Abdullah bin Zayed meets German Chancellor Merz in Berlin
BERLIN: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany on Wednesday. The meeting reviewed the strategic relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen joint cooperation ac»»»
EU talks on ‘return hubs’ migration reform go into second day
BRUSSELS: European Union talks on a migration reform to create so-called “return hubs” outside the bloc broke off without a deal Wednesday, with negotiations set to continue on Thursday, EU sources said. European lawmakers and countries were expected to agree on a tightening of immigration rules co»»»
Los Angeles 4-year-old girl found dead in hot car - UPI.com
Temperatures outside do not have to be summerlike for the temperatures inside a vehicle to quickly rise to life-threatening for a child or pet. File Photo by Anatoli Zhdanov/UPI | License Photo A 4-year-old girl died Tuesday in Los Angeles after she was found in a vehicle in a driveway, according t»»»
Syrian army, NATO forces take part in Turkiye military drills
LONDON: The Syrian Arab Army took part in the Efes 2026 land, naval and air forces drills in Turkiye alongside 50 countries from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Efes 2026 has been taking place since April 20 in the western Izmir province on the Aegean Sea and will conclude tomorrow. It fe»»»
Pentagon says it reduced US troop brigades in Europe from four to three
The Pentagon said on Tuesday it was cutting the number of US Brigade Combat Teams stationed in Europe from four to three, returning troop levels to those seen in 2021 as Washington presses European allies to assume greater responsibility for regional defence. The move will temporarily delay the dep»»»
Trump plans visit to G7 summit in France this summer - UPI.com
Leaders of the G7 nations, from left, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, pose for»»»
Germany to invest in everyday shelters, shifting from Cold War bunkers
BERLIN: Germany’s government approved a new Civil Defense Plan on Wednesday, shifting from Cold War bunkers to everyday sites such as underground parking garages, tunnels and subway stations. Debate over civil defense has intensified in Europe since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022,»»»
Germany: The shoemaker reshaping a traditional craft
Felix Pauschinger FrankfurtRichard is a custom shoemaker in Frankfurt and embodies a new vision of craftsmanship: sustainable, modern and personal. He talks about his journey to becoming a shoemaker and why a good pair of shoes can last a lifetime. https://p.dw.com/p/5D5plAdvertisementIn Frankfurt,»»»
DR Congo Ebola risk high regionally, low worldwide: WHO
GENEVE: The deadly Ebola outbreak raging in central Africa probably began several months ago, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, deeming the risk high in the region but low worldwide. WHO experts said that investigations were under way into the origins of the outbreak, which was declared»»»
What’s making Schengen visa appointments harder to get for UAE travellers?
Dubai: Travellers in the UAE trying to secure Schengen visa appointments for Europe this summer are increasingly facing a new problem: AI bots and unofficial agents snapping up free appointment slots and reselling them at inflated prices. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balance»»»
Alternative for Germany (AfD) party top target for political violence
Almost two out of three violent attacks against politicians in Germany in 2025 targeted members of Alternative for Germany (AfD), government data shows. An MP from the right-wing party blamed the development on what he called a years-long defamation campaign. AfD politicians were targets in a total»»»
WHO Says Ebola Risk High Regionally, Low Worldwide
The World Health Organization on Wednesday said the risk of the Democratic Republic of Congo's deadly Ebola outbreak was currently high at the national and regional levels but low worldwide. WHO experts said that while investigations into its origins were ongoing, given the scale of the situation i»»»
US Ebola patient from DR Congo in Germany for treatment
Berlin, Germany: A US doctor who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the current deadly outbreak has been admitted to an isolation ward in a German hospital, health officials told AFP Wednesday. The patient -- named as medical missionary Dr Peter Stafford -- arrived in Germa»»»
Germany Arrests Married Couple on China Spying Charges
German police on Wednesday arrested a married couple on charges of spying for China, accusing them of seeking information on advanced technology with military uses. The couple, German nationals partially named as Xuejun C. and Hua S., were arrested in the southern city of Munich, said the federal p»»»
Bulgaria's Radev eyes bigger EU defence industry role on Berlin visit
Bulgaria's new Prime Minister Rumen Radev met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on May 18 on his first official visit abroad since taking office, seeking to deepen economic and defence ties while calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Radev was welcomed with mili»»»
Economist: Bulgaria Has Become a “Growth Engine” in the EurozoneOpinions
Economist Rumen Galabinov believes Bulgaria has entered a new economic phase after joining the eurozone and is already positioning itself among the bloc’s fastest-growing economies. Speaking about the country’s outlook following the adoption of the euro on January 1, he described the transition as »»»
CDC says American infected with Ebola was sent to Germany for care - UPI.com
A staff in a protective gown prepares to inspect visitors as a preventive measure against Ebola at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Tuesday, the same day U.S. health officials said an American infected with the virus was being sent »»»
U.S. cuts Europe troops; NATO says defense posture remains strong - UPI.com
The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it was withdrawing some 5,000 troops from Europe. File Photo by Sgt. Stephen P. Perez/U.S. Army/UPI | License Photo May 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. military announced it is withdrawing thousands of troops from Europe and delaying the deployment of thousands »»»
US Plans to Limit Military Aid Options for NATO Allies in Crises - Reports
The US administration plans to inform later this week its European allies in NATO of reduced military support it is ready to provide if a conflict or another major crisis occurs, Reuters reported, citing sources. The decision will probably be announced at a meeting of defense policy chiefs in Bruss»»»
Medical oxygen production station starts operating in Nookat - | 24.KG
Testing of a new medical oxygen production station has been completed at the territorial hospital of Nookat district in Osh region, and the facility is fully operational. UNDP in Kyrgyzstan reported. The project was implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republ»»»
AI bots are snapping up Schengen visa slots in UAE — and reselling them
Dubai: Travellers in the UAE trying to secure Schengen visa appointments for Europe this summer are increasingly facing a new problem: bots and unofficial agents snapping up free appointment slots and reselling them at inflated prices. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.A»»»
Pentagon says it has reduced brigades in Europe from four to three
The Department of Defense said Tuesday it was reducing the number of US troop brigades in Europe from four to three, taking the deployment back to 2021 levels, as Washington pressures the continent to do more for its own defense. The Pentagon "has reduced the total number of Brigade Combat Teams (B»»»
G7 finance ministers call for action on trade imbalances as Russia sanctions divide US from allies
Finance ministers from the G7 group of advanced economies were unanimous on the need to take on global trade imbalances, according to the statement released Tuesday following a second day of Paris talks. But the US decision to extend a waiver on sanctions against Russia in the wake of the US-Israel»»»
World Cup glory attracts superstar coaches into international battle
LONDON: The 2026 World Cup has bucked the trend of international football’s struggles to compete with the riches of the club game when it comes to securing some of the world’s best coaches. Here are five of the big names who have been lured by the quest for World Cup glory: Thomas Tuchel (England) »»»
Fifth Libyan-German Economic Forum kicks off in Tripoli
The fifth Libyan-German Economic Forum kicked off this morning in Tripoli, with the participation of the Minister of Economy and Trade Suhail Abu Shiha. The forum is organized by the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Ghorfa) in cooperation with the Libya Experts Forum and hosted by the »»»
'Ebola has tortured us': Fear grips eastern DR Congo as deadly virus spreads
'Ebola has tortured us': Fear grips eastern DR Congo as deadly virus spreads Just nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEmery MakumenoBBC Africa, Kinshasa AFP via Getty ImagesAt least 131 people have died during the Ebola outbreak Fear has gripped Ebola-hit areas in eastern Democratic Republic of C»»»
PM Radev, Retail Chains Execs Discuss Food Prices
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev held a meeting with executives of retail chains here on Tuesday, the Government Information Service said. The meeting was part of the Cabinet's holistic approach to designing and implementing measures to curb price rises, ensure greater transparency in pricing, »»»
NATO expects US troop cuts from Europe to take years
BRUSSELS: The US will pull more troops from Europe but the process will stretch over years to give allies time to develop capabilities to replace them, NATO’s top commander said on Tuesday. US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich was speaking after decisions by US President Donald Trump’s administra»»»
G7 affirms commitment to multilateral cooperation to address global economic threats
Paris: The finance ministers of countries part of the Group of Seven (G7) have renewed their commitment to multilateral cooperation in addressing risks threatening the global economy. Emphasizing the need for the swift and safe restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the finan»»»
Neuer set for return to Germany World Cup squad: reports
BERLIN: Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set for a surprise return to Germany’s World Cup squad as the number one option two years after announcing his international retirement, German media reported on Tuesday. German tabloid Bild claimed coach Julian Nagelsmann had informed players, including p»»»
G7 calls for reopening Hormuz Strait, stresses global economic coordination
Paris, May 19 (SANA) Finance ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries emphasized the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, underlining the importance of addressing global economic imbalances and strengthening multilateral cooperation to confront risks facing the global economy. In a joint stat»»»
Germany to treat US Ebola patient from DR Congo
Berlin: Germany is readying to admit and treat a US doctor who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the current deadly outbreak, the health ministry told AFP on Tuesday. The patient was named as medical missionary Dr Peter Stafford, who lives in the DRC with his wife Rebekah,»»»
European crime gang made BBQ briquettes from toxic ashes: Italian police
ROME: Italian police said Tuesday they had disrupted a criminal group active from Switzerland to Serbia that allegedly turned toxic ashes into BBQ briquettes and fertilizer, while protected by the provincial environmental agency. Nineteen individuals and three companies are currently under investig»»»
G7 finance chiefs: Strait of Hormuz must be reopened
PARIS: The finance ministers of the G7 group of countries reiterated it was imperative to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, and that it was important to tackle global, current account imbalances.They also reaffirmed in a joint statement their commitment to multilateral cooperation in address»»»
Property Investor Says Bulgaria Housing Market Is “Not a Bubble”Opinions
A Bulgarian real estate investor has said, in an interview with BNR, that the property market is moving from “euphoria to reality,” but insisted that there is no sign of a bubble or imminent price collapse. Speaking to Bulgarian National Radio, investor Ivo Dimovski, who operates in both Bulgaria a»»»
WHO alarmed by ‘scale and speed’ of Ebola outbreak
The World Health Organisation on Tuesday voiced growing alarm over the “scale and speed” of the Ebola outbreak spreading through eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, warning that the crisis could become prolonged and increasingly difficult to contain as suspected cases surged past 500. WHO chief T»»»
Ebola: DR Congo death toll rises sharply to at least 131, WHO to host emergency meeting
The death toll from an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen sharply to at least 131 from 513 suspected cases, Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said, as the World Health Organization on Tuesday is set to host an emergency committee meeting. The toll from the Ebola out»»»
Radev in Berlin: Europe Needs Diplomacy on Ukraine as Merz Calls for More Pressure on Russia
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev in Berlin during the Bulgarian leader’s first foreign visit since taking office, describing the choice of Germany as a sign of the close relationship between the two countries. “We are glad that your first visit abroad i»»»
Key Putin-Xi meetings that shaped Russia-China ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China on May 19-20 is expected to mark a new milestone in the deepening partnership between Moscow and Beijing. The two sides are reportedly preparing to sign around 40 agreements, and issue a joint statement on expanding their comprehensive strategic coo»»»
'Down with the suit': Mobutu-era jacket makes comeback
Kinshasa: Sewing machines whirred across bold fabrics at a Kinshasa atelier where Congolese tailors and their style-savvy customers have revived a suit long associated with life under a dictator. The "abacost" has a closed-front jacket, often with a Mao-style collar and worn without a tie, ideal fo»»»
Media Review: May 19
OVERVIEW The Government’s measures to tighten public spending and the competition between Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas to host Eurovision 2027 after Bulgaria’s win with DARA dominated the media on Tuesday. Several outlets also covered the cost of retirement bonuses in the public sector, the ris»»»
WHO chief says 'deeply concerned' by 'scale and speed' of DR Congo Ebola outbreak
Geneva: The World Health Organization chief said Tuesday he was "deeply concerned" by an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo which has spilt into Uganda, believed to have killed 131 people. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Sunday declared the outbreak a public health emergency»»»
Americans invest in real estate across European countries, but not yet in Romania
According to BNP Paribas Real Estate, cross-border investment in Europe reached EUR 15.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, while domestic investment, carried out by European investors in their own markets, totalled EUR 21.1 billion. “Europe is strengthening its position as the main driver of re»»»
Merkel, Stubb, and Draghi suggested as potential envoys to Putin – Politico
Read more Talks with Russia ‘inevitable’ for Europe – Kremlin envoy The EU’s search for a potential negotiator with Russian President Vladimir Putin has apparently been narrowed down to three candidates: Angela Merkel, Alexander Stubb, and Mario Draghi. However, all three come with baggage that cou»»»
Germany says to admit and treat US Ebola patient
Berlin, Germany: Germany is preparing to admit and treat a US citizen who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the German health ministry told AFP on Tuesday. "US authorities have requested assistance from the German government in treating a US citizen who contracted Ebola in Congo»»»
France and Turkiye have most overcrowded jails in Europe: report
Strasbourg, France: France and Turkiye have the highest levels of prison overcrowding among Council of Europe member states, with 131 inmates for every 100 places, a specially commissioned report said Tuesday.These figures, compiled by the University of Lausanne for the 46-member Strasbourg-based b»»»
The philosopher king of Palantir: Alex Karp says the quiet part out loud on X
Some rude things are being said about the nostrums of Alex Karp. One British MP referred to his ‘manifesto’ as “the ramblings of a supervillain”. Another referred to it as “either a parody of a RoboCop film, or a disturbing narcissistic rant from an arrogant organisation.” The fact is, Alex Karp is»»»
US tightens Ebola precautions as outbreak declared international emergency
The United States said Monday it is bolstering precautions to prevent the spread of Ebola, including screening air travellers from outbreak-hit areas and temporarily suspending visa services, as the World Health Organization declares the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo an international»»»
Hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius arrives in Rotterdam for disinfection
The hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius on Monday reached the Dutch port of Rotterdam for disinfection as authorities prepared quarantine arrangements for remaining crew and medical staff following an outbreak that has killed three people and triggered global monitoring. The hantavirus-hit cruise»»»
US announces airport screenings for Ebola, one American infected
WASHINGTON, United States: The United States announced Monday it is bolstering precautions to prevent the spread of Ebola, including screening air travelers from outbreak-hit areas and temporarily suspending visa services. The public health measures shared by the US Centers for Disease Control and »»»