Good afternoon from Brussels. Here is your midday briefing for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with the stories shaping the continent.
Eclipse sweeps across Europe
The much-anticipated total solar eclipse is now underway, with the path of totality crossing northern Spain and Iceland. In Madrid, crowds gathered on the rooftops of the Gran Vía, while in Reykjavík, spectators braved cool winds to watch the sky darken. The event has drawn tourists from across the globe, boosting local economies in cities like Zaragoza and Bilbao.
However, not everyone will get the full experience. Many in Spain will miss the total phase due to regional cloud cover, disappointing thousands who had planned viewing parties. For those in clearer areas, exact times for your city were published earlier this week to help plan the moment.
Health officials have repeated warnings about eye safety. Proper eclipse glasses are essential; regular sunglasses are not sufficient. Hospitals in the path of totality have reported a slight uptick in eye strain cases, but no serious injuries so far.
French election disinformation wave
As the French presidential campaign enters its final weeks, authorities have flagged a surge in fake videos targeting leading candidates. The videos, which appear to show candidates making inflammatory statements, have been shared widely on social media. The disinformation campaign has prompted the Élysée to issue a statement urging voters to verify sources.
Analysts say the videos are likely generated using advanced AI tools, making them difficult to debunk quickly. The French media regulator has asked platforms to label such content more aggressively. This comes ahead of the first round of voting, scheduled for September.
Markets defy August gloom
European stock indices are trading higher at midday, bucking the historical trend of August being a weak month for equities. The DAX in Frankfurt and the CAC 40 in Paris are both up about 0.8%, while the FTSE 100 in London has gained 0.5%. August's bad reputation may be misleading, according to strategists, who point to strong corporate earnings and easing inflation fears.
The European Central Bank's recent signals on interest rates have also boosted investor confidence. Bond yields in Italy and Spain have fallen, easing concerns about debt sustainability in the eurozone's southern members.
Culture and technology
In Madrid, the Prado Museum has released an AI-generated video that reimagines its masterpieces under eclipse light. The video has gone viral, drawing attention to the intersection of art and technology. It is part of a broader initiative to make the museum's collection more accessible to younger audiences.
Meanwhile, in Berlin, a tech summit is underway, focusing on the ethical use of AI in elections. European Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager is expected to speak later today, outlining new guidelines for platform accountability.
Looking ahead
This afternoon, the European Commission will release its quarterly economic forecast, which is expected to show moderate growth for the eurozone. In the evening, the eclipse will conclude over the North Atlantic, with live streams available for those who missed it.
Stay with European Pulse for continuous coverage. Our next bulletin will be at 18:00 CET.
