European

Travellers who use a prohibited item in popular holiday destinations could face fines of up to £1,700, as tighter restrictions are enforced in more European locations, including on their beaches

British holidaymakers could face fines of up to £1,700 this summer if they’re caught on the beach with one prohibited item. The restrictions will come into force from July 1 in France, while other popular tourist destinations like Spain and Italy have already introduced the ban.

Across Great Britain, there are approximately 5.6 million vapers, according to data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), with many taking up the habit in a bid to quit smoking. While we’re used to people publicly and legally vaping, Brits jetting off abroad could unwittingly incur hefty fines on beaches where vaping is banned.

Many European countries, such as France, Barcelona, and Benidorm, are enforcing stricter vaping regulations, which can result in severe penalties for tourists. These are the vaping regulations you need to be made aware of before your summer getaway…

READ MORE: Brits warned of travel chaos as European airport hit by 10th walkout in 45 days

France

From July 1, France will prohibit smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children, including beaches, parks, schools, bus stops, and sports venues. This is part of a wider initiative that started in 2011 with a beach ban and has since broadened.

Those caught breaking these laws could face fines of up to €135 (£115).

Spain

Spain has been notably active in broadening its smoke-free areas, often treating vaping on par with smoking. In 2024, the Spanish Medical Association unveiled new anti-smoking regulations that also encompass vaping in public spaces such as beaches and restaurant terraces.

Several well-known Spanish beaches where vaping prohibitions are now in effect include L’Albir Beach in Alicante, Levante and Poniente Beaches in Benidorm, Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, and Bogatell in Barcelona, and Malvarrosa Beach in Valencia. If caught breaking the law, travellers could face penalties up to €2,000, equivalent to £1,700.

Greece

In December 2024, EU Health Ministers greenlit stricter anti-smoking measures in Greece, incorporating a ban on vaping in outdoor areas like beaches. If caught, fines can escalate up to €500, equivalent to £420.

Italy

In Italy, regulations vary by town or district. In 2019, Bibione in Veneto introduced a beach smoking ban, which was subsequently adopted by other seaside towns. Major cities like Milan have also enforced bans on vaping in crowded outdoor areas, with fines ranging from €40 (£33) to €240 (£200) for offenders.

Portugal

Portugal has put into effect vaping restrictions on beaches, but the rules can differ by region, so holidaymakers should verify local regulations before visiting.

Offering advice before jetting away, Dan Marchant, Director of Vape Club (www.vapeclub.co.uk), said: “As vaping regulations continue to change, it’s important for travellers to stay up to date with the local laws to avoid any unexpected fines or more serious consequences. Always check local legislation before you travel.

“This can be done through the foreign office website or the customs department of the country you’re visiting. Some countries have strict rules not only about where you can vape, but also whether you can bring your vaping device into the country at all. It’s worth doing a bit of research ahead of time to avoid issues at the border or during your stay.

“In some destinations, buying vaping supplies may be difficult and possibly even illegal. If it is allowed, bring what you need – but we would advise you to double-check import limits. If you are travelling to a vaping-friendly destination by plane, remember to pack your batteries and vaping devices in your carry-on luggage. This ensures they remain in a pressure-controlled environment, as they’re not allowed in checked baggage.”

READ MORE: Health app helped woman drop four stone in weight without giving up ice cream

The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) has held strikes on on May 2, 5, 16, 19, 30, June 2, 4, with June 17 and 19, with the likes of Ryanair, British Airways and Norwegian impacted

A country is to be hit with a tenth walkout of staff in 45 days.

Yet more flights are set to be cancelled on 17 and 19 June in airports across Finland, with as many as 64 UK flights impacted by the disruption, and as many as 11,520 impacted.

The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) has held strikes on on May 2, 5, 16, 19, 30, June 2, 4, with June 17 and 19. Fourteen direct flights (eight Finnair, four British Airways, one Ryanair and one Norwegian) and as many as 50 indirect flights on airlines such as KLM, easyJet, Lufthansa, Air Baltic will be impacted later this week.

Key routes impacted include London, Manchester, and Edinburgh to Helsinki, which have 14 direct flights on the two days earmarked for industrial action. Other routes with one or two stops include Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast, Nottingham, Southampton, and Leeds to Helsinki via Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Latvia.

Have you been impacted by the strikes? Email [email protected]

READ MORE: Huge number of Brits face holiday chaos as travel firm loses licence

Each strike day costs Finnair and Finavia (Helsinki Airport operator) €10 to €20 million (£8.5million to £17 million) in lost revenue, with broader economic ripple effects on tourism and hospitality. By summer’s end, the sector could lose €100-€150 million, according to air passenger rights company AirAdvisor.

Based on the analysis of booking trends, there’s a 7–12% drop in UK bookings to Finland for the summer season, with passengers shifting travel plans to alternatives like Sweden, Norway, or Estonia.

Passengers impacted by these strikes don’t qualify for EU261 compensation; however, they are still entitled to meals, accommodation, and assistance. Check out our refund rights guide if you’re caught up in strike action while flying.

Passengers concerned about being caught up in the travel disruption can buy strike-cover insurance for as little as £20, use websites such as FlightRadar24 for real-time flight tracking, and avoid Helsinki connections by taking other routes such as vua Stockholm.

Anton Radchenko, aviation expert and founder of AirAdvisor, said: “We’ve reached a point where UK travellers no longer need to be warned about Finnish aviation strikes, they expect them, which is a serious reputational crisis. For many Brits, Finland is no longer seen as a safe or reliable part of the travel map.

“These aren’t isolated events anymore; they’re stacking disruptions. Passengers are missing connections, losing confidence, and taking their business elsewhere.

“The deeper issue here is one of trust. Travellers don’t just book tickets, they plan around reliability. And what we’re seeing is a full-scale erosion of that trust. When people start rebooking through Stockholm or rerouting Asia trips via Frankfurt instead of Helsinki, the damage isn’t temporary; it becomes structural. Airlines eventually follow those behaviours, shifting routes and investing in more stable hubs.”

The IAU, which represents ground handling, baggage, catering, maintenance, and customer service staff, has called the strikes over pay disputes with PALTA. According to the IAU, the average earnings of Finnair Group employees increased by 6.4 percent between 2020 and 2023. During that same period, the national average increase across all sectors was 10.4 percent.

At the beginning of June a spokesperson for Finnair told the Mirror: “We are deeply sorry that our customers’ important travel plans were disrupted.” The airline has been contacted for additional comment.

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Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear and military targets caused the price of oil to surge more than 7% on Friday since Tehran is one of the world’s major producers of oil, despite sanctions by Western countries limiting its sales.

A wider war could slow the flow of Iranian oil to its customers and keep prices of crude and gasoline higher for everyone worldwide. But early Monday, those concerns appeared to abate slightly.

Oil prices were still volatile on the fourth day of the Israeli-Iran crisis, before giving back a bit of their gains. On Monday morning, the US benchmark crude oil was traded at $73.71 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, cost $74 per barrel, down from Friday but still 7% higher than the price before the missile fire started. 

Military strikes between Israel and Iran are fuelling concerns that oil exports from the Middle East could be significantly disrupted. However, there is currently no indication that the oil flow is impacted, and concerns are running high.

Meanwhile, major oil companies are being rewarded on the stock market: BP and Shell both gained more than 1% in the Monday morning trade in Europe. 

“Gains in oil majors and defence contractors have helped to push the FTSE 100 onto a positive footing in early trade,” said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown financial services company.

Shares in the FTSE 100’s top banks were also rising on inflation fears that could result in higher key interest rates. Standard Chartered rose nearly 3%, Barclays and Natwest were up by more than 1% by 11 am CEST. 

Also strengthening the banking sector’s gains in London, Metro Bank shares soared by more than 14% following speculation that investment firm Pollen Street Capital would take over the lender, Sky News first reported over the weekend.

Investors in London also gained confidence after data for May showed a 6.1% year-on-year jump in retail sales in China, the world’s second biggest economy. However, it was coupled with lower-than-expected growth in industrial output, which still rose 5.8% from the previous year.

After 11 am in Europe, Britain’s FTSE 100 inched up 0.3% to 8,876.26. Germany’s DAX gained 0.2% to 23,572.39 and the CAC 40 in Paris edged 0.6% higher to 7,728.66. 

The futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average were up 0.5%.

During Asian trading, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 added 1.3% to 38,311.33, while the Kospi in Seoul gained 1.8% to 2,946.66.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng surged 0.7% to 24,060.99 and the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.4% to 3,388.73.

The price of gold has climbed as it remains a safe haven asset. An ounce of gold added 1.4% on Friday, but gave back some of its gains on Monday morning, and was traded at around $3,437 an ounce.

Prices for US Treasury bonds are also on the rise when investors are feeling nervous, but Treasury prices fell Friday, which in turn pushed up their yields, in part because of worries that a spike in oil prices could drive inflation higher.

Inflation in the US has remained relatively tame recently, and it’s near the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%. However, concerns remain high that it could accelerate due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

A better-than-expected report Friday on sentiment among US consumers also helped drive yields higher. The preliminary report from the University of Michigan stated that sentiment improved for the first time in six months after Trump put many of his tariffs on pause, while US consumers’ expectations for future inflation eased.

In currency trading early Monday, the US dollar gained to 144.18 Japanese yen from 144.03 yen. The euro rose to $1.1582 from $1.1533.

What is expected for the week?

The Middle East conflict is set to be the focus of the G7 meeting of leaders of wealthy nations in Canada this week.

There are also hopes that Trump will sign more trade deals, which keeps trade optimism a bit higher.

“It’s a big week in terms of decisions on interest rates and the direction of monetary policy,” Streeter said.

“The Federal Reserve is expected to keep rates on hold this week but comments from chair Jerome Powell will be closely watched for future direction of policy.”

Meanwhile, there is a monetary policy meeting of the Bank of England this week, where “policymakers are expected to press pause on rate cuts,” Streeter explained, citing the potential impact of higher energy costs. 

Meanwhile, the UK government’s infrastructure plans are going to be revealed in more detail this week. “The 10-year strategy, worth £725 billion (€850.8 bn), is the backbone of the Starmer administration’s plan to kickstart growth,” Streeter said.

The Canary Island set a new benchmark for international tourism, despite ongoing anti-tourist protests – and holidaymakers from one EU country in particular make up the largest tourist segment

The Canary Islands are still a major holiday hotspot for Europeans despite cries of overcrowding from locals.

According to Spanish publication Canarian Weekly, more than 4.36 million foreign visitors descended on the islands in the first quarter of this year alone – with holidaymakers from one EU country making up the largest segment.

And it appears German tourists cannot seem to get enough of the archipelago’s sunshine and beaches. Euronews reported that Spain remains the top holiday destination for Germans in 2025, with the Canary Islands leading the way with year-round sun.

READ MORE: Blow to Brits as Spanish city considers ‘tourist ban’ and U-turns on major project

The Canaries offer an unusually stable subtropical climate, with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 20C even in January. Gran Canaria is often touted as the hottest, retaining such heat due to its proximity to Northern Africa.

Like Britain, Germans endure cold and snowy conditions from the months of December through to February. Another strong appeal for German travellers is likely the home comforts that can still be enjoyed in places like Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

The undeniable abundance of German tourists over the years mean that popular destinations have adapted to offer German-language menus and Bavarian staples. Direct flights from cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin also make travel relatively simple.

Regular departures to the Canaries from Germany also enable spontaneous and cost-effective travel. A flight from Dusseldorf to Lanzarote takes around four hours and 30 minutes, a similar time-scale to planes departing from London.

Germans also have a notorious love of the outdoors and hiking that also makes the Canary Islands particularly appealing. The archipelago is packed with coastal walks and hiking trails, and the laidback lifestyle is ideal for recuperating.

It is certainly no surprise why Germans, Brits and all international travellers return again and again to Tenerife and Gran Canaria. However, the frustration of locals and increasing pressure on the housing market exacerbated by expats and tourists is only mounting.

Ivan Cerdena Molina, an activist within the protest movement and a member of local environmental group ATAN, voiced his frustration that despite the protests, more tourists visited his homeland last year than the year before.

“We had 16 million tourists [in the Canaries] in 2023 and 18 million in 2024. In 2025, the number is increasing again. The government didn’t do anything; it just spoke nice words with no real action.”, reports the Express .

Local governments are also implementing taxes to manage tourism. British holidaymakers heading to the Canary Island of Fuerteventura will soon have to pay a tourist tax. The island’s government has confirmed it will introduce the charge for the wild beach of Cofete, the sand dunes of Correlejo and the sea caves of Ajuy.

The move will follow the example of Tenerife, which has already started charging visitors to the mountain-top village of Masca and intends to do the same with Mount Teide.

WOLVES face a potential fight to keep hold of boss Vitor Pereira – with Portuguese giants Benfica eyeing a move for the Molineux boss to replace one of his predecessors.

Benfica are currently in the USA for the Club World Cup, amid rumours over the long-term future of manager Bruno Lage.

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And if the Lisbon Eagles flop in the States, club President – and former Portugal midfielder – Rui Costa is ready to test Wolves’ resolve to keep Pereira after his impressive first six months at the club.

Pereira has seen the club sell both full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and playmaker Matheus Cunha this summer, with the two Manchester Clubs paying £94.7m between them for the duo.

That came after he had stabilised the club following his arrival in place of Gary O’Neil in December.

Beer-loving Pereira, 59, steered Wolves away from the drop zone to win 10 of his 22 games in charge including a seven-match winning run in March and April that secured their Premier League status.

But the prospect of a return to his homeland – with Benfica facing two Champions League qualifying rounds in August – could tempt the former Porto and Olympiacos chief.

Pereira has not coached in Portugal since quitting Porto for Saudi side Al Ahli after leading them to the title in 2013.

His stock is high with claims that Rui Costa is not happy with Lage – despite official insistence that the coach will start next season at the Stadium of Light irrespective of what happens at the Club World Cup.

Benfica face Argentines Boca Juniors, Kiwi minnows Auckland City and Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in the group stage, with Lage under scrutiny.

Lage, 49, and now in his second spell at Benfica, spent 15 months at the Molineux helm after replacing Nuno Espirito Santos in June 2021.

While they finished 10th in his first season – having been in the top six after 13 games – Wolves scored just 38 goals in the Prem campaign, with just two points from their final seven matches.

He was sacked in October 2022 after picking up a solitary win from the club’s first nine games before landing a job at Brazilian side Botofogo the following summer.

Lage then became embroiled in a legal spat with Botofogo owner John Textor, whose stake in Crystal Palace has threatened their chances of taking up their place in the Europa League.

Earlier this year, Lage – who returned to Benfica in September – launched a £6m suit claiming he had been promised in a “gentleman’s agreement” that he would be offered the Palace job that was given to Oliver Glasner.

While Benfica beating Sporting Lisbon on penalties to win the Portuguese League Cup, they finished two points behind their city rivals in the title race.

After Gareth Southgate resigned from the role of senior team boss following Euro 2024, Carsley had a six-game spell in charge of the Three Lions, winning five matches and losing one and guiding England back to the top tier of the Nations League.

He is now back at under-21 level and recently signed a new deal with the Football Association that lasts until 2027.

“It’s important I just do a good job, I’m just trying to do it again [win the Euros],” said Carsley. “The priority is the Euros and I won’t be taking my eye off of that.

“Hopefully we’ll be good to watch. That’s what you want. You want people back home watching the next generation of England players and being excited by it.”

There are 16 nations in the tournament in Slovakia, with England placed in Group B, along with Czech Republic, Germany and Slovenia, with the top two from each section moving into the quarter-finals.

Carsley’s 23-man squad includes Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento, who has one cap for the senior side, along with plenty of players with Premier League experience, including Liverpool’s title-winning duo Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott.

Other players named include Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Tottenham’s Archie Gray, Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Manchester City’s James McAtee and Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson.

Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri, at 18, is the youngest player in the England squad after a breakthrough season for the Gunners, which saw him score nine goals in all competitions.

West Bromwich Albion forward Tom Fellows is a late addition to the squad, replacing Jobe Bellingham, who has been included in Borussia Dortmund’s squad for the Fifa Club World Cup after joining the German club from Sunderland earlier this week.

Fellows had travelled to Slovakia as an additional training player.

Goalkeepers: James Beadle (Brighton), Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Chelsea), Tommy Simkin (Stoke).

Defenders: Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse), Ronnie Edwards (Southampton), CJ Egan-Riley (Burnley), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Brooke Norton Cuffy (Genoa), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Archie Gray (Tottenham), Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough), Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton), Tyler Morton (Liverpool), Alex Scott (Bournemouth).

Forwards: Harvey Elliott (Liverpool), Tom Fellows (West Bromwich Albion), Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich), Sam Iling Jnr (Aston Villa), James McAtee (Manchester City), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), Jonathan Rowe (Marseille), Jay Stansfield (Birmingham).

Famed for its pastel pink sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s hard to believe that the world’s best beach is only four hours from the UK – and you can grab return flights in July for just £80

You don’t need to jet over to the other side of the world to find sugar-like sand and crystal-clear waters. In fact, the best beach is much closer to the UK than you’d think.

Earlier this year, review site Tripadvisor revealed its Travellers Choice Awards after analysing more than eight million listings over a 12-month period. It found that nothing could quite compare to the idyllic Elafonissi Beach, located on the Greek island of Crete.

Famed for its pastel pink sand (believed to be caused by tiny fragments of seashells) and cobalt waters, Elafonissi Beach outranked dream Caribbean destinations such as Eagle Beach in Aruba and Playa Varadero in Cuba. The stunning beach, which is part of a protected nature reserve, looks like something straight out of a postcard – and makes for the perfect Instagram snap.

Whether you want to spend the day basking under the sun with a good book, or prefer to cool yourself in the shallow lagoon – this beach really does offer something for everyone. Surrounded by a lush forest of cedar trees, the coastline is also a great spot for hikers and nature lovers alike.

READ MORE: Underrated Canary Island where tourists never go with 3,000 hours of sunshine

“This place is not overrated!” hailed one traveller who visited the beach back in April. “It’s a short walk to get to this superb beach [from the car park] and it’s quite special because of its many lagoons. A real little jewel! The water is super transparent and turquoise.”

Another person agreed, branding the beach ‘wonderful’. It’s the best beach I have seen,” they wrote. “[The] water is very clean and fantastic for children. I want to come back there every year.” A third added: “I’m in love with this place – it’s one of my favourites. I recommend it to all the people who want to visit… the water was amazing.”

Of course, even the world’s best beach can’t impress everybody – and Elafonisi has garnered some negative attention, mainly around its €5 car park. “Can’t get anywhere near the beach!” moaned one traveller, who dubbed the high parking fee a ‘tourist scam’.

Another agreed, scathing: “When we went to Elafonisi the water was not crystal clear (it was actually impossible to see the ground), and the sand was not pink. There was a crazy [amount of] people and when we came there all the sun beds and parasols had been occupied.”

Kristen Dalton of Tripadvisor hailed its Travellers’ Choice Awards for reflecting the voices of ‘millions of global travellers’ and helping guide people to plan their ‘best trip yet’. “In my family, beaches aren’t just for sunbathing – we like to get out and explore!” she added.

“The diversity of this year’s winners really showcases everything that a beach trip can have to offer. Whether it’s strolling the beautiful pink sand beaches of our world winner, Elafonissi beach, in Greece, experiencing breath-taking vistas in Indonesia, whale watching in Hawaii or diving in magical bioluminescent waters in Thailand – there really is something for everyone.”

If you’re keen to check the beach out this year, you can fly to Crete directly from most major UK airports – including Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, and Bournemouth. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £80 in July.

Accommodation on the island is equally affordable, with plenty of hostels and no-thrill hotels to meet the tightest of budgets. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 7-14) at Studio Peacock will only set you back £215. This is based on two adults sharing a double bed in a one-bedroom apartment.

However, if you’re after something a little more luxurious, you have to check out Naiades Boutique Hotel. Located right on the beachfront, this adults-only resort is the epitome of chic and comes with free breakfast every morning. A Deluxe Suite with your own outdoor jacuzzi costs £1,563 on the exact same dates.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

While the secret island doesn’t show up on maps, hundred of adventurous Brits escape there every summer where connections are anything but conventional

“You’re on an island where anything goes, but it feels incredibly safe nothing happens without consent. It’s like Disneyland for swingers” – so says one of the holidaymakers to the so-called ‘Spicy Island’, where Brits indulge in their wildest fantasies.

Amanda Leigh, a 38-year-old dancer, found unexpected freedom in a hidden swingers‘ haven off Croatia’s coast. She anticipated a “hot girl summer” but ended up meeting her now-partner Alex, during a skinny-dipping adventure amid strangers.

Her journey into the swinging lifestyle began over a decade ago at an adult-only resort in Mexico. Now, she’s a seasoned participant, with Spicy Island being her destination of choice.

“Last year I met Alex and this year we’re ready to open our relationship up,” Amanda shares. “I want to fulfil the ‘hot wife’ fantasy and I’m looking forward to exploring this further.”

The exclusive two-week getaway, now in its third edition, is run by Spicy Match, who take over the entire island for as many as 600 guests. The secret location is revealed only once attendees board on the boat from the mainland.

The ticket prices range from £1,000 for a simple bell tent to £2,500 for a luxurious two-bedroom sun lodge, complete with meals, fire-eaters and educational sex seminars.

“You only find out where it is when you get on the boat,” reveals Amanda. It was on this mysterious hour-long boat ride that she encountered Alex, a spa technician.

“I couldn’t get over how hot Alex was,” she confesses. “We started flirting right then and there, and by the third night we were together while skinny-dipping in the pool.”

The pair didn’t end up swinging with anyone else, instead spending the trip getting to know one another. Amanda says the sex was “incredible” and finds the freedom of being intimate on the beach or in front of others “very liberating”.

READ MORE: Lovehoney flash sale slashes prices of ‘must have’ summer items to under £20

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a welcome bag containing condoms and wristbands to tell them apart from staff. Video recording guests is banned, but stripping down is encouraged.

The resort designates “play area” zones for various interests – couples, singles, and those into BDSM.

Amanda wants to set the record straight on swinging, noting: “People think swingers are gross or glorified cheaters. But it’s about consent and communication. You’re free from unwanted advances – it’s nothing like a standard nightclub.”

The island attracts people of all ages, including James and Katherine Gordon, 55-year-old sweethearts from Kent who have been swinging since their teens.

Katherine shares with confidence: “We’ve been to swingers events all over the world; the island ranks at the top. We’ll literally say, we’re into full swapping and single men.”

Before arriving, they’d already connected with others online and planned to meet for dinner in the port town. “Last year, 40 of us had dinner together the night before we left,” Katherine recounts. “It’s easy to build connections before you’ve even arrived.”

She admits her preference for younger men often takes the lead when it comes to flirting. James humorously remarks that he is content to “outsource” these days, admitting he can’t keep up.

“The meals on the island are communal, so we sit next to people we think we’ll vibe with,” she continues. “You flirt like you would in any bar or club.”

Katherine reveals that while she may be reserved in day-to-day life, this lifestyle unveils a more audacious side of her. They reserve a two-bed lodge, dedicating one room for rest and the other for enjoyment.

“It just suits us better,” she confides. “And after 30 years, we’ve made a lot of friends here.”

She describes the atmosphere as inviting: “You might see people having sex on verandas or making out on shared beds or you might find someone quietly reading a book.”

Meanwhile, Katie Jones, 38, and husband Simon, 49, from Hertfordshire, gear up for their second jaunt to the island, having stumbled upon it during a trip to the French naturist resort Cap d’Agde.

Embracing the liberty to be nude, unwind or participate, Katie shares, “You can find a quiet spot or join the pool parties – there’s an amazing energy.”

Despite the anything-goes atmosphere, she notes that the retreat doesn’t rely on booze to get the party started. “People don’t get too drunk because it’s about sex and alcohol doesn’t help with that.”

She describes the event as liberating and relaxed. “If you’re curious, you can come and see what you find. You don’t have to swing but it’s all there if you want it.”

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Ann Summer’s festival collection includes eye-catching bodysuits and faux leather shorts – some of which are on sale.

A TOP European theme park is welcoming a new premium hotel that looks like it’s out of Wes Anderson’s world.

Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summer called the Efteling Grand Hotel.

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The theme park is already well known for its fairytale theme, with one TikToker – The Travel Mum – dubbing it “better and cheaper than Disneyland”.

The new addition to the attraction will be the first hotel located within the theme park itself and will open on August 1.

The hotel will be themed around a traditional grand dame hotel with stories woven into the design throughout, appearing like a Wes Anderson story.

There will be digital check-in, valet parking and luggage handling, upon arrival.

A bellhop and Efteling’s two princesses will guests in the lobby, where the air will also be infused with the hotel’s signature fragrance.

The hotel will be spread across seven floors offering 140 rooms and suites, with a total of 644 beds.

The biggest room will be able to host six people.

The hotel rooms will also overlook the park with different views of the Aquanura water show the House of the Dive Senses entrance, the Fairytale Forest or the Pardoes Promenade Lane.

All of the rooms include breakfast at Brasserie 7 and half an hour of early access to the park before it opens to the public.

Other features of the rooms include each one having an Efteling Grand Hotel fairytale book.

The lower ground floor of the hotel will have a swimming pool – availabel only to hotel guests – with spa facilities including a steam room, sauna and massage room.

There will also be a multifunctional serenity room where guests can unwind, pray or meditate.

The hotel will have two restaurants with Brasserie 7 located on the ground floor and Restaurant-Bar Mystique on the first floor.

While Brasserie 7 will serve up a range of classic dishes – which include seven ‘magical’ ingredients such as princess tears and snow from Mother Holle – Restaurant-Bar Mystique will offer a more premium dining experience.

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Each table will be decorated with edible decorations and the restaurant will be open to the public, as well as park and hotel guests.

Café Biscuit will also be a part of the hotel, where baristas will serve coffee and the signature Grand Hotel biscuit.

Plans have also been revealed for incredible new 240-room hotel with huge swimming lake, golf and spa near to iconic racetrack.

Plus, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK.

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Super-middleweight Callum Simpson picked himself up off the canvas twice before securing a stunning stoppage victory over Ivan Zucco in his home town of Barnsley.

Simpson, 28, made history as he maintained his unbeaten record (18-0) to become the town’s first European champion when he stopped Italy’s Zucco in the 10th round at Barnsley FC’s Oakwell Stadium.

The Englishman dedicated the win to his sister, Lily-Rae Simpson, who died aged 19 in a car accident in Greece last year.

“Not once did I give up, in those last few rounds I’ll be honest I started thinking about my little sister Lily,” Simpson said.

“I’ll be honest, I just thought I had to push for her and for everybody. This time last year, Lily was sat up here cheering me on and she was there with me tonight when it got tough, when it got hard.

“From round eight, I thought, ‘I’ve got to dig deep, I’ve got to keep pushing, I’ve got to do it for her’. She was with me tonight.”

With the win, Simpson puts himself in prime contention for a step up to world level by the end of the year.

But the raucous Oakwell crowd feared the worse with only eight seconds on the clock in in the opening round when Zucco downed Simpson with a hard left hand.

Simpson shook off the early knockdown and buzzed Zucco with some fine punching of his own, but the home favourite was caught too square in the third round, dropped for the second time by a left hand.

French leader’s visit to Greenland comes after US President Donald Trump’s threats to annex the Arctic territory.

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Greenland this month, the French presidency has announced, in the wake of United States expressions of interest in taking over the mineral-rich Arctic island.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and the French leader said they will meet in the semi-autonomous Danish territory on June 15, hosted by Greenland’s new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

The talks between the leaders will focus on North Atlantic and Arctic security, climate change, energy transition and critical minerals, the French presidency said in a statement on Saturday.

Frederiksen welcomed Macron’s upcoming visit and said in a statement that it is “another concrete testimony of European unity” in the face of a “difficult foreign policy situation”.

The visit comes amid US President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.

This trip aims to “strengthen cooperation” with the Arctic territory in these areas and to “contribute to the strengthening of European sovereignty”, the French presidency statement stressed.

Since his return to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to control the immense Arctic territory, rich in mineral resources and strategically located, “one way or another”.

“We need Greenland for international safety and security. We need it. We have to have it,” Trump said in an interview in March.

The US has also suggested that Russia and China have strategic designs on Greenland.

Trump’s Vice President JD Vance visited the US military base in Pituffik, northwest Greenland, on March 28, in a trip seen as a provocation at the time.

Vance accused Denmark of not having “done a good job for the people of Greenland”, not investing enough in the local economy and “not ensuring its security”.

The vice president stressed that the US has “no option” but to take a significant position to ensure the security of the island as he encouraged a push in Greenland for independence from Denmark.

“I think that they ultimately will partner with the United States,” Vance said. “We could make them much more secure. We could do a lot more protection. And I think they’d fare a lot better economically as well.”

Denmark, for its part, insists that Greenland “is not for sale”.

Addressing American leaders from the huge island, the prime minister said in early April: “You cannot annex another country.”

Faced with American threats, Denmark announced 14.6 billion Danish kroner ($2.1bn) in financial commitments for Arctic security, covering three new naval vessels, long-range drones and satellites.

Greenland’s main political parties, which are in favour of the territory’s independence in the long term, are also against the idea of joining the US.

According to a poll published at the end of January, the population of 57,000 mostly Inuit inhabitants, including more than 19,000 in the capital, Nuuk, rejected any prospect of becoming American.

Incoming Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told a news conference in March that the territory needed unity at this time.

“It is very important that we put aside our disagreements and differences … because only in this way will we be able to cope with the heavy pressure we are exposed to from outside,” he said.

EU affirms its unwavering support for the ICC, denouncing US sanctions as a threat to judicial independence and justice.

The European Union “deeply regrets” the United States sanctions placed on four judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC), European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday announced sanctions on four judges whom the US accuses of taking “illegitimate and baseless actions” against the US and its allies.

Responding to the announcement on Friday, von der Leyen said the Hague-based court had the “full support” of the EU.

“The ICC holds perpetrators of the world’s gravest crimes to account & gives victims a voice,” von der Leyen said on X on Friday. “It must be free to act without pressure.”

United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said he was “profoundly disturbed” by the US decision.

“Attacks against judges for performance of their judicial functions, at national or international levels, run directly counter to respect for the rule of law and the equal protection of the law – values for which the US has long stood,” Turk said.

“Such attacks are deeply corrosive of good governance and the due administration of justice,” he added, calling for the sanctions to be withdrawn.

Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, which represents national governments of the 27 EU member states, also called the court “a cornerstone of international justice” and said its independence and integrity must be protected.

The Commission fully supports the @IntlCrimCourt & its officials.

The ICC holds perpetrators of the world’s gravest crimes to account & gives victims a voice.

It must be free to act without pressure.

We will always stand for global justice & the respect of international law.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 6, 2025

The US State Department said the sanctions were issued after the court made decisions to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a separate decision in 2020 to open an investigation into alleged war crimes by US troops in Afghanistan.

The four sanctioned judges include Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru, Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin and Beti Hohler of Slovenia.

EU member Slovenia said it “rejects pressure on judicial institutions” and urged the EU to use its blocking statute.

“Due to the inclusion of a citizen of an EU member state on the sanctions list, Slovenia will propose the immediate activation of the blocking act,” Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.

The mechanism lets the EU ban European companies from complying with US sanctions that Brussels deems unlawful. The power has been used in the past to prevent Washington from banning European trade with Cuba and Iran.

Slovenia regrets the announced sanctions by the US🇺🇸 government against 4 judges of the @IntlCrimCourt , including a judge from #Slovenia. SI🇸🇮 rejects pressure on judicial institutions and influence on judicial operations, and courts must act in the interests of law and justice.… pic.twitter.com/xhwBj8XeMz

— MFEA Slovenia (@MZEZ_RS) June 5, 2025

The US sanctions mean the judges are added to a list of specially designated sanctioned individuals. Any US assets they have will be blocked and they are put on an automated screening service used not only by US banks but by many banks worldwide, making it very difficult for sanctioned people to hold or open bank accounts or transfer money.

This is not the first time the US has issued restrictions against an ICC official since Trump returned to office for a second term on January 20.

Shortly after taking office, Trump issued a broad executive order threatening anyone who participates in ICC investigations with sanctions. Critics warned that such sweeping language could pervert the course of justice, for example, by dissuading witnesses from coming forward with evidence.

But Trump argued that the 2024 arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant necessitated such measures.

He also claimed that the US and Israel were “thriving democracies” that “strictly adhere to the laws of war” and that the ICC’s investigations threatened military members with “harassment, abuse and possible arrest”.

GREECE’S biggest island is getting a huge new £422million airport.

Heraklion, on the island of Crete, is currently preparing for a new airport in Kastelli which is scheduled to open in February 2027.

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According to the New Heraklion International Airport, the new airport will serve 10million passengers each year, after opening.

This number will then rise to 18million after some time.

There will be 19 boarding gates, eight of which will be of combined use for Schengen and Non-Schengen flights.

There will be space for 27 aircraft and also a terminal building with five levels of retail space and permanent exhibition areas.

A masterplan map also shows an area shaded in purple that suggest future retail space.

In addition, the airport is due to be one of the biggest in the country and when it opens it will replace the existing Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Heraklion.

Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport opened back in 1937, however, it can only accommodate eight million passengers a year.

Kastelli International Airport is being built to handle the growing number of tourists heading to Greece each year.

The airport will be located a 25-minute drive away from Heraklion, which is the largest city on the island.

In total, the airport is expected to cost €500million (£422million) to build and generate a total of 7,500 jobs in the area as well as a further 37,000 indirect jobs.

In addition, the new airport is expected to give new life to Crete’s tourism.

According to Tornos News, the new airport will create a number of new roads and contain one runway which stretches 3,200 metres long with one parallel aircraft movement taxiway,

A trial launch of of the airport will take place next summer, before a full opening in 2027.

Currently, airlines including easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways fly to Crete.

These are likely to move to the new airport when it opens.

And there are a number of other new exciting airports opening around the world.

A new £25billion mega airport is also opening in Europe to ‘take on Heathrow and Dubai’ with 65milllion passengers.

Plus, one of the world’s busiest airports reveals plans for new £7billion mega terminal with 50million more passengers.

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The United States was once Ukraine’s most important ally – supplying arms, funding and political cover as Kyiv fought for its sovereignty. But today, Washington is losing interest. President Donald Trump, more at home on the golf course than in a war room, is pulling away from a conflict he no longer seems to care to understand.

Trump has not hidden his disdain. He has echoed Kremlin narratives, questioned NATO’s relevance and reduced Ukraine’s defence to a punchline. Even his recent comment that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “gone absolutely crazy” does little to undo years of indulgence and indifference.

He has not become a credible peace broker or a consistent supporter of Ukraine. His words now carry little weight – and Kyiv is paying the price.

Just last week, Ukraine launched what it called Operation Spiderweb, a coordinated series of drone strikes deep inside Russian territory. Dozens of aircraft were destroyed at airfields, and key military infrastructure was disrupted. The White House swiftly denied any US involvement. Trump responded by again threatening to “walk away” from the war.

Shortly afterwards, a second round of peace talks in Istanbul collapsed. The only agreement reached was a sombre one: the exchange of the remains of 6,000 fallen soldiers. That may help bring closure to grieving families – but it has done nothing to alter the course of the war.

Trump’s belated proposal – relayed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt – that he supports direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin sounded more like political theatre than diplomacy. The moment had already passed.

It is Trump – not Zelenskyy – who now lacks leverage. And with the US pulling back from its traditional security leadership, the burden is shifting decisively to Europe.

Despite the brutality of Russia’s invasion in 2022, American officials have frequently treated Kyiv as the side to pressure and Moscow as the side to appease. European leaders pushed back – but mostly with words. They posted pledges of “unwavering support” yet hesitated to take full ownership of Europe’s defence.

Now, as US military aid slows and Trump continues to distance himself from the war, Europe faces a historic reckoning.

For the first time in nearly 80 years, the continent stands alone. The future of NATO – the alliance created after World War II to ensure collective defence – is in question. Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression increasingly depends on European guarantees.

Can Europe meet the moment? Can a loose coalition of willing nations evolve into a durable security bloc? And can it do so without the US?

As of early 2025, Ukraine was meeting roughly 40 percent of its own military needs, according to the Centre for Security and Cooperation in Kyiv. Europe provided 30 percent and the US the remaining 30 percent. To sustain the fight, Europe must now do more – quickly.

The alternative would be disastrous. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy has estimated that if Russia were to occupy Ukraine, it could cost Germany alone 10 to 20 times more than maintaining current levels of support – due to refugee flows, energy instability, economic disruptions and defence risks.

One of Ukraine’s most urgent needs is ammunition – particularly artillery shells. Until recently, the US was the main supplier. As American deliveries decline, Ukraine is burning through its reserves. Europe is now scrambling to fill the gap.

The problem is scale. Europe’s arms industry has long been underdeveloped. It is only now beginning to respond. According to European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, the bloc aims to produce 2 million artillery shells annually by the end of 2025. This would just meet Ukraine’s minimum battlefield requirements.

A particularly ambitious initiative is a Czech-led plan to procure and deliver up to 1.8 million shells to Ukraine by the end of next year. Confirmed by Czech President Petr Pavel in May and backed by Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark and other countries, the effort is one of the few on track to make a meaningful impact – if it arrives on time.

Germany has also moved beyond donations. In late May, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius signed an agreement with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, to cofinance the production of long-range weapons inside Ukraine, tapping into local industrial and engineering capacity.

The United Kingdom remains one of Kyiv’s most dependable allies. On Wednesday, London announced a new 350-million-pound ($476m) drone package – part of a broader 4.5-billion-pound ($6.1bn) support pledge. It includes 100,000 drones by 2026, a substantial increase on previous commitments.

But war is not waged with weapons alone. Financial and economic power matter too.

Trump recently told Fox News that US taxpayer money was being “pissed away” in Ukraine. The remark was not only crude – it was also misleading.

Since 2022, the US has provided about $128bn in aid to Ukraine, including $66.5bn in military assistance. Meanwhile, the EU and its member states have contributed about 135 billion euros ($155bn), including 50 billion euros ($57bn) in military support, 67 billion euros ($77bn) in financial and humanitarian aid, and 17 billion euros ($19.5bn) for refugee programmes. The UK has added another 12.8 billion pounds ($17.4 billion).

These are not gifts. They are strategic investments – meant to prevent far higher costs if Russia succeeds in its imperial project.

Europe has also led on sanctions. Since 2014 – and with renewed urgency since 2022 – it has imposed 17 successive rounds of measures targeting Russia’s economy. None has ended the war, but each has taken a toll.

On May 20, one day after a reportedly warm call between Trump and Putin, the EU and UK unveiled their most sweeping sanctions package yet. It included nearly 200 vessels from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, used to smuggle oil and circumvent global price caps.

Some estimates, including AI-assisted modelling, suggest the sanctions could cost Russia $10bn to $20bn per year if loopholes are closed and enforcement holds. Even partial implementation would disrupt Moscow’s wartime revenue.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas was clear: “The longer Russia wages war, the tougher our response.” Europe is beginning to back that promise with action.

From drones to shells, sanctions to weapons production, the continent is finally moving from statements to strategy – slowly but steadily building the foundations of Ukrainian resilience and Russian defeat.

But this momentum cannot stall. This is no longer just Ukraine’s war.

The US has stepped aside. Europe is no longer the backup plan. It is the last line of defence. If it fails, so does Ukraine – and with it, the idea of a secure, sovereign Europe.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.

Plans to hold a European T20 franchise tournament this summer are to be shelved until 2026 because three potential owners are instead focusing on completing deals to buy team stakes in The Hundred.

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL), part owned by Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, and involving city-based franchises from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, was set to start next month.

The six-team tournament was slated to take place from 15 July to 3 August but multiple sources have told BBC Sport the event will definitely not happen this year.

The project is being led by Cricket Ireland in collaboration with the boards of Scotland and the Netherlands.

Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Amsterdam and Rotterdam were the designated venues for the ETPL, which promised to “elevate local talent, draw global superstars, and ignite a wave of cricketing enthusiasm across Europe”.

Deals for at least three of the six city-based franchises are understood to be very close to being signed off, and it was initially hoped that once they were wrapped up, the remaining three would soon follow.

However, three of those potential ETPL franchise owners are also acquiring stakes in The Hundred and are said to have prioritised those deals.

In April, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) extended the deadline to complete sales of the Hundred franchises that were agreed earlier this year.

The knock-on effect of the delay in those sales is the postponement of the ETPL, with a formal announcement to confirm it has been rescheduled to be made within the next 48 hours.

Bollywood actor and film produce Bachchan was announced as part-owner of the ETPL in conjunction with Rules Sport Tech when it was launched in January.

Rules Sport Tech are a private Indian company who “promote and create high quality sports initiatives, tournaments and events”.

Mumbai-born Bachchan, 49, travelled to Dublin in March to promote the tournament via a series of media interviews and Instagram posts.

It is not the first time a European T20 franchise tournament involving the Dutch, Irish and Scottish cricket boards has struggled to get off the ground.

In 2019, the Euro T20 Slam – which had different backers – was postponed just over a fortnight before the opening game.

That came after team names were announced, a draft held and marquee players including Eoin Morgan were allocated to franchises.

The tournament was then postponed several times over subsequent years and never took place.

Organisers are buoyant about the ETPL’s prospects, even though no franchises have yet been sold, and are confident it will not be plagued by the same issues as the Euro T20 Slam.

Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association all declined to comment.

Walking holidays don’t need to involve remote landscapes and hiking boots – there’s one beautiful European city that you’ll want on the radar as it’s been named the most walkable

Europe is full of incredible cities packed with heaps of history, culture and amazing food. However there’s one particular tourist hotspot that’s been hailed as a must-visit for those who love to get their steps in on holiday.

Rome has been declared as Europe’s ‘most walkable city’ by experts at GuruWalk. They explained: “The Eternal City remains a key destination for travellers fascinated by ancient history. The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Baroque squares make Rome an open-air museum that deserves to be explored thoroughly, step by step.”

Of course the Italian capital is already a firm favourite with tourists, attracting millions of visitors every year. The Colosseum is one of its most popular landmarks; the largest amphitheatre ever built, in its heyday it could hold up to 80,000 spectators who came for the gladiators, plays and other entertainment.

Meanwhile you can easily achieve your 10,000 daily steps goal with a stroll along to the iconic Spanish Steps. There are 135 steps and if you can handle it, you’ll be rewarded with unrivalled views of the city.

READ MORE: Beautiful UK island has ‘Caribbean-worthy beaches’ with crystal-clear waters

Next on the itinerary should be a trip to Trevi Fountain. The 26.3 metre high fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the world, and an estimated €3000 are thrown in every day (the money is given to charity each year). Legend has it that if you throw one coin over your shoulder it guarantees you’ll return to Rome, throwing in a second will ensure a new romance and, finally, a third coin thrown in will lead to marriage.

Currently the Trevi Fountain is free to visit as it’s a public attraction, but be warned that it can get very crowded especially during the summer months. In fact, local authorities are considering implementing a form of ticketing to try and manage the large numbers of tourists which it attracts.

READ MORE: Beautiful European city with £2 beers is just three hours from the UK

From the fountain, it’s possible to walk across to the Pantheon, one of the city’s best preserved Ancient Roman buildings. The former temple has been in continuous use, and nowadays you can learn plenty about Roman culture and design.

Other must-see sights include Vatican City – home of the Pope – which is host to world-famous artwork including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, as well as the breathtaking St Peter’s Square.

For those who love a dose of culture, then a trip to Castel Sant’Angelo should be on the cards. Once Rome’s tallest building, now it’s a museum that hosts heaps of art, sculptures and Roman artefacts.

Oh, and if you’re one of those people who does think about the Roman Empire almost every day, you’ll need to leave space on the itinerary for a visit to the Roman Forum which plays home to ruins of ancient buildings, monuments, shrines and temples.

Rome wasn’t the only city to impress in the rankings of Europe’s most walkable cities. The top 10 cities were:

1. Rome, Italy
2. Budapest, Hungary
3. Madrid, Spain
4. Prague, Czech Republic
5. Barcelona, Spain
6. Lisbon, Portugal
7. London, UK
8. Florence, Italy
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Berlin, Germany

You can check out the full rankings on blog.guruwalk.com.

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected]

Published on
03/06/2025 – 15:44 GMT+2

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Major European steel giants saw their share prices falter on Tuesday afternoon, as investors continue to weigh the impact of US President Donald Trump’s plan to double steel and aluminium tariffs from 25% to 50%, with the latter set to take effect from 4 June. 

The announcement has escalated trade tensions and drawn significant criticism from worldwide trade partners. Trump, meanwhile, claims the move will make the US steel industry even stronger. 

He said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social: “Our steel and aluminum industries are coming back like never before. This will be yet another BIG jolt of great news for our wonderful steel and aluminum workers. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

German steel company Thyssenkrupp’s share price declined 0.5% on Tuesday afternoon on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Salzgitter AG’s share price also declined on the exchange, by 0.4%.

Following the trend, ArcelorMittal SA’s stock dipped 1.1% on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange on Tuesday afternoon, while Austrian steel company Voestalpine AG’s share price declined 0.8% on the Vienna Stock Exchange. 

On the other side of the Atlantic, however, major US steel companies such as Cleveland-Cliffs, Nucor, and Steel Dynamics saw their share prices surge on Monday. 

Cleveland-Cliffs’ share price closed 23.2% higher, whereas Nucor’s share price jumped 10.1%. Steel Dynamics’ share price also closed higher, up 10.3% on Monday. 

US businesses risk significant harm due to tariffs

The unpredictability of recent US tariffs continues to pose considerable risks to US businesses, despite Trump’s reassurances that tariffs will benefit the economy. This is mainly because several US companies with international operations could be forced to scramble to find alternative foreign suppliers and customers.

It is also remains unclear how long steel and aluminium tariffs could stay at the 50% level proposed, as Trump continues to negotiate other tariffs with various countries. 

Felix Tintelnot, professor of economics at Duke University, told TIME: “We’re talking about expansion of capacity of heavy industry that comes with significant upfront investments, and no business leader should take heavy upfront investments if they don’t believe that the same policy [will be] there two, three, or four years from now.

“Regardless of whether you’re in favour [of] or against these tariffs, you don’t want the President to just set tax rates arbitrarily, sort of by Executive Order all the time,” he added.

Tintelnot also highlighted that increasing the price of aluminium, which is a very common input material in several sectors such as automotive and construction, would, in turn, hurt those industries, even if there may be some advantages to the domestic US steel and aluminium sectors.

Published on
02/06/2025 – 13:29 GMT+2

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At the time of writing (13:05 CEST), all major European indexes were in the red after China said the US “severely violated” the terms of their recent trade agreement. Market participants also considered the impact of US President Donald Trump’s plan to double current tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25% to 50% from this Wednesday.

The EURO STOXX 50 was down 0.68%, Germany’s DAX fell 0.48%, while France’s CAC 40 declined 0.63%.

“Donald Trump has upset markets once again,” Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said in an email note sent to Euronews.

“Doubling import taxes on steel and aluminium, and aggravating China once again, mean we face a situation where uncertainty prevails. Trump’s continuous moving of the goal posts is frustrating for businesses, governments, consumers and investors.

“Equity markets were down across Europe and Asia, with futures prices implying a similar pattern when Wall Street opens for trading on Monday. Unsurprisingly, gold got a boost as investors returned to safe-haven assets.”

US markets end May on flat note

Meanwhile, US markets ended May on a flat note, although for the month as a whole each of the main indices rose strongly following hopes of tariff reconciliations.

“Such optimism will face an immediate challenge as June begins, with comments over the weekend keeping the aggressive rhetoric in place. The latest broadsides from the White House were primarily directed at China and the EU, with both threatening a response in kind to any further tariff hikes,” Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said in an email note to Euronews.

However, he noted, back on the ground, there were some promising economic signs with the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, the Personal Consumption Expenditures index coming in lower than expected and with a consumer sentiment index showing higher than had been feared.

“However, such respite could prove short-lived as the latter was largely predicated on an apparent softening of hostilities between the US and China in the latter part of the month, which has since evaporated. There will be a further signal on the state of the economy at the end of the week, with non-farm payrolls expected to show that 130,000 jobs will have been added in May compared to 177,000 the previous month and that the 4.2% unemployment rate will remain unchanged.

“In the meantime, US markets have repaired much of the damage wrought over the last few months although sentiment remains fragile. The Dow Jones and Nasdaq are down by 0.6% and 1% respectively in the year-to-date, while the 0.5% gain for the benchmark S&P500 has in part been driven by a resurgence of the mega cap technology trade,” Hunter said.

Asia markets under pressure

In addition to contending with the weekend comments, Asian markets fell foul of geopolitical uncertainty following the latest Russia-Ukraine developments, with the Hang Seng under pressure based on the renewed likely tariff hikes on aluminium and steel.

“Mainland China was closed for a public holiday, which could leave some losses being stored up ahead of its reopening, likely exacerbated by a report which showed a further contraction in factory activity over the last month,” Hunter added.

The budget airline has announced that it will be launching a new flight route to a little-known European city from October, with fares starting from just £15

Ryanair has unveiled plans to introduce a new flight route to the lesser-known European city of Rzeszów in Poland, starting from October. The budget airline will operate flights twice a week to and from the Polish city.

This development follows the cancellation of five flights from its Maastricht base, including Alicante, Bari, Girona, Porto, and Zadar, and the confirmation of the base’s closure after October 2025.

AirAdvisor experts have scrutinised these changes, suggesting that the airline is pivoting towards destinations with heavy diaspora populations and underused regional airports.

They elaborated: “Ryanair’s route reshuffle sends two clear signals: regional airports in the UK are getting more love, while underperforming bases like Maastricht are being cut loose.

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“For UK passengers, this creates more direct options from places like Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Norwich, but also leaves them exposed to short-notice route cancellations.”

The launch of this flight route in October provides the Polish community in Scotland with a more affordable alternative for flying back to Poland over the Christmas period.

Fares are set to range between £15 and £30, resulting in savings of approximately £20 to £50 compared to booking routes with connections, reports the Express.

Those planning to capitalise on cheaper routes for their winter holidays can also consider Rzeszów as a destination, complete with a charming Christmas market.

And the market square makes for a great historical and cultural destination even when it isn’t the festive season.

Taking to TripAdvisor, one visitor wrote: “The History of Market Square in Rzeszów dates back to the 15th century, but the current look of the market is much different from its original form.

“It is the result of a great fire which broke out in the 19th century. No matter what, it is nowadays beautiful as well, especially during early morning or evening.”

While another added: “Remarkable selection of things to eat and drink for dinner and dessert or appetiser for noshing while you sit and watch the world go by. Absolutely beautiful in all the seasons.”