European airlines and airports criticise Dutch air ticket tax hike

European airline group A4E and airport association ACI EUROPE have condemned the Dutch government’s decision to raise its already high air ticket tax for a second time. They argue the increase will damage the Netherlands’ air connectivity, deter...

Spain to officially boycott Eurovision if Israel remains in contest amid Gaza war

Spain will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel remains in the competition while the war in Gaza continues, the country’s public broadcaster announced Tuesday, Anadolu reports. The decision was approved by the board of...

European Mobility Week Begins in Slovakia

European Mobility Week began on Tuesday, September 16, and will run until September 22, culminating in World Car-Free Day. Supported by the Slovak Environment Agency, the initiative promotes sustainable urban transport, encouraging walking,...

Spain boosts international profile by hosting crunch trade talks between China and US in Madrid

SPAIN cemented its position at the heart of international affairs earlier this week as its capital city played host to crunch talks between China and the United States over an ongoing trade war. Trade envoys from the two superpowers descended on...

France enhances sea strike and anti submarine warfare capabilities with its new generation frigate

France’s defense procurement agency (DGA) said on 15 September 2025 that Amiral Ronarc’h, the lead Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI), has sailed from Naval Group’s yard in Lorient to her home port in Brest. It follows the start of sea trials...

France on alert as 800,000 expected to protest on Sept 18 over ‘horror show’ draft budget

France is bracing for a day of nationwide protests on Thursday, with a source close to the authorities saying some 800,000 people are expected to take to the streets. The planned demonstrations come after President Emmanuel Macron last week named...

Rail Renaissance: Modernizing Railways for Sustainable Future in 2025

As the world’s railway networks commemorate their bicentennial in 2025, a clarion call for revival echoes from unexpected quarters. An editorial in the scientific journal Nature urges a “rail renaissance,” arguing that trains must reclaim their...

EU Parliament Approves New Traveler Protection Rules Amid Industry Concerns

Photo © Ronstik / Adobe Stock – Source: European Parliament The European Parliament on September 11 adopted its negotiating position on updating the Package Travel Directive (PTD), aiming to bolster consumer protections for cancellations, refunds,...

Aviation economist warns of EES disruption as countries announce rollouts

Long wait times and traffic disruptions remain a concern, especially at airports that have to deal with more complexities. Airports in Athens, Bucharest and Milan Malpensa will be the most susceptible to disruption when the EES finally kicks in,...

EU Updates Dual-Use Export Control List: Key Changes for Emerging Technologies

[co-author: Adam Keay] Background On 8 September 2025, the European Commission adopted amendments to Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (EU Dual-Use Regulation) and published a Delegated Regulation, updating the EU’s dual-use control list...

EU urges Israel to halt Gaza offensive

Palestinian residents reported heavy strikes Tuesday across Gaza City and Israel's defense minister said that "Gaza is burning" as a new Israeli ground offensive targeted the city. Airstrikes have pounded Gaza City for some time in the lead-up to...

Train stations to ports: Surprising places Britain's monarchs have welcomed world leaders

Nowadays, British monarchs typically welcome visiting state leaders at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle – but that hasn't always been the case The UK is set to host US president Donald Trump for a historic second state visit, during which time...

Spain’s PM Sánchez Faces Backlash for Fueling Anti-Israel Hostility Amid Surge in Antisemitic Incidents

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing backlash from his country’s political leaders and Jewish community, who accuse him of fueling antisemitic hostility after incidents at the Vuelta a España disrupted the prestigious cycling race. Amid...

Poland To Double Cybersecurity Budget To €1 Billion

Russia makes up to 50 attempts daily to damage critical infrastructure through IT systems. Poland will increase its budget for cybersecurity measures from 600 million euros in 2024 to a record 1 billion this year. The additional spending will be...

Poland Tells China: ‘Nie!’ – Warsaw Lockdown of China-Belarus Train Traffic to Stay in Effect

A bid by the People’s Republic of China’s top diplomat to end a Warsaw-ordered halt to all rail traffic from Belarus has failed, leaving hundreds for freight cars loaded with Chinese electronics and frozen fish stuck on the eastern side of the...

Spain summons Israeli envoy over Katz’s 'liar' slur at Sanchez

Spain defended Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, summoning “Israel’s” envoy after Katz’s remarks, as Madrid stands firm amid deepening tensions over the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. Spain summoned “Israel’s” top diplomat on Tuesday for the second...

Poland turns to unlikely country to help solve migrant crisis

Poland's top foreign official has pinned his hopes for tackling a growing migration problem on China, who he hopes can pressure Russia into ceasing a 'hybrid operation' on its eastern border. Foreign Minister Radoslow Sikorski is set to meet his...

Europe unveils plan to supercharge its science facilities

The European Commission has introduced a new strategy for research and technology infrastructures to give innovation and competitiveness a long-term boost. Unveiled at this year’s Research and Innovation Days in Brussels on 16-17 September, the...

Why closure of Poland-Belarus border is hurting China

Poland has closed its border with Belarus – and it is hurting China. The development comes as Russia and Belarus conduct large-scale military exercises amid rising tensions between Minsk and Warsaw. It also comes in the aftermath of Poland...

Amadeus and Lufthansa pilot EU Digital Identity Wallet for seamless travel

Amadeus and Lufthansa have successfully tested the EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet), a government-issued digital wallet set to launch in 2026 that securely stores passports, ID cards, payment methods, and biometric profiles. The trials,...