标签： Europe

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force, has confiscated drugs worth over €8 million (£7 million) in a meticulously coordinated operation. The raids, conducted across 16 locations in Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Laois, and Offaly over two days, targeted a sophisticated criminal network. Authorities recovered approximately 110 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 1.5 kilograms of suspected heroin from two vans, with the combined street value estimated at €8.2 million. The seized substances have been sent for detailed forensic analysis. A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking and is currently under interrogation. The operation, involving around 60 Garda personnel, also resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of cash, totaling approximately £38,000 (€43,700) and €63,000 (£54,600). Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, underscoring their commitment to dismantling drug-related criminal activities in the Republic of Ireland.

The European Parliament (EP) has taken a significant step toward restricting the use of meat-related terms like ‘burger’ and ‘steak’ for plant-based alternatives. In a 355-247 vote, lawmakers supported the proposal, which aims to prevent plant-based products from being marketed with labels traditionally associated with meat. This move is seen as a win for livestock farmers, who argue that such labeling practices threaten their industry and livelihoods. However, the proposal is not yet law, as it requires approval from the European Commission and the governments of all 27 EU member states. The plant-based food industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer interest in meat-free diets. Critics of the proposal, including environmentalists and liberal lawmakers, argue that it is unnecessary and could hinder sustainability efforts. Key players in the German food industry, such as Aldi, Lidl, and Burger King, have also opposed the ban, stating that it would confuse consumers. Meanwhile, supporters, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the French meat industry, emphasize the need for clear labeling. This proposal follows a similar, unsuccessful attempt in 2020.

A tragic incident unfolded in the heart of Madrid as a six-storey building undergoing refurbishment partially collapsed, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The building, located on Hileras Street, was being converted into a four-star hotel when the disaster struck. Madrid’s mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, confirmed that the bodies of the last two missing persons were recovered on Wednesday morning, approximately 15 hours after the collapse. The victims included a 30-year-old Spanish woman overseeing the project and three male workers from Mali, Guinea, and Ecuador, aged between 30 and 50. Three others sustained injuries in the incident. Emergency services, equipped with drones and sniffer dogs, conducted extensive search and rescue operations. Two bodies were retrieved on Tuesday night. Martinez-Almeida expressed his condolences, stating, “All our love and support go to their families, friends, and colleagues in this very difficult time.” A construction worker recounted escaping the scene after witnessing a massive dust cloud. Despite the internal collapse, the building’s façade remained intact. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the collapse. The developer, Rehbilita, described the renovation as “comprehensive” on its website.

In a decisive move, the European Parliament has voted to prohibit the use of meat-related terminology such as ‘steak,’ ‘sausage,’ or ‘burger’ on vegetarian and plant-based products. The resolution, passed with an overwhelming majority of 532 to 78, aims to redefine meat strictly as ‘edible parts of animals’ and ensure clarity in food labelling. The proposal will now proceed to a parliamentary committee for further refinement before being reviewed by the EU executive and negotiated among the bloc’s 27 member states. Céline Imart, a conservative German lawmaker and former farmer, emphasized that using meat-related terms for plant-based alternatives is misleading. ‘We’re not banning plant-based products, but terms should accurately reflect what they represent,’ she stated during a parliamentary debate. Austrian MEP Anna Stürgkh, however, argued that consumers are not easily confused by such labels, citing examples like ‘beef tomatoes’ and ‘ladies’ fingers’ as evidence of common understanding. She urged trust in consumer discernment and criticized the move as ‘hot dog populism.’