EUROPEAN UNION: The bloc announced a €7.4 billion (£6.3bn) aid package for cash-strapped Egypt today, amid concerns that economic pressure and conflicts and chaos in neighbouring countries could drive more refugees to European shores.

The deal is due to be signed during a visit by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus and Greece, according to Egyptian officials.

AFGHANISTAN: A traffic accident in the southern province of Helmand left at least 21 people dead and 38 others injured this morning.