Jul 31, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC

Former Split mayor and Croatian Civic Party leader Željko Kerum was brought in for questioning by anti-corruption agency USKOK on Thursday evening following his arrest in Vela Luka. Prosecutors are evaluating whether to launch an official investigation and seek pre-trial detention for Kerum, his nephew Igor Sapunar, and former Kaštela spatial planning official Andrija Polić.

The questioning follows searches of Kerum's family estate and property regarding alleged illegal construction activities in Kaštela. Construction Minister Branko Bačić noted earlier that his ministry had received no formal requests for administrative supervision concerning the property. Authorities are expected to announce formal decisions regarding detention measures shortly.

Sources: FENA, HRT Vijesti

Lloyds Banking Group has unveiled a new four-year strategy aimed at reducing expenses by an additional £2 billion, with implementation scheduled to begin in January. The cost-cutting initiative was announced alongside the financial results for the first half of the year, in which the banking group delivered a better-than-expected pre-tax profit of £4.3 billion.

The parent company of Bank of Scotland is currently undergoing a broader organizational overhaul, which also includes phasing out the Halifax brand. The planned expenditure reductions form part of the institution's updated strategic framework intended to streamline operations over the coming four-year period.

Sources: The Herald

The Scottish Labour Party's leadership contest has entered turmoil amid allegations that frontrunner Michael Marra attempted to prevent rival Monica Lennon from appearing on the ballot. Reports indicate that Marra conducted briefings with party parliamentarians to limit support for Lennon, who is seeking the necessary nominations from MSPs and MPs. Marra is campaigning to succeed outgoing leader Anas Sarwar. The allegations have led to claims of internal manipulation, causing tension among Labour lawmakers in both Holyrood and Westminster as the nomination process continues.

Sources: The Herald.

Ireland is taking the final steps to fully exit its post-2008 financial crisis banking intervention by selling its remaining state-owned bank shares and officially shuttering the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).

Established during the global financial crash to absorb non-performing property loans from domestic lenders, the agency's wind-down marks the conclusion of a €64.1 billion state resolution process. Over the past decade and a half, the Irish government has progressively divested its equity holdings in major financial institutions. The final share sales and the formal closure of the state asset manager signal the banking sector's complete return to private ownership.

Sources: The Journal

Scottish food producer Walker's Shortbread reported a significant drop in its latest financial accounts, with profits more than halving due to trade barriers and inflation. The Aberlour-based manufacturer cited major cost increases across ingredients, labor, and energy utilities, alongside softer consumer demand and cautious retail ordering. The company also identified US tariffs imposed during the Donald Trump administration as a key factor impacting its performance in the American market. Despite the macroeconomic pressures and operational headwinds, the iconic Scottish bakery maintained overall profitability during the period.

Sources: The Herald