Orbán alliance gains enough support to be EU Parliament group – POLITICO

The London Underground's book exchanges, which were removed by TfL due to fire safety concerns, have been saved after Sadiq Khan intervened. The mini-libraries, which allowed commuters to take or leave books for free, had been a fixture in stations for around 20 years. The Mayor of London worked with the London Fire Brigade to reinstate the shelves, ensuring they met safety regulations. Full Article

Sir Keir Starmer has announced the abolition of NHS England to prioritize frontline services and shift resources to patient care, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and increase funding for nurses. The move, which includes bringing NHS management under democratic control, follows a recent leadership shakeup at NHS England due to perceived duplication of roles and wasted resources, with a focus on streamlining operations and cutting waiting times for patients. Full Article

Spain's leftist government, the smallest spender on defence in Nato, faces resistance as it seeks to increase military budget to meet European demands. Amid concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US security guarantees, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez aims to reach the two-percent Nato benchmark, but faces opposition from separatist and far-left parties. Public opinion in Spain, historically shaped by General Franco's dictatorship, prioritizes health and education over military spending, despite Sánchez's support for Ukraine...

Belgian prosecutors have arrested several individuals for questioning in connection to corruption within the European Parliament, with a focus on misappropriation of public funds intended for assistants of MEPs like Eva Kaili, Vilde Vautmans, and Tom Vandendriessche. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is also investigating allegations of corruption involving about 10 current and former MEPs, raising concerns about transparency and effectiveness within EU institutions. During the 2022 Belgian authorities’ raids, significant sums of money...

Each year, the Cheltenham Festival attracts over 200,000 racegoers to the Regency town, featuring jubilant jockeys and celebrity-filled crowds. However, recent reports reveal a darker side, with more women feeling unsafe due to increased harassment, prompting the borough council to open a safe space for young people to escape unwanted attention. Women like Jo Surma have experienced catcalling, grabbing, and being followed home, making Cheltenham a no-go area for many during race week. Full Article

The Church of Scientology Sweden and its affiliate Churches in Stockholm, Malmö, and Gothenburg are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Religious Recognition on the Birthday of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, 13 March 2000, in accordance with the Act on Religious Communities. After gaining tax exemption in 1999, the Church was officially recognized as a Bona Fide religion in Sweden, granting them legal rights for conducting ceremonies. Scientology has been actively involved in social...