Former Moldovan oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in a massive banking fraud scandal known as the “theft of the century.” The scheme, which took place between 2014 and 2015, involved the disappearance of $1bn—equivalent to about 12% of Moldova’s GDP at the time. Prosecutors said Plahotniuc […]
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Lufthansa has announced it will cut around 20,000 short-haul European flights this summer, citing soaring jet fuel prices that have made many routes unprofitable. Fuel costs have surged sharply following tensions in the Middle East, particularly linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted fuel production and transport. The […]
European semiconductor and electrical equipment stocks climbed sharply as investor confidence grew around the expanding artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Companies seen as key players in AI infrastructure benefited from strong earnings and optimistic forecasts, mirroring a powerful rally in U.S. chip stocks. The surge reflects increasing global demand for advanced chips
One of Russia’s largest publishers, Eksmo, said several employees have been questioned by authorities over alleged “LGBT propaganda” in its book catalogue. The development follows reports of raids by investigators in Moscow, though the company denied any searches or seizures, stating that four staff members, including its director, were taken in for questioning. The case
Germany’s central bank, the Deutsche Bundesbank, said the country’s economy likely recorded modest growth in the first quarter, supported by solid industrial output and resilient services activity. Despite weakening consumer confidence toward the end of the quarter, exports and business-related services helped sustain overall momentum. However, the outlook for the second
A bureaucratic mishap in Italy has highlighted deeper issues hampering cooperation with China in tackling organized crime. Documents sent by Chinese authorities in response to an Italian legal assistance request were mistakenly rejected by Italy’s Justice Ministry after staff refused to pay a delivery charge, unaware of their importance. The error forced Rome to request
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ legislation violates European Union law and core values, marking an unprecedented legal decision. The law, introduced in 2021 under Viktor Orbán, banned the “promotion” of homosexuality and gender change to minors. The court found that it breached fundamental rights, including non-discrimination, freedom of
The government of France has announced plans to offset the financial impact of the ongoing Iran crisis by freezing public spending. Rising energy prices and increased borrowing costs linked to the crisis are expected to cost the country between €4 billion and €6 billion. Authorities say the spending freeze will match these projected losses, helping […]
Nearly four decades after the Chernobyl disaster, Ukrainian first responder Petro Hurin says the effects of the catastrophe continue to shape his life. As one of the many “liquidators” tasked with cleaning up the aftermath of the explosion at reactor four, he recalls the intense exposure to radiation and the long-term toll it has taken […]
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz says an upcoming wrist test will be decisive in determining his participation in the French Open. The world number two recently withdrew from both the Barcelona Open and the Madrid Open after suffering a right wrist injury, which he admitted is more serious than initially expected. With the tournament approaching, his […]









