Europe’s housing costs akin to ‘new pandemic’, warns Barcelona mayor

Venezuela has condemned the European Council's renewed sanctions, labeling them as futile and indicative of the EU's lack of autonomy in global affairs. The Venezuelan government, led by Nicolás Maduro, argues that these sanctions do not contribute to resolving the ongoing crisis in the country.

The European Union has imposed sanctions on two rival traders in the Russian oil market, a significant move aimed at disrupting the clandestine operations that have financially supported Moscow's ongoing military actions in Ukraine. This action reflects the EU's commitment to countering Russia's influence amid the ongoing conflict.

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old pro-democracy media mogul in Hong Kong, was convicted on national security charges, including conspiracy to publish seditious material and collusion with foreign forces. The verdict, delivered by a court without a jury, has drawn international condemnation from governments and rights organizations, highlighting concerns over the erosion of democracy and press freedom in the territory.

Ukraine peace talks are intensifying as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with European and U.S. officials in Berlin to discuss security guarantees amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The discussions aim to establish a framework for Ukraine's security in light of the conflict that has persisted since 2014.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has requested a delay in the final vote on the EU-Mercosur trade deal due to significant protests from cattle farmers in France. These protests have arisen in response to the government's culling of livestock affected by lumpy skin disease, which farmers fear could lead to a surge of cheap imports undermining their market position.