Europe

Fifa president Gianni Infantino set for fourth term – despite World Cup controversies

National football associations are lining up to endorse Infantino for a fourth term as Fifa president.

England out of the World Cup, but this team may have helped redefine a nation

It could be time for a new idea of what Englishness really means – and footballers are helping to shape it.

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.

Europe's Skies: Building Stronger Air Defence Together

Across the European continent, a quiet but consequential transformation is taking shape. Nations that once relied heavily on individual national systems are increasingly pooling resources, expertise, and technological ambition to construct a more unified and resilient aerial security architecture. This shift reflects a broader understanding that collective investment in shared infrastructure yields far greater protection than fragmented, go-it-alone approaches.

Politics

Italy's New Front Against Organized Crime: Protecting Vulnerable Families from Mafia Networks

Italy has passed a landmark unanimous parliamentary law allowing the state to remove women and children from mafia-controlled family environments, offering them legal protection and a path to a life free from organized crime. The legislation marks a significant evolution of the anti-mafia framework built by legendary magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.

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

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.

When Leadership Gaps Shape the World's Future

In an era defined by rapid transformation, the spaces between leadership — the pauses, the transitions, the unresolved successions — carry consequences that extend far beyond the immediate moment. Increasingly, political analysts and governance scholars are turning their attention not to who holds power, but to what happens when credible leadership is absent, delayed, or structurally contested.

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.

From Fuel Prices to Investment Risk: How an Iran Nuclear Agreement Could Reshape European Finances

A renewed nuclear agreement with Iran carries broad economic consequences that extend well beyond diplomatic circles. European households and investors could feel the effects through energy markets, trade flows, and shifting geopolitical risk.

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’.

How Ukraine’s strikes on Russian warehouses became a problem in Kyrgyzstan

Producers as far afield as Central Asia have been affected by Ukraine’s drones attacks on the e-commerce giant.

Travel

Finland's Lapland Emerges as a Year-Round Destination for International Visitors

Finland's northernmost region, Lapland, has drawn growing international attention for its distinctive Arctic landscapes and seasonal natural phenomena. Outdoor experiences ranging from aurora borealis viewing to reindeer safaris have positioned the country as a notable destination on the global travel circuit.

Czech Republic's Most Visited Castles Draw Travelers Across Bohemia and Moravia

The Czech Republic holds one of the densest concentrations of historic castles in Central Europe, spanning medieval fortresses, Gothic towers, and Baroque châteaux. Several sites have earned UNESCO recognition and draw visitors from across the continent year-round.

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.

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.

Culinary

A Guide to Traditional Estonian Cuisine for the Curious Traveler

Estonia's culinary tradition draws heavily on its Baltic climate, agricultural heritage, and centuries of Nordic and Germanic influence. From fermented black bread to smoked fish, the country's food culture offers a distinctive and largely unexplored experience for visitors.

Adriatic on the Plate: Croatia's Coastal Food Culture Earns Global Recognition

Croatia's Dalmatian and Istrian cuisines have attracted growing international attention, with food critics and culinary institutions acknowledging the region's distinct Mediterranean traditions. The country's emphasis on locally sourced seafood, olive oil, and wine has positioned it as a notable destination within European gastronomy.

Aegean Cuisine Gains Global Recognition as Greek Island Restaurants Draw International Visitors

Traditional cooking methods and locally sourced ingredients from Greece's island regions have attracted growing international attention. Culinary tourism across the Aegean and Ionian islands continues to expand as travelers seek authentic Mediterranean dining experiences.

Bryndza and Oscypek: How Sheep Milk Shapes the Identity of Slovak Cuisine

Slovakia's pastoral heritage has long been anchored in the production and consumption of sheep milk cheeses, with varieties such as bryndza holding protected status under European Union food law. These cheeses remain central to Slovak culinary identity, from rural farmsteads to urban restaurant menus.

Culture

From the Agora to the Algorithm: How Ancient Greece Continues to Shape Civilisation

The philosophical, political, and architectural contributions of ancient Greece remain embedded in the foundations of modern Western society. From democratic governance to medical ethics, the legacy of the ancient Hellenic world operates as a living framework across contemporary institutions.

Stone Witnesses: Latvia's Medieval Fortresses and the Shaping of the Baltic Region

Latvia's surviving medieval castles stand as physical records of the crusading orders, merchant republics, and competing empires that shaped the eastern Baltic coast over several centuries. From Riga's riverside fortifications to the lakeside ruins of Koknese, these structures offer historians and visitors direct access to a layered European history.

Europe's Festival Calendar Attracts Record International Interest Ahead of 2026

A growing number of European cultural, music, and arts festivals are drawing visitors from across the globe as the continent's event season expands in scope and ambition. From established summer gatherings in Scandinavia to emerging celebrations in Southern and Eastern Europe, the 2026 calendar reflects a broadening appeal that extends well beyond regional audiences.

Belgium's Festival Calendar Weaves Together Artistic Heritage and Living Traditions

Belgium hosts a diverse range of annual festivals that draw visitors from across Europe and beyond, celebrating the country's multilayered cultural identity. From medieval historical pageants to internationally recognized music gatherings, the Belgian festival landscape reflects the distinct traditions of its Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels communities.

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?