The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to cut its benchmark interest rate to a new record low amid ongoing worries about the eurozone’s economy. The widely-expected cut to 0.50% from 0.75% is the first in 10 months. Worries about eurozone economies were underlined on Thursday with data showing manufacturing activity across the 17-nation bloc… Continue reading ECB cuts benchmark interest rate to new record low of 0.5% to boost eurozone economy
Category: Europe News
Europe news
Dutch King Willem-Alexander sworn in at Amsterdam’s Nieuwe Kerk
Willem-Alexander has been sworn in as king of the Netherlands in an enthronement ceremony at Amsterdam’s Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) following the abdication of Queen Beatrix today. Willem-Alexander became the country’s first king since 1890 when his 75-year-old mother signed the abdication deed earlier on Tuesday after 33 years on the throne. Huge crowds of orange-clad… Continue reading Dutch King Willem-Alexander sworn in at Amsterdam’s Nieuwe Kerk
Princess Maxima: The story of queen consort of Dutch King Willem-Alexander
Princess Maxima’s entrance into the Dutch royal house was a sensation, and now she the queen consort of King Willem-Alexander, with the abdication of her mother-in-law Queen Beatrix on 30 April. While her family’s links to a fallen dictatorship were scrutinized by parliament, the Argentine charmed the nation. So how did this unconventional princess captivate… Continue reading Princess Maxima: The story of queen consort of Dutch King Willem-Alexander
Yulia Tymoshenko’s rights violated by Ukraine during pre-trial detention in 2011, ECHR rules
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found that Ukraine’s pre-trial detention of former PM Yulia Tymoshenko in 2011 was illegal and her rights to a legal review and compensation were violated. Yulia Tymoshenko, who is still in jail, also alleged physical mistreatment, but that complaint was not upheld by the ECHR. The former prime… Continue reading Yulia Tymoshenko’s rights violated by Ukraine during pre-trial detention in 2011, ECHR rules
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates in favor of Prince Willem-Alexander
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has abdicated and handed the throne to her son Prince Willem-Alexander. Queen Beatrix, 75, signed the instrument of abdication in Amsterdam after 33 years on the throne. Crown Prince Willem-Alexander has now become the country’s first king since 1890. Huge crowds of orange-clad partygoers are in Amsterdam to pay tribute… Continue reading Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates in favor of Prince Willem-Alexander
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands makes farewell national address on eve of abdication
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has made a farewell national address thanking the Dutch people one day before her abdication and investiture of her son, Prince Willem-Alexander. The queen thanked the Dutch people for their “heart-warming displays of affection” and also paid tribute to her late husband, Prince Claus. Queen Beatrix was also attending a… Continue reading Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands makes farewell national address on eve of abdication
Kate and William second wedding anniversary: Duchess of Cambridge goes solo at Naomi House Children’s Hospice
It was Kate and William second wedding anniversary, but it was business as usual for the Duchess of Cambridge as she visited Naomi House Children’s Hospice today. Kate Middleton, 31, was without husband Prince William during the engagement at the children’s hospice in Hampshire to mark Children’s Hospice Week. According to sources, Prince William is… Continue reading Kate and William second wedding anniversary: Duchess of Cambridge goes solo at Naomi House Children’s Hospice
Prague explosion leaves at least 13 people injured and others trapped under rubble in Divadelni Street
A massive explosion has damaged a building in the centre of the Czech capital Prague, police say. Initial reports suggested that some people may be trapped in the rubble. The area around the explosion in Divadelni St has been sealed off by police. Spokespeople for the fire brigade said that there had been at least… Continue reading Prague explosion leaves at least 13 people injured and others trapped under rubble in Divadelni Street
Jacintha Saldanha’s suicide note reveals Kate Middleton prank call nurse blamed radio DJs
Jacintha Saldanha’s suicide note has revealed that Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian, who were given details of Kate Middleton’s health by the nurse during a radio hoax, drove her to take her own life. Jacintha Saldanha, 46, directly blamed the radio presenters in a suicide letter found by her hanged body. The note… Continue reading Jacintha Saldanha’s suicide note reveals Kate Middleton prank call nurse blamed radio DJs
Reims building explosion and collapse kills at least three people in France
At least three people have been killed by an explosion that partly destroyed a block of flats in the northern French city of Reims, officials say. Reims Mayor Adeline Hazan told BFM TV that the explosion at the four-storey building was probably caused by a gas leak. Police said another 14 people were injured, including… Continue reading Reims building explosion and collapse kills at least three people in France
Gunshots fired outside Italian PM’s office during new government swearing-in ceremony
A man has been arrested in Italy after he shot two police officers outside the PM’s office in Rome during new government swearing-in ceremony. One of the officers was shot in the neck and is said to be in a serious condition. The incident was around a kilometre away from the swearing-in ceremony at the… Continue reading Gunshots fired outside Italian PM’s office during new government swearing-in ceremony
Iceland centre-right opposition wins parliamentary election
Iceland’s centre-right opposition parties are set for a return to power with nearly all votes counted after Saturday’s parliamentary election. The Independence party has 26% and the Progressive party 24%, putting them on track to win nearly 40 of the 63 seats. The ruling Social Democrats are trailing with around 13%. It is a dramatic… Continue reading Iceland centre-right opposition wins parliamentary election
Is Kate Middleton having a baby boy? The Duchess of Cambridge buys Bugaboo pram in light blue.
When Kate Middleton revealed she had bought a pram in light blue, Royal watchers wondered excitedly if she had dropped the biggest clue yet to the sex of her unborn child. Kate Middleton – who is six months pregnant – told guests at a recent reception that she had chosen a buggy by designer label… Continue reading Is Kate Middleton having a baby boy? The Duchess of Cambridge buys Bugaboo pram in light blue.
Enrico Letta agrees new Italian government ending two months of political deadlock
A deal on the formation of a new government has been reached in Italy, ending two months of political deadlock since the general election. The agreement was announced after Prime Minister-designate Enrico Letta met President Giorgio Napolitano. The coalition brings together Enrico Letta’s Democratic Party (PD) and the People of Freedom party (PDL) of former… Continue reading Enrico Letta agrees new Italian government ending two months of political deadlock
Winston Churchill to feature new £5 banknote issued by Bank of England in 2016
Winston Churchill will feature on the new design of the £5 banknote which will enter circulation in 2016, the Bank of England has announced. The wartime British PM’s image is planned to feature on the reverse of the new £5 note, together with one of his most celebrated quotations. Sir Winston Churchill was chosen owing… Continue reading Winston Churchill to feature new £5 banknote issued by Bank of England in 2016
Kate Middleton and Princes William and Harry at Warner Bros. Studios inauguration in Leavesden
Kate Middleton and Princes William and Harry had a wizard Harry Potter experience today as they attended the inauguration of the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, UK. The highlights of their visit include a trip to the Great Hall, a special effects demonstration on Diagon Alley and even a wand lesson in The Gryffindor… Continue reading Kate Middleton and Princes William and Harry at Warner Bros. Studios inauguration in Leavesden
Ramenskiy hospital fire kills at least 38 people in Russia
At least 38 people are feared dead after a fire swept through a psychiatric hospital in the Moscow region, Russian officials say. The blaze started shortly after 02:00 local time at the No 14 hospital in Ramenskiy village. Most of the victims are believed to be local patients. There are fears that the death toll… Continue reading Ramenskiy hospital fire kills at least 38 people in Russia
Switzerland renews restrictions on EU immigration
Switzerland has decided to renew restrictions on immigration from eight central and eastern EU countries. There is concern in Switzerland about a growing influx of workers from poorer EU members. Restrictions on the number of work permits will be extended for 12 months from May. Though not an EU member, Switzerland signed up to the… Continue reading Switzerland renews restrictions on EU immigration
Enrico Letta to become Italy’s new prime minister
Enrico Letta appears set to become Italy’s new prime minister, after being asked by President Giorgio Napolitano to form a broad coalition government. The appointment of Enrico Letta, currently deputy leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, could see the end of two months of parliamentary deadlock. An inconclusive general election in February left the country… Continue reading Enrico Letta to become Italy’s new prime minister
Two al-Qaeda suspects arrested in Spain
Two North African suspects thought to be linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have been arrested in Spain, according to police. An Algerian identified as Nou Mediouni was arrested in Zaragoza, northern Spain, the interior ministry said. The other suspect, a Moroccan named Hassan El Jaaouani, was arrested in Murcia in the south.… Continue reading Two al-Qaeda suspects arrested in Spain
Woman in foul-mouthed racist rant towards fellow passenger on London eastbound District line train
London police is haunting a woman who launched a tirade of foul-mouthed racist abuse towards another passenger on an eastbound District line train. The unidentified woman swore repeatedly repeating “If your country is so good, f*** off back there” at a man sitting next to her on the train. Another passenger filmed the three-minute rant… Continue reading Woman in foul-mouthed racist rant towards fellow passenger on London eastbound District line train
Dutch police arrests suspect over Leiden school shooting threat
Dutch police have arrested a suspect following a threat, posted on the internet, to carry out a shooting at a school in the city of Leiden. The suspect has been identified as a former pupil of the British School, which has a site in neighboring Voorschoten. More than 20 schools were told to stay closed… Continue reading Dutch police arrests suspect over Leiden school shooting threat
Dutch schools closed in Leiden over online mass shooting threats
All schools in the Dutch city of Leiden have been closed on Monday amid police concerns over a threat to carry out a mass shooting. The anonymous threat, made on a website, outlined a plan to target a school and teacher in the city, but did not name either. Police responded by advising all secondary… Continue reading Dutch schools closed in Leiden over online mass shooting threats
Kate Middleton baby bump revealed at National Review of the Queen’s Scouts
Kate Middleton, who is expecting her first baby in July, looked obviously pregnant for the first time as she attended the National Review of the Queen’s Scouts at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Cambridge, 31, was replacing Queen Elizabeth II at the event as the monarch is celebrating her 87th birthday privately. A volunteer in… Continue reading Kate Middleton baby bump revealed at National Review of the Queen’s Scouts
Lufthansa massive cancellations on April 22 due to ground staff strike
Lufthansa has cancelled the majority of its flights scheduled for Monday, April 22, due to a planned warning strike. The German airline said about only about 30 of its flights would run as planned on Monday, out of more than 1,700 originally scheduled. Only a select few short-haul flights will operate on Monday, such as… Continue reading Lufthansa massive cancellations on April 22 due to ground staff strike