Independent European news, selected, rewritten and voiced for EUR RADIO.
1. Ship sinks in new drone attack off Bulgaria
A merchant ship has sunk following drone strikes on two vessels off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Prime Minister Rumen Radev has summoned the Russian ambassador, indicating that Russia is suspected of involvement in the attacks.
2. Germany shuts down Nuremberg airport amid aviation emergency
Nuremberg airport in Germany has suspended all flight operations due to an aviation emergency. The airport has not provided further details on the nature of the emergency, which has disrupted travel plans for many passengers.
3. Ursula von der Leyen calls for tough migration measures in letter to leaders
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged EU leaders to adopt stringent measures against illegal migration ahead of this week’s summit in Brussels. Her proposals include establishing an emergency response framework and enhancing the powers of the EU’s border agency.
4. Farage defends plan for ‘lethal force’ against Channel migrants
Nigel Farage has defended his party’s controversial proposal to allow the Royal Marines to use “lethal force” against irregular migrants crossing the English Channel. The leader of the Reform UK party reiterated his plans to suspend Britain’s asylum system for five years if elected.
5. Spain’s king visits Ceuta amid tensions with Morocco
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are visiting Ceuta, following a significant influx of migrants from Morocco. The royal visit has sparked mixed reactions among residents and could potentially escalate diplomatic tensions with Morocco, which asserts sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.
6. Pope Leo XIV has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for surgery to remove a small lung nodule discovered during recent medical checks. The 71-year-old pontiff stated that the growth was detected at an early stage, marking his first hospitalisation since becoming pope in May 2025.
7. Hungary’s parliament has voted to remove anti-LGBTQ provisions from a controversial “child protection” law adopted in 2021 under the previous nationalist administration. This decision is seen as a significant step towards reversing discriminatory legislation since Prime Minister Peter Magyar took office in May.
8. Russia announced that European Union countries have purchased $320.7 billion in hydrocarbons since 2022, despite ongoing sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. This revelation has heightened tensions, particularly as European officials criticize a recent US deal to import Russian diesel, with calls from Stockholm to utilize frozen Russian assets for support.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for a tougher stance against Russia, stating that the country shows no interest in deescalation or peace. Speaking at a security conference in Warsaw, Tusk announced plans to seek support from European partners in Brussels for increased sanctions against Moscow. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for further restrictions in light of ongoing tensions.
In the UK, the European Council has confirmed the date for an upcoming summit aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union. The meeting, set for next month, was postponed following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has expressed hopes that this summit will pave the way for closer cooperation between the UK and EU.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 7 to 11 degrees with sunny. In London, 14 to 21 degrees with sunny. In Paris, 16 to 24 degrees with overcast. In Brussels, 14 to 22 degrees with patchy rain possible. In Berlin, 7 to 16 degrees with sunny. In Stockholm, 5 to 10 degrees with overcast. In Madrid, 20 to 27 degrees with sunny.