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1. Dogs and cats in the EU must be chipped
The European Parliament has approved a measure requiring all dogs and cats in the EU to be identifiable by microchips. This initiative aims to combat the illegal trade in animals and enhance their protection across member states.
2. EU’s Von der Leyen to hold meeting with chip and tech firms
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to meet with technology and semiconductor companies this week. The meeting comes amid concerns that the EU’s competitiveness drive may not be meeting industry expectations.
3. Ryanair average fares may not grow this year, O’Leary warns
Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary has indicated that average fares could remain flat in the financial year ending March 2027, contrary to earlier forecasts of a 4-5 percent increase. He noted that the situation is heavily influenced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
4. Man, 89, arrested after ‘four people shot and wounded’ in Greek capital
An 89-year-old man has been arrested in Athens after allegedly opening fire with a shotgun in a social security office and a court building, injuring at least four individuals. The suspect was apprehended near Patra, approximately 130 miles from the capital.
5. Third Ukrainian strike hits Russian oil refinery and prompts evacuations
A third strike has targeted a Russian oil refinery in Tuapse, leading to evacuations as authorities work to manage an oil spill resulting from the attacks. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to leave as containment efforts continue.
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6. The UAE’s decision to exit OPEC amid the ongoing Hormuz oil crisis poses significant challenges for Saudi Arabia and the organization as a whole. This move comes as the global economy grapples with the fallout from the Iran conflict, raising concerns about oil supply stability.
7. In Brussels, a shift is underway as China hawks gain influence within the European Commission. With growing apprehensions about Beijing’s impact, EU officials are contemplating stringent measures to counter China’s influence, marking a potential turning point in EU-China relations.
8. Germany has reached an agreement to end fixed border controls with Luxembourg, opting for mobile checks instead. This decision aims to streamline cross-border travel along the A64 motorway, enhancing cooperation while addressing security concerns.
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The European Union has issued a stern warning to Israel, indicating its readiness to impose sanctions on those involved in the trade of Ukrainian grain stolen by Russia. This comes after a vessel carrying the grain docked in Haifa, raising concerns about the legality of such transactions in the occupied territories.
In other news, the European Parliament is advocating for a long-term budget exceeding €2 trillion. The proposal emphasizes the need for increased funding earmarked for EU programs and suggests the introduction of new taxes targeting online gambling, major tech companies, and cryptocurrency firms. This initiative aims to bolster financial resources for various sectors, including agricultural subsidies and industrial development.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 2 to 7 degrees with patchy rain possible. In London, 8 to 20 degrees with patchy rain possible mild temperatures are expected in london. In Paris, 10 to 22 degrees with overcast paris will experience a pleasantly warm today. In Brussels, 6 to 18 degrees with sunny mild temperatures are expected in brussels. In Berlin, 4 to 15 degrees with partly cloudy a slightly cool ambiance awaits berlin on today. In Stockholm, 1 to 9 degrees with partly cloudy. In Madrid, 12 to 26 degrees with sunny madrid will experience a pleasantly warm today.
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