The Press Junction.
The Press Junction.
26 May 2026
Sweden and France argue over nicotine pouches: "As if we would ban French baguettes"

Sweden and France argue over nicotine pouches: "As if we would ban French baguettes"

Since April 1, it has been prohibited in France to buy, sell, import, possess or use nicotine products for oral use. And this ban firmly hits the Swedish economy because French people were buying these nicotine pouches en masse from the Swedish market.

Russia: 'Magnetic mines found on tanker coming from Antwerp'

Russia: 'Magnetic mines found on tanker coming from Antwerp'

Russia's FSB security service said on Monday it had foiled an attempted "terrorist attack" after agents said they had discovered magnetic explosives attached to the hull of a tanker that had arrived from Belgium and was docked for loading at the northwestern port of Ust-Luga.

Our summer holiday in the sun is about to get a lot more expensive

Our summer holiday in the sun is about to get a lot more expensive

The International Energy Agency warns that commercial oil supplies are rapidly being depleted. Rising oil prices now worry consumers as well. As summer approaches, conflicts in the Middle East and Russia could make trips to the sunny south a lot more expensive.

US fears more empty hotel rooms at World Cup than expected

US fears more empty hotel rooms at World Cup than expected

The 2026 World Cup will kick off in the US on June 11. Hotel bookings are falling far short of expectations in almost all host cities, raising doubts about the economic return of the prominent football festival.

Xi Jinping sends Putin home empty-handed

Xi Jinping sends Putin home empty-handed

Vladimir Putin's visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping was closely followed by the press. The Russian president was welcomed with numerous honors and ceremonies. Honorary salutes, marching soldiers and waving children. The Chinese head of state pulled out all the stops for Putin that occurred just after Trump's visit. At least it seemed that way anyway. The Chinese president did not seem intimidated by his Russian counterpart. After all, after a lot of ceremonial formalities and meetings about possible collaborations, Xi Jinping sent his Russian counterpart home empty-handed.

China seeks European factories to produce their cars

China seeks European factories to produce their cars

Chinese automakers are beginning to look across borders for suitable locations to start manufacturing cars. In particular, Latin America and Europe are attracting China's attention.

Europe strikes 'unbalanced trade deal': U.S. avoids import duties while Europe pays

Europe strikes 'unbalanced trade deal': U.S. avoids import duties while Europe pays

It has taken a long time, but after 10 months of negotiations, the European Union has finally found a compromise on the implementation of the trade agreement already reached last summer with the United States.

Setback for Trump: Senate won't pay for golden ballroom

Setback for Trump: Senate won't pay for golden ballroom

The US Senate is tentatively putting a stop to $400 million in federal security funding for the majestic White House ballroom.

Amsterdam could earn millions with arrival of Harry Styles

Amsterdam could earn millions with arrival of Harry Styles

Between Saturday, May 16 and Friday, June 5, pop star Harry Styles will give ten concerts in the Johan Cruijff Arena. With about 700,000 visitors epxtected, Amsterdam expects a major economic boost.

Honda dives into the red for the first time

Honda dives into the red for the first time

Japanese automaker Honda posted a billion-dollar loss in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This also marks a historic first for the company as it has never before closed a fiscal year at a loss.