Barcelona's tourism sector is apprehensive about new regulations aimed at curbing overtourism, fearing significant economic repercussions. The city, which heavily relies on tourism, plans to eliminate 10,000 tourist apartments by 2028, a move that could potentially reduce tourism by 40%. Business owners like Bonaventura Durall and Marc express concerns over the impact on their revenue, while tourists like Pablo Lagneau acknowledge the economic benefits tourism brings to the city. Despite the measures, tourists report no hostility in Barcelona's streets.

Barcelona's decision to phase out short-term rental licenses by 2028, announced by Mayor Jaume Collboni, has sparked controversy among tourism stakeholders. The move, aimed at addressing over-tourism and improving local quality of life, is criticized by entities like APARTUR and Durlet Apartments, who warn of potential negative impacts on the tourism sector and housing market. The issue reflects broader European challenges with over-tourism, as seen in protests in Mallorca and policy changes in cities like Venice and Amsterdam. Despite local discontent, tourists in Barcelona report no hostility, highlighting the complex dynamics between tourism and local communities.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, during a stopover in Shannon, Ireland, addressed a mix-up by President Biden at the NATO summit, forgiving the mistake due to the US's support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Ireland for hosting Ukrainian refugees and discussed potential bilateral agreements with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris. Ireland, while maintaining military neutrality, has provided significant non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine and supports its EU membership. Harris plans to visit Kyiv soon and aims to assist in returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to reset and improve the UK's strained post-Brexit relations with the European Union, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with European allies in defense matters. Starmer, who recently led the Labour Party to victory, met with US President Joe Biden and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas at the NATO Summit in Washington. Biden expressed support for Starmer's approach to strengthening ties with the EU. Starmer also plans to meet with the presidents of Ireland and France to discuss issues such as the war in Ukraine, migration, and democracy in the context of rising far-right movements in Europe.

The European Inventor Award 2024, organized by the European Patent Office, celebrated groundbreaking innovations across various sectors, including automotive manufacturing, AI, and renewable energy. Key winners included Carol Vivien Robinson for her work in mass spectrometry, Fiorenzo Dioni and Richard Oberle for advancements in aluminium casting technology, and Cordelia Schmid for AI solutions. The event also highlighted the Young Inventors Prize, with Rochelle Niemeijer winning for her portable AI-driven chemistry kit. The ceremony underscored the importance of innovation in addressing global challenges and recognized the contributions of women inventors throughout history.

Thirteen crew members of the yacht Persefoni face felony charges for allegedly causing a fire on a Greek island by launching fireworks, potentially facing up to 20 years in prison. The fire, which burned part of a pine forest, highlights Greece's ongoing challenges with wildfires, exacerbated by arson and extreme weather conditions. Hydra's Mayor Giorgos Koukoudakis calls for improved firefighting infrastructure, while Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias warns against accidental fire triggers. Recent wildfires have led to evacuations and a firefighter's death, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Thirteen individuals appeared in court in Piraeus, Greece, accused of causing a forest fire on Hydra Island by launching fireworks from a yacht. The fire, which was extinguished by firefighters, resulted in part of a pine forest being destroyed. The suspects, if found guilty, face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of 200,000 euros. The yacht, rented by a group of 17 Kazakh nationals, was seized by authorities. Hydra's mayor emphasized the need for improved fire response infrastructure. Despite natural causes like heat and wind, arson remains a significant issue in Greece, which has recently increased penalties for such offenses. The Greek Civil Defense Minister warned about the rapid escalation of small fires into large blazes. A volunteer firefighter died while combating a fire in the Peloponnese region, and another fire in Athens' suburbs led to evacuations.

The USS Dwight D Eisenhower, an old US Navy ship, remains operational despite claims by Yemeni Houthi rebels of its destruction. Captain Christopher Hill actively counters misinformation through social media, sharing light-hearted content to maintain morale among the crew. The ship is engaged in intense combat operations in the Red Sea, escorting commercial vessels and facing asymmetrical warfare from the Houthis. The US Navy has invested heavily in armaments for this mission. Hill's social media efforts aim to connect families with the ship's crew, while also countering false narratives. The ship's deployment has been extended multiple times, with ongoing operations alongside other US naval vessels.

Slovenia, with a 10% child poverty rate and a 31% reduction since 2014, leads UNICEF's EU/OECD report on child poverty. The report highlights the importance of cash benefits, labor market reforms, and social protection in reducing child poverty. Slovenia's high minimum wage and free kindergarten are noted as contributing factors to its success. The report also discusses the negative impacts of prolonged poverty on children's emotional and behavioral health, education, and employment prospects. In the EU, children of migrants and those from vulnerable groups face higher poverty rates. Despite a 6 million reduction in child poverty from 2014 to 2021 in the EU and OECD countries, experts believe more can be done to address the issue.

Slovenia leads Europe in reducing child poverty, with only 10% of children living in poverty, a significant drop since 2014. Key factors include high minimum wages, free kindergarten, and effective social protection policies. UNICEF's report highlights the importance of family-friendly policies and cash benefits. The UK, in contrast, has seen a significant increase in child poverty. Persistent poverty has severe long-term effects on children, including emotional and behavioral difficulties. Vulnerable groups include Roma children and migrant families. Despite overall progress in the EU and OECD, significant disparities remain between urban and rural areas and different household types.