Meta 'knew and did nothing,' whistleblower reveals in child safety trial
Prosecutors have claimed that Meta was aware of the damage its platforms did to young users' mental health, but chose to hide it and keep harvesting their data.
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Tokyo-bound express train hits and kills four workers at railway station in Japan
Railway officials said it was unclear why the workers did not leave the site when the train was approaching, or what the lookout people were doing.
German neo-Nazi suspected of deadly 1970 fire at Jewish retirement home
Investigators believe they have identified an arsonist who attacked a Jewish community centre in Munich in 1970, killing seven people.
'Peaky Blinders' fans can now immerse themselves in the Shelby underworld in London
Fans of 'Peaky Blinders' can now step into the fictional world of the Shelby family at a new immersive experience near London Bridge. Visitors can explore the Garrison Tavern, take on missions, place bets and interact with characters in an underworld inspired by the hit series.
This region’s reconstruction drives investment, industry and new opportunities
Karabakh is moving from reconstruction towards a new phase of economic development, with new industrial and logistics zones attracting investment.
Spain will overtake France as the world’s most visited country by 2040, new study predicts
Worldwide, the number of tourist trips is expected to continue to increase, reaching 2.4 billion by 2040.
Drought on Serbia's Sava River reveals long-lost WWII shipwreck
Serbia has seen the remains of a century-old steam tug emerge from the Sava River near Sremska Mitrovica, after prolonged heat and drought drove water levels exceptionally low.
Swiss tourist sentenced to year in jail for insulting Bali's sacred Day of Silence
During his trial, Luzian Andrin Zgraggen told the court he had never intended to insult the Hindu holiday or the Balinese people.
Gold and silver surge in August as mounting US debt fears rattle markets
Gold and silver have both stormed higher this August, driven by a softening dollar, mounting US government debt and fading expectations of a further Federal Reserve rate hike, as investors return to safe havens.
Will the UK royal family welcome Harry and Meghan back? Expert urges couple to 'move slowly'
Last month, Prince Harry visited the UK with Meghan and their children, who saw King Charles for the first time since 2022.
'I feel I am imprisoning myself' - Djokovic on drive & doubts
Novak Djokovic discusses being his own biggest doubter and the Belgrade childhood that shaped him in a new documentary.
UK cinemas consider ban on Meta ‘pervert glasses’ over piracy and privacy concerns
The UK Cinema Association is weighing restrictions on Meta glasses, which can provide accessibility features but also record videos covertly.
Strasbourg hospital A&E disrupted by illicit drone deliveries to nearby prison
Since early August, the Hautepierre University Hospital heliport has been shut down at night because of drone "deliveries" to Elsau prison.
One year to go: Qatar counts down to 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup
A total of 32 national teams will play 92 games across four Doha arenas, including a former FIFA World Cup stadium transformed from a football pitch to a basketball court.
Boutique hotel with spectacular cliffside views opens on Crete’s western coast
Guests can choose between safari-inspired tented pavilions along the shore and cliffside suites with private pools.
Tibetan protesters in New Dehli denounce China with shaved heads and prayers
Hundreds of Tibetan exiles gathered in New Delhi on Thursday, 20 August, to protest against China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.
Raiders of the Cookie Jar: Harrison Ford and Cookie Monster break the internet
“This has made my month." A clip shared by Sesame Street's Cookie Monster has gone viral, racking up millions of views and rave reviews...
Overcome market fragmentation or miss the AI train, Lagarde warns the EU
An overly fragmented single market cannot support Europe’s top priority of competing globally in the AI race, European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde warns.
Banderol, Russia’s new low-cost weapon testing Ukraine’s air defences
Russia is stepping up its use of the Banderol, a relatively cheap new weapon that carries a smaller warhead than conventional cruise missiles but can force Ukraine to use the same scarce and costly air defences to intercept it.
Quevedo overtakes Rosalía to become Spain's most-streamed artist on Spotify
This summer the singer tops the chart on the Swedish platform, which estimates monthly plays per artist, ahead of his Catalan collaborator and Rels B.
Quevedo overtakes Rosalía as most-streamed Spanish artist on Spotify
This summer, the artist tops the ranking on the Swedish platform, which estimates each artist's monthly plays, overtaking his Catalan peer and Rels B.
Quevedo overtakes Rosalía and becomes Spain's most streamed artist on Spotify
The artist tops the Swedish platform's summer ranking, which estimates each artist's monthly streams, overtaking his Catalan colleague and Rels B.
Belgian car salesman becomes prince after royal parentage confirmed
Clément Vandenkerckhove was quietly brought into Prince Laurent's family at a town hall ceremony.
“I wanna try it so bad”: How TikTok shapes what teenagers eat — and the role parents can play
TikTok trends are influencing what teenagers eat, from viral restaurant dishes and fast food to recipes and influencer diets. But new research suggests parents may also have a role in limiting the platform’s influence.
Romania destroys explosive drone near major Black Sea gas project
A separate drone crashed in eastern Romania as the country and neighbouring Poland stepped up air defences during a major Russian attack on Ukraine.
Archaeologists uncover human offering at ancient ceremonial site in Lima
Archaeologists in Lima have uncovered the skeletal remains of an adult believed to have been placed as a ritual offering at Huaca Pucllana. The body was found inside a ceremonial canal dating to around 650 AD, when the Lima culture flourished on Peru's central coast.
Champagne harvest: why picking begins as early as mid-August
In Champagne, the grape harvest began as early as mid-August, unprecedented for some growers, after heat and drought sped up ripening and forced them to change their methods.
Latest news bulletin | August 20th, 2026 – Midday
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 20th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
ICC separates Taliban probe from US case as Afghan women's fate stays uncertain
ICC judges reportedly ordered prosecutors to open a standalone investigation into Taliban persecution of women, separating it from the probe that also covered alleged US crimes in Afghanistan. Afghan rights advocates warned the split risked undermining comprehensive justice.
Unexpected twin-city breaks you can take by sleeper train in Europe
Sleeper trains are making it possible to pair destinations with completely different vibes without the airport queues. Here are some unexpected European city pairings connected by overnight rail.
Sirens, shelters and scaled-back war games: South Korea rehearses for crisis
South Korea held a nationwide civil defence drill on Thursday, 20 August, as part of the annual Ulchi Exercise, with authorities rehearsing responses to a national emergency such as an air raid.
Bookings soar for flights to eclipse destinations ahead of 2027’s celestial spectacle
The 2027 solar eclipse is already sending travellers scrambling for flights. Here’s where to go to catch the totality in Europe and how to plan the ultimate eclipse-chasing trip.
Full-face veil bans: How do rules compare across Europe?
European countries take widely different approaches to full-face veils, from nationwide bans to restrictions in specific public spaces. Euronews looks at how the rules vary across the continent.
US debt tops $40 trillion as Treasury doubles bond buybacks to calm markets
The US Treasury moved on Wednesday to calm a bond market rattled by surging borrowing costs, doubling the size of its debt buybacks hours before separate figures confirmed that the national debt had climbed past $40 trillion (€34.4tn) for the first time.
Alarming study reveals that almost 40 per cent of music released globally in July 2026 used AI
The use of AI in music creation continues to be a divisive topic and recent figures confirm that the onslaught of AI-generated tracks is not slowing down. Worse, certain artists are becoming more open about using the controversial technology.
Portugal enacts 'burqa law' banning face coverings in public space
In Portugal, violators face fines ranging from €150 to €3,000, with exemptions for health, professional, artistic or weather-related reasons, as well as in places of worship, diplomatic missions and on aircraft.
Russia runs out of petrol at seven in 10 stations as fuel crisis worsens
Ukrainian drone campaign on Russia's energy infrastructure has caused fuel shortages so severe that the Kremlin has admitted it. Queues in Moscow are forming for the first time, and Russia has brought back banned low-grade fuel to plug the gap, while detaining residents who
Kyiv residents rescued as Russian strikes damage buildings across the city
Russia’s overnight missile barrage killed at least 12 people in Kyiv on Thursday, 20 August, as residents were rescued from damaged buildings and firefighters battled fires across the capital.
Turning the tide: Algae Scope's bio-based answer to PFAS
PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', are commonly used to make textiles and other materials resistant to water and fire. However, because they persist in the environment and build up in living organisms, they pose growing risks to human health and ecosystems. To help address this
Why swimming in the Rhine is allowed in Switzerland but banned in Germany
Basel has spent decades making the Rhine safe for swimmers, while German cities are imposing bans. Could a growing European push to reclaim urban waterways change that?
Verstappen extends Red Bull deal to 2030
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen signs a contract extension with Red Bull, keeping him with the Formula One team until 2030.
US officials coordinated deportation flights with Iran, emails reveal
Emails obtained by the National Iranian American Council lobby show ICE officials accepted last-minute changes to deportation lists requested by Tehran. A separate lawsuit alleged confidential asylum information was shared with Iranian officials, a claim the Department of
Hundreds of meetings, €8 million a year: How Big Tobacco lobbies the EU
A massive surge in tobacco industry lobbying is undercutting the European Union’s public health agenda, derailing legislative proposals, and triggering a political battles over new nicotine products.
World Humanitarian Day: EU answering to growing global humanitarian needs
19 August marked World Humanitarian Day, an opportunity to celebrate the indispensable and tireless life-saving efforts of aid workers worldwide. When crises erupt and conflicts arise, humanitarians are among the first ones on the spot, delivering emergency assistance to those
China showcases next‑gen humanoid robots as US curbs push firms abroad
At the World Robot Conference in Beijing on 19 August, more than 300 companies displayed humanoid, industrial and service robots, highlighting the sector’s push into factories and commercial settings.
NATO 3.0 rebrand is 'lipstick on a pig', says former US ambassador
The transatlantic relationship has changed profoundly since Donald Trump's return to the White House, and the concept of NATO 3.0 epitomises the transformation. But what does it actually mean?
Interfaith conference in Brussels
More than 140 representatives from Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities gathered in Brussels on August 16 for an interfaith conference focused on peace, mutual respect and co-operation. Hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the
Oil jumps on Iran standoff as global stocks rebound on US bond move
Global shares rebounded and bond yields eased after Washington's debt buyback announcement, while oil held near multi-week highs amid the deadlocked US-Iran standoff
16 killed, 33 injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv and surrounding region
US President Donald Trump had authorised Ukraine to obtain licences to manufacture Patriot air defence systems, but later reversed the decision.
Will Prime Minister Andy Burnham move the UK closer to Europe?
From trade to defence to youth mobility, London and Brussels are seeking to build on the thaw in their post-Brexit relationship. But tough negotiations lie ahead as an autumn summit looms.