German government tightens migration policy and social benefits
The German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz is continuing its course of stricter migration policy and reform of the social benefits system. Key changes affecting millions of benefit recipients, including migrants and refugees, are either coming into force shortly or are in the final stages of approval. From July 2026,…
A major medical scandal over mass unjustified surgeries gains momentum in Czech Republic
A criminal investigation into several large Czech medical institutions is gathering pace and may become one of the most high-profile medical scandals in recent decades. Police and prosecutors suspect doctors and clinic management of performing thousands of surgical procedures without medical justification. According to sources close to the investigation, the…
UK GDP in Q1 2026 posts unexpected growth despite external risks
The UK economy grew by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter, according to preliminary data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published on 14 May. The growth came in line with the expectations of most economists, yet against a backdrop of intensifying external…
China warns UK of consequences over British Steel nationalisation
China’s Ministry of Commerce has issued an official statement calling on the British government to “act prudently” regarding its plans for the full nationalisation of British Steel, which is owned by the Chinese group Jingye. Beijing warned that it would “take resolute measures” to protect the interests of Chinese enterprises….
UK tax office has closed the case against the former Deputy Prime Minister
Former UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has been fully exonerated in a case concerning a possible failure to pay stamp duty on the purchase of a flat. HMRC concluded that she had exercised reasonable care and had committed neither a deliberate breach nor negligence. According to the findings of…