Trump Threatens to Withdraw Troops from Italy and Spain
Angela Giuffrida in Rome and Jon Henley
US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw American troops from Italy and Spain, following his recent indication of plans to reduce the US military presence in Germany. This announcement came shortly after Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused the United States of being "humiliated" by Iran.
Trump has sharply criticized European allies for their refusal to deploy naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital commercial shipping route. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has consistently opposed the US-Israeli military actions against Iran, while Italy maintained a cautious stance until late March, when it declined to permit the use of its airbases for US operations.
Italian City Enforces Dog Urine Cleanup with Fines up to €500
In Livorno, a port city on the Tuscan coast, dog owners are now mandated to clean their pets’ urine from public areas or face fines reaching €500. Mayor Luca Salvetti introduced the regulation following numerous complaints about the odor of dog urine, especially in parks and playgrounds.
Owners must carry water bottles or sprayers to wash pavements, benches, and even the wheels of parked vehicles. Dogs are prohibited from urinating near doorways, windows, and entrances to shops, offices, and residences.
"Public spaces are community property that must be protected to ensure decorum, hygiene and urban livability," Salvetti’s council stated.
The council emphasized the measure responds to "numerous reports from residents highlighting the discomfort caused by foul odours and the health and hygiene issues resulting from the presence of liquid animal waste in spaces intended for socialisation by adults and children."
Lost Oscar Statuette Found; Lufthansa Issues Apology
German airline Lufthansa apologized to Russian filmmaker Pavel Talankin after losing his Oscar statuette, which was confiscated by US airport security at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. The statuette was initially banned from being carried on the flight, reportedly due to security concerns.
Following an extensive search, Lufthansa confirmed the statuette was located and is now in their possession in Frankfurt. The airline plans to return it to Talankin promptly but has not disclosed how the statuette went missing. An internal investigation is ongoing.
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Announces Army Reform Plans
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unveiled plans for comprehensive army reforms, including increased military wages and modifications to contract terms, according to . He stated on Telegram:
"In June, the reform will begin – and the first results must already be delivered in June, particularly in the area of financial support for soldiers, sergeants, and commanders of the Defence Forces of Ukraine."
3,500 Evacuated in Tuscany Due to Wildfire
Authorities in Italy have evacuated approximately 3,500 residents in Tuscany as a wildfire has been burning for over 24 hours. The fire has consumed more than 800 hectares (nearly 2,000 acres) in the mountainous area between Lucca and Pisa.
Local officials in San Giuliano Terme reported that three Canadair water-dumping planes and a helicopter are actively combating the blaze. While wildfires are common in Italy during summer, this early occurrence is attributed to rising temperatures.
May Day Marches in Italy Experience Clashes in Turin
International Workers’ Day demonstrations began across Europe, with largely peaceful events except in Turin, Italy, where clashes erupted between demonstrators and police. The confrontations centered on access to the former social center Askatasuna, which was evicted late last year.
Elsewhere in Italy and Europe, thousands participated in marches advocating for improved labor rights and wages.
New Prague-Copenhagen Train Service Expands Summer Travel Options
For travelers seeking environmentally friendly alternatives to flying, a new train service connecting Prague and Copenhagen via Berlin and Hamburg has been introduced by Czech operator České dráhy. The journey takes nearly 13 hours, with anticipated reductions in travel time as infrastructure improves.
The inaugural train departed at 6:31 AM and is currently en route to Hamburg. Passengers can track the train’s progress online.
EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Provisionally Enters into Force
The European Union’s extensive trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur has provisionally come into effect, despite ongoing legal challenges. The deal, finalized in January after over 25 years of negotiations, aims to create one of the world’s largest free-trade zones, encompassing 30% of global GDP and over 700 million consumers.
The agreement has sparked significant controversy and protests within Europe. The European Parliament referred the deal to the EU’s top court in January rather than granting immediate approval. Nevertheless, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the provisional application, stating it will demonstrate the agreement’s tangible benefits and that European concerns have been addressed.
Oscar Statuette Confiscated at JFK Airport
In a related incident, Pavel Talankin’s Oscar statuette was confiscated at New York’s JFK Airport due to security concerns that it could be used as a weapon. Talankin expressed bewilderment at the decision, noting previous flights with the statuette had not posed issues.
"It’s completely baffling how they consider an Oscar a weapon," Talankin said after arriving in Frankfurt without the award.
Lufthansa responded via Instagram, pledging to locate the statuette swiftly and escalating the matter internally. However, the airline did not immediately provide further comments due to a public holiday in Germany.
EU Commemorates 22nd Anniversary of Eastern Enlargement
Today marks 22 years since the European Union’s significant eastern enlargement, which saw Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia join the bloc. At the time, the expansion was celebrated as a transformative moment for Europe.
Leaders from the new member states, including Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Czech President Petr Pavel, commemorated the anniversary, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation amid current global challenges.
"Already then, we knew it was a good decision. 22 years of pride!" Tusk said, sharing footage from 2004.
"Twenty-two years ago, we joined the European Union and thereby strengthened our security and stability. The world has changed significantly since then, and the importance of cooperation with European partners is growing. The Union is not perfect, but in difficult times, we can only stand together."
"Today we mark the 22nd anniversary of Lithuania’s EU membership – built on unity and shared values. In times of war right next to the EU borders and rising tensions, our unity is our strength. We must stand firm: supporting Ukraine, strengthening defence, and countering hybrid threats. A stronger Europe depends on all of us," said Lithuania’s Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.
Latvia’s Edgars Rinkēvičs added, "22 years ago, [Latvia] joined [the EU]. The European dream is well alive. We must resist Russian aggression, support Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans on their path to EU membership, and keep democracy and the rule of law at the heart of our union."
International Workers’ Day Parades Commence Across Europe
May Day celebrations are underway across Europe, with numerous parades organized by trade unions advocating for improved wages and working conditions. The events are expected to continue throughout the day.
Spanish Government Has Yet to Respond to Trump’s Threats
To date, the Spanish government has not issued a public response to President Trump’s threats. This is not the first time Spain has faced such warnings; a recent internal Pentagon memo suggested the US considered suspending Spain from NATO, although the feasibility of such an action remains unclear.
Approximately 3,200 US troops are stationed in Spain, primarily at the Rota naval base and Morón airbase.
Italian Defence Minister Responds to Trump’s Accusations
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed surprise at Trump’s accusations that Italy has not supported the US, particularly regarding maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
"I don’t understand the reasons," Crosetto told reporters.
He refuted claims that European forces have crossed the Strait of Hormuz improperly and noted Italy’s willingness to participate in missions protecting shipping, which was appreciated by the American military.
La Repubblica reported that Italy hosts seven US military bases with up to 15,000 troops, providing critical air defense systems that would require a decade to replace.
This article was sourced from theguardian
