Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela

Group Captain John "Paddy" Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, has passed away at the age of 105. Born in Dublin in 1919, Hemingway enlisted in the RAF in 1938 and fought in the Battle of France before becoming part of "The Few" in the Battle of Britain in 1940, as dubbed by Winston Churchill. Tributes from Prince William, Sir Keir Starmer, and other leaders highlight Hemingway's bravery and sacrifice in helping bring...

The European Union is investigating a surge in aluminium imports redirected from the United States, potentially leading to higher tariffs on imports to protect the EU's aluminium industry. The investigation includes major exporters like India, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates, with measures also being considered to tighten regulations and prevent unfair trade practices. The EU aims to secure the viability of its steel industry and may introduce rules targeting nations that restrict scrap metal...

Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet is “united” on plans to cut £5 billion from the UK’s benefit bill, with work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall leading welfare reform efforts. Backlash from Labour backbenchers, including Diane Abbott, has sparked criticism, but Chancellor Pat McFadden insists on the necessity of getting people back to work. Concerns over potential cuts to disability benefits, specifically PIP, have prompted a rethink amid fears of increased poverty for thousands of disabled individuals....

Rising living costs in Spain have made it challenging for salaries to keep up, leading to difficulties in saving. A study has identified the Spanish cities where it is easiest to save in 2025, with smaller, inland cities like Palencia and Guadalajara ranking high due to lower living expenses. Surprisingly, cities like Zaragoza and Murcia, known for higher salaries and lower costs of living, also offer good savings potential. Full Article

Labour is rumored to announce £6 billion in welfare cuts, mainly targeting disability benefits like the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimed by 3.6 million people. Changes include making it harder to qualify for PIP, with a potential freeze on payment levels. Additionally, there may be a freeze or reduction in the health-related element of Universal Credit, accompanied by increased support for claimants seeking work, as proposed by former senior special adviser Jean-Andre Prager. Full Article

The European Health and Digital Executive Agency has completed the evaluation of proposals for the Digital Europe Programme. More information regarding the program can be found in the Flash Report DIGITAL-2024-ADVANCED-DIGITAL-07 available for download on the source link provided. Full Article