Europe News Live: Eurostar plans new services to Frankfurt and Geneva targeting greener corporate travel

Eurostar intends to expand its services with new routes to Frankfurt and Geneva, specifically targeting corporate travelers seeking sustainable alternatives to air travel, Financial Times said in a report. This initiative is designed to meet growing demand for greener transportation, influenced by factors such as the European Union's Green Deal, national policies promoting rail, and increasing corporate emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting which includes reducing emissions from business travel.

Elizaveta Krivonogikh, widely suspected to be an illegitimate daughter of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has been employed since last October at an art gallery in Paris that exhibits works by anti-war artists, Le Figaro said in a report. The gallery's employer, who is of Ukrainian origin and grew up in Russia, stated to Le Figaro that they only became aware of the rumors about Krivonogikh's alleged connection to Putin in recent weeks, according to the article. Krivonogikh is reportedly employed under an 'alternance' (work-study) program.

India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has articulated that nations of the 'Global South' desire a cessation of the war in Ukraine, a major European conflict, and justified India's policy of not taking sides between Moscow and Kyiv, Le Figaro said in a report. This position of strategic autonomy, as presented by Jaishankar, influences European and Western efforts to build a broad international coalition concerning Russia's actions in Ukraine. The minister also reportedly used the interview to warn Pakistan against any new terrorist attacks.

Protests have persisted in Georgia for half a year in response to the government's perceived alignment with Russia and the adoption of the 'Transparency of Foreign Influence' law, which critics label a 'foreign agent law', Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports. This legislation mandates that organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad must register as 'agents of foreign influence'. In light of these ongoing demonstrations, the Georgian government is reportedly escalating measures against its critics. The European Union has strongly condemned the law, asserting that it conflicts with EU values and impedes Georgia's progress towards potential EU membership, for which it received candidate status in December 2023 under specific conditions regarding democratic reforms.

Italy achieved its first points in the current World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Moldova on Monday, a match that also served as a sendoff for coach Spalletti who was informed before the game he would be leaving his role, AP said in a report. The Italian team is attempting to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014. In another significant European qualifier, Kevin De Bruyne scored an 88th-minute goal to give Belgium a 4-3 win against Wales, after his team had earlier relinquished a 3-0 lead.

The United States has charged the founder of a cryptocurrency payments company, Evita, with fraud and money laundering, alleging the Russian national used the firm to unlawfully acquire sensitive technology, Financial Times says in a report. These accusations arise amidst ongoing US and European sanctions designed to restrict Russia's access to technology, particularly dual-use items with potential military applications, following its invasion of Ukraine. The case highlights alleged methods of sanctions evasion and the US government's efforts to enforce export controls intended to prevent Russia from obtaining critical technologies.

Russia executed major retaliatory strikes against Ukraine, deploying 206 drones and nine missiles in an overnight offensive, Le Monde said in a report. The Ukrainian air force stated this was in retaliation for Kyiv's attacks on Russian air bases days prior, and the assault reportedly included the "most powerful attack" on Kharkiv since the conflict started, amidst an acceleration of Russian attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks.

Cultural highlights across Europe this week feature a diverse range of events, Euronews said in a report. In Paris, an exhibition explores the theme of language as a form of resistance. Music enthusiasts can attend the Best Kept Secret festival in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Berlin is hosting its 13th Biennale, showcasing contemporary art. Additionally, a live-action adaptation of 'How to Train Your Dragon' is available for viewing.

Foxes have taken up residence in the rooftop garden of Google's new, unopened £1bn 'landscraper' headquarters in King's Cross, London, and have reportedly begun to dig burrows, The Guardian says in a report. The technology company stated that the presence of the canines has had a 'minimal' impact on the construction of the ultra-modern office building.

Dutch citizens have begun carrying out their own border checks as a pushback against current migration policies, Euronews said in a report. This action has drawn criticism from the Dutch justice minister, who has called for an immediate halt to these civilian-led checks, emphasizing that border control is solely the responsibility of the border police. These citizen actions are taking place amidst ongoing EU-level debates on migration and border control and follow the recent electoral rise of the anti-immigration Party for Freedom (PVV) in the Netherlands.

The United Kingdom has announced a new plan to expand the prohibition of bottom trawling to cover additional marine protected areas (MPAs) within its waters, Euronews reports. This initiative aims to bolster protection for vulnerable marine ecosystems and builds upon existing UK marine conservation efforts, occurring as international focus on ocean biodiversity intensifies, notably at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice.

UK Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a pledge to restore winter fuel payments for most pensioners, a policy designed to ensure they continue to receive an annual subsidy of up to £300, Financial Times said in a report. This commitment is intended to maintain broad eligibility for the payment, which assists with winter heating costs, and would reportedly prevent approximately 2 million pensioners from losing this financial support due to potential cuts.

Canada is set to meet the NATO defence spending target of 2% of its GDP this year, a significant acceleration from previously stated timelines, Carney announced, Financial Times says in a report. This development means Canada will align with the treaty obligation earlier than planned, following sustained criticism from allies, including current US President Donald Trump, regarding its defence expenditure. The decision also comes amid heightened security concerns in Europe following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has prompted many NATO members to increase their military budgets. Canada's previous defence policy update in April 2024 had projected reaching 1.76% of GDP by 2029-30.

Bosses at Thames Water were in line for potential bonuses totaling £18.5 million, a prospect that was met with significant public and political outcry given the company's financial difficulties and performance issues, Financial Times said in a report. Amidst this controversy, creditors have put forward a new rescue plan for the troubled UK utility, proposing to inject £3 billion of fresh equity and to accept a 20% writedown on their existing loans. This plan aims to address the company's severe debt burden and fund necessary infrastructure investments.

Heavy rainfall in Switzerland's Valais canton triggered a major mudslide in Val de Bagne on Monday, leading to the evacuation of approximately 30 residents who discovered new debris flows upon waking, EuroNews said in a report. The evacuations were a direct response to the natural hazard.

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte affirmed that in confronting Russia, "il n’y a plus d’Est ou d’Ouest. Il n’y a que l’OTAN" (there is no more East or West. There is only NATO), Le Monde said in a report. This declaration of unity comes as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated on Monday that Russia is bolstering its military capabilities and could be prepared to use military force against NATO member countries within the next five years, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The European Union and nations in Southeast Asia are actively seeking methods to safeguard critical undersea cables, essential for both telecommunications and international trade, from sabotage amid a shifting global landscape, Deutsche Welle said in a report. This collaborative effort is driven by concerns over the vulnerability of such infrastructure, highlighted by past events including the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions and damage to Baltic Sea cables in late 2023, as well as worries about increased naval activities by global powers near these vital communication links.

The Glastonbury festival has sold "a few thousand less tickets" for its upcoming event in an effort to prevent a recurrence of last year's overcrowding issues, The Guardian says in a report. Festival organiser Emily Eavis confirmed the reduction, which aims to address safety concerns after overcrowding at smaller stages in the previous year led to area closures and one performance being halted.

Russian classical music performers, described as 'favorites of Vladimir Putin' and previously 'blacklisted,' are returning to European opera stages, Politico Europe said in a report. This development is reportedly not to the liking of Ukraine or the European Union.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that Russia could be prepared to attack NATO within five years, and he anticipates that alliance members will agree this month to increase military spending to 5% of GDP to address this threat, according to a report in The Guardian. Speaking in London on Monday, Rutte emphasized the need for "a quantum leap in our collective defence," including substantial rearmament to deter an increasingly militarised Russia.

The multiyear Whitehall spending review in the UK has concluded, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper being instructed to find financial savings from areas other than police budgets to ensure spending on policing is protected, the Financial Times said in a report. This outcome of the spending review reflects the UK government's stated priority of addressing crime and bolstering police resources, even amidst a challenging economic climate requiring fiscal discipline across departments.

French President Emmanuel Macron, at the opening of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, called for "mobilization" to save the world's oceans, which he characterized as "en ébullition," Le Monde said in a report. The conference, taking place from June 9 to June 13, has gathered approximately sixty heads of state in Nice to attempt to halt the degradation of the oceans.

The relaunch project for the Papeterie Chapelle-Darblay in France has obtained state support, marking a "key step" in the ongoing industrial case, Le Monde says in a report. While the precise terms of this government backing are still to be defined, it is anticipated to enable the buyer, Fibre Excellence, to secure the private funding it still requires. The CGT union, which has advocated for the project for the past five years, considers this development a "victory."

A judge in Spain is investigating Attorney-General Álvaro García Ortiz, who was appointed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government, in connection with an alleged media leak, Financial Times says in a report. The probe centers on an email purportedly leaked from the Attorney-General's office, which contained details about a tax investigation into the partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid and a prominent opposition figure. As a result of this judicial probe, García Ortiz is reportedly on course to potentially stand trial.

Sperm donation policies across Europe are under scrutiny after a Danish donor, unknowingly carrying a cancer-risk gene mutation, reportedly helped conceive at least 67 children, with 10 subsequently diagnosed with cancer, Euronews says in a report. The incident has intensified ongoing debates about genetic screening for gamete donors and highlighted potential gaps or enforcement issues within the existing EU framework for tissues and cells, as well as the varying national regulations for fertility clinics. This situation has led to increased scrutiny on national health ministries and governments regarding their oversight, and has prompted calls for potentially stricter, more comprehensive genetic testing protocols for donors and enhanced regulation of fertility clinics and gamete banks across European nations.

Russia has claimed its forces have entered Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, an area over which Moscow has not made a formal territorial claim, unlike its past assertions regarding five other Ukrainian regions, Deutsche Welle said in a report. This development, part of broader ongoing Russian military operations, occurs as a dispute between Moscow and Kyiv over the return of war dead continues. Dnipropetrovsk is noted as a significant industrial and economic hub in central-eastern Ukraine.

The European Union is exhibiting a change in its diplomatic approach concerning Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a shift influenced by growing public pressure across its member states related to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian situation in Gaza, Le Monde reports. This evolving stance includes internal EU discussions about the possibility of implementing stronger measures, such as sanctions or the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. However, the actualization of such concrete actions remains uncertain, partly due to procedural requirements like the need for unanimous agreement among all 27 member states for imposing sanctions.

A planned Trump-branded hotel complex in Belgrade, Serbia, being developed by Jared Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, has led to resignations and a criminal charge against a preservationist leader amid opposition to the project, New York Times said in a report. The controversy stems from the proposed location on the site of the former Serbian Army headquarters, heavily damaged in the 1999 NATO bombing and considered a historically sensitive area by many Serbs. Preservationist groups are actively opposing the development, and the charge against one of their leaders is viewed by critics as politically motivated to suppress dissent.

Environmental organizations in Italy are strongly opposing proposed cruise ship terminal developments, specifically the Waterfront project in Fiumicino, raising alarms about potential environmental harm and changes to urban areas, according to a report in France 24. Local activists caution that the project, designed to host large cruise ships, may cause coastal erosion, destruction of marine ecosystems, and the paving over of natural habitats.

Germany is facing a sobering reassessment of its national football team's capabilities ahead of the 2026 World Cup following two defeats and a last-place finish in a mini-tournament it had aimed to win, AP says in a report. A loss in Munich and a subsequent 2-0 defeat to France in Stuttgart highlighted a significant performance gap, according to the article. These results have tempered expectations for Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, suggesting that teams like France and Spain, noted as a past European champion, are currently considered stronger contenders for major international titles.

With greenhouse gas emissions comparable to the aviation industry, the maritime transport sector sees its major private players confronted with the task of creating their own green transition plans, according to a report in France 24. As the UN Ocean Conference gets under way in Nice, France, the industry is examining its current environmental impact and the options available for a more sustainable future at sea, including the potential use of technologies such as sails, batteries, and artificial intelligence.

The Stea association, located in the Romanian town of Satu Mare near the Hungarian border, employs chess as a method to facilitate the social integration of vulnerable children, with a particular focus on Roma children confronting discrimination, Euronews says in a report. This initiative, highlighted in its 'Smart Regions' series, centers on using the game to support these children within their community.

A two-day referendum in Italy aimed at easing citizenship requirements for immigrants has been invalidated after voter turnout failed to meet the mandatory 50% participation threshold, Financial Times said in a report. The outcome, which means current citizenship laws remain unchanged, is linked to a boycott appeal made by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Actress Kim Novak, best known for portraying the double life of a heroine in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo', will be honoured at this year’s Venice Film Festival with the Golden Lion lifetime achievement award, Euronews said in a report.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated on Sunday in an interview on LCI that he does not believe the bombardments in Russia and Ukraine will lead to a general war in Europe, Le Monde said in a report. Orbán asserted that Russia is too weak to attack NATO, arguing that Russian forces "are not even capable of defeating Ukraine."

The director of the Spanish daily newspaper El Pais, Pepa Bueno, who had led the publication since 2021, has been dismissed, Le Monde said in a report. This dismissal occurs in the context of an ongoing shareholder battle at Prisa, the newspaper's parent company. In recent months, Joseph Oughourlian, the French financier who chairs Prisa's board of directors, has reportedly removed journalists considered too favorable to the socialist government.

Pope Léon XIV, in his Pentecost homily, urged for 'opening borders' and condemned what he termed the 'spirit of exclusion,' Le Monde said in a report. The sovereign pontiff also spoke out against violence towards women, making a specific reference to a recent series of femicides in Italy that had been prominent in the news during the previous month.

French President Emmanuel Macron is celebrating the incoming High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, as an important tool for global ocean protection, Politico says in a report. Macron considers the successful negotiation of the treaty text in March 2023 a significant achievement, but acknowledges that further work is necessary, as the treaty requires ratification by 60 countries to enter into force. The European Union, with France playing a prominent role, was a key proponent in developing the agreement, which aims to establish a framework for conserving marine biodiversity in international waters.

Zia Yusuf's exit from Reform UK underscores significant internal tensions within the right-wing political group, the Financial Times said in a report. This development occurs as Reform UK, formerly known as the Brexit Party, is reportedly leading in national opinion polls and with a UK general election approaching. The departure is set against a backdrop of Nigel Farage taking a prominent role within the party, with some reports suggesting disagreements over leadership or direction may have contributed to Yusuf's decision.

An MEP is advocating for more companies to be exempted from the European Union's proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), also known as the contentious supply chain law, in an effort to broker a compromise and secure its passage, the Financial Times says in a report. This push comes amid recent delays in gaining approval from the EU Council, where some member states have raised concerns. While seeking these exemptions, the MEP involved maintains that the fundamental rules aimed at curbing environmental and human rights abuses within corporate value chains should not be entirely scrapped.

Increased screen time may elevate the risk of social and emotional difficulties in children, and those experiencing distress might subsequently turn to devices as a coping mechanism, leading to a "vicious cycle," a new study suggests, according to a report in EuroNews. The research indicates a potential two-way relationship where more screen use contributes to problems, and these problems, in turn, drive further screen engagement, highlighting concerns relevant to child welfare and digital regulation in Europe.

French cosmetics company L'Oréal has secured a majority stake in UK-based skincare brand Medik8, a strategic move aimed at strengthening its portfolio in the rapidly expanding dermocosmetics sector, EuroNews said in a report. This acquisition allows L'Oréal to further capitalize on the increasing consumer demand for specialized skincare products. The deal involves a prominent EU-based corporation investing in a British company, reflecting cross-border business activity within the current European economic landscape.

Warner Bros. Discovery intends to divide its studios and streaming operations in a bid to improve its performance amidst a competitive market, EuroNews says in a report. This global strategic move is prompting attention in Europe, where its implications for market competition, compliance with regulations such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA), and adherence to local content quotas are anticipated to be reviewed by regulatory bodies including the European Commission. Furthermore, European cultural ministries are expected to assess the effects on investment in and distribution of European content, while media worker unions will likely address potential impacts from restructuring on employment.

In the Polish region of Silesia, initiatives to commemorate Ernest Wilimowski, a celebrated local soccer player from the past, have ignited controversy and public discussion, The New York Times reports. Wilimowski's complex legacy, stemming from his time playing for the national soccer teams of both Poland and, subsequently, Nazi Germany during World War II, is now at the center of a debate raising difficult questions regarding national loyalty, historical memory, and betrayal.

Russia has announced intentions to significantly boost its economic and military ties with African nations, a move that includes reported changes to the Wagner Group's operations in countries like Mali, Al Jazeera says in a report. This strategic push by the Kremlin is viewed as a direct challenge to long-standing European influence and security interests in Africa, compelling European Union members and other European countries to reassess their engagement strategies and partnerships across the continent to counter Russia's growing presence.

LGBTQ+ parades were held in Poland and Portugal on or around June 7, 2025, providing an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ identity and advocate for political reforms, Euronews said in a report. In Poland, where same-sex relationships currently lack legal recognition, participants called for fundamental changes such as civil unions or marriage and anti-discrimination laws, particularly under the new pro-EU coalition government. In Portugal, which already recognizes same-sex marriage, demands focused on refining existing legislation, ensuring effective implementation of rights, and addressing societal discrimination.

Coco Gauff, ranked second in the world, emerged victorious over the top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the women's singles final of the French Open tennis championship held in Paris, France, on June 7, 2025, Euronews said in a report. The event, a significant fixture in the European sports calendar, saw the second seed triumph over the first seed at the Roland Garros stadium.

A decline in tourist arrivals is being observed on the Greek island of Santorini, with earthquake fears significantly influencing summer holiday choices for many international visitors, EuroNews said in a report. This downturn in tourism is attributed to seismic activity that occurred on the island earlier in the year, which has since reportedly prevented potential tourists from selecting Santorini as their destination.

Tens of thousands of people marched through central Rome on Saturday, demanding an end to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and calling for urgent action to allow humanitarian aid into the region, Euronews said in a report. The large demonstration in the Italian capital highlighted the protesters' calls for a cessation of hostilities and immediate humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza.

A prisoner exchange involving Russian soldiers under the age of 25 captured in Ukraine and an equivalent number of Ukrainian prisoners took place on Monday, an announcement from the Russian Ministry of Defense stated, as per a report in Le Monde. This exchange was conducted as part of agreements finalized in Istanbul on June 2nd, although the Russian ministry did not disclose the specific number of individuals exchanged on either side.

A Ukrainian opera star, a tenor who was designated an Honoured Artist of Ukraine in 2013 for his contributions to music, has been killed in a recent attack on the war-torn Sumy region, The Independent said in a report. The Sumy region is located in northeastern Ukraine and borders Russia.

Leaders from the 'Patriots for Europe' alliance, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, were expected to attend a 'Victory Day' event hosted by France's far-right National Rally in the Loiret region on Monday, Euronews says in a report. The gathering is a notable activity for the 'Patriots for Europe', a recently announced political initiative aiming to unite nationalist and sovereignist parties across the continent. This meeting takes place amidst ongoing realignments among right-wing parties in Europe and is relevant to the upcoming European Parliament elections.

Parts of Europe are bracing for a shift from recent severe thunderstorms to significant heat this week, with temperatures potentially soaring 10C above seasonal averages in several regions, The Guardian says in a report. Italy is expected to experience the brunt of the heat, with Florence in Tuscany forecast to reach up to 39C on Thursday and through the weekend. Germany, France, and Belgium are also anticipated to face hot conditions starting Wednesday, with widespread highs at least 9C above the June average, while many other European areas could see temperatures 5-7C above normal due to a high-pressure system creating a heat dome.

A creative vegetable sculpture contest took place at this year’s Lambeth Country Show in London’s Brockwell Park, Euronews says in a report. The entries included punny creations such as a papal-themed "Cornclave" and "Twin Leeks."

A Prague court on Monday sentenced Colombian national Andrés Alfonso de la Hoz de la Cruz to eight years in prison for carrying out an arson attack and planning another, in a case Czech authorities believe may be linked to Russia, AP said in a report. The Prague Municipal Court also mandated that de la Hoz de la Cruz, who pleaded guilty under an agreement with prosecutors, pay damages amounting to 115,000 koruna ($5,300). The 26-year-old was arrested a year prior after setting fire to public transport assets in Prague.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new EU ocean pact at a United Nations conference, with the stated goals of restoring natural habitats in oceans and promoting the competitiveness of the maritime industry, according to a report in EuroNews. This initiative is presented as a component of the broader EU Green Deal, which is the bloc's strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and is intended to support the EU's contributions to international environmental objectives concerning biodiversity and ocean health.

Jonathan Anderson, originally from Northern Ireland, has taken on the historic role of creative director for both the women's and men's collections at the French fashion house Dior, Euronews says in a report. This appointment marks the first time an individual has held this dual creative leadership position since the house's founder, Christian Dior. Anderson previously served as the creative director of the luxury fashion house Loewe before stepping down to assume his new responsibilities at Dior.

Dozens of children in Germany and Austria have been sickened in a Salmonella outbreak linked to cashew butter, with European health authorities confirming at least 24 children have been hospitalized in Germany alone, Euronews said in a report. Health officials are currently investigating the precise source of the Salmonella contamination within the supply chain of the cashew butter to identify the specific products involved and prevent further illnesses.

Al Jazeera published a compilation of key events marking day 1,200 of Russia's war on Ukraine on June 8, 2025, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This date signifies the conflict has been ongoing for over three years, and the article outlines significant developments from this day in the protracted war impacting Europe.

Russia claims its forces shot down 10 Ukrainian drones that were targeting Moscow, leading to the suspension of flights at the city's Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports due to safety concerns, Al Jazeera said in a report. The alleged attacks were reported on June 8, 2025.

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced criticism towards the United States concerning specific climate funding actions undertaken by the former Biden administration, and he called on nations to reach an agreement on planetary protection during the UN Ocean Conference held in Nice, EuroNews said in a report. Macron's statements at the conference, which focuses on ocean health's linkage to climate change, emphasized the need for reliable international financial commitments to address global environmental challenges.

Amidst an Italian citizenship referendum, claims that Rome grants the most citizenship applications in Europe each year are being scrutinized, EuroNews says in a report. The examination aims to provide factual clarity on Italy's position within Europe regarding the conferral of citizenship, a topic with significant political implications and public interest as voters consider changes to national citizenship laws. This fact-checking initiative will likely analyze data, potentially from Eurostat, to compare Italy's citizenship grants with other European nations.

Poland's electoral commission is set to consider erroneously completed protocols from the recent presidential election, a process that will inform a report presented to the Supreme Court, EuroNews said in a report. The Supreme Court holds the final decision on the election's validity, which it will determine after reviewing the commission's findings and considering any filed protests. Meanwhile, an online petition is circulating, demanding a recount of votes from the election's second round.

Total beer consumption in Belgium experienced a further decline of 2% in 2024, primarily due to increasing costs and heightened health concerns among consumers, EuroNews said in a report citing the Belgian Brewers association's annual findings. This reduction in consumption affects government revenue from alcohol excise duties and places pressure on the significant Belgian brewing industry. The trend aligns with broader European public health campaigns related to alcohol consumption and occurs within an economic context of inflation impacting consumer spending habits.

UK businesses, particularly manufacturers, are urging for government intervention due to persistently high industrial electricity prices, which are often among the highest in Europe, as per a report in Financial Times. These elevated costs are attributed to a combination of factors including high wholesale gas prices influenced by the broader European energy situation, the structure of the UK's energy market, network costs, and policy-related expenses such as green levies and carbon pricing mechanisms like the UK Emissions Trading Scheme and Carbon Price Support. The situation is further complicated by the UK's departure from the EU, which has altered its relationship with the integrated European energy market, and ongoing debates about the costs associated with achieving Net Zero targets.

The third U.N. Ocean Conference is underway in Nice, France, aiming to ensure nations transform longstanding commitments into tangible protection for the seas, AP says in a report. This summit highlights the gap between current marine conservation efforts and the “30x30” global target, which seeks to conserve 30% of land and sea by 2030, as existing protection from destructive activities is reportedly far below this goal.

Near Kyiv, volunteer air-defense units are actively involved in Ukraine's efforts to defend against Russian drone attacks, employing equipment such as searchlights and older firearms, The New York Times says in a report. These civilian-operated units function in coordination with Ukraine's formal military air defenses, which include advanced systems like Patriot missiles. The primary roles of these volunteer groups include spotting incoming threats, providing early warnings, and potentially engaging low-flying, slower-moving drones. This approach is part of Ukraine's layered air defense strategy, aimed at enhancing protection and addressing the cost disparity between inexpensive Russian drones and costly Western-supplied interceptor missiles.

Basel's sole five-star hotel, Les Trois Rois, has unveiled a significant relaunch featuring a new wing designed by the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, Financial Times said in a report. The opening of this new addition to the historic hotel in the Swiss city is timed to coincide with the internationally renowned Art Basel event.

A shortage of certain antidepressant medications, including Venlafaxine, Teralithe, and Sertraline, in pharmacies across Lille and its metropolitan area in France is compelling patients to travel to neighboring Belgium to secure their prescriptions, Le Monde said in a report. Psychiatrists in the region are increasingly advising this cross-border solution to prevent patients from experiencing abrupt interruptions in their treatment. This local issue is indicative of wider, ongoing challenges with drug shortages for various essential medicines throughout Europe, frequently linked to supply chain vulnerabilities and manufacturing problems.

Three cavers who were trapped in a cave in the Isère department of France have been successfully extracted, Le Monde said in a report. Nearly 80 personnel were involved in the rescue operation, including 50 firefighters from the departmental fire and rescue service (SDIS) and 10 specialists in perilous environment rescue.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has announced that excerpts from the miniseries 'Adolescence,' which have previously been shown in British colleges and high schools, can now be viewed in French schools, according to a report in Le Monde. The series will be available for students from the 'classe de quatrième' (typically ages 13-14) and will be accompanied by pedagogical support to ensure appropriate discussion and context.

Russia claimed its forces intercepted 49 drones, while Ukraine's military reported that Russian forces launched 479 attack or decoy drones and 20 missiles overnight, Le Monde said in a report. Additionally, two drones reportedly crashed into the JSC VNIIR-Progres research center in Russia's Chuvashia republic, with no casualties reported.

Major shipping lines are hesitant to utilize the increasingly ice-free Arctic Ocean route for shorter transits between Asia and Europe, primarily due to substantial economic and geopolitical risks, Financial Times says in a report. Factors contributing to this caution include the unpredictability of ice conditions, lack of robust infrastructure, high insurance costs, and significant geopolitical uncertainties, particularly concerning Russia's control over large parts of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and its increased military buildup in the region. The suspension of Arctic Council cooperation, involving European nations, following past Russian actions, and China's 'Polar Silk Road' ambitions further complicate the strategic landscape for European trade, making the risk premium too high for many operators despite potential disruptions on traditional shipping routes.

US chipmaker Qualcomm has agreed to acquire UK technology firm Alphawave in a transaction valued at $2.4 billion, Financial Times said in a report. This acquisition of the connectivity technology specialist is anticipated to lead to Alphawave's departure from the London Stock Exchange, marking another company delisting from the UK market.

The UK government's efforts to keep details of its intelligence agencies' involvement in the CIA's post-9/11 torture programme hidden face an 'unprecedented' challenge this week, as cases filed by two Guantánamo Bay prisoners are being heard in a rare four-day trial at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), The Guardian says in a report. The IPT has been investigating claims that the UK's intelligence agencies, MI5 and MI6, were complicit in the mistreatment of these prisoners.

French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte, arrived in Monaco for a significant state visit, marking the first time a French president has officially visited the principality since 1984, Euronews said in a report. Upon their arrival, Macron and his wife were formally welcomed by Monaco's head of state, Prince Albert II, and Princess Charlene, with the reception including military honours.

France's plans to significantly increase defence spending, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, are threatened by the country's high national debt and steep borrowing costs, Financial Times says in a report. Macron aims to strengthen France's military capabilities partly in response to a perceived pullback of the United States from European security commitments, a situation influenced by the current US administration under President Donald Trump. This fiscal pressure complicates efforts to meet increased defence budget targets designed to enhance national and European security.

Thousands of pilgrims observed the traditional Pentecost at Șumuleu Ciuc in Romania, according to a report in Euronews. Following a centuries-old tradition, some attendees first stopped at the Franciscan cathedral to pray before proceeding to Șumuleu Hill, where a mass was held at an open-air altar.

Strasbourg's Musée alsacien has initiated a call for members of the Turkish community in Alsace, France, to contribute emblematic personal and cultural objects, which will then be exhibited as part of the museum's parcours, Le Monde says in a report. This initiative aims to integrate the heritage of the Turkish community into the museum's narrative, thereby acknowledging and preserving the cultural memory of this community within the Alsatian region.

Ukrainian authorities report that nearly 16,000 civilians are missing and believed to be held in Russian prisons, leading to fears among their families that a potential peace agreement might not secure their return, BBC News says in a report. The article highlights the profound uncertainty and anguish experienced by these families and underscores the significant humanitarian challenge posed by the large number of unaccounted-for civilians in the ongoing conflict.

Euronews Business has explored the highest-paying jobs and sectors within the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, utilizing job posting data sourced from the hiring platform Indeed, Euronews says in a report. The analysis focuses on identifying which careers currently offer the most substantial salaries in these key European economies based on the available listings.

Poland initiated the operation of Polish and allied aircraft in its airspace on Monday morning following what it described as an intense Russian air attack on Ukrainian territory, Le Monde said in a report. The Polish General Staff announced on X (formerly Twitter) that these actions were of a "preventive nature" in response to the heightened aerial activity by the Russian Federation in western Ukraine.

Russia's persistent, albeit costly, military advances in eastern Ukraine are creating significant obstacles for ongoing international peace initiatives, the Financial Times says in a report. These incremental territorial gains, achieved amidst Ukrainian shortages exacerbated by previous delays in Western military aid, strengthen Moscow's perceived negotiating position and diminish its incentives for substantive peace talks on terms acceptable to Kyiv. The situation is increasing pressure on European Union member states to enhance military and financial support for Ukraine and is impacting discussions on the EU's long-term security strategy and defense capabilities.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, formally the Government Pension Fund Global and the world's largest, has called for ambitious and urgent reforms to European capital markets to improve their competitiveness, the Financial Times said in a report. This call for action aims to create deeper and more integrated markets, supporting the European Union's ongoing Capital Markets Union (CMU) initiative, which seeks to reduce fragmentation and make it easier for companies to raise capital and for investors to operate across borders. The fund's push for reform comes amid broader concerns about European economic competitiveness and the need to finance significant green and digital transitions.

Hedge funds are actively looking at distressed companies in France that are owned by private equity firms, driven by a combination of factors including prevailing economic weakness, the companies' high debt burdens, and a recent legislative change that has reportedly made these businesses more attractive targets for such investment, the Financial Times said in a report. This increased interest from hedge funds signals potential restructuring or changes in ownership for these vulnerable French enterprises.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his French Open title, winning the 2025 men’s singles final against Italy's Jannik Sinner in a match described by the source as an "epic" encounter and "one of tennis's greatest comebacks," Al Jazeera said in a report.

Ukrainian agents are actively conducting undercover operations, striking targets far behind enemy lines inside Russia, a development occurring while Russia continues its aerial bombardment of Ukraine, Deutsche Welle said in a report. These operations, which include drone attacks, sabotage by infiltrated agents, or actions by local sympathizers, contribute to a pattern of increased incidents within Russia and are often framed as a response to Moscow's aggression. While Ukraine may hint at responsibility, attribution for specific attacks can be ambiguous, sometimes involving Ukrainian intelligence services or anti-Kremlin Russian volunteer groups operating from Ukraine. These actions carry significant political implications, challenging Russia's internal security narrative, boosting Ukrainian morale, and fueling debate among Western allies regarding escalation risks and support for Kyiv.

Former UK City minister Tulip Siddiq has requested to meet Bangladesh’s leader during his London visit, stating she wants to clear up a 'misunderstanding' after corruption allegations from his administration led to her resignation from the UK government, The Guardian said in a report. Siddiq has been accused by authorities in Dhaka of benefitting from the former regime of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was Bangladesh's prime minister for 15 years and was put on trial in absentia last week over alleged crimes against humanity.

A new search for Madeleine McCann has resumed in Portugal, a development reportedly stemming from an inside tip and the utilization of advanced technology to investigate areas connected to her disappearance, Fox News said in a report. This occurs while Christian B., identified as the prime suspect but not charged in the McCann case, is approaching potential release from a German prison where he is incarcerated for unrelated crimes. The ongoing investigation into Madeleine's vanishing involves cooperation between authorities in Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

NHS England needs to recruit over 200,000 new blood donors to avert a risk to public safety, according to a report in The Guardian. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is aiming to reach a total of 1 million donors to satisfy increasing demand, as nearly 800,000 individuals, representing 2% of England's population, contributed to the nation's blood supply last year. This call for more donors follows an amber alert issued by NHSBT in the previous year concerning the low levels of blood stocks available for hospitals.

France is contemplating mandating age verification for users of Elon Musk’s X platform, Politico says in a report. This consideration stems from X's indication in 2024 that it permits the distribution of pornographic content, leading Digital Minister Clara Chappaz’s office to state that X "must therefore be treated as such." The potential French measure is being discussed in the context of broader European efforts to regulate online platforms and protect minors, such as the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), under which X is designated a Very Large Online Platform.

A trade deal promised by President Donald Trump to Britain faces questions, as duties between the two countries remain in effect one month after an agreement, referred to as 'historic', was announced, Politico says in a report. There is currently no clear timeline for when these import duties will be lifted, despite the earlier announcement of the deal.

The UK government plans to ban bottom trawling in half of England’s designated marine protected areas, according to a report in The Guardian. This proposal, expected to be announced by Environment Secretary Steve Barclay, has garnered support from environmental organizations. The move precedes a United Nations summit in Nice addressing ocean health and follows sustained pressure from conservationists, amplified by a David Attenborough film that showcased the damage to marine ecosystems in British waters from the fishing practice.

Belgian light weapons manufacturer FN Herstal is experiencing a significant increase in its order books as it supplies several NATO armies, amidst broader European efforts to bolster defense capabilities, Le Monde says in a report. The company, a major global player in small arms, recently faced a setback with its unsuccessful attempt to acquire French hunting rifle manufacturer Verney-Carron. This development occurs as European nations continue to increase their defense spending and replenish military stockpiles.

Gangs in Sweden are reportedly turning to social media to recruit adolescents under the age of 15 to carry out killings for money, as per a report in Le Monde. Many of these young individuals, who are drawn into organized crime, previously had no connections to such activities.

A fan died after falling from the stands during extra time at the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain in Munich, an incident confirmed by UEFA, Deutsche Welle said in a report. The fatality occurred during the European football championship match.

Conservative political factions in Germany are increasingly advocating for the reintroduction of compulsory military service, a system the country suspended in 2011, according to a report in Politico. This renewed debate is largely driven by the significantly altered security landscape in Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and aligns with Germany's 'Zeitenwende' policy, which involves a substantial increase in defense spending. Proponents within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) parties suggest that reinstating conscription could help address ongoing recruitment and readiness challenges faced by the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces. The discussion also considers various models, potentially including options for civilian service, as calls for strengthening national defense capabilities grow.

The Dutch government is advancing a controversial plan to cap flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, citing the need to reduce noise pollution for nearby residents, a move that has provoked strong reactions from environmental activists, local groups, and the aviation industry, Politico Europe says in a report. This decision in the Netherlands is being viewed as a potential bellwether for other European nations grappling with similar conflicts between aviation's economic benefits and its environmental and social impacts, particularly as the EU considers broader regulations for the sector. The situation underscores the increasing pressure on European governments to reconcile post-pandemic air travel recovery with pressing sustainability and quality-of-life concerns.