EU election widens ideological fissures on back of radical swing as far-right births new political order

EU election widens ideological fissures on back of radical swing as far-right births new political order

The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) will be the biggest political family in the new legislature, gaining five seats to field 189 deputies, a centralised exit poll showed.

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Spain applies to be enjoined in South Africa’s case at World Court that accuses Israel of genocide

Spain applies to be enjoined in South Africa’s case at World Court that accuses Israel of genocide

Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya and the Palestinians have already requested to join the case currently being heard at the court in The Hague, Netherlands. The court has ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire for the enclave. Israel has not complied.

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Russian cosmonaut sets world record after spending two years, seven months and three days in space

Russian cosmonaut sets world record after spending two years, seven months and three days in space

The International Space Station is one of the few areas in which the United States and Russia still cooperate closely following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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How Madrid’s all-powerful president hoisted the Galacticos from the ashes to elite clubs in Europe

How Madrid’s all-powerful president hoisted the Galacticos from the ashes to elite clubs in Europe

Winning this year’s Champions League will be worth around €80 million in UEFA prize money to Madrid, including €20 million for winning the final (beaten finalists get €15.5 million). Lifting the trophy six times in the past 11 seasons has brought almost €500 million in prize money, and hugely valuable visibility on the biggest stages for sponsors.

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Champions League: Real Madrid diehards believe a form of mysticism stalks the team’s European success

Champions League: Real Madrid diehards believe a form of mysticism stalks the team’s European success

Mystic Uri Geller claims to have powers of psychokinesis – the ability to move objects without physical interaction with them – and over a 50-year career, has become involved in football on several occasions. He placed energy-infused crystals behind the goal to help Exeter City in 1997 – although they lost the game concerned 5-1, but swears to have helped Reading earn promotion in 2002. Most famously, he flew over Wembley in a helicopter during England’s Euro 96 match against Scotland, claiming he moved the ball just before Scotland’s Gary McAllister missed a crucial penalty.

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Ukraine frontline: Physical, mental exhaustion and ever-lurking spectre of death torment soldiers

Ukraine frontline: Physical, mental exhaustion and ever-lurking spectre of death torment soldiers

Viktor was paralysed by anxiety. What if he failed to do his job properly, what if something went wrong with his gun, what if he let down his comrades, whom he calls his “brothers” and considers his second family? He shared his concerns with his company commander. Despite a severe shortage of soldiers on the front, the commander gave Viktor a few days of rest and time to talk with a psychologist.

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It’s worse than hell: Drained emotionally and materially, Ukrainian military fear being overrun by Russians

It’s worse than hell: Drained emotionally and materially, Ukrainian military fear being overrun by Russians

Ukraine’s soldiers talk of exhaustion, faith, personal loss and a perilous shortage of munitions as Russian forces take new ground. We travelled along the front line, where Ukrainian troops say Vladimir Putin must be beaten back. Otherwise, said one, “he’s not going to stop over here.”

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President Andrzej Duda seeks release of Polish traveller sentenced to life in Congo

President Andrzej Duda seeks release of Polish traveller sentenced to life in Congo

The 52-year-old Pole, Mariusz Majewski, was detained by Congolese forces in February and later faced a military court in the restive nation, accused of spying.

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Spain, Ireland and Norway move to recognise Palestine seen as warning shot to Israel to agree to resolve Gaza crisis

Spain, Ireland and Norway move to recognise Palestine seen as warning shot to Israel to agree to resolve Gaza crisis

Diplomatic pressure on Israel has grown as the battle with Hamas stretches into its eighth month. The UN General Assembly voted by a significant margin on May 11 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine in a sign of growing international support for a vote on full voting membership. The Palestinian Authority currently has observer status. The leaders of Spain, Ireland, Malta and Slovenia said in March they were considering recognising a Palestinian state as “a positive contribution” toward ending the war.

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He infused technical sophistication in EPL football, but ‘financial doping’ might just erode Pep Guardiola’s success at Man City

He infused technical sophistication in EPL football, but ‘financial doping’ might just erode Pep Guardiola’s success at Man City

And although this is another question entirely, City fans are entitled to question why spending regulations suddenly became a preoccupation for England’s and Europe’s dominant clubs in the late 2000s. It doesn’t affect the rights or wrongs of their case, but it does serve as a reminder that the principles of Financial Fair Play were not exactly carved on tablets of stone. If Barcelona can’t sign Messi and PSG can, what does that tell us after 10 years of FFP?

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