A devastating fire engulfed the iconic Vjesnik Tower in the heart of Zagreb, Croatia, reducing the historic skyscraper to ruins. The blaze, which erupted near the top of the 16-story building late Monday night, rapidly descended, thwarting the efforts of approximately 100 firefighters to contain it. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, as the building was largely unoccupied at the time of the incident. By midday Tuesday, the flames appeared to be extinguished, though the structure continued to smolder, with debris reportedly falling due to the intensity of the fire. Croatian media suggested that the fire may have spread through ventilation shafts. Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomasevic expressed his dismay at the extensive damage, stating, ‘From what I saw on site and inside the building, the damage is unfortunately total.’ He remained optimistic, however, about the potential for restoration, emphasizing the building’s significance in the city’s landscape. The Vjesnik Tower, once home to a prominent newspaper of the same name, had been vacant for over a decade, leaving its future uncertain until this tragic event.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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EU to assess whether Amazon and Microsoft cloud businesses need extra scrutiny
European Union regulators are intensifying their examination of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, contemplating whether these cloud computing giants should be classified as ‘gatekeepers’ under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA, a comprehensive regulatory framework, aims to curb the market dominance of major tech companies by imposing strict operational guidelines and penalties for non-compliance. Gatekeepers are subject to additional obligations, and the EU has already designated other segments of Amazon and Microsoft, such as Amazon Marketplace and LinkedIn, under this classification. However, applying the gatekeeper label to cloud services presents unique challenges, as it is partly based on user numbers, which are less straightforward to measure in the cloud computing sector. The European Commission is investigating whether AWS and Azure serve as critical intermediaries between businesses and consumers, despite not meeting the traditional thresholds. Market research indicates that these providers hold significant market power, influencing both business and consumer landscapes. The recent AWS outage, which disrupted internet services for hours, underscored the critical reliance of digital services, including artificial intelligence, on cloud computing platforms. AWS has expressed confidence that the European Commission will recognize the dynamic and competitive nature of the cloud sector, emphasizing the risks of stifling innovation and increasing costs for European companies. Microsoft has also highlighted the innovative and competitive environment of Europe’s cloud industry, pledging to cooperate with the Commission’s inquiry.
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‘Another feather in his cap’ as parrot named after ‘hat-trick hero’
In a heartwarming tribute to Republic of Ireland footballer Troy Parrott, Dublin Zoo has officially named a male citron-crested cockatoo after the national hero. The 23-year-old striker secured Ireland’s place in the World Cup play-offs with a stunning hat-trick and a 96th-minute winning goal against Hungary on Sunday, sparking nationwide celebrations. The previously unnamed parrot, a critically endangered species, has now been christened Troy in honor of Parrott’s historic achievement. Zookeeper Diana Farrell described the moment as ‘beautiful and joyous,’ emphasizing the zoo’s desire to celebrate ‘Ireland’s hat-trick hero.’ While fans had called for a statue, Farrell humorously noted that naming the parrot was ‘another feather in his cap.’ The newly named Troy, described as ‘chirpy, cheerful, and inquisitive,’ is one of only two citron-crested cockatoos at the zoo. He shares his enclosure with a female named Katie, after Irish footballer Katie McCabe. The zoo hopes the pair will breed as part of the European Zoo Breeding Programme to help conserve the critically endangered species. Farrell expressed optimism that the naming would attract more visitors to the zoo, raising awareness about the plight of these rare parrots. She also hopes the real Troy Parrott will visit his namesake, adding that many zookeepers are avid football fans. The tribute has already garnered significant attention, with Dublin Airport even temporarily renaming itself ‘Troy Parrott Airport’ on social media.
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Further arrests after fire at asylum accommodation
In a significant development in the investigation of a fire at a building housing international protection applicants in Drogheda, County Louth, two additional men have been apprehended. The incident, which occurred on 31 October, necessitated the rescue of five individuals, including four children. Earlier, Gardaí (Irish police) had arrested and charged two men in their 20s with arson-related offenses. The latest arrests include a man in his 20s detained in Dublin on Monday and a man in his 40s taken into custody in Drogheda on Tuesday morning. Both individuals are currently held at a Garda station in County Louth. Authorities are urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward as the investigation continues.
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Poland says 2 Ukrainians working for Russia are suspected in railway track blast
WARSAW, Poland — Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed on Tuesday that two Ukrainian citizens, allegedly working for Russia, are suspected of orchestrating a railway explosion in Poland over the weekend. Addressing the Sejm, Poland’s lower house of parliament, Tusk described the incident as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” targeting a rail line connecting Warsaw to the Ukrainian border. The suspects, whose identities remain undisclosed due to ongoing investigations, reportedly fled Poland via the Terespol border crossing into Belarus. Tusk emphasized their long-standing collaboration with Russian intelligence services. In a separate but related incident, power lines along the same railway further south were also damaged, which Polish officials have confirmed as sabotage. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the accusations, labeling them as part of a broader trend of “Russophobia” in Europe. Western officials have accused Russia of staging numerous attacks across Europe since its invasion of Ukraine, aiming to destabilize support for Kyiv and sow division. In response, Poland’s National Security Committee convened with military and intelligence leaders to address the threat. Army patrols have been deployed to secure critical infrastructure in eastern Poland. Prosecutors have launched an investigation into the sabotage, which they described as “acts of terrorism” endangering public safety. The damaged railway sections have since been repaired, and no injuries were reported.
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Irish finance minister to step down to take major banking role
Paschal Donohoe, Ireland’s Finance Minister, has announced his resignation from government to assume a prestigious position at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. According to reports from Irish broadcaster RTÉ, Donohoe will take on the roles of Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer at the World Bank, the globe’s foremost development institution. His departure from the Irish government is expected to occur later on Tuesday, followed by his resignation as a TD (member of parliament) for Dublin Central later this week. Donohoe, a seasoned politician with a distinguished career, previously served as Ireland’s Finance Minister from 2017 to 2022 and was reappointed to the role in January 2025. The 51-year-old will also relinquish his position as Chairman of the Eurogroup of finance ministers, triggering a by-election in his constituency. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Donohoe began his political journey on Dublin City Council before ascending to Seanad Éireann (the Irish Senate) and later Dáil Éireann (the lower house of parliament) in 2011. Over the years, he has held numerous ministerial portfolios, including Minister of State for European Affairs and Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport. His tenure as Finance Minister was marked by significant budgetary measures, including increased funding for social welfare and healthcare. Donohoe’s move to the World Bank underscores his expertise in economic and financial governance on the global stage.
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Total faces war crimes allegations over Mozambique massacre
French energy giant TotalEnergies is embroiled in a legal and ethical controversy following allegations of complicity in war crimes during a 2021 massacre near its multi-billion-dollar gas project in northern Mozambique. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) has filed a complaint with French prosecutors, accusing the company of enabling the torture and execution of dozens of civilians by local security forces at its facility. The incident occurred in the resource-rich Cabo Delgado province, where government troops were combating Islamist militants linked to the Islamic State group. TotalEnergies has consistently denied responsibility for the actions of the security forces involved in guarding its Afungi peninsula gas refinery development, which was Africa’s largest foreign investment project at the time. The massacre followed a brutal Islamist attack on the town of Palma, where 1,563 civilians were killed or kidnapped near TotalEnergies’ gas plant. Investigative journalist Alex Perry, who first documented the tragedy, described it as the ‘bloodiest disaster in oil and gas history.’ The complaint highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by corporations operating in conflict zones and calls for accountability. Environmental campaigners are urging the UK and Dutch governments to withdraw financial support for TotalEnergies’ liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, citing the severity of the allegations. Critics draw parallels between TotalEnergies’ actions and those of Lafarge, another French company currently on trial for allegedly funding jihadist groups in Syria. Despite the controversy, supporters argue that the project could bring significant economic benefits to a neglected region of Africa.
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Zelenskyy will visit Turkey in a new bid to end the Russia-Ukraine war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday his upcoming visit to Turkey, aiming to reignite negotiations to end Russia’s nearly four-year-long invasion of Ukraine. This diplomatic effort follows earlier low-level talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, which primarily focused on prisoner exchanges but failed to achieve broader progress. International peace initiatives, led by the U.S., have also yet to yield significant breakthroughs. Zelenskyy’s visit to Turkey on Wednesday comes after his stop in Spain, where he sought additional support for Ukraine’s defense efforts. In a social media post, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to accelerating the end of the war, stating, ‘We are preparing to reinvigorate negotiations and have developed solutions to propose to our partners.’ However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that no Russian representatives would attend the talks in Turkey, though Moscow remains open to dialogue. The U.S. has intensified pressure on Russia, with heavy sanctions targeting its oil industry set to take effect on Friday. These measures aim to cripple Russia’s war economy by targeting major oil companies like Rosneft and Lukoil, while also threatening secondary penalties for violators, including major importers like China and India. Amid these developments, Zelenskyy continues to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities, signing agreements to acquire advanced weaponry from France, including Rafale warplanes and drones. On the ground, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack on energy infrastructure in the occupied Donetsk region, causing significant damage and power outages. Meanwhile, Russian strikes in Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Dnipro regions resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction. Both sides continue to exchange drone and missile attacks, underscoring the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
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Woman dead and man seriously injured in stabbing
A tragic incident in Cork city has resulted in the death of a woman and left a man seriously injured following a violent attack. The incident occurred at a residence in Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, prompting a swift response from Gardaí (Irish police) and emergency services at approximately 21:00 local time on Monday. According to reports from Irish broadcaster RTÉ, the victims, a couple in their 50s and 60s, were both stabbed multiple times during the assault. A man in his 20s, who is reportedly known to the couple, has been arrested in connection with the incident. The injured man was rushed to Cork University Hospital, where the woman was pronounced dead. The suspect is currently being held at a Garda station in Cork city, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
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New coin honors Freddie Mercury and his 4-octave range
The Royal Mint of Britain has unveiled a special commemorative coin honoring the legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his iconic Live Aid performance in 1985. The coin, designed with meticulous detail, features Mercury in his signature pose—head thrown back, gripping the microphone stand—capturing the essence of his electrifying stage presence. A musical stave encircling the coin symbolizes his extraordinary four-octave vocal range, a testament to his unparalleled talent. The first coin was ceremoniously struck by Mercury’s sister, Kashmira Bulsara, at the Royal Mint in Wales. Bulsara expressed her delight, stating, ‘This coin is a fitting tribute to Freddie’s legacy and the joy he brought to millions through his music.’ Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint’s director of commemorative coins, emphasized the perfect timing of the release, noting that fans had long awaited such a tribute. The coin’s launch coincides with the 40th anniversary of Mercury’s solo album, ‘Mr Bad Guy,’ and follows the Mint’s tradition of honoring music legends like David Bowie and Paul McCartney. Available for purchase on the Royal Mint’s website, the coins range from 18.50 pounds for an uncirculated version to 9,350 pounds for a 2 oz. gold proof edition. Additionally, a special gold edition will be donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity established in Mercury’s memory to support those affected by HIV and AIDS.