Europe is confronting a question that would once have seemed unthinkable: whether it can still rely on others for its security at all. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT From Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East to intensifying rivalry between the US and China, the European Union finds itself…

Officials across Europe have slammed Israel’s treatment of activists arrested from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla after a senior Israeli minister posted a video of them bound and forced to kneel. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Here are some of the key reactions from officials across the continent. Belgium Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot…

Published on 20/05/2026 – 20:30 GMT+2 Europe finds itself at a moment of profound uncertainty, caught between wars on its borders, growing geopolitical rivalry, economic anxiety and questions about the future of the transatlantic alliance. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to dominate the continent’s security agenda, while instability…

Published on 20/05/2026 – 18:55 GMT+2 A former British pirate radio station apologised on Wednesday “for any distress caused” after accidentally announcing the death of King Charles III. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The erroneous announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon due to a computer error at its main studio in Maldon in…

Published on 20/05/2026 – 16:47 GMT+2•Updated 16:53 The European Commission has backed Spain following allegations that Madrid used EU funds to pay pensions, saying there is no evidence that any rules were broken. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT In a letter sent to the European Parliament, the Commission said it had found no…

Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, his administration has pursued an aggressive trade policy, imposing tariffs on the EU and other partners in an effort to secure more favourable deals. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT As part of this approach, Washington has sharply criticised European regulations it views…

The EU seems to be acting upon its promises to tighten border control. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Fewer migrants are entering the EU than a few years ago, while repatriation orders are on the rise. This is according to newly released Eurostat data, which reflects what appears to be a medium-term trend,…

Published on 20/05/2026 – 14:47 GMT+2 Lithuania’s capital of Vilnius was shutdown on Wednesday due to reports of a potential drone incursion, highlighting growing anxiety along NATO’s eastern flank amid Russia’s war with Ukraine. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Since the start of the month, there has been six reported or suspected drone…

Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister said on Monday in Berlin that “Switzerland wants and is ready to take responsibility for its own security, but also to meet the expectations of other European countries that Switzerland, too, should contribute to the security of our continent. We want to live up to…

In a new attempt to put the West under economic pressure, Iran is floating the idea of imposing “access fees” on undersea internet cables crossing the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could further strain global trade following the passage’s blockage. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The plan was first laid out by…