W thinks it has the X Factor: Europe’s alternative to mainstream social media The Swedish-based “W” platform” is the latest in a series of new social media sites vying to replace US Big Tech companies. Euronews · Jun 19
Weatherwatch: Saharan dust drops microorganisms into European soil Scientists are examining how ‘blood rain’ affects soil microbiome, with Portuguese vineyards a particular focus The Guardian - UK · Jun 19
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Fuel sales halted after Kyiv strikes both sides of Crimean bridge Fuel supplies in occupied Crimea have been restricted to essential government agencies The Independent UK · Jun 19
'Trump is an aberration in US politics', former security adviser tells RFI Former United States national security adviser John Bolton worked closely with President Donald Trump during his first term in the White House, but is highly critical of the president's current policies regarding Iran. Bolton tells RFI why negotiations to end the Middle East war are likely to fail, and in… Radio France Internationale · Jun 19
Hegseth announces review of US forces in Europe as he lambasts NATO allies in Brussels meeting Hegseth slammed Europe for prioritising what he called liberal ideals over practical defence needs as he lambasted the alliance’s defence chiefs in a rare appearance at the NATO HQ in Brussels. Euronews · Jun 19
Hegseth attacks NATO allies and announces a review of US forces in Europe U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of American troop deployments in Europe, warning that future U.S. military commitments will depend on how quickly European allies assume greater responsibility for their own defence. The Economic Times · Jun 19
EU leaders back stronger trade defences amid Chinese export surge EU leaders agreed on Thursday to strengthen trade defences against a Chinese exports surge that Brussels views as a threat to European industry, while maintaining “constructive dialogue” with Beijing. The move reflects growing concern over the EU’s dependence on China, as the bloc’s goods trade deficit reached about 360 billion… France 24 · Jun 19
Ukraine deserves fast EU membership ‘more than any other country,’ Zelenskyy says Zelenskyy called on EU leaders to open all accession clusters in the coming weeks and eventually endorse Kyiv’s fast-track membership bid, saying it "deserves full EU membership more than any other European country”. Euronews · Jun 18
Parliament passes new trade deals Parliament has approved five major international trade agreements, paving the way for Thailand to expand market access in Europe and South Asia. Bangkok Post · Jun 18
An EU of six, not 27, best way to 'reinforce Europe', Bruno Le Maire tells Euronews The former French finance minister argued that new impetus should be given to the European Union, namely by uniting six core countries to deliver on key issues in the face of foreign threats. Euronews · Jun 18
Global capital sees potential in Europe but calls for lighter regulation Political and business leaders and investors at the FII Institute summit in Rome call for lighter regulation and greater flexibility to draw global investment and boost Europe’s competitiveness. Euronews · Jun 18
The Guardian - UK · Jun 18 Pete Hegseth accuses Nato countries of ‘free riding’ in combative address US defence secretary addresses allies in latest attempt to get Europe to raise military budgets
France 24 · Jun 18 VivaTech 2026: From startup to French unicorn, Pigment harnesses AI potential How can Europe better support tech startups? That's a question being asked at VivaTech, Europe's biggest event for innovation and technology. Business Editor Kate Moody has been speaking to Eleonore Crespo – co-founder and co-CEO of Pigment, a business planning platform that helps firms make strategic decisions using artificial intelligence.…
The Economic Times · Jun 18 'Do not use': US banking giants JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs restrict Anthropic AI access abroad. Here's why Major US banks, JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, have restricted employees outside the US from using advanced AI tools like Anthropic's Claude. This move signals growing global concerns over AI governance and potential national security risks, prompting US authorities to tighten export controls. European nations are also pushing for 'sovereign…