Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 8th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
Marine Le Pen's bid for the French presidency faces a crucial test as a Paris appeals court rules on a five-year electoral ban. The verdict could clear her to run in 2027 or end her presidential ambitions, though her party's leader, Jordan Bardella, is seen as a strong substitute.
The European Central Bank's top supervisor, Claudia Buch, has instructed the EU's largest lenders to submit action plans by the end of October detailing how they will manage risks posed by advanced AI models, citing potential disruptions to the financial system.
South Korea enacted a revised law Tuesday targeting online false information, increasing penalties for repeat offenders. Platforms must implement reporting systems, and users spreading illegal false or manipulated content face fines up to five times damages, with repeat offenders facing up to 1 billion won.
Two explosions wounded 18 people, including four police officers, in central Damascus on Tuesday near the Four Seasons hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had stayed. The blasts occurred as preparations were underway to dismantle improvised devices placed in a car and a garbage container. Macron's visit to Syria is ongoing.
Samsung expects Q2 operating profit of 89.4tn won, 19x higher YoY, due to soaring AI chip demand. Despite record forecasts, shares fell 7% as the market had already priced in growth and investors question spending sustainability.
Clashes between two drug gangs at Sri Lanka's Negombo prison have resulted in at least 26 deaths, including four guards, and over 100 injuries. The violence, which began Sunday evening, highlights severe overcrowding in the nation's prisons, which are at four times capacity.
