Europe

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.

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.

Wildfires: why disposable BBQs are being banned from some parks and beaches

Disposable BBQs are a major, yet preventable, fire risk. Other picnics are a better bet. There’s something almost comic about the modern British summer ritual: as soon as the mercury climbs, we head to the nearest park, sit cross-legged on scorched grass, and hunch over a flimsy foil tray to sear sausages over an open flame.

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.

Politics

France Leads European Digital Governance Revolution

France has emerged as a trailblazer in digital governance transformation, with municipalities across the nation implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance citizen participation and streamline public services. The country's innovative approach combines artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and user-friendly digital platforms to create more responsive and transparent government operations.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

European Startups Eye 'Nomad Citizen' Model as Alternative to Traditional Welfare Frameworks

A growing movement among European entrepreneurs is exploring portable, membership-based social protection schemes as alternatives to state-tied welfare systems. The concept, broadly referred to as 'nomad citizen' infrastructure, aims to decouple social benefits from national residency requirements.

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.

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.

Geopolitics

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’.

Travel

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.

France's Most Celebrated Scenic Drives: Routes Through Landscape and History

France offers a network of roads that traverse diverse terrain, from Atlantic coastlines to Alpine passes and Mediterranean vineyards. Several routes have earned international recognition for their combination of natural scenery, cultural heritage, and driving accessibility.

Italian Coastal Destinations Push to Extend Tourism Beyond Peak Summer Months

Coastal regions of Italy are pursuing strategies to attract visitors outside the traditional summer season, aiming to ease overcrowding and distribute economic benefits more evenly across the calendar year. Local governments and tourism bodies have introduced a range of measures to make shoulder and off-season travel more appealing to both domestic and international visitors.

Beyond the Postcards: European Cities Gaining Ground With Discerning Travellers

A growing number of European cities are attracting international visitors who seek cultural depth, architectural heritage, and authentic local life away from heavily trafficked destinations. From the Balkans to the Atlantic coast, several urban centres have emerged as compelling alternatives to the continent's most saturated tourism hubs.

Culinary

From Galicia to the Atlantic: How Spanish Seafood Culture Travels Beyond Its Shores

Spain's deep-rooted maritime food traditions, particularly from its northwestern coastal regions, have long influenced dining cultures across the Atlantic world. Techniques, ingredients, and preparation methods originating in Spanish fishing communities continue to shape menus from Lisbon to Buenos Aires.

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.

A Guide to the Essential Dishes of Cypriot Cuisine

Cyprus has developed a distinct culinary tradition shaped by its Mediterranean location and centuries of cultural exchange. Travelers to the island encounter a food culture rooted in fresh local ingredients, grilled meats, and slow-cooked preparations.

Belgium's Brewing Tradition Endures as Global Appetite for Specialty Beer Grows

Belgium's centuries-old beer culture has maintained its international reputation through a combination of protected heritage status, monastic brewing traditions, and a thriving craft sector. The country's breweries continue to attract visitors and export their products to markets worldwide.

Culture

Ancient Roots, Living Practices: How Greek Cultural Heritage Endures Across the Generations

From Orthodox religious festivals to traditional folk music and regional cuisine, Greece maintains a remarkably continuous cultural identity that spans millennia. Younger generations are actively participating in the transmission of these traditions, ensuring their survival well into the modern era.

Ancient Rhythms, New Platforms: Lithuania's Living Folk Heritage Finds a Global Audience

Lithuania's centuries-old folk traditions, from polyphonic singing to intricate textile crafts, are experiencing renewed vitality through digital archiving projects and social media communities. Cultural institutions and grassroots practitioners alike are leveraging online tools to preserve and transmit heritage that predates written records.

Where Roman Walls Meet Rooftop Bars: Croatia's Urban Heritage in the 21st Century

Croatia's historic cities, including Split and Dubrovnik, continue to function as living urban centres while preserving millennia of layered architectural heritage. The tension between cultural conservation and modern city life shapes policy, tourism, and daily existence for residents across the Adriatic coast.

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 architecture, fashion, and consumer goods across Europe. From flat-pack furniture to high-end fashion houses, Swedish aesthetics have become embedded in the continent's visual and commercial culture.

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.