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Spain Seizes Record 45-Ton Cocaine Haul in the Atlantic Ocean

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Spanish authorities have intercepted a freighter in international waters, seizing an estimated 30,000 to 45,000kg of cocaine in what is being described as a national record. The vessel was intercepted off Spain’s Canary Islands on Friday, leading to the arrest of approximately 20 individuals. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska characterized the operation as one of the largest seizures both nationally and internationally, dealing a “historic blow” to global drug trafficking networks.

The freighter originated from Sierra Leone and was officially destined for Libya. However, investigators believe the cargo was intended to be offloaded onto smaller vessels for final distribution across Europe, following a common smuggling pattern. While the Civil Guard has declined to provide specific details regarding the ongoing investigation for legal reasons, they shared images on social media showing the illicit substances packed into the hold of the intercepted ship.

This massive operation significantly surpasses previous records, including a major seizure in January when authorities confiscated nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine at sea. The AUGC, the main union for the Civil Guard, hailed the event as a landmark moment for their Maritime Service. This latest discovery underscores the intensified efforts by Spanish law enforcement to disrupt major maritime drug corridors in the Atlantic.

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Russia Restricts Mobile Internet Ahead of Victory Day Parade

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Russia has limited mobile internet access in major cities including Moscow and St Petersburg ahead of the May 9 World War II Victory Day parade. Authorities say the мера is necessary to ensure security amid fears of Ukrainian drone attacks, which have intensified in recent months. While mobile data services were disrupted, basic phone calls continued to function in many areas.

The ограничения have caused widespread inconvenience, affecting digital payments, navigation, and taxi services. Major companies like Sberbank and Yandex warned users about potential service disruptions. Reports indicated that internet outages extended beyond the capital to several regions across European Russia, forcing many residents to rely on VPNs.

The меры come amid escalating conflict following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with both sides increasingly deploying drones in warfare. Russian officials said hundreds of Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight, while a refinery in the Leningrad region was hit, sparking a fire. The annual parade has been scaled back this year due to security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict.

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Hantavirus Cases Reported After Deaths on Atlantic Cruise Ship

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A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has led to three deaths and multiple infections during a transatlantic voyage. A Dutch couple and a German passenger died, with the Dutch woman confirmed to have contracted the virus. A 69-year-old British man also tested positive and remains in critical but stable condition in a South African hospital after being evacuated. Two crew members showing symptoms and another close contact are expected to be airlifted for medical care.

The ship, carrying 149 passengers from 23 countries, is currently anchored near Cape Verde after authorities denied disembarkation due to safety concerns. Strict isolation and hygiene measures are in place onboard. Health officials believe the virus—typically spread through rodent exposure—may have been contracted before or during the यात्रा, possibly at earlier stops. While human-to-human transmission is rare, limited spread among close contacts cannot be ruled out.

The World Health Organization is coordinating next steps, including a possible route to the Canary Islands for further screening and controlled disembarkation. Officials emphasize that hantavirus infections are uncommon and pose a low risk to the general public. Meanwhile, passengers remain onboard amid uncertainty, awaiting testing results and clearance to return home.

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Audi Warns US Tariffs Could Hit SUV Launch and Profits

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Audi has warned that a potential U.S. tariff increase on European car imports could have a “significant” impact on its business as it prepares to launch its largest SUV in the American market this summer. The proposed 25% tariff, threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump, would particularly affect models like the Audi Q9, which is produced in Slovakia and exported to the U.S. The company currently relies heavily on imports from Europe and Mexico, as it has no production facility in the United States.

Audi’s finance chief said the company is still assessing the situation but acknowledged that the tariffs would place a heavy burden on operations. He added that Audi, along with parent company Volkswagen, is exploring options to establish manufacturing in the U.S., though such a move would likely require government support such as subsidies or tariff relief to be viable.

The automaker reiterated its 2026 profit outlook, which does not factor in any additional tariff increases beyond the current 15% duty already in place, costing the Volkswagen Group around €4 billion annually. Meanwhile, the company continues its cost-cutting efforts, including plans to reduce around 7,500 jobs by 2029, as it faces mounting pressure from tariffs and strong competition from Chinese automakers.

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Car Ramming in Leipzig Leaves Two Dead, Dozens Injured

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A tragic incident unfolded in Leipzig, where a car drove into a crowd in the busy Grimmaische Straße area on Monday afternoon, leaving two people dead and at least 22 others injured. Authorities confirmed that three victims are in serious condition. Emergency services quickly responded as chaos spread through the central shopping district following the high-speed collision.

Mayor Burkhard Jung stated that the 33-year-old German suspect has been arrested, though the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Officials believe the act was carried out by a lone perpetrator, with no immediate indication of a broader threat to public safety. Michael Kretschmer noted that the suspect had a history of mental illness.

Prosecutors have identified the victims as a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both German citizens, and confirmed that the suspect is being investigated for murder and attempted murder. Authorities emphasized that there is currently no evidence suggesting a political or religious motive. The incident has once again raised concerns, as Germany has witnessed similar car-ramming attacks in recent years.

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UK Moves to Join EU’s Ukraine Loan Initiative

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The United Kingdom is set to begin talks to join the European Union’s £78 billion ($105.9 billion) loan programme for Ukraine, signalling closer defence and financial cooperation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the move at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, highlighting Britain’s intent to support Ukraine with critical military resources.

The EU-backed loan, approved last month, aims to cover a significant portion of Ukraine’s financial and defence needs over the next two years, with a large share directed toward military spending amid its ongoing war with Russia. The UK government said participation could also open opportunities for British defence firms to contribute to Ukraine’s urgent requirements.

Alongside the funding initiative, Britain plans to introduce further sanctions targeting Russian companies to disrupt military supply chains. The move reflects growing European efforts to strengthen defence cooperation, particularly as the United States urges allies to take greater responsibility for regional security, pushing the UK and EU toward deeper strategic alignment post-Brexit.

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Eurozone Factories Stockpile as War Fears Hit Confidence

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Manufacturers across the Eurozone accelerated purchases of raw materials in April, building up inventories amid fears of supply disruptions and rising costs linked to tensions in the Middle East. The S&P Global Eurozone Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.2, indicating growth, as both producers and customers rushed to secure supplies before prices climb further.

Despite the uptick in activity, business confidence weakened significantly. Future output expectations fell to their lowest level in 17 months, reflecting growing uncertainty about the economic outlook. While new orders grew at their fastest pace in four years, economists noted that much of this demand was driven by precautionary buying rather than genuine long-term growth.

Rising input costs and supply chain disruptions added further pressure, with delivery times slowing and inflationary trends intensifying. The European Central Bank has signalled concerns over persistent inflation, raising expectations of upcoming interest rate hikes. Although manufacturing activity expanded across all monitored countries, employment continued to decline, highlighting underlying fragility in the sector.

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Austria Expels Russian Diplomats Over Suspected Espionage

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Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats over concerns they were involved in signals intelligence activities, citing suspicious satellite installations on diplomatic buildings in Vienna. Authorities flagged an “antenna forest” of satellite dishes, believed capable of intercepting communications, as a potential security threat.

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said the misuse of diplomatic immunity for espionage was unacceptable, confirming the diplomats had already left the country. The move brings the total number of Russian diplomats expelled by Austria since 2020 to 14. While officials did not disclose detailed intelligence findings, concerns had reportedly been raised for years about the scale and nature of the installations.

Russia has reacted strongly, warning of a firm response. Vienna, home to major international bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, has long been known as a hub for diplomatic and intelligence activity due to its dense concentration of foreign missions.

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Europe Turns to Armenia as Russia Watches Warily

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More than 30 European leaders have gathered in Yerevan for back-to-back summits, marking a significant geopolitical shift for Armenia—a country historically aligned with Russia. The meetings, including the European Political Community summit and a landmark EU-Armenia bilateral, signal growing ties between Armenia and Europe despite its longstanding dependence on Moscow for energy and security.

The shift gained momentum after the 2023 conflict with Azerbaijan, when Russia failed to intervene as Azerbaijani forces took control of Nagorno-Karabakh, displacing over 100,000 ethnic Armenians. Disillusioned with Russian-led security arrangements, Armenia has since moved closer to Europe, even initiating steps toward EU membership in 2025. A US-backed peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has further accelerated regional diplomacy, though tensions remain fragile.

Russia has reacted with visible unease, warning that Armenia cannot simultaneously align with both the EU and its Eurasian Economic Union. Recent actions—including trade restrictions and suspected cyber interference—highlight growing friction. While Europe is offering support through monitoring missions and cooperation, it has stopped short of firm commitments on defence or energy, leaving Armenia to carefully balance its shifting alliances.

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Poland Sees No Delay in Patriot Systems

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Poland has not received any indication that deliveries of U.S.-made Patriot air defence systems will be delayed, Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said. His remarks come amid broader concerns in Europe about potential disruptions to American weapons supplies due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Recent reports suggested that the United States had warned allies such as the UK, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia about possible delays in arms deliveries as the conflict involving Iran strains military stockpiles. However, Polish officials clarified that such concerns have not affected the timeline for Patriot systems, which are considered vital for missile defence.

Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that while delays in other military equipment cannot be ruled out, they are unlikely to be significant enough to cause serious concern. Earlier, he had cautioned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could impact the supply of U.S. defence systems to countries including Poland and Ukraine.

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