Feeling overwhelmed? These are the quietest countries in the world where you can truly switch off
According to the Noise-Free Nations Index, Estonia is the quietest country on the continent – but it’s all the way down in 34th place.
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Europe's scorching summer could cost EU economies €180 billion
Extreme heat could cost EU economies around €180 billion this year, roughly 1% of GDP and almost exactly the growth the bloc had been expecting for 2026, with France facing the heaviest blow of the big member states.
Are you the travel planner of the group? You could win a free trip to Switzerland – itinerary included
New research from travel booking platform Klook reveals just how thankless the role of travel planning can be and has launched a global search for five planners keen on a chance to swap the spreadsheets for a Swiss getaway.
Quake leaves Colombian towns in ruins as Valle del Cauca counts dead
Western Colombia hit by deadly quake as Zarzal, Roldanillo and El Cairo report widespread damage.
Latest news bulletin | August 12th, 2026 – Midday
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 12th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
Europe has officially delayed the roll out of the ETIAS travel permit indefinitely
Europe’s long-delayed ETIAS travel permit has been pushed back yet again, leaving travellers in limbo over when they’ll need to apply – and pay.
Russian strikes kill two in Kherson overnight, Ukraine retaliates
Overnight Russian drones killed two in Kherson region while Ukraine strikes back killing two in Russia, including an 8-year-old child.
Colombia quake rescuers save woman after 36 hours trapped in rubble
A 32-year-old woman has been rescued alive in Pereira after spending 36 hours trapped beneath a collapsed building. Rescuers located her 10 hours before reaching her.
Spotify to label AI-generated artist personas with new ‘AI Persona’ badges
Spotify's move comes as AI-generated music floods streaming platforms, with Deezer recently reporting that AI tracks accounted for more than half of all new daily uploads in June.
Europe readies for total solar eclipse- So, what will happen in the once-in-a-generation stellar spectacle?
Maximum totality will occur off Iceland’s west coast. By the time it reaches a small patch of Portugal and then Spain with its massive crowds, totality will have dwindled to a minute or so. The spectacle will end in the Mediterranean.
Germany’s best viewpoints from above: Scenic walks, mountain peaks and sky-high bridges
Some of Germany’s best places to take in the views are from above, including at the country’s highest mountain standing next to a statue of mythological hero Hercules.
Fewer rules: Europe was built on coal and steel, not paperwork
The EU keeps churning out new rules, writes Gitta Connemann, head of Germany's CDU's influential business association, MIT. Small and medium-sized businesses bear the brunt of EU bureaucracy, she argues, calling for a halt to new regulation and for rules that add no value to be
Putin threatens retaliatory seizures of European ships
Vladimir Putin threatened to seize European ships in response to the interception and seizure of Russian vessels presumed to be part of Moscow's 'shadow fleet'.
EU sends €2 million to Colombia after deadly earthquake
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc continues to support Colombia wherever possible following the deadly quake.
Fake videos and false allegations target candidates in French 2027 presidential election
Independent researchers and French authorities have identified a raft of false content focusing on two former prime ministers who intend to run in next year's presidential race.
Pyongyang tests another missile within one week and ahead of US-South Korean military drills
A ballistic missile fired from the North’s eastern coastal Wonsan area around 6am flew more than 700 kilometres, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Seoul condemned the test and warned it remains ready to repel any provocation in cooperation with the US.
Morocco accuses Spain of assaulting migrants crossing into Ceuta and claims sovereignty over enclave
Morocco's National Human Rights Council condemns mistreatment "out of sight of the cameras", while Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi says Rabat still claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.
France swelters in new heatwave as water restrictions tighten
Seventy-eight departments, including Rhône, Hauts-de-Seine, Calvados and Finistère, are on orange heatwave alert. Weeks of drought have led the authorities to impose successive restrictions on water use.
Moment Cali hospital collapses after powerful Colombia earthquake
A 7.4 quake in Colombia partially collapsed the Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali on Monday, forcing patients outside as rescuers search for hundreds feared trapped.
Golden homecoming for Alexandri sisters to Greece: life after Austria, medals in Paris
From Austria, where they lived and excelled for 14 years, to their comeback for Greece and two Paris golds. Anna Maria, Irini Marina and Vasiliki Alexandri discuss their decision to return and their plans for the future.
Europe scrambles for eclipse glasses as solar power output set to dip
Shops and opticians across Europe are running short of certified eclipse glasses ahead of Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, with queues forming in Paris, London and Brussels as demand surges.
Water-smart by 2030: the EU's plan to boost water efficiency by 10%
Europe is losing 38 percent of its soil to droughts. The EU's Water Resilience Strategy wants to restore water ecosystems, cut waste, and digitalise water management to increase water resilience across the bloc. Watch the video.
Commission acts against dumped imports of terephthalic acid
On 10 August the Commission imposed anti-dumping duties on imports into the EU of terephthalic acid from the Republic of Korea and Mexico. The definitive anti-dumping duties imposed on imports from Korea range from 6.1% to 13.3%, while imports from Mexico are subject to a duty
World markets mixed as oil and gold rise ahead of US inflation data
Oil prices climbed and Wall Street pulled back from record highs, while South Korea's Kospi surged more than 4% on renewed chip-buying, as markets brace for a crucial US inflation reading.
Children's safety at sea and in pools: 10 rules that can save a life
Doctors and the Red Cross issue practical advice to help swimmers stay safe in the water this summer.
Just married! Cristiano Ronaldo finally weds Georgina Rodriguez in quiet civil ceremony in Cascais
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez were married on Tuesday in a discreet ceremony in Cascais, a small picturesque coastal resort west of the capital Lisbon.
Cristiano Ronaldo says "YESSS" in secret intimate ceremony in Cascais
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez were married on Tuesday this week, in a low-key ceremony in Cascais.
European stocks often crash in August: Is this time different?
European stocks have historically struggled in August, but the average hides an important detail. A handful of major crises account for most of the losses.
Colombia: Rescuers search for survivors after 7.6 magnitude earthquake kills 216 people
As rescuers search through the rubble for survivors, volunteers join to help clear the wreckage. People brought water and food to the victimes and lined up in front of blood donation centres.
Commission harmonises rules for weighing catches across the EU
On 10 August, the European Commission adopted harmonized rules for weighing fishery products across the EU. The new framework streamlines and simplifies procedures and reduces the administrative burden for member states and operators. It will apply from January 2027. The new
Call for participants: 2nd edition of the BraveTechEU DefTech Forges
Join the next Cycle of BraveTechEU DefTech Forges and claim your place in the history of the European defence ecosystem. The next challenge will take place in mid-November 2026 in Germany and Romania and will focus on: This will be an opportunity to evaluate your prototypes
'Fundamental questions remain' in wake of Ceuta crisis, say MEPs
MEPs have called for action on "various levels" to prevent a repeat of events in Ceuta. This follows the recent arrival in Ceuta of more than 70,000 irregular migrants within hours, the largest irregular entry ever recorded at an EU external border. MEPs from across the
From empty benches to real debate? Metsola's bid to revive the European Parliament
Starting in September, new rules will reshape debates in the hemicycle, with one goal: keep MEPs in their seats and turn a succession of social media clips into genuine political exchanges.
Europe is measuring AI by the wrong metrics: Health care shows us the right ones
Most of the conversation about AI in Europe is fixated on scale: how many companies have adopted it, how much revenue it generates, how it stacks up against the US and China. These are fair questions. But they are not the ones that matter most. The better questions are human
'You want it darker?' The ideal total solar eclipse playlist is here
Mainland Europe experiences its full solar eclipse in two decades tonight. The Euronews Culture team picks the 10 songs you need to listen to when darkness falls...
A solar eclipse followed by a meteor shower: Portugal prepares for two rare celestial events
In some parts of the country, the Moon will completely cover the Sun, plunging onlookers into a sci-fi-like scene.
Anxious dogs and silent birds: What happens to animals during a total solar eclipse?
Today's rare solar eclipse is thrilling for humans, but animals will face something they can't prepare for: sudden confusing darkness in the middle of the day.
Worried your child is a loner? A new study says playing alone may be just fine
What matters may not be how much time a child spends alone, but whether they still feel they belong.
Latest news bulletin | August 12th, 2026 – Morning
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 12th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
Winding trails and coastal treks: Three of Europe’s best autumn hikes, according to Lonely Planet
In its new guide book, Lonely Planet has picked out some of the best hikes around the world. Here we take a look at three of the top European options for hiking this autumn.
Kazakhstan expands digital water management as pressure on resources grows
Kazakhstan is expanding digital monitoring, flood forecasting and groundwater research as it seeks to move from reactive water management toward a system that can anticipate risks and track water supplies more accurately. The Central Asian nation seeks to invest in better data
More than 16,000 civilians detained by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine are still held, UN says
The UN also reported more than 95% of the Ukrainian prisoners of war and 85% of the civilian detainees are being tortured or ill-treated, often repeatedly.
Cristiano Ronaldo marries long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez
The couple have tied the knot after the Portuguese captain played his last ever World Cup this summer.
Secret Service and military wanted me off Air Force One in Turkey due to threat, Trump says
“They wanted me to go on a different flight, a different plane,” Trump told reporters after returning from an event in Ohio. “I guess there was a threat out there. I didn’t really ask too much about it,” he said. “I get a lot of threats.”
Remains of two Wehrmacht soldiers from the Danube: one served in the Waffen-SS
A well-preserved Wehrmacht motorbike is recovered from the Danube, along with the remains of two German soldiers. One likely served in the Waffen-SS.
Remains of two Wehrmacht soldiers from Danube: one served in Waffen-SS
A well-preserved Wehrmacht motorbike is recovered from the Danube, along with two German soldiers' remains and ID tags. One likely served in the Waffen-SS. Experts now examine the bones: how old were the men, did they hit a mine?
How Christopher Columbus used an eclipse to save his life in Jamaica
Stranded on Jamaica and close to starvation, the navigator studied astronomical tables and accurately predicted a lunar eclipse that he used to carry favour with the indigenous Taínos.
Russia releases former US Marine reported in poor health
Robert Gilman, who was arrested in 2022, was left in "life-threatening condition" after being subjected to "harsh and abusive treatment", his family says.
Belarusian opposition politician and scientist Aliaksandr Milinkevich dies at 79
The former Sakharov Prize laureate ran against Aliaksandr Lukashenka for the Belarusian presidency in 2006.
Ferry capsizes on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe with 95 people on board
Locals are said to use the ferry to get from rural parts of the region to the town of Kariba, which is on the north side of Lake Kariba, close to the border with Zambia.