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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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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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Lufthansa Cuts 20,000 Flights Amid Fuel Price Surge

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Lufthansa has announced it will cut around 20,000 short-haul European flights this summer, citing soaring jet fuel prices that have made many routes unprofitable. Fuel costs have surged sharply following tensions in the Middle East, particularly linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted fuel production and transport.

The airline said the cuts would help save approximately 40,000 metric tons of fuel and will largely result from the shutdown of its CityLine service. Several destinations, including Cork, Stuttgart, and Trondheim, will be temporarily suspended. Affected passengers will either receive refunds or be rebooked on partner airlines such as SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways where possible.

Industry-wide, airlines are responding to rising costs by reducing flights and increasing ticket prices, with analysts warning of further disruptions ahead. Concerns over jet fuel shortages in Europe are growing, prompting the EU to establish a monitoring system, although officials say supply has not yet been significantly affected.

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AI Boom Drives Surge in European Chip & Electrical Stocks

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European semiconductor and electrical equipment stocks climbed sharply as investor confidence grew around the expanding artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Companies seen as key players in AI infrastructure benefited from strong earnings and optimistic forecasts, mirroring a powerful rally in U.S. chip stocks. The surge reflects increasing global demand for advanced chips and supporting technologies as AI adoption accelerates.

Dutch chip equipment maker ASM International jumped to a record high after projecting stronger-than-expected second-quarter sales, driven by robust AI demand. Meanwhile, Swiss engineering giant ABB also raised its full-year outlook, citing increased demand from data centres and electrification businesses despite geopolitical uncertainties.

Other major European players, including ASML, Infineon, and STMicroelectronics, recorded solid gains. Analysts believe that years of weak investment are now giving way to an AI-led growth cycle, with spending expected to accelerate from 2026 as companies invest heavily in digital infrastructure, energy, and supply chain resilience.

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Russian Publisher Staff Questioned Over ‘LGBT Propaganda’ Probe

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One of Russia’s largest publishers, Eksmo, said several employees have been questioned by authorities over alleged “LGBT propaganda” in its book catalogue. The development follows reports of raids by investigators in Moscow, though the company denied any searches or seizures, stating that four staff members, including its director, were taken in for questioning.

The case is linked to Russia’s broader crackdown on LGBT-related content under President Vladimir Putin, whose government has labeled the “LGBT movement” as extremist. Authorities have increasingly targeted companies across media and publishing sectors, imposing fines and scrutiny on content deemed to violate strict laws promoting traditional values.

Eksmo said the investigation relates to books published by Popcorn Books, a former subsidiary known for young adult titles featuring LGBT themes. The company indicated that the probe stems from a 2025 criminal case involving certain titles and missing inventory. While the legal status of those questioned remains unclear, the incident highlights intensifying pressure on Russia’s publishing industry amid tightening censorship rules.

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German Economy Sees Q1 Growth but War Clouds Outlook

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Germany’s central bank, the Deutsche Bundesbank, said the country’s economy likely recorded modest growth in the first quarter, supported by solid industrial output and resilient services activity. Despite weakening consumer confidence toward the end of the quarter, exports and business-related services helped sustain overall momentum.

However, the outlook for the second quarter remains fragile as the ongoing Iran conflict begins to weigh more heavily on Europe’s largest economy. The war has pushed up energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and increased uncertainty, all of which are expected to dampen growth. The Bundesbank cautioned that only slight expansion is likely in the near term, even as government spending aims to support recovery.

Rising fuel costs have already eroded household purchasing power, weakening private consumption further. In addition, softer global demand and cautious business sentiment are expected to impact exports and investment. While fiscal measures may provide some support, escalating geopolitical risks continue to pose significant challenges to Germany’s economic outlook.

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