Europe
Everything that does not fit a single desk: the continent in its full contradictory complexity.
EU naval spending surges, but industrial giants mask frontline reality
EU defence spending rose 20% to €418 billion in 2025, with maritime defence booming. France, Germany, Italy and Spain dominate production, b
Draghi's Rhine Group: A New Push to Fix Europe's Economy
Mario Draghi has formed the Rhine Group, a new coalition of European leaders and experts aiming to address the continent's economic stagnati
UEFA set to drop FIFA boycott after assurances on investment plan
UEFA is expected to cancel its planned boycott of FIFA tournaments after receiving assurances that the controversial private investment plan
Evening update: key European stories for August 26, 2026
Hungary is set to unlock €10bn in EU funds before the August deadline. Alpine towns face tensions after an antisemitic video. Spain prepares
Fugitive 'escape master' arrested in Spain after cross-border prison breaks
Spanish police have arrested a fugitive known as the 'escape master' in Tarragona. He escaped prisons in Italy and Belgium, including a high
Canada seeks deeper EU ties, but membership remains off the table
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend the State of the EU speech in Strasbourg on 16 September, followed by a Canada-EU summit. Ot
Hormuz crisis adds €41bn to EU fuel import bills, report finds
The Netherlands, Italy, France and Spain faced nearly €41bn in extra fossil fuel costs between March and August 2026. Clean energy investmen
Italy steps up wolf tracking after spate of attacks in Puglia
Five suspected wolf attacks in Puglia have injured several people, including children. Authorities are using drones and thermal cameras to t
Poland to receive four Airbus A330 MRTT tankers by 2030
Poland is set to receive four Airbus A330 MRTT tanker and transport aircraft by 2030 as part of a joint procurement with Spain. The €5.4 bil
Netherlands set to miss gas storage target, raising winter supply concerns
Dutch gas network operator Gasunie says the Netherlands will miss its 115 TWh winter storage target. High summer prices and geopolitical ten
Midday Europe briefing: key updates for August 26, 2026
Hungary is set to unlock €10bn in EU funds before the August deadline. Alpine towns face tensions after an antisemitic video. Spain prepares
Over 200 migrants rescued in dawn operations off Crete
Greek authorities rescued 218 migrants from three boats southwest of Crete on Wednesday. Frontex drones spotted the vessels, and coast guard