Europe

Europe News

Europe's largest economy succumbs, Germany declares recession
World

Europe's largest economy succumbs, Germany declares recession

Germany's GDP declined by 0.3 per cent in the period from January to March. It follows a drop of 0.5 per cent in Europe's largest economy during the last quarter of 2022

In Europe’s Slovakia, man’s private zoo turns into his graveyard as lions eat him
World

In Europe’s Slovakia, man’s private zoo turns into his graveyard as lions eat him

Joseph, a resident of Oskerda in Slovakia, had built a private zoo and his own pets are believed to have killed him. According to media reports, Joseph was repeatedly attacked and ultimately eaten by wild animals living in the vicinity of his neighbourhood

G7 tightens sanctions against Russia: Will they be effective?
Explainers

G7 tightens sanctions against Russia: Will they be effective?

The US and other G7 nations rolled out a new wave of global sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The allied nations are aiming at sectors like architecture, and transportation; and hundreds of people and firms who are helping Moscow to evade existing sanctions

In Taiwan, same-sex couples now have right to adoption: Which other countries allow it?
Explainers

In Taiwan, same-sex couples now have right to adoption: Which other countries allow it?

Taiwan on Tuesday passed an amendment that permits same-sex couples to adopt children they are not biologically related to. The other countries where such adoptions are legal are Israel, France, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Australia, New Zealand among others

Ukraine hails gains in Bakhmut as Zelenskiy wins more arms in Europe
World

Ukraine hails gains in Bakhmut as Zelenskiy wins more arms in Europe

Since last week, the Ukrainian military has started to push Russian forces back in and around the battlefield city of Bakhmut, its first significant offensive operations since its troops recaptured the southern city of Kherson in November

Europe and US battle for top UN migration job
World

Europe and US battle for top UN migration job

The IOM's 175 member states must decide whether to re-elect former Portuguese government minister Antonio Vitorino or his US deputy Amy Pope to lead the institution for the next five years

Chinese investment in Europe drops except for EV batteries as watchdogs tighten rules to stymie Beijing acquisitions
World

Chinese investment in Europe drops except for EV batteries as watchdogs tighten rules to stymie Beijing acquisitions

Direct investment from China fell 22% to €7.9 billion in 2022, according to a report published Tuesday by the Berlin-based Mercator Institute for China Studies and New York-based Rhodium Group.

Flowers, Teddy Bears And Ballet Shoes: Serbia's Belgrade mourns children who died in school shooting
Photos

Flowers, Teddy Bears And Ballet Shoes: Serbia's Belgrade mourns children who died in school shooting

A day after a 13-year-old opened fire on Wednesday at Belgrade's Vladislav Ribnikar school, thousands of people lined up to lay flowers, light candles and leave toys to remember the victims of the shooting. At least eight children and a security guard were killed in the attack

Europe, US mulling ways to improve Ukraine’s grain exports
World

Europe, US mulling ways to improve Ukraine’s grain exports

The grain deal has helped ease concerns about the global food supply, especially to countries in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia where many are already struggling with hunger, but is set to expire May 18 unless renewed

Barrage of strikes in Europe likely to spell havoc with flight schedules over summer
World

Barrage of strikes in Europe likely to spell havoc with flight schedules over summer

Cancellations of flights and delays running into hours have gone up in Europe -- a significant increase from 2022. Over the Easter break, visibly in France and Britain, flight schedules going awry and mass cancellations were the norm, according to data from flight claim management firm AirHelp

EU Parliament approves significant changes to Europe's biggest climate policy
World

EU Parliament approves significant changes to Europe's biggest climate policy

A deal reached last year between Parliament and EU negotiators to overhaul the carbon market in order to reduce emissions by 62 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 was approved by Parliament by a big margin

UN chief Antonio Guterres expresses concerns with Russia about Ukraine grain deal
World

UN chief Antonio Guterres expresses concerns with Russia about Ukraine grain deal

The UN and Turkey worked together to arrange the deal in order to address the world food crisis, which according to UN officials had been made worse by the worst conflict in Europe since World War II

Amid tensions with Europe, Russia’s Pacific Fleet put on high alert for snap drills
World

Amid tensions with Europe, Russia’s Pacific Fleet put on high alert for snap drills

The Russian Defence Ministry released videos showing warships and submarines sailing off to take part in the manoeuvres. As part of the drills, marine units deployed to amphibious landing vessels and coastal defence missile systems moved to firing positions

Up in Smoke: Germany was all set to legalise weed. Then it didn't. What happened?
Explainers

Up in Smoke: Germany was all set to legalise weed. Then it didn't. What happened?

The German government scaled down plans to legalise weed. It wanted to allow sales of cannabis in licensed shops across the country but the European Union said no. However, German adults will now be able to grow and consume the drug privately or through non-profit groups

‘An ally not a vassal’: How Emmanuel Macron’s remarks on Taiwan have exposed the divide in Europe
World

‘An ally not a vassal’: How Emmanuel Macron’s remarks on Taiwan have exposed the divide in Europe

France’s Emmanuel Macron reiterated his controversial remarks that Europe must avoid being drawn into any conflict between the US and China over Taiwan. It has rattled leaders in the continent, especially those in Eastern Europe. They fear alienating the US, which has helped keep Russia at bay

'Where is French democracy?': Protesters interrupt Macron's speech in Netherlands; WATCH
World

'Where is French democracy?': Protesters interrupt Macron's speech in Netherlands; WATCH

The first state visit to the Netherlands by a French president in 23 years has been clouded by a row over comments that Macron made about Taiwan, US and China. Macron had said that Europe should avoid "becoming a vassal in US-China conflict"

All eyes on Macron as he sets to visit Netherlands after row over Europe comment in China
World

All eyes on Macron as he sets to visit Netherlands after row over Europe comment in China

Macron, during his three-day visit to China, said that Europe should not become a "follower" of either China or the US and avoid getting involved in any conflict between the two countries over Taiwan

Explained: How quickly ice sheets can recede? What does it mean for Antarctic melting
Explainers

Explained: How quickly ice sheets can recede? What does it mean for Antarctic melting

The Antarctic Ice Sheet holds enough water to raise the global sea level by more than 57 metres if melted completely. This would flood hundreds of cities worldwide and recent studies show that it is melting fast

Messenger of Peace: Emmanuel Macron’s crucial China visit
Photos

Messenger of Peace: Emmanuel Macron’s crucial China visit

French president Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beijing for a three-day state visit to dissuade China from supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He was greeted by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on a huge red carpet lined with Chinese and French flags as the countries' national anthems played

European aviation sector fears emissions-reduction rules could clip its wings
World

European aviation sector fears emissions-reduction rules could clip its wings

The 'Fit for 55' package sets out an initial goal of reducing emissions by 55 per cent in 2030 compared with the 1990 level