OpenAI picks Madrid for first Spanish office as government hails AI rules
The company behind ChatGPT said the new hub would open in the second half of 2026.
Politics
Latest reporting and analysis on politics.
EU top court adviser: Commission failed to grant public enough access to COVID vaccine contracts
The Commission had released only heavily redacted versions, citing commercial confidentiality and personal data protection.
Polish journalist who investigated Tusk’s ally detained for three months without trial
Leszek Kraskowski, who has for over 20 years investigated allegations of the abuse of power and corruption against all governments.
Italy reports dramatic fall in illegal immigration as repatriations surge under Meloni government
Since the Meloni government took office in October 2022, the total number of repatriations has increased by more than 40 per cent.
Aviation industry urges Brussels to drop carbon market plan for global flights
"In the current geopolitical context, extending the EU ETS beyond intra-EEA flights will likely provoke an even stronger international backlash than in 2012".
Trump says he has ‘ended’ war with Iran as Tehran withholds confirmation
The remarks came hours after he cancelled air strikes that had been scheduled.
Spanish defence firms offer to build new fighter after FCAS collapse
The companies said prolonged uncertainty threatened not only their own expertise and resources but also the stability of their partners and supply chains.
EU targets Russian Patriarch Kirill in biggest sanctions package in two years
His name was added to the bloc's 21st package of sanctions against Russia, presented in Brussels.
Italy plans 40,000-troop army expansion in major defence overhaul
Italian forces would grow in stages between 2030 and 2033, the reports said, filling personnel gaps that have opened up over recent years.
French, German and UK envoys meet Russian deputy minister in Ukraine peace push
The three countries are among Ukraine's main backers and lead the "coalition of the willing" assembling post-war security guarantees for Kyiv.
ECB raises rates for first time since 2023
From June 17, the deposit facility rate rises to 2.25 per cent, the main refinancing rate to 2.40 per cent and the marginal lending rate to 2.65 per cent.
French regulator finds bias against National Rally at state-funded Radio France
The decision follows an analysis of airtime on France Inter and France Info between January 1 and March 31, 2026.
Borrell warns war is ‘a possible reality’ in Europe
The EU's former foreign affairs chief urged the EU to cut its reliance on the US, particularly in technology and energy.
UK Defence Secretary unexpectedly resigns in major blow to Starmer over ‘inadequate’ defence spending plan
Healey announced his departure in a resignation letter, submitted to Starmer amid a deadlock between the defence and finance ministries.
French president hopeful Bruno Retailleau wants mandatory chemical castration for sex offenders
"Given the difficulties surrounding mandatory prison sentences, we must consider other solutions".
Belgium cracks down on radical climate activists
Several activists were taken into custody for questioning, with at least some remaining in detention.
Sweden backs down on jailing 13-year-olds
This marks a significant retreat from one of the government’s flagship proposals to tackle youth gang crime.
Soaring housing costs leave more Europeans homeless
The EU's fundamental rights watchdog has warned that surging housing costs are eroding the basic right to a home.
Polish government voices anger over being excluded from talks about Ukraine war
Tusk also expressed dissatisfaction with the E3 format which comprises Britain, France and Germany but excludes Ukraine's other European allies.
British military chief takes rare step of writing directly to Starmer, warns defence investment plans are underwhelming
The letter was sent ahead of a long-awaited announcement on the Defence Investment Plan.
UK probes Ryanair over fees for parents to sit with children
Britain's competition watchdog said Thursday that it had opened an investigation into Irish carrier Ryanair over fees that parents must pay to sit with their children.
Council and Parliament strike deal on ETS2 Market Stability Reserve ahead of 2028 launch
The deal aims to provide greater price stability, particularly to combat sharp price spikes, and predictability for the controversial system.
Albania protests against Kushner resort swell as EU warns over accession bid
Rama, a socialist, has rejected calls to resign and defended the scheme, saying an environmental impact assessment would be completed.
Peru runoff stays too close to call as Fujimori and Sánchez deadlock
The electoral authority said it was still counting ballots from rural areas and from Peruvians abroad.
EU moves to lock US tech giants out of sensitive cloud market
The European Commission presented its Technological Sovereignty Package.
Tomas Tobé: EU Democracy Shield must get much tougher on Russia and foreign interference
He stressed that troll farms in Saint Petersburg and bot networks are not protected free speech.
France bans Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich for promoting ‘recolonisation’ of Gaza
France also banned four leaders of settler organisations and 21 violent settlers.
France hard Left party turns national team football jersey into campaign cash grab
At €25, each purchase is framed as both a gesture of sporting patriotism and direct campaign financing.
European fans lead backlash as FIFA faces US probes over World Cup ticket prices
Football's world governing body FIFA has come under investigation by several authorities in the United States over the ticket-pricing practices behind the 2026 World…
EU strikes deal to cut red tape for defence investment and procurement
National law could still allow exceptions to automatic approval where there was a serious risk to human health or national security.