Europe
Everything that does not fit a single desk: the continent in its full contradictory complexity.
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
EU urged to make green purchasing mandatory in €2.5tn public procurement
A coalition of 26 business and civil society groups, representing over 11,500 companies, is pressing the European Commission to make low-car
EU weighs sweeping tobacco tax overhaul to curb nicotine use
The EU is pursuing its biggest overhaul of tobacco taxation in a decade. The proposed Tobacco Taxation Directive raises taxes on cigarettes
Vienna woman sues city over gender-biased public toilet fees
Melanie Gradik has filed a lawsuit against Vienna's municipality, claiming that free public urinals for men while women must pay 50 cents fo
Ukraine's robot and drone parade signals a new era of warfare
Ukraine's latest military parade featured robots and drones, underscoring the growing role of autonomous systems in modern warfare. The disp