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China Restricts Dual-Use Exports to 7 European Firms Over Taiwan Arms Links

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China has announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to seven European entities, accusing them of involvement in arms sales to Taiwan. The affected companies include Germany’s Hensoldt AG, Belgium’s FN Browning, and several Czech defence firms, with Beijing placing them on its export control list. China said the move targets organisations that “colluded with Taiwan,” which it considers part of its territory.

The restrictions apply to goods, software, and technologies with both civilian and military uses, such as components used in drones and semiconductors. Beijing stated that all related transfers must stop immediately, though it may grant case-by-case approvals in exceptional situations. China also said it had informed the European Union through its export control dialogue mechanism before announcing the measures.

European and Czech officials have sought clarification, with some companies saying they do not expect major business impacts. The Czech government has instructed its embassy in Beijing to seek explanations, while firms like Excalibur Army said they do not directly rely on Chinese dual-use imports. The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions over Taiwan, which China claims as its own but which Taiwan’s government rejects.

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Norway Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

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Norway plans to introduce legislation banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, with a bill expected to be presented in parliament by the end of the year. The proposal would place responsibility on technology companies to enforce strict age verification measures, marking a significant step in regulating youth access to digital platforms.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the move aims to protect childhood from excessive screen exposure and algorithm-driven content. The government emphasized the importance of preserving traditional aspects of growing up, such as play, friendships, and real-world interactions, rather than allowing them to be dominated by digital environments.

The initiative follows similar actions by other countries, including Australia, which recently introduced a comparable ban. Major tech firms like Meta Platforms, Alphabet Inc., and Snap Inc. could be affected, though Norway has not specified which platforms will be targeted. The proposal reflects growing global concern over children’s online safety and the impact of social media on young users.

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Paris Hosts First Modest Fashion Week Celebrating Inclusive Style

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Paris hosted its first-ever Modest Fashion Week, bringing together nearly 30 designers showcasing clothing that blends style with modesty, including long, flowing dresses and headscarves. Held at Hôtel Le Marois near the Champs-Élysées, the event highlighted floral patterns, soft tones, and nature-inspired designs from global creators, reflecting a growing demand for modest fashion.

Designers from across the world presented diverse interpretations of modest wear. From romantic floral gowns by Turkish label Miha to warm-toned collections by Australian brand Asiyam, the runway featured a mix of elegance and cultural identity. Meanwhile, French brands like Soutoura and Nour Turbans leaned into bold, boxy streetwear influenced by Gen Z trends, even pairing berets with headscarves for a distinctive Parisian touch.

The event carried added significance in France, where religious attire such as hijabs has often been at the center of public debate and restrictions. Attendees and designers described the show as a sign of increasing inclusivity, with many expressing hope that modest fashion is gaining broader acceptance. As the global modest fashion market continues to expand rapidly, the Paris showcase underscored its growing cultural and commercial influence.

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Mass Poisoning Suspected After 18 Wolves Found Dead in Italian National Park

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Italian authorities have launched an investigation after at least 18 wolves and several other wild animals were found dead in and around Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Officials suspect the animals were killed using poisoned bait, marking one of the most severe attacks on protected wildlife in the country. The discovery has raised alarm not only for biodiversity but also for potential risks to public safety.

Park authorities expressed shock and “deep grief,” while Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin condemned the incident as “horrendous” and ordered intensified inspections by forestry police. Conservationists warn that such actions threaten the fragile recovery of Italy’s wolf population, which has rebounded in recent decades after nearing extinction in the 20th century.

Environmental group Legambiente reported that other animals, including foxes and a buzzard, were also found dead, pointing to a wider poisoning event. Prosecutors in Sulmona have opened a formal investigation, as authorities urge locals to report suspicious activity. The incident has reignited debate over wildlife protection and tensions between conservation efforts and rural farming communities.

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Italy Set to Overtake Greece as Euro Zone’s Most Indebted Nation in 2026

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Greece is expected to lose its position as the euro zone’s most indebted country by the end of 2026, with its public debt ratio projected to fall below that of Italy. Greek debt is forecast to decline to around 137% of GDP this year, down from 145% in 2025, reflecting steady fiscal improvement following years of economic recovery efforts.

In contrast, Italy’s debt is projected to rise from 137.1% of GDP in 2025 to about 138.6% in 2026, according to its latest multi-year budget plan. This shift will place Italy at the top of the euro zone’s debt rankings, although its debt levels are expected to stabilize and gradually decline in the following years. Greek officials say the updated figures will be included in the country’s fiscal plan to be submitted to the European Commission.

Greece has significantly reduced its debt burden over the past few years, cutting it by more than 45 percentage points since 2020 after enduring a prolonged financial crisis and multiple bailout programs. The country now plans to repay about €7 billion in bailout loans ahead of schedule, signaling stronger economic footing. Meanwhile, Italy has made slower progress in reducing its debt, narrowing the gap between the two economies.

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FIFA Rules Out Italy Replacing Iran at 2026 World Cup Amid Political Debate

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FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, despite a proposal from U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli. The suggestion came amid uncertainty over Iran’s participation due to ongoing tensions involving the U.S. and Israel. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will take part, emphasizing that the team has qualified and deserves to compete.

The proposal sparked strong reactions, with Iran’s embassy criticizing it as politically motivated, while Italian officials also rejected the idea. Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, failed to qualify for the tournament after a play-off defeat, making them the highest-ranked team absent from the competition. Italian authorities stressed that World Cup participation must be earned through performance on the field, not through political intervention.

The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin on June 11. Under FIFA regulations, the organization holds full discretion to replace a team if necessary, but officials have given no indication this will happen. Iran remains scheduled to play its group matches in the U.S., as FIFA continues to stress that football should remain separate from political conflicts.

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Russian Billionaires’ Wealth Jumps Despite Sanctions

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Russian billionaires increased their combined wealth by 11% over the past year to a record $696.5 billion, according to Forbes. The rise comes despite ongoing war-related pressures and sweeping Western sanctions, highlighting the resilience of Russia’s resource-driven economy.

Much of the wealth growth is tied to Russia’s vast natural resources, with higher global commodity prices boosting fortunes. Alexei Mordashov topped the list as the richest individual with an estimated $37 billion, followed by Vladimir Potanin and Vagit Alekperov. Leonid Mikhelson and his family ranked fourth, reflecting continued dominance by energy and metals tycoons.

While Russia’s wealthiest have seen gains, their fortunes remain smaller compared to global tech leaders. Elon Musk continues to lead the global rich list, far ahead of others such as Larry Page, underscoring the gap between resource-based wealth and technology-driven fortunes.

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Train Collision in Denmark Injures 17

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Two local trains collided head-on north of Copenhagen early Thursday morning, leaving 17 people injured, including five in critical condition. The crash occurred on a regional line, with both trains sustaining heavy front-end damage after the impact.

Emergency responders described chaotic scenes inside the carriages, with shattered glass and injured passengers. Around 38 people were believed to be on board at the time. Authorities quickly deployed dozens of rescue workers and vehicles, evacuating all passengers and transporting the injured to hospitals by ambulance and helicopter.

Police said the cause of the collision remains unclear and will be investigated thoroughly. The incident took place on the route connecting Hillerød and Kagerup. While rail accidents are rare in Denmark, officials noted past incidents, emphasizing the seriousness of ensuring rail safety.

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Pavel Durov Says He Received ‘Suspect’ Summons in Russia

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Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, said he has received a legal summons in Russia that labels him a “suspect” in a criminal case. The notice was reportedly sent to an apartment where he lived two decades ago, raising questions about the intent and timing of the move.

Russian authorities have intensified pressure on Telegram in recent months, including claims—reported in state media—that Durov is being investigated over alleged links to terrorism-related activity. Officials have also accused the platform of enabling criminal misuse and posing “hybrid threats,” citing materials attributed to the country’s security services.

Durov dismissed the accusations, suggesting the case may be tied to his defense of constitutional rights such as freedom of speech and privacy of communication. Telegram, which has over a billion users globally and remains widely used in both Russia and Ukraine, has repeatedly denied allegations of wrongdoing while resisting efforts by Moscow to promote a state-backed alternative.

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Moldovan Oligarch Sentenced in $1bn ‘Theft of the Century’ Case

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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 personally received over $40m from the fraud and used the funds for luxury purchases, including property and a private jet, as well as business and personal expenses. He has also been ordered to repay around $60m in damages to the state. Plahotniuc, who was not present in court, denies all charges, with his legal team calling the case politically motivated and confirming plans to appeal.

The fraud involved large loans being rapidly transferred to offshore companies, forcing the government to bail out affected banks and leaving a major hole in public finances. Plahotniuc fled the country in 2019 amid corruption allegations and was arrested in Greece in 2025 before being extradited to Moldova. Authorities say he used his political and financial influence to coordinate the scheme, which also involved other figures including businessman Ilan Shor.

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