Chinese youths greet Putin on arrival in Beijing
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit, where young Chinese flag-wavers and officials welcomed him at the airport ahead of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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Estonia says Nato jet shot down drone over its territory
Estonia suspects the drone was a Ukrainian projectile knocked off course by Russian electronic jamming.
Cities struggle to keep pace as war and climate define urban futures, WUF13 delegates warn
Delegates at the World Urban Forum in Baku warned on day three that war and climate change are affecting cities faster than governments can respond, urging a shift away from standardised housing models.
‘Each day counts’: EU scrambles to seal defence industry deal
European parliamentarians, EU member states and Commission mediators are in the thick of talks aimed at bolstering the bloc’s defence industry by cutting down on bureaucracy. Despite the political will for the continent to rearm itself, significant divisions have emerged on the
UAE says mystery drones targeting nuclear plant came from Iraq
The UAE said drones that struck its Barakah nuclear plant last week were launched from Iraq, indicating Tehran-backed militias have continued targeting Gulf energy infrastructure on behalf of Iran.
Bayeux Tapestry to be displayed 'flat along its full length' in London for first time
The loan of the work, listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, had sparked numerous protests in France, mainly due to its fragility.
Merkel warns Europe can no longer rely on old security certainties
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was awarded the European Order of Merit on Tuesday. Merkel warned that Europe could no longer take peace and security for granted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She also said changes in US security policy showed old certainties
G7 finance ministers gather in Paris amid Iran tensions and tariff concerns
Finance ministers from G7 economies gathered in Paris for a second day of talks focused on global economic pressures, including the Iran conflict, US tariffs and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
EU keeps carbon border tax unchanged despite fertiliser price crisis
Fertiliser producers argue that the EU's carbon pricing rules at the border protect the European industry from cheaper imports produced under weaker environmental rules. But farmers fear they are indirectly paying the bill through higher fertiliser costs.
EU Order of Merit celebrates the same old memories and few fresh faces
The European Order of Merit conferral ceremony came off as a celebration of the past with little hope for the future. Merkel was among those awarded.
Gulf states talk Trump out of Iran strikes in a show of regional influence
Trump said he suspended imminent US military strikes on Iran “for two or three days” after the Gulf states intervened to gain more time due to ongoing negotiations and concerns over Iranian retaliation, with Qatar stating that Gulf leaders are united in trying to avoid a
Giant Pele statue installed outside stadium ahead of 2026 World Cup
A giant bronze statue of Pelé was installed outside Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
From screening at airports to scrapping flights: How should Europe respond to latest Ebola outbreak?
As the United States is stepping up its measures in response to the latest Ebola outbreak, what is happening in Europe? Will it also screen passengers at airports, or go as far as cancelling flights? And how effective are these measures?
Thirteen hantavirus contacts at Gómez Ulla allowed to receive visitors
The only confirmed positive case continues to do well and is eager to begin a “normal quarantine”. From Tuesday, the other 13 isolated people may leave their single rooms wearing PPE and masks.
Thirteen Spaniards isolated at Gómez Ulla over hantavirus can receive visitors
The only confirmed positive case is still doing well and is keen finally to serve a 'normal quarantine'. From Tuesday, the 13 in isolation may leave their rooms wearing PPE and a mask.
World Cup stadium workers demand ICE stay out
Workers at SoFi Stadium protested outside the venue demanding guarantees that personal data collected during FIFA accreditation would not be shared with US immigration authorities.
Latest news bulletin | May 19th, 2026 – Evening
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 19th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
Son of Mango boss arrested over father's fatal fall from cliff
Isak, 71, died in December 2024 after falling from a ravine while walking in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona.
Joint ESA–China mission begins mapping Earth’s protective magnetic field
The SMILE mission will track the Earth’s magnetosphere, which protects the planet from charged particles that come from the Sun.
NATO fighter jet downs stray Ukrainian drone over Estonia
For the first time, a NATO fighter jet shot down what is believed to have been a stray Ukrainian drone over the Baltic country. Ukraine apologised for the “unintended incident”, while Russia threatened retaliation.
Pint or pichet? Beer consumption overtakes wine for the first time in France
For the first time in France’s recorded history, beer has overtaken wine as the drink of choice. Oh. Mon. Dieu.
New film charts the life and times of Zurita de Oliveira, the mother of Portuguese rock
Francisca Marvão directs a documentary full of music and energy with a mostly female cast, in which artists and bands of today bring back the music of the first person to record a rock song in Portugal.
US lawmakers raise alarm over legality of Pentagon's lethal drug boat strikes
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have questioned whether the military has the legal authority to use lethal force against civilian-style vessels in international waters outside of a declared theatre of war.
From raw materials to value-added exports: A structural trade transformation
Uzbekistan is broadening its export base through market diversification, industrial growth, and trade reforms, targeting higher value-added products and new international markets.
Bible bytes: The Pope and Anthropic co-founder join forces on AI ethics
Pope Leo's first major document will confront the age of AI.
London Police reviewing Ghost Tube Station Fraud Case
Entrepreneur Ajit Chambers ' Brompton Road Report' is now with the London Police Fraud Unit, with access provided directly to Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. 'Chambers' is the man who decided to open London's 26 abandoned tube stations, known as 'Ghost Tube Stations',
Brussels’ Manneken Pis goes sporty
Brussels’ iconic Manneken Pis statue received a makeover in honour of the annual World Fair Play Day. Celebrated on 19 May, the event shines a spotlight on "fair play'' in the world of sport.
Member's Only: The secret of Florentino Pérez's Real Madrid power base
Money talks. Especially at Real Madrid. If you can't personally guarantee €187 million and boast 20 years of club membership, there's no way to take over the club, which has allowed its president Florentino Pérez to rule for nearly two decades.
Viral posts falsely claim Eurovision winner was secretly bought
Posts claiming that the infamous pan-European music competition was rigged gained significant traction online, amidst wider scrutiny about the contest's voting rules and promotional campaigns.
‘Ukraine is paying the highest price to return home to European values,' Oleksandra Matviichuk says
The Ukrainian human rights defender and European Order of Merit laureate said that after three centuries in Russia's shadow, Ukraine is now "back in Europe.”
EU’s fertiliser rescue plan aims to prevent another farm uprising
With fertiliser prices soaring due to the volatility of global markets, the European Commission is attempting to calm struggling farmers ahead of key political talks on the European Union's agricultural budget for the next seven years.
Maldives cave diving tragedy: Search continues for missing Italian divers
Search and recovery operations remained underway in the Maldives’ Vaavu Atoll after five Italian divers went missing during a deep cave dive near Alimathaa Island.
NGOs challenge UK-US medicines pricing deal
Two UK NGOs, Just Treatment and Global Justice Now, are preparing the first steps towards a possible judicial review against the UK government over legislation implementing the UK-US pharmaceuticals pricing agreement struck to avoid the threat of ‘Section 301’ unfair trade
Aqua, dance-pop band behind hit song ‘Barbie Girl’, announces breakup
The band announced that they were breaking up on Instagram after having been together for more than three decades. Their single ‘Barbie Girl’ sold more than 8 million copies worldwide and became a huge hit on several continents when it was released in 1997.
Four Seasons opens a stunning new resort on the Red Sea
Found on Shura Island in Saudi Arabia, the luxury property has a spa, three swimming pools and a 1.3km-long beach.
Thailand plans to cut visa-free stays for tourists amid crackdown on foreign crime
Holidaymakers from more than 90 countries could soon face shorter visa-free stays in Thailand, as officials move to curb crimes involving foreign nationals despite tourism remaining vital to the country’s economy.
PlayStation Plus price hikes spark backlash from gamers as Sony raises subscription
Sony is increasing the price of PlayStation Plus memberships in several markets. The decision has prompted criticism from players who argue that subscription gaming is becoming increasingly expensive.
Iranian TV teaches viewers to shoot as IRGC ramps up child recruitment
Iranian state TV has broadcast live weapons training, including simulated shooting at Trump, Netanyahu and the UAE flag, as the IRGC formally recruits children as young as 12 for checkpoints.
'A perfect storm for our industry and our jobs,' foresees MEP if EU-US trade deal not completed
European People Party MEP Željana Zovko warned that US “ideological fights” and EU “complex process procedures” could inhibit an EU-US deal from being reached at tonight’s high stakes talks in Strasbourg. Zovko also admitted she is “not so confident this morning”.
Iranian director Jafar Panahi faces new trial in Iran for 'propaganda against the state'
Iranian director Jafar Panahi is set to face trial in Iran once more, on charges of “propaganda against the regime.” He was sentenced by Iran’s Revolutionary Court to one year in prison and a two-year travel ban in absentia last year.
German serial killer 'Man in Black' on trial for murder of 10-year-old French boy in 2004
Martin Ney, who wore masks and balaclavas during his attacks, was jailed for life in 2012 after he confessed to killing three boys aged 13, eight and nine between 1992 and 2001.
Dutch groups launch equal air travel tax campaign over flight cost fears
Netherlands-based travel firms are urging the Dutch government to rethink steep aviation tax rises they say could price ordinary families out of holidays and push travellers to airports across the border.
Tehran mass wedding turns military vehicles into bridal cars
Tehran stages a mass wedding where brides and grooms ride in decorated military vehicles, mixing celebration, symbolism and state messaging.
High risks, pitfalls and snubs: EU envoy for Russia talks faces job from hell
Whoever is appointed the European envoy for direct talks with Russia might come to regret it, as the task is laden with dangers that risk backfiring.
Searching for James Bond: Official casting launches with new contenders (and Trump) auditioning
Official casting for the new James Bond has been announced, with Nina Gold at the helm. Who are the new favourites and why is the White House throwing Donald Trump's MAGA hat in the ring?
HKTCM and IAM Reinforce Hong Kong Presence with Office Reopening Amid Rising Demand Cross-Border Wealth Structuring
Reopening reflects renewed confidence in Hong Kong’s role in supportingcross-border wealth planning, fiduciary structuring, and long-term assetpreservation through trust structures. Strategic partner of Hong Kong Fiduciary Association Limited (HKFA) , Hong Kong Trust Capital
Denmark's Queen Margrethe out of hospital after heart procedure, royal palace says
Hugely popular among Danes for subtly modernising the monarchy, Margrethe has faced multiple health problems in recent years.
Two bodies of missing Italians recovered from inside Maldives cave
The two were among four divers located in the furthest chamber in the cave and their bodies were recovered by specialist divers.
Latest news bulletin | May 19th, 2026 – Midday
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 19th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
Malaysia seeks €216m compensation from Norwegian firm over scrapped missile deal
Delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system as well as launcher components was revoked that had been destined for Malaysia's littoral combat ship programme under the terms of a 2018 deal.