Latest news bulletin | August 24th, 2026 – Midday
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 24th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
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New Zealand's government introduces legislation to ban social media for under-16s
Under the proposed law, firms like Meta could be fined up to 10% of their global revenue if they fail to comply.
Hungarian air force Gripen fighter jet crashes near Szolnok
The pilot managed to eject, and no one was injured. The circumstances of the accident are being investigated and the defence minister travelled to the site.
US threatens Iran with 'economic D-Day' as markets await sanctions announcement
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced the launch of what he calls an 'economic D-Day' against Iran, describing the campaign as the single greatest financial offensive ever directed at an adversary, with further details due later on Monday.
Erling Haaland's new haircut goes viral and sends both fans and celebrities into a frenzy
The Manchester City superstar has debuted a new look for the start of the Premier League season, and fans are divided. Zlatan Ibrahimovic told Haaland: “What did you do? You lost a bet or what? Block me and erase my number.”
More headlines
Netherlands withdraws from 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, says competition 'no longer' neutral
The 2026 competition was watched by 131 million viewers, down 35 million on the year before after five countries boycotted it over Israel's participation.
Netherland withdraws from 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, says competition 'no longer' neutral
The 2026 competition was watched by 131 million viewers, down 35 million on the year before after five countries boycotted it over Israel's participation.
41-year-old French tourist dies while hiking in Crete
The French couple went on what proved to be a fatal hike in harsh weather conditions despite notices warning of the danger.
Greece moves Patriot system to Crete over reported Iran threats to US bases
The Financial Times reported last week, quoting Iranian sources, that Iran would fire missiles at US targets in Europe if President Donald Trump steps up military pressure over the Strait of Hormuz.
Potato shortages could hit France as farmers warn of record-low yields following heatwaves
This year's French potato harvest is expected to be particularly challenging.
Drought: French potato growers fear record crop slump
This year's French potato harvest is expected to be particularly challenging. After five heatwaves and months of severe drought, growers fear a dramatic collapse in yields.
Drought: French potato growers fear harvest slump
France's potato harvest is set to be particularly poor this year, after five heatwaves and months of severe drought that farmers say will slash yields.
US strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Pacific Ocean kills at least two
The US military launched operation "Southern Spear" in early September, with President Donald Trump arguing Washington is effectively at war with drug cartels operating out of Latin America.
From iPods to wired headphones: Why more Gen Zers are picking retro tech
As social media fatigue grows, Gen Zers are opting to take a break with retro devices like flip phones and vinyl records.
'We are stepping up': EU approves €6.1 billion for Ukraine’s defences
As Ukraine continues to sustain brutal Russian bombardment, the European Union has approved €6.1 billion for the war-torn country’s defences as part of the bloc’s €90 billion loan programme.
Why is UK football club hiring booming, with data analyst roles surging?
Football clubs in the UK are advertising more jobs than ever, with recruitment rising sharply in recent years and the share of data and analytics roles growing significantly.
Can an underwater attack disrupt the EU? Take our poll
The next battlefield could be underwater. Every day, the cables, pipelines and shipping lanes crossing Europe's waters quietly power the global economy, carrying everything from internet traffic and financial transactions to energy and trade. Keeping them safe is becoming increasingly important.
Could one attack underwater disrupt the EU? Take our poll.
The next battlefield could be underwater. Every day, the cables, pipelines and shipping lanes crossing Europe's waters quietly power the global economy, carrying everything from internet traffic and financial transactions to energy and trade. Keeping them safe is becoming increasingly important.
Norwegian King Harald's health 'deteriorated' over the weekend, palace says
Europe's oldest reigning monarch is being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a condition caused by an abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells which leads to fatigue, paleness and shortness of breath.
Beijing Robot Games: humanoids take on sprints, football and tai chi
More than 2,000 robots compete in races, football and tai chi at the Beijing Robot Games, testing the movement and stability of humanoid machines.
Celebrities call for protection of child actors after Hayden Panettiere’s death
Hollywood continues to mourn the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, which has sparked discussions regarding the way the film industry treats child stars. "It’s not a coincidence that so many former, specifically pre-sexualized female, child ‘stars’ have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends."
Ukraine launches drone strikes on Russian e-commerce giant Ozon
Four logistics hubs in southern Russia were attacked as Kyiv expanded its campaign against supply networks it says support Moscow's military.
Syrian criminal clans: How is Germany attempting to address the problem?
Criminally organised groups pose a consistently high threat, a federal report has found. Some states, including Saxony, have a "Taskforce Clan" as one group there has recently attracted particular attention.
Thai PM meets security chiefs after coordinated attacks in three southern provinces
As has often been the case with such incidents, no group was immediately publicly blamed or claimed responsibility for the actions.
Owner of Swiss bar in deadly New year blaze held for domestic abuse, media say
French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti have been the focus of intense scrutiny since the fire ripped though their bar Le Constellation, in the Crans-Montana ski resort in the early hours of 1 January.
Is the EU ready to fight underwater threats? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot
Underwater sabotage and threats are challenging Europe's security. In June, the Commission proposed €325 billion for five defence projects, including one on maritime and seabed surveillance. But what is the EU’s strategy to ramp up maritme defence? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot.
Can the EU fight underwater threats? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot
Underwater sabotage and hybrid threats are challenging Europe's security. In June, the Commission proposed €325 billion for five defence projects, including one on maritime and seabed surveillance. But what is the EU’s strategy to ramp up maritme defence? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot.
Iceland's moment of reckoning: What the referendum means for the EU
Iceland votes Saturday on resuming EU membership talks. A "Yes" would restart negotiations with Brussels, with fisheries likely to emerge as the key sticking point. A "No" could provide a setback for the EU's enlargement drive.
Migrants and rescue ships face threats and harassment at sea from Libyan groups, NGO says
The International Organisation for Migration said this month that the number of deaths in the Mediterranean had increased, while the number of migrants attempting the crossing had fallen because of tougher European policies.
Dog Stars and Dark Matter: The best things to do, hear, see or watch in Europe this week
From the pastel portraiture of Norwegian artist Asta Nørregaard, to the post-apocalyptic action of Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars', here's what's on this week's cultural agenda.