Belén Martínez Carbonell’s departure has intensified fears that the EU’s diplomatic arm is losing influence as geopolitical crises intensify.
Microsoft announced Monday it will lay off approximately 4,800 employees, about 2% of its global workforce. The cuts will heavily impact Xbox, with 3,200 gaming jobs and four studios affected, as the company invests in AI and faces industry shifts.
Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have destroyed multiple villages near the western border with Chad, displacing thousands, according to survivors and the UN. The RSF, at war with the Sudanese army since April 2023, faces UN accusations of massacres targeting ethnic groups like the Zaghawa. Children are also severely affected, with hundreds killed or injured.
Ukrainian drones attacked Russia's Omsk oil refinery, its largest, damaging a primary oil processing unit. The strike, confirmed by Ukrainian intelligence and the refinery's governor, marks the farthest drone penetration into Russian territory since the war began.
Italian ministers attempt to manage the diplomatic fallout after Donald Trump shared a meme mocking Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. They emphasize the importance of transatlantic relations over individual remarks.
Nigel Farage is under intense scrutiny over two rows concerning financial help. An investigation into a £5 million donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne could lead to a by-election, while fresh accusations involve undeclared gifts from another crypto entrepreneur, George Cottrell. Political rivals are seizing on the allegations, though Farage maintains his innocence and has vowed to consider legal action.
Sky, owned by Comcast, will acquire ITV's media and entertainment arm for up to £1.6bn to create a major UK streaming competitor. The deal includes ITV's TV channels and streaming service, aiming for significant audience expansion and cost savings.
