Federal Republic of Germany, Western-Central Europe
The UK has borrowed £18.3bn in August, the ONS has reported, topping City and OBR forecasts and leaving year‑to‑date borrowing at £77.3bn — £8.1bn above the OBR projection. Rising gilt yields have pushed debt interest to record August levels and are narrowing Chancellor John Healey’s fiscal headroom ahead of the 28 October Budget.
Lidl GB has reported a 10% rise in sales to over £13bn, with pre-tax profit up 30% to £245.5m as shoppers chase cheaper meat, fruit and veg and new Deluxe range. Aldi faces scrutiny over loyalty schemes as it expands stores and price cuts amid inflation and supply-chain concerns.
The Green Party conference has adopted a motion declaring Zionism to be racism and calling for a single democratic Palestinian state. Several MPs oppose it, including four of five Green MPs, while Israel condemns the motion and bans the party leader from entering the country. The debate exposes tensions between grassroots members and elected officials and raises questions about the party’s governance.
Israel has ordered the closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days after Britain announced sanctions on illegal West Bank settlements. Britain has warned it will expel one Israeli diplomat for each British consulate post closed — up to 27 — if Israel follows through. Talks, including a visit by UK national security adviser Jonathan Powell, have not produced a deal.
Diesel prices have surged to new highs in the UK amid global supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict. The US is weighing export bans to ease domestic pain, while Europe and the UK face rising costs and tight supplies. Authorities warn prices will likely rise further as markets react.
Birzeit University in the West Bank has been raided by Israeli forces, who demolished a memorial bearing the names of students killed in Israeli attacks. The raid followed earlier measurements of the monument and comes amid ongoing Israeli incursions into campuses in the occupied territories. The university notes this is part of a broader pattern and may escalate tensions around higher education.
Portugal has secured a 4-2 win over Denmark, while Germany beats Serbia 2-0 and the Netherlands draw with Greece as part of Nations League action. Ireland defeats Israel 3-0 amid security concerns surrounding the Israel fixture. Ronaldo remains on the bench for Portugal in Oslo.
Britain is shaping a new air and missile defence system to protect critical infrastructure and overseas territories. The government has set out plans to invest £10 billion over ten years, arguing the system will be tailored to Britain’s threats rather than copying Israel’s Iron Dome.
Russian presidential decrees have placed the Russian operations of several Western retailers and food companies under temporary administration, transferring control to newly registered or Kremlin‑linked firms. The moves follow earlier 2023 seizures and are taking place as Moscow and Berlin exchange diplomatic and security accusations, putting German firms such as Metro and Globus at risk.
Russian election officials have released returns showing United Russia has won a record super‑majority in the State Duma, taking roughly 349–355 of 450 seats after a three‑day vote that included polling in occupied Ukrainian territories. Turnout has been reported near 57–60% and the vote occurred against heavy Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory.
Germany has had a mixed Nations League showing as injuries force midfield and attack reshuffles ahead of key matches. Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt are drafted in to replace injured teammates, while Germany seeks cohesion under Klopp after a World Cup setback.
The Guardian, New York Post, AP News and others report on Ukraine’s push to acquire Patriot missile licenses from the U.S. amid ongoing Russian strikes. Kyiv is pursuing production, Freya, and domestic interceptors as winter pressure mounts and supply lines strain.
Putin has warned that Russia would use all weapons at its disposal if Kaliningrad is blocked by NATO, as Moscow and the alliance trade nuclear threats amid rising tensions near the Baltic region. NATO says its posture remains defensive and urges Moscow to refrain from nuclear rhetoric.
Dutch retailers have paused Meta glasses amid privacy concerns; the government is reviewing regulation while Dutch Data Protection Authority flags privacy risks and investigations continue. Meta defends features like indicator lights and anti-tampering.
Spain has extended its Nations League dominance with a 4-1 home win over Croatia, led by Lamine Yamal’s early brace and Marc Pubill’s header. Rodri also scores as Spain moves four points clear in Group A3, while Czech Republic’s red card and two late goals shape the final phases of the group. The result caps a run that includes a World Cup triumph and a new Ballon d’Or conversation for Yamal.
Mediapart has published private messages it says were written by Jordan Bardella in 2013 that include antisemitic remarks; Bardella has denied the messages and called the disclosures a "total war" to destabilise Marine Le Pen's campaign, and Le Pen has expressed "total confidence" in him as he threatens legal action.
G20 trade ministers in Milwaukee have released a framework to counter steel overcapacity and are pursuing action on non-market policies, but faces pushback from China and lingering tariff tensions. The group agrees on data sharing and potential tariffs, while debates over who bears responsibility for excess capacity persist.
Six EU member states—Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Finland—are pushing the next seven-year budget for 2028-2034 to be reduced by several hundred billion euros. They say funding must focus on defense, competitiveness and regional security, amid a broader push to reform the Multiannual Financial Framework. Ireland currently holds the rotating EU presidency and will set out the draft budget later this year.
G7 leaders have agreed to coordinate an International Energy Agency release of up to 100 million barrels of oil and diesel over four months, including a substantial diesel release for 20 days, to ease record-high diesel prices driven by the US–Israel war on Iran and disruptions to Russian and Chinese exports. The move begins immediately and will include refinery coordination and talks on further diesel releases.
The Guardian and BBC report that Rui Pinto’s protection has been removed, advising caution with family contacts and social media. He remains a protected witness in Portugal as investigations into Manchester City’s finances and Football Leaks proceed, with City’s appeal against a CAS ruling ongoing.
EU interior ministers meet in Luxembourg amid a Ceuta migration surge. Ministers back stronger border management, return hubs abroad, and expanded Frontex powers, while debates over asylum, expulsions, and emergency tools intensify. The talks reflect ongoing tensions between humanitarian commitments and migration control.
Lucid has reported third-quarter results showing continued production and delivery challenges, with CEO Silvio Napoli steering cost-cutting and a shift in strategy as the Cosmos is delayed. Rivian surges in production, underscoring a competitive EV market while Lucid campaigns to widen its addressable market.
Ukrainian forces have repeatedly attacked refineries from Moscow to Siberia, accelerating a fuel crisis in Russia. Putin acknowledges damage to the economy, estimating about 1% GDP loss. Russia responds with intensified air strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, while Ukraine expands long‑range drone operations against oil facilities.
Latvia has formed a four-party coalition after elections. Voters have trusted a pro-Ukraine agenda. The parliament is set to negotiate a new government, with turnout above 51% and about 1.56 million eligible voters in a nation of 1.8 million.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz has visited Kyiv today and has announced a package that includes €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy repairs. Leaders have agreed to ramp up joint production of drones and air-defence technology as Russia intensifies strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure and capital.
France 24, Arab News and Politico report Europe’s top leaders consider stronger trade defenses and new mechanisms to counter Beijing’s growing economic influence. Macron and Merz are pushing for a commission-led tool to respond quickly to trade frictions, with talk of targeted tariffs and reduced dependencies.
Prime Minister Lauli Leuatea Schmidt has apologised for a seven-second clip showing a Nazi salute at a private family gathering in 2007. He says the words and gesture were inappropriate and not reflective of his beliefs or Samoa's values. The video has drawn international attention as Schmidt has led Samoa since 2025 and has publicly supported Israel.
The Nobel Assembly has announced that Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel have won for discoveries on light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. The prize totals 12 million Swedish crowns. The laureates say the breakthrough opens a new era in neuroscience, enabling precise control of nerve cells with light.
Two vessels were hit by sea and air drones inside Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. Alfa Watan sank; Able was set alight but the crew have been rescued. The incident prompted an emergency search for missing crew as Bulgaria calls the strike a flagrant violation of maritime law.
Former Federal Intelligence Service (BND) chief August Hanning, 80, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted treason and espionage after prosecutors say a former aide, identified as Manfred D., provided him about 2,000 documents, many classified. Authorities have searched multiple locations and charged Manfred D. with aiding and abetting attempted treason; prosecutors have not named the foreign service involved.
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed a handful of countries are engaging in continuous dialogue to bid for future Olympic Games. A deadline of October 31 is set for formal interest, with shortlisting and feasibility assessments to follow between 2027 and 2029. Ahmedabad, Munich and Cape Town are among the cities named in emerging bids for 2036 and beyond.