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Italy Declares Emergency After Landslide Disrupts Key Adriatic Transport Route

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Italy has declared a state of emergency and pledged initial funding to repair major transport links disrupted by a landslide in Petacciato. Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini announced an initial allocation of 10 million euros to restore damaged rail and motorway connections along a crucial north-south corridor.

The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall in a region prone to hydrogeological instability, forced the closure of the A14 motorway and a key rail line linking Bologna to Taranto. Around 50 residents were evacuated, while thousands of motorists faced long detours and rail services were suspended or rerouted.

Authorities said conditions have stabilised, with partial reopening of roads and rail services expected to resume soon. However, a collapsed bridge will keep a main road closed for up to seven months, potentially impacting the region’s tourism season.

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Spain Intensifies Criticism Of Israel And U.S., Defying Trump Pressure

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Spain has sharply escalated its criticism of Israel and the United States, condemning Israeli strikes on Lebanon and the broader conflict involving Iran. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described the situation as a grave attack on global values, echoing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has been a vocal opponent of the war.

Madrid’s stance has deepened tensions with Washington, especially amid pressure from allies of Donald Trump to penalize Spain. Sanchez has taken concrete steps, including closing Spanish airspace to aircraft involved in the conflict and urging the European Union to suspend its agreement with Israel, accusing it of violating international law and ceasefire terms.

Spain is also pursuing diplomatic efforts, announcing plans to reopen its embassy in Tehran to support regional peace. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Spain’s position, highlighting growing international divisions as Madrid continues to position itself as a leading critic of the ongoing conflict.

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Security Agents Raid Office of Independent Russian Newspaper

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Masked security service agents conducted a search at the Moscow office of Novaya Gazeta on Thursday, according to the publication. The newspaper said it was unaware of the reason behind the operation and claimed its lawyers were denied access to the premises during the search.

Russia’s state news agency reported that they may be linked to an investigation into the alleged illegal use of personal data. The incident comes amid increasing pressure on independent media following Russia’s 2022 war in Ukraine, during which authorities have tightened censorship laws and oversight.

In a separate ruling the same day, Russia’s Supreme Court declared Memorial an extremist group, exposing its supporters to possible prosecution. Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta and a Nobel Peace Prize co-winner, has previously been labeled a “foreign agent,” reflecting the broader crackdown on dissenting voices.

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Romania Appoints Prosecutors Amid Criticism

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Nicusor Dan appointed seven chief prosecutors and deputies despite opposition from civil society groups and the country’s top judicial regulator. The move has raised concerns about the direction of Romania’s anti-corruption efforts, especially as the regulator had declined to endorse the nominees.

Romania, often ranked among the more corrupt countries in the European Union, has seen scrutiny over its justice system even after special EU monitoring ended in 2023. Critics say the pace of anti-corruption investigations has slowed, with recent high-profile acquittals adding to fears that enforcement is weakening.

Among the appointments, Cristina Chiriac was named prosecutor general, alongside key roles in anti-corruption and organized crime units. While the president defended his choices as necessary, critics—including former justice minister Stelian Ion—warned that ignoring the regulator’s negative opinion could undermine judicial independence and public trust.

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Germany Suspends Approval Rule for Long Overseas Stays by Military-Age Men

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Germany has suspended a controversial requirement that men of military age seek approval for extended stays abroad, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced after public concern over new military service rules. The regulation, introduced under the Military Service Modernisation Act that took effect in January, had required males aged 17 and above to obtain permission before travelling abroad for more than three months, though it had not yet been enforced.

Pistorius clarified that during peacetime, citizens aged between 17 and 45 are free to travel without notifying authorities or requesting approval. The government has temporarily halted the permission process while military service remains voluntary, stressing that the measure was originally intended as a precaution tied to national defence planning amid heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The updated law seeks to strengthen Germany’s armed forces and allows conscription to be reinstated if voluntary recruitment falls short. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to build Europe’s strongest conventional army, with all 18-year-olds now receiving questionnaires about potential military service — mandatory for men and optional for women. From July 2027, 18-year-old men will also undergo medical examinations to assess fitness for possible service.

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Greece to Ban Social Media Access for Under-15s from 2027

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Greece has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15 starting January next year, aiming to address rising anxiety, sleep problems, and excessive screen time among young people. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the move targets the addictive design of social media platforms while ensuring technology remains a tool for learning and creativity.

The proposed law places Greece among a growing number of countries taking action to limit children’s exposure to online platforms. Nations such as Australia, France, Austria, and Spain have introduced or are considering similar restrictions, while the UK, Ireland, and Denmark are exploring comparable measures. Greece is also pushing for a unified European Union framework with mandatory age verification and regular checks on user ages.

Social media companies have opposed blanket bans, arguing they may be difficult to enforce and could isolate vulnerable teenagers. The debate has intensified globally following growing evidence linking heavy social media use to mental health issues, with recent legal cases in the United States highlighting concerns over addictive platform designs and their impact on young users.

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Russia Welcomes Iran Ceasefire, Urges US to Resume Ukraine Peace Talks

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Russia has welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that the development will allow Washington to refocus on efforts to restart peace negotiations on Ukraine. The Kremlin said the truce was a positive step that could reduce global tensions and create space for diplomatic engagement.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia was satisfied with the ceasefire decision and hopes the U.S. will soon resume trilateral peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Previous negotiations had been paused following the escalation of conflict involving Iran, which diverted international attention and diplomatic efforts.

Peace talks on Ukraine began last year in Istanbul and continued with trilateral meetings in Abu Dhabi and Geneva, but progress has remained slow due to disagreements over territory. Russia is demanding that Ukraine give up the remaining parts of the Donbas region, while Kyiv continues to reject any proposal that involves surrendering land, keeping negotiations at a standstill.

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Airlines See No Immediate Relief Despite Iran Ceasefire

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Global airline and travel industries are unlikely to see immediate relief despite the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, as jet fuel supply disruptions and refinery damage continue to strain operations. Aviation leaders warn that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, it could take months for jet fuel supplies to stabilize due to ongoing disruptions in Middle East refining capacity.

Airlines are already facing rising operational costs, with fuel prices more than doubling since the conflict began. Carriers are cutting flights, increasing fares, and adjusting routes to manage higher expenses, while major airlines expect billions in additional fuel costs in the coming months. Fuel remains the second-largest expense for airlines, making recovery slower despite falling crude oil prices.

Although airline stocks surged on hopes of improved supply and safer travel routes, the broader travel and tourism sector will take longer to recover. Cruise ships remain stranded in key Middle East ports, and experts say tourism sentiment could take several months to return as safety perceptions gradually improve.

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TikTok Plans Second €1 Billion Data Centre in Finland

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TikTok will invest €1 billion to build a second data centre in Finland, expanding its efforts to store European user data within the region and strengthen data protection measures. The new facility, planned in Lahti, will begin with a capacity of 50 megawatts and could expand to 128 MW, forming part of the company’s broader €12 billion European data sovereignty initiative covering more than 200 million users.

Finland has emerged as a preferred destination for data centres due to its cool climate, low-cost and low-carbon energy supply, and stable regulatory environment. Major technology firms have increasingly chosen the country to reduce energy costs and meet sustainability goals while supporting growing digital infrastructure needs across Europe.

However, TikTok’s expansion continues to face scrutiny over data security and transparency concerns linked to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Despite earlier political criticism surrounding its first Finnish data centre, local authorities have welcomed the new investment, highlighting its economic significance and expected completion timeline, with operations targeted for 2027.

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Italy Turns to ‘Silver Housing’ as Elder Care Model Shifts

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Italy is witnessing the rise of “silver housing” — residential communities designed for independent seniors — as longer life expectancy and changing family structures weaken traditional elder care systems. These developments, already common in the United States and northern Europe, are gaining popularity among active older Italians seeking community living, services, and independence without the medical intensity of nursing homes.

The trend is driven by Italy’s rapidly ageing population, with more than 24% of citizens aged 65 or older and projections suggesting this could reach 30% by 2035. Smaller households, delayed parenthood, and working families have made intergenerational care harder to sustain, placing growing pressure on public finances and welfare systems. Experts say encouraging autonomy among older adults is essential to maintaining long-term social and economic sustainability.

Investors are increasingly targeting the sector, seeing strong demand from relatively affluent retirees despite monthly costs ranging from €1,500 to €4,000, making such housing inaccessible to many pensioners. Projects backed by financial institutions and real estate groups are expanding across major cities, while operators report waiting lists as cultural attitudes gradually shift toward organised senior living as a viable alternative to family-based care.

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