Nato increases Black Sea deployment amid escalating deadly Russian attacks

By: Peter Beaumont Senior international correspondent

20 October 2026 at 18:43

Mounting anxiety as Russia’s war on Ukraine reaches Nato’s borders with targeting of vessels transporting agricultural cargo

Nato is deploying additional military assets to the Black Sea amid the recent deadly escalation of Russian attacks on merchant shipping, as five more vessels were attacked on Tuesday.

Russia’s military said it ⁠struck three cargo vessels in Ukraine’s ⁠port of Reni and two ⁠other cargo vessels en route ‌to ‌Odesa.

French Government Calls Emergency Meetings With Platforms Over Protests

Wired

By: Isabella Ward · Anna Desmarais

20 October 2026 at 18:41

TikTok and other sites were told to curb protest footage and AI-altered images, while online retailers like Vinted and eBay reportedly signed an agreement stop looted goods from flooding resale sites.

Global Oil Price Rally Raises Energy Security and Inflation Concerns in Brussels

Brussels Morning Newspaper

By: Alaa AbuJaser

20 October 2026 at 16:20

Brussels, 2o October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A Global Oil Price Rally pushed Brent crude to a five-month high on Tuesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East raised concerns about international energy supplies, shipping security and inflation. … Read more

European air fares could rise by as much as 20% in 2027, Ryanair boss predicts

The Guardian - Europe

By: Joanna Partridge

20 October 2026 at 15:28

Conflict in Middle East is pushing jet fuel costs higher and many carriers are not hedged against such increases, Michael O’Leary says

Ryanair’s chief executive has predicted a record increase in European air fares next year, as airlines grapple with fuel bills pushed higher by the Middle East conflict.

Many carriers are not hedged against rising jet fuel costs, Michael O’Leary said, which he predicted would lead to airline bankruptcies and takeovers. He forecast these pressures would result in the price of plane tickets rising by as much as 20%.

Paddy Power owner Flutter to cut 1,400 staff across Ireland, UK and other locations

Belfast Telegraph

By: John Mulligan (Business)

20 October 2026 at 14:41

Company blames higher taxes on gambling sector in UK as 240 jobs in Dublin targeted

Beauty industry software firm creates 25 new jobs in Northern Ireland

Belfast Telegraph

By: Margaret Canning

20 October 2026 at 14:13

From left, Sylvie McDermott, chief operating officer, Phorest and Anne Beggs, chief commercial officer, Invest NI

Jobs and wages rise in NI, as average monthly pay exceeds £2,500, while redundancies fall sharply

Belfast Telegraph

By: Margaret Canning

20 October 2026 at 09:32

Redundancies in Northern Ireland have fallen compared to last year

Why US investors are snapping up Germany's famed Mittelstand

Deutsche Welle

20 October 2026 at 10:06

Increasing amounts of US capital are flowing into Germany's traditional industrial firms and family-owned businesses. As many business owners struggle to find successors, more companies are becoming acquisition targets.