Italy appeals for release of flotilla activists in Libya
ROME: Italy has appealed for the release of two Italian pro-Palestinian campaigners detained in eastern Libya who, along with eight other activists, had been refusing food and water for four days. Israeli forces arrested 430 people on board 50 ships in international waters in May, to halt a floti»»»
Sicily braces for post-wedding blowout of Dua Lipa, Callum Turner
Palermo, Italy: The yacht is docked, the paparazzi have arrived, and Dua Lipa and Callum Turner -- the celebrity newlyweds set to party in Sicily this weekend -- have been spotted at their five-star hotel. The city of Palermo and neighbouring Bagheria on Sicily's northwest coast are poised for a tw»»»
Nigeria’s Dangote refinery raises throughput above nameplate capacity to 700,000bpd ahead of IPO
Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased crude processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), exceeding its official nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd, according to company executives. The refinery, Africa’s largest, said on Thursday (June 4) the achievement was confirmed during a »»»
European Union reaches initial agreement on new migration and deportation policy
Doha: The issue of migrants in the European Union has always been one of the most complex issues in election debates, both in public opinion and within European parliaments. Interest in this issue has gradually increased, transforming in recent years into one of the most prominent political files, »»»
Hungary tops Europe for costliest power cuts: households lose thousands every year
Hungary is facing the highest household financial losses from power cuts in Europe, according to a new global analysis by Compare the Market. The findings show a hidden economic burden caused by electricity outages across the continent, with Hungary ranking at the top of the list for both outage du»»»
Qatar brace for tough group challenge
A closer look at Al Annabi’s Group B opponents: Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s quest for a first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout stage berth will hinge on how they navigate a challenging but not insurmountable Group B featuring Switzerland, co-hosts Canada and Bosn»»»
EU eases spending rules to help member states tackle energy shock
BRUSSELS, Belgium — The EU said Wednesday that it would loosen its spending rules to help member states manage soaring energy prices sparked by the Middle East war.EU economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said Brussels would allow more leeway for measures that help countries move away from depend»»»
Crew of plane that hit N.J. Turnpike light pole knew they were too low - UPI.com
A graphic shows where United Airlines Flight 169 clipped a 15-foot-high light post along the New Jersey Turnpike as it was approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on May 3. Image courtesy National Transportation Safety Board June 4 (UPI) -- The pilots of a United Airlines flight that flew »»»
2 children among 9 killed in Gaza City
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least nine Palestinians, a hospital said on Thursday, even as much of the world’s attention was focused on the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The nine people were killed in at least four separate strikes in Gaza City, according to Shifa Hospital,»»»
Tunis to host Tunisia-Italy Business Forum, June 24-25
Tunis, June 4 (TAP) - The Tunisia-Italy Business Forum will be held on June 24-25, at the headquarters of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA) in Tunis, according to the Agency for the Promotion of Industry and...»»»
Russia’s timely reminder of its vast nuclear arsenal
On 19 May, Russia began a large-scale military exercise that lasted three days, during which nuclear weapons were transferred to field storage facilities in Belarus, capping a series of joint drills. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin used the opportunity to stress that the country’s nuclear triad (»»»
US considers expanding nuclear weapons deployments to more European NATO states, FT reports
The US is mulling the deployment of its nuclear weapons to more NATO states in Europe, the Financial Times has reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions. Russia has already said that any NATO nuclear moves toward its borders would not go unanswered. The potential move comes as Washingt»»»
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
The economic fallout from the conflict in the Middle East is expected to slow growth across emerging Europe, Central Asia and parts of Africa and the Mediterranean, as higher energy costs reignite inflation, weaken industrial competitiveness and strain already fragile public finances, the European »»»
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
The economic fallout from the conflict in the Middle East is expected to slow growth across emerging Europe, Central Asia and parts of Africa and the Mediterranean, as higher energy costs reignite inflation, weaken industrial competitiveness and strain already fragile public finances, the European »»»
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
The economic fallout from the conflict in the Middle East is expected to slow growth across emerging Europe, Central Asia and parts of Africa and the Mediterranean, as higher energy costs reignite inflation, weaken industrial competitiveness and strain already fragile public finances, the European »»»
Planning minister: Egypt plays pivotal regional role in advancing economic development efforts
Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom said Egypt plays a pivotal role in advancing economic development efforts at the regional level through its co-chairmanship, alongside Italy, of the Governance Program under the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) »»»
US Journalist Owens Says Americans Growing Tired of Financing Ukraine
ST. PETERSBURG (Sputnik) - Americans are getting tired of financing Ukraine, not knowing where their money is going, Candace Owens, a journalist from the United States, said at the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). "Americans are really getting tired of funding [Ukraine], no»»»
Best and Worst: Rama Mourad, UAE-based fashion and travel influencer on travel, books and concerts
DUBAI: The UAE-based fashion and travel influencer on travel, books and concerts. Best TV show/film you’ve ever seen? “Friends.” It’s timeless, comforting, and never gets old no matter how many times I rewatch it. Worst TV show/film you’ve ever seen? Honestly, anything horror. It genuinely haunts m»»»
Deadly attack on migrants highlights issue of labour abuse in Italy
Four migrants working as fruit pickers in slave-like conditions in southern Italy have been burned to death in a grisly murder case that is prompting fresh national soul-searching over labour exploitation. The migrants were found on Monday in a burned-out van parked in a petrol station in Amendo»»»
'Refugees in Libya' condemns campaign of dehumanization against migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Libya
NGO, Refugees in Libya, yesterday strongly condemned the growing campaign of dehumanization directed against migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Libya. The NGO is based in Bologna, Italy. It describes itself as a self-organized refugee movement which exposes abuse in Libya, Tunisia & Niger. I»»»
Scientists Find Yeast in Ancient Iceman's Guts -- and Make Bread
Yeast has been growing in the guts of a frozen mummy called Oetzi the Iceman for thousands of years, scientists have discovered, telling AFP they used it to make a tasty sourdough bread. More than 5,300 years ago -- before the Egyptian pyramids were built -- Oezti was strolling through the Alps on »»»
Compete, not compare: Lopetegui sets Qatar World Cup tone
Doha, Qatar: Switzerland, Canada or Bosnia and Herzegovina. The opponents in Qatar’s Group B campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2026 matter little to Julen Lopetegui. For the Qatar head coach, the focus is not on who stands across the pitch, but on how his side responds when the tournament begins in th»»»
Strong Summer Demand and New Air Routes Reinforce Egypt’s Tourism Momentum
Cairo — Egypt’s tourism industry is entering the peak summer season from a position of strength despite heightened geopolitical tensions across the Middle East, as hotel occupancy rates surged during the Eid Al-Adha holiday and Gulf carriers expanded services to the Mediterranean resort city of Ala»»»
Bomb Threats to Schools, Kindergartens in Several Settlements Sent from Website in Italy - Interior Minister
Tuesday's bomb threats sent to schools and kindergartens in settlements across the country, including Kardzhali, were sent from a website in Italy, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev told reporters. According to him, there was a suspiciously large number of threats, so they were likely coordinated.»»»
EU says Germany, France should phase out border checks within bloc
BRUSSELS: Germany, France, Italy and other EU countries that have put in place border controls with other nations in the bloc should move to phase them out, Brussels said Tuesday. The European Commission said the bloc’s new external digital border check system and the imminent coming into force of »»»
Media Review: June 2
All media outlets report the power-holders' plans to take out new debt, remove COVID-related pension supplements and cut the per-vote subsidy for parties. The measures were presented to journalists Monday in the National Assembly by Konstantin Prodanov, Chair of the Ad Hoc Parliamentary Committee o»»»
Four Pakistani farm workers murdered in Italy
ROME: Italian police have arrested two Pakistani nationals for the murder of four Pakistani farm workers found dead in a burnt-out minivan in southern Italy, Corriere della Sera daily reported Tuesday. The burnt-out vehicle was found at a petrol station near the village of Amendolara in a vast farm»»»
'Vitiforestry': French winemakers plant trees in bid to counter climate change
Winemakers across France are experimenting with the ancient practice of "vitiforestry" – growing trees alongside vines – to tackle the modern issue of climate change, and many are impressed with the results. As the world faces increasingly unpredictable weather, trees can help protec»»»
Schengen travel rules: EU signals major border policy shift
The European Commission has issued opinions on the temporary reintroduction of internal border controls by Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden and Norway. Brussels said countries maintaining checks within the Schengen area should now work towards phasing them»»»
Four Pakistani farm workers murdered in Italy
Rome: Italian police have arrested two Pakistani nationals for the murder of four Pakistani farm workers found dead in a burnt-out minivan in southern Italy, Corriere della Sera daily reported Tuesday. The burnt-out vehicle was found at a petrol station near the village of Amendolara in a vast farm»»»
Four Pakistani farm workers murdered in Italy
ROME: Italian police have arrested two Pakistani nationals for the murder of four Pakistani farm workers found dead in a burnt-out minivan in southern Italy, Corriere della Sera daily reported Tuesday. The burnt-out vehicle was found at a petrol station near the village of Amendolara in a vast farm»»»
EU considers opening migrant deportation centers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan - | 24.KG
The European Union is considering Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan among ten countries where deportation centers for migrants denied asylum could be established. Politico reported, citing European diplomats. According to the report, the EU plans to propose that eight to ten non-EU countries host centers f»»»
US Eyes Spreading its Nuclear Footprint Deeper into Europe - Report
The US is weighing whether to expand NATO’s nuclear-sharing framework by inviting more alliance members to host American dual-capable aircraft—warplanes configured to deliver nukes, reports the Financial Times. At present, the arrangement includes Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkiye a»»»
On This Day, June 2: Italy votes to become a republic - UPI.com
On June 2, 1946, in a national referendum, voters in Italy decided the country should become a republic rather than return to a monarchy. 1 of 7 | Members of the Italian armed forces are on horse outside the Chigi Palace, the official residence of the Italian prime minister in Rome, on May 13, 2023»»»
Bulgaria the latest addition to the EU’s Excessive Deficit Club
Bulgaria has barely had time to celebrate joining the eurozone monetary union at the start of this year before the European Commission is set to turn around and throw it into the rapidly growing financial delinquents club. Bulgaria is about to breach the 3% of GDP. budget deficit threshold that wil»»»
Bulgaria the latest addition to the EU’s Excessive Deficit Club
Bulgaria has barely had time to celebrate joining the eurozone monetary union at the start of this year before the European Commission is set to turn around and throw it into the rapidly growing financial delinquents club. Bulgaria is about to breach the 3% of GDP. budget deficit threshold that wil»»»
Rafał Brzoska invests half a billion euros for investments in France
InPost plans to invest EUR 1.4 bln in France by 2030, increasing its commitment by EUR 500 mln from previous plans. The funds will be used to expand parcel locker networks, automate logistics centers and create at least 750 new jobs. France is InPost’s second-largest market after Poland, where the »»»
New South Wales consular corps' annual meeting held in Sydney
NEW SOUTH WALES: The New South Wales Consular Corps held its annual meeting at the Consulate General of the Kingdom in Sydney, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps based in the state. The meeting concluded with the appointment of Saudi Consul General in Sydney Mashare Ali Ben Naheet as»»»
U.S. sanctions drive hotel operators out of Cuba - UPI.com
People ride a motorcycle in front of a hotel in Havana in early May. The U.S. oil embargo against Cuba has brought the island's crucial tourism industry to a standstill, with suspended flights, closed hotels and plummeting visitor numbers. Photo by Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA June 1 (UPI) -- Cuba's eco»»»
Yellow Vests leaders and ex-EU officials team up to give Europeans more say in how they are governed
Ex-EU commissioner Věra Jourová plus other leading figures on Monday (1 June) launched Democracy27 – a new initiative to strengthen participation across the bloc and restore citizens’ trust in EU institutions ahead of the 2027 political cycle. “People say they value democracy, yet many are unhappy »»»
Ebola Recoveries Bring Signs of Hope in DRC as Suspected Cases Emerge Outside Africa
Four nurses who were being treated for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus have been discharged from a hospital in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo after recovering from the disease, the World Health Organization said on Sunday. More recoveries are expected, especially when »»»
Rare total solar eclipse 2026 to sweep across Europe and North Atlantic on August 12
Millions of people across Europe, the North Atlantic and parts of the Arctic are expected to witness a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, in one of the most significant astronomical events of the decade. According to the European Space Agency, the path of totality will begin over the Arct»»»
Police arrest 780 in Paris soccer team victory riots - UPI.com
Paris Saint-Germain fans react in Parc des Princes stadium after the team defeated Arsenal in Paris on Saturday. Photo by Valentina Camu/EPA May 31 (UPI) -- Police in France arrested hundreds of people late Saturday after celebrations for the Paris Saint-Germain soccer team turned violent, local au»»»
Wizz Air: crisis is an opportunity as jets return
Wizz Air is betting that Europe’s tough aviation climate could end up strengthening its hand. As airlines face elevated operating costs and supply-chain disruption, the ultra-low-cost carrier argues its fuel hedging, young fleet and improving aircraft availability will allow it to accelerate growth»»»
Review: ‘Solo Mio’: A cheesy, pull-at-the-heartstrings rom-com
DHAHRAN: Do all roads really lead to Rome? In the newly released “Solo Mio,” which hit Saudi cinemas over the weekend, you get a one-way ticket to find out. The story starts at a US school, where 50-something-year-old goofy fourth-grade art teacher Matt Taylor (Kevin James) proposes — in Italian — »»»
Kanye West performs to 118,000 in Turkiye despite bans elsewhere
ISTANBUL: US rapper Kanye West, who has been barred from performing in several countries due to past antisemitic comments, drew more than 100,000 fans to a concert in Istanbul on Saturday night.West, also known as Ye, has faced a wave of cancelations across Europe this summer following years of a»»»
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports surge 18.9% in 2025: GASTAT
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, rose 18.9 percent in 2025, driven by a sharp increase in re-export activity that helped offset weaker domestic shipments, according to official figures. Data released by the General Authority for Statistics showed non-oil exports reached»»»
Migration clash erupts over EU pact in parliament
Prime Minister Péter Magyar and opposition politicians clashed in parliament this week over how long the Tisza government could resist the European Commission’s migration pact. László Toroczkai, leader of the right-wing Mi Hazánk party, told the prime minister that he could continue presenting hims»»»
Austrian protest shuts key European highway
MATREI AM BRENNER, Austria: Thousands of Austrians protesting against noise and pollution blocked a key European highway linking Germany and Italy on Saturday, but widely feared traffic chaos was averted. Protesters gathered on a stretch of the Brenner Pass road that crosses the Alps into Italy. Co»»»
Austrian protest shuts key European highway
Matrei am Brenner, Austria: Thousands of Austrians protesting against noise and pollution blocked a key European highway linking Germany and Italy on Saturday, but widely feared traffic chaos was averted. Protesters gathered on a stretch of the Brenner Pass road that crosses the Alps into Italy. Co»»»