Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 12th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
NATO leaders meet in Ankara, Turkey, attempting to manage Donald Trump's unpredictable behavior and demands, particularly concerning defense spending and the Iran conflict. Allies are focusing on financial commitments and industry to appease the U.S. president, while privately acknowledging a shift in the alliance's dynamics.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated that lasting peace and stability in the Middle East are impossible without an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also emphasized that normalizing ties with Israel hinges on ending the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong is scheduled for sentencing on September 2nd in a case under the national security law. He was arrested in June 2025 for allegedly conspiring with foreign forces to endanger national security by seeking sanctions against Hong Kong or China.
At least 25 people, including four guards, were killed and over 100 injured in clashes between two drug gangs at Negombo prison in Sri Lanka. The overnight violence, which saw gunshots and resulted in numerous wounded, highlights the severe overcrowding in Sri Lankan prisons.
Thunderstorms and strong winds killed at least 15 people and injured 275 in central China's Hubei province. Meanwhile, heavy rains and flooding in southern Guangxi killed two more, prompting evacuations and a highest-level emergency response.
Marine Le Pen's political future and France's 2027 presidential election will be decided Tuesday as the Paris Court of Appeal rules on her ban from public office over alleged embezzlement of EU funds.
