EUROPEAN SECURITY
US military bases in Europe on high alert amid terror threat concerns
Several US military bases across Europe have heightened their security alert to Force Protection Condition "Charlie," indicating a significant terror threat. This measure, last seen over a decade ago, reflects growing concerns ahead of major events like the Paris Olympics and European football championships. European countries have ramped up security, with Germany and France taking extensive precautions to address potential dangers. Authorities advise vigilance amid these heightened threat levels.
Charting the global economy: Inflation ebbs in US, France, Spain
With inflation settling down in many European economies, there are signs that central banks in the areas could reduce interest rates.
Security concerns rise over Paris Pride ahead of elections
As France heads to the polls on Sunday for the first round of a snap parliamentary election that could bring the far-right to power, there has been an increase in discriminatory acts that could target events organized by the LGBTQIA+ community, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin's letter said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy signs security pacts with EU, 2 member nations
The agreement with the EU lays out the bloc's commitment to help Ukraine in nine areas of security and defence policy-including arms deliveries, military training, defence industry cooperation and demining.
Chinese chipmaker Nexperia invests $200 million in European expansion
Nexperia makes 100 billion such chips annually, nearly a quarter of the world's supply. These chips are preferred over traditional silicon chips due to their enhanced efficiency, speed, lightweight nature, and capability to operate effectively in high temperature and high voltage conditions, which are crucial in electrical infrastructure applications.
EU cybersecurity label should not discriminate against Big Tech, European groups say
26 industry groups in Europe warn against discrimination in the proposed cybersecurity certification scheme for cloud services, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and non-discrimination.
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Giorgia Meloni, Italian PM and far-right leader, wins European Parliament polls, becomes kingmaker in Europe
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party secured 28% of votes in the European elections, enhancing her political influence. This result outperformed their 2022 general election showing and came at the expense of Matteo Salvini's League party, which dropped to 8.5%. The centre-left Democratic Party gained 24.5%, while the Five Star Movement fell to 10.5%.
Millions will vote on Europe's super Sunday, with surveys suggesting a shift to the right
Voters across 20 European nations are casting their ballots in the EU election super Sunday, with concerns over a potential shift to the political right impacting the bloc's decision-making amidst ongoing conflicts and rising anti-migrant sentiment. Populist parties are expected to make gains, potentially reshaping the European Parliament's dynamics. The elections mark a pivotal moment for the EU's future trajectory and international relationships.
Assault on Danish PM Mette Frederiksen: Suspect to face judge for questioning
The prime minister was able to walk away and had no outward signs of harm after the assault, Soren Kjergaard, who works as a barista in central Copenhagen, told mediapersons after seeing her being escorted away by security. Police said the man would be brought before the Copenhagen City Court for questioning at around 1 p.m. (1100 GMT), but declined to provide more detail.
Rafah border crossing can't reopen unless Israeli forces quit Gaza side, Egypt says
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated that the Rafah border crossing, crucial for aid deliveries into Gaza, cannot operate without Palestinian control. Israel seized the crossing last month during its offensive against Hamas in Rafah. Shoukry emphasized the importance of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty for regional stability. He also mentioned a positive meeting with U.S., Egyptian, and Israeli officials, although no agreement was reached on reopening the crossing. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated Israeli forces were targeting tunnels between Gaza and Egypt, which Egypt denies exist.
What's at stake in the European Parliament election next month
EU elections are held every five years across the 27-member bloc. This year marks the 10th parliamentary election since the first polls in 1979, and the first after Brexit.
Ukraine secures more military aid from EU members
Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in military aid from the United States, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russia's bigger army and air force. European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.
Top Russian military officials are being arrested. Why is it happening?
Following the arrest of a Russian deputy defense minister last month, a series of detentions of senior military officials on corruption charges has unfolded. These arrests coincided with President Vladimir Putin's fifth term and a reshuffle of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The detentions have sparked speculation about Putin's control over the Defense Ministry, potential turf battles, or other internal power plays. Corruption has long been entrenched in Russia's system, but the recent crackdown, especially amid the war in Ukraine, suggests a significant shift in handling graft within the defense sector.
A new trade war offers no easy way back for old global order
The US-China trade war has intensified with the use of tariffs and subsidies, impacting Europe and China. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned of global business risks.
Russia starts exercise with tactical nuclear weapons
Russia's Foreign Ministry has cited comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who floated the possibility of sending European troops to fight Russia in Ukraine, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who said Ukraine had the right to use weapons provided by London to strike targets inside Russia.
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi dead: Who is Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's new president?
Iran New President: Mohammad Mokhber, 68, is Iran's interim president following Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash. He leads a council to organize a new presidential election within 50 days. Mokhber, close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was vice president since 2021 and previously headed Setad, an investment fund. He has been involved in significant diplomatic and military dealings with Russia.
Poland invests $2.5 billion into fortifying borders with Russia and Belarus
Poland is investing $2.5 billion in the Shield-East project to enhance security on its borders with Russia and Belarus. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the country's commitment to safety, especially as a NATO and EU member on Europe's eastern flank. The project includes fortifications and environmental measures to secure the border. This investment comes as Poland continues to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
China 'can't have it both ways' on Russia and Western ties: US
US criticized China for supporting Russia in Ukraine, hindering ties with Europe. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping and Putin marked 75th anniversary, aiming to enhance cooperation. Xi also concluded Europe tour after promoting a multipolar world vision.
Facebook, Instagram face fresh scrutiny under EU's digital norms
It is the latest round of scrutiny for parent company Meta Platforms under the 27-nation EU's Digital Services Act, a sweeping set of regulations that took effect last year with the goal of cleaning up online platforms and protecting internet users.
UN condoles death of ex-Indian Army officer in Gaza, believes vehicle struck by Israeli tank
The United Nations has expressed condolences and apologised to India over the killing of former Indian Army officer Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale in Gaza. The attack is believed to be shots from an Israeli tank. The UN has set up a fact-finding panel to investigate the incident, with Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq confirming Kale as the "first international casualty" in Gaza for the world body.
Nisha Dahiya secures India's fifth Paris Olympic quota in woman wrestling
Nisha, a World U-23 bronze medallist and Asian Championships silver-medal winner last year beat Anghel 8-4 by points to enter the final and secure another Olympic quota for India.
Dollar holds its ground as key inflation data looms
The dollar held tight ranges against most peers on Thursday as traders awaited key U.S. inflation data for cues on Federal Reserve policy, while the focus on the massive interest rate gap between Japan and the U.S. helped it make some gains on the yen.
India, EU hold consultations on Ukraine conflict, South Asia and West Asia developments
Furthermore, they discussed security and defence policy developments. The EU informed on the implementation of EU’s Strategic Compass and the Indo-Pacific Strategy, including the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS), as well as new EU operations, such as the EUNAVFOR Aspides, according to EU mission statement.
Italy's president says Russia's invasion of Ukraine can't be solved by rewarding Moscow's aggression
Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, addressed the U.N. General Assembly, stating that Russia's invasion of Ukraine cannot be resolved by rewarding aggression. He emphasized that peace can only be achieved by restoring Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Italy, now leading the G7, and many international partners stand in solidarity with Ukraine, defending nations attacked in violation of international law. Mattarella warned against violating principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that Russia's actions have rekindled war in Europe and disrupted global peace.
Vladimir Putin orders tactical nuclear weapons drills amid Western 'threats'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces to conduct exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived "threats" from the West, according to CNN. This marks the first public announcement of such drills by Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The exercises will focus on preparations and deployment scenarios for non-strategic nuclear weapons, which are designed for battlefield use with lower destructive capabilities than strategic nuclear weapons.
EU ready for 'tough decisions to protect economy', von der Leyen tells China
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU's commitment to protecting its economy and security amid strained trade relations with China. Following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, she stated that while fair play from China benefits everyone, Europe will not hesitate to take tough measures to safeguard its economy and security.
EU announces $1 bn in aid for Lebanon to shore up economy, border security
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced $1 billion in aid for Lebanon during a visit, aiming to boost the country's socio-economic stability amid a severe economic crisis. The aid will support basic services like education and health. Von der Leyen also urged Lebanon to tackle illegal migration, emphasizing the EU's commitment to legal pathways to Europe while seeking Lebanon's cooperation in preventing illegal migration and combating smuggling. Lebanon hosts around two million Syrian refugees, facing challenges exacerbated by its economic collapse and political turmoil.
G7 powers to boost Ukraine air defences in face of Russian strikes
G7 powers are determined to bolster Ukraine's air defences, their foreign ministers said on Friday after repeated Russian air strikes which have wrecked power infrastructure and killed hundreds. The Group of Seven major powers -- Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Britain, the United States and European Union representatives -- has been fiercely critical of Russia's two-year long invasion of Ukraine.
An EU-wide survey shows that defense and security are among key issues ahead of upcoming elections
EU citizens prioritize defense and security due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, impacting the upcoming June elections. The Eurobarometer reveals a shift in priorities, with an increased interest in the June elections and voting importance highlighted amidst global tensions.
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