23

Jul

Ukraine Strikes Russian Logistics Hubs in Latest Drone Attacks

Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted logistics facilities belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer, disrupting warehouse operations and injuring workers as Kyiv intensifies attacks on supply networks linked to the war…

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23

Jul

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 23 July 2026

Updated 1155 Parliament Unanimously Backs Constitutional Protection for Disability Rights: Parliament has unanimously approved constitutional amendments adding disability as a protected characteristic under Malta’s Constitution, strengthening legal safeguards against discrimination…

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23

Jul

EasyJet profits plunge as Middle East conflict hits travel demand

Budget airline EasyJet has reported a sharp fall in quarterly profits after the conflict in the Middle East drove up fuel costs and dented consumer confidence, adding fresh pressure on…

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23

Jul

Aston Martin Secures £550 Million Lifeline Amid Debt Dispute

Luxury carmaker Aston Martin has secured a £550 million financing package from private credit firm HPS, despite strong objections from a group of its existing lenders, as the company seeks…

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23

Jul

US Warns Iran Is Not Serious About Ending War as Conflict Escalates

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Iran is not showing genuine commitment to negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, as Washington signals it is prepared to take…

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22

Jul

Migrant smuggling network using rental cars dismantled across the Balkans

Authorities in Bulgaria, Greece, the Netherlands, and Romania have taken coordinated action against an organised crime group suspected of smuggling migrants through the Balkans using rented, stolen and fraudulently registered…

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22

Jul

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Wednesday 22 July 2026

Updated 1250 Malta Hits Record 713MW Power Demand as Heatwave Triggers Widespread Outages: Malta recorded a record 713MW electricity demand on Tuesday, surpassing the previous peak of 663MW in 2023,…

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22

Jul

Trump allows direct US flights to Lebanon in historic move

The US will allow direct flights to Lebanon, President Donald Trump announced.It comes over 40 years after the US suspended direct flights between the two countries in 1985, during US…

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22

Jul

Ukraine recaptured 700 sq km of territory this year

Ukraine has recaptured 700 sq km (270 sq miles) of ​its territory this year, outgoing Commander in ‌Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Wednesday, confirming he was leaving the top military…

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22

Jul

Spain seeks to extend smoking ban to terraces, include vapes

Spain will ban smoking on outdoor bar ​and restaurant terraces while extending smoke-free areas and regulating vaping products in ‌the same way as conventional cigarettes, Health Minister Monica Garcia said…

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22

Jul

War in Iran has cost the US $37.5 billion so far

The cost of the United States' war in Iran has risen to $37.5 billion ​so far, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday, as he faced skeptical lawmakers for…

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21

Jul

Ireland clamps down on e-scooters after rise in serious injuries

Ireland will raise the minimum age for the use of electric scooters to 18 from 16, and require riders to be ​licensed and wear helmets, the government said, although ‌it…

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21

Jul

Romania says ship heading to Ukraine struck off its coast

A Liberian-flagged vessel sailing from Egypt to Ukraine has been hit off Romania's ​coast in an attack likely linked to Russia's ‌war on Ukraine, Romanian President Nicusor Dan said on…

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21

Jul

Houthis threaten Saudi shipping as Iran conflict widens

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement said it was imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, opening a potential new front in the regional conflict and increasing concerns over global energy supplies…

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21

Jul

Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 21 July 2026

Morning Briefing Manoel Island Marina to Remain as Government Rules Out Further Development Prime Minister Robert Abela said the Manoel Island marina and yacht yard will remain in operation, but…

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20

Jul

Malta News Briefing – Monday 20 July 2026

Morning Briefing EU Report Highlights Progress but Raises Corruption Concerns in Malta Malta has improved resources dedicated to tackling corruption but continues to struggle to secure a strong record of…

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18

Jul

India-linked organized crime expands overseas

An international law enforcement operation targeting India-linked organized crime has underscored how criminal syndicates that once operated primarily within India have evolved into sophisticated transnational networks spanning North America, Europe…

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17

Jul

Iran strikes eastern Syria, in first such attack during current war

Iran struck eastern Syria on Friday, Iranian state media ​and a Syrian military source said, in the first ‌known attack by Tehran on Syrian territory since a regional war erupted…

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17

Jul

Greek islands face drought as tourist season hits

Seven Greek islands in the Aegean Sea have declared drought emergencies this year to preserve water as climate ​change makes summers hotter and rainfall more erratic. Now, authorities are wondering…

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17

Jul

Trump accuses China of 2020 election interference

U.S. President Donald Trump declassified documents on Thursday that he asserted showed Chinese interference in U.S. elections, reviving his long-running attacks on election security despite a U.S. intelligence assessment that…

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17

Jul

Andy Burnham to be made UK Labour leader on way to becoming prime minister

Andy Burnham, ​nicknamed the 'King of the North', will become leader of Britain's governing Labour Party ‌on Friday, the final step before becoming its seventh prime minister in a decade…

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17

Jul

Malta News Briefing – Friday 17 July 2026

Morning Briefing PN, PL clash over population policy and Vision 2050 planning The Nationalist Party and the Labour Party have exchanged sharp criticism over Malta's population policy, with both accusing…

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16

Jul

Italy battles two weather extremes: scorching heat in Sicily, deadly storms in the north

Italy expanded its highest-level heat alerts on Thursday as a prolonged heatwave tightened its grip across much of the country, with Sicily expected to endure some of the most extreme…

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16

Jul

US strikes expand into northern Iran as it disables ship trying to run blockade

The United States intensified its strikes targeting Iran early Thursday, hitting targets further north as American forces also fired into a ship it accused of trying to break its naval…

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16

Jul

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 16 July 2026

Updated 1000 Finance Minister stands by 800,000 population forecast despite Abela’s rejection: Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has reaffirmed his projection that Malta’s population could reach 800,000 by 2040, despite Prime…

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15

Jul

European Parliament committee advances overhaul of EU organic food rules

European Parliament lawmakers have backed updated rules governing organic food production, labeling and imports, aiming to strengthen consumer confidence while shielding EU producers from what they describe as unfair competition…

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15

Jul

Lithuania says Russia is planning attacks on infrastructure

Lithuania has intelligence that Russia is planning attacks on infrastructure, and security around energy and ​transport sites will be tightened as a precaution, President Gitanas Nauseda said in an interview…

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15

Jul

Britain and EU formally sign Gibraltar treaty, easing border crossings

Britain and the European Union formally signed a treaty on the status of Gibraltar on Tuesday, following an agreement struck last year aimed at easing border crossings and ending ​years…

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15

Jul

Kasparov Warns Putin Will Escalate War Rather Than Seek Peace Deal

Russian opposition figure Garry Kasparov has warned that Vladimir Putin is unlikely to pursue a peace agreement with Ukraine and may instead escalate the conflict after Russia’s parliamentary election in…

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15

Jul

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Wednesday 15 July 2026

Updated 1030 Traffic Gridlock Is Undermining Productivity and Competitiveness: The Malta Chamber of Commerce has warned that persistent traffic congestion is harming Malta’s productivity, economy, competitiveness and quality of life,…

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14

Jul

Lithuania appoints Sinkevicius prime minister

Lithuania's parliament on Tuesday voted in favour of a government manifesto presented by Social Democrat Mindaugas Sinkevicius, clearing ​the way for him to become prime minister and ‌for his proposed…

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14

Jul

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 14 July 2026

Updated 1300 Malta Airport Records Best-Ever First Half with 5.2 Million Passengers: Malta International Airport recorded its strongest-ever first half of the year, welcoming 5.2 million passengers between January and…

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14

Jul

Houthis fire missiles at Saudi Arabia, breaking years of calm

Yemen's Houthi movement fired missiles at Saudi ​Arabia after accusing the kingdom of bombing an airport under their control on Monday, breaking a four-year truce in the conflict between ‌the…

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13

Jul

Allies to muster more air defence aid for Ukraine as battlefield momentum shifts

Western allies will seek to secure more air-defence commitments for Ukraine when they ​meet in Paris on Monday, as shortages have left it increasingly exposed to Russian ballistic missiles, despite…

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13

Jul

Malta News Briefing – Monday 13 July 2026

Morning Briefing Population growth to continue at slower pace, says Abela Prime Minister Robert Abela has said Malta’s population will continue to grow over the coming years, but at a…

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12

Jul

UPDATED: UK counter-terrorism police now probing former minister Widdecombe’s suspected murder

British counter-terrorism police officers are now leading ​the investigation into the suspected ‌murder of former British government minister Ann Widdecombe, interior minister Shabana Mahmood said on Monday. Widdecombe, 78, was…

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12

Jul

Portugal launches reform to liberalise rental market, speed evictions

Portugal's minority centre-right government has launched plans to speed evictions and bring forward the end of rent controls, prompting criticism from ​tenant groups who say the moves will deepen the…

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11

Jul

Europe may face ‘more deadly weeks’ as new heatwave builds, WHO warns

The World Health Organization warned that Europe could face “more deadly weeks” ahead, with another intense heatwave forming ​over the Atlantic. Here are more details: Temperatures in Portugal and ‌southern…

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10

Jul

Satellite shows Etna eruption plume reaching North Africa

A massive plume of sulfur dioxide released during Mount Etna's July 7 eruption traveled across the Mediterranean and reached parts of North Africa, according to satellite observations published by the…

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10

Jul

NATO leaders weigh what to do with Erdogan’s revolver gifts after summit

Belgium's prime minister was a little surprised on landing back home from Wednesday's NATO summit in Turkey to find that he had a handgun and ammunition in his luggage. After…

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10

Jul

Malta News Briefing – Friday 10 July 2026

Morning Briefing Malta's population grows to more than 588,000 as TCN migration increases Malta's population reached an estimated 588,254 by the end of 2025, marking a 2.4% increase compared with…

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09

Jul

Opinion polls see France’s Le Pen winning 2027 election despite guilty verdict

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen could well win France's presidential ​election next year despite an appeal court this week upholding a guilty verdict for embezzlement of EU funds, ‌two opinion…

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09

Jul

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 9th July 2026

Updated 1100 Malta leads EU in daily generative AI use Malta has emerged as the European Union’s top user of generative artificial intelligence, with adoption rates significantly above the bloc…

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09

Jul

UN probe says mass killings, rapes, abductions, starvation by Sudan force amount to genocide

Sudan's RSF forces carried out mass killings, abductions ‌of women and girls, mass gang rapes and forced starvation in a city they besieged and captured last year, as part of…

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08

Jul

Norwegian-led investigation into dark web child abuse forums leads to arrests across seven countries

A coordinated international operation supported by Europol has resulted in the arrest of 28 people as part of an investigation into child sexual exploitation, with authorities also safeguarding three children.…

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08

Jul

Trump to cut trade with Spain

U.S. President Donald Trump ‌said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict was "over", adding ​he did not want to engage with ​Tehran,…

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08

Jul

Le Pen vows to run despite upheld graft conviction

The face of France's far-right, Marine Le Pen, has said in a television interview that she intends to run for the presidency for her National Rally (RN) party next year.  This follows…

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08

Jul

US launches new wave of strikes on Iran as ceasefire frays

U.S. forces have launched new strikes against Iran, placing further strain on a ceasefire that has been under increasing strain in recent days. U.S. Central Command said in a statement…

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08

Jul

Malta News Briefing – Wednesday 8 July 2026

Morning Briefing Five Farrugia Brothers Cleared in Enemalta Oil Scandal Case Five Farrugia brothers have been acquitted of complicity in corruption after a court ruled they were victims, rather than…

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07

Jul

Worldwide human trafficking sting nets more than 1,000 suspects

This year’s edition of the annual effort took place from 8 to 12 June 2026 with coordination and support from Europol, Frontex, and INTERPOL. It aimed to detect and disrupt…

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07

Jul

Flights resume at Catania as Mount Etna activity eases

Operations have resumed at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport after Italian authorities lowered the volcanic aviation alert for Mount Etna, allowing flights to restart following disruption caused by the volcano's latest eruption. Airport…

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07

Jul

Italian Foreign Minister Says Rome Will No Longer React to Trump’s Remarks

Italy will stop responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's provocative remarks, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in an ​interview on Tuesday, as NATO leaders prepared to meet ‌in Turkey. Prime…

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07

Jul

UPDATED-Bomb attack rocks Damascus during Macron visit

Two bombs exploded near a hotel ‌in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron had spent the night, but his office said he did not hear the explosions and he met…

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07

Jul

Woman suspected in Monaco bombing found shot dead near Kyiv

The body of a Ukrainian woman suspected of carrying out a bomb attack that targeted a wealthy Ukrainian-born businessman ​in Monaco last week was found near Ukraine's capital ‌Kyiv, Ukrainska…

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07

Jul

MEPs back proposed expansion of EU carbon border mechanism ahead of negotiations

The European Parliament's Environment Committee has adopted its position on proposed changes to the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), backing an expansion of the scheme to cover a wider…

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07

Jul

Iran fires missiles at commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired at least two missiles at commercial ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials. Two commercial ships suffered…

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07

Jul

Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 7 July 2026

Morning Briefing Fenech and Schembri discussed pardon draft, jury told Messages exchanged between Yorgen Fenech and former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri about "tweaking" a draft presidential pardon agreement…

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