Latest news bulletin | May 21st, 2026 – Midday
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 21st, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
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Who is Raúl Castro: the man who inherited the revolution and still shapes Cuba under pressure
Fidel Castro’s brother and a central pillar of Cuban power for decades, the former leader is back in the spotlight after a US indictment, amid mounting pressure on the regime.
EU cuts 2026 growth forecast as Strait of Hormuz crisis pushes inflation up
The EU has downgraded its 2026 economic growth forecast after the Strait of Hormuz crisis sent energy prices sharply higher earlier this year. With no end to the conflict in sight, rising energy costs are fuelling tensions among member states calling for additional fiscal
Petrostates tried to squash this historic climate ruling. The UN just voted to back it
Sinking nations are one step closer to ‘receiving justice’ for fossil fuel harms as the UN backs a historic climate ruling.
Iran secretly executes four as it hits global death sentence record
Four more men, including two Kurdish political activists, were put to death in secret this week without informing their families, as Amnesty International recorded 2,159 executions in Iran last year — the highest of any country.
Recession warning? Eurozone activity hits lowest level in over two and a half years due to Iran war
Business activity across the eurozone slowed sharply in May, hitting its lowest level in more than two and a half years.
EU countries and Parliament clash on controversial return rules for migrants
The European Parliament and EU member states have failed to agree on a law enabling home searches and setting up deportation centres outside the EU to speed up migrants’ returns.
Latvia issues warning to residents after detecting unmanned aerial vehicle in its airspace
On Wednesday, Lithuania's Vilnius airport also temporarily shut down after the government announced a suspected drone threat over its airspace.
North and South Korean women meet in rare football clash as fans cheer both sides
Fans in rain ponchos cheered both North and South Korean women’s football teams during a rare inter-Korean match in Suwon, where North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC defeated Suwon FC Women in the AFC Women’s Champions League semifinal.
'Highly explosive' whale Timmy to be towed out to sea
The dead humpback whale 'Timmy' off the Danish coast is at risk of exploding. Authorities now plan to tow it out to open sea.
Jeanette revives cult film anthem "Por qué te vas" in Cannes event
Jeanette, the voice behind the iconic song Porque te vas from 1976’s Cría Cuervos, led celebrations in Cannes as France marked the film’s 50th anniversary with a restored screening and live performance at the Cannes Film Festival.
No, the US hasn't announced a total withdrawal of troops from Europe
Amid real reports of the US scaling back its military presence in European countries, there are also false claims that Washington is removing the entirety of its personnel from the continent.
Italy moves to Airbus A330 tankers in major NATO-aligned shift
Rome shifts course: six Airbus A330 MRTT tanker aircraft, worth around €1.39 billion in total, to bolster the European pillar in NATO.
White House denies blocking Ebola evacuation
The White House has denied a report claiming that the United States blocked the return of Ebola-infected missionary doctor Peter Stafford.
Merz proposes 'associate EU membership' for Ukraine, with mutual assistance
The "associate membership" envisioned by Friedrich Merz would allow Ukraine to request assistance from other EU countries against a Russian attack. This, Merz says, would create a "substantial security guarantee".
Trump envoy says US should restore its 'footprint' in Greenland
The US is reported to have had 17 military facilities and more than 10,000 troops on Greenland at the height of the Cold War.
Technological sovereignty is not about isolation, EU digital chief says
Henna Virkkunen says tech sovereignty means cutting risky dependencies and boosting European capacity in areas from semiconductor supply chains to cloud services.
Paris nursery abuse probe expands as 16 staff held over extended custody
The suspects worked at the Saint-Dominique state nursery school in Paris’ 7th arrondissement and are being questioned over rape and other allegedly excessive or violent behaviour.
Michael Bay to direct Iran movie about Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury
The film will be based on journalist Mitchell Zuckoff's forthcoming book and will chronicle the rescue mission of two downed American pilots in Iran. Here’s why it already sounds like a terrible idea.
Baltics must adapt to drone incursions because more will come, Lithuanian defence minister warns
Exclusive: As the Baltics continue to be rattled by repeated drone incidents – with at least six actual or suspected incidents rocking the region this month – Lithuania’s Minister of Defence Robertas Kaunas told Euronews there is a “high possibility” more unmanned aerial
Marking 20 years of independence, Montenegro eyes EU as next milestone
Concerts and various celebrations are being held in the capital Podgorica this week and other towns in Montenegro, which is known for its stunning Adriatic Sea coastline and towering mountains.
Volunteers create collection of audio stories for blind children
The ‘Words that Embrace’ project is an initiative by writer Maria Saraiva de Menezes, born of a partnership between Alcântara Municipal Library in Lisbon and the Bengala Mágica association.
Europe’s plan to boost fertilizer supply and food security
Farmers across Europe are under increasing pressure due to recent supply disruptions and price volatility. The Commission has put forward an initiative to support its farmers against rising fertiliser costs and scarcity, reinforce domestic production and reduce Europe's
Naples woken by strong earthquake as tremors hit city
A 4.4-magnitude tremor was recorded at dawn on Thursday in Naples. INGV reports that the quake, with its epicentre in the Gulf of Pozzuoli, was 3 kilometres deep.
Israeli security minister Ben Gvir releases footage of detained flotilla activists
Video released by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed detained Gaza flotilla activists handcuffed on the ground at Ashdod port.
Bangladesh: Albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” becomes unlikely star attraction
An albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” draws huge crowds near Dhaka ahead of Eid al-Adha, as visitors flock to see its rare blond coat.
Netanyahu speaks out after video shows minister taunting activists
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Turkey last week in an effort to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza.
Watch: tough love and record-low polls—inside the Friedrich Merz disaster
One year into Friedrich Merz’s chancellorship, the honeymoon is long gone - and much of the damage is self-inflicted. What went wrong?
Newsletter: NATO alliance and Balts hold the defensive line
As NATO foreign ministers meet in Sweden on Thursday to discuss the role of Washington in the military alliance, as well as dwindling ammunition stocks, the Baltics are coming to grips with repeated drone incursions threatening chaos in capitals – and Europe's eastern flank.
Key to peace in Eurasia: The Turkic World
During his state visit to Kazakhstan, President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (pictured) shared his views. In 1991, Türkiye became the first country to recognise Kazakhstan on the very day it declared its independence. Since then, our relations, drawing
Nvidia beats expectations again as AI boom drives revenue surge, but shares slip
The world's most valuable company beat forecasts as revenues jumped 85%. Yet rising competition and efforts to diversify beyond big tech left investors cautious, sending shares lower in late trading.
The EU simplified its toughest AI law: what changed and why it matters
EU lawmakers have agreed to simplify the bloc’s landmark AI Act. Supporters call it a pragmatic fix to cut red tape, while critics see a concession to Big Tech. What is changing and what could it mean for businesses and citizens?
From Brexit to Bre-entry?
The uncertainty surrounding Keir Starmer’s political future has reopened a debate Labour had tried hard to avoid: Britain’s long term relationship with the European Union. Starmer himself had already shifted considerably towards closer cooperation and dynamic alignment with the
Lebanon rescuers search rubble after attacks in Tyre province
Rescuers search rubble in southern Lebanon after Israeli strikes kill at least 19, including women and children, despite an extended ceasefire.
Two French children found alone by main road in Portugal: What's the story behind?
Two French children aged three and five were found alone on a main road late on Tuesday by a passing couple. Police strongly suspect they were abandoned by their parents.
Any UK return to EU would need a 'focused review' - leading MEP
The chair of the EU Parliament’s influential foreign affairs committee has told the UK there are “no political shortcuts” to any possible return to the EU. German deputy David McAllister also branded the UK vote to exit the EU as a “historical mistake”. He was speaking amid
Europe Today: Drones, bunkers and political turmoil: what’s going on in Lithuania?
A drone incursion into Lithuania on Wednesday brought the capital to a standstill and forced the country’s leaders to shelter in a bunker. Ursula von der Leyen has said Europe will respond with “unity and strength”. We speak to Lithuania’s defence minister, Robertas Kaunas.
SpaceX IPO ready for launch as countdown begins for what could be the biggest ever listing
SpaceX plans a record-breaking IPO that could raise around $75 billion (€64.5bn) despite ongoing losses. The Elon Musk-led firm says funds will support Moon and Mars missions, while strong Starlink earnings contrast with losses in X and xAI.
Trump sets tone on Taiwan after Xi summit, signals talks
Trump last week issued a warning to Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China.
Winners and losers: Real household income growth across Europe in 2025
Poland and Portugal saw the strongest real household income growth in Europe over the last two years. Among major economies, Spain led the way.
One Continent, One Ticket
MEPs have generally welcomed the new, long-awaited EU Passenger Package. This package is aimed at improving cross-border rail travel and strengthening passengers’ rights across Europe. The S&D Group in the EU parliament said it hopes that the package will be an “important step”
International Tea Day: Jamming it up with Azerbaijan’s enduring tea ritual
To mark International Tea Day, Nadira Tudor stopped for a brew in Azerbaijan where the history of sharing a cuppa is shaped by a particular pairing defined by tradition and flavours.
United States: sanctions lifted on UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese
The US Treasury Department has announced that sanctions against UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese have been lifted. Last week, a federal judge ordered their suspension after upholding an appeal lodged by Albanese’s relatives.
Australian court fines Musk's X close to €400,000 for not disclosing data to online safety watchdog
The initial violation notice was sent by Australian authorities to Twitter Inc shortly before billionaire Elon Musk acquired the company and renamed it to X. The social media platform’s attorneys argued that the fine was not justified as the violation came during a period of
From AI to interceptors, Ukraine is trying to drone-proof its skies
After four years of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has become far more successful at fighting off air raids.
EU pays Egypt billions to manage migration — Cairo says it is not enough
Egypt’s growing refugee and migrant population, seeking safety from wars in Sudan, Syria and the wider region, has put further pressure on aid agencies and public services as Cairo urges Europe to share more of the cost.
A brand new airline is set to launch this July – and you can book tickets from London now
Riyadh Air is set to launch flights to Manchester and Madrid too, with more than 100 destinations set to join the network before 2030.
Latest news bulletin | May 21st, 2026 – Morning
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 21st, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
NATO ministers meet as US plans to pull away from European security
The summit will focus on the Trump administration's plans to withdraw guarantees of support for European security architecture – even in wartime – and the depletion of the alliance's critical weapons stocks due to the ongoing war in Iran.
The meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump can be interpreted as 'Controlled Competition + Mandatory Co-operation'
It appears that the administrations of Xi Jinping and Donald Trump are attempting to move toward a model of “controlled competition + mandatory cooperation” rather than direct confrontation. In particular, the two leaders’ emphasis on “constructive strategic stability” can be