⚖️ EU demands TikTok change addictive design or face fines (0.92)

The European Commission has found TikTok's design violates the Digital Services Act due to addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay. If TikTok does not change its design, it could face fines of up to 6% of its global turnover. The Commission emphasizes the need to protect minors from potential mental health risks associated with social media addiction. TikTok has the opportunity to respond to these findings before any penalties are imposed. read →

🌧️🇪🇺 Portugal seeks EU aid after severe weather damage (0.83)🎁

Portugal is seeking EU assistance following severe storms that caused an estimated €500 million in agricultural losses. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro is negotiating with the European Commission to secure funding for projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), which are at risk. The government has also requested activation of the EU's agricultural crisis reserve. A state of calamity has been declared until 15 February, covering 68 municipalities affected by the storms, which have resulted in thirteen fatalities and widespread destruction. read → 🎁 today's freebie

⚖️ EU commissioners face scrutiny over campaign event in Slovenia (0.75)

Two EU commissioners, Raffaele Fitto and Andrius Kubilius, are under fire for attending a campaign event in Slovenia organized by the European People's Party (EPP) ahead of national elections. The S&D and Renew groups in the European Parliament have sent a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing concerns that their participation violates the Commission's neutrality principles. The Commission defended the visit as politically balanced, stating that the commissioners engaged with both government and opposition representatives. This incident highlights ongoing tensions within the EU Parliament regarding political impartiality. read →

📊🇪🇺 ECB forecasters revise inflation and GDP outlooks (0.67)

The ECB's latest survey indicates that inflation in the euro area is expected to dip below 2% in 2026, returning to the target of 2% by 2027. Economic growth estimates for 2026 have been revised upward to 1.2%, with further growth anticipated in subsequent years. Unemployment rates are projected to remain stable at 6.3% for 2026. The ECB has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, citing a stable inflation outlook. read →

🏛️ ECB urges swift EU action on digital euro amid rising tech competition (0.67)

The European Central Bank (ECB) has urged the EU to accelerate the legislative process for the digital euro, warning that delays could increase dependence on foreign payment systems and stablecoins. ECB board member Piero Cipollone emphasized the need for a legal framework by May 2026 to meet a 2027 launch target. Concurrently, eurozone finance ministers will discuss proposals to enhance the euro's global role through euro-denominated stablecoins and joint debt issuance on February 16. Private banks are also developing alternatives to U.S. payment giants amid these discussions. read →

🏛️🤝 Ukraine and Russia conclude major prisoner exchange in Abu Dhabi talks (0.92)

Ukraine and Russia have completed a significant prisoner exchange of 314 individuals during US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi. The exchange, the first since October 2025, included 157 Ukrainians and marked a diplomatic step forward amid ongoing negotiations. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that follow-up talks are expected to occur soon, potentially in the United States. However, territorial disputes remain a major hurdle, with no political breakthroughs reported from the discussions. read →

🏛️ EU unveils 20th sanctions package against Russia amid ongoing conflict (0.91)

The EU has announced its 20th sanctions package against Russia, targeting the energy, finance, and trade sectors as the war in Ukraine nears its fourth anniversary. Key measures include a full ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil and restrictions on 20 additional banks. The sanctions aim to reduce Russia's revenues by approximately €570 million annually. Approval from all EU member states is required for the measures to take effect, with a goal to finalize the package by February 24, 2026. read →

⚔️🌊 US strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Pacific kill two (0.89)

The US military has conducted a new strike against a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Pacific, killing two crew members. This operation is part of a broader campaign, Operation Southern Lance, which has resulted in at least 128 deaths and the destruction of 37 boats since September 2025. The legality of these strikes is under scrutiny, with critics labeling them as extrajudicial executions. The US administration has not provided evidence linking the targeted vessels to drug trafficking, raising significant legal and ethical concerns. read →

🌍🏛️ EU allocates €11 million cooperation package to Bolivia (0.8)

The European Union has announced a €11 million cooperation package for Bolivia, focusing on environmental conservation, climate change, and alternative crops to coca. This initiative, part of a new diplomatic phase under President Rodrigo Paz, aims to strengthen ties with Europe and the U.S. The funding includes €3 million for drug trafficking prevention and €9 million for green energy projects. A roadmap for collaboration on critical raw materials, including lithium, has also been established. read →

🏛️🇨🇦 France and Canada open consulates in Greenland amid U.S. tensions (0.76)

On February 6, 2026, France and Canada opened consulates in Nuuk, Greenland, as a response to U.S. ambitions regarding the island. This diplomatic gesture aims to support Denmark and strengthen ties with Greenland, focusing on cooperation in climate change and Inuit rights. The openings symbolize European backing for Greenlandic autonomy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. read →

⚖️🕊️ New START treaty expires, US and Russia push for new nuclear talks (0.71)

The New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia expired on 5 February 2026, ending formal limits on nuclear arsenals. President Trump rejected Russia's offer to extend the treaty, advocating instead for a new, modernized agreement that includes China. U.S. and Russian officials have agreed to initiate discussions on a new arms control framework, emphasizing the need for strategic stability. However, China's participation remains uncertain, as Beijing has declined to engage in negotiations at this time. read →

🏛️ France adopts 2026 budget with new housing taxes and CSG increases (0.88)

France's government has adopted the 2026 budget, which includes a new tax on vacant housing and an increase in the general social contribution (CSG) for non-residents selling property. The budget's approval followed significant government intervention, raising concerns about its credibility. The new tax consolidates existing levies on unoccupied residential premises, while expatriates will now face a higher CSG rate of 18.6%, compared to 17.2% for residents. Political fallout continues within the Socialist party regarding these measures. read →

📰⚖️ France tackles pro-Russian disinformation ahead of elections (0.85)

French authorities have identified a pro-Russian disinformation operation targeting President Emmanuel Macron, linked to the Storm-1516 network. Viginum detected the operation, which involved a fake website impersonating France Soir. Concurrently, over a hundred fake news sites have been removed as part of efforts to protect electoral integrity ahead of the March 2026 municipal elections. While no specific foreign interference targeting these elections has been detected, the government is enhancing measures to safeguard the electoral process. read →

📉🇫🇷 France's trade deficit narrows to €69.2 billion in 2025 (0.68)

France's trade deficit improved to €69.2 billion in 2025, a €10 billion reduction from the previous year, driven by lower energy costs and increased aeronautics exports. However, the agri-food sector's trade balance fell to a historic low, with a surplus of only €200 million, as imports surged. The agricultural balance turned negative, reflecting ongoing structural challenges. Minister Nicolas Forissier highlighted the need for a competitive agenda to support strategic sectors amid a fragmented trading environment. read →

📊🇫🇷 French SMEs maintain export ambitions despite geopolitical tensions (0.58)

A recent Bpifrance survey reveals that 24% of French SMEs plan to export in 2026, a slight decrease from 2025. The focus is shifting towards EU markets, with 86% of exporters targeting this region amid geopolitical tensions and trade risks. Concerns about political instability and competition remain high, but regular exporters show increased optimism for growth. The survey highlights the resilience of SMEs as they navigate a challenging global landscape. read →

🌧️🚨 Storm Leonardo triggers mass evacuations in Andalusia (0.92)

Storm Leonardo has led to the evacuation of over 7,000 residents in Andalusia due to severe flooding and landslide risks. The town of Grazalema has been completely evacuated, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is visiting affected areas to assess the situation. Emergency services are actively working to manage the crisis, with nearly 100 roads closed and rail services suspended. Authorities are urging residents to remain patient and vigilant as recovery efforts continue amid ongoing weather threats. read →

🚆🛠️ Railway crisis deepens as strikes loom over safety concerns (0.89)

Train drivers' unions in Spain are set to strike from 9 to 11 February due to unresolved safety concerns following recent deadly accidents. Transport Minister Óscar Puente's negotiations with the unions have failed, leading to significant service disruptions. The unions demand stronger oversight from the State Railway Safety Agency to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Minimum service levels have been established for essential routes during the strike, but frustrations continue to mount over the government's handling of the crisis. read →

🏛️ Podemos backs social shield decree despite criticisms of eviction policies (0.78)

Podemos has confirmed its support for the government's social shield decree aimed at protecting families from evictions, despite criticisms of reduced protections due to a controversial agreement with the PNV. Irene Montero, the party's political secretary, stated that the party will vote in favor, emphasizing the need to safeguard rights even as the decree faces opposition from Junts, PP, and Vox. The decree must be ratified in Congress within a month to remain effective, and Montero warned that failure to do so would leave families unprotected. read →

⚖️🗳️ Allegations of harassment against Móstoles mayor spark political turmoil in PP (0.66)

Allegations of sexual and workplace harassment against Móstoles mayor Manuel Bautista have led to significant controversy within the Popular Party (PP). A former councillor claims she faced unwanted advances and retaliation after rejecting them. The PP's internal investigation has been criticized for lack of due process, as it archived the case without summoning the victim. Audio recordings contradict Bautista's defense, raising further questions. The former councillor plans to file a criminal complaint, intensifying political tensions as opposition parties demand accountability. read →

🏛️💶 Bustinduy proposes Zucman tax to fund universal child benefit (0.63)

Social Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy has proposed a 2% tax on assets exceeding €100 million, known as the Zucman tax, to fund a universal child benefit aimed at eradicating child poverty in Spain. The initiative could raise approximately €5.4 billion. While Bustinduy believes the proposal will gain broad support, he acknowledges potential opposition in Parliament due to his party's minority status. Economist Gabriel Zucman supports the initiative, emphasizing the need for fiscal justice. A meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled for February 20 to discuss the proposal further. read →

🏛️ Basque government grants semi-freedom to former ETA leader Txeroki (0.58)

The Basque Government has granted semi-liberty to former ETA leader Garikoitz Aspiazu Rubina, known as Txeroki, allowing him to leave prison Monday to Friday while returning nightly. This decision, based on Article 100.2 of the Prison Regulations, is pending approval from the Central Court of Penitentiary Surveillance. Txeroki, serving a total of 377 years for various terrorist offenses, is part of a broader strategy aimed at inmate reintegration. The final ruling will determine the implementation of this measure. read →

🌧️🏛️ Storm disrupts presidential vote; local postponements decided (0.92)

Severe storms in Portugal have led to the postponement of presidential elections in Alcácer do Sal, Arruda dos Vinhos, and Golegã to 15 February, affecting over 26,000 voters. The government has extended the state of emergency until the same date, complicating electoral processes. Meanwhile, Pombal will proceed with elections on 8 February despite local challenges. Legal experts indicate that national postponements are not feasible under current conditions, emphasizing the role of local mayors in decision-making. read →

🏛️ Portugal's budget surplus nears 1% of GDP amid disaster response efforts (0.73)

Portugal's budget surplus for 2025 is projected to reach nearly €3 billion, or 1% of GDP, significantly exceeding earlier estimates. Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento emphasizes that any surplus should be used to reduce public debt rather than as a cushion. In response to recent storms causing over €4 billion in damage, the government plans to establish a disaster fund. Final budget figures will be confirmed by the National Institute of Statistics on 26 March 2026. read →