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The European Commission has agreed to release €16.4 billion in frozen EU funds for Hungary, citing early progress on reforms under new Prime Minister Peter Magyar. The decision marks a major shift after years of tensions under former leader Viktor Orban, with funds tied to further reforms and investments by the end of August.
David J. Rush, a former senior CIA official, faces charges of theft of public funds after FBI agents found hundreds of gold bars, luxury watches, and cash at his home. Authorities allege he falsified his education and military credentials and created a fake spy program to siphon money.
As defending champions Argentina prepare for their 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria, Lionel Messi is set to make history with a record sixth World Cup appearance. The team, carrying 17 players from their 2022 triumph, aims to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive titles.
Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, with coach Lionel Scaloni confirming a 26-man squad that notably omits Franco Mastantuono. Despite injury concerns for Messi and others, Scaloni has played down the severity, while Thiago Almada emerges as a likely starter alongside Messi.
Hungary’s new parliament voted overwhelmingly to cancel the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, reversing a decision made under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The move, championed by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, aligns Hungary with international judicial obligations, including the ICC arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Belgian prosecutors are pursuing criminal charges against two mohels for performing ritual circumcision, a move that 45 European Jewish leaders and international officials have condemned as antisemitic and an infringement on religious freedom. The controversy has also reignited debates over the safety of certain circumcision practices, with some calling for reforms to protect the tradition.
Kimberly Birrell upset Jessica Pegula at the French Open, while Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka advanced in style. Sabalenka later beat Osaka to reach the quarterfinals, where she will face Diana Shnaider.
Lionel Messi has been diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring after being substituted in Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the initial news is 'not that bad', while Inter Miami said recovery will depend on his clinical and functional progress.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico have called for renewed dialogue between the EU and Russia to prevent escalation following a drone crash in Romania. Fico also claimed to be the only EU leader maintaining direct contact with both Moscow and Kyiv, urging a diplomatic path to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Russian officials have accused Western media outlets and the EU of ignoring a deadly drone attack on a vocational college in Starobelsk, Lugansk People’s Republic, which Moscow attributes to Ukrainian forces. Russian authorities invited international journalists to the site, with over 50 reporters from 19 countries reportedly attending, while the BBC declined and CNN did not respond. Casualty figures vary across reports, and the EU has not issued a formal statement on the incident.
Major Abhilasha Barak, an Indian peacekeeper serving in Lebanon, will receive the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award for her outreach to women and girls. Two other Indian peacekeepers will be posthumously honored with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal. The awards will be presented at a UN ceremony in New York.
Staff at the British Council in Spain are protesting the sale of the Palacete building in Madrid, with concerns over job security as 320 staff face relocation without a confirmed destination. The move is part of wider restructuring across Europe, driven by a £197m debt from a Covid-era government loan, and follows a national strike in Italy over deep cuts to teaching staff.
South Korea's national football team has begun its pre-World Cup training camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, with head coach Hong Myung-bo unveiling a 26-man squad that includes several K League players and surprising selections. The team will play friendlies against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador before opening the tournament against Czechia on June 11, with a focus on acclimating to high altitude and overcoming injury concerns.
German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder visited Toyota's fuel cell factory in Japan, highlighting the joint BMW-Toyota development of third-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology. Both countries are betting on hydrogen to diversify away from batteries and fossil fuels, with Germany planning to import green hydrogen and Japan targeting 12 million tons of annual capacity by 2040.
The UK's Eurovision entry, 'Eins, Zwei, Drei' by Look Mum No Computer, received one point and finished last. Analysis highlights a recurring pattern of poor results, critiques of the BBC's selection process, and comparisons with Finland's approach.
Noam Bettan, Israel's Eurovision contestant, has advanced to the final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna after a series of well-received rehearsals. His journey has been marked by boycotts from five countries, anti-Israel protests, and heightened security measures, including FBI support against cyber threats.
The Eurovision Song Contest final in Vienna features 25 countries, including Israel, despite a boycott by five nations over Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Finland's duo and Australia's Delta Goodrem lead the bookmakers' favorites, while protests and counter-demonstrations mark the event.
The UK and 45 other Council of Europe members have signed a political declaration endorsing the use of third-country hubs for rejected asylum seekers. The move has sparked criticism from human rights groups and legal experts who fear it weakens protections under the European Convention on Human Rights.
The European Commission has invited Taliban representatives to Brussels for technical talks on deporting Afghan nationals who have been refused asylum or convicted of crimes. The move, supported by 20 EU countries, underscores a shift towards closer cooperation despite human rights concerns and the EU's continued non-recognition of the Taliban. Rights groups warn that conditions in Afghanistan remain unsafe for returnees.
Delta Goodrem dazzled at the Eurovision 2026 grand final in Vienna, finishing fourth for Australia. Bulgaria's Dara claimed the title with 'Bangaranga,' marking the nation's first Eurovision win. Goodrem's performance earned widespread praise, though Australia's wait for a first victory continues.