Independent European news, selected, rewritten and voiced for EUR RADIO.
1. Internet disrupted in Tigray amid conflict
Internet and call services have been disrupted in Ethiopia’s Tigray region following renewed fighting between regional forces and the national army. State-owned Ethio Telecom has completely cut services, while smaller private operator Safaricom remains operational.
2. EU releases €6.6 billion for Ukraine arms
The European Union has agreed to release €6.6 billion to reimburse member states supplying arms to Ukraine, as confirmed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. This announcement comes as at least five people were reported killed in Russian strikes on Kyiv.
3. EU to pursue fine on X despite US support for Musk
The European Union has announced it will defend a €120 million fine against the X social network after the US Justice Department backed Elon Musk’s challenge to annul the case. The fine was imposed in 2025 for violations of EU online transparency regulations.
4. FBI hack exposes agents’ medical data
Cyber-criminals who breached the FBI’s systems claim to have stolen sensitive medical data from thousands of special agents. Reports indicate that the stolen records include blood and urine test results, along with doctors’ notes detailing various health conditions.
5. Zelenskyy warns of funding gap for Ukraine’s defense
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has highlighted a $27 billion funding gap that could hinder the country’s ability to acquire necessary weapons. This gap emerged after Hungary delayed the EU’s €90 billion loan to Kyiv, forcing early defense spending adjustments.
6. President Donald Trump has reportedly made a “final decision” to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air defence missiles, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. This announcement comes after a series of uncertainties surrounding military support for Ukraine.
7. As October 2026 approaches, marking a decade since the Calais “Jungle” was dismantled, many migrants in northern France still aspire to reach the UK. The original camp, which housed thousands, has since been replaced by smaller encampments, yet the dream of crossing the Channel remains strong.
8. After his concert in Lima was cancelled due to safety regulation issues, Robbie Williams surprised fans with an impromptu performance outside his hotel. Expressing his disappointment, he told the crowd he was “broken-hearted” but grateful for their support.
Ukraine is considering the legalization of pornography as a means to generate tax revenue and fund the purchase of drones. This controversial move aims to address a significant budget deficit but raises concerns in a country with a history of issues related to the exploitation of women.
In a related development, France is advocating for EU-only defence spending as part of the European Commission’s plans to allocate 134 billion euros to the defence and space sectors from 2028 to 2034. French officials are pushing for these funds to be exclusively directed towards the European industry, although this stance is not universally supported across the continent.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 8 to 13 degrees with light rain shower feels like. In London, 14 to 25 degrees with sunny low. In Paris, 16 to 27 degrees with sunny feels like. In Brussels, 12 to 24 degrees with sunny feels like. In Berlin, 12 to 18 degrees with overcast feels like. In Stockholm, 9 to 14 degrees with sunny feels like. In Madrid, 21 to 30 degrees with sunny feels like.