Author: staff
Workers used a crane to install a massive bronze statue of Pelé outside Estadio Jalisco in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Aerial and ground images showed crews lifting and positioning the nine-meter-high sculpture beside the stadium as onlookers gathered to watch. Created by Mexican artist Alejandro Velazco, the monument titled “La Canarinha” depicts Pele celebrating during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, where Brazil won the tournament. Estadio Jalisco is one of the venues set to host matches during the 2026 World Cup.
“The process of redeploying U.S. military forces and assets in Europe is ongoing, but no decision has been made to reduce U.S. military capabilities in Poland,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said in a post on X. “The decisions being made are in no way directed against our strategic partnership. The Pentagon is currently preparing a new plan for the deployment of its forces across Europe.” ‘Blurred’ picture In practice, the two U.S. announcements will be part of the same drawdown, according to two people familiar with the matter, with the ultimate aim of reducing troop numbers in Germany. The 4,000-strong 2nd Armored Brigade Combat…
Published on 19/05/2026 – 19:07 GMT+2 A palpable sense of embarrassment was noticeable when the Anthem of Europe resounded in the Strasbourg European Parliament on Tuesday, with a clutch of grey heads at the centre of the stage symbolised the Old Continent getting older. The conferral ceremony of the European Order of Merit was meant to celebrate the European Union with an assortment of heavyweights who helped build it and fresh faces who can shape its future. But of the 20 laureates chosen this year, almost all the 13 laureates who actually attended the ceremony belong to the emeritus cohort,…
US President Donald Trump named Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the “great leaders and allies” who convinced him to “hold off” on a renewed strike on Iran, propelling the three Gulf countries to the forefront of an expanded political architecture in addition to Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the search for a conclusion of the war in Iran. Trump said that the Qatari, Emirati and Saudi leaders — whom he said he respects — asked him to postpone the renewed military action as “serious negotiation are now taking place”. “In their opinion a deal will be made which will…
PARIS — Former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe will cooperate fully with investigators after financial prosecutors ordered a judicial inquiry into allegations of embezzlement, a local official linked to Philippe said Tuesday. Philippe, one of the leading candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential election, “takes note” of the opening of the inquiry against him, said the official for Le Havre regional authority, who was granted anonymity in line with protocol rules. “He will, of course, answer all the questions that the [magistrates] will ask him in a very serene fashion, as he always has done,” said the official. France’s National…
The EU is hopeful it can reach a deal on a raft of measures aiming to slash red tape, increase transparency and supercharge domestic production to respond to growing security threats – but significant issues remain regarding autonomy, risking the continent’s security. On Tuesday, members of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Cypriot EU Council presidency representing member states met in Brussels to rubber-stamp the so-called “Defence Readiness Omnibus” — a set of measures proposed a year ago and aimed at streamlining processes for the defence industry. But divisions have emerged regarding the details of the proposals, particularly…
Drones that struck the Emirates’ only nuclear power plant last week were launched from Iraqi territory, the UAE said on Tuesday, pointing to a significant escalation by Tehran-backed groups in a war that has repeatedly targeted Gulf energy infrastructure. On Sunday, an unclaimed drone struck an electrical generator near the Gulf’s only nuclear power plant in Barakah in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, triggering a fire but causing no injuries or radiation leak. Two other drones had been intercepted. Barakah is near the borders with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and the strike raised fears of consequences across the Gulf. “As…
Keir Starmer’s leadership has been dealt a severe blow over the past fortnight as almost 100 MPs said that he should set out his timetable to step down as prime minister. Several of his ministers, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, have resigned to trigger a contest to replace him. Earlier on Tuesday, Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, was selected as Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election. He has been talked up by several Labour MPs as a potential successor to Starmer and as one of the few politicians in their party viewed positively by the electorate. Reform UK,…
Updated: 19/05/2026 – 19:38 GMT+2 Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was awarded the European Order of Merit on Tuesday. Merkel warned that Europe could no longer take peace and security for granted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She also said changes in US security policy showed old certainties were fading. … More
Finance ministers and officials from G7 economies gathered in Paris on Tuesday for a second day of high-level economic talks. Images showed leaders arriving for a family photo alongside flags representing G7 nations and the European Union. Among those attending were French Finance Minister Roland Lescure and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Discussions took place against the backdrop of rising global tensions linked to the Iran conflict, US tariffs and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices, artificial intelligence-related cyber threats and access to critical minerals were also expected to be discussed during the meetings.