Independent European news, selected, rewritten and voiced for EUR RADIO.
1. Diesel price in Belgium hits all-time high
The price of diesel in Belgium has reached a record high of €2.5 per liter, equivalent to $2.78. This increase of 3.3 cents per liter was announced by the Belgian Economy Ministry and took effect on September 22.
2. Russia and Ukraine trade deadly strikes as Zelenskyy prepares to meet Trump at UN
Overnight, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on at least four Ukrainian regions, resulting in four fatalities. This escalation in hostilities coincides with President Zelenskyy’s upcoming meeting with former President Trump at the United Nations.
3. EU seals Philippines trade deal in push to diversify away from China and US
The European Commission has finalized a trade agreement with the Philippines, marking a significant step in its strategy to diversify trade relations in the Indo-Pacific. This move follows recent tensions in global trade, particularly after the US imposed new tariffs on various trading partners.
4. US plans to establish 2 new military bases in Greenland: Report
Reports indicate that the United States is planning to set up two new military bases in Greenland to enhance its presence in the Arctic region. While specific locations are yet to be confirmed, there is notable interest in the airport at Narsarsuaq.
5. UK joins French-Mexican initiative to limit UN Security Council veto in atrocity cases
The UK has aligned itself with a French-Mexican initiative aimed at restricting the use of the UN Security Council veto in situations involving genocide and crimes against humanity. The initiative has garnered support from 21 additional countries across the Caribbean, South America, and Asia.
6. Manfred Weber has issued a stark warning to Morocco regarding the ongoing border crisis with Ceuta, emphasizing that failure to stabilize the situation could lead to “obvious consequences.” The EU official highlighted concerns over the influx of around 80,000 irregular migrants in July, suggesting that uncontrolled situations may persist if action is not taken.
7. President Gitanas Nauseda has announced that a new rotation of US troops is en route to Lithuania. In a post on the social media platform X, Nauseda expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for the continued military support, reinforcing Lithuania’s defense capabilities amid regional tensions.
8. A recent INSA poll reveals that 45% of German voters would support snap elections should Chancellor Friedrich Merz resign. The survey indicates a significant desire for a new national vote, while 31% believe that the CDU/CSU and SPD should leverage their parliamentary majority to govern without immediate elections.
The U.K. will seek to use its upcoming G20 presidency to forge a global agreement on artificial intelligence, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares for a visit to the U.N. General Assembly in New York. This initiative comes amid rising concerns regarding global AI governance, which have become a significant focus of international diplomacy.
Lithuania’s Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has announced that the country has developed evacuation plans in response to ongoing threats from Russia. In an interview with the BBC, Sinkevičius emphasized that while Lithuania is prepared for potential conflicts, the nation will not surrender if attacked, citing concerns over drone incursions into Lithuanian airspace.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 11 to 16 degrees with sunny feels like. In London, 16 to 24 degrees with sunny low. In Paris, 14 to 25 degrees with sunny feels like. In Brussels, 11 to 20 degrees with sunny feels like. In Berlin, 9 to 20 degrees with sunny feels like. In Stockholm, 8 to 16 degrees with sunny feels like. In Madrid, 19 to 29 degrees with sunny feels like.