Self-driving cars to be tested on Portuguese roads from July
Portugal will open its roads to autonomous vehicle tests from July under a new decree setting strict rules on safety, insurance and supervision.
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Nobody knew what the ref was saying and the internet loved it. World Cup's first meme is alredy here
'Wait, what?': Players were left speechless as the referee explained the VAR decision in an apparent shaky English after a controversial red card.
Latest news bulletin | June 12th, 2026 – Midday
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this June 12th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
Bach in Brussels
Brussels is set to play host to a series of much-awaited four concerts dedicated to Johann Sebastian Bach. They start this Saturday (June 13) and continue on June 20 and 27, and July 4, at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. It is organised by the Ars in Cathedrali
China claims 'spy sea turtles' are studying its coastline
Beijing claims foreign intelligence agencies are attaching tracking and monitoring devices to sea creatures to gather information that could expose weaknesses in China's coastal defences.
Ukrainian AI fintech startup chooses Doha as base after securing Qatari backing
GRO, a Ukrainian-founded AI fintech startup, is establishing its base in Doha after securing backing from Qatar's newly launched GrowthX Capital fund.
Russian drone barrage hits Kyiv and Mykolaiv as Ukraine reports major fires
Russian drone strikes hit multiple locations across Ukraine overnight into 12 June, damaging sites near Kyiv and in the Mykolaiv region, injuring one person and triggering a major fire, while Ukrainian air defences said they intercepted most of the 117 drones launched.
'One of the strongest since 1950': What is El Niño and why does it matter?
Forecasters say a newly formed El Niño could become one of the strongest on record since 1950. The climate pattern can influence temperatures, storms, droughts and floods worldwide, with impacts varying from region to region.
Spain inflation stuck at 3.2% for third month, hit by war in Iran
May’s CPI confirms the preliminary INE figures. Transport and holiday packages push prices up, while clothing and food fall. Core inflation rises to 3%.
Inflation stuck at 3.2% for third month as war in Iran weighs on prices
May inflation confirms preliminary INE figures. Transport and package holidays push prices up, while clothing and food fall. Core inflation rises to 3%.
NATO to cut troop numbers in Kosovo amid 'improved security situation'
The cuts are to be carried out "gradually and in line with conditions on the ground," NATO said.
Regulators investigate Ryanair over controversial family seating fees
Europe’s largest low-cost airline is under investigation over its policy requiring families with young children to pay for seat reservations. UK regulators will examine whether the fees are unfair and whether they breach rules designed to prevent hidden charges.
UK economy shrinks in April as the Iran war energy shock takes a toll
Britain's economy contracted by 0.1% in April, the first monthly fall since August 2025, as the conflict in the Middle East pushed up energy costs and prompted households to rein in their spending.
Mexico's 'missing persons' crisis takes centre stage at the World Cup
The discovery of suspected cartel killing sites and a record number of disappearances has renewed scrutiny of one of Mexico's deepest social wounds.
‘Human dignity’ and ‘international law’ sit at the core of the EU's migration overhaul, Brunner says
Exclusive: The European Union's new migration and asylum pact takes effect on Friday, and in the run up to the overhaul, the EU’s migration chief Magnus Brunner said he spoke about migration to Pope Leo, a defender of liberal asylum policies.
Belgium: Jordan Bardella strengthens ties with Vlaams Belang in Brussels visit
Brussels became the latest stop in Jordan Bardella’s European outreach campaign on 11 June. The French far-right leader promoted closer cooperation on migration policy, while facing protests in the Belgian capital.
Watch fan reactions as Mexico beat South Africa 2–0 in the World Cup opener
Mexico launched its World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on 11 June. The result triggered celebrations across Mexico City while South African supporters voiced concern over their team's performance and tactics.
El Niño is here and scientists fear it'll be big, bad and costly with heat, floods, droughts, fires
NOAA has officially confirmed the start of El Niño, which is set to worsen global warming from the burning of fossil fuels.
Did Shakira use a body double at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony?
The internet is convinced Shakira was replaced by a body double at the 2026 World Cup. We review the footage to see how much truth there is to it.
Mexico: Tight security and protests surround 2026 World Cup opener
Protesters gathered near Mexico City's World Cup opener on 11 June, while thousands of fans headed to the stadium. Brief clashes broke out as demonstrators approached security cordons around the stadium.
Newsletter: EU’s historic migration overhaul enters into force
In this newsletter: Exclusive interviews with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and the European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner.
Sardinian beach bans umbrellas for 10 to 65-year-olds
Visitor access restrictions at Punta Molentis come into effect after 2025 wildfires damaged coastal areas across southern Sardinia.
President approves Digital Qazaqstan national strategy
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (pictured) has signed a decree approving "Digital Qazaqstan" Nationwide Strategy for Large-Scale Digitalization and Complete Integration of Artificial Intelligence Technologies through 2029, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press
Albania: thousands rally on 12th day of protests against Trump-linked resort
Thousands of protesters gathered in Tirana on 11 June for a twelfth consecutive day of demonstrations against a proposed luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner, warning that the project threatens Albania’s protected Vjosa-Narta wetlands.
Israeli air campaign intensifies across southern Lebanon
An early morning strike in Nabatiyeh capped a week of escalating hostilities that saw the US and Iran exchange direct fire. While Israel continues to reject Tehran's demands for a linked ceasefire with Hezbollah, the relentless bombardment has left the southern Lebanese border
Mid-summer heat returns to Spain this weekend with July-like temperatures
Temperatures will rise across Spain on Friday, reaching July-like levels. An easterly wind will batter the Strait with orange alerts and storms inland on Sunday.
Working from home in Europe: Why your chances vary so much depending on where you live
A worker's chances of working from home can depend heavily on where they live. Across the EU, people in some countries are 16 times more likely to work remotely than those in others.
Dzeko's last dance could be Bosnia's new beginning
As Edin Dzeko enters the final stage of his career, BBC Sport tells the story of an underappreciated player who survived war to make history for Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Rare coastal floods now 12 times more likely – human-driven climate change is a major contributor
Since the 1960s, human-caused warming has been the main reason sea levels are rising, new research shows.
Journalist gunned down in Mexico as World Cup kicks off
Mexico is regarded as one of the most dangerous and deadly countries for working journalists, according to Reporters Without Borders.
Which countries have the most strikes in the EU?
In the early part of 2026, Europe already became the stage for widespread demonstrations, leaving classrooms empty, flights grounded, and medical appointments missed. So, where have workers raised their voices the loudest?
Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Data points to Spain
The expanded 48-team tournament will feature 104 matches and a new Round of 32 format, making forecasting more challenging than ever. To assess each team's chances, Opta simulated the tournament 10,000 times using team strength ratings, recent performances and historical data.
Guess who's become the youngest woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame?
What a week it's been for Taylor Swift who's celebrating, at 36, becoming the youngest woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, just days after watching the New York Knicks complete the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha the 'pride of Thailand' dies aged 47 after three-year battle with infection
A vocal campaigner for protecting women from domestic violence and the rights of the accused, had been suffering with mycoplasma infection since 2022.
Renew Europe adopts Cork Declaration: A road map for prosperity, security and reform
Renew Europe has adopted its Cork Declaration at the group's study days in Ireland, setting out a political agenda for the coming weeks and months focused on cheaper energy, stronger competitiveness, better investment opportunities for Europeans, institutional reform and
Al Bayader international invests AED 180 million in food packaging hub at National Industries Park
National Industries Park (NIP) has signed an agreement with Al Bayader International to develop a AED 180 million (USD 50 million) integrated manufacturing and logistics hub in Dubai, expanding regional food packaging production capacity by up to 30,000 tonnes annually and
Europe Today: World Cup fever, new EU migration era and the Pope's message to Spain
The biggest-ever World Cup got underway with hosts Mexico beating South Africa and South Korea upsetting the first European team in action. In Europe, the EU's new Migration and Asylum Pact takes effect today, while Pope Leo XIV wraps up his visit to Spain with a special mass
OpenAI opens Madrid office to speed up ChatGPT expansion
The company behind ChatGPT will open an office in Madrid to strengthen its European presence and work more closely with Spanish firms, developers, research centres and institutions.
Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu and Oulu and Stockholm win Eurocities Awards 2026
Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul, and the cities of Oulu and Stockholm have been announced as the winners of the top prizes at the Eurocities Awards 2026. All of the winners have shown exceptional dedication to strengthening local democracy, accelerating climate action and
Inside DATALAND: The world’s first AI art museum will let visitors see, hear and smell art
Los Angeles is set to open DATALAND, the world's first museum dedicated to AI-generated art. Created by digital artist Refik Anadol, the immersive space combines AI and environmental data to create a multi-sensory experience.
SpaceX's stock market debut: Five risks investors need to know
SpaceX makes its Nasdaq debut this Friday in the largest flotation in history, but analysts warn that a sky-high valuation, weak shareholder rights and mounting losses could leave retail investors exposed.
People to drink less booze, but only for the next five years
Changing tastes and tightening belts are reshaping the global drinks industry, with consumption set to fall across traditional markets over the next five years.
Hungary’s third-largest lake is disappearing. Can experts save it before it’s too late?
The dire situation has arisen from prolonged droughts, lack of rainfall and decades of water mismanagement.
Anthropic's Fable 5 worth the price? OpenAI may soon become cheaper
Is Anthropic's Fable 5 worth the price? OpenAI might soon offer a cheaper alternative
The city of international solidarity… and kitsch: 48 hours in Skopje, North Macedonia
Ahead of Skopje’s stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2028, I headed to the city to learn more about its fascinating history.
Belgium Military Wives Choir: A 'lifeline' for women
There’s more to life in the military than you might think. One of the less well publicized aspects of a career in the armed forces is the constant moving around it may involve. That is where a military choir really can come into its own…a lifeline for women who have had to move
Mexico fans celebrate World Cup win over South Africa
Mexican fans erupted in celebration after the national team defeated South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, with supporters gathering in fan zones and outside Mexico City Stadium to mark the victory.
Fortaleza and Recife: Brazil looks to Europe
With direct flights from several European capitals, the two major north-eastern Brazilian cities offer beaches, nature, culture and history in a region increasingly open to international tourism.
Mexico beats South Africa and Czechia loses to South Korea in World Cup opening matches
Julián Quiñones scored the opening goal of the tournament after nine minutes and 35-year-old striker Raúl Jiménez headed in Mexico's second goal in a 2-0 opening game against South Africa that produced three red cards.