EUROPE

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Axel Rudakubana, the British teenager who murdered three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance in Southport, has been sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison. The brutal attack, described by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as "one of the most harrowing moments in Britain's history," also left 10 others injured and triggered days of nationwide rioting.

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The UK has implemented a ban on imports of pigs, sheep, and cattle from Germany, following confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease case in that country. The government announced on Tuesday that it will cease approving health certificates for animals, fresh meat, and animal products susceptible to the disease, in order to prevent its spread within the UK, where there are currently no confirmed cases.

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Croatia's opposition-backed President, Zoran Milanović, secured a resounding victory in Sunday's runoff election, winning a second five-year term with over 74% of the vote. He defeated Dragan Primorac, the candidate from the ruling conservative party, who received nearly 26%, according to official results released after more than 99% of ballots were counted.

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Germany's cabinet has authorized its army to shoot down suspicious drones near military sites and critical infrastructure. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that increased drone activity, particularly following Russia's war in Ukraine, has become a significant challenge for police forces.

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Germany's economy shrank for a second year in a row in 2024, official figures showed Wednesday. Europe's largest economy saw a 0.2 percent contraction in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after a 0.3 percent fall in 2023, and is currently grappling with a political crisis, dimming hopes for a fast recovery.

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The pound has fallen to its lowest level in over a year, while UK borrowing costs have surged to their highest for 16 years. The pound fell by 0.9% to $1.226 against the dollar on Thursday and borrowing costs rose further.