Europe

Greater Manchester Police confirmed fatalities after an explosion at Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017. Initial reports indicated 19 dead and 50 injured. Bomb disposal units were dispatched to the scene.

Portugal approved stricter regulations for short-term rentals effective July 1, 2017. Properties listed on Airbnb, Booking, and similar platforms must register with the national tourism authority or face sanctions.

Emmanuel Macron won the first round of France's 2017 presidential election with 23% of votes, facing Marine Le Pen (21%) in the runoff. European leaders including Angela Merkel and Donald Tusk voiced support for Macron.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage urged the UK to invoke Article 50 immediately following the June 2016 Brexit referendum. Speaking at the European Parliament, he warned that referendums across Denmark and the Netherlands could follow.

Prime Minister David Cameron addressed the House of Commons on June 27, 2016, confirming he would not invoke Article 50, leaving Brexit negotiations to his successor. "It was not the result I wanted," he said of the referendum outcome.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz called for a common EU tax regime at the Portuguese Socialist Party congress on June 4, 2016. "The distribution of wealth in Europe is not fair," he said, criticizing speculators who avoid taxes on profits.

About 200 people gathered in Trafalgar Square on May 14, 2016 to form a living peace sign, organized by HUFUD and Peace Sign London. Founder Alberto Portugheis called for transforming "a war economy to a Peace economy."

The OECD published a report on April 27, 2016 warning that Brexit would cause a 3% GDP drop by 2020 and 5% by 2030, costing UK households up to £3,200 annually. The report called it "a major negative shock" with fallout across Europe.

Portuguese business daily Diário Económico ceased print publication on March 18, 2016, after 27 years. Director Gonçalo Faria de Carvalho announced the "suspension of the paper edition" amid severe financial difficulties at parent company Ongoing.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker used his September 2015 State of the Union address to announce a permanent refugee relocation mechanism across EU member states, declaring that "migration must be legalized" and urging all countries to share responsibility for the crisis.