Europe

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.

Why Poland’s president is invoking wartime history in a dispute with Volodymyr Zelensky

This row is more about domestic Polish politics than any diplomatic incident.

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.

Irish Presidency Sets Out EU Agenda Before Parliament Committees

A series of Irish ministers appeared before European Parliament committees on 13 and 14 July to present the priorities of Ireland's Council Presidency, which runs until the end of 2026. Key themes included EU competitiveness, support for Ukraine, enlargement, health, education, agriculture, trade, and security.

Politics

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

Andy Burnham is the Labour leader – third time lucky for the UK’s prime minister-in-waiting

His rise this time seemed unstoppable – but Burnham’s route to the top wasn’t always so clear.

UK Government Awards £8.7 Million to Rape Crisis England & Wales for Round-the-Clock Survivor Support

The Ministry of Justice has awarded £8.7 million to Rape Crisis England & Wales to continue its 24/7 free and confidential helpline for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. The funding, running from October 2026 to September 2029, forms part of the government's broader commitment to halve violence against women and girls.

If Europe wants to ‘go it alone’ on security, countries need to learn to sing from the same songsheet

Splits are appearing in Europe’s approach to Russia’s aggression just when it needs to present a united front.

Economy

Germany Weighs the Return of Coal as Energy Security Concerns Mount

Germany, long committed to phasing out coal-fired power generation, has faced renewed pressure to reconsider that trajectory following disruptions to natural gas supplies from Russia. The debate reflects broader tensions across Europe between climate commitments and the practical demands of energy security.

Business

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 there are precautions other ports can take against alien pests, parasites or disease.

Why new Houthi threats in the Red Sea could spell trouble for global oil prices and inflation

Each year, about 10–12% of global shipping trade passes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait – whose name means ‘Gate of Tears’.

UK and Ukraine Sign AI Partnership Declaration to Build Next-Generation Defence Capabilities

The United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent establishing a bilateral artificial intelligence partnership aimed at developing AI-enabled military capabilities. The agreement, published on 24 August 2026, frames technology cooperation as a strategic pillar of mutual defence and Euro-Atlantic security.

Travel

Luxembourg's Geographic and Cultural Advantages Make It a Natural Choice for Short European Getaways

Luxembourg's compact size, central location, and multilingual infrastructure position it as one of Europe's most accessible short-break destinations. The Grand Duchy offers a concentrated mix of medieval heritage, modern amenities, and natural landscapes within a territory smaller than many European cities.

Poland's Tatra Mountains Emerge as a Destination for Adventure Tourism in Central Europe

The Tatra Mountains in southern Poland have drawn a growing number of adventure travelers seeking hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation. The region offers accessible infrastructure alongside rugged terrain, positioning Poland as a competitive destination within the European outdoor tourism market.

Latvia's Capital Emerges as a Rising Destination for Short-Stay European Travelers

Riga is attracting growing attention from European short-break travelers drawn to its medieval Old Town, affordable costs, and expanding cultural calendar. The Latvian capital is positioning itself alongside established city-break destinations in Central and Eastern Europe.

Lithuania's Capital Draws Growing Wave of European Travellers

Vilnius, the baroque-rich capital of Lithuania, has seen rising interest from short-break travellers across Europe in recent years. Affordable flights, a compact old town recognised by UNESCO, and a broadening hospitality scene have positioned the city as an increasingly visible destination on the continent's travel map.

Culinary

Spain's Diverse Regional Cuisines Emerge as a Major Draw for International Visitors

Spain's culinary landscape, shaped by deeply rooted regional traditions, has become a significant factor in attracting international tourists. From the Basque Country's pintxos culture to the rice dishes of Valencia, distinct food identities are driving dedicated gastronomic travel across the country.

London's Streets Serve Up a World on a Plate

There is a particular kind of magic that happens when a city decides its pavements are as worthy of great cooking as any white-tablecloth dining room. London has always understood this instinctively. Walk through Borough Market on a crisp morning, drift past the rumbling carts of Brick Lane, or linger near the waterside stalls of Greenwich, and you will find something remarkable: a city feeding itself with joy, creativity, and an almost reckless generosity of flavour.

Ireland's Coastal Communities Gain Recognition for Seafood-Driven Culinary Identity

A growing number of restaurants along Ireland's Atlantic coastline have built reputations around locally sourced seafood, drawing visitors and culinary attention to towns once known primarily for fishing. The trend reflects both the country's maritime geography and a broader European appetite for regional, provenance-focused dining.

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.

Culture

Painted in Blue and White: How Portugal's Azulejo Tradition Endures

Portugal's distinctive ceramic tile art, known as azulejo, continues to shape the country's architectural identity and cultural memory. From medieval facades to contemporary public installations, the tradition bridges centuries of artistic practice.

The Race for Cultural Leadership: How Europe's Major Cities Are Shaping Global Creative Power

From Paris and Berlin to Lisbon and Warsaw, European cities are deploying deliberate strategies to expand their cultural reach and establish dominance as global creative hubs. Investment in arts infrastructure, cultural diplomacy, and talent attraction has accelerated across the continent, reshaping the traditional hierarchy of creative capitals.

Spain's UNESCO Heritage Sites Drive Growth in Cultural Tourism Across the Peninsula

Spain holds one of the largest concentrations of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, drawing millions of culturally motivated visitors each year. These designations have become central to regional tourism strategies, reinforcing Spain's position as a leading destination in Europe.

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 with contemporary family gatherings. The holiday draws Swedes across generations to the countryside for maypole dancing, traditional food, and flower garlands each June.

Science

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.

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

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?

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.