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Electric Car Sales Overtake Petrol Vehicles in EU for First Time

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Sales of fully electric cars in the European Union surpassed petrol vehicle sales for the first time in December, according to data from industry body ACEA. Battery-electric vehicle registrations also exceeded petrol sales across the wider European market, including Britain and Norway, as overall car sales posted a sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Electrified vehicles—including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid models—accounted for 67% of all EU registrations during the month.

The shift comes amid intensifying competition from Chinese automakers such as BYD, Geely and Changan, which are rapidly expanding their presence in Europe, challenging domestic manufacturers like Volkswagen and BMW. At the same time, EU policymakers have proposed easing emissions rules, including plans announced in December to drop an effective 2035 ban on combustion-engine cars, responding to pressure from carmakers facing profitability challenges and global trade headwinds.

Despite regulatory uncertainty, analysts and industry leaders expect electric vehicles to continue gaining market share. European brands are rolling out more affordable EV models, supported by fresh national incentive schemes. While analysts note that some decline in petrol sales reflects reclassification into mild hybrids, experts say the milestone signals a turning point, even if it may still take several years for pure electric cars to fully overtake combustion-engine models across Europe.

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ECB Should Brace for New Shocks, Including Russian Threats: Simkus

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European Central Bank policymaker and Lithuanian central bank governor Gediminas Simkus said the ECB’s current policy stance is appropriate, with inflation at target and interest rates in a neutral zone, but warned that fresh shocks could disrupt this balance. Speaking to Reuters, Simkus highlighted persistent global uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly the risk of Russian military aggression in eastern Europe, alongside trade frictions and other external pressures.

Simkus stressed that the ECB must ensure its systems are resilient to such risks, including safeguarding cash distribution and payment infrastructure in case of heightened security threats. He noted that countries bordering Russia face unique challenges, ranging from cyberattacks to airspace incursions, and argued that central banks must remain operationally prepared. He also added that banks need to be ready for longer-term risks such as climate change.

On monetary policy, Simkus said interest rates are firmly on hold at the ECB’s February meeting, as modest inflation fluctuations around 2% are normal. However, he cautioned against signalling future moves, saying the next rate change could equally be a hike or a cut. Emphasising flexibility, he said the ECB should avoid overreacting to short-term data swings and instead focus on broader economic trends, as shocks tend to affect growth before feeding into inflation.

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Spain Cuts Speed on Madrid-Barcelona Line After Track Fault

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Spanish rail authorities have temporarily reduced the speed limit on a section of the high-speed line between Madrid and Barcelona after a crack was detected on the track 110 km west of Barcelona, between Alcover and l’Espluga de Francolí in Catalonia. Transport Minister Óscar Puente confirmed that the fault does not endanger trains, but the affected section will operate at 80 km/h until further notice, down from the usual 300 km/h.

The move follows several recent speed reductions on Spain’s high-speed network, including temporary cuts to 230 km/h on other parts of the Madrid-Barcelona line and sections of the Madrid-Valencia route. These adjustments come amid ongoing investigations into the Adamuz crash in Andalusia, which killed 45 people earlier this month due to a track weld failure, highlighting safety concerns across the network.

Meanwhile, local Rodalies services in Catalonia continue to experience severe disruption after multiple incidents, including a trainee driver’s death. Political opposition has criticized years of underinvestment, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to appear before Congress on February 11 to address the rail crisis.

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Italy Urges EU to Label Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a Terrorist Group

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Italy will press its European Union partners this week to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, marking a significant shift in Rome’s stance, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said. Italy had previously resisted such a move, but Tajani said Iran’s violent crackdown on recent street protests, which reportedly left thousands dead, demanded a firm response. He said the issue would be raised at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Tajani said the civilian toll from the protests required decisive action, proposing both the inclusion of the IRGC on the EU’s terrorist list and targeted sanctions against those responsible for what he described as “heinous acts.” A terrorist designation would impose far-reaching legal, financial and diplomatic restrictions on the powerful force, which was established after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution and plays a central role in the country’s military, economy, and missile and nuclear programmes.

The proposal could strain EU–Iran relations, as some member states fear such a step could sever diplomatic ties, undermine efforts to revive nuclear negotiations and complicate the release of EU nationals held in Iran. While the IRGC is already subject to EU human rights sanctions, listing it as a terrorist group would require unanimity among member states, and objections from countries such as France could block the move. Tajani said Italy’s top priority remained the safety of its citizens, adding that staff at Italy’s embassy in Tehran would be sharply reduced.

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France Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s Amid Child Safety Concerns

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France’s National Assembly has approved legislation to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, citing rising concerns over online bullying, mental health risks and youth violence. Lawmakers voted 116 to 23 in favour of the bill, which would also restrict social-networking features embedded within wider digital platforms. The proposal now heads to the Senate before returning to the lower house for a final vote.

President Emmanuel Macron has strongly backed the move, urging France to follow Australia’s lead after it introduced a world-first ban on social media access for under-16s in December. Macron wants the French ban to take effect by the start of the next academic year in September. Supporters of the bill argue that social media is harming children’s well-being, with lawmakers warning it is reducing sleep, reading habits and self-esteem among young users.

If enacted, the law would require platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to enforce age restrictions using verification systems compliant with EU regulations. While enforcement remains a challenge, public backing in France is strong, with a 2024 survey showing nearly three-quarters of respondents support the ban. The legislation would also extend France’s existing smartphone ban in schools to include high schools, as debate continues across Europe on setting minimum ages for social media use.

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Italy Recalls Ambassador After Swiss Court Releases Bar Fire Suspect

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Italy has formally protested the release on bail of a Swiss bar owner under investigation over a deadly New Year’s Day fire and has recalled its ambassador to Switzerland, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, was freed on Friday after being detained earlier this month in connection with the blaze that killed dozens of people, including six Italians.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the decision as “an insult to the memory of the victims and their families,” while the government said it had conveyed its strong indignation to Swiss judicial authorities. Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also ordered Italy’s ambassador to return to Rome for consultations, arguing that the court’s decision underestimated the seriousness of the alleged crimes, the risk of flight, and the possibility of evidence being compromised.

Swiss prosecutors confirmed contact with Italian officials but stressed that the release was ordered by an independent court. Moretti was freed under strict conditions, including a 200,000 Swiss franc bail and daily police reporting. Lawyers for victims’ families said they were shocked by the ruling, warning that it added to the pain of those affected by the tragedy, while the Morettis said they would continue to cooperate fully with investigators.

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Spanish Prosecutors Drop Investigation Into Julio Iglesias Sexual Abuse Allegations

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Spanish prosecutors have dismissed an investigation into sexual abuse allegations made against legendary singer Julio Iglesias, citing a lack of jurisdiction. Authorities ruled that Spanish courts were not competent to investigate the claims because the alleged incidents took place outside Spain and involved complainants who are neither Spanish citizens nor residents. The women also had no connection to Spain through travel or employment with the singer.

The complaints were filed earlier this month by two former female employees who alleged that Iglesias created a coercive and abusive environment while they worked at his properties in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic in 2021. The case was submitted to Spain’s national court, which handles crimes committed abroad, with support from advocacy groups including Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International. These groups argued the alleged acts could amount to human trafficking and sexual violence, involving vulnerable workers dependent on their wages.

However, prosecutors concluded that the principle of universal jurisdiction did not apply in this case and said the countries where the alleged incidents occurred had the authority to investigate the claims themselves. Iglesias, 82, has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “absolutely false” and expressing sadness over the allegations. The globally renowned artist, who has sold more than 300 million records, is also the father of singer Enrique Iglesias.

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Bluetongue Virus Detected in Cattle Herd in Ireland’s Wexford

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The bluetongue virus has been confirmed in a cattle herd in County Wexford, marking the latest detection of the disease in Ireland. The case follows earlier confirmations in Northern Ireland in December and reflects the wider spread of the virus across Europe and Great Britain. Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, said the development was concerning but not unexpected given regional trends.

Bluetongue is spread by midges and poses no risk to public health or food safety, but it can seriously affect cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle and sheep. While rising temperatures have contributed to the spread of the virus, the minister noted that the recent seasonal drop in temperatures is likely to limit further transmission for now. Authorities are continuing investigations and carrying out additional sampling to better understand the situation.

Farmers have been urged to consult veterinarians about vaccinating their animals, as a precautionary measure. The President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association described the case as deeply worrying for the affected family and the wider farming community. Bluetongue virus can cause symptoms including sores around the mouth, fever, breathing difficulties, lameness, and reproductive issues, though the severity can vary across regions and animals.

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Danish PM Visits Greenland After Trump Backs Down on Threats

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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen travelled to Greenland’s capital Nuuk to show support for the Greenlandic people after a turbulent week marked by US President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of the island, followed by a sudden diplomatic climbdown. Trump ruled out military action and tariffs, claiming a vague “framework of a future deal” on Greenland after talks with Nato chief Mark Rutte, though details remain unclear. Frederiksen said the situation remains serious and that Denmark would now pursue a diplomatic and political path.

The visit comes amid continued uncertainty over US intentions. While Trump has spoken of “total access” to Greenland for security purposes and hinted at deploying missile defence infrastructure, he has stopped short of explicitly calling for ownership. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly stressed that sovereignty is a red line, even as they signal openness to cooperation on Arctic security within Nato. Frederiksen also held talks with Rutte in Brussels, where both sides agreed to strengthen deterrence and defence in the Arctic.

Despite the softened rhetoric from Washington, Greenlandic leaders remain cautious. Lawmakers say trust has been damaged by Trump’s remarks and insist that decisions over minerals and land rest solely with Greenland. Former Danish officials note a shift toward de-escalation but warn the situation remains fragile, with negotiations likely to focus narrowly on security. Danish officials have underlined that any future arrangements must stay within Nato frameworks, with no transfer of territory or mineral rights on the table.

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Denmark, NATO Move to Strengthen Arctic Security Amid Greenland Tensions

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Denmark and NATO have agreed on the need to enhance security in the Arctic following renewed tensions linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Friday. After talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Frederiksen stressed that defence and security in the Arctic are concerns for the entire alliance, not just countries in the region. Denmark and Greenland have firmly stated that Greenland’s sovereignty is not open for discussion, while remaining willing to engage in dialogue on other issues.

Trump said on Thursday that he had secured permanent U.S. access to Greenland following discussions with Rutte, comments that heightened attention on the strategic Arctic region. Rutte later noted that NATO allies would need to intensify efforts to counter growing challenges from Russia and China in the high north. Frederiksen echoed this view, saying NATO must increase its engagement, and Rutte confirmed he was working closely with Denmark to strengthen deterrence and defence measures.

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