Moldretail Group, which owns the grocery chains Linella, Fidesco, Fourchette, Cip Market, Bravo, Slavena, and Toto, as well as the Nuca coffee shops, intends to acquire the Merci deli chain.
For the first time, the European Union has publicly indicated the possibility of treating Moldova and Ukraine separately in the EU accession process, even though Brussels has viewed the two countries as a single political package since the start of the war in Ukraine.
The second heat wave of the month is sweeping across Europe, forcing authorities to close schools, reduce rail service, and implement emergency measures to protect the public. In the coming days, temperatures in several countries could reach 37–39°C, and in some parts of Spain, they could rise to 45°C.
Following technical talks, Iran and the United States have formed four working groups that will address the lifting of sanctions, the nuclear program, reconstruction and economic development, as well as monitoring compliance with the agreements. This was announced by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi.
Spain, Italy, and France are the European countries where public opposition to mass tourism is most pronounced. This is according to a new study by the digital platform JB.com, which analyzes protest activity and the burden on the population.
Housing costs remain the largest expense for European households, but rent prices vary significantly—from the relatively affordable capitals of the Balkans to record-high prices in Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Iran announced that it had reached a number of agreements with the United States, including the establishment of an emergency mechanism to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s key oil and gas supply routes.
The number of people injured in an explosion at an industrial facility in the city of Ras Laffan in northeastern Qatar has risen to 54. Another 18 people are listed as missing, according to a statement by the Qatari Ministry of Interior published on social media platform X.
Turkey, India, and Brazil topped the global ranking of countries whose residents most frequently experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation. These findings come from a study by the JB.com platform, which covered 36 countries.
Gold still has the potential to rise to $5,200 per ounce, but the path to that level is quite challenging. The main obstacle remains the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (Fed) hawkish policy, which is keeping interest rates high and dampening investor interest in safe-haven assets.
European retailers are warning of rising prices and weakening demand due to the protracted conflict in the Middle East. The situation is having a significant impact on fuel prices, logistics, and consumer sentiment.
Italy, Greece, and Switzerland are actively attracting high-net-worth individuals from around the world, while the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are losing ground in the competition for wealthy residents. This is the conclusion of the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2026.
Iran has warned that it will halt energy supplies from the Middle East if the agreements reached with the United States are not fulfilled. This was stated by Mohammad Mohber, an adviser to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he had returned the Order of the White Eagle—the country’s highest state award, which had been stripped from him by Polish leader Karol Navrotsky—to Poland.
Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, stating that this was in response to U.S. actions and Israeli strikes on Lebanon. This was reported by the Iranian news agency Mehr, citing the “Khatam al-Anbia” Armed Forces General Staff.
Spain will direct tourists to less-visited regions to ease the strain on popular resorts. The country expects tourist arrivals to reach 100 million during the 2026 season.
Venice authorities plan to raise the entry fee for tourists to 50 euros on days of peak visitor numbers, a move that has already sparked a strong political and public backlash.
Within the European Union, the idea of deporting migrants outside the bloc is gaining traction, but France and Spain have decided to go against the tide. French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish PrimePedro Sánchez have sharply criticized plans to establish migrant return centers in third countries, warning that such a policy contradicts European values and could prove costly for the EU itself.
A second drone, whose origin has not yet been determined, has been discovered on Turkey’s Black Sea coast in the past five days. The drone was washed ashore by the waves on Çakraz Beach in the Amasra district of Bartın Province.
The average price of residential real estate in Turkey has exceeded 5 million Turkish lira (about $109,000) for the first time, but high inflation continues to offset price increases and is putting pressure on the market.
