Author: staff

In the leaked cable, which has not been verified by POLITICO, State Department officials expressed concern over the application of Spain’s right-to-die law “in cases involving psychiatric conditions and non-terminal suffering” and instructed its diplomats to relay Washington’s “serious concerns” to their Spanish counterparts. The dispute reflects a wider breakdown in U.S.-Spain relations, with persistent clashes over NATO defense spending and Madrid’s refusal to back the war on Iran. News of the diplomatic probe irked officials including Spanish Health Minister Mónica García, who urged U.S. President Donald Trump to stop “sticking his nose” into Spain’s internal affairs. “Spain is a…

Published on 01/04/2026 – 14:17 GMT+2 A cruise missile struck an oil tanker off the coast of Qatar early Wednesday after Iran launched three missiles toward the country, according to the Qatari Ministry of Defence. Air defences intercepted two of the incoming missiles, while the third hit the vessel in Qatar’s northern territorial waters. The tanker, identified as the Aqua 1, was operating under contract to QatarEnergy. Despite the strike, authorities said the situation was quickly brought under control. All 21 crew members onboard were evacuated safely, and no casualties were reported. Officials also confirmed there was no environmental damage…

A U.K. official confirmed the meeting will take place Thursday, and be held virtually rather than in-person. The U.K. will also convene military planners to examine how they can “marshal our capabilities and make the Strait accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped,” Starmer said. Countries behind the joint statement, which pledged to work on “appropriate efforts” to safeguard the major trade route, include the United Arab Emirates, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. This story has been updated with more information about the meeting.

Israeli police dispersed protesters gathered outside the Knesset in Jerusalem following the approval of a new death penalty law by lawmakers. The legislation allows for the execution of Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks classified as terrorism. Footage shows officers arresting demonstrators and moving crowds back as people chant and hold signs, including messages such as “Palestinian lives matter.” Some protesters displayed symbolic nooses during the demonstration. The law has prompted reactions from critics, who have raised concerns about its legal implications and application.

Published on 01/04/2026 – 13:03 GMT+2 Lawmakers in France’s Senate have approved a plan to restrict social media for children under the age of 15, as countries across Europe consider national social media bans for minors. The reform voted on Tuesday is key to a pledge by French President Emmanuel Macron. It follows a January proposal in the National Assembly. But both houses of the French parliament have different versions of the law. The Assemblée Nationale (National Assembly), the lower house that passed legislation in January, asks that all social media platforms delete all accounts belonging to children under 15…

Starmer’s comments come amid a major transatlantic rift over Iran, the latest episode that has put Europe at odds with Donald Trump’s America. But the British leader downplayed suggestions that he is being forced to choose between the U.S. and EU. “I’m not going to choose because I think it’s in our interest to have a strong relationship with the U.S. and with Europe,” he said “But I do think that when it comes to defense and security, energy, emissions and the economy, we need a stronger relationship with Europe.” He added that “successive presidents” had in fact encouraged Europe…

In an interview with Euronews’ flagship morning programme Europe Today, Polish energy secretary Wojciech Wrochna said EU capitals should be driving the response to the energy crisis as the European Commission tries to keep a unified approach. “We need a coordinated response to the crisis, but the capitals should be driving the measures,” Wrochna said. Until now, the EU has looked at contingency measures at national level, although fiscal capacity for aid and subsidies greatly across member states, and broader measures presented by Brussels. The EU’s energy chief Dan Jørgensen warned member states this week that prices could remain elevated…

A chocolatier in Barcelona is creating contemporary versions of traditional Catalan Easter treats known as “monas.” Typically gifted by godparents to children, these cakes come in shapes such as eggs, rabbits and chicks. Footage shows chef Diana Patino crafting and decorating chocolate pieces using moulds, natural colours and edible glitter. According to the Barcelona Patisserie Guild, up to one million “monas” are produced annually in Catalonia. Patino, originally from Colombia, says she focuses on balancing sweet and acidic flavours, offering a different approach to the classic recipe. Prices for the creations range from around 40 to 100 euros.

Updated: 01/04/2026 – 12:00 GMT+2 Italy’s World Cup hopes ended in heartbreak after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia, leaving stunned fans in Rome lamenting another missed chance and a 16-year absence from football’s biggest stage. … More

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned it will target American technology companies in the Middle East as of April 1. The list of targets includes 17 American companies: Cisco, HP, Intel, Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, IBM, Dell, Palantir, Nvidia, J.P. Morgan Chase, Tesla, GE, Spire Solution, Boeing, according to a Telegram post from the IRGC. The Emirati company G42 is also listed. American information and artificial intelligence (AI) companies are “the main element” in designing and tracking the “terrorist operations” that the United States has conducted against Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said. “We will target…