featured News Trending

Italy Recalls Ambassador After Swiss Court Releases Bar Fire Suspect

By 49 0

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.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Technology

Spanish Prosecutors Drop Investigation Into Julio Iglesias Sexual Abuse Allegations

By 49 0

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.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Bluetongue Virus Detected in Cattle Herd in Ireland’s Wexford

By 56 0

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.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Danish PM Visits Greenland After Trump Backs Down on Threats

By 67 0

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.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Denmark, NATO Move to Strengthen Arctic Security Amid Greenland Tensions

By 79 0

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.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Rail Fracture Likely Preceded Deadly High-Speed Train Crash in Spain, Investigators Say

By 79 0

Spanish rail investigators said a fracture in the track likely occurred before a high-speed train derailed in southern Spain, leading to a fatal collision that killed 45 people. In a preliminary report released on Friday, the rail accident investigation body CIAF said available evidence suggests the rail break happened prior to the passage of the Iryo train and before the derailment itself.

The crash occurred on Sunday near Adamuz in the Cordoba province, when a derailed Iryo high-speed train collided with an oncoming Renfe train, marking one of Europe’s deadliest rail accidents in recent years. While the cause of the rail fracture has not yet been determined, investigators stressed that no possibilities have been ruled out and further analysis is required.

CIAF said it found distinctive damage on the wheels of the Iryo train consistent with striking a broken rail, with markings closely matching defects observed on the fractured track section. Similar wheel damage was also identified on other trains that passed through the same area before the accident, though investigators cautioned that the findings remain preliminary and must be confirmed through detailed technical studies.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

ECB Should Avoid Rushing Policy Moves Amid Uncertainty, Says Austria’s Kocher

By 50 0

The European Central Bank (ECB) should be careful about taking preemptive policy action in response to rising uncertainty, Austrian central bank chief Martin Kocher said in an interview with German outlet Platow. Kocher noted that while geopolitical risks have intensified recently, central banks should avoid committing to policy moves before risks clearly materialise.

Kocher pointed to heightened global uncertainty driven partly by fresh geopolitical tensions, including threats of new U.S. trade measures. However, he cautioned that acting too early—especially when inflation risks are not clearly tilted in one direction—could lock policymakers into a difficult position and complicate communication. “Some risks can be addressed in advance, but many cannot,” he said.

He added that over the past six months, risks had shifted “slightly to the positive,” with modestly improved euro zone growth expectations and stable financial markets. While acknowledging recent developments, Kocher said it was too soon to reassess the broader outlook. Financial markets currently expect the ECB to keep interest rates unchanged through 2026.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

France Seizes Suspected Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tanker in Mediterranean

By 77 0

The French navy, with support from allied forces including the United Kingdom, has seized an oil tanker in the western Mediterranean Sea suspected of being part of Russia’s sanction-busting “shadow fleet”, officials announced on Thursday. The vessel, named Grinch, was intercepted between Spain and Morocco while sailing from Russia’s northern port of Murmansk under what authorities say was a false or irregular flag.

President Emmanuel Macron said the operation was carried out in accordance with international law and aimed at enforcing sanctions intended to curb revenue that helps finance Russia’s war against Ukraine. The tanker was boarded and diverted for further inspection after French maritime authorities confirmed doubts over its documentation. France’s maritime prosecutor in Marseille has launched a judicial investigation into the incident.

The UK provided key tracking and monitoring support through its naval assets as part of a broader effort to disrupt “shadow fleet” operations, which involve ageing tankers used to evade Western sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the action and urged further measures to ensure sanctioned oil no longer funds Russia’s military operations. This marks another high-profile enforcement against vessels linked to sanctions evasion following similar actions by Western countries.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Volkswagen Shares Surge After Strong Automotive Cash Flow Surprise

By 66 0

Volkswagen shares climbed to the top of Germany’s DAX index on Thursday after the carmaker reported stronger-than-expected automotive cash flow for 2025. Europe’s largest automaker said its automotive division generated net cash flow of about 6 billion euros, well above its own forecast of around zero, boosting investor confidence and driving the stock up 4.6% in morning trading.

The result marked a 1 billion-euro improvement from the previous year and exceeded market expectations, with analysts noting that while management had hinted at possible upside, the scale of the beat was a surprise. Broader sentiment toward the sector was also supported by easing trade concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump stepped back from threats of tariffs against European allies, reducing near-term risks for exporters.

Despite the upbeat performance, Volkswagen cautioned that challenges remain. The company expects pricing conditions to stay tight and profits from its China joint venture to decline in 2026 before recovering in 2027. Shares across the European auto sector rose in sympathy, while Volkswagen is set to publish its full-year 2025 results and 2026 outlook on March 10.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Set for Provisional Start Despite Legal Challenge

By 65 0

The European Union’s long-awaited free trade agreement with Mercosur countries is likely to be applied provisionally from as early as March, according to an EU diplomat. The move could go ahead once the first Mercosur nation ratifies the pact, with Paraguay expected to do so in the coming weeks, allowing parts of the deal to take effect despite ongoing political and legal hurdles within the EU.

Momentum behind the agreement has been complicated by EU lawmakers referring the deal to the European Court of Justice, a step that could delay full implementation by up to two years. The referral has disappointed several EU governments and businesses, particularly in Germany, where the deal is strongly supported as a driver of growth. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the move, stressing that the agreement remains essential for Europe’s economic future.

Signed after 25 years of negotiations, the EU-Mercosur pact is the bloc’s largest trade deal to date and is seen by supporters as a way to offset losses from U.S. tariffs and reduce dependence on China. However, opposition remains strong, led by France and farming groups, who warn that increased imports of South American agricultural products could undermine European farmers and disrupt local markets.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright