Author: staff
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.
In an amendment tabled to parliament late on Monday, the government stipulates that in cases involving criminal acts by members of parliament, the investigation must be conducted by a special investigating judge, effectively excluding European prosecutors. “In cases of criminal acts committed by members of Parliament, for the prosecution of which the relevant authorization of the Parliament has been granted […] in the case of felonies, the preliminary investigation must be conducted, notwithstanding any other general or specific provision, by a special investigating judge,” the provision reads. The legislative amendment will go to a parliamentary vote late on Tuesday. EPPO reacted with…
Dozens of workers gathered outside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday demanding that US immigration authorities stay away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Images showed protesters holding “Kick ICE Out” signs, chanting slogans and marching toward the stadium ahead of a meeting with FIFA representatives. Workers said they feared personal information collected during the tournament accreditation process could be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some employees also warned they could strike if no guarantees were provided before World Cup matches begin next month. California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer joined the demonstration.
Published on 19/05/2026 – 8:28 GMT+2 Many people once again reached for their winter coats and woolly socks at the weekend. This week, though, summer in Germany is set to really gather pace: By midweek a strong early-summer area of high pressure will have established itself over south-western Europe. The decisive factor behind this development is the jet stream, a band of strong winds at an altitude of around nine kilometres, explains meteorologist Martin Puchegger at wetter.com. Over the coming days this jet stream will run well to the north of the high-pressure area, allowing a high to extend from…