Infamous Maradona ‘Hand of God’ ball sells for €2.9m - well below estimate
The Adidas Azteca ball, used for both of Maradona’s goals against England in the 1986 World Cup, fell well short of its €8.6 million presale estimate.
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Armenia announces historic intention to apply for EU membership
Armenia’s Pashinyan laid out Yerevan's decision to formally apply for EU membership “in the near future” and to call for a national referendum, challenging Russia’s regional influence and setting the stage for a historic geopolitical shift.
EU budget: Costa tests leaders ahead of crunch money talks, eyes year-end deal
Costa begins a four-week tour of EU capitals to gauge leaders’ appetite to compromise on a deal for the bloc’s common budget by year-end.
Indonesian Muslims brave choking smoke to pray for rain as country battles wildfires
Emergency services have been battling fires driven by an intensifying El Niño climate pattern and a prolonged dry season, generating dense smoke that crossed into Malaysia and Brunei.
France to survey 10 million pupils on sexual violence
The government expects the nationwide survey to reveal the scale of abuse as authorities face scrutiny over tens of thousands of cases awaiting action.
Kos sets out new path for EU enlargement: Internal reforms, safeguards and gradual integration to end impasse
The EU enlargement boss sets out four areas for discussion: internal reforms without treaty changes, stronger democratic safeguards, a gradual integration methodology and encompassing transitional measures.
Evolution of fuel prices in July 2026
In July 2026, the price of fuels and lubricants for personal transport in the EU increased by 16.9% compared with July 2025. This followed year-on-year increases of 20.7% in May and 13.7% in June. In 25 of 27 EU countries, fuels and lubricants prices were higher in July 2026,
Keeping communication channels open: Vatican's top diplomat visits Moscow
The programme for his visit, which is due to last until Thursday, includes meetings with representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate and with the small, local Catholic community.
Foreign visitors boost Greek tourism in June – domestic demand is in decline
According to provisional data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, 5.58 million arrivals and 24.06 million overnight stays were recorded in tourist lodgings in June 2026.
Greek air traffic controllers pushed to limit by tourism boom
A surge in flights, staff shortages and ageing infrastructure are increasing pressure on controllers as Greece races to modernise its aviation network.
Spanish workers spend equivalent of 231 days paying taxes, study says
Tax Freedom Day fell on 20 August, according to Fundación Civismo. The think tank says the average worker’s tax burden has increased by 54 days since 2018, partly because of higher social contributions and income tax thresholds failing to keep pace with inflation.
First-ever urban Ritz-Carlton Reserve to open in Shanghai – here’s what you need to know
The new skyscraper property will open on Shanghai’s North Bund in 2030.
EU reaffirms solidarity with Ukraine on 35th anniversary of independence
24 August 2026 marked Ukraine's 35th anniversary of its independence. This occasion embodies Ukrainians' bravery, resistance and resilience in the face of Russia's continuous and vicious war of aggression. It also symbolises their aspiration to be a democratic and European
Death of a titan of French radio and TV: Emmanuel Macron pays tribute to Philippe Bouvard
After an illustrious career spanning more than six decades – for which he holds a world record – beloved French cultural figure Philippe Bouvard has died aged 95. President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to “a free spirit”.
German investigators find third drone and suspected explosives at Leipzig/Halle Airport, local media says
Leipzig/Halle airport in eastern Germany plays a key role in the transport of military goods, including by the German military and NATO allies, and also serves as a base for Ukraine's Antonov Airlines.
Tornado rips through French village, injuring at least 31
A tornado tears through Pomas in southern France, damaging homes and roofs and injuring 31 people as severe storms hit the Aude region.
Statement by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen and Commissioner McGrath on the Europe-wide Day of Remembrance of the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes
On the Europe-wide Day of Remembrance of the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes on 23 August, Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen (pictured), and Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection
New evidence prompts trial delay for Libyan charged in 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103
The bombing, which is the deadliest-ever terror attack in Britain, killed all 259 people on board Pan Am flight 103 and 11 people on the ground in the Scottish town of Lockerbie.
Saudi Arabia to fund three new theme parks near Paris
These three theme parks, one of them based on "Dragon Ball Z," will create 22,000 jobs, Emmanuel Macron has announced. Saudi Arabia will invest €6 billion.
EU sea defence: the new race to protect cables, pipelines and trade
Is the deep blue sea the next frontier for defence? Global economies are increasingly dependent on vulnerable subsea data and energy pipelines. So, the EU and its members are shifting budgets towards maritime defence tools.
Germany and Italy clash over migrant rescue ships and returns
Berlin and Rome are increasingly at odds over who should rescue migrants in the Mediterranean — and which country should ultimately take responsibility for them. Are private rescue ships offering vital aid or ultimately helping people smugglers?
After ending power shortages Kazakhstan can become electricity exporter
Kazakhstan plans to commission 845 megawatts of new power generation capacity in 2027 as part of a broader effort to meet growing electricity demand and build a reserve in the national power system. The planned projects combine gas-fired generation with renewable energy,
New Colombian president orders immigration raids, vowing deporations of migrants without legal status
The far-right leader, a close ally of Donald Trump, seemed to echo the rhetoric of the Trump administration. 'Colombians first, Colombians second, Colombians third, may that be clear to everyone,' de la Espriella said.
London and Paris landmarks light up for Ukraine’s Independence Day
The UK Parliament and Eiffel Tower are lit in blue and yellow as London and Paris mark Ukraine's 35th Independence Day with landmark light-ups.
Washington Post ordered to rehire columnist sacked for social media posts after Charlie Kirk's killing
Karen Attiah wrote on social media after the right-wing influencer's assassination that she would not display sadness and shared the activist's past racist comments about Black women.
Canada walked away from Trump. Could the EU ever do the same?
Canada's Mark Carney has shown the EU what walking away from Trump could look like. But would Brussels dare call out the US president and reject his demands that allies play by his rules? For Europe, it's complicated.
Commission clears creation of joint venture by CMA CGM and TotalEnergies
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by CMA CGM S.A. and TotalEnergies S.E., both of France. The transaction relates primarily to LNG bunkering logistics services. The Commission concluded that the notified
Anorexia and binge eating: Genetic study reveals eating disorders go beyond body weight
New research points to a biological basis for eating disorders that goes beyond body weight.
Balloons take years to decompose: UK researchers invent ‘Bioloon’ as nature-friendly alternative
Discarded balloons “leak toxic chemicals into the environment" and can easily be swallowed by animals.
Latest news bulletin | August 25th, 2026 – Morning
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 25th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
The Faroe Islands’ self-navigating car itineraries are putting the magic back into travel
Travellers are invited to hop in a car and let the GPS take them to lesser-known spots – and the destinations are a secret until you arrive.
Commission closes antitrust investigation after Pratt and Whitney amends contractual clauses
The European Commission has closed an antitrust investigation into alleged anticompetitive behaviour by Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (‘Pratt & Whitney'), the main supplier in the European Economic Area (‘EEA') of turboprop aircraft engines. The closure of the investigation
UK drone factories may face attacks from 'unknown sources', says Kremlin adviser
The comments on BBC Newsnight come after the UK announced it has agreed to hand over blueprints for British-made missile components to Ukraine.
Moving to the countryside for a home: young people flee city housing costs
13% of would-be homebuyers plan to move to towns under 10,000 residents. Often single 35-year-olds on average incomes, they see depopulated Spain as their only escape from a housing market that has shut them out.
Trump administration plans to revoke 200,000 visas of asylum seekers
The move is the latest in the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration. If it happens, the move would mark the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history.
Tornado tears through French village, leaving dozens hurt and homes ravaged
The south-western village of Pomas was hardest hit, with hundreds of homes damaged and fifteen people taken to hospital.
Moment tornado tears through southern France
The tornado has injured more than 40 people and destroyed homes in villages.
Saudi Arabia to pump €6 billion into building three theme parks near Paris
The parks are set to be constructed in Cergy-Pontoise to the northwest of Paris and are expected to include a manga-themed attraction.
Tornado causes major damage south of Carcassonne
A powerful tornado caused severe damage south of Carcassonne, ripping up trees and roofs, with gusts locally reaching 117 km/h.
Tornado tears through village in south-west France: More than 40 injured and 300 homes damaged
A powerful tornado hit several towns in Aude on Monday, causing major damage, particularly in Pomas.
Tornado in Aude: at least 26 injured and around 100 homes damaged
A powerful tornado hit several communes in the Aude on Monday, causing major damage, particularly in Pomas, with gusts recorded at up to 117 km/h.
Manga-inspired theme park to be built near Paris
The construction of three new parks was given the green light after a €6bn investment from Saudi Arabia.
US Treasury Secretary launches 'Operation Economic Outcast' aimed at isolating Iran
"Any entity that facilitates money laundering on behalf of Iran will be removed from the US dollar system," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday.
UK to share SCALP missile blueprints with Ukraine as Coalition of the Willing meets in Kyiv
Britain will share technical information on the SCALP cruise missile with Ukraine, bringing Kyiv closer to producing the long-range strike weapon at home. Ukraine is still seeking US approval to manufacture Patriot interceptors.
Victims of abuse at youth care home to be compensated by Danish government
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, between 1949 and 1976, personal accounts and its files showed "serious and systemic failings during the stay of the 13 former residents in this home, which was under state supervision."
Latest news bulletin | August 24th, 2026 – Evening
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 24th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
Houthis claim strike on Saudi tanker in latest Red Sea escalation
The missile struck a tanker 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, setting it ablaze, in the latest strike under the Houthis' announced blockade of Saudi Arabia, threatening its ability to export millions of barrels of crude oil per day.
UK firm running Portugal's largest solar plant files for insolvency
Based in Alcoutim, in the Algarve, Solara4 has been operating for five years, but over that time it has repeatedly run into a series of setbacks.
Tensions in the Alps after antisemitic video
Each summer for decades, Orthodox Jewish communities have sought the calm of the Alps, but their presence and strict lifestyle can irritate locals and other tourists.