Ukraine’s latest challenge is how to deal with hope
Besides beating Russia,
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David Hearst – Iran has won the war. Trump and Netanyahu now face a reckoning
The idea of Trump and Netanyahu was to destroy Iran as a force within the region, thereby forcing all countries in the Middle East to submit to their colonial plans. That clearly hasn’t happened.
Politico – Don’t let Big Tech hide ecological cost of AI, environment agency chief tells EU
If Big Tech can build data centres and hide the energy consumption of those data centres, transparency is dead in the EU. Read the full article HERE.
Trita Parsi – Iran to Israel: You hit Lebanon, and we’ll hit the UAE
Tit-for-tat strikes between Iran and the US don’t seem to have scuppered a possible deal yet, but long term the threat Israel poses to Lebanon may make any lasting peace impossible.
Michael Roberts – Edmund Phelps: free markets and inflation expectations
A profile of the late Edmund Phelps, a neoliberal economist until the end.
Euronews – Germany resists EU members’ push for a tougher stance on China
Germany’s confusion about the sort of relationship it wants with China is symptomatic of an EU that hasn’t woken up to the fact that it can’t compete with Chinese manufacturing and neither can it afford to shut the door to Chinese manufacturing.
Lollobrigida: We need an industrial strategy for fertilisers
The EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Hansen, pointed out that, in order to tackle the fertiliser supply crisis, "the Commission will draw down the remaining amount from the Agricultural Reserve, which currently stands at around 200 million, and will propose to the budgetary authority that this amount be at least doubled, thereby making it a very substantial budget"
EU Council extends sanctions against Moscow over human rights violations
Brussels – The Council of the European Union decided today to extend by one year, until 28 May 2027, the framework of restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses, the repression of civil society and the democratic opposition, as well as the undermining of democracy and the rule of law in Russia. Currently, the EU’s restrictive measures apply to 72 natural persons and one legal entity.
Putin to Raise Armenia's EU Ambitions at Kazakhstan Summit, Kremlin Says
Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a three-day visit, during which he is expected to address Armenia’s EU membership bid — a move Moscow has openly criticized.
Dozens of Countries at UN Condemn Moscow's 'Threats' to Embassies in Ukraine
Russia called on Washington to evacuate its Kyiv embassy, threatening "systematic strikes" on the Ukrainian capital amid similar warnings to other diplomatic missions.
Britain Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Crypto Infrastructure
Britain imposed a new round of sanctions on Russian cryptocurrency platforms and financial infrastructure that it says are helping Moscow circumvent Western restrictions and fund its war effort in Ukraine, targeting a Kremlin-linked crypto network and several widely used digital payment services.
Orsini lambasts the EU: “Stifled by a lack of competitiveness, we risk an industrial wasteland”
Rome – Europe must change course or face industrial decline. At the annual assembly, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and the government, the president of Confindustria, Emanuele Orsini, lambasts Brussels, but also warns Rome: no Member State has the political and economic resources to “tackle alone the challenges facing us—geopolitical, technological, climatic and demographic.”
The EU responds to the Pope’s call on AI: “An effective legal framework is already in place in Europe”
The European Commission has stated that it “fully shares” the view expressed in Pope Leo’s encyclical on AI: “Thanks to our legal framework,
Von der Leyen: “When the Baltic states are put to the test, the whole of Europe is put to the test”
The President of the European Commission met with the leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in Vilnius.
From Gdańsk to Kyiv, via Berlin: Merkel, Wałęsa, and the missing axis
The Strasbourg hemicycle rises to its feet for a gentleman of eighty-two whose moustache, now sculpted by the years, has become an iconographic attribute on a par with Che Guevara’s beret. Lech Wałęsa sits beside Jerzy Buzek, the former Polish prime minister who once presided over this Parliament.
Six in 10 missing person reports in Spain are children
NEW data has revealed a drop in the number of missing persons across Spain, but the amount is still more than 25,000 with over 60% cases involving minors.
Moscow Court Jails HSE Professor 3.5 Years for Navalny Donations
A Moscow judge sentenced a mathematician at the Higher School of Economics (HSE) to 3.5 years in jail after he was found guilty of extremism, the exiled science outlet T-Invariant reported Tuesday.
New US attacks in Iran; the EU: “Make the guns fall silent”
Brussels – “The time has come for all parties involved to silence their guns and resolve outstanding differences by peaceful means, in accordance with international law”. The European Commission has condemned the latest US attacks in Iran and issued a renewed call to return to the path of diplomacy.
Moscow Court Upholds ‘Extremist’ Label for Galitsky’s Venture Capital Fund
A Moscow judge on Tuesday upheld a lower court ruling designating tech entrepreneur Alexander Galitsky’s venture capital fund as an “extremist” organization and seizing 8 billion rubles ($97.5 million) worth of assets.
NASA photos Torrevieja’s pink lake to help Mars hunt
An astronaut aboard the International Space Station captured Torrevieja’s vivid pink saltwater lagoon from 400km up — and the microorganism that gives it its colour is now at the centre of NASA’s search for ancient life on Mars.
Estepona buggy amputee wins compensation after seven-year fight
A MAN who lost his arm in a buggy tour accident in Estepona has been awarded compensation after a seven-year legal battle.
Mango murder: Isak Andic had earlier fall – defence
Security camera footage shows Isak Andic suffering a fall three months before he died on a mountainside, with defence lawyers for his son Jonathan, charged with his murder, say the footage could be crucial to the case.
Russian Government Again Fails to Sell Stake in Gold Miner
The Russian government has once again failed to sell the country’s third-largest gold producer by auction, the RBC news outlet reported Tuesday, saying the only interested bidder in a second attempted auction was ultimately barred from participating.
InRento crosses €100M in financing as European property developers look beyond banks
Traditional real estate investing has historically been difficult for most people to access, requiring large amounts of capital, complex legal processes, and direct property management.
Trade: surplus halved in the first quarter of 2026
Brussels – Rising energy costs and a fall in exports to the US have put pressure on the European Union’s trade and accounts in the first quarter of 2026. According to the latest figures released by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, in the first quarter of 2026, the EU’s trade surplus fell to €12.7 billion,
President of Russia’s Biggest Lobby Group Tapped as Putin’s Next ‘Business Tsar’
The president of Russia’s largest business lobby will oversee a revamped version of the country’s business ombudsman office, the Kremlin said Tuesday, ending a two-year vacancy at the top of the state watchdog.
Certo raises $4M for AI-powered consumer goods compliance platform
Certo, an AI-powered compliance platform for the beauty and consumer goods industries, has raised $4 million in seed funding to accelerate product development and support its international expansion. The round was led by Daphni, with participation from Entrepreneurs First, Motier Ventures, and Transpose Platform. The company is also supported by advisors, including Alexandre Godvin and Vincent Delacourt, co-founders of AQM, which was acquired by Eurofins Scientific.
ReVision Implant secures €4M to advance vision restoration technology
ReVision Implant, a Belgian neurotechnology company developing a cortical visual prosthesis for people with severe blindness, has secured €4 million in an oversubscribed funding round backed by private investors.
Putin Signs Law Forgiving Up to $140K in Debt for New Military Recruits
President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Monday forgiving up to 10 million rubles ($140,000) in unpaid debt for new military recruits and their spouses, marking the latest state financial incentive aimed at luring more men to fight in the war against Ukraine.
Raw dog food blamed in Spain expat pet tragedy that cost €20,000
AN American expat is urging pet owners to exercise caution after a vet recommended a diet change that led to her dog’s death.
InfiniteRoots acquires Bosque Foods to scale industrial mycelium production
Mycelium foodtech company InfiniteRoots has acquired Bosque Foods, integrating Bosque’s expertise in solid-state fermentation and whole-cut product development into its mycelium platform.
Conil-based brand draws international designers to Cadiz
A COMPANY founded in Conil de la Frontera is gaining recognition beyond Spain while contributing to local employment and economic activity across the Cadiz region.
Busy Spanish airport reopens after month of repair works
BRITS heading to northern Spain this half term will find travelling easier from tomorrow as a major airport reopens following a month of repair work.
Foreign Ministry Summons Czech Diplomat Over Detention of Orthodox Church Cleric
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it had summoned a senior Czech diplomat to demand the release of a Russian Orthodox cleric who was detained after containers of a suspicious white substance were found in his car.
School bus struck by train in Flanders leaves at least four dead, including two students
Brussels – A train has collided with a school bus at a level crossing near Buggenhout, a Belgian town of 15,000 inhabitants located in the province of East Flanders. The accident occurred at around 8 am this morning (26 May) and, according to reports by the local broadcaster RTL, according to Belgium’s Transport Minister, Jean-Luc Crucke, there are reportedly at least four fatalities: two of the seven pupils on board the coach, their teacher, and the driver.
Expat garage owner ‘scams’ up to 50 car buyers out of about €1 million
AN incredible 45 victims have joined an action group against an expat car dealer in southern Spain.
Madrid priest stopped with viagra and poppers after erratic driving stop
A priest from Cuenca was stopped by Policia Municipal in central Madrid after officers allegedly found viagra pills and poppers in his car while travelling with a young man.
MISSING: British woman and pet dog vanish near Valencia
FEARS are mounting for the wellbeing of a British woman who vanished along with her beloved pet dog while travelling home from the Costa Blanca.
Costa del Sol has one police boat for 200km of narco territory
The Guardia Civil’s Malaga maritime unit can only put one of its two ageing patrol boats to sea at any time — as a separate video shows narco launch crew openly mocking authorities by waving from a Costa marina.
Iran: businesses turn more pessimistic, but only in the short term
Brussels – The war in the Middle East, and especially the conflict in Iran, is reshaping business expectations, with companies now more pessimistic about their business prospects. Market operators fear rising costs and prices, leading to lower revenues and reduced access to bank credit. This is what emerges from an analysis conducted by the European Central Bank’s experts, and published on its blog.
Russia and India in Talks for Additional S-400 Missile System Deliveries
Moscow and New Delhi are in negotiations for additional deliveries of Russian S-400 long-range air defense systems, Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) said Tuesday.
Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger launches VC business
Gary Lineker’s growing media and production company Goalhanger has launched a venture capital arm, as it looks to diversify its business and invest in creator-led media businesses.
Spain becomes Europe’s jet fuel hub amid crisis
With jet fuel prices doubling and Lufthansa cancelling 20,000 flights, airlines are looking to Spain’s eight refineries to top up tanks — but the government says protecting domestic supply comes first.
Voxmind raises £546k Pre-Seed funding as cloud giants exit voice biometrics market
London-based voice biometrics and deepfake detection startup Voxmind, has closed a £546,491 pre-seed round led by Ascension Ventures. The round also includes participation from Mark McDermott (co-founder of ScreenCloud), lead angel Russell Hart, and members of the Cambridge angel network.
Otomato raises $2M from Improbable to build real-time intelligence layer for DeFi users
DeFi intelligence company Otomato has raised $2 million from Improbable. Active DeFi users today manage positions across multiple protocols and chains, constantly switching between dashboards, missing critical events such as liquidations, rate spikes, and depegs (when a stablecoin or currency loses its fixed value against the asset it is meant to track), and drowning in noise from generic alert tools. Otomato solves this problem. Its customers provide their wallet addresses, and Otomato automatically detects every on-chain position - lending,
3 bedroom Villa for sale in Mazarron with pool – € 289,900
Discover this exclusive development of 2 new-build villas located in the prestigious Country Club residential area.
Inside the Nexus Luxembourg agenda: The high-stakes Conversations defining European Tech in 2026
The countdown to Nexus Luxembourg 2026 has entered its final phase. As 10,000 innovators prepare to descend on the Grand-Duchy’s capital, the release of the Official Agenda confirms that this is not just an event - it is a strategic briefing for the leaders of the European digital economy.
Fire guts Malaga Ibis hotel – building may collapse
A blaze that started in Le Grand Café bar in the early hours of Monday burned through four floors of the Ibis hotel above it over 15 hours, driven by wooden cladding and a change in wind — all 130 rooms were evacuated with no injuries.
Spain’s €9bn energy efficiency plan for homes and public transport
Pedro Sanchez announces energy efficiency plan for Spain’s homeowners and communities as well as cut-price public transport for low earners
Tonada exits stealth with backing from Vercel’s CEO and Last.fm’s co-founder
An array of music-industry veterans and operators, including the co-founder of online music pioneer Last.fm and the CEO of cloud app hosting startup Vercel, are backing a Swedish AI-generated music platform designed to shake up the staid world of retail background music, which is emerging from stealth today.
House Fire Near Border With Kazakhstan Kills 6
Six people died in a fire in the village of Yuryevka near Russia’s southern border with Kazakhstan, local authorities said Tuesday.
Brit who killed Mijas bouncer arrest warrant issued
A judge has finally issued an arrest warrant for Harry Saunders, the notorious gangland figure who was already on bail for attempted murder when he punched Jose Pisani in Elliott Wright’s restaurant.
Telecom: 10 companies that raised the most in 2025
European telecom companies raised €4.8 billion in 2025, withfunding activity largely concentrated around network infrastructure,connectivity expansion, and next-generation communications technologies.
Second Spaniard confirmed as cruise ship hantavirus case
Health Ministry confirms second Spanish hantavirus MV Hondius liner infection with victim being kept in isolation at Madrid military hospital
Multiannual budget: 16 countries (including Italy) oppose the Commission and call for more funding for cohesion and agriculture
The so-called "Friends of Cohesion" issued a joint statement on the proposed MFF for 2028–2034, which is a slap to Fitto. They signal openness on own resources, in exchange for changes.
Gabor Maté, Felix Marquardt – Genocide Denialism
5 April 2026
Lucis raises $20M Series A to expand AI-driven preventive healthcare platform
Preventive health platform Lucis has raised $20 million Series A, led by Singular, with participation from General Catalyst, Y Combinator, and angels including investors behind Runna, Céline Lazorthes (Resilience), and Manu Lecomte.
The birth of Tio Pepe and Alicante’s homemade fireworks disaster
On this day in Spanish history there were two accidents - one good, one not so good. Come this way as Michael Coy explains how iconic sherry brand Tio Pepe got its name - and how Alicante blew itself up.
Quanscient lands €10M to advance AI- and quantum-native hardware engineering
Quanscient, a Finnish company focused on cloud-based multiphysics simulation technology and quantum algorithms, has raised €10 million in a Series A funding round to support its international expansion and further develop its simulation, quantum computing, and AI capabilities.
Avrea emerges from stealth with $4.7M to reinvent CI/CD for the AI coding era
Avrea, a modern Continuous Integration (CI) platform built for the agentic AI era of software development, has emerged from stealth after securing $4.7 million in total pre-seed funding led by Earlybird.
France Hands Over Russian Businessman to Lithuania
French authorities have handed over the former owner of Lithuania’s Snoras bank to the authorities in Vilnius, the country’s prosecutor’s office said on Monday.
Trade: Italy, along with four other countries, calls for a stronger EU policy towards the US and China
In a non-paper on trade signed with Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Lithuania,
Everything We Know About the Deadly Ukrainian Strike in Occupied Luhansk
The Kremlin on Monday condemned a Ukrainian strike on a college in the Russian-occupied town of Starobilsk in eastern Ukraine, calling it a “barbaric terrorist attack on young people.” Russia said at least 21 people were killed in the overnight strike, which hit a college dormitory housing 86 teenagers aged 14 to 18, and described it as one of the deadliest Ukrainian drone barrages in months.
Narcos steal Spanish Navy speedboats in Cadiz
Although later recovered in Barbate, the theft of the three boats was an embarrassing blunder for the Spanish navy operating in a region infested with narco activity.
An ageing population, a huge number of elderly people, and few births: Eurostat presents a picture of a fading Italy
Brussels – A large elderly population, an ageing population, low birth rates: Italy’s decline—demographic and otherwise—is encapsulated in this summary of the data from the latest edition on demography in the European Union published by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office. Italy is mentioned several times in the interactive document, but this is not a good thing. It is not good, first and foremost, for the country itself, which is portrayed as a nation slowly fading.
Russian Foreign Ministry Issues Fresh Warning of Retaliatory Strikes on Kyiv
Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Monday issued a fresh warning of imminent strikes against Kyiv as part of an ongoing retaliation campaign for a deadly Ukrainian attack against the occupied Luhansk region late last week.
Floods: the EU moves towards “multi-risk approaches”
This is the warning issued by an international study conducted by scientists at the Joint Research Centre, in collaboration with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research,
Serial voyeur filmed nearly 100 women in Sevilla changing rooms
A SERIAL ‘upskirt’ voyeur has been jailed in Sevilla after filming 94 women in changing rooms at a Sevilla shopping centre. Police discovered more than 150 illicit videos on the
Anapa to Reopen Beaches for Swimming on June 1 Following Oil Spill Cleanup
Beaches in the Black Sea resort town of Anapa will be ready for swimming starting next month as cleanup efforts from the December 2024 oil spill near completion, local officials said Monday. “Today, I signed a decree establishing the dates for the 2026 swimming season at public waterfronts across Anapa.
Leone XIV and Ursula, a Shared “Magnifica” Problem
The encyclical Magnifica Humanitas: how it measures up against the European Union’s ongoing work on artificial intelligence, and against the perennial,
Benidorm area car scamming gang busted by police in six raids
Benidorm car scammers put GPS trackers on vehicles before stealing them and changed registration to those of scrapyard wrecks
Kremlin Rejects Film Director Zvyagintsev’s Anti-War Appeal to Putin
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Zvyagintsev did "not have the right" to issue anti-war statements since he apparently has not condemned Ukrainian attacks on the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
European Committee of the Regions receives Charles V Award
Brussels – The Charles V European Award, a distinction given to those who promote the unification and cultural values of the European Union, was presented today (25 May) to the European Committee of the Regions, during a ceremony presided over by King Felipe VI of Spain.
Explosives Found on LPG Tanker Docked at Ust-Luga Port, FSB Says
Russia’s FSB security service said Monday that it thwarted an attempted “terrorist attack” after its agents allegedly discovered magnetic explosives attached to the hull of a tanker ship that had arrived from Belgium and docked for loading at the northwestern port of Ust-Luga. “Divers discovered foreign magnetic objects attached near the engine room that showed signs of being explosive devices,” the FSB said in a statement carried by state news agencies.
Cyprus parliamentary vote: traditional parties tread water, far right on the rise
The election to renew the island’s parliament has left the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, severely weakened: only one of the parties that supported him managed to win seats.
EU sees limited impact on tourism from high fuel prices
Spanish MEP Larraz has asked the Commission to quantify the impact of airline cuts in those Member States most dependent on the tourism sector and to set out the measures to be taken should the crisis worsen
Femicide: EU focuses too much on punishment and too little on prevention
Brussels – So frequent in the news yet insufficiently confronted: femicide in the EU remains an unresolved issue. This is the conclusion of a working paper by the European Parliament, produced by the think tank on behalf of MEPs. The data collected indicates that over a thousand women are killed in the EU every year, “in circumstances that often point to a gender-related motive, and the perpetrators are most commonly intimate partners or family members.”
Kazakhstan Will Not Enforce $1.4Bln Naftogaz Arbitration Award Against Gazprom, Justice Minister Says
Kazakhstan’s justice ministry said it will not enforce a special court’s decision allowing Ukraine’s Naftogaz to collect a $1.4 billion international arbitration award from Russia’s Gazprom. “The Republic of Kazakhstan will not serve as a transit venue for enforcing decisions that have no legal connection to the country.
Russia Targets Armenian Cognac and Wine in Latest Trade Curbs on Yerevan
Russia has suspended the sale of several Armenian alcoholic products, widening a series of trade restrictions that come amid increasingly strained relations between Moscow and Yerevan, Russia’s consumer safety watchdog said.
Police Colonel General Replaces Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Reports Say
Oleg Savelyev has stepped down as deputy defense minister, Russian media reported Monday, with sources identifying police Colonel General Vitaly Shulika as his replacement. Savelyev vacated his post “due to a transfer to another position,” sources familiar with the matter told Kommersant and RBC.
European tech weekly recap: Over €1.1B invested across 65+ deals
Last week, we tracked more than 65 tech funding deals worth over €1.1 billion, and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.
Tequipy raises €3M+ to automate global IT operations across 180 countries
Tequipy, a platform that ships, services, and retrieves employee IT devices in 180+ countries, has raised over €3 million in a round led by Smedvig Ventures, with participation from Manta Ray and Unfold.vc.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Border Regions Leave 2 Dead
Two people were killed in Ukrainian strikes on the Russian border regions of Belgorod and Bryansk, local authorities said Monday morning. “A drone attacked a vehicle in the town of Graivoron,” authorities in the Belgorod region said in a statement, reporting that “a civilian was killed.” In the nearby Bryansk region, a man was killed in a Ukrainian strike in the town of Belaya Beryozka, the Acting Governor Yegor Kovalchuk wrote on Telegram.
How drug lord ‘Bolle Jos’ turned Marbella into a killing ground
EUROPE’S most wanted drug trafficker ‘Bolle Jos’ has once again come under the spotlight after investigators linked his Dutch criminal network to Spain’s biggest ever cocaine seizure.
Spain housing: 3 million unbuilt homes trapped on blocked land
A NEW study claims Spain has enough land for up to three million new properties,
France’s Gen Z has fallen for a 74-year-old radical socialist
Jean-Luc Mélenchon defies the weakness of the European left
WATCH: Granada town reenacts 19th century rebellion against Napoleon’s troops
A TOWN near Granada was cast back in time this weekend as locals reenacted a landmark rebellion against Napoleon’s army in the 19th century.
Costa Blanca expat hotspot stars in Brit author’s debut novel
A THRIVING Costa Blanca town popular with expats has been used as the backdrop for a natural disaster novel written by a Brit.
‘I took the luxury Al-Andalus train across southern Spain’
SIPPING on a glass of ice cold Albarino as the last few rays of sunshine drench endless sunflower fields somewhere near Jerez, I wonder how life could get any better.
Where to eat best Espeto de Sardinas in Malaga this summer
IN Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, the boy-hero Pip contemplates the gravestones of his dead brothers.
2 bedroom Finca/Country House for sale in Itrabo – € 69,000
With 65 m² built, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, rustic property in Jurite, Itrabo. The property sits on a 833-square-meter plot and includes a 65-square-meter house with a living room/kitchen, bathroom,
British expats warn of the hidden risks behind Spain’s Arras Contracts
British expats have spoken up about the hidden risks behind Spain’s Arras Contracts and buying off-plan properties.
The Cradle: Over 50 countries continued to arm Israel during genocide of Palestinians in Gaza: Report
Dozens of countries that ratified the Genocide Convention still supplied arms to Israel even after the ICJ issued a provisional ruling that Israel was likely committing genocide in Gaza Read Article HERE (Photo credit: Palestinian [...]
Larry C. Johnson: Peace is at Hand? Don’t Hold Your Breath
Not since Neville Chamberlain returned from negotiating with Hitler in Munich on September 30, 1938 have we seen such a spectacle of deception and false hope.
Gibraltar authorities seize half a tonne of cocaine hidden in ships
AUTHORITIES in Gibraltar have seized nearly half a tonne of cocaine with an estimated street value of €29 million after discovering bales of the Class-A drug hidden in the hull
Russian Director Zvyagintsev Denounces Ukraine War ‘Carnage' at Cannes Awards
Acclaimed Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev urged President Vladimir Putin to end the “carnage” in Ukraine on Saturday after his new movie set during the war came runner-up at the Cannes Film Festival. “Millions of people on both sides of the line of contact now dream of only one thing: that the massacres finally stop,” he said in his acceptance speech at the awards ceremony in Cannes. “And the only person who can put an end to this meat grinder is you... put a stop to this carnage, the whole world is waiting for this.”
Spain’s Canary Islands record strongest earthquake in five years
TWO of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations playing host to thousands of British holidaymakers over the bank holiday weekend have been rocked by a string of earthquakes.
Russia Kills 4 in Massive Ukraine Attack After Vowing Retaliation
Russia pounded Kyiv with a massive missile and drone attack that killed four people, authorities said Sunday, after President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation for strikes in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine.
Spain travel: Soaring above Andalucia with a unique balloon ride
IF you are looking for something different for a birthday, anniversary or even a team-building day out in Spain,
Ian Proud – ‘Comrade Keir’ or just (finally) rational UK energy policy?
Lifting sanctions on Russian energy products at a time when there is a Iran war-induced crisis is drawing the usual firestorm regarding loyalty to Ukraine Ian Proud was a member of His Britannic Majesty’s Diplomatic [...]
John McEvoy, Karsen Trull – UK citizens and others subjected to ‘show trial’ in Germany, lawyers say
Two Britons are among activists being tried in Germany after targeting an Israeli weapons factory last year John McEvoy is Chief Reporter for Declassified UK Karsen Trull is the Press Officer at CAGE International Cross-posted [...]
ON THIS DAY: A Spanish singer is born and a deadly bar collapse
THE bare facts of Juanito Valderrama’s life are easily stated. He was born 110 years ago in the north-east of Andalucia.
Ukraine, U.S. Embassy Warn of Possible Major Russian Airstrike
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the United States embassy in Kyiv issued warnings Saturday about the risk of a major Russian airstrike in the coming hours.
Gipuzkoa: Spain’s smallest province is dominating Premier League
SANDWICHED between the Bay of Biscay and the French border in the Basque Country’s northeasternmost corner, the province of Gipuzkoa may not appear familiar to the average English football fan.
Best spots to watch Spain’s 2026 total solar eclipse
Looking for a spot to view the August solar eclipse in Spain? Discover these hidden villages and nature reserves with no light pollution.
Inside Ibiza’s superclubs providing innovative experiences
IBIZA’S biggest clubs are turning into giant art galleries this summer - and, somehow, it actually works.
ON THIS DAY: The tale of two Spanish royal marriages - and more
WHEN the current king and queen of Spain married twenty-two years ago yesterday, 25 million Spaniards – more than half the population – watched on TV.
Juzcar: Spain village that turned Smurf blue and never turned back
HIDDEN in the Genal Valley in Andalucia lies a village that leaves you speechless by the unique colors - or should we say colour. The tiny settlement,
Stolen van with rustled lambs intercepted by police in Catalunya
A SUSPECTED sheep thief has been caught after officers from Catalunya’s Mossos d’Esquadra police force stopped a stolen van packed with live lambs on a highway in the early hours
Mijas must-visit chocolate workshop: The ultimate kids day out
Planning a family day out on the Costa del Sol? Discover why the Mijas chocolate workshop is a must-visit attraction for kids.
4 bedroom Villa for sale in Mazarron with pool – € 299,000
We present an exclusive development of 3 new-build villas located in the tranquil Country Club urbanization in Mazarrón. Designed with a modern style,
Ukrainian Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Russian Oil Depot
A fire broke out at an oil depot in the southern Russian port of Novorossiysk following a Ukrainian drone attack, the city’s mayor said on Saturday.
Larry C. Johnson – Who is the Real Monster? Hezbollah or Israel… A Response to the Munk Debate
Monsters are imaginary beings, yet Nuland and Pompeo insisted on labeling almost every US adversary — e.g., Russia, China,
EU-Mexico agreement officially signed: lower tariffs
Sottotitolo: The agreement—signed today in Mexico City—will reduce tariffs on European products across several sectors. The greatest benefits will be felt in the agri-food, engineering, automotive, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Richard D Wolff – Europe and the United States: Crossroads Then and Now
A historical analysis of the relationship between Europe and the US Richard D. Wolff is an American Marxian economist known for his work on economic methodology and class analysis.
Ray Nayler, Chris Hedges – A Discussion on the New Novel ‘Palaces of the Crow’
In his new book, “Palaces of the Crow,” Ray Nayler examines human nature through the lens of caring and community amidst the often hidden horrors of World War II.
Russia and China’s ‘No-Limits’ Trade Partnership Is Losing Steam
On his visit to China this week, President Vladimir Putin touted Russia’s “no-limits” cooperation with Beijing, Moscow’s key trade partner and a critical economic lifeline since its rupture with the West in 2022. And judging by the lavish welcome the Russian leader received in the Chinese capital, one might think the relationship has nowhere to go but up.
Sevastopol Begins Rationing Gasoline Due to ‘Logistical Challenges’
Kremlin-backed authorities in the Crimean port city of Sevastopol on Friday announced gasoline rationing measures, coming as Ukrainian drone strikes against oil refineries across Russia cause a slump in fuel production. “We are currently experiencing certain logistical challenges, the causes of which are known,” Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev wrote in a post on Telegram. “To prevent panic buying, we are reintroducing a measure that has already proven effective in the past.”
NATO, Rutte: “US withdrawal is inevitable; greater European investment is essential”
NATO foreign ministers met this morning (22 May) in Sweden.
EU Commission launches public consultation on tobacco
Brussels – The public consultation period on the European Commission’s revision of the EU Tobacco Products Directive and the Directive on tobacco advertising begins today. The EU executive announced this in a statement. The launch of this public consultation follows on from and complements the call for contributions, which was also published this week; both are based on the European Commission’s assessment of the products, published in April.
Arrests of Clerics Highlight Fractures in Russia’s Muslim Leadership
Experts said the arrests may be part of “a pre-planned operation” aimed at “instilling fear in the Muslim community” and smearing the reputation of structures led by Grand Mufti Gaynutdin.
Poor sleep impacts health and behaviour: Tips to improve children’s sleep
Dr. Marco Antonio Gudiño, a paediatric neurologist at Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital, warns that poor sleep affects learning, behaviour, and growth,
Moving to Spain in 2026: NIE, TIE and Residency explained
SPAIN’S paperwork can be confusing for newcomers. Many foreign buyers and expats hear about the NIE, TIE, visa and residency documents before they fully understand the difference.
WHO against nicotine pouches: the debate over harm breaks out
Some experts argue that “if it is implied that pouches are almost as dangerous as smoking, smokers might be put off switching and continue to smoke cigarettes instead.”
Impact of Spain’s Housing Law three years on
THREE years after Spain’s Housing Law was introduced to ease the renting crisis, the results have fallen short of expectations.
Catalunya to fine train graffiti vandals up to €900,000
VANDALS caught spraying graffiti on trains will face massive financial penalties under a strict new law in Catalunya.
EOS-X Space raises $140M, Mistral acquires Emmi AI, and Bliq approved for fully driverless road operations in Estonia
This week, we tracked more than 65 tech funding deals worth over €1.1 billion and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.If email is more your thing,
The EU is providing €400 million for 65 projects to decarbonise heating
Brussels – The European Commission today (22 May) has selected 65 projects that will receive funding under the Innovation Fund’s heat auction (Innovation Fund 2025 Heat Auction – IF25).
Spain property: Buyers must save 59 years’ wage for Madrid home
A WORKER in Madrid would need to save almost 59 years of net salary to buy a modest home in the Spanish capital, according to an alarming new report.
Energy crisis: Rome and Brussels locked in a tug-of-war over flexibility. Giorgetti: “It will take months”
Brussels – Competitiveness, the housing crisis, the digital euro, and then the economic fallout from the war in Iran. There are many topics on the agenda for the European Union’s economic ministers, but the Minister for the Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti, is particularly concerned with the last one. The Treasury Minister has arrived in Cyprus to reiterate the government’s priorities and stance, namely that “flexibility on energy is necessary to support households and businesses.” Giorgetti’s message is anything but new. It was the Prime Minister,
Snow Melt Triggers Flooding in Far East Russia’s Buryatia
Melting snow has triggered flooding between the southern shores of Lake Baikal and northern Mongolia in Far East Russia’s republic of Buryatia, killing at least one person, according to regional emergency authorities.
British expat whose car was wrecked in Malaga ram-raid threatens to sue insurer
A BRITISH pensioner whose car was stolen and wrecked in an audacious ram-raid attack is threatening to sue his insurance company after it refused to pay out.
A Turkish court ousts the opposition leader from his job
Deposing Ozgur Ozel is another step towards autocracy for Erdogan’s Turkey
Travel warning for Madrid drivers before Pope Leo visit
MOTORISTS in Madrid have been warned to expect around two weeks of major disruption as the city prepares for the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV.
EU to suspend tariffs on nitrogen-based fertilisers for one year
Brussels – It has finally happened: Brussels has temporarily lifted tariffs on certain fertilisers. The Council of the European Union today (22 May) formally approved the suspension of customs duties on key nitrogen-based fertilisers, including urea and ammonia, for one year. According to European Commission estimates, this measure will save farmers and the EU industry around 60 million euros in import duties.
Telefonica sells Madrid headquarters on Gran Via for €200 million
TOMAS Olivo has won the battle for Europe’s former tallest skyscraper and one of Madrid’s most famous landmarks. The billionaire in question controls the property empire General de Galerias Comerciales.
BIOPARC Fuengirola celebrates 25 years with night openings
A favourite family attraction on the Costa del Sol is celebrating a major milestone with exclusive evening safaris, live shows, and mystical themed nights under the stars.
Spain housing crisis: Youngsters spend 99% of salary to move out
YOUNG Spaniards hoping to move out and live independently are now being forced to spend virtually their entire salary on rent, new figures have revealed.
Butterfly and bird populations are in decline across the EU
Eurostat data show that butterfly numbers have fallen by more than twice as much as bird numbers compared with 2000. Only forest bird species are showing signs of a slow recovery
Spain expands breast cancer screening to 3 million extra women
SPAIN has expanded its national breast cancer screening programme to include women aged between 45 and 74, meaning more than three million extra women will now be offered regular mammograms.
Trump’s White House Ballroom Commissioner to Attend Putin’s Speech at St. Petersburg Economic Forum
Rodney Mims Cook Jr. told Russian media that the State Department cleared his participation at SPIEF, which is scheduled to take place from June 3 to June 6.
Iran war and soaring energy prices: Eurogroup concerned about the outlook
Brussels –Cautious optimism. Europe, grappling with the crisis triggered by the war in Iran — marked by soaring energy costs and economic fallout — is a worried continent. The Eurogroup meeting in Cyprus becomes an opportunity to showcase this conflicted mood, with the European Union and the eurozone caught between discouraging, though not catastrophic, numbers and the spectre of what may yet unfold. Discussions begin with the European Commission’s economic forecasts, which show reduced but still present growth.
Swiss fugitive arrested in Spain after partner’s body found
A SWISS man accused of murdering his partner has been arrested in a remote part of Catalunya following a joint investigation with police in his native Switzerland.
Warning in Spain over fake Bad Bunny tickets
AS Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny prepares to start his sold-out Spain tour, Catalan authorities are warning fans to watch out for fake tickets.
Spain’s Pedro Sanchez speaks out over Gaza flotilla video
The video emerged after dozens of Spanish activists in the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained by Israeli forces while travelling to Gaza by boat
Russell Crowe movie halted in Spain over African swine fever
Filming of famed New Zealand actor’s new film has been halted over failure to comply with restrictions whilst filming at old golf course
Spain launches anti-wildfire campaign as heatwave begins
SPAIN’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has announced a nationwide anti-wildfire campaign amid a hot spell that could see temperatures soar to a scorching 38C in parts of the country.
Man arrested for kissing British boy, 4, in Magaluf hotel pool
A 33-YEAR-OLD Romanian man has been arrested for sexual assault after he kissed a British boy in a hotel swimming pool in Magaluf, Mallorca. He did not know the child,
3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Bahia de Casares with pool garage – € 595,000
3-Bed Elegant mansion-style penthouse for sale in Majestic Hills, Casares Playa Elegant penthouse in Casares Playa, Costa del Sol.
The call centre enters the voice AI era
In March, Tech.eu reported on the story of “Rachel,” an AI voice agent created by AI engineer Matt Cortland to call more than 3,000 pubs across Ireland and ask a simple question: how much does a pint
Notorious narco-cop claims ‘systemic’ falsification of police reports
A FORMER Spanish police chief has claimed there is a ‘systemic practice’ within the force involving the falsification of official documents linked to drug investigations.
Arsonist struck 24 times at popular Costa Blanca beauty spot
24 fires started by same man within a year at Alicante City’s Serra Grossa- viewing area popular with hikers
Russia Requests UN Security Council Meeting After Deadly Ukrainian Attack on Luhansk Vocational School
Russia has called a Ukrainian drone attack on a vocational school in the occupied Luhansk region that left at least four people dead and dozens more wounded a “monstrous crime” and requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the incident.
Pierrakakis: “There is stagflationary pressure, but Europe is holding up”
Brussels – On the eurozone economy, “there is stagflationary pressure, but we are still operating within a growth perimeter,” Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis said the day after the release of the spring economic forecasts, offering an assessment that struck no note of concern. Firstly, he explains on the sidelines of the Eurogroup meeting, because there are “no major surprises” in the European Commission’s forecasts, and secondly, because “there is a trend towards stagflation, but we are not yet in that situation.”
Bliq.ai wins approval for fully driverless road operations in Estonia
The authorisation is the first of its kind in the EU, allowing its remotely supervised autonomous vehicles to operate on public roads without a driver behind the wheel.
Alice & Bob expands Series B with investment from NVIDIA’s venture arm
French fault-tolerant quantum computing company Alice & Bob has raised investment from NVentures, NVIDIA’s venture capital arm, that expands its €100 million Series B round. The investment supports Alice & Bob's development of an architecture towards fault-tolerant quantum computing.
REPS raises $23.6M to turn roads into power plants by harvesting energy from traffic
Tyrol energy generation startup REPS today announced a $23.6 million equity financing round to scale its Road Energy Production System, a patented “road power plant” that converts vehicle traffic into electrical energy.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition – Israeli forces attacked aid boats for 35 hours
In a statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s US arm, organisers say Israeli forces carried out a prolonged assault on civilian aid boats in international waters, using gunfire,
Larry C. Johnson: A Religious Reason the Saudis Are Blocking a New Attack on Iran
The HAJJ. The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — the core religious obligations that define Muslim practice. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime. This obligation is drawn directly from the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
EU Parliament approves the Day for victims of work-relatedaccidents
Brussels – Following the vote in Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, today (21 May), the European Parliament’s plenary session voted in favour of the proposal to establish a European Day in remembrance of victims of work-related accidents and the protection and dignity of workers. For MEPs, this is an opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of prevention and workplace safety across the public, private, and institutional sectors, and to accompany it with concrete initiatives in schools and workplaces.
Michael Hudson, Lena Petrova – Why This Is Not the 1970s Again
18 May 2026 Lena Petrova: Welcome, everybody! Thank you so much for joining us. I’m Lena Petrova with a new episode of World Affairs in Context.
‘Whoever Controls Mala Tokmachka Controls the World’: How the Battle for a Ukrainian Village Became a Meme
For some observers of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Mala Tokmachka has been mentioned so often in Russian military reports and pro-war Telegram channels lately that it has started to sound as though it were the key to victory in the entire war.
€767 million from the UK to France to tackle migration
In 2025, 41,472 people arrived in the UK on small boats that had set sail from France.
Ukrainian Drone Attack Kills 3 Railroad Employees in Bryansk Region
A Ukrainian drone attack killed three railroad workers in the western Bryansk region, the state-owned Russian Railways (RZhD) said Thursday evening. “Today, a switcher locomotive came under a drone attack at the Unecha station.
Joseph Massad – Zionism was built as a bulwark against socialism
Long before today’s attacks on leftist politicians and Palestine solidarity movements,
Russia Postpones Planned Surcharges on Mobile VPN Traffic Until Later This Year, Reports Say
The Russian government has pushed back plans to introduce fees for mobile internet customers who use virtual private networks, or VPNs, Russian media reported Thursday, citing telecoms industry sources familiar with the matter.
Kubilius: “SAFE will not be automatically suspended in the event of a negative ruling by the Court of Justice”
Brussels – SAFE will not be scrapped, certainly not any time soon. The €150 billion defence programme will remain in force even if the judges were to rule against it and will not disrupt the European Union’s agenda.
EU approves Victims’ Rights Directive. Zan: the 2021 bill is now law
The new directive, which also provides for integrated support for minors, online reporting and healthcare for rape victims, has been approved. Zan (PD-S&D): "The core of the 2021 bill is now European law"
Spain to ban celebrities from promoting gambling
SPAIN is moving ahead with plans to ban celebrities and influencers from promoting gambling as the government ramps up efforts to protect young people from addiction.
Lukashenko Had a Dream. And That Dream Went ‘Boom.’
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko revealed Thursday that he had achieved one of his dreams: securing an arsenal of Russian Iskander-M nuclear-capable ballistic missile systems. “I once dreamed about this, and now we have more than one,” Lukashenko said as Belarus and Russia wrapped up a three-day joint tactical nuclear exercise. “It’s a good weapon,” he was quoted as saying by Belarusian media.
Spain bank holidays that fall on Saturday can be clawed back
WORKERS in Spain are celebrating after a new court ruling confirmed that public holidays falling on a Saturday cannot simply be lost if Saturday is already a worker’s normal day
Net EU imports of recyclable raw materials: +7.8 per cent
Eurostat shows that the EU mainly exports metals and imports organic materials, after waste materials have been processed and reused.
The EU Trades One Gas Dependence for Another
The bloc has swapped Russian pipelines for American tankers — without breaking its addiction to imported fossil fuels.
Health alert as contaminated Spanish olives are distributed to the EU
HEALTH authorities have issued an EU-wide alert after a batch of Spanish olives was found contaminated with a dangerous bacterium linked to potentially serious illnesses in humans.
Biofuels: EU Commissioner Tzitzikostas urges caution: “Only for aircraft and ships; for cars, the priority remains electric”
Speaking at the plenary session in Strasbourg, the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, referred to the ongoing review of the list of high-risk biofuels: "We have added palm oil and soya to the list of hazardous feedstocks"
Russia Joins U.S. and Iran in Voting Against UN Climate Change Resolution
The non-binding resolution backs a July 2025 International Court of Justice advisory opinion stating that it is “unlawful” for countries to neglect their climate commitments and that they may be required to pay “full reparation to injured states.”
Real Madrid’s boss calls an election
Europe’s once-dominant club will put its leadership to its members
How Europe is fighting for digital sovereignty
Escaping its dependence on America’s tech giants is a tall order
Bre-entry may be the next drama to grip the European Union
An old friend comes knocking
Man calmly washes blood off his hands after murdering ex-partner
The killer was arrested twice for threatening and beating his ex-partner before finally murdering her as soon as he was released the second time.
Charity launches new project after Brit mum murdered on Costa del Sol
A NEW initiative dedicated to confronting domestic abuse and gender violence has been launched in memory of a British mother who was stabbed to death by her ex-partner on the
The legal surprises that catch foreign buyers and heirs off guard in Spain
IT happens more often than people expect. You find the apartment, the villa, the little townhouse that finally feels right.
Mobility scooter fire forces evacuation of Torremolinos hotel
The popular Hotel Isabel in Torremolinos had to be evacuated on Thursday morning after two electric wheelchairs burst into flames in the reception area, leaving two people treated for smoke inhalation.
Crimea Cuts Protected Heritage Site Boundaries for Hotel Project Linked to Putin Allies
Authorities in annexed Crimea have reduced the protected boundaries of a medieval archaeological heritage site in Sevastopol to clear land for a hotel project linked to President Vladimir Putin’s billionaire childhood friends Boris and Arkady Rotenberg, exiled investigative outlet The Insider reported, citing documents from a state historical and cultural review.
Brit expats in Spain face 14-week wait for TIE residency cards
British nationals seeking vital TIE residency cards in Spain face waits of up to 14 weeks due to system backlogs and automated bots swiping online appointments.
Malaga money laundering raid sees property portfolio frozen
SPANISH authorities have dismantled a Malaga-based money laundering network, arresting two women and a man and freezing real estate assets linked to Moroccan drug traffickers.
Russia Vows ‘Total Solidarity’ With Cuba and Condemns U.S. Threats Against Island
Russia vowed Thursday to continue providing “active support” to Cuba and expressed “total solidarity” with the island nation after the U.S. indicted its former president on murder charges and deployed a naval carrier strike group to the Caribbean amid reports President Donald Trump is weighing military action against the government in Havana. “We reaffirm our total solidarity with Cuba,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement in which she condemned U.S.
Efferon secures €2.5M to grow blood purification platform
Biotech company Efferon has raised €2.5 million in a seed funding round led by private investors from the DACH region to support the European commercial expansion of Efferon LPS, its hemoadsorption device approved for the treatment of sepsis and septic shock.
Hantavirus: Tzitzikostas reassures that the EU risk is very low
Brussels – The risk to the European population of a hantavirus outbreak is “very low,” said the European Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, speaking in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg during the debate on the new threat of a Hantavirus epidemic. Tzitzikostas clarified: “There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment against Hantavirus. For this reason, we are exploring various options to protect citizens from this priority threat.
Last call for La Cala
This stunning four bedroom townhouse is all about location, easy walking distance to beaches, shops and golf courses, in one of the Costa del Sol’s most upmarket areas.
Ancient statue of Venus found on beach in Spain’s Costa Blanca
Archeologists in Alicante have unearthed a pristine 2,000-year-old Roman bust of the goddess Venus during construction works at La Almadraba beach.
Merz proposes making Ukraine an associate EU member
Brussels – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed that Ukraine become an associate member of the European Union. He made the proposal in a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President-in-Office of the Council of the EU, Nikos Christodoulides. The status would be created specifically for Ukraine, prior to its full accession to the EU. “It is clear that we will not be able to complete the accession process in the short term,” Merz wrote.
Toddler dies in Spain after father leaves her in sweltering car
A TWO-YEAR-OLD girl has died in northern Spain after her father allegedly forgot she was locked inside his car for over six hours on one of the hottest days of
Russian HIV/AIDS Pioneer Vadim Pokrovsky Dies at 71
Epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist Vadim Pokrovsky, one of the country’s leading experts on HIV/AIDS and a key figure in the Soviet and Russian response to the epidemic, has died at the age of 71, public health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said Wednesday.
Mallorca travel warning: Indefinite strikes at Palma airport
PASSENGERS travelling through Palma de Mallorca Airport should expect delays and disruption after an important cohort of workers announced indefinite strike action from Monday.
