18 h. ago Europe must boost space investment to secure autonomy from US, says ESA boss

Investing in space vital for sustaining quality of life amid ‘volatile geopolitical’ landscape, says Josef AschbacherDonald Trump’s return to the White House has prompted a shift away from ties with America by European political leaders and a rapid increase in defence spending as the continent’s security reaches a “turning point”. The ripples from Europe’s newfound desire for self-reliance could go even further: as far as space.Europe’s drive for more autonomy means it must also increase its invesment in space technology, according to Josef Aschbacher, director general of the European Space Agency (Esa), the intergovernmental body tasked with overseeing the space exploration ambitions of European countries including much of the EU and the UK. Continue reading...

Economics

41 h. ago ‘It makes me want to scream’: Nobel peace prize winner horrified by planned exits from landmine treaty

Plans by five Nato countries to pull out of life-saving agreement are ‘stupid’, says Nobel laureate Jody WilliamsWhen leaders from dozens of countries met in Mozambique a decade ago, their aim was to rid the world of one of its most treacherous weapons. Years after signing a landmark treaty banning the use, production and stockpiling of landmines, they seized on the gathering to set out an ambitious deadline for the completion of their efforts: 2025.Now 2025 is here, a very different precedent looms as five European countries have announced their intentions to be the first to withdraw from the treaty. All are Nato members that border Russia, and cite concerns about the growing threat posed by Vladimir Putin. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago There is a way to turn Trump’s chaos into an opportunity. Here is what European leaders must do | Paul Taylor

The EU, the world’s biggest single market, can reposition itself and become less reliant on exporting goods to the US and ChinaThis is why America first doesn’t have to mean Europe last.Europeans have had plenty to mope about since Donald Trump entered the White House not quite three months ago. The US president has said that the EU was created to “screw the United States” and slapped punitive tariffs on European goods. He has cast doubt on the US commitment to defend Nato allies. He has cosied up to Vladimir Putin, insulted Volodymyr Zelenskyy and tried to settle Russia’s war in Ukraine on terms that would undermine European security. His vice-president has denigrated European democratic values, and his national security team has spewed venom in a Signal chat at “pathetic” Europe.Finally complete the European capital markets union and banking union to unleash the cross-border investment power of some €3tn in European savingsStrike trade deals with countries and regions around the w...

Politics

8 d. ago I've visited 89 countries and hundreds of cities. My favorite place is an underrated European gem that outshines Paris and London.

I've visited 89 countries and hundreds of cities. My favorite place is an underrated European gem that outshines Paris and London.  Business Insider

Politics

1 week ago State Pension payments of over £1,040 each month in these European countries

The UK State Pension is worth up to £230.25 each week during the 2025/26 financial year.

Economics

1 week ago International aid fell in 2024 for first time in five years – and is expected to get worse

Foreign aid spending by 24 countries, including the US, UK and European Union, fell by more than $15bn last year – before the impact of huge cuts by Donald Trump have taken effect. Nick Ferris reports

Politics

1 week ago Government ‘in talks on migrant removals agreement with France’

A Home Office spokesman said ministers are ‘intensifying’ collaboration with France and other European countries.

Politics

1 week ago EU will struggle to fill gap left by USAID as European countries cut their budgets

NGOs warn of ‘some difficult years’ ahead as increasing humanitarian needs meet shrinking financesThe dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has captured headlines, but “very regrettable” reductions in European aid budgets are also contributing to a void in support for some of the poorest people in the world’s most fragile states, according to MEPs and NGOs.Isabella Lövin, a deputy chair of the European parliament’s development committee, said USAID cuts would have “very dramatic consequences around the world”. But she also criticised recent decisions by EU member states to reduce their aid budgets as “very regrettable” and “wrong”. It would be impossible for the EU to fill the gap, she added. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Fears over virus prompt European countries to shut borders as 'biological attack' concerns rise

Livestock are being slaughtered by the thousands in Hungary after the first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in more than 50 years.

Events

2 w. ago Travel warnings issued for trans people planning trips to the US

Several European countries have issued travel advisories for their transgender, non-binary, and third-gender citizens hoping to travel to the US, after Donald Trump's recently signed executive order.

Events

2 w. ago ‘Go Trump’: Florida shoppers back tariffs – but others are worried

Some Gainesville voters remain loyal to the president, while others cut back on buying and business owners hike pricesIn Gainesville, Florida, a small city in the north-central part of the state, small businesses and shoppers are bracing for the impacts of Trump’s sweeping tariffs.The Trump administration announced a baseline of 10% tariffs on nearly every country in the world last week, with much higher rates on countries such as China, Taiwan and Vietnam, and 20% tariffs on European Union countries. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Ukraine war briefing: Macron urges strong action against Russia if it continues to ‘refuse peace’

French president speaks after missile attack on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s home town that killed 20, including nine children. What we know on day 1,139See all our Russia-Ukraine war coverageFrench president Emmanuel Macron on Sunday called for “strong action” if Russia continued “to refuse peace”, days after a Russian ballistic missile killed 20 people, including nine children, in Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s home town. Despite US and European efforts to secure peace in Ukraine, Russia continued “to murder children and civilians”, Macron said. “My thoughts are with the children and all civilian victims of the bloody attacks carried out by Russia, including on 4 April in Kryvyi Rih,” Macron said on X. “A ceasefire is needed as soon as possible. And strong action if Russia continues to try to buy time and refuse peace.” Macron said that even though Ukraine accepted US president Donald Trump’s proposal for a complete ceasefire and European countries were also working to secure peace, “Russia is co...

Politics

3 w. ago EU leaders hold their first summit with Central Asian states

The leaders of the European Union and five countries of Central Asia are holding their first summit to discuss ways to boost trade and other ties

Politics

3 w. ago US committed as ever to Nato and Trump is not against the alliance, says Rubio

Washington wants to see European countries increase defence spending to five per cent, the US secretary of state said

Politics

3 w. ago Tourists warned of new travel rules for Spain, Greece and Portugal

Which? have put together a list of up-to-date travel rules in the European countries to keep travellers in the know.

Events

3 w. ago European country's paedophiles could be chemically castrated for early jail release

The procedure is already used in 12 European countries, and is voluntary. It is set to be introduced in a desperate bid to stop reoffending and abuse against children

Events

3 w. ago Chemical castration for paedophiles is proposed under new bill in Cyprus

According to the proposed regulations, child sex offenders can apply to be released early from prison if they agree to be sterilised.

Science

3 w. ago European travellers entering the UK will have to buy a new ETA electronic permit from Wednesday in huge shake up of travel rules

Visitors from some 30 European countries, including all the members of the EU with the exception of Ireland, will need to carry the electronic permit to enter Britain.

Politics

4 w. ago Travel permit UK information as EU citizens need new document to come to Britain

Travel permits - known as electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - are crucial for people in European Union (EU) countries if they want to visit the UK following a change to travel rules

Politics

4 w. ago European countries named best for holidays in April with 24C temps and short flights

From the insatiably popular Canary Islands to a tiny EU island crammed with history and sugar-like beaches, here are the sunniest spots to visit this Easter if you're in dire need of topping up your tan

Politics