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London
October 7, 2026
Brussels Bids for BBNJ Ocean Treaty Secretariat
Politics

Brussels Bids for BBNJ Ocean Treaty Secretariat

Sebastian Thornleigh

Why Europe wants to boost its Arctic presence
Geopolitics

Why Europe wants to boost its Arctic presence

Klaus Dodds

Spain Rushes Emergency Housing Protection Decrees
Politics

Spain Rushes Emergency Housing Protection Decrees

Sebastian Thornleigh

Politics

Moldova Eyes 2028 Deadline in Brussels EU Push

Moldova Eyes 2028 Deadline in Brussels EU Push

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan met three European commissioners in Brussels on 6 October 2026 to advance talks on energy security, internal affairs, and economic reform as part of Moldova's EU accession process. The meetings coincided with the 10th Moldova–EU Association Council, at which a new instalment of 157 million euros from the EU Growth Plan was announced for Moldova.

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Sebastian Thornleigh
October 7, 2026
Russia is cutting off Ukraine’s grain exports again, threatening a critical harvest and global food security
Geopolitics

Russia is cutting off Ukraine’s grain exports again, threatening a critical harvest and global food security

Ukraine has proposed a deal to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea – an effort to allow grain shipments to resume from both countries.

Iryna Skubii
August 14, 2026
Song and Dance Festivals Keep Estonia's Cultural Identity Alive
Culture

Song and Dance Festivals Keep Estonia's Cultural Identity Alive

Estonia's choral singing tradition, rooted in the 19th century national awakening, continues to serve as a powerful expression of collective identity. The count…

July 13, 2026
EU AI Act: Building Trust Through Transparency
Business

EU AI Act: Building Trust Through Transparency

Across Europe, companies developing and deploying artificial intelligence systems are increasingly adapting to a new regulatory reality shaped by the European U…

Marcus Winterbourne
July 31, 2026
Culture

Ancient Rites and Maypoles: How Sweden Keeps Midsummer Alive

Midsummer remains one of Sweden's most widely observed cultural celebrations, blending pre-Christian fertility rituals w…

Ancient Rites and Maypoles: How Sweden Keeps Midsummer Alive
Culture

Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp Lead Belgium's Rich Urban Landscape Beyond the Capital

Belgium's cultural and architectural heritage extends well beyond Brussels, with cities such as Bruges, Ghent, and Antwe…

Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp Lead Belgium's Rich Urban Landscape Beyond the Capital
Culinary

Romania's Open-Air Markets Keep Traditional Food Culture Alive

Across Romania, weekly and permanent open-air markets continue to serve as gathering points where regional food traditions are preserved and passed between generations. From cured meats to artisan che…

Traditional British Regional Foods Gain Ground on the World Stage
Culinary

Traditional British Regional Foods Gain Ground on the World Stage

Ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz region may be biosecurity risks when they leave. What can we do?
Geopolitics

Ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz region may be biosecurity risks when they leave. What can we do?

Polish Artisan Bakers Draw International Attention as Traditional Craft Finds New Audience
Culinary

Polish Artisan Bakers Draw International Attention as Traditional Craft Finds New Audience

Ancient Rites and Maypoles: How Sweden Keeps Midsummer Alive
Culture

Ancient Rites and Maypoles: How Sweden Keeps Midsummer Alive

Midsummer remains one of Sweden's most widely observed cultural celebrations, bl…

Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp Lead Belgium's Rich Urban Landscape Beyond the Capital
Culture

Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp Lead Belgium's Rich Urban Landscape Beyond the Capital

Belgium's cultural and architectural heritage extends well beyond Brussels, with…

Traditional British Regional Foods Gain Ground on the World Stage
Culinary

Traditional British Regional Foods Gain Ground on the World Stage

Dishes and food traditions rooted in Britain's distinct regional identities are …

Ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz region may be biosecurity risks when they leave. What can we do?
Geopolitics

Ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz region may be biosecurity risks when they leave. What can we do?

Idle vessels accumulate biofouling quickly, especially in tropical waters. But t…

Polish Artisan Bakers Draw International Attention as Traditional Craft Finds New Audience
Culinary

Polish Artisan Bakers Draw International Attention as Traditional Craft Finds New Audience

Poland's artisan baking community has gained recognition beyond its borders, wit…

Culinary

European Culinary Traditions Navigate the Tension Between Heritage and Innovation

Across Europe, regional food cultures are experiencing renewed interest as both preservation efforts and modern reinterp…

European Culinary Traditions Navigate the Tension Between Heritage and Innovation
Culture

From Scandinavian Roots to European Runways and Living Rooms: How Swedish Design Endures

Sweden's design tradition, rooted in principles of simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship, continues to influence …

From Scandinavian Roots to European Runways and Living Rooms: How Swedish Design Endures

Europe

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Berlin Pride: ISIS still inspires terrorism in Europe – but who carries out these attacks?

Berlin Pride: ISIS still inspires terrorism in Europe – but who carries out these attacks?

ISIS’ extremist tenets often appeal to second-generation Muslim immigrants in Europe and the US. Sunday, July 26, German police shot dead the suspected perpetrator of a car-ramming attack on Berlin’s Pride march, which had left one dead and 20 injured the day before.

Eight lifesaving ways to improve wildfire risk management

Eight lifesaving ways to improve wildfire risk management

Deadly fires in Almería, Spain, have shown that firefighting alone is not enough – people need to be properly prepared.

EU Strikes Deal on €115 Million AGILE Defence Innovation Programme for SMEs

EU Strikes Deal on €115 Million AGILE Defence Innovation Programme for SMEs

European Parliament negotiators and the Irish Presidency of the Council have reached a provisional political agreement on AGILE, a new €115 million programme designed to channel rapid, targeted funding to small and medium-sized enterprises developing emerging and disruptive defence technologies. The agreement, concluded just four months after the Commission tabled its proposal, is on track to make the programme operational from early 2027.

UN Mourns King Harald V of Norway

UN Mourns King Harald V of Norway

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep sadness at the death of Norway's King Harald V on 28 August, praising the monarch's dedication to children's welfare, environmental issues, and international solidarity. Guterres conveyed his condolences to King Haakon VIII and the Norwegian people.

Politics

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European Parliament Calls on EU to Condemn Attacks on Aid Workers and Address Global Humanitarian Funding Shortfalls

European Parliament Calls on EU to Condemn Attacks on Aid Workers and Address Global Humanitarian Funding Shortfalls

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution urging the EU to unequivocally condemn the obstruction of humanitarian aid and the killing of aid workers in conflict zones, while also sounding the alarm over a global humanitarian and development funding crisis. The resolution follows a joint communication on humanitarian action published by the European Commission and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on 27 May 2026.

Germany: why the AfD won in Saxony-Anhalt – and what happens next

Germany: why the AfD won in Saxony-Anhalt – and what happens next

The AfD received by far the most amount of votes in Saxony-Anhalt, falling marginally short of an absolute majority.

EU Backs Spain's Push to Elevate Outermost Regions

EU Backs Spain's Push to Elevate Outermost Regions

The European Commission has adopted a new Outermost Regions Strategy that reflects Spanish government priorities, recognising these territories not merely as areas requiring special support but as strategic assets in European geopolitics. The communication, which replaces the 2022 strategy, arrives at a critical moment as negotiations over the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework get underway.

EU steps up international support for Palestinians

EU steps up international support for Palestinians

EU steps up international support for Palestinians with major initiative for Gaza's early recovery and stronger international coordination. Today, the European Commission is convening the second meeting of the Palestine Donor Group (PDG), co-chaired by Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica and Palestinian Authority's (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. 65 delegations gather in Brussels for the launch of a new Initiative for early recovery in Gaza and to discuss the Palestinian Authority's Reform Agenda

Economy

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How ‘egalitarian’ Sweden became more comfortable with wealth

How ‘egalitarian’ Sweden became more comfortable with wealth

After the end of its wealth tax came a newfound ‘wealth porn’.

ECB Calls for Simpler Rules in EU Banking

ECB Calls for Simpler Rules in EU Banking

ECB Vice-President Boris Vujčić has made the case for simplifying Europe's banking regulatory framework, arguing that complexity burdens banks without adding meaningful resilience. Speaking at the ESRB's tenth annual conference, he outlined concrete proposals to streamline capital buffers, resolution requirements, and supervisory guidance.

Eurozone Inflation Climbs to 3.8% in September

Eurozone Inflation Climbs to 3.8% in September

Euro area annual inflation is expected to reach 3.8% in September 2026, up from 3.2% in August, driven largely by a sharp acceleration in energy prices, according to a flash estimate from Eurostat. The full set of harmonised consumer price data for September is scheduled for release on 16 October 2026.

Eurozone Unemployment Holds at 6.4% in July 2026

Eurozone Unemployment Holds at 6.4% in July 2026

The euro area unemployment rate remained stable at 6.4% in July 2026, according to Eurostat, though it edged up from 6.3% recorded in the same month a year earlier. Some 11.264 million people in the euro area were without work, while youth unemployment in the bloc eased month-on-month to 14.9%.

Business

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The idea of the ‘company man’ was forged decades ago. Its problems still haunt leaders today

The idea of the ‘company man’ was forged decades ago. Its problems still haunt leaders today

If we are serious about equality, appointing more women to leadership roles should be accompanied by questioning the model of leadership itself.

Tech Giants Navigate EU's Digital Services Act Era

Tech Giants Navigate EU's Digital Services Act Era

Across Europe, a fundamental shift is underway in how technology companies operate, communicate, and structure their digital offerings. The Digital Services Act — one of the most ambitious regulatory frameworks for online platforms in the world — is compelling major tech players to rethink their approach to everything from content moderation to algorithmic transparency. In recent months, this transformation has moved from boardrooms and legal departments into the visible fabric of how platforms actually function for everyday European users.

Gianni Infantino wants to sell the World Cup – but it’s not his to sell

Gianni Infantino wants to sell the World Cup – but it’s not his to sell

The game belongs to the fans. Fifa would do well to remember that. It’s clear from the generally horrified reaction to Gianni Infantino’s plan to turn the World Cup into an investment vehicle that the Fifa boss has gone too far.

EU AI Act: Building Trust Through Transparency

EU AI Act: Building Trust Through Transparency

Across Europe, companies developing and deploying artificial intelligence systems are increasingly adapting to a new regulatory reality shaped by the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act. Rather than viewing compliance as a burden, many organizations now describe the framework as an opportunity to build trust with consumers, partners, and public institutions alike.

Geopolitics

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Ceuta crisis: anti-migrant ‘invasion’ rhetoric threatens Europe’s food supply and economy

Ceuta crisis: anti-migrant ‘invasion’ rhetoric threatens Europe’s food supply and economy

Migrant workers are vital to Spain’s vast agriculture sector, but they are often hidden from view.

Russia’s new jet-powered drones mark latest evolution in air war above Ukraine

Russia’s new jet-powered drones mark latest evolution in air war above Ukraine

Ukraine is struggling to defend its cities against aerial attack as Russia introduces a new, long-range drone to the war.

Bulgaria Bridges State and Civil Society on Corruption

Bulgaria Bridges State and Civil Society on Corruption

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova has met with the leadership of Transparency International Bulgaria to discuss anti-corruption efforts, good governance, and closer cooperation between state institutions and the non-governmental sector. The talks also touched on Bulgaria's bid to join the OECD as a key foreign policy priority.

UK Presses Russia on War Crimes at Warsaw Forum

UK Presses Russia on War Crimes at Warsaw Forum

Britain's Deputy Ambassador to the OSCE called out Russia's violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, citing torture, enforced disappearances and the unlawful transfer of children. The UK reaffirmed its support for accountability mechanisms and renewed its call for an unconditional ceasefire.

Travel

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Transylvania's Medieval Saxon Settlements Draw Travelers Seeking Pace Over Spectacle

Transylvania's Medieval Saxon Settlements Draw Travelers Seeking Pace Over Spectacle

The fortified villages of Transylvania's Saxon heartland, many listed under UNESCO protection, offer visitors a landscape largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. Travelers who move through the region slowly — on foot, by bicycle, or by horse-drawn cart — tend to access layers of rural life that faster itineraries bypass entirely.

Enduring Draw: How Greece's Ancient Sites Continue to Shape Global Tourism

Enduring Draw: How Greece's Ancient Sites Continue to Shape Global Tourism

Greece's archaeological landmarks, from the Acropolis of Athens to the ruins of Delphi, remain among the most visited heritage sites in the world. Their sustained appeal reflects a combination of historical depth, UNESCO recognition, and ongoing preservation efforts.

Prague and Beyond: What Makes the Czech Republic a Compelling European Short-Break Destination

Prague and Beyond: What Makes the Czech Republic a Compelling European Short-Break Destination

The Czech Republic draws millions of visitors annually with its medieval architecture, accessible rail connections, and comparatively affordable costs. From Prague's UNESCO-listed old town to the spa towns of Bohemia, the country offers a range of experiences within compact geographic distances.

Ancient Footpaths and Pilgrim Routes Put Italy on the Global Hiking Map

Ancient Footpaths and Pilgrim Routes Put Italy on the Global Hiking Map

Italy's network of historic trails, from the Via Francigena to the Sentiero Italia, continues to attract long-distance walkers from across the world. The country's combination of cultural heritage, varied landscapes, and well-maintained route infrastructure has positioned it as a leading destination for hiking tourism in Europe.

Culinary

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From Swabian Kitchens to Saxon Cellars: The Case for Germany's Culinary Diversity

Germany's regional food traditions span centuries of distinct cultural, agricultural, and historical influences, producing a culinary landscape far broader than its international reputation suggests. From the coastal fish markets of the North Sea to the wine-growing valleys of the Rhineland, each German region maintains cooking traditions tied closely to its geography and history.

A Guide to Traditional Bulgarian Cuisine for First-Time Visitors

A Guide to Traditional Bulgarian Cuisine for First-Time Visitors

Bulgarian cuisine draws on centuries of Balkan, Ottoman, and Slavic culinary traditions, producing a distinct regional food culture. Visitors to Bulgaria encounter a table shaped by locally grown produce, fermented dairy, and slow-cooked meat dishes.

From Forest to Fork: How Latvia's Wild Larder Is Shaping a New Baltic Culinary Identity

From Forest to Fork: How Latvia's Wild Larder Is Shaping a New Baltic Culinary Identity

Latvia's deep foraging traditions, rooted in centuries of rural life, are finding renewed expression in contemporary restaurants across Riga and beyond. Chefs across the Baltic region are increasingly drawing on native woodland ingredients to define a distinctly Northern European cuisine.

A Guide to the Essential Dishes of Greek Cuisine

A Guide to the Essential Dishes of Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine draws on thousands of years of culinary tradition, shaped by the Mediterranean climate, regional agriculture, and cultural exchange across the Aegean. Travelers visiting Greece encounter a food culture deeply tied to local ingredients, communal dining, and seasonal rhythms.

Health

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Abdominal aortic aneurysms can cause years of anxiety, even without symptoms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms can cause years of anxiety, even without symptoms

Regular scans help clinicians monitor small aneurysms, but patients describe recurring fears and confusion about what they can safely do.

Spain's Bone Marrow Registry Nears 533,000 Donors

Spain's Bone Marrow Registry Nears 533,000 Donors

Spain's bone marrow donor registry has grown to nearly 533,000 registered individuals, with 77 new donors enrolling each day in the first eight months of 2026. The figures, released on World Bone Marrow Donor Day, mark a sustained acceleration driven by younger recruits and improved matching technology.

Belgium's B-FAST Field Hospital Wins WHO Recognition

Belgium's B-FAST Field Hospital Wins WHO Recognition

Belgium's B-FAST mobile field hospital received official WHO verification on 18 September 2026, confirming it meets the highest international quality standards for emergency medical response. The EMT2-classified unit can treat more than 100 patients per day and be operational within 24 to 48 hours of arriving in an affected country.

Spain Launches Campaign to End Abortion Stigma

Spain Launches Campaign to End Abortion Stigma

Spain's Health Minister Mónica García has unveiled a national campaign to combat the guilt and social stigma surrounding abortion, insisting that women need not demonstrate suffering for their decision to be respected. The campaign also targets structural barriers within the public health system, where nearly eight in ten abortions in 2024 were carried out in private clinics.

Culture

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Stone Before the Pyramids: Malta's Temple Builders Left a Civilization the World Is Still Decoding

Stone Before the Pyramids: Malta's Temple Builders Left a Civilization the World Is Still Decoding

Malta's megalithic temples, among the oldest freestanding stone structures on Earth, predate both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids by several centuries. Archaeological evidence from these sites continues to reshape understanding of prehistoric social organization and ritual life in the central Mediterranean.

From Longships to Living Culture: How the Viking Age Continues to Define Denmark

From Longships to Living Culture: How the Viking Age Continues to Define Denmark

Denmark's Viking past extends well beyond museum exhibits and tourist attractions, shaping the country's language, legal traditions, and national self-image. Archaeologists, historians, and cultural institutions continue to uncover and reinforce the depth of that inheritance.

Malta's Capital Cements Its Place on Europe's Cultural Map

Malta's Capital Cements Its Place on Europe's Cultural Map

Valletta, the smallest capital city in the European Union, has built a sustained reputation as a hub of Mediterranean heritage, arts, and architecture. Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its tenure as a European Capital of Culture have reinforced Malta's standing within the broader European cultural landscape.

Poland's Ryneks: Medieval Market Squares That Anchor Cities Across Centuries

Poland's historic market squares, known as ryneks, remain active civic and commercial centers in cities across the country. Surviving war, partition, and reconstruction, these spaces continue to reflect the architectural and cultural layers of Polish urban history.

Science

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UK Launches New Air Quality Alert Service

UK Launches New Air Quality Alert Service

The UK government has launched a new opt-in air quality alerts service, allowing people to receive SMS or email warnings when pollution levels in their chosen local areas are forecast to be high. The service tracks five key pollutants and forms part of the government's Environmental Improvement Plan.

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries

Nasa’s new space telescope will tackle some of the universe’s biggest mysteries

The Nancy Grace Roman telescope will probe dark energy and discover exoplanets.

Chores or no chores? The economic psychology of giving kids pocket money

Chores or no chores? The economic psychology of giving kids pocket money

If we do pay our kids for their chores, do we risk creating kids who care more about money than doing good deeds for their own sake?

Cracking the code: can AI help us decipher ancient languages?

Cracking the code: can AI help us decipher ancient languages?

AI can help move analysis forward, but human ingenuity is still essential in this field.