Eurovision expands amid political boycotts and financial challenges
Eurovision faces political boycotts and financial strain but pushes global expansion, with Bulgaria set to host 2027 and Asia launching its own contest.
-
-
UK court remands two Iranians over alleged antisemitic terror plot in Manchester
Two Iranian nationals have been remanded in custody by a London court after being charged with plotting terrorist acts against the UK’s Jewish community.
-
The Many Faces of Saint Francis: From Radical Pacifist to Fascist Symbol
Eight centuries after his death, Saint Francis of Assisi’s legacy spans ecological activism, pet blessings, and even fascist appropriation, as explored by historians and theologians.
-
Six Killed as Explosion Brings Down Building in Central Athens
A powerful blast caused a multi-storey building to collapse in the Greek capital on Wednesday, leaving six people dead and prompting a major emergency response across the city centre.
-
Ukraine Faces Critical Weapons Shortfall as Funding Gap Widens to $27 Billion
President Zelenskyy has warned that a $27 billion funding shortfall could leave Ukraine dangerously short of weapons, even as EU officials offered encouraging words during his latest round of European diplomatic talks.
-
EU’s AI Envoy Calls on Commissioners to Harness Technology for Economic Revival
The bloc’s new AI envoy is urging Brussels commissioners to deploy artificial intelligence as a tool for boosting productivity, pivoting away from an expensive contest to rival US and Chinese model development.
-
OECD raises global growth outlook to 2.9% as world economy weathers Iran war energy shock
The OECD has lifted its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.9%, crediting better-than-expected energy market adjustment since the Iran war began, while cautioning that inflation, bond yields and conflict risks remain significant threats to the outlook.
-
Ukraine Peace Optimism Meets EU Sanctions Controversy as Two Russian Oligarchs Removed from Blacklist
Donald Trump has signalled confidence that the war in Ukraine could end sooner than widely expected, while Brussels quietly removed two Russian oligarchs from its sanctions list following protracted negotiations among member states.
-
Lithuania Warns EU Credibility at Stake Over Potential Removal of Russian Oligarch from Sanctions List
Lithuania’s finance minister has warned that removing Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov from EU sanctions would make the bloc look weak, even as procedural constraints may force the move regardless of political opposition.
-
Macron Uses Saint Pierre and Miquelon Visit to Signal Closer France-Canada Ties
Emmanuel Macron visited the French archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon to highlight growing France-Canada ties, praising Prime Minister Mark Carney’s developing relationship with the European Union amid shifting transatlantic dynamics.
