Syrian finance minister chairs Friends of Syria meeting in Washington
Washington , April 15 (SANA) Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh chaired the technical roundtable meeting of the Friends of Syria Group, held to discuss priorities for recovery and reconstruction on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington. The Ministry of Finance sai»»»
Nutella maker says targeted in EU antitrust probe
Milan, Italy: Confectionary giant Ferrero, the maker of Nutella spread and Kinder chocolate, said Wednesday it was being targeted by investigators probing a possible violation of EU anti-trust rules. The European Commission had announced Monday that investigators were raiding the premises of a choc»»»
EU rejects Meta's pay-for-access remedy in WhatsApp AI chatbots probe
Brussels, Belgium: The EU told Meta Wednesday that charging rival AI chatbots for access to its WhatsApp platform runs against the bloc's antitrust rules, rebuffing the measure taken by the US giant in response to a probe. Meta started charging a fee as redress in March after an EU probe found it h»»»
Europe Ramps up Drone Production for Ukraine to Target Russia
On March 26, 2026, amid growing losses and an increasingly acute manpower shortage within the Ukrainian armed forces, the leadership of several European countries decided to ramp up the production and supply of drones to Ukraine for strikes against Russian territory, the Russian Ministry of Defense»»»
Tunisia, italy to organuise event focused on historic ties between Mahdia and Mazara Del Vallo
Tunis, April 15 (TAP)- Tunisia's consul in Palermo and the mayor of Mazara del Vallo agreed to organise next September a cultural event focused on the historic ties between the city of Mahdia and this coastal city. Officials from Tunisia and...»»»
EU set to roll out age-check app as global push to protect children grows
Brussels: The European Union is set to roll out a new age-verification app for online platforms, as governments worldwide step up efforts to shield children from harmful content and curb access to social media. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the app is “technically ready” a»»»
Bulgaria Expects Summer Tourism Boost as Foreign Interest Grows
Around half a million Bulgarians chose to spend Easter inside the country, while roughly 120,000 traveled abroad, according to data presented by tourism analyst Rumen Draganov in an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio. At the same time, the holiday brought about 130,000 foreign visitors into»»»
Major event: UAE to host 42nd IBBY International Congress in Sharjah
Bologna: The United Arab Emirates has been selected to host the 42nd International Congress of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) in 2030, marking the first time the prestigious global event will be held in the Arab world. The congress will take place in Sharjah under the them»»»
CarAudit inspection results: Tesla Model 3 and Ford Mustang rank among the worst, BMW and Volvo models excel
“The CarAudit technical inspection is very detailed and includes up to 270 checkpoints. In about a quarter of cases, we do not recommend that the customer purchase the selected vehicle,” explains Vlad Ion, Country Manager at Carvago Romania. “Common reasons include service history, inconsistencies »»»
UAE showcases publishing talent at children’s book fair in Italy
Dubai: The UAE is strengthening its presence on the global publishing map with the participation of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) at the 2026 edition of the Bologna Children's Book Fair. The event has been widely regarded as the world’s leading platform dedicated to children and young a»»»
Why Burj Al Arab remains Dubai’s ultimate luxury icon as restoration begins
Dubai: As Dubai’s most recognisable hotel begins its first major restoration in more than 25 years, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is entering a new chapter. Over the years, the hotel has become inseparable from Dubai itself. In messages sent to guests, Jumeirah confirmed that the refurbishment follows long»»»
A history of US presidents clashing with the Vatican – from Clinton to Trump
US President Donald Trump is once again at odds with the Vatican, this time hurling personal attacks and wild insults at Pope Leo XIV. Conflicts between the White House and the Vatican, however, are nothing new. From John Paul II’s open defiance of George W. Bush over the Iraq war to heated exchang»»»
Germany rallies behind Ukraine as peace talks stall, EU membership debate divides the bloc
Germany has unveiled a sweeping €4bn military support package for Ukraine and Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for the rapid disbursement of a long-delayed €90bn EU loan to Kyiv, as European powers scramble to shore up Ukraine's defences as the Trump administration loses interest in the conflic»»»
Trump breaks silence on Hungary’s election results, Russia adds Budapest to list of unfriendly countries
After two days of silence following Hungary's historic elections, US President Donald Trump has issued a measured response to the defeat of his ally Viktor Orban, but refrained from openly congratulating his challenger, Peter Magyar. Meanwhile, the Kremlin expressed support for Magyar’s w»»»
A Picasso for €100: Paris engineer wins 'Tête de femme' painting at charity raffle
An art-loving engineer in Paris won a rare Picasso painting worth more than €1 million in a charity raffle, organisers said Tuesday. The draw, livestreamed from Christie's, capped a global fundraiser that sold 120,000 tickets and raised €12 million for Alzheimer’s research. Ari Hodara, 58, wh»»»
UAE passport ranks world’s second strongest, with visa-free access to 187 destinations
Abu Dhabi: The passport of the UAE has climbed eight places to rank second globally and first in the Middle East in the 2026 list of the world’s most powerful passports, published by Henley & Partners. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Holders of th»»»
Italy suspends defence pact with Israel as Meloni rebukes Trump over pope remarks
Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defence co-operation agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on April 14, in Rome's sharpest signal yet of disapproval over Israeli military operations, while separately rebuking US President Donald Trump for his attacks on Pop»»»
Italy suspends defence pact with Israel as Meloni rebukes Trump over pope remarks
Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defence co-operation agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on April 14, in Rome's sharpest signal yet of disapproval over Israeli military operations, while separately rebuking US President Donald Trump for his attacks on Pop»»»
Italy suspends defence pact with Israel as Meloni rebukes Trump over pope remarks
Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defence co-operation agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on April 14, in Rome's sharpest signal yet of disapproval over Israeli military operations, while separately rebuking US President Donald Trump for his attacks on Pop»»»
Italy suspends defence pact with Israel as Meloni rebukes Trump over pope remarks
Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defence co-operation agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on April 14, in Rome's sharpest signal yet of disapproval over Israeli military operations, while separately rebuking US President Donald Trump for his attacks on Pop»»»
Pope Leo XIV begins Africa trip in Algeria with message of peace - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Pope Leo XIV receives flowers during a visit at the Presidential Palace in Algiers, Algeria, Monday. The pope is on an 11-day papal trip to Africa, with scheduled stops in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. Photo by Vatican Media/EPA April 14 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV began his p»»»
US Hosts Lebanese and Israeli Envoys as Israel Presses War on Hezbollah
Lebanese and Israeli envoys met in Washington on Tuesday as Israel pressed its war on Iran-backed Hezbollah, a diplomatic milestone overshadowed by conflicting agendas with Israel ruling out discussion of a ceasefire and demanding Beirut disarm the group. The meeting comes at a critical juncture in»»»
Trump Turns on Meloni, Says He Is ‘Shocked’ by Italian Leader
US President Donald Trump told an Italian newspaper on Tuesday he was "shocked" by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and had expected her to be more courageous, delivering a blunt public rebuke to one of his closest European allies. Meloni had been a vociferous supporter of Trump, but she has criticis»»»
Rubio Hosts Israeli, Lebanese Envoys for First Direct Talks in Decades
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington on Tuesday for the first direct peace talks between the countries in decades. Rubio is mediating the talks between Israeli envoy Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon's Nada Hamadeh Moawad, which began around 1500 GMT.»»»
17 nations urge Israel, Lebanon to seize talks 'opportunity'
Foreign ministers from 17 countries, including the UK, Tuesday urged Israel and Lebanon to "seize this opportunity" in a statement ahead of U.S.-mediated talks between the two sides in Washington. Britain's foreign ministry posted the ministers' joint statement saying "direct negotiations can pave »»»
Lebanon President Hopes Israel Talks ‘Beginning of the End’ of Country’s Suffering
Lebanon's president expressed hope that direct talks on Tuesday in Washington with Israel would lead to an end of his country's suffering after war erupted again between Israel and Hezbollah last month. "I hope that the meeting in Washington... will mark the beginning of the end of the suffering of»»»
17 Nations Urge Israel, Lebanon to Seize Talks ‘Opportunity’
Foreign ministers from 17 countries, including the UK, Tuesday urged Israel and Lebanon to "seize this opportunity" in a statement ahead of US-mediated talks between the two nations in Washington. Britain's foreign ministry posted the ministers' joint statement saying "direct negotiations can pave »»»
Austrian arrested in Italy over 63 mn euro tax fraud
Rome: Italian police have arrested an Austrian man wanted by Germany for allegedly evading 63 million euros ($74 million) in tax. The man, who is the subject of a European arrest warrant filed by Germany, was arrested in Asti in northern Italy, the police said in a statement Monday. He is accused o»»»
Tunisia attends 2nd edition of international forum “A Bridge to Africa” in Italy (CEPEX)
Tunis, April 14 (TAP) — Tunisia participated in the 2nd edition of the international forum “A Bridge to Africa,” recently held in Liguria in La Spezia, a strategic port city in northern Italy, according to a statement issued Tuesday by the...»»»
Italian PM Says Suspends Defense Agreement with Israel
Italy has suspended its defense agreement with Israel, which involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and diplomatic sources said Tuesday. "In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the »»»
HomeRun: Demand for cleaning services has increased by 57% in Romania
The analysis was based on requests for cleaning services recorded in March 2026, which were compared both to activity during the winter months and to the same period last year. Despite this significant seasonal increase, total demand remained stable year-over-year, confirming that the habit of spri»»»
Israel summons Italy envoy over comments on Lebanon attacks
Israel summoned Italy's ambassador Monday to protest after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israel's "unacceptable attacks" on civilians in Lebanon during a visit to Beirut, an Italian diplomatic source said. Tajani, a senior member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, visited Be»»»
On This Day, April 14: First abolition society founded in North America - UPI.com
On April 14, 1775, the first slavery abolition society in North America -- the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage -- was founded by Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush in Philadelphia. 1 of 5 | A sculpture of Benjamin Franklin from the workshop of Jean-Antoine Houdon »»»
Crans-Montana mayor says unaware of six-year safety lapse before Swiss bar fire that killed 41
Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud said on Monday he was unaware safety checks had not been conducted for six years at a Swiss ski resort bar where a fire during New Year celebrations killed 41 people. Prosecutors are investigating the blaze, with nine people, including Feraud, under criminal inves»»»
Israel Summons Italy Envoy Over Comments on Lebanon Attacks
Israel summoned Italy's ambassador Monday to protest after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israel's "unacceptable attacks" on civilians in Lebanon during a visit to Beirut, an Italian diplomatic source said. Tajani, a senior member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, visited Be»»»
Italian PM Condemns ‘Unacceptable’ Trump Criticism of Pope
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday condemned US President Donald Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV as "unacceptable", after the US pontiff spoke out against the Middle East war. "The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to co»»»
FAO warns Strait of Hormuz closure could disrupt current and next agricultural seasons
Rome, Italy: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warned on Monday, April 13, 206, that the current and upcoming agricultural seasons could be affected if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and fertilizer shipments are disrupted. According to FAO estimates, between 20 »»»
Qatar’s national pavilion at Giardini della Biennale to participate in Venice Biennale next month
Doha, Qatar: The National Pavilion of Qatar at the Giardini della Biennale in Venice, Italy, announced today, April 13, 2026, details of its participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, to be held next month. The pavilion will present the art exhibition 'untitled»»»
Dolce & Gabbana brings in ex-Gucci boss
Rome, Italy: Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana said Monday that it had appointed the former Gucci boss Stefano Cantino as its co-chief executive, part of a management shake-up. He will be co-CEO with Alfonso Dolce, the brother of D&G co-founder and designer Domenico Dolce, the company said in a»»»
Al Khelaifi wins Most Valuable Driver award as Qatar claim fourth place in ELMS season opener
Doha, Qatar: Team Qatar GT delivered a strong result at the opening round of the 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS), finishing fourth in the LMGT3 class while Abdulla Al Khelaifi was named Most Valuable Driver of the category at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, yesterday. The team controlled mu»»»
Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh wins sixth term in office
Djibouti’s long-serving President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh claimed a landslide election victory on Saturday, securing a sixth consecutive term in office with nearly 98 percent of the vote. Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Saturday claimed a landslide victory in an election that secured »»»
Napoli draw at Parma gives Inter chance to put one hand on Serie A title
Parma, Italy: Napoli's Serie A title defence suffered a blow with Sunday's 1-1 draw at Parma which gave league leaders Inter Milan the chance to move nine points clear. Napoli's Scottish midfielder #8 Scott McTominay reacts at the end of the Italian Serie A football match between Parma and Napoli a»»»
Union's Eta becomes first female coach in top-five European leagues
Berlin: Bundesliga club Union Berlin on Sunday named Marie-Louise Eta as head coach, making her the first female manager of a men's team in a top-five European league, after former mentor Steffen Baumgart was sacked. The 34-year-old will take over for the remainder of the season. "I am delighted th»»»
Milan's Serie A title hopes in tatters after shock Udinese defeat
Milan, Italy: AC Milan relinquished any remaining hope of winning the Serie A title on Saturday after falling to a shock 3-0 home defeat to Udinese. A Davide Bartesaghi own goal and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp's glancing header in the first half, and Arthur Atta's superb low finish in the 71st minute, left »»»
Tunisias embassy in Italy attends Marches-North Africa Economic Forum
Tunis, April 11 (TAP)- Tunisia's embassy in Italy attended the Marches-North Africa Economic Forum held last April 9 in the regional capital of Ancona.The event put the spotlight on areas of economic and industrial cooperation between the central...»»»
LEDA Chairman and Libyan-Italian Chamber of Commerce hold meeting
The Libyan Export Development Authority (LEDA) reported yesterday that its Chairman, Mohamed Al-Hungari, held a meeting with Marco Tricomi, member of the Libyan Italian Chamber of Commerce, to discusses joint projects. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the annual Olive Exhibition held in Kho»»»
Pakistan, Italy PMs talk recent mideast developments by phone
Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, April 10, 2026, spoke by phone with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni to discuss the latest regional developments. The Pakistani News Agency reported that both sides expressed their deep concern over the ongoing hostilities in»»»
Young South American footballers scammed and abandoned in Spain
Madrid: Spanish police announced Friday the arrest of a man suspected of defrauding young South Americans by promising them access to major football clubs in Spain in exchange for up to 3,000 euros ($3,500), only for many to end up abandoned and on the street. At least six alleged victims reported »»»
Majority in Spain regard US as threat – survey
The US is perceived as a threat by a significant portion of people in six leading European nations, a new opinion poll suggests. In Spain, a majority holds this view, it says. Politico, which commissioned the survey, said on Wednesday that these perceptions are linked to the policies of US Presiden»»»
D&G co-founder Gabbana resigns as chairman: company
Rome, Italy: One of the co-founders of Italian luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana, Stefano Gabbana, has stepped down as chairman but remains in his creative capacity, the company said Friday. D&G said that Gabbana, 63, had resigned from his corporate positions as of January 1 "as part of a natural proces»»»