UN Mourns King Harald V of Norway

£13 Million Satellite Push to Bring Broadband to Remote Trains and Smart Tech to British Farms

The UK Space Agency is backing 16 projects with £13 million in government funding to expand satellite communications, including trialling broadband on remote Scottish railways and developing affordable crop-monitoring sensors for farmers. The investment, delivered through the European Space Agency's ARTES programme, aims to boost connectivity, create high-value jobs, and strengthen Britain's position in global satellite technology.

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.

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.

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.

Classic Viennese Tafelspitz with Apple-Horseradish Sauce

There is a particular hush that falls over a Viennese dining room when a copper pot of Tafelspitz arrives at the table — the broth still trembling, the beef glistening, the scent of root vegetables and bay leaf curling into the air. This is not a dish that shouts for attention; it whispers instead, in the way only true comfort food can. It is the dish of emperors and grandmothers alike, equally at home on the white tablecloths of the Hofburg and the checkered oilcloth of a family kitchen in the countryside.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.