A warm welcome to the first 2026 edition of Europe Uncovered.

As Europe braces for another year of political tension, technological upheaval and covert power plays, we’re starting with some of the continent’s most hard-hitting investigations. This week’s edition looks at how AI-driven controversy, hidden dealings and financial manoeuvring continue to shape events behind the scenes.

This week exposes: 

AI-fuelled disinformation after Nicolás Maduro’s captureGermany spying on Barack ObamaCorporate tax tricks via the NetherlandsGoogle’s risky AI health adviceOligarch-linked dealings by a Slovak state secretaryAn EU cyber watchdog’s AI errors

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Under the lens🇻🇪📸 Fake images of Maduro spread online after his captureCORRECTIV | 06.01.2026

Following the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, a wave of images and videos claiming to show the abduction and public celebrations spread rapidly online. CORRECTIV analysed and fact-checked the most widely shared content and found that several of these visuals were AI-generated, while others were taken out of context or originated from earlier protests. The investigation also shows how misleading material was amplified by political actors and online accounts during a fast-moving geopolitical moment.

🔍What it uncovers: AI-generated and recycled images can rapidly distort public understanding during breaking international events.

🤝 With nods to: CORRECTIV, Maldita.es, Reuters

🇩🇪📞Germany’s intelligence service monitored Obama’s calls for yearsDie Zeit | 04.01.2026

“Spying among friends is unacceptable,” Angela Merkel said after her phone was monitored by the U.S. Yet Die Zeit’s investigation shows that Germany’s foreign intelligence service secretly monitored phone calls of former U.S. president Barack Obama for several years, intercepting communications from Air Force One. The surveillance took place without formal authorisation and without Merkel’s knowledge, despite Germany officially excluding the U.S. from its intelligence targets. The operation was halted in 2014, when revelations about U.S. spying on Merkel made surveillance among allies politically untenable.

🔍 What it uncovers: how Germany’s intelligence service secretly monitored a close ally’s president, despite having previously criticised that same ally for spying on them.

🤝 With nods to: Die Zeit

💰🏢 From Airbus to Tesla: These are the biggest companies using the Netherlands as a tax havenFollow the Money | 06.01.2026

Although the Netherlands’ official corporate tax rate does not make it look like a tax haven on paper, the reality is often more complex. In an analysis, Follow the Money examined company filings to map multinational groups – including Tesla, IKEA, and Airbus – that channel billions in turnover through Dutch entities and structures. The investigation highlights how these corporate structures operate in practice and how the Netherlands has become a key hub for international revenue reporting.

🔍 What it uncovers: Dutch rules allow vast corporate revenue flows to pass through the country with minimal taxation, far below the official rates.

🤝With nods to: Follow the Money

We also liked🤖🩺Google’s AI summaries are putting people’s health at risk

A Guardian investigation found that Google’s AI Overviews have repeatedly provided false and misleading health advice, putting people at risk of serious harm. In several cases, its AI gave incorrect guidance on conditions such as cancer, liver disease, and mental health.  Charities and clinicians warn that prominent AI summaries could lead people to delay treatment or dismiss serious symptoms. Google maintains that most of its AI Overviews are accurate and reliable.

🇸🇰🏗️ Slovakian State secretary sold company to Oligarch figure

The Investigative Center of Ján Kuciak (ICJK) reported that Slovak state secretary Radomír Šalitroš sold his company Nový mlyn to businessmen and lawyers connected to indicted oligarch Jozef Brhel, shortly after the firm bought state land worth over €330,000. ICJK also found that Šalitroš set up a stake in another company while still serving as an MP for a fund linked through intermediaries to the same network. The case raises concerns about conflicts of interest and oligarch influence in Slovak politics and real estate.

🇪🇺🤖 EU cybersecurity watchdog published AI-assisted report with major errors

Der Standard, in cooperation with Paper Trail Media and Der Spiegel, revealed that the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) used AI while working on its threat reports, resulting in serious mistakes. Researchers found dozens of source links that never existed – a common sign of AI-generated text. ENISA admitted the errors and said AI was only used for minor edits, but critics warn that the incident raises concerns about quality control and trust at an agency meant to provide reliable cybersecurity advice.