Iran has experienced a total internet blackout for the past 48 hours, according to the monitoring group NetBlocks. The NGO, which tracks digital rights and cybersecurity globally, reported the shutdown on the social media platform X.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has temporarily removed taxes on beer and light alcoholic beverages during the World Cup, leading to a price drop of over 20 percent. This fiscal measure is intended to provide extra support for the national team and its fans during the tournament.
European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner defended the new EU migration pact against criticism from NGOs as it took effect on Friday. Brunner rejected claims that the stricter asylum rules are inhumane, asserting instead that the pact protects fundamental rights.
NATO is scaling down its troop presence in Kosovo as the regional situation has stabilized. The alliance's top commander stated that local security forces are now better equipped to manage their own safety duties.
The formation of a broad coalition in Bloemendaal has collapsed following the withdrawal of the Zelfstandig Bloemendaal party from negotiations. The party alleged that its potential partners, VVD, D66, and CDA, failed to respect recommendations made by the appointed informants and explorers.
Cypriot Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannides stated that the EU's new asylum and migration pact will require at least a year to function effectively. The pact, which introduces uniform rules for screening and distributing asylum seekers, follows ten years of negotiation. Member states have been granted a two-year window to implement the new regulations across the union.