Author: staff
LONDON — U.K. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has vowed to work more closely with other “middle powers” to reduce the concentration of power in the AI market — arguing that doing so is in the interest of the United States, too. In a major speech on Tuesday, Kendall said: “AI is now the engine of economic power and hard power,” but warned that control over the technology is becoming “increasingly concentrated.” However, she said that “none of this should be taken as weakening our deep, close and enduring relationship with the U.S.” Instead, she argued that increasing resilience and control aligned with Trump’s call…
Updated: 28/04/2026 – 18:00 GMT+2 Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this April 28th, 2026 – latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel. … More
“Never underestimate the Parliament,” its president, Roberta Metsola, warned in a press conference after the vote, insisting lawmakers will not simply “rubber-stamp” the budget proposed by the capitals. Parliament’s pro-EU parties — the conservative European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialists & Democrats, the centrist Renew group and the Greens — all backed the call for more money for the EU to grapple with challenges such as defense and competitiveness. “We believe we cannot do more with less; that is a myth,” said Siegfried Mureșan, a budget negotiator for the EPP. “Obviously the majority of members can only vote in favor if…
Ukrainian interceptor systems shot down more than 33,000 Russian drones in March, a record monthly figure since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s defence minister said. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s domestically-developed long-range attack drones struck a Russian oil refinery and terminal on the Black Sea for the third time in less than two weeks, prompting the evacuation of local people as a precautionary measure. Ukraine has developed cutting-edge and battle-tested drone technology that has proved essential in holding back Russia’s bigger army and has drawn military interest from around the world. Interceptor drones as part of a comprehensive air defence…
Crowds dressed in orange filled the streets and canals of Amsterdam to celebrate King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. People gathered to dance, sing and party, with boats packed along the city’s waterways and streets lined with stalls and celebrations. The annual King’s Day festivities drew locals and tourists alike, with many enjoying the warm weather and festive atmosphere. Despite its royal origins, the holiday has become a nationwide celebration of spring and community, bringing people together across the country.
By Lucy Davalou & AFP Published on 28/04/2026 – 18:15 GMT+2 Finland has become the first country in Europe to host a full lithium production cycle, from mine to refinery, according to the Geological Survey of Finland. The Syväjärvi open-pit mine in Kaustinen will produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide, a critical material for modern electronics, ranging from electric vehicles to smartphones. The appetite for lithium is often compared to the demand for oil at the dawn of the 20th century — and Finland holds some of Europe’s largest reserves of it. Reducing reliance on Asian and Australian imports Keliber CEO Hannu Hautala said the…
PARIS — Pour ceux qui voulaient déjà réformer le fonctionnement des commissions d’enquête, le débat autour du bienfondé de la publication du rapport de la commission sur l’audiovisuel public a apporté bien du grain à moudre. Rappel du contexte : les uns pointant le risque que le rapporteur Charles Alloncle (UDR) se victimise dans les médias Bolloré en cas de non-publication, les autres étant trop dérangés par le contenu du rapport pour accepter d’y être associés, les choses se sont finalement soldées par un petit “oui” arraché lundi 27 avril par Alloncle aux députés enquêteurs. A douze voix contre dix,…
The European Parliament will call for an increase of nearly €200 billion in the next common EU budget, setting the stage for heated political talks over resources. MEPs are calling for an overall increase of around 10% and want to keep the repayment of Next Generation EU — the joint debt issued in 2020 to address the economic impact of COVID-19 — outside of the budget. The Commission pitched €2 trillion in July last as a starting point for talks. The parliament’s position is expected to clash with EU governments, which are reluctant to increase their contributions to the multiannual…
Families from southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs were forced to flee again, setting up tents along the Beirut waterfront after renewed Israeli warnings. Footage shows makeshift shelters, families living in tents and cars, and people washing clothes as displacement continues. Some had briefly returned home during a ceasefire but were forced to leave once more. Displaced residents described destroyed neighborhoods and ongoing hardship, with many uncertain where to go next as tensions persist.
Early in the hearing, McSweeney told MPs that he “didn’t feel” he had got the whole truth back from Mandelson in those three answers. This would be political dynamite, given Starmer pressed ahead anyway. But later in the hearing, McSweeney corrected himself — saying he acquired these doubts in September, after it emerged Mandelson had been better friends with Epstein than he let on (“it was like a knife through my soul”). “I didn’t think he had lied [at the time]. I thought he had told the truth, and that was the basis of which I thought we were going…