On Monday, temperature controls in refrigerators and freezers malfunctioned across dozens of supermarkets in Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Ireland and France, ruining perishable goods. Retailers including Ahold Delhaize, Colruyt, ICA, Coop, Carrefour Belgium and Musgrave Group reported the incidents, with some stores noting temperatures reaching 50 °C. The attacks appear coordinated, with hackers reportedly switching evaporators to defrost mode, and police in France confirmed fires and food losses at hundreds of outlets. Companies are investigating and have withdrawn affected products while authorities examine the cyber breach.
European Commission
3 stories since 28 October 2026, newest first
2 November 2026
29 October 2026
The European Union and Canada launched a new partnership at a two-day summit in Montreal on Friday, 30 Oct. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada aims to become the EU's first associate member, but the joint declaration omits that term and leaders will define the arrangement by a 2027 summit. The alliance covers artificial intelligence, critical minerals and quantum technology, and Canada will join the EU's support loan for Ukraine with an initial 500 million euros. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa took part in the talks. Von der Leyen said Canada cannot become a full member because of its geography.
28 October 2026
The death toll from the high‑speed train crash outside Urda in Toledo province rises to 69, with 50 people still in hospital. The collision occurred on the Madrid‑Seville line on 23 Oct when a Renfe train struck the rear of a stationary Iryo service, sending several carriages down a ten‑metre embankment. Traffic control had authorised the Renfe train to continue at full speed despite a failed safety system, and a 25‑person forensic team is identifying victims in Toledo. The government has declared three days of national mourning.