Euronews

World's best beaches revealed, with number 2 in Europe

A new global ranking of the world's best beaches has been released, with the second-best beach located in Europe. Multiple European destinations including Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and Ireland feature in the top 50 rankings this year.

Why it matters: Beach rankings significantly influence tourism flows and can boost local economies in featured destinations. Europe's strong showing reinforces its position as a leading global tourism destination.

'This is not patriotism': Outrage at Donald Trump's face on new passports

The US State Department is reportedly finalizing a redesign of American passports that will feature a photograph of Donald Trump from his second inaugural portrait. The plan has generated widespread criticism and controversy.

Why it matters: Placing a sitting president's image on passports breaks with longstanding US traditions of neutral, non-partisan official documents. The move raises concerns about the personalization of government institutions and departure from democratic norms.

Finland named Europe's top summer destination

Finland transforms dramatically during summer months from a snowy winter landscape into a vibrant green destination. Between June and August, the country experiences extended daylight, active lakes, and lively cities as the midnight sun phenomenon takes hold. The transformation showcases a different side of the Nordic nation beyond its winter reputation.

Why it matters: This highlights Finland's growing appeal as a year-round tourist destination and challenges perceptions of Nordic countries as solely winter destinations. The summer tourism season could provide significant economic benefits and diversify the country's tourism industry.

Poland's social economy: EU-funded cooperative targets long-term unemployment

In Bielawa, southern Poland, an EU-funded social economy initiative is creating vocational pathways for men experiencing chronic homelessness and addiction. The cooperative model provides employment opportunities and skills training for individuals facing long-term unemployment. The program represents an alternative approach to addressing social exclusion.

Why it matters: This initiative demonstrates the EU's social economy investment strategy aimed at reintegrating marginalized populations through employment rather than traditional welfare. The model could serve as a template for addressing persistent unemployment and social issues across other European regions.

Exploring Tangier: Markets, history and coastal charm

Tangier offers visitors a diverse experience spanning bustling markets, historic castles, forests, and its iconic coastline. The North African city attracts tourists with its distinctive character and cultural blend. The piece examines what makes Tangier particularly inspiring to visitors.

Why it matters: Tangier's proximity to Europe makes it a key gateway for African-European tourism and cultural exchange. The city's development as a tourist destination reflects broader economic ties between Morocco and European nations.

Astana: Where business meets leisure in Kazakhstan's capital

Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, is positioning itself as a destination where business travelers can combine professional commitments with cultural, natural, and leisure experiences. The city offers visitors opportunities to balance work schedules with relaxation and exploration. Officials are promoting the capital as a comprehensive business tourism destination.

Why it matters: Kazakhstan is seeking to diversify its economy and establish itself as a Central Asian business hub connecting Europe and Asia. Astana's development as a business tourism destination reflects the country's broader ambitions to attract foreign investment and international engagement.

Staycations on the rise for French travellers this summer amid geopolitical crisis and inflation

Against a backdrop of international tensions, inflation and rising transport costs, the French are planning to travel less this summer and cut back on their spending, according to an Ifop survey for Alliance France Tourisme.

Two people stabbed in north London area of Golders Green, Jewish groups say

The incident comes in the wake of a spate of arson attacks on synagogues and Jewish community sites in north London in recent weeks.

Deutsche Bank, Santander and UBS profits rise amid market impact from Iran war

Three of Europe’s biggest banks delivered record or above-forecast profits on Wednesday. TotalEnergies posted strong earnings, while Mercedes-Benz turned more cautious as collapsing China sales and geopolitical uncertainty weighed on the outlook.

Man accused of spying for Russia arrested in Berlin, prosecutors say

The suspect allegedly gave his Russian intelligence handler information about German military aid for Ukraine and photos of NATO military convoys moving along motorways.

Iran executed 21 people and arrested thousands since start of war, UN warns

UN has warned that the Tehran regime has executed 21 people and detained over 4,000 since the war began, accusing the Islamic Republic of torture, disappearances and targeting minorities.

Kubilius pushes Europen Defence Union but critics brand it a distraction

EU defence chief Andrius Kubilius is pushing a European Defence Union to tie Ukraine with its European allies, but the idea is already under fire, with one MEP warning that it risks distracting from the current job of bulletproofing the EU.

Timmy the stranded whale is finally on his way home thanks to entrepreneur-funded rescue

Fans can track Timmy's journey in real time.

Patti Smith announced as recipient of 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts

The American singer, songwriter and poet has been awarded "for her impetuous creativity that connects rock, symbolist poetry and the spirit of the counterculture with great expressive power".

‘Existential threat’: Europe’s regional airports are most vulnerable to jet fuel crisis

The energy crisis is compounding challenges already faced by Europe’s smaller airports, amounting to an “existential threat”.

US opioid crisis: families speak out after Purdue Pharma sentencing

Relatives of opioid overdose victims reacted outside a US court after Purdue Pharma was sentenced over its role in the opioid crisis.

Trump warns Iran to ‘better get smart soon’ as US plans long port blockade

A second round of US-Iran peace talks was due to take place in Islamabad at the weekend, but Trump abruptly ordered his envoys not to attend.

Lisa Kudrow says ‘Friends’ writers discussed 'sexual fantasies' about female stars

“There was definitely mean stuff going on behind the scenes,” Kudrow alleged in a recent interview.

'The EU is not the little sister of the US,' European Parliament Vice-President Wilmès says

The EU and the US should talk to each other as equal partners, European Parliament Vice-President and former Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès told Euronews' morning show Europe Today.

Conspiracy theories abound after White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting

US President Donald Trump is no stranger to theories alleging that attempts on his life are false flag operations.

EU backs ending new oil and gas drilling

The war in the Middle East may have driven up oil and gas demand, but the world should still ditch new fossil fuel drilling, EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra has said, insisting on "affordable, reliable, homegrown clean energy."

How engaged are young Europeans in online civic and political life?

Online platforms are becoming the new political arena for Europe's youth. With their online engagement higher than in older groups, how do countries compare across the continent?

Latest news bulletin | April 29th, 2026 – Midday

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this April 29th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

EU Commissioner Mînzatu counting on Romanian 'pro-European stance' despite feared eurosceptic turn

European Commission Vice-President Mînzatu says she's "convinced" her native Romania will maintain a pro-European stance despite her Socialist party teaming up with the far-right in a bid to oust the centrist government.

Kyiv vows response as Russia ships stolen grain to multiple countries

As the diplomatic row between Ukraine and Israel continues to escalate, Kyiv said there are also other countries buying its stolen grain from Russia-occupied territories.

‘Not OK to steal a charity’: Elon Musk testifies in legal battle with Sam Altman over OpenAI

In his opening statement, Musk’s lawyer, Steven Molo, said Altman and Brockman, with Microsoft’s help, had taken control of a charity “whose mission was the safe, open development of artificial intelligence”. Musk is seeking damages and Altman’s removal from OpenAI’s board.

Who will be playing at Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday party?

An upcoming event at London’s Royal Albert Hall will celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s centenary, complete with a music line-up fitting for the momentous occasion.

Friends or rivals? Dembélé and Upamecano unite Évreux in a Champions League night to remember

The region of Evre in Normandy celebrated its two "children" who grew up together and gave a unique performance in the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich as rivals

Hundreds gather to smell rare ‘corpse flower’ blooming in London

Visitors flocked to Kew Gardens in London to witness and smell the rare blooming of the titan arum, known for its foul odour.

That's so Gen Z: One third of younger people believe they're psychic, according to survey

Can you see into the future? If not, maybe you're just too old...

New atlas reveals organ-by-organ shifts in women’s bodies during menopause

Menopause is known to mark a major transition in women’s bodies, but its effects on the reproductive system as a whole is less understood. Using artificial intelligence, scientists have now developed an atlas that maps how individual organs change, revealing some unexpected patterns.

Mega elevator deal: Finnish lift maker Kone acquires German rival TKE in €29.4bn deal

Finnish lift maker Kone nearly doubles its size in what the Finnish media described as the largest corporate acquisition ever carried out in Finland.

Oil prices rise despite UAE exit from OPEC as Iran war ceasefire hangs in balance

Oil markets are navigating a period of unprecedented volatility after the UAE announced its withdrawal from OPEC and the OPEC+.

Watch: Robot dogs with Elon Musk and Bezos' faces are excreting AI art at a Berlin museum

Beeple says the work critiques how today’s perceptions of reality are increasingly shaped by algorithms controlled by powerful tech companies rather than artists.

Elderly woman rescued by autonomous robot near Ukraine frontline

Video released by Ukraine’s Third Army Corps shows a four-hour rescue in Lyman, where a 77-year-old woman was saved by an autonomous vehicle after being spotted by drone pilots. The ground drone carried a blanket and a note reading: “Grandma, sit down!”

Are there alternatives to mainstream social media platforms? |Euronews Tech Talks

Privacy, political, and ethical concerns are pushing people to look for alternative social media platforms. What are the options? Are they the solution? Euronews Tech Talks tries to understand.

Donald Trump's regulator orders licence reviews after Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania joke

Network ABC is under pressure since Kimmel made a joke about Melania Trump three days before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting.

EU finds Meta violates digital rules by not doing enough to keep children off Instagram and Facebook

One in ten children under the age of 13 is using Facebook or Instagram, EU regulators say.

King Charles III lauds ‘indispensable’ US-UK alliance at White House state dinner

During the White House state dinner on Tuesday evening, King Charles III highlighted “one of the most consequential alliances in human history” in a largely jovial and lighthearted speech.

Greenpeace stages beach protest against fossil fuels during Colombia conference

Greenpeace activists displayed large messages on a beach in Colombia, calling for a transition away from fossil fuels during an international conference.

Eurovision crisis: Protesters in Serbia urge boycott of contest over Israel's participation

"United by Music"? “A Eurovision without Israel would mean defending the ideals that this event proclaims,” a statement by the protest organizers said.

Newsletter: Incoming Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar in Brussels to unlock EU funds

The incoming Hungarian leader is pressed for time as he seeks to unlock billions of euros in EU cash before an August deadline.

At least five killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza including a nine-year-old boy

Eighty-one sick and injured children accompanied by their families were evacuated from Gaza to receive medical treatment in Jordan. They travelled via the King Hussein Bridge to various government and private hospitals in the capital Amman.

Europe revives renewables and nuclear to address the energy crisis

Brussels is looking for a long-term fix, putting both renewables and nuclear back on the table after the Strait of Hormuz closure sent energy bills soaring. Watch the video!

Europe Today: Péter Magyar visits Brussels and Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu speaks to Euronews

Tune in to Europe Today, Euronews' flagship morning programme at 8 am Brussels time. In just 20 minutes, we bring you up to speed on the biggest news of the day. On today's show:

Magyar to meet von der Leyen as Hungary races to unlock EU cash

Incoming Hungarian Prime Minister lands in Brussels for what is described as "informal, but urgent talks" with Commission chief von der Leyen. Budapest is facing a tight deadline to unlock EU funding choked during the Orbán era.