Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

What is Europe's plan to secure the Strait of Hormuz? France and the UK are leading efforts to establish a multinational mission to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Questions remain about the scope of the operation and whether it can bring lasting stability. UK: Health data volunteered by 500,000 people to Biobank charity listed for sale on Alibaba in China The British government is investigating how health data volunteered to a charity for research purposes wound up for sale via three vendors on the Alibaba e-commerce site in China. One listing had 500,000 people's data. Unpacking the 2026 Venice Biennale controversies and highlights Following the return of Russia to the Biennale, the EU said it will carry out its threat to cut its funding from the international art show. A booklover's dream holiday in Scotland As UNESCO celebrates World Book Day on April 23, we visit a Scottish coastal town that was saved by books. Denmark: Two trains collide injuring several Two trains have crashed into each other in Denmark, leaving several people critically injured, authorities have said. UK, France agree 3‑year deal to curb Channel crossings For the first time, the deal links some UK payments to France to performance in stopping migrants. Funding will be halted after one year if targets are not met. Germany's Merz: Climate protection must not hold economy back German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the public would not accept climate policies that lead to deindustrialization, warning that they would hinder progress and innovation. Russia to block Kazakh oil flows to Germany via key pipeline Germany has confirmed that Russia will block flows of Kazakh oil to a vital refinery that supplies much of Berlin's energy needs from May 1. EU unblocks €90 billion loan to Ukraine Envoys from EU member states have finally paved the way for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine that had long been blocked by Hungary. They also approved a 20th package of sanctions on Russia over its invasion of its neighbor. Ukraine says Russian oil to Hungary, Slovakia has restarted Energy companies in Ukraine and Hungary have both said that oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline from Russia via Belarus have restarted. Hungary and Slovakia expect the first supplies to arrive by Thursday.