Author: staff

Published on 22/04/2026 – 19:00 GMT+2 The United Nations human rights office voiced alarm on Wednesday at the number of people being executed in Singapore for drug-related offences, saying it was incompatible with human dignity. UN rights chief Volker Türk said there had been a general shift away from the use of capital punishment in Asia and Singapore was one of only a few countries imposing the death penalty for drug-related crimes not involving intentional killing. The death penalty is mandatory in Singapore for drug trafficking above certain quantities, such as 500 grams of cannabis or 15 grams of heroin.…

Darfur is currently one of the worst-affected regions in the ongoing war in Sudan, where much of what is unfolding echoes — and in some ways repeats — the violence of the early 2000s. Peter Biro, reporter and humanitarian aid worker, was there at the time, documenting the Sudanese government and allied Janjaweed militias as they carried out a ruthless campaign against rebel groups and civilians in Darfur, killing hundreds of thousands of people and displacing millions more. As a Euronews reporter, I met Peter years later, while covering humanitarian crises around the world for the Euronews flagship programme Aid…

BRUXELLES — Le président du Conseil européen, António Costa, presse les 27 dirigeants des Etats membres d’avancer sur le prochain budget de 1 800 milliards d’euros de l’Union européenne lors d’un sommet qui se tiendra à Chypre vendredi. Alors que l’Europe cherche tant bien que mal à faire face aux conséquences de la guerre au Moyen-Orient sur les prix de l’énergie et sur son économie, il est peu probable que les chefs d’Etat et de gouvernement présents à Nicosie aient à l’esprit les détails du prochain budget à long terme de l’UE. Mais António Costa souhaite parvenir à un accord d’ici…

Published on 22/04/2026 – 19:22 GMT+2 Spain’s far-right Vox party returned to the regional government of Extremadura on Wednesday after reaching a deal with the conservative Popular Party (PP), renewing their alliance ahead of a general election expected in 2027. Regions wield significant powers in key areas such as health and education in Spain’s decentralised political system, making the western region’s government a potential bellwether for the national vote. Vox withdrew from five regional governments in 2024 where it had been in coalition with the PP, including Extremadura, citing a dispute over the distribution of unaccompanied migrant minors. The PP’s…

Published on 22/04/2026 – 17:05 GMT+2 Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov confirmed Wednesday that Kazakh oil transit to Germany via Russia through the Druzhba pipeline is suspended from 1 May, based on what he called “information from unofficial sources”, but that “as soon as the technical feasibility issue is resolved, transit of Kazakh oil will resume.” Akkenzhenov told journalists in Astana that “there have been no official statements from the Russian side yet, but we know from unofficial sources it is true” that “for the month of May, we have zero transit through Adral Samara along the Druzhba pipeline and…

Von der Leyen’s remarks generated headlines in Turkey, a longtime EU candidate country and key NATO ally. A Commission spokesperson later told Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency that the Commission president had meant to recognize the country’s “geopolitical clout, size and ambition.” That clarification didn’t pass muster with Michel, who on Wednesday took to X to slam von der Leyen for her comments. He described Turkey as “a core #NATO ally, a key migration partner, an energy corridor, a major defense actor on Europe’s flank, and a serious regional power.” “Europe doesn’t get stronger by applying double standards or simplifying reality,”…

Published on 22/04/2026 – 18:12 GMT+2 The European Union’s leading energy official cautioned on Wednesday that the severe energy crisis triggered by the United States and Israel against Iran is likely to drive up prices for months, if not years. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen emphasised that the impact will be long-lasting, rather than a brief or minor spike in costs. He noted that the war is costing Europe €500 million (about $600 million) per day, warning that “very difficult months, or possibly even years” lie ahead. The sudden loss of 20% of global oil and natural gas exports through…

The Experience Macao Roadshow took place at Puente del Rey in Madrid, bringing together more than 20 stands presenting the culture, gastronomy and tourism offer of Macao. Visitors were able to explore themed areas featuring virtual reality experiences, cultural workshops and food tastings, including traditional Chinese and Portuguese-influenced dishes. Activities included calligraphy sessions, lion dance performances and a driving simulator of the Macau Grand Prix circuit. The event also involved tourism operators, airlines and hotel groups promoting travel connections to the region. Organisers aimed to increase visibility of Macao in European markets, particularly Spain, as part of a broader international…

Published on 22/04/2026 – 16:54 GMT+2 Organisers, DJs, and attendees who have gathered to dance at an event billed as Marseille’s “final rave” have experessed concern at the recently announced crackdown on “frees” – or unauthorised parties – by French lawmakers. The bill calls for up to six months in prison and a €30,000 fine for organisers of gatherings of more than 250 people, as well as heavy financial penalties for participants. Indeed, if adopted by the Senate, the bill provides for a fine of €1,500 for participants, rising to €3,000 in the event of a repeat offence. Event organiser…

The RSVP trust fund, created to satisfy president Petr Pavel’s condition for Babiš’s formal return as prime minister, came under renewed scrutiny after a leaked legal document suggested that he did not fully cut his ties. The Commission is still evaluating whether Prague has taken adequate steps sever Babiš’s links to a major recipient of EU funds. The head of SZIF, Petr Dlouhý, said he’s satisfied. “Following the legal assessment, I conclude that the trust fund RSVP Trust meets the conditions … within the meaning of the conflict of interest legislation,” Dlouhý said. The agency will process new funding applications, and…