Severe Winter Weather Paralyzes Transport Across UK, France and Netherlands
A deep winter freeze swept across parts of Europe, bringing heavy snowfall, icy roads and sub-zero temperatures. Transport networks struggled to cope, with hundreds of flights cancelled, trains suspended and weather alerts issued for millions of residents
Belgium Enters 2026 With Confidence, But Deep Structural Challenges Loom
Belgium enters 2026 on a relative high, buoyed by new political stability and international relevance. Yet looming structural reforms, rising debt, law and order concerns and paralysis in Brussels threaten to quickly erode the government’s hard-won political capital
Crans-Montana Mourns 40 Victims of New Year’s Eve Bar Fire
A solemn Mass, a silent march and a message from Pope Leo XIV marked a day of mourning in Crans-Montana, where families and friends paid tribute to victims of a devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a packed ski resort bar
AFCON Knockout Fever Grips Paris as Diaspora Celebrates African Football
From packed cafés to street celebrations, the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage has electrified Paris. The city’s African diaspora is uniting behind its teams, while small businesses thrive on football-fuelled festivities and shared continental pride
Bulgaria Adopts Euro as 21st Member, Hope and Inflation Fears Collide
Bulgaria entered the eurozone as its 21st member, abandoning the lev after centuries of use. While leaders celebrate deeper EU integration, many Bulgarians fear inflation, political instability and rising living costs as the new currency takes hold
Macron Urges Unity, Strength and Hope in Challenging Final Year
In his New Year’s Eve speech, Emmanuel Macron said 2026 must be a “fruitful year” for France, urging unity against racism, strength in defending sovereignty and hope amid wars abroad and political divisions at home
EU’s Von der Leyen Warns Trump Against Interfering in European Democracy
Ursula von der Leyen warned Donald Trump not to interfere in European elections, citing concerns over America’s new security strategy. She called for unity, stronger digital protections, and renewed European confidence as political tensions between Brussels and Washington intensify
Two Arrested in €88 Million Louvre Crown Jewel Heist as Probe Deepens
Two suspects have been arrested in France following the €88 million Louvre Museum jewel heist. Authorities say the robbery, carried out in just four minutes, has raised serious questions about the museum’s outdated surveillance systems and overall security protocols
Second Volunteer Firefighter Dies as Spain Battles Worst Wildfire Season in Decades
Spain’s wildfire crisis deepens as a second volunteer firefighter dies in Leon, arson arrests mount, and thousands face evacuations during one of the country’s most destructive fire seasons in decades