EU economy and finance ministers are gathering in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday to discuss how to respond to surging energy prices and anticipated inflation amid the ongoing strikes and counter-strikes in the Middle East.
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“We are ready to take necessary and coordinated steps in order to stabilise markets, such as strategic stockpiling,” French Economy Minister Roland Lescure told journalists on Monday after chairing a meeting of G7 finance ministers.
Asked whether G7 finance ministers had agreed on releasing the system’s strategic stockpile, Lescure said: “We are not there yet.”
“What we’ve agreed upon is to use any necessary tools to stabilise the market, including the potential release of necessary stockpiles. The work is going to keep being done in the next couple of days”, the French minister said.
German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil said on Monday that his country is open to unlocking the oil reserve, but that “this is not the right time”.
The International Energy Agency’s member countries currently hold over 1.2 billion barrels of public emergency oil stocks, with a further 600 million barrels of industry stocks held under government obligation.
Oil prices have rocketed since the Israeli and US attacks on Iran on 28 February, which killed some 40 Iranian leaders, including the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has now expanded into other countries in the region, including Lebanon and Gulf countries, with retaliatory attacks by Iran hitting civilian energy facilities and US bases.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the former Ayatollah’s son, was elected as successor on Monday, providing continuity in leadership for the current regime.
The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged to $119.50 early on Monday, but later traded around $107.80 after the Financial Times indicated that the use of reserve oil to respond to the crisis was on the table.
Leading European stock market indexes started the week with a big sell-off, following a major drop across Asian markets and surging oil prices.
The war is showing no sign of de-escalation. On 4 March, Qatar announced the suspension of its LNG production; then, over the weekend, Israel struck Iranian energy infrastructure while passage through the critical Strait of Hormuz remained suspended.
Energy prices in Europe will be affected, and inflation is likely to rise in the coming months. However, some EU diplomats and the European Commission indicates that the current situation presents significant differences from the energy crisis Europe experienced when the war in Ukraine started in February 2022.
“Thanks to the decisive actions we have taken over the past years, Europe’s energy system is better prepared and way more resilient today. Our energy sources are more diverse and cleaner. Our coordination is stronger,” European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen wrote on X on 6 March.
He called on the bloc to double down on the energy transition and continue to expand clean and homegrown renewable energy and energy efficiency efficients, all while modernising Europe’s energy infrastructure.
Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo told journalists on Monday that the EU should take inspiration from the response to the 2022 crisis as it formulates its response to the war.
A different crisis?
This crisis is also structurally different from the one that exploded in 2022, an EU government official told Euronews.
When Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Europe needed an “infrastructure reset” with a new portfolio of suppliers, the official said – whereas in the current case, “the release of reserves and re-opening of routes could see prices going down faster”.
However, the situation remains extremely volatile, as it is highly dependent on when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen and when production will resume in top LNG-exporting countries.
Discussions on Monday and Tuesday among EU ministers are expected to touch upon energy prices with the European Commission, while euro-area ministers are set to discuss with the European Central Bank how the war could impact inflation and the overall macroeconomic outlook.
While EU ministers are not expecting to put forward a common strategy on the table by the end of the meetings, the EU institutions will present an update of the situation. Most of the member states will likely present their remarks based on their national assessment of the war’s impact, an EU diplomat told Euronews.
Caitlin Clark is excited to make her U.S. national team debut next week when the Americans play in an FIBA World Cup qualifier in Puerto Rico.
It will be Clark’s first game in about eight months since a multitude of injuries derailed her WNBA season with the Indiana Fever in July.
“It’ll probably take me a second to knock a little bit of the rust off,” Clark said Saturday. “I’ll probably be a little bit nervous, which I usually don’t get nervous but that probably comes from I haven’t really played basketball in a while. I’m sure after the first minute of running around on the court, I’ll be just fine. But more than anything, just really excited. I know how much work and how much time I put in to make sure my body’s as healthy as it can be and to get back.”
It’s been quite a journey for Clark, who played in 13 games last season. She had groin injuries and then a bone bruise in her left ankle. She’s been in the gym getting ready, working with the Fever medical team and player developmental staff over the last few months.
“I’ve always been a person that’s going to just rely on my work. I feel like it’s certainly made me work harder,” Clark said of the injuries. “But that’s also probably the part that kind of stunk about it, is I felt like I put in so much time and so much energy going into last season, and then obviously, only appeared in about 13 games.”
Clark has fond memories of playing with younger USA Basketball teams. She recalled being in Colorado Springs in her teens and going into a room filled with jerseys of past American greats.
“My eyes were so wide, thought it was the coolest thing in the world of all,” she said. “[To see] the senior national jerseys of great men’s players and women’s players. It’s a 15- or 16-year-old’s dream of doing that one day.”
Clark knows this is just her first step with the national team. There was an uproar when she didn’t make the 2024 Paris Olympic team. She eyes playing on the World Cup team next fall and then in Los Angeles on the 2028 Olympic squad.
“There’s a lot to get to that point,” she said. “Obviously that’s my goal, the World Cup before that. There’s a lot for me to learn.”
Nigel Clarke, who is a presenter on CBeebies, said his daughter was hit in the face when somebody tried to snatch her phone on the London Underground and she retaliated
Abigail Nicholson Content Editor
08:35, 01 Mar 2026Updated 08:49, 01 Mar 2026
Nigel Clarke’s daughter was targeted as she travelled on the tube(Image: Daily Record)
A BBC star’s daughter was hit in the face and left with a black eye after somebody attempted to steal her phone on the Tube. Nigel Clarke, who is a CBeebies presenter, said somebody tried to steal his daughter’s phone while she was on the Tube earlier this week.
He explained that his daughter managed to hold onto her phone before kicking the person who tried to steal it Nigel said his teenage daughter was then hit in the face in retaliation.
The TV star used his platform to send a message to parents, especially those in London.
He said: “Parents, Londoners, phone snatching is rife right now and four weeks ago I witnessed it on the tube and then this week someone tried to steal my daughter’s phone on the tube as well.
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“She managed to hold on to her phone, she lashed out and kicked them, they hit her in the face, as you can see she’s got a black eye.
“I’ve spoken to her about this, about not retaliating… but I’ve praised her for holding her ground and holding on to her phone. Lots to unpick there but what I want to talk about is this crime on the tube.
“There’s an easy way to stop it or minimise the numbers of it happening and I want you to spread this and share it to your teens, I want adults to do it, whatever.
“It happens at stations just before the doors are about to close, just as the beep beep beep happens they snatch your phone then they run out the door, doors close and you can’t get to them.
“Don’t have your phone one out near the door and don’t have it out at the time when you’re in the station and the doors are about to close.
“If you want to get your phone out, change your song, do whatever you want to do, do it when you’re deep between the stations, when the doors are not open, it’s way less likely to happen then, okay.
“That’s the first thing we can do to combat it on the tube. I know it’s happening in the streets as well with people on bikes, that’s a whole different situation but for this one we can definitely bring the numbers down by being smart.”
Dozens of people commented under the video to send Nigel’s daughter well wishes and express their admiration for her.
One person said: “I hope your daughter is ok. I keep telling mine to keep her phone in her bag, don’t walk with it in her hand etc.”
A second said: “Hope daughter is ok strong young lady.”
A third added: “incredibly brave young lady. sending lots of love.”
WHEN it comes to March, the weather is on the turn and spring is in the air – so where is Sun Travel planning on going to make the most of it?
We’ve got plans to head to beautiful European cities, American theme parks and of course plenty of staycation spots too…
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Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has plans to visit Spain’s BilbaoCredit: AlamyMarch is a great time to explore Orlando with the weather being much milder than in summerCredit: Alamy
Bilbao, Spain
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has her eye on one popular spot in Europe. She said: “My love for Spain only grew last year, after visiting both Madrid and Seville.
“So this year my plan is to explore even more of the Brit-loved country – this time heading to Bilbao. It is the closest Spanish city you can fly to directly from the UK, taking as little as 1hr50.
“Its main attraction is the modern art Guggenheim Museum, which opened nearly 30 years ago. Otherwise it also has a fantastic food scene too, loved for its ‘pinxtos’ (tapas).
“And with TUI launching new city break packages – which include return flights from six major airports – there’s never been a better time to go.”
Or, you can fly there with easyJet from £22.99, or Vueling from £26.
Northumberland, UK
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill is planning a trip to the north of the UK. She said: “When you don’t want to faff about with getting to the airport two hours early or face the length queues at passport control, a break within the UK is ideal.
“Just pack up the car and get going. So in March, I plan on heading further north to explore the Northumberland coastline.
“The county has some of the best beaches in the country, of course there’s the famous Bamburgh – other beautiful spots include Embleton Bay, Beadnell Bay, and Druridge Bay.
“I don’t mind if there’s a little chill or breeze in the air on the beach. I’m very happy to wrap up and take a hot chocolate onto the sands if need be.
“But in March there’s likely to be fewer crowds and a hint of spring sunshine, just the way I like it.”
A one-night stay for two at The Bamburgh Castle Inn starts from £89 in March on Booking.com.
Bamburgh Beach is known for its beautiful castle on the headlandCredit: Getty
Orlando, USA
Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens said: “I’m heading off to Orlando, Florida this March – and this destination is an all-round entertainer for families and friend groups alike.
“Weather in March is warm and comfortable, sitting in the mid 20s, just before the sweltering heat of the summer kicks in.
“I’m actually not visiting Walt Disney World this time around – but there’s no need to when there’s so much to do in the city itself.
“Foodies and fans of craft beers will enjoy afternoons spent strolling Orlando’s Winter Garden, whilst the Plant Street Market is packed full with handmade products and souvenirs.
“Not to mention basking in the Americana atmosphere at dive bars and sports matches, with the NBA season being well underway at this time of year.
“But if you do choose to visit the world-famous Walt Disney resort in March, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will be in full swing from 4 March – 1 June.
“Here there’s jaw-dropping flower sculptures, plus the Garden Rocks Concert series to sing and dance along to.
“Plus if you head to Universal Orlando Resort at this time of year, you can take part in their colourful Mardi Gras Carnaval festivities between February 7 – April 4.”
With loveholidays, family breaks to Florida start from £569pp.
Barcelona, Spain
Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot is heading to beautiful Barcelona. She said: “March is a perfect time to visit the Spanish city by the sea. Temperatures are warming up with highs of 17C in the day, perfect for sightseeing.
“And with far fewer visitors at this time of year, the top tourist spots will feel much less crowded.
“I’m visiting the city after a cruise on a new NCL mega ship but there will hopefully still be time to take in the Sagrada Familia – which just last week saw the final piece laid in place, an astonishing 144 years after work first began.
“Sadly, I will have just missed the Sant Medir Festival, which kicks off on March 3 in the old town Gracia and sees parades, horses and to the delight of children, sees sweets, treats and toffees thrown to onlookers from the procession.”
Three nights’ room-only at the 3-star Catalonia Sagrada Familia is from £379pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on March 9 and 22kg luggage – see jet2holidays.com.
The beautiful Sagrada Familia is nearly complete 144 years after work beganCredit: AlamyReporter Jenna Stevens plans on getting back to nature and exploring the Lake DistrictCredit: Getty
Lake District, UK
Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens is also planning on exploring more of the UK, she said: “As the clouds start to part from the skies in springtime and the sun makes more of an appearance, you might start to feel the itch to get out and about and explore the UK. I know I do.
“And when it comes to scenic UK destinations, I think the Lake District is pretty unbeatable.
“Head to Keswick in the north of England’s largest national park to see the ‘Queen of the Lakes’ Derwentwater, or stay in Coniston in the south for a breath-takingly rugged landscape.
“Visiting in March means less wintery sludge to trudge through, and more bright green grass and the warmth of the sun on your back as you take your pick of gorgeous hiking trails.
“And to spice up the days with something a bit different, you can take a trip to The Lakes Distillery for some cheeky tastings, or visit The World of Beatrix Potter family attraction.
“So whether you’re pitching up a tent to unzip to an unreal view like so many of the hiking TikToks I’ve seen, or going full-on digital detox and leaving the devices at home, you can’t go wrong with a spring spent in the Lakes.”
The World of Frozen will open at Disneyland Paris at the end of MarchCredit: Disney
Disneyland Paris, France
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding wants a first look at the World of Frozen, she said: “As spring slowly approaches, March is the ideal time to get away to make it feel like you’re escaping the cold weather quicker.
“And what better way to feel warm, then being full of adrenaline venturing around Disneyland Paris?
“This is exactly what I will be doing in March for a couple of days and it is perfectly timed for the opening of the new Frozen Land attraction on March 29.
“I can’t wait to feel like a princess in the Kingdom of Arendelle and venture into Elsa’s Ice Palace.”
You can head off to Disneyland Paris on March 26 for two nights from £1,433.32, based on a family of four including London flights, hotel and park tickets.
English Riviera, UK
Lisa is also hoping to take advantage of the warmer weather in the UK, explaining: “It may not be peak season but there’s still plenty to see and do on the English Riviera in early spring.
“The first flowers are blooming on walks along the South West Coast Path but there’s still plenty to do indoors if the weather does close in.
“One of my favourite treasures is Kents Cavern in Torquay where guides will lead you through the complex of caves that were formed 2.5million years ago – over time the huge stalagmites and stalactites sealed in the evidence of the Ice Age occupations.
“Explorations over the last 200 years have uncovered the remains of woolly mammoths, woolly rhinos, cave bears and hyenas and the oldest evidence of modern humans in Europe.
“Warm up after a bracing harbourside walk in Brixham at Rockfish where the freshest seafood from the neighbouring fish market is served up alongside unlimited chips.
“Just opened on the seafront at Torquay, the Hotel Indigo looks like a sleek cruise liner docked on the English Riviera and features 135 luxury rooms with Art Deco styling.”
The plush Hotel Indigo has just opened on the seafront in TorquayCredit: Hotel Indigo Torquay
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Alice is also heading to a very popular Canary Island. She said: “I’m trying a little further afield and heading to Lanzarote.
“I’ve heard so many times that the Canary Island is one of the best for sunshine year-round with daytime highs of up to 24C in March.
“Putting that into perspective, the UK has highs of 11C and a lot more forecast rain.
“Heading to the south of the island I’m planning on enjoying Lanzarote’s beautiful beaches, and of course head into bars along the palm-tree lined promenade.
“The volcanic island also has plenty of nature to be explored to depending how much of the holiday-mode I’m in, I could be tempted to go on a sunrise hike.”
One-way flights to Lanzarote are as little as £13 in March.
With On the Beach, a 7-night stay at the THB Royal in Playa Blanca on March 10 (room-only) starts from £215pp.
