Europe

Macron bans illegitimate protests as unrest spreads

French President Emmanuel Macron said demonstrations organised by groups without legitimate authority would be banned in the coming days, while recognised organisations could march subject to route changes. Authorities have imposed restrictions in several cities ahead of Saturday rallies, as businesses prepare for possible violence and officials weigh further steps.

European Union awards top rights prize to ICC

The International Criminal Court has won the European Union’s Sakharov Prize as it faces US sanctions announced by President Donald Trump’s administration. European Parliament chief Roberta Metsola said the award recognizes the court’s work on international law and justice. The sanctions are set to take effect in six months, while EU officials say they are considering steps to protect the court’s operations.

EU Keeps Russia Energy Sanctions in Place Until War Ends

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU sanctions against Russia, particularly measures targeting energy, will remain in force until Moscow ends its war. Speaking in Strasbourg, she also called for a stronger external border response and outlined priorities on business regulation and competitiveness. European Council President António Costa focused on energy costs and support for Ukraine.

Met Police Arrest 42 in London Stolen Goods Crackdown

The Metropolitan Police visited about 400 shops, market stalls and car boot sales in a London operation that led to 42 arrests and 11 shop closure orders. Officers also seized suspected stolen goods, including tools and food, while targeting businesses and networks linked to resale. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said about 100 prolific shoplifters were responsible for 4,000 offences across London.

UK works to identify exposure after PHP security flaw

The UK government is checking whether its online services are exposed to critical flaws in PHP, the programming language behind many websites. The warning has prompted agencies and companies to apply fixes or take systems offline. Amazon reported attempted exploitation of a decoy system before the public warning, while security agencies advised organisations to act quickly.

PHP flaw prompts website shutdowns as agencies rush to patch

Governments and organizations took websites offline after two critical vulnerabilities were disclosed in PHP, a programming language used across much of the web. PHP programmers issued a fix on Wednesday, and security agencies urged organizations to patch affected systems or disconnect them temporarily. The disruption reached public services in several countries, while researchers warned that attackers could exploit vulnerable servers.

Gayle Benson Gives Safety Assurance for Saints Game

New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson said she had no safety concerns as the NFL prepares to play its first game in Paris. The matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers remains scheduled for Sunday morning at Stade de France, while league officials say they have no plan to move it. The statements follow protests and damage to businesses in several French cities.

EU Investigates Booking.com Over Fake Listings and Phishing Risks

EU regulators have opened an investigation into Booking.com over fake accommodation listings, phishing scams and the transparency of paid placements. The European Commission said the company may have breached the Digital Services Act, while Booking.com said it is engaging constructively with officials. Consumer reports in the Netherlands show the financial harm linked to scams involving the platform rose in 2025.

French borrowing costs hit 24-year high amid budget deadlock

French borrowing costs rose above 5% for the first time in 24 years as the government remained unable to pass next year’s budget and violent protests unsettled markets. The increase raises the cost of financing public debt, while lenders have demanded higher returns on French bonds. Market strategist Matthew Ryan said political risk in France was also weighing on the euro.

Germany’s top banker sounds alarm as France’s debt costs rise

France’s 10-year government-bond yield climbed through 5% as political unrest and budget concerns unsettled markets. Carrefour’s warning shows how the strain is reaching businesses: the retailer expects unrest to cut 2026 operating income by €80 million to €200 million, while its shares fell around 14%.

London rail revolution set to connect Stratford with Europe

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is advancing plans to bring international trains to Stratford International within four years. The estimated £20 million project could allow some services to stop in east London, giving around five million people easier access to cross-Channel rail. The proposal still requires station work, including passenger-flow changes and security and passport facilities.

Hackers steal children’s data through dormant test account

The Information Commissioner's Office reprimanded Ogi Networks Limited and Data Cymru after a ransomware attack exposed personal information belonging to 3,300 people, mostly children. Hackers accessed a test account protected by the password “Password1,” which had gone more than 12 years without an audit or removal. The organizations said they introduced stronger account controls after the attack.

Youth Protests Across Europe Raise Far-Right Concerns at EU Parliament

MEPs and European Union officials in Strasbourg are assessing youth protests that began in France and have spread to other countries. Dave Keating reports that people he spoke with fear the unrest could strengthen far-right calls for law and order and the removal of non-white people. The protests are driven by national grievances, but their message is increasingly crossing borders.

Ukraine could receive €17 billion in budget support

European Council President António Costa said the European Union could disburse a further €17 billion to Ukraine before the end of the year, provided Kyiv delivers required reforms. Speaking in Strasbourg, he also said Europe would ensure Ukraine’s financial needs for 2027 were met and called for continued pressure on Russia.

Andy Burnham unveils 2p EV charging cost per mile

A 0% VAT rate on domestic electricity takes effect from October 1, bringing home EV charging costs to about 2p per mile for drivers on smart tariffs, according to figures cited by Chronicle Live. Drivers using a standard home tariff are estimated to pay about 6.9p per mile. Public charging remains subject to 20% VAT, a difference Polestar UK’s managing director says should be addressed.

France Divided Over Blame for Riots After Student Protests

France is divided over responsibility for weekend riots that followed student protests, with political leaders blaming far-left groups and others questioning the government’s response. President of the National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet has proposed an inquiry into how the violence was organised. Police are examining CCTV and social media footage as authorities seek to identify those responsible.

Trucker protest leaves supermarket shelves bare in Naples

Truck drivers protesting high diesel costs blocked food and goods deliveries near Naples, leaving some supermarket shelves and gas pumps empty. The disruption has also affected parts of Sicily, Calabria and Puglia. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini met trucking associations and promised tax credits and funds to modernize trucking fees, while the government-backed diesel tax discount expired earlier this month.

Italy deploys 500 soldiers to Milan after violent protests

Italy plans to send 500 soldiers to Milan after protests over the cost of living escalated into clashes, looting and vandalism. Police detained 271 young people during unrest on Saturday and Sunday, and officials say demonstrations are planned again on Saturday. Luxury shops in the city’s fashion district have closed or removed merchandise as authorities consider tougher security measures.

France’s growing debt woes push borrowing costs higher

France’s borrowing costs have climbed as protests and political deadlock deepen investor concerns over public finances. The 10-year bond yield reached 4.94% on Monday, while the government faces a difficult budget debate. Rising yields mean more tax revenue must go toward servicing debt, leaving less room for public services as protesters demand cost-of-living relief and better-funded schools.

Train disruption lines Manchester: cancellations and delays

An electricity supply failure near Preston disrupted rail services between Preston and Bolton, affecting Northern and TransPennine Express routes to Manchester Airport. Although the lines reopened at around 9.30am, National Rail warned that cancellations, diversions and delays of up to 45 minutes could continue until 3pm. Passengers were advised to check their full journey and could use specified replacement buses and other services at no extra cost.

Rocket plane travel space: Cornwall deal eyes daily flights

Spaceport Cornwall and Dawn Aerospace have signed an agreement to explore operating Aurora flights from Newquay. The reusable rocket-powered aircraft is designed to reach altitudes of up to 100km and could turn around in as little as four hours. The plan remains under assessment, with the partners examining what a regular UK service would require.

Freshfields Apologises Over Leaked Email on Middle Eastern Investors

Freshfields apologised after an email exchange about investment for a legal AI venture was leaked. The firm said comments about Middle Eastern sovereign wealth investors did not reflect its position and expressed regret for the offence caused. The exchange involved Ethan Klingsberg and global managing partner Alan Mason, according to The Independent’s report of Financial Times coverage.

EU Arctic Draft Drops Explicit Call for Drilling Moratorium

A European Union draft Arctic strategy drops an explicit reference to a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling, departing from the bloc’s 2021 wording. It still says the EU will prioritize renewables and hydrocarbons produced outside the Arctic, and calls for fossil fuels to remain in the ground in line with its climate targets. Norway has pressed the EU to abandon its opposition to Arctic exploration.