Inside the illegal eel trade: is there a way to stop Europe’s biggest wildlife crime before it’s too late?

The Zaporozhye nuclear power plant has successfully restored its external power supply after a month-long outage, marking a significant achievement for the facility's management. This restoration is crucial not only for the plant's operations but also for the energy stability of the region, especially given the ongoing challenges faced in the area. The return of power is expected to enhance safety measures and operational efficiency, which is a positive development for both local communities and the broader energy landscape in Europe.

As diplomacy struggles, Ukraine, along with Trump and European allies, is focusing on targeting Russian energy resources. Despite setbacks on the battlefield, Ukraine remains optimistic about its future in the conflict. This shift in strategy highlights the importance of energy in geopolitical dynamics and could influence the course of the war.

Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have joined forces to create a new European aerospace company aimed at competing with Elon Musk's SpaceX. This collaboration is expected to generate an annual revenue of approximately £5.6 billion, marking a significant step for Europe in the space industry. By pooling their resources and expertise, these companies hope to enhance their technological capabilities and strengthen Europe's position in the global aerospace market.

Zurich's innovative housing cooperatives are gaining attention as a potential solution to Europe's ongoing housing crisis. With one in five citizens owning shares in their apartment blocks, these cooperatives foster community and affordability, showcasing a model that could inspire other cities facing similar challenges. This approach not only enhances living conditions but also promotes social cohesion, making it a noteworthy example for urban planners and policymakers across the continent.

As Giorgia Meloni marks three years as Italy's prime minister, her administration has made notable strides in reducing the public deficit and lowering unemployment. However, the Italian economy still faces significant challenges, including sluggish growth and structural issues exacerbated by an aging population. Additionally, tensions surrounding the Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia and the Dutch government are raising alarms in Europe's manufacturing sector, highlighting the interconnectedness of global economies and the potential impact on Italy's economic landscape.

Sweden and Ukraine have signed a significant cooperation deal that will allow Sweden to purchase fighter jets from its domestic company Saab and subsequently export them to Ukraine. This agreement highlights the growing commitment among European nations to strengthen Ukraine's defenses amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. By enhancing military support, this partnership not only bolsters Ukraine's capabilities but also reinforces the solidarity of European countries in addressing security challenges in the region.

In a significant development, European leaders have expressed support for former President Trump's proposal to freeze the frontline in the ongoing conflict, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has firmly rejected this idea. This disagreement highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities in international relations, as efforts for peace face substantial obstacles. The situation remains critical, and how these dynamics unfold could have far-reaching implications for stability in the region.

The recent editorial from The Guardian highlights the challenges faced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in navigating peace talks with the U.S. under President Trump. It emphasizes that Trump's approach fails to recognize the fundamental dynamics of aggressor versus victim, which undermines the possibility of a fair agreement. This matters because it reflects the ongoing struggle for Ukraine's sovereignty and the need for European support to ensure Zelenskyy can effectively resist external pressures.

Iain Wares, an 86-year-old former teacher, faces serious allegations of sexual abuse from 65 former students of Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College, dating back to the 1960s and 70s. This troubling news highlights the ongoing issue of historical abuse in educational institutions, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of students in the past and present.

The election campaign in Ivory Coast is facing a troubling rise in disinformation on social media, with both ruling and opposition supporters spreading fake news about presidential candidates. This situation raises concerns about potential destabilization from neighboring Burkina Faso. In response, the Ivorian government is taking action by censoring posts and making arrests to combat the spread of false information, highlighting the critical need for integrity in the electoral process.

UK manufacturers are facing their largest drop in orders since 2020, raising concerns about the future of the sector. This downturn comes alongside a record high for the FTSE 100, driven by a surge in oil company shares following US sanctions on Russian energy firms. The recent weaker-than-expected inflation report has led to speculation that the Bank of England might cut interest rates sooner than anticipated, which could have significant implications for the economy. This situation highlights the contrasting fortunes of different sectors and the challenges manufacturers are currently grappling with.

The Women's Cricket World Cup match between India and New Zealand is currently underway in Navi Mumbai, with India aiming for a semi-final spot. As the game progresses, fans are eagerly following the updates, highlighting the excitement surrounding women's cricket and its growing popularity. This match not only showcases the talent of the players but also emphasizes the importance of women's sports on a global stage.

Omar Rahman discusses the conflicting messages emanating from the White House regarding the Gaza ceasefire, highlighting the confusion and uncertainty that this creates. This matters because clear communication is crucial in international conflicts, and mixed signals can exacerbate tensions and hinder peace efforts.

The recent government shutdown highlights the dysfunction in American politics, as it often leads to the ruling party facing the brunt of public blame. This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of governance and the ability of political leaders to work together, which is crucial for the country's stability and progress.