Plenković: Democracy and Rule of Law Underpin Europe

European Commission Adopts 2027 Work Programme

The European Commission has adopted its 2027 work programme, laying out sweeping legislative and non-legislative initiatives spanning defence, economic resilience, and democratic renewal. The package is accompanied by an annual simplification report showing a marked acceleration in EU enforcement, with infringement procedures reaching their highest level in ten years.

UK Reforms Design IP Rules for Smaller Firms and

The UK government announced on 4 November 2026 a sweeping reform of its design protection system, aiming to curb registration abuse, cut legal costs for small businesses, and extend coverage to animated and digital designs. The changes follow a public consultation that closed in November 2025 and include a new 30-month deferment period aligned with EU and international standards.

‘We changed the system’: how Serbian students ended Alexander Vučić’s 12 years in power

A record number of voters turned out to end Alexander Vučić’s longstanding dominance of Serbian politics.

EEA Names Winners of "Resilient by Nature" 2026

The European Environment Agency has announced the winners of its 2026 "Resilient by Nature" photo competition, drawing nearly 2,800 entries from 35 countries across three thematic categories. Winning images range from a bird navigating trash inside a drainage pipe to a single plant rising from fire-scorched ground.

ECB: AI Already Reshaping Europe's Economy

European Central Bank Executive Board member Philip R. Lane has described artificial intelligence as a general purpose technology with the potential to raise productivity and offset the economic impact of Europe's declining working-age population. Speaking at the International AI Summit, Lane pointed to survey data showing AI adoption among European firms and workers is already significant and accelerating rapidly.

When Europe’s monastic libraries were looted, Britain’s richest book collectors went hunting

The forgotten story of how Britain acquired Europe’s rarest books.

Deep Science Startups Hit $7.6 Trillion in Value

The World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index 2026 finds deep science startups now worth $7.6 trillion globally, up 23% from 2024, with growth fastest in Central and Southern Asia. No new economies broke into the top 15 this year, though several nations regained ground in the rankings.

Italy and EU Agree Energy Bill Protections

Italy's government and the European Commission have reached an agreement on measures under decree-law 21/2026, aimed at shielding households and businesses from rising energy costs. The Italian authorities will formally notify the temporary measures under EU state aid rules, with the Commission committing to assess them as a priority.

Europe's Street-Level Commerce Holds Its Ground

Across European cities and towns, traditional markets, independent bakeries, and neighbourhood shops continue to serve as central points of daily life. These spaces function not only as retail outlets but as enduring fixtures of local culture and community.

The Unhurried Ritual of the European Morning Table

Across much of Europe, the morning meal is treated less as a nutritional checkpoint and more as a cultural institution. From Parisian café counters to Viennese bakeries, breakfast habits reflect deeply rooted regional traditions.

Harry Kane wins Ballon d'Or – a victory for sportsmanship over celebrity

Harry Kane represents a hard grafting and unshowy sportsmanship many would like to see as the future of football.

Manchester City supporters have been gaslit. What happens now?

The evidence now requires Manchester City supporters to make the distinction their owners have spent years blurring.