Portugal faces severe storms causing floods, deaths, and evacuations amid rising right-wing politics and ongoing climate crises.
Recent storms across Tunisia, Spain, and Portugal have caused fatalities, widespread damage, and disruptions. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and landslides have impacted communities, with authorities warning of ongoing risks due to climate change and urbanization. The storms highlight increasing extreme weather events in the region.
Heavy storms across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco have caused fatalities, evacuations, and widespread damage. Storm Marta, part of a series of unprecedented weather events, has overfilled dams, damaged crops, and prompted emergency responses. The storms have ended a drought but raised concerns about climate adaptation.
Portugal's presidential election is nearing its conclusion with incumbent Seguro leading at around 66%, while far-right Ventura trails but advances to a runoff. Voting was held amid storms, with turnout similar to the first round. Seguro promotes moderation; Ventura's support signals rising far-right influence.
EU leaders are debating whether to relax regulations to boost the economy amid geopolitical tensions and internal disagreements. While some push for deregulation and strategic leverage, campaigners warn this risks undermining climate goals. The EU is also reassessing its role in global climate negotiations after setbacks at COP30.
Since late January 2026, a series of unprecedented storms have battered Spain and Portugal, causing at least 16 deaths, widespread flooding, and extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture. Thousands have been evacuated, schools closed, and power outages reported. Authorities warn of ongoing flood risks as rivers near capacity and further rain is forecast across the Iberian Peninsula.
On 16 February 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a forthcoming three-month consultation on children's online safety, including potential bans on social media use for under-16s, restrictions on addictive features like infinite scrolling, and controls on AI chatbots. The government aims to act swiftly on consultation outcomes, introducing legal powers to preserve children's data post-mortem and regulate AI content. The move follows Australia's 2025 under-16 social media ban and growing international momentum.
In Portugal’s presidential election, moderate candidate Seguro has secured around 70% of votes, defeating far-right Ventura, who gained about 30%. The election signals a shift in Portugal’s political landscape, with increased support for the far right and potential implications for future governance. The winner will succeed President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in March.
European countries including Spain, Greece, France, and Britain are debating stricter social media restrictions for minors, following Australia's December ban on under-16s. Governments cite concerns over mental health, hate speech, and disinformation, with legislation potentially passing this year to protect children online.
Portugal is experiencing an unprecedented series of storms causing fatalities, flooding, and infrastructure damage. The government faces criticism over its response, with the interior minister resigning amid ongoing extreme weather affecting the country and neighboring Spain. Climate adaptation remains a critical issue.
UK government plans to empower regional mayors to introduce visitor levies on overnight stays, aiming to fund local infrastructure. Industry leaders warn this 'holiday tax' will harm families, threaten jobs, and reduce local spending, with opposition from major accommodation firms and small businesses. The debate highlights economic and political tensions over tourism funding.
A series of intense storms have battered Spain and Portugal since late January, causing fatalities, widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and mass evacuations. Authorities warn that climate change may be increasing the frequency of such extreme weather events, prompting calls for urgent adaptation measures.
England's coach Thomas Tuchel has announced a 35-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, including returning players Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold is excluded.
The global wine industry is experiencing a slowdown, with declining demand in the US and China. However, kosher wine sales remain resilient, supported by Passover traditions and increased interest in Israeli wines, despite trade restrictions affecting US wine imports in Canada.
Supporters at a Spain-Egypt friendly in Barcelona chanted racist slogans, including a derogatory chant about Muslims. The incident prompted police investigations, official condemnations, and renewed calls to combat racism in Spanish football and society. The event highlights ongoing issues with xenophobia and structural racism in Spain.
Spanish police are investigating anti-Muslim chants during a friendly match between Spain and Egypt in Barcelona. Player Lamine Yamal condemned the behavior, which has drawn widespread criticism from officials and players. The incident highlights ongoing issues of racism and intolerance in European football.