media use linked to lower grades in Italian students
A study of over 5,000 Italian pupils finds that joining social media before age 13 is linked to lower grades in Italian and maths by grade 8
Morning Europe Briefing: Key Stories for August 6, 2026
Europe faces a scorching heatwave as EU ministers convene on climate resilience. Germany unveils a new industrial strategy, while France pre