Colonial ghosts, virgins and Nazi directors: The International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist
This year's International Booker Prize shortlist of six novels take readers from a Japanese colonial-era Taiwan to the propaganda studios of Nazi Germany.
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Iran sets up Hormuz transit authority to charge ships for passage
Tehran has launched a formal body to manage and charge ships for transit through the Strait of Hormuz in a highly-contested move as tankers pile up in the waterway and peace talks remain deadlocked.
Spain tilts right under Pedro Sánchez despite progressive credentials abroad
A regional vote in Andalusia points to a rightward shift in Spanish politics, despite Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s international push to position the country at the centre of progressive politics.
Moment two fighter jets collide mid-air during US air show
Two fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show in Idaho, sending both aircraft crashing to the ground as crew members parachuted to safety.
Macho men: Javier Bardem hits out at Trump, Putin and Netanyahu for 'male toxic behaviour'
Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem called out world leaders U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel for "male toxic behavior that is creating thousands of dead people," during his appearance at the Cannes Film
Amid growing hantavirus worries, how prepared is Europe for new health threats?
Although there is still no single European playbook for quarantine measures, the EU has taken steps to be better prepared in the future than it was six years ago. Will it be enough?
Take a ‘long snooze’ in South Korea: Is this the world’s best hotel bed?
The ‘Curator Suite 1503’ at RYSE, Autograph Collection in Seoul is home to an enormous extra-long bed, which stretches the near length of the room.
EU honours Merkel as stabilizer in nod to Trump-era turbulence
The former German chancellor receives the new European Order of Merit this week. This will likely revive a debate about her legacy - her accomplishments as well as her dark sides.
‘A lot of masculinity in the room’: Kallas argues for greater female participation in diplomacy
The EU’s top diplomat argues that having more women at the negotiating table during peace talks will result in better outcomes for global conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
How sport is changing the lives of people with autism in Central Asia
Can sport help improve the lives of children with autism? From adaptive cycling to inclusive running events, structured physical activity helps children develop communication, focus and emotional regulation.
Former Google executive Matt Brittin takes reins at scandal-hit public broadcaster BBC
Brittin replaces Tim Davie, who had held the BBC post since 2020. He resigned in November over a lawsuit brought by US President Donald Trump.
Thousands gather for Trump-backed prayer rally in Washington
Thousands gather on Washington’s National Mall for a ‘Rededicate 250’ prayer rally mixing faith, patriotism and support for Donald Trump.
Off-grid Greece: This private island is going up for auction from €247,000
Just don’t plan on living in the lap of luxury, because the island’s protected status means major infrastructure upgrades are impossible.
Magyar signals first openness to Ukraine accession talks since Orbán’s departure
Hungary's new government says it is open to engaging with Ukraine on its accession to the EU, according to several sources. Meanwhile, a technical dialogue with Kyiv has been announced on the thorny issue of Hungarian minorities. Brussels looks for a breakthrough.
Iran heads to World Cup training camp in Turkey with no US visas issued
Iran’s national football team is flying to Turkey amid fears over visa approvals from the United States, with limited preparation and no top-tier friendly matches scheduled.
Shakira wins £50m tax refund from Spanish government
The Colombian singer says the court ruling means the "narrative" that she was guilty now "crumbles".
UzNIF debuts on London market in first international Uzbek IPO
The IPO generated more than $2.8 billion (€2.6bn) in investor demand and raised around $603 million (€540m). Officials at the London Stock Exchange described the listing as a landmark moment for Uzbekistan’s access to international capital markets.
Iran calls for reconstruction support at World Urban Forum in Baku
Iran's deputy housing minister used the World Urban Forum in Baku to call for international support to rebuild 150,000 homes damaged in the war.
Bodies of four divers who drowned in Maldives diving accident found, Italy says
Five Italian divers are believed to have died while exploring a cave at a depth of about 50 metres in Vaavu Atoll on Thursday, according to Italy’s Foreign Ministry.
French singer and actor Patrick Bruel faces more accusations of sexual violence
The singer still maintains his innocence, saying he "never sought to coerce anyone into a sexual act", while declaring that he "does not question the feelings of women."
Gaza-bound aid flotilla says it is 'under attack' as Israel intercepts fleet off Cyprus
The Israeli foreign ministry said the aim of the flotilla was to "serve Hamas, to divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm and to obstruct progress on President Trump's peace plan."
Fires and damaged buildings after massive Russian drone attack
Eighteen people were injured in Odesa after Russian drone strikes hit residential buildings overnight.
Ryanair profits surge 40% to €2.26 billion despite Boeing delays and fuel crisis
Europe’s largest low-cost airline posted record annual profits as rising fares and sustained travel demand helped offset aircraft delivery delays and mounting uncertainty in global fuel markets due to the Iran war.
Cats in costumes and beauty contests draw crowds at expo
Thousands of cat lovers gathered at Cat Expo India in Mumbai, where visitors explored cat beauty contests, pet care products, grooming services, accessories and premium food brands alongside dozens of felines.
In the money: How much will Shakira receive after winning battle against Spain's tax authorities?
Pop star Shakira is celebrating victory after a Spanish court annulled a hefty tax penalty imposed in 2011 claiming she failed to declare her residence in Spain. The singer has published a statement in which she says "there was never any fraud".
Russia unleashes another aerial barrage on Ukraine as war's long-range strikes escalate
In more than four years of war, Ukraine has built up its own long-range capabilities and has been hitting oil facilities and other targets deep inside Russia.
Meloni urges EU to treat energy crisis like defence emergency, relax fiscal rules
Meloni calls for greater budget flexibility to tackle rising energy costs, warning Italy could exit the SAFE defence programme, in a new letter sent to the European Commission.
Zelenskyy's former chief of staff released on €2.7 million bail in anti-corruption probe
According to Ukraine's anti-corruption investigators, Andriy Yermak is a suspect in a large money laundering probe tied to the construction of a luxury residence complex outside Kyiv.
Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 – Midday
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 18th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
Pop watch mania: Swatch appeals for calm as clamour continues for its 'Royal Pop'
The Swiss watchmaker Swatch has been forced to shut several of its stores around the world as a frenzy spreads over its new pocket watch collection made in collaboration with luxury timepiece brand, Audemars Piguet.
'We want to create bridges, not burn them,' says Finnish Foreign Trade Minister on EU-US deal
Finnish Foreign Trade Minister Ville Tavio expressed “cautious optimism” about the EU-US trade deal, ahead of meetings with fellow EU ministers in Brussels this week. Speaking on Europe Today, he said “our requirement is that the US also respects this deal”.
How Dropbox makes remote jobs work as more firms return to the office
Dropbox says its fully remote model has strengthened recruitment, improved retention and supported financial performance, even as many employers tighten office attendance policies introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Europe's poverty divide: Which cities and regions are most and least at risk?
The share of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in Europe varies not only across countries but also across capital cities and regions. Euronews Business takes a closer look at these gaps.
Breaking down the Europa League final: Four key players to watch
The Europa League final between Aston Villa and Freiburg at the Tupras Stadium in Istanbul on Wednesday, 20 May, promises to be one of the most intriguing finals the competition has produced in years. With Freiburg vs Villa odds making Unai Emery's side the 7/10 favourites
Bodybuilders show off muscles at Southeast Asian championships
Myanmar hosts the Southeast Asian Bodybuilding Championships in Yangon, with athletes from eight countries competing from May 14 to 18.
Exclusive: Poland’s hydrogen buses confront prohibitive fuel costs, new report claims
The new report argues that despite massive investment in hydrogen-powered buses in Poland, electric buses are less costly and less polluting due to Warsaw's reliance on non-renewable hydrogen. In contrast, Germany emerges as a success story for hydrogen buses.
Short-haul trips are on the rise for European summer holidays – here’s where to book now
Trending destinations this summer include rural Sweden, Vlorë in Albania and Normandy in France.
Japan arrests US nationals after one entered enclosure at viral baby monkey Punch's zoo
The baby monkey became an internet star this year after the zoo posted photos of Punch clutching an IKEA plush orangutan for comfort after being rejected by his mother.
Watch: Bulgaria welcomes home Eurovision winner Dara with trophy
Eurovision winner Dara returned to Sofia to cheering fans after securing Bulgaria's first-ever victory at the song contest in Vienna.
Commission invites stakeholders to join the European Housing Alliance
The European Commission opened a call for expression of interest to join the first-ever European Housing Alliance, a pioneering initiative to rally stakeholders around efforts to address the housing crisis, which is impacting millions of Europeans. The Alliance will help
Around 10 'new' victims in France's Epstein probe have come forward, prosecutor says
France opened a human trafficking investigation after the US Justice Department released the latest cache of files from the investigation into the disgraced financier in January.
Escaped tiger shot by German police after attacking man
The tiger escaped a facility owned by local trainer Carmen Zander, also known as Germany's "Tiger Queen", according to local media reports.
Can the EU stop 'nudification' apps?
The EU is banning “nudification” apps, AI-powered tools that can digitally remove clothing from images of people, to create non-consensual sexual content.
Obesity rates plateau in wealthy nations but keep rising elsewhere, global study finds
Researchers say the findings of the study challenge the idea of a single global obesity “epidemic”, revealing major differences between countries, age groups and sexes.
The EU’s plan to tackle 'cookie fatigue'
The EU wants to reduce “cookie fatigue” through browser-level consent rules that promise fewer banners and more transparency. Critics warn the proposal could create new gatekeepers, weaken personalised advertising, and increase costs for European businesses.
Watch: Brussels & European capitals—how New Delhi is leveraging a two-tier strategy in Europe
India's Prime Minister is launching a massive diplomatic offensive across Europe. If we follow Modi's itinerary day by day, the calendar reveals exactly what is at stake.
Commission welcomes political agreement on the rights of adults in need of protection in cross-border situations
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached on 12 May between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the Commission's proposal for a Regulation on the protection of adults in cross-border situations. The Regulation will safeguard adults who,
EU-US trade deal has its make-or-break moment in Strasbourg
EU governments and the European Parliament are set to discuss the implementation of the EU-US trade deal again, amid threats of higher tariffs from Trump. As the clock is ticking, this could be the last chance to finalize it before the 4 July deadline.
North Korea's Kim calls on military to bolster frontline defences against 'arch enemy'
The plans come at a low point in relations with South Korea and Pyongyang unresponsive to Seoul's repeated offers for dialogue.
Newsletter: Brexit thrust to centre of UK's Labour leadership showdown
Also in this newsletter: Spanish conservatives win Andalusia regional elections but will likely rely on far-right to govern, in a vote seen as litmus test of Spain's wider politics.