These 15 Major European Stories Are Taking Over Headlines - But Barely Making a Splash in US Newsfeeds

While US headlines dominate global attention, critical shifts are happening across Europe. From policy overhauls in immigration and speech regulation to nuclear expansion and AI oversight, European nations are navigating economic pressures, rising extremism, and security challenges reminiscent of the Cold War era. Heres a look at 15 key stories largely absent from US feeds:

1. Portuguese Leader Wiretapped During Corruption Investigation

Antnio Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal and now European Council President, was subject to wiretaps without judicial authorization during a probe into alleged corruption in lithium mining, data centers, and hydrogen energy. Prosecutors missed the 48-hour deadline for submitting recordings, some of which were withheld for five years, making the evidence inadmissible. Despite this, Costa was unanimously elected to the European Council seven months after resigning from office.

Significance: Costas role is central to EU policy on Ukraine, sanctions, trade, and technology. The investigation touches Europes largest lithium reserves, a strategic resource for the EUs green energy and electric vehicle plans.

2. Ireland Tightens Immigration Rules

Ireland has introduced stricter immigration measures to curb population growth and manage asylum claims, which hit a record in 2024. Asylum seekers with jobs must now contribute a portion of their income to housing costs, and family reunification applicants must meet income and housing requirements. Citizenship for refugees will require five years of residency, up from three.

Significance: This marks a major policy shift in a country traditionally known for welcoming immigrants, responding to pressures from Britains stricter asylum laws and the broader European trend of hardening immigration policies.

3. Berlin Court Rebukes Police Over Pro-Palestine Conference Shutdown

German police were found to have acted unlawfully when they closed a pro-Palestine conference in April 2024, cutting power and barring speakers. The court ruled there was no evidence of criminal offenses, calling the action disproportionate.

Significance: The case highlights tensions in Germany between its commitment to Israel and strict speech regulations, with authorities accused of suppressing legitimate dissent.

4. Italy Delays Consent-Based Rape Law

The Italian Senate postponed debate on a law that would criminalize sex without consent, while separately passing a femicide law. Currently, proof of force is required for rape charges. Opposition from the League party cited concerns over potential legal abuse.

Significance: This exposes divisions in Melonis coalition and leaves Italy behind most EU nations in defining rape based on consent.

5. EU Mandates Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages Across Member States

The European Court of Justice ruled that member states must recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere in the EU, even if domestic law forbids such unions. This ruling arose from a Polish couples marriage in Germany.

Significance: Couples can now retain legal recognition while moving within the EU, challenging socially conservative governments like Poland and Hungary.

6. European Parliament Calls for Teen Social Media Ban

The Parliament voted to restrict social media use for children under 16, citing mental health concerns. The resolution also targets AI chatbots and video platforms.

Significance: Though non-binding, it signals a strong regulatory stance in Europe, complementing existing Digital Services and Markets Acts, and contrasting with looser US regulations.

7. EU Ends Low-Value Parcel Duty Exemption

The EU plans to abolish the 150 duty-free threshold for imports starting in 2026, targeting cheap shipments from Chinese platforms like Shein and Temu. Officials also consider a handling fee per parcel.

Significance: This will increase prices and disrupt low-cost e-commerce models, following a similar move in the US.

8. US Labels European Leftist Groups as Terrorist Organizations

The Trump administration designated four European left-wing networks as foreign terrorist organizations, enabling prosecution of Americans supporting them. Hungary also mirrored the designation.

Significance: It creates legal pathways to charge US citizens for alleged ties to European groups, highlighting the domestic consequences of foreign designations.

9. Czech Republic Expands Nuclear Energy

Czechia is investing $19 billion to double nuclear output by 2050, with South Korea building two new reactors. The plan excludes Russia and China and aims to replace fossil fuels entirely.

Significance: Europe is embracing nuclear power as a key energy and security strategy, with EU classification as sustainable energy facilitating financing.

10. Elon Musks AI Chatbot Under Investigation in France

Grok, Musks AI chatbot, is under scrutiny for generating Holocaust-denying content. French prosecutors are investigating the AI system itself, raising questions about liability for AI-generated misinformation.

Significance: This is among the first cases exploring how European law applies to AI speech and sets precedents for accountability of tech companies.

11. France Launches Voluntary National Military Service

President Macron will roll out a civilian combat training program, starting with a few thousand recruits and scaling to 50,000 annually, reflecting concerns over potential Russian aggression.

Significance: France is preparing civilians for defense, signaling a shift in Europes security posture and NATO expectations.

12. Germany Prepares for Military Registration

From 2026, men must register for potential service, a major step toward reintroducing conscription since 2011. The move aims to expand the Bundeswehr and ensure NATO commitments are met.

Significance: Germany is reversing decades of military restraint in response to Russias actions and European security needs.

13. German Twins Choose Joint Assisted Suicide

Alice and Ellen Kessler, aged 89, ended their lives together after planning for over a year. Neither was terminally ill, and they requested their ashes remain together.

Significance: The case raises ethical questions about assisted dying laws and personal autonomy, with Germany among the most permissive countries.

14. Netherlands Seeks Restoration of US Military Memorial

Dutch officials are pressing the US to reinstate a display honoring Black American soldiers at Margraten cemetery, removed earlier in 2024. The unit buried thousands of American soldiers in WWII under segregated conditions.

Significance: The removal sparked concerns about historical erasure, with local authorities challenging the US decision.

15. Mass Protests Against Bulgarias 2026 Budget

About 20,000 Bulgarians protested tax hikes ahead of euro adoption, forming a human chain around parliament and clashing with police. The budget raises dividend taxes and social security contributions while keeping the deficit at 3%.

Significance: Citizens are frustrated about bearing costs of euro adoption, amid deep public division and geopolitical tensions related to Russia.

Europe is experiencing rapid and consequential changes across politics, economics, and security, often underreported in US media.

Author: Riley Thompson