Author: staff

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…

Greece’s parliament lifted the immunity of 13 lawmakers on Wednesday, as demanded by European and Greek prosecutors investigating the alleged theft of millions of euros in EU farm subsidies. According to Greek authorities, the network defrauded at least €23 million after it began in around 2018. Parliament Vice President Georgios Georgantas said lawmakers had overwhelmingly voted to lift the immunity of 13 lawmakers from the ruling conservative New Democracy party of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which has been ensnared in the scandal. The politicians had requested that their immunity be waived to clear their name. The EU’s European Public Prosecutor’s…

Lufthansa Group has cancelled 20,000 flights in a bid to curb jet fuel costs. In a statement published on Tuesday, the group, which also includes flag carriers such as Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways and SWISS, said the reductions target “unprofitable short-haul flights” through to October. The move is projected to save more than 40,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel. Some of the cuts will come from the closure of its CityLine regional subsidiary, which was announced last week. According to Lufthansa Group, CityLine flight cancellations equate to a 1% trim of its usual summer capacity. The first 120…

Yvette Cooper  The U.K.’s current foreign secretary was keen to remind MPs she wasn’t running the Foreign Office when the seeds of the Mandelson saga were sown. Asked about the Doyle revelation in the House of Commons Tuesday, Cooper said: “Obviously, I was the home secretary at the time that I understand that took place, so I was not involved and do not know the circumstances.” Robbins told MPs earlier Tuesday that he was “under strict instruction” from No. 10 not to discuss the possibility of Doyle’s posting with Lammy, something Cooper said she was “extremely concerned” about. For good…