Could the EU ban smoking? Commission to re-write rules for the next generation
The EU is pursuing its biggest overhaul of tobacco taxation in a decade. The proposed Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD) raises taxes on cigarettes and introduces taxes on vapes, heated tobacco…
Ukraine’s parliament returns with defence and foreign ministry crises unresolved
Ukraine’s parliament reconvenes on Tuesday with the defence and foreign ministries still without permanent heads, a month after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy abruptly dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister. Read More
Viennese woman takes city to court over toilet fees
A 27-year-old Viennese woman is suing the city over public toilet fees, arguing that women have to pay 50 cents to use stalls while men can use certain urinals for…
Hungary opens sluice and sinks barges to protect nuclear plant as Danube levels fall
Emergency engineering work is under way as authorities brace for a further sharp drop in river levels before conditions are expected to improve later this week. Read More
As Europe’s challenges persist, where are its leaders unwinding this summer?
European leaders are trading their offices for coastlines and rural retreats. But with crises persisting across the continent, escapes are fraught with reputational risks. Read More
Mount Etna erupts a day after US tourist killed by lightning
Mount Etna erupts in Sicily, sending smoke and ash into the sky, a day after a US tourist died from a lightning strike while hiking on the volcano. Read more…
Geri Halliwell’s Córdoba-born great-grandfather was executed after the Spanish Civil War
Emiliano Hidalgo, former Republican mayor of Dos Torres, was executed on 27 December 1940 after a Francoist court martial condemned him. His 116-page military file details the charges that led…
Liechtenstein changes rules to allow women to inherit principality’s throne
Liechtenstein, a wealthy nation of 40,000 people that borders Switzerland and Austria, has an unusually powerful monarchy by European standards. Read More
This stunning new retreat focusing on wellness, music and gastronomy just opened in Ibiza
Nômade Temple Ibiza wants to return to the island’s “deeper history” which is “rooted in freedom, creativity and connection”. Read More
Latest news bulletin | August 18th, 2026 – Morning
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 18th, 2026 – latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel. Read more at…