Author: staff
The possession, manufacture and trafficking of illicit firearms could soon carry prison sentences ranging from two to eight years across the entire European Union, under a new proposal unveiled by the European Commission on Thursday. The draft directive presented by the EU executive in Brussels plans to harmonise how firearms-related offences are defined and punished across the 27 member states. It argues that the divergent national rules have created loopholes that criminal networks exploit when operating across borders. The creation, acquisition, possession or dissemination of 3D-printed firearm blueprints would for instance carry a maximum prison sentence of at least two…
Updated: 26/02/2026 – 14:46 GMT+1 A sinkhole formed suddenly in Omaha, Nebraska, Tuesday afternoon and swallowed two cars stopped at a red light. Omaha Police said the two drivers were able to get out of their vehicles — and the sinkhole — by the time emergency crews arrived. No injuries were reported. … More
It’s the latest apparent outreach by the Trump administration to far-right figures in Europe, and comes despite enhanced scrutiny of tourists traveling to the United States. “The World and the West is a better place when we fight for freedom of speech and no one has been on the front lines more than Tommy,” Rittenhouse posted. “Good to see you my friend!” A U.S. Department of State spokesperson told Reuters that Robinson attended “in an unofficial capacity on a tour” Wednesday. As part of the same U.S. trip, Robinson — whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — also shared a…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz should prioritise Germany’s €87 billion trade deficit with China and attract Chinese investment during his state visit this week, business leaders and China experts have told Euronews. Merz arrived in China on 24 February for his first trip to the country as chancellor, accompanied by a large cross-sector business delegation including numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. “Political relations have a direct impact on the business success of German companies in China,” said Oliver Oehms, managing director of the German Chamber of Commerce in North China. “It is therefore all the more important that the chancellor signals…
Published on 26/02/2026 – 10:20 GMT+1•Updated 10:24 The global demand for advanced chips is growing at an unprecedented pace. Innovation hubs such as the Belgian research centre imec, are shaping the next generation of technology by training talent and supporting startups to meet global challenges across computing, healthcare and AI. “If you open your phone or any modern device, you will see chips. Semiconductors have driven the renaissance in computing and communication, and today they’re enabling AI,” said Max Mirgoli, Chief Global Development, Partnerships and Venturing Officer and EVP at imec. Leading nanoelectronics Imec, headquartered in Belgium and often called…
Climate change may threaten the value of Bansko’s prime ski slopes, but the Bulgarian resort has found an all-season solution to boost its economy, drawing in a cosmopolitan community of digital nomads. Three centres offering hundreds of co-working spaces to online workers have sprung up in the town in recent years, supported by a fast internet connection and improved infrastructure. “I read that this was the best place to start as a digital nomad,” says Oscar Train, a 25-year-old Dane who since 2021 has worked remotely from Bansko for about six months of the year. “I came here to kind…
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has published its 2026 performer ballot, a 17 nominee shortlist that puts global pop and Latin names alongside stars from heavy metal, R&B and hip-hop. The Hall says the ballot reflects how its scope has widened over time, with “rock and roll” now treated as a big tent for influential popular music. Among the most high-profile nominees are Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, Shakira and Phil Collins. Organisers say the list recognises “the ever-evolving faces and sounds” of popular music and its influence on youth culture. Collins is already inducted as a member of…
She added: “Within my role as AI champion, I will be looking for some more confidence for the industry as to what the government is doing to protect firms, or what mitigations the industry needs to be put in place, so that we’ve got the confidence that we won’t be out of pocket for the things that we don’t have any input over.” Her warnings come as multiple sectors are eyeing ways to diversify away from the U.S., particularly in the EU, in the wake of Trump’s ongoing tariff war and threat to use force to take Greenland. In financial…
Published on 26/02/2026 – 12:49 GMT+1 US tariffs are biting. US President Donald Trump has threatened to annex nearby Greenland. And his nominee for ambassador just joked about making Iceland America’s 52nd state. With such friends around, suddenly Brussels bureaucracy looks incredibly appealing. Let’s investigate together. Iceland actually applied to join the EU in 2009 after its banking system collapsed. But as the economy recovered, Reykjavik froze negotiations in 2013 and completely withdrew its bid two years later. The biggest stumbling block today? Fishing rights. Iceland’s economy relies on its waters, and handing over control is a tough sell. Or…
French prosecutors have opened an investigation into whether the disbanded far-left group La Jeune Garde has reformed under satellite structures, months after authorities dissolved the organisation. In a statement sent to Euronews, the Paris prosecutor’s office said it had been notified on Tuesday of a report from the ministry “denouncing the group’s revival, in the form of satellite structures, of La Jeune Garde.” The prosecutor added that the investigation has been assigned to the Paris Research Section (SR) of the Gendarmerie, France’s national military police force, which has judicial investigation units alongside the civilian police. The Paris prosecutor also noted…