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Train Driver Killed in High-Speed Crash with Lorry in Northern France

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A train driver was killed after a high-speed passenger train travelling at around 160 km/h (99 mph) collided with a lorry at a level crossing in northern France on Tuesday morning. The accident occurred between Béthune and Lens, leaving two people initially critically injured—though later reported to be recovering—and 13 others with minor injuries.

The train, which was en route from Dunkirk to Paris, continued for several hundred metres after the impact before coming to a halt. Authorities confirmed the lorry was carrying military equipment, and its driver has been taken into police custody as investigations begin into possible aggravated manslaughter. Officials stated it was too early to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Jean Castex, head of France’s state-owned railway, paid tribute to the 56-year-old driver and praised onboard staff for assisting passengers during the emergency. Regional officials described the incident as a “terrible tragedy,” while rail services between the affected areas remain disrupted. Though such accidents are relatively rare, France recorded dozens of level-crossing collisions in recent years, raising ongoing safety concerns.

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Euro Zone Growth Slows to Nine-Month Low Amid Rising Costs

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Economic growth across the euro zone slowed sharply in March as rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions weighed on business activity. According to data from S&P Global, the composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the region fell to 50.7 from 51.9 in February, marking its lowest level in nine months, though still marginally indicating expansion.

The slowdown was largely driven by weakening demand, with new business declining for the first time in eight months. Analysts from S&P Global Market Intelligence highlighted that the ongoing Middle East conflict has pushed up energy prices and disrupted supply chains, erasing earlier signs of recovery. Export orders also dropped, with international demand for services seeing its steepest fall in six months.

Business confidence and employment levels weakened, raising concerns about future growth. While countries like Spain showed resilience, major economies such as France and Italy contracted, and Germany’s growth slowed significantly. Rising input costs, now at a three-year high, have forced companies to increase prices, pushing inflation above the European Central Bank target and complicating the balance between controlling inflation and sustaining economic growth.

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Germany’s Service Sector Growth Slows to Seven-Month Low

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Germany’s service sector growth lost momentum in March, with business activity slowing sharply due to weakening demand linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The latest survey by S&P Global showed that the services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 50.9 from 53.5 in February, marking its lowest level in seven months, though still slightly above the 50 threshold that indicates growth.

The slowdown has been attributed to rising costs, particularly fuel prices, and increased economic uncertainty. According to analysts at S&P Global Market Intelligence, service providers are struggling to pass on higher costs to customers due to weaker demand. New business inflows declined for the first time since September, highlighting the immediate impact of geopolitical tensions on the sector.

Business confidence has also taken a hit, with expectations dropping to a three-month low. The overall composite PMI, which combines manufacturing and services, slipped to 51.9 in March from 53.2 in February, largely driven by the downturn in services. Analysts warn that elevated energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing uncertainty could continue to weigh on Germany’s economic growth in the coming months.

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Romanian Court Lifts Judicial Controls on Andrew Tate Amid Ongoing Probe

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A Romanian court has removed all preventative judicial control measures imposed on internet personality Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan while criminal investigations against them continue. The ruling ends requirements such as regular police check-ins that had been in place following their detention in late 2022 over allegations including human trafficking. The decision is final and cannot be appealed, according to the court.

The brothers were initially held in police custody for several months before restrictions were gradually eased to house arrest and later judicial supervision. They have consistently denied all accusations. Their defence lawyer said the ruling supports their long-standing claim that the case relied on questionable evidence and argued that the court’s decision restores fundamental legal protections.

Although restrictions have now been lifted, prosecutors are continuing investigations related to alleged organised crime, trafficking offences, and money laundering involving the Tates and other suspects. Earlier court decisions had returned parts of the case to prosecutors after excluding certain evidence deemed inadmissible. The brothers also face a British arrest warrant and could be extradited following the conclusion of Romanian legal proceedings.

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ECB Warns Inflation Expectations Could Rise Quickly Amid Energy Shock

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A European Central Bank policymaker has warned that inflation expectations in the euro zone could climb faster than previously seen, urging the ECB to remain ready to raise interest rates if price pressures persist. Dimitar Radev said rising energy costs linked to the Iran conflict have pushed inflation above the ECB’s 2% target, increasing risks that higher prices could spread across the broader economy.

Radev noted that the balance of economic risks has shifted in an unfavorable direction, with the likelihood of a more adverse scenario increasing due to ongoing uncertainty and energy market disruptions. Policymakers are concerned that consumers and businesses, still influenced by the inflation surge following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, may quickly adjust wage and pricing behavior, potentially triggering a self-reinforcing inflation cycle.

While inflation expectations remain broadly anchored and no strong second-round effects are visible yet, the ECB cannot assume stability will continue, Radev said. Financial markets already expect multiple rate hikes this year, though it remains too early to determine whether action will come at the April meeting. The ECB will closely monitor wages, energy prices, economic sentiment, and the duration of geopolitical tensions before making policy decisions.

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Spain PM Gains Support On Anti-War Stance As Far-Right Backing Slips

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Spain’s ruling Socialist Party, led by Pedro Sánchez, has seen a rise in voter support following its strong opposition to the U.S.-Israeli war involving Iran. Recent polls show the party gaining momentum after Sánchez took measures such as restricting U.S. military flights linked to the conflict from Spanish airspace and bases, positioning himself as a leading critic of the war.

At the same time, support for the far-right Vox party has declined, with surveys indicating a drop in voter backing. Vox, which has supported the military offensive and maintains close ideological ties with Donald Trump’s movement, has faced backlash as public opinion in Spain largely turns against the conflict, with a majority of respondents opposing the war.

Despite the Socialists’ gains, the conservative People’s Party (PP) continues to lead in overall voter intention, keeping the possibility of a right-wing coalition government alive. Polls suggest a shift of support from smaller and more extreme parties toward mainstream groups, while Spain’s fragmented political landscape means coalition-building will remain essential ahead of the 2027 general election.

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Germany Moves To Clarify Rules On Fighting-Age Men Leaving Country

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Germany is working to clarify provisions in its updated military service law that require men aged 17 to 45 to seek permission before leaving the country for more than three months. The rule, which came into effect in January, drew attention only recently and could potentially impact millions. The defence ministry said it is now drafting clearer exemption guidelines to reduce confusion and avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.

Officials emphasised that military service remains voluntary, despite the stricter registration requirements. The law is part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s armed forces, including the Bundeswehr, amid rising security concerns in Europe. Authorities say the measure is intended to ensure better tracking of eligible individuals in case of emergencies.

The move has sparked criticism from opposition leaders, who argue the law creates uncertainty for citizens. The government, led by Friedrich Merz, aims to expand military personnel to 260,000 by 2035 as part of efforts to boost defence readiness and meet NATO commitments in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment.

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Spain’s Pork Industry Faces Heavy Losses Amid Swine Fever Threat

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Spain’s pork industry is grappling with significant financial losses following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), which has led to a sharp drop in export demand and prices. Farmers like Jordi Saltiveri say each pig has lost €30–€40 in value since the outbreak, even in areas not directly affected. Spain, Europe’s largest pork producer, now faces mounting pressure as key markets including the US, Japan, and Mexico halt imports.

The outbreak, traced to infected wild boars near Collserola Park, has prompted strict containment measures. Authorities in Catalonia are culling thousands of wild boars, deploying traps, drones, and surveillance to control the spread. With an estimated 120,000 to 180,000 boars in the region, officials aim to halve the population while enforcing strict biosecurity protocols to protect farms.

Despite efforts, the economic toll is severe, with export losses exceeding €600 million and shipments from Catalonia already down 17%. While domestic consumption remains stable, industry leaders warn that prolonged restrictions could damage Spain’s €25 billion pork sector. Authorities are now racing to eliminate the disease quickly, as a 12-month disease-free period is required before exports can fully resume.

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Pope Leo XIV Urges World Leaders To Choose Peace In First Easter Mass

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Pope Leo XIV called on global leaders to abandon conflict and embrace peace during his first Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Addressing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff urged those with the power to wage wars to instead work toward ending violence, stressing the need for peace in a world increasingly affected by conflict.

Delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, the first US-born pope highlighted growing global indifference to war and suffering. Without naming specific countries, he warned against becoming desensitised to violence and called for weapons to be laid down. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, while reflecting on the message of nonviolence central to the Easter story.

The Mass, held amid vibrant floral decorations, marked one of Christianity’s most important celebrations — Easter. Pope Leo XIV concluded his address by extending greetings in multiple languages and announcing a prayer vigil for peace later in April. He has consistently spoken out against global conflicts in recent weeks, including making a direct appeal to Donald Trump to seek de-escalation in tensions involving Iran.

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Migrant Tragedy Near Italy Leaves Dozens Missing at Sea

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Two merchant ships near Italy rescued 32 migrants and recovered the bodies of two others after a boat attempting to cross from Libya toward Europe capsized over the Easter weekend, according to rescue charities. Survivors were later transferred to an Italian coast guard vessel and taken to the island of Lampedusa, while authorities had not immediately commented on the incident.

Rescue groups Mediterranea Saving Humans and Sea-Watch said survivors reported that the vessel had initially carried 105 people, with 71 believed lost at sea. Video footage released by Sea-Watch showed migrants clinging to an overturned orange boat as rescuers approached to assist them.

Harsh weather conditions in the Mediterranean this year have complicated migration crossings, reducing departures from North Africa but increasing risks for those who attempt the journey. The International Organization for Migration estimates at least 683 people have died along the central Mediterranean route so far this year, making it one of the deadliest migration corridors globally.

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