Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Cho met in Pyongyang to discuss expanding military cooperation, following a strategic partnership agreement between Russia and North Korea aimed at stabilizing Northeast Asia. The agreement seeks to reduce the risk of war and maintain regional power balance. North Korea expressed solidarity with Russia in safeguarding international peace. The meeting occurred shortly after South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's discussions with a Ukrainian delegation about countermeasures against North Korea's reported troop deployment to Russia. The United States and allies claim North Korea has sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia, some of whom are engaged in combat. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is prioritizing relations with Russia to strengthen his international position amid a 'new Cold War'.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with widespread famine affecting the population. Yasmin Eid and her family, displaced multiple times, struggle to find food amidst hyperinflation and aid shortages. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former defense minister, accusing them of using hunger as a weapon of war. Israel denies the charges, while U.S. President Joe Biden calls them scandalous. The situation is exacerbated by thefts of humanitarian aid and insufficient aid deliveries, with Israel and the UN blaming each other for the shortfall.

The United States vetoed a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, citing the lack of a condition for the release of hostages. The resolution, supported by 14 of the 15 Security Council members, demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The US, as a permanent member with veto power, blocked the resolution, emphasizing the need for explicit demands for hostage release. Meanwhile, the US Senate rejected Bernie Sanders' attempt to block offensive arms sales to Israel, amid concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. In Lebanon, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah showed progress, though Israel insists on retaining military action rights.

NATO concluded its first large-scale military exercise in Latvia, involving 13 nations and showcasing the alliance's commitment to Baltic security amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The exercise, led by Canada, emphasized NATO's ability to project forces and maintain command, with Latvia's Defence Minister highlighting the importance of allied presence. The operation featured advanced military equipment and adhered to NATO standards, reinforcing the alliance's strategic objectives in the region.

Barcelona's tourism sector is apprehensive about new regulations aimed at curbing overtourism, fearing significant economic repercussions. The city, which heavily relies on tourism, plans to eliminate 10,000 tourist apartments by 2028, a move that could potentially reduce tourism by 40%. Business owners like Bonaventura Durall and Marc express concerns over the impact on their revenue, while tourists like Pablo Lagneau acknowledge the economic benefits tourism brings to the city. Despite the measures, tourists report no hostility in Barcelona's streets.

Barcelona's decision to phase out short-term rental licenses by 2028, announced by Mayor Jaume Collboni, has sparked controversy among tourism stakeholders. The move, aimed at addressing over-tourism and improving local quality of life, is criticized by entities like APARTUR and Durlet Apartments, who warn of potential negative impacts on the tourism sector and housing market. The issue reflects broader European challenges with over-tourism, as seen in protests in Mallorca and policy changes in cities like Venice and Amsterdam. Despite local discontent, tourists in Barcelona report no hostility, highlighting the complex dynamics between tourism and local communities.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, during a stopover in Shannon, Ireland, addressed a mix-up by President Biden at the NATO summit, forgiving the mistake due to the US's support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Ireland for hosting Ukrainian refugees and discussed potential bilateral agreements with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris. Ireland, while maintaining military neutrality, has provided significant non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine and supports its EU membership. Harris plans to visit Kyiv soon and aims to assist in returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to reset and improve the UK's strained post-Brexit relations with the European Union, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with European allies in defense matters. Starmer, who recently led the Labour Party to victory, met with US President Joe Biden and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas at the NATO Summit in Washington. Biden expressed support for Starmer's approach to strengthening ties with the EU. Starmer also plans to meet with the presidents of Ireland and France to discuss issues such as the war in Ukraine, migration, and democracy in the context of rising far-right movements in Europe.

The European Inventor Award 2024, organized by the European Patent Office, celebrated groundbreaking innovations across various sectors, including automotive manufacturing, AI, and renewable energy. Key winners included Carol Vivien Robinson for her work in mass spectrometry, Fiorenzo Dioni and Richard Oberle for advancements in aluminium casting technology, and Cordelia Schmid for AI solutions. The event also highlighted the Young Inventors Prize, with Rochelle Niemeijer winning for her portable AI-driven chemistry kit. The ceremony underscored the importance of innovation in addressing global challenges and recognized the contributions of women inventors throughout history.

Thirteen crew members of the yacht Persefoni face felony charges for allegedly causing a fire on a Greek island by launching fireworks, potentially facing up to 20 years in prison. The fire, which burned part of a pine forest, highlights Greece's ongoing challenges with wildfires, exacerbated by arson and extreme weather conditions. Hydra's Mayor Giorgos Koukoudakis calls for improved firefighting infrastructure, while Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias warns against accidental fire triggers. Recent wildfires have led to evacuations and a firefighter's death, underscoring the severity of the situation.