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Emma Bonino, Italian Politician and Abortion Rights Pioneer, Dies at 78

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Emma Bonino, the veteran Italian politician and prominent campaigner for abortion rights and civil liberties, died on Friday at the age of 78, her spokesperson said. Her political journey began in the 1970s, when she publicly challenged Italy’s then-illegal abortion laws after undergoing a clandestine procedure and later turning herself in to police.

Bonino went on to become a leading figure in Italy’s Radical Party and served in both the Italian and European parliaments. She held senior government positions, including foreign minister and European affairs minister, and served as a European Commissioner. Throughout her five-decade career, she campaigned on issues including gender equality, migrant rights, female genital mutilation, pension equality and European integration.

Known for her outspoken style and willingness to challenge established norms, Bonino remained active in politics well into her 70s. She survived lung cancer and continued her public work despite health challenges. In 2024, Pope Francis made an unusual visit to her home following a serious health scare, highlighting the respect she commanded despite their differences over abortion.

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Proposed EU Rules Would Curb Airbnb, Short-Term Rental Homes

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The European Union is considering new rules to restrict Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms in areas facing housing shortages. The proposal aims to address rising housing costs in popular tourist destinations, where residents have protested the growing number of holiday rentals.

The draft Affordable Housing Act would allow authorities to identify areas under housing pressure based on factors such as housing affordability, population growth and the balance between housing supply and demand. Instead of outright bans, governments could introduce limits on short-term rentals or protections for existing operators.

European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera is expected to present the proposal on September 9. It will then need to be debated by EU member states and the European Parliament before becoming law. The plan follows new EU rules requiring short-term rental platforms to share listing data with authorities, while industry groups have warned against disproportionate restrictions.

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EU Approves Paramount-Warner Bros Merger

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The European Commission has approved the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery after Paramount agreed to end its European film distribution partnership with Universal Pictures. Regulators said the move addresses concerns that the combined company could gain excessive control over cinema distribution across Europe.

Despite securing approval in Europe, the merger remains on hold in the United States. A coalition of 12 US states has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the deal, arguing it could harm movie theatres, cable distributors, and consumers. A federal judge has temporarily paused the takeover while the legal challenge is reviewed.

If the merger is not completed by September 30, Paramount could face daily financial penalties under the agreement. The deal has also drawn opposition from the Writers Guild of America, which says it could reduce opportunities and wages for writers. Meanwhile, UK regulators are continuing to assess the merger’s potential impact on local media and competition.

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Venice Biennale Faces Protests Over Russia’s Return Amid Ukraine War

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The return of Russia to the prestigious Venice Biennale has triggered protests and political controversy, with activist groups Pussy Riot and FEMEN staging demonstrations outside the Russian pavilion. Protesters accused Russia of using art and culture as part of its broader political influence campaign during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Demonstrators carried signs condemning the exhibition and argued that allowing Russia to participate ignored the human cost of the conflict.

The backlash has grown across Europe, with the European Commission reportedly threatening to withdraw funding from the Biennale over Russia’s inclusion. Italy’s Culture Minister is boycotting the event, while Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini defended Russia’s participation, saying no country should be excluded from the exhibition. Controversy has also spread beyond Russia, with separate protests targeting Israel’s pavilion and the resignation of the Biennale’s international jury after disputes linked to references to alleged war crimes.

At the centre of the debate is the role of art during wartime and whether global cultural events should remain politically neutral. Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadyrova showcased a suspended concrete origami deer evacuated from the war-hit city of Pokrovsk, symbolising destruction and displacement caused by the conflict. Meanwhile, Russia’s pavilion defended its participation as a legitimate cultural presence, despite mounting criticism from activists, artists, and European officials.

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Trump Escalates Trade Tensions with 25% EU Auto Tariffs

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Donald Trump has announced plans to raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25%, marking a sharp escalation in transatlantic trade tensions. Trump accused the EU of failing to comply with a previously agreed trade deal but did not provide specific details to support the claim.

The European Commission responded cautiously, stating it remains committed to the agreement while seeking clarity from Washington. Officials warned they are prepared to take action to protect European interests if the new tariffs violate the deal. The automotive sector, a key pillar of Europe’s economy, is particularly vulnerable to such measures.

The move comes months after both sides agreed to a reduced tariff framework, following earlier threats of steeper duties. However, disputes over steel, aluminium, and geopolitical tensions have strained relations. Trump has also urged European manufacturers to shift production to the U.S., promising zero tariffs for vehicles made domestically.

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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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EU Court Strikes Down Hungary’s Anti-LGBTQ Law in Landmark Ruling

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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 expression, and respect for private and family life, while also undermining the EU’s founding principles under Article 2.

Judges said the legislation stigmatized LGBTQ individuals and unfairly linked them to criminal behavior, damaging equality and pluralism within the bloc. The ruling comes shortly after Hungary’s recent election, which ended Orbán’s long tenure and brought Péter Magyar to power. His party now holds a strong parliamentary majority, raising expectations for policy changes and closer alignment with EU standards.

The European Commission has indicated it will push the new government to comply with the judgment and repeal the law. Analysts say the decision could have broader implications across the EU, reinforcing that member states cannot violate both the legal framework and the underlying values of equality, human rights, and rule of law.

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EU Warns Venice Biennale Over Russia Pavilion Return

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The European Commission has warned it may withdraw funding from the Venice Biennale if organisers allow Russia to reopen its national pavilion at this year’s art exhibition. Russia’s pavilion was closed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which led to the exclusion of Russian artists and institutions from many cultural events across Europe. The EU said institutions must comply with sanctions and avoid giving a platform to individuals who support the Kremlin’s war.

The commission said it could review measures including suspending a current EU grant to the Biennale Foundation, which organises the event in Venice. The EU currently provides about 2 million euros for film-related projects over three years, while the festival also receives major funding from the Italian government. Culture and foreign ministers from more than 20 European countries have also written to Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco calling Russia’s participation unacceptable.

Buttafuoco defended the exhibition as a global space for dialogue without censorship, saying it should remain open even to countries involved in conflicts. However, Alessandro Giuli, Italy’s culture minister, said the government does not support the decision. Ukrainian officials also urged the international art community to stay alert to what they described as Russia’s use of culture for propaganda during the ongoing war.

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EU Must Project Power as Global Rules-Based System Weakens, von der Leyen Says

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The European Union must be prepared to assert its power more strongly in a changing geopolitical landscape, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said on Monday. Speaking at a conference for EU ambassadors in Brussels, she warned that the bloc can no longer rely solely on the global “rules-based” system to safeguard its interests.

Von der Leyen said the EU will continue to support the international framework it helped build with allies but must recognise that those rules alone may not protect it from emerging threats. She emphasised that Europe needs to be ready to defend its interests more proactively in an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment.

She also urged the bloc to reassess whether its institutions and decision-making structures—designed in a post-war era of stability and multilateral cooperation—remain effective today. According to von der Leyen, the EU must determine if its systems strengthen or weaken its credibility as a geopolitical actor amid rapidly evolving global challenges.

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EU Clarifies Social Fund Can Support Cross-Border Access to Safe Abortions

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The European Commission has clarified that member states may use the European Social Fund to provide free abortion services to women traveling from EU countries with restrictive laws. The announcement followed the “My Voice, My Choice” citizens’ initiative, which gathered over one million signatures urging the bloc to ensure equal access to safe and legal abortion care. While the Commission stopped short of proposing a new funding tool, it confirmed that existing resources could be reallocated to support women, particularly those in vulnerable situations, seeking procedures abroad.

The move comes as countries such as Poland and Malta maintain near-total abortion bans, and access remains limited in nations including Italy and Croatia. Supporters argue that women across the 27-member bloc should have equal healthcare rights regardless of national restrictions. Campaign coordinator Nika Kovac welcomed the clarification, calling it the first clear confirmation that EU funds can be used to guarantee safe abortion access across borders.

However, critics — including conservative lawmakers and far-right groups — say the decision interferes with national sovereignty over health policy and undermines traditional values. Opponents argue that using EU social funds for abortion-related services effectively bypasses domestic laws. The clarification reflects broader tensions within Europe, where abortion access has expanded in countries such as France and the UK, even as far-right parties opposing abortion gain political ground.

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