MEPs eye hefty EU budget increase for health
The health committee wants dedicated funding for public health programs, as well as for pharma, digital and military health — but it only has limited influence.

The health committee wants dedicated funding for public health programs, as well as for pharma, digital and military health — but it only has limited influence.

The European Commission is exploring a significant reorganization of its external relations departments, potentially merging several units into a single, powerful entity. This move aims to enhance the EU executive's global policy influence, as part of a broader review led by Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin.

Hamas has dissolved its Gaza governing body, the emergency committee, and its head Mohammed al-Farra resigned, clearing the path for the US-brokered National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to assume administrative responsibilities. This move aims to remove pretexts for Israeli aggression, but the issue of Hamas's disarmament remains a sticking point in ceasefire negotiations.

Hamas announced the dissolution of its Gaza governing body, clearing the path for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to assume civilian rule. This move aims to remove pretexts for Israeli occupation and facilitate a transition, though Hamas' disarmament remains a key unresolved issue.

UEFA criticized FIFA's decision to suspend US star Folarin Balogun's one-game ban for a year, calling it a 'red line.' The suspension, reportedly influenced by a call from Donald Trump, allows Balogun to play in the US's last 16 match against Belgium, a move Belgium's football association deems 'astonishing' and against fair play principles.

At least 19 people, including four guards, were killed and over 100 wounded in clashes between two drug gangs at Sri Lanka's Negombo prison. The violence, which began Sunday evening, is the worst prison riot in over five years. Overcrowding is a significant issue, with prisons holding four times their capacity.

South Korea plans to use record-breaking tax income from its chip industry, driven by AI demand, to fund a "future response fund." Proceeds will support industrial infrastructure, young generations, and utilities for chip plants, reflecting strong profits from Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.