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Belgium Moves to Nationalise Nuclear Power Plants

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Belgium is planning to take full control of its nuclear power plants by acquiring them from Engie, in a major policy shift aimed at strengthening energy security. Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the government intends to carry out a complete takeover of the country’s nuclear fleet, which includes seven ageing reactors.

The move marks a reversal of Belgium’s long-standing plan to phase out nuclear energy, originally introduced in the early 2000s over safety concerns. Currently, only two reactors—located in Doel and Tihange—remain operational, with licences recently extended until 2035. Plans to dismantle the other five reactors, shut down between 2022 and 2025, will now be put on hold as the government reassesses its nuclear strategy.

Officials say the takeover is part of a broader effort to ensure stable, affordable, and sustainable energy while reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports. The government and Engie aim to finalise an agreement by October, with ambitions not only to extend the life of existing reactors but also to explore new nuclear capacity. However, the reactors remain controversial due to past safety concerns, which have previously triggered protests and alarm in neighbouring countries.

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Germany Calls for Stronger European Defence After U.S. Troop Cut

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Boris Pistorius has urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security after the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. The move comes amid rising tensions between the United States and its European allies over issues including the Iran conflict and trade disputes, further straining transatlantic relations.

Pistorius said the withdrawal, which affects part of the roughly 35,000–40,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany, was not unexpected. He stressed that Europe must strengthen its defence capabilities, adding that Germany is already expanding its military, accelerating procurement, and investing in infrastructure. Plans are underway to increase the size of the Bundeswehr from about 185,000 to 260,000 personnel.

The decision will also see the cancellation of a planned long-range fires battalion, which had been intended to bolster deterrence against Russia. Analysts warn that gaps in Europe’s military readiness and budget constraints mean it could take years for the region to independently meet its security needs, despite commitments from NATO members to step up defence efforts.

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Fuel Surge Forces Croatian Fishermen to Halt Operations

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Fishermen along Croatia’s Adriatic coast are suspending operations as soaring fuel prices—linked to tensions around Iran—make their work financially unsustainable. In Dubrovnik, fishing captain Dinko Cvjetojevic said that despite favorable weather and abundant fish, many boats remain docked as the cost of fuel has sharply increased.

Fuel expenses now account for as much as 90% of operating costs, nearly double the share before disruptions affected oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Cvjetojevic noted that while he had stockpiled some fuel to keep one vessel running temporarily, the situation is becoming untenable and may force a complete halt to operations within weeks.

The crisis threatens a key local industry that supports jobs and supplies seafood to the tourism sector, a major pillar of Croatia’s economy. Fishermen who once distributed catch across regions and exported to nearby countries have scaled back to local sales. Without government assistance, Cvjetojevic warned, many in the industry may not survive if fuel prices remain high.

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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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French PM’s Baguette Visit Sparks Labour Day Debate

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Sébastien Lecornu has stirred controversy after visiting a village bakery on Labour Day to buy baguettes, a move critics say undermines the tradition of May 1 as a mandatory rest day in France. The highly publicised visit, where he purchased bread and flowers, is part of a government push to allow small businesses like bakeries and florists to remain open on the holiday.

The French government argues such shops are essential to daily life and has proposed a bill to exempt them from closure rules, provided employees volunteer to work and receive double pay. Current laws only clearly permit essential services like hospitals and hotels to operate, leaving ambiguity around small retailers.

Labour unions, including leaders like Marylise Léon, have criticised the move as political theatre, warning it could erode workers’ rights. They argue employees may feel pressured to work despite the “voluntary” clause and caution that exceptions could gradually weaken long-standing labour protections across France.

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Oil Prices Surge Amid Fears of Iran War Escalation

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Oil prices have climbed to their highest level since 2022 following reports that the US military is preparing to brief President Donald Trump on new options related to the Iran conflict. Brent crude jumped nearly 7%, briefly surpassing $126 per barrel, driven by concerns over potential military action and worsening geopolitical tensions in the region.

The rise comes as peace talks appear stalled and the crucial Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, disrupting global energy supplies. Reports suggest possible US plans include targeted strikes on Iranian infrastructure or efforts to secure the waterway for shipping. Even the possibility of escalation has triggered strong reactions in oil markets, given the strait’s importance for global energy transport.

Higher crude prices are already impacting fuel costs and raising concerns about inflation worldwide. Analysts warn that sustained price increases could have wide-ranging economic effects, influencing everything from transport costs to consumer prices. Meanwhile, global stock markets showed signs of strain, reflecting growing uncertainty over the conflict and its impact on energy supply chains.

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Stranded Whale Rescued and Towed Toward North Sea

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A humpback whale stranded for over five weeks in shallow waters off Germany’s Baltic coast has been successfully moved using a specially adapted barge. The animal was coaxed into the water-filled vessel and is now being transported out of German waters toward the North Sea. The rescue effort drew widespread attention after earlier attempts to guide the whale back to deeper waters had failed.

The operation, funded by two German entrepreneurs, was celebrated by local officials and rescue teams, who described the moment the whale entered the barge as emotional and unforgettable. Authorities said the whale appeared stable during the journey, even showing signs of activity overnight, raising hopes for its survival.

However, marine experts and conservation groups remain cautious, warning that the whale is in a weakened condition and may struggle to recover. Concerns include skin damage from low-salinity waters and uncertainty about its ability to feed independently once released. While the rescue is seen as a remarkable effort, the whale’s long-term survival remains uncertain.

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German Economy Grows but Jobless Rate Crosses 3 Million

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Germany’s economy expanded more than expected in the first quarter of 2026, with gross domestic product rising by 0.3%, surpassing forecasts of 0.2%. The growth was mainly driven by stronger household consumption, increased government spending, and a rise in exports. However, the previous quarter’s growth was revised slightly downward, reflecting ongoing economic uncertainty.

Despite this positive start to the year, Europe’s largest economy continues to face challenges, including high energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions and increased competition from China. Inflation also climbed to 2.9% in April due to rising energy prices, prompting the German government to lower its annual growth forecast for 2026 to 0.5%.

Meanwhile, unemployment rose more sharply than expected, exceeding the 3 million mark in April. The number of jobless increased by 20,000 to 3.006 million, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 6.4%. Labour officials warned that there are still no clear signs of recovery in the job market, with hiring demand also showing signs of weakening.

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European Police Crack Down on Albanian Call Centre Scam

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European law enforcement agencies have dismantled a criminal network accused of running a large-scale investment fraud through call centres in Albania, according to Europol. The joint operation, involving Albanian and Austrian authorities, led to the arrest of 10 suspects and the seizure of nearly 900,000 euros in cash. Many of the victims were based in Vienna, highlighting the cross-border nature of the scheme.

Investigators revealed that victims were initially attracted through online investment advertisements on social media and other internet platforms. Once engaged, they were contacted by call centre operators in Tirana posing as legitimate financial brokers. These individuals offered convincing but fraudulent investment advice, persuading victims to transfer substantial sums of money.

The scam was highly organised, with operators working in teams of six to eight people and specialising in different languages, including German, English, Italian, Greek, and Spanish. Europol noted that the use of native languages helped build trust and credibility, making it easier for the suspects to deceive victims with fake investment opportunities.

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Italy Recovers 337 Stolen Antiquities from United States

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Italy has recovered 337 looted antiquities from the United States in one of the largest recent repatriations of cultural property, highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries. The artefacts, which include Roman, Greek, Etruscan, and Egyptian pieces, were returned following multiple investigations, many led by prosecutors in New York.

The recovered items span centuries of history, ranging from the fifth century BC to the third century AD. Among the most notable finds are a marble head of Alexander the Great, a bronze sculpture from Herculaneum, Egyptian statues, and various coins, jewellery, and ceramics. Officials said many of these objects were stolen from museums or unearthed through illegal excavations before entering the global art market.

Italian authorities credited improved technology, databases, and collaboration with U.S. agencies for the success of the operation. The artefacts will now be studied and, where possible, returned to their original locations across Italy, as part of ongoing efforts to protect cultural heritage and curb illicit antiquities trade.

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