Southeast European country on the Adriatic coast
The Reform UK leader has faced renewed questions over a £5m gift from a Thai crypto billionaire and potential debts tied to party loans. Reports indicate Farage discussed financial liabilities with former leader Richard Tice in spring 2024, though he says no deal was made. The by-election in Clacton on 13 August will test the party under renewed scrutiny.
EU enlargement talks are shifting as the bloc eyeing safeguards on new members to avoid gridlock. Montenegro and other candidates are discussed for temporary veto rights limits, while Ukraine seeks full membership. A July summit is planned to advance talks and outline new accession terms.
EU leaders are advancing talks with six Western Balkan states at a Montenegro summit to demonstrate real progress toward possible EU membership, with Montenegro and Albania leading the way while Ukraine and Moldova push for steps like associate membership. The talks come amid debate over how to handle enlargement and security implications in the region.
Multiple reports confirm that Israeli officials have advanced plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including thousands of new homes and infrastructure. The push is led by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and could reshape settlement footprint, raising tensions with Palestinians and drawing international condemnation.
Ten years after Brexit, Europe has moved on while the UK contends with its legacy. EU states see Britain as an ex-partner navigating a changed landscape; the UK faces ongoing questions about economic model, immigration rules, and future ties. Readers are guided through how this shift shapes politics and daily life.
A 39-year-old dual Iranian-Turkish national has been arrested in Montenegro for mass hacking against more than 150 U.S. universities. Authorities say the data from intrusions was used by Iran’s IRGC and Iranian universities. Extradition proceedings will determine the suspect’s fate.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has announced he will step down within weeks, prompting early elections and triggering a debate over whether the presidency will be handed to a loyal ally while he shifts to the prime minister’s post. Protests across major cities have intensified as demonstrators cite governance concerns tied to a 2024 train-station disaster.
The Representation of the People Bill is under debate as MPs push to tighten rules on political donations and spending. The debate comes amid revelations of large crypto-linked contributions to Reform UK and scrutiny of foreign influence, with Labour urging a universal, tight cap on donations. The government has introduced a moratorium on crypto donations while considering new checks on donor legitimacy.
Across Paris, Bastille Day preparations unfold as leaders from Europe gather to show unity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The parade will include thousands of troops, with the Coalition of the Willing presenting a show of support. France also confronts a third heatwave, prompting some restrictions on fireworks and public events.
EU conferences open for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro mark renewed momentum in enlargement talks. Kyiv partners with Brussels to advance five policy clusters; Hungary's veto persists on two clusters. Ukraine seeks I EU reform alignment amid security concerns as Russia’s war continues.
Three years after the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, rights groups say the pact has intensified border controls and serious human rights violations, amid calls to suspend the agreement and reassess safeguards. Reports detail intercepted departures, abuses, and restricted asylum access, with EU funding tied to Tunisian authorities.