Builders unearth €9m gold loot sealed in walls of Belgian property

The Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo are set to build a new bridge linking their two major cities, Bangui and Zongo. The 60-million-dollar project will see the construction of a 645-metre bridge across the Congo River, aimed at strengthening trade and transport links between the two countries.

The Maghreb region is experiencing a dramatic decline in birth rates, with most women now having fewer than three children, compared with seven or eight on average in the 1970s. Ellen Gainsford looks at what is driving this major demographic shift.

Ash spewing from Sicily's Mount Etna has closed the Italian island’s largest airport for the fifth consecutive day, stranding hundreds of summer holiday travellers during the busiest travel week of the year. Catania’s airport will remain closed until early August 15. While Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, often disrupts airport operations, this marks the longest emergency since 2002.