The European Central Bank is redesigning euro banknotes, launching a public survey that has garnered over 6 million votes on whether to feature cultural figures or wildlife. The new notes, aimed at enhancing security and European identity, are slated for circulation by 2030 or 2031, with the final design chosen in late 2026.
The European Central Bank launched a public survey for redesigned euro banknotes, asking whether cultural figures or wildlife should be depicted. Over 6 million people voted, with the final decision in 2026 for new notes circulating in 2030-2031.
European nations observe August 2 as Romani Holocaust Memorial Day, commemorating the Nazi genocide of Roma and Sinti. Countries like Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and North Macedonia hold ceremonies, acknowledging historical atrocities and raising awareness about ongoing Antiziganism.
China, expecting to exploit Western divisions, faces narrowing diplomatic options after the EU labeled it and Russia as "revisionist powers." Despite recent economic growth and diplomatic efforts with US allies, China also confronts US accusations of election data compromise, highlighting a disconnect between its expectations and Western realities.
Eurostat data reveals women in the EU earn 11.1% less than men, costing them €358 billion annually. The ETUC highlights delays in implementing the EU's Pay Transparency Directive, urging member states to act or face legal action.
Wildfires are forcing thousands of evacuations across France, Spain, and Italy as Europe braces for another heat wave. The fires have already burned more land than the annual average, with officials linking the severity to climate change and some blaming arsonists.
France has approved a nationwide ban on social media for children under 15 and mobile phones in high schools, becoming the first EU country with such a restriction. President Macron aims for implementation by September, pending a constitutional review, amid growing concerns over social media's impact on youth mental health.
Türk milli yüzücüler, Slovenya'nın başkenti Lübliyana'da düzenlenen Central European Countries Junior Meet (CECJM) Yüzme Şampiyonası'nda 7 altın, 12 gümüş ve 8 bronz olmak üzere toplam 27 madalya elde etti. Milli takım genel klasmanda birinci oldu.
New Eurostat data shows corporate debt exceeding 85% of GDP in seven EU states, including Luxembourg (251.1%), Denmark (115.4%), and Sweden (108.6%). While many high figures are due to international financial hubs, France and Sweden's real estate sector show genuine macroeconomic vulnerabilities.
Official data reveals over 10,000 excess deaths in Europe during the late June heatwave, with more than 9,000 among those aged 65+. Scientists attribute the extreme heat to human-caused climate change.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama defended a €4 million investment in a Kanye West concert, citing potential revenue and avoiding national embarrassment. The decision comes amid public backlash and bans on West in other countries due to his controversial past statements.
Nine European countries are asking Brussels to extend emergency flexibility for the Entry/Exit System (EES), citing significant operational difficulties. They want to continue using the built-in emergency mechanism beyond its September 6, 2026 expiry date to ease border congestion.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Europe's expectation of Russia's strategic defeat is the greatest historical mistake. He argued that Western involvement has escalated the conflict in Ukraine into a full-scale war and suggested Ukrainian President Zelensky could end it by withdrawing forces from Donbass and recognizing current realities.
Kirill Budanov, head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office, stated that not all European countries are prepared to support Ukraine's ability to wage war against Russia for years, acknowledging Russia's superior resources and the critical need for Western aid.
Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced his Cabinet is moving toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, a key prerequisite being Hamas's dissolution of its Gaza governing body. This follows similar moves by Spain, Ireland, and Norway, amid growing European support driven by the Gaza war.
An expert claims Kiev will soon restart assassination attempts in the West, targeting political rivals and oligarchs. Citing the Monaco incident involving Vadim Yermolayev, Vladimir Karasev suggests these acts aim to intimidate and control Ukrainian figures abroad.
Spain's socialist-led government program to regularize undocumented migrants and asylum seekers has received over 1 million applications, far exceeding the initial target of 500,000. The scheme offers residence and work permits to those meeting specific criteria, aiming to address Spain's demographic crisis and economic growth needs. The initiative faces criticism from right-wing parties.
Russian Ambassador-at-Large Alexander Trofimov stated that the security concept based on Euro-Atlantic mechanisms has "gone bankrupt and spectacularly collapsed." He argued that European nations, NATO, and the EU have discredited European security, rendering it meaningless for Russia. Trofimov accused European political classes of justifying their existence by fabricating threats from Russia and Belarus, while asserting that Russia's actions have never targeted Western European interests.
Donald Trump has threatened a 100% import tariff on European countries imposing a digital services tax on US tech giants. The warning, issued on Truth Social, targets nations nearing implementation of such levies, potentially superseding existing trade deals. The UK's existing 2% DST, in place since 2020, raises significant revenue.
US President Donald Trump threatened a 100% tariff on imports from any country that imposes a digital services tax on American companies. He specifically targeted European nations discussing such measures, stating the new tax would supersede previously negotiated trade deals.
Dmitry Kuzyakin, an expert, states that record Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia highlight increasing European involvement in producing strike UAVs for Ukraine, predicting an escalation in frequency and scale due to EU production ramp-up.
Germany's Bundestag has reopened a debate on switching to an "opt-out" organ donation system, where citizens are presumed donors unless they object. This renewed push, six years after a similar proposal failed, aims to increase donor numbers amid a long waiting list, despite opposition citing bodily inviolability.
European nations are boosting defense spending and industry after decades of neglect, driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US commitment uncertainty. However, fragmentation, procurement challenges, and industry production limits hinder progress, despite significant investment.
Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C, prompting red weather alerts in several countries including the UK, France, Spain, and Italy. The extreme heat is causing health risks and disruptions, with at least 18 deaths reported in France.
