Newsflash

Report warns of rising Turkish mafia presence

Greek authorities have uncovered a significant presence of Turkish organized crime groups within the country, with at least 10 identified gangs operating in Greece. Over the past five months, more than 80 suspects have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into an armed attack on Greek intelligence agents near Thessaloniki. A classified police report highlights the growing threat, warning that Greece could become a battleground for notorious groups like the Daltons, Baygaralar, and Sahinler, who often engage in violent turf wars to assert their power.

These criminal networks frequently infiltrate Greece through the Evros land border, often disguising themselves as asylum seekers. This raises concerns that they could be exploited by state-linked actors or intelligence services for covert operations, including hybrid warfare. Law enforcement has noted that gang members use short-term rentals to evade detection, with raids revealing caches of weapons, narcotics, and forged documents. The situation underscores the need for heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts to combat the escalating threat posed by these organized crime groups. 🚔🔍

Latvia voted into UN Security Council seat for 2026-7

Latvia has secured a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026-2027 term, marking a historic milestone as the country's first-ever tenure on the influential body. The UNSC comprises 15 members, with five permanent seats held by France, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The remaining ten seats are elected for two-year terms, with five countries joining each year. Latvia, standing unopposed in the Eastern European group, was elected to fill one of these seats.

Latvian officials expressed jubilation over the outcome, with President Edgars Rinkēvičs pledging to work towards a peaceful, rules-based international order and sustainable global development. Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Foreign Minister Baiba Braže both hailed the day as "historic" for Latvia, emphasizing the country's readiness to uphold international rules and defend global stability. The news was met with congratulations from numerous countries, acknowledging Latvia's new role on the world stage. 🌍🇱🇻

Greece at the heart of exciting developments on the energy front

Greece is emerging as a pivotal player in the energy sector, spearheading significant projects that connect the Eastern Mediterranean with Central Europe and even Ukraine. The country is at the forefront of initiatives like the "Vertical Gas Corridor," which aims to enhance energy security and diversify supply routes. These developments have caught the attention of major U.S. energy companies, including ExxonMobil and Chevron, underscoring Greece's growing importance in the global energy landscape.

The Eastern Mediterranean is rich in natural gas reserves, and Greece is strategically positioned to facilitate the export of this resource to Europe. The Vertical Gas Corridor is a key component of this strategy, designed to transport gas from the region to Central Europe, bypassing traditional routes and reducing dependence on Russian supplies. This project not only strengthens Europe's energy security but also supports Ukraine by providing an alternative to Russian gas.

Greece's efforts are part of a broader regional collaboration, with partners in the Eastern Mediterranean working together to develop and export natural gas. These initiatives are crucial for Europe's energy diversification and security, as they reduce reliance on a single supplier and enhance the continent's resilience to geopolitical risks. The involvement of U.S. energy giants further validates the potential and significance of these projects, bringing in expertise, investment, and global market access. As Greece continues to invest in and promote these energy developments, it solidifies its role as a key player in the region's energy future. 🌍💡

Appeasing Erdogan, losing the Med

The strategic landscape in the Eastern Mediterranean is rapidly shifting, with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan capitalizing on a rapprochement with U.S. President Donald Trump to advance his revisionist agenda. Erdogan's actions, including leading prayers for Israel's annihilation, pushing for a two-state solution in Cyprus, and conducting military exercises near Greek and Cypriot territories, have raised alarm bells among NATO allies. His regime's authoritarian tactics, including jailing opponents and sponsoring extremists, further undermine regional stability and alliance security.

Erdogan's incremental expansionism, reminiscent of historical appeasement failures, threatens to alter the strategic map of the region. From military drills to maritime provocations, his moves are calculated to erode security without triggering a decisive Western response. The recent TEKNOFEST defense expo in occupied northern Cyprus and protests by Turkish Cypriots highlight Ankara's military ambitions and the growing rift between Turkey and the community it claims to protect.

The strategic vacuum created by Trump's appeasement has fueled the rise of a Turkish-backed Sunni axis, destabilizing Syria and threatening regional allies. NATO urgently needs to address Erdogan's alliance abuse and establish clear strategic lines in the Eastern Mediterranean. Regional powers, including Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and others, must move beyond hollow diplomacy and define clear red lines against Erdogan's aggression. A formal Eastern Mediterranean security alliance, supported by key international partners, is essential to counter Turkish provocations and ensure regional stability. The time for decisive action is now, as the price of appeasement is too high to bear. 🌊🛡️

Expert: Ukraine’s drone strikes impact Russia’s longer-term strategic planning

Ukraine's recent drone strike on Russian airfields housing strategic bombers has dealt a significant blow to Russia's military capabilities and strategic planning. Security expert Rainer Saks highlighted the attack's far-reaching implications, noting that Russia has lost a substantial portion of its strategic nuclear deterrent. While Ukraine has previously destroyed some of these bombers, the latest strike is particularly devastating due to its scale and the additional loss of a Beriev A-50 early warning aircraft, a critical asset for Russia's air defense.

The attack underscores vulnerabilities in Russia's air defense, military defense, counterintelligence, and security services. Saks observed that Russia has yet to demonstrate a systematic response to regain control of the situation, suggesting a state of disarray. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Russia can still deploy its strategic air fleet and how it will adapt its military strategy in response to this setback. The loss of these strategic assets is a severe blow to Russia's military posture and highlights the effectiveness of Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities. 🛩️💥

‘Shameful’: Outrage in Italy as PM Meloni says she won’t vote in June referendums

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni broke her silence on the upcoming June 8th-9th referendums during Italy’s Republic Day celebrations, announcing that she would go to the polling station but refuse to pick up the ballots, effectively abstaining from voting. This move, allowed under Italian referendum laws, means she will not contribute to the required 50% voter turnout needed for the results to be valid. Meloni's decision sparked outrage from the centre-left opposition, which strongly supports the referendums, including a crucial vote on easing citizenship rules.

Critics, such as Giuseppe Conte of the Five-Star Movement and Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party, accused Meloni of attempting to undermine the referendums. They argued that her abstention is a strategic move to prevent the necessary quorum from being reached, reflecting her government's opposition to the proposed labour and citizenship reforms. Several members of Meloni's government have publicly encouraged voters to boycott the vote, with Senate Speaker Ignazio La Russa and MP Igor Iezzi advocating for abstention to block the quorum. The opposition has condemned this strategy, calling it a disregard for democratic institutions and urging a "democratic rebellion" to counter abstentionism. 🗳️🇮🇹

Two Turks arrested in Bulgaria over shooting of Greek agents

Two Turkish nationals were arrested in Bulgaria in connection with an armed attack on Greek intelligence (EYP) agents near Thessaloniki on May 27. The arrests occurred at dawn in the city of Svilengrad, close to the Turkish border, following a tip from the Hellenic Police. The first suspect, who allegedly drove the vehicle and fired at the Greek agents, was apprehended earlier in a mountain village in the Rhodope Mountains while attempting to flee through Bulgaria. The 49-year-old suspect faces charges of attempted murder, complicity, and illegal possession and use of a firearm. The suspects are believed to be associated with the notorious Turkish criminal gang known as the “Daltons.” Greek intelligence has been conducting a long-term operation to monitor and disrupt Turkish organized crime networks operating in Greece, with recent efforts focused on the Thrace region. 🇬🇷🇹🇷🔍

What the weakening of the dollar against the krone means for Norway

The Norwegian krone has strengthened significantly against the U.S. dollar, with the exchange rate dropping from 11.5 kroner per dollar in January to 10.1 kroner this week. Currency analysts predict that the dollar will continue to weaken, driven by several factors tied to U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. These include the impact of tariffs on U.S. economic growth, concerns over increased public debt due to expansive tax cuts, and proposed changes to foreign investment taxation. Norwegian financial strategists, such as Dane Cekov of Sparebank 1 Markets, Lars Mouland of Nordea Markets, and Nils Kristian Knudsen of Handelsbanken, agree that the dollar will likely remain under pressure for several years, influenced by growing international investor caution and the U.S.'s large budget deficits.

For Norwegian consumers, a weaker dollar presents both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, holidays to the United States, online shopping from American websites, and dollar-denominated goods and services become more affordable. A weaker dollar could also help lower prices on imported goods like electronics. However, a stronger krone hurts Norwegian exporters, particularly in sectors like oil, seafood, and maritime industries, as they receive less in kroner for every unit sold abroad. While the consensus is that the dollar may weaken further, experts caution that currency movements are influenced by various factors, including interest rates, investor sentiment, global economic trends, and political developments. Therefore, while Norwegian consumers may benefit from a stronger krone in the short term, the long-term effects on jobs and earnings in export-heavy industries remain a concern. 💸🇳🇴🇺🇸

Cost of Swiss glacier collapse could reach hundreds of millions of francs

On May 28, a catastrophic event unfolded in the Lötschental valley of Valais, Switzerland, as the Birch glacier collapsed, unleashing a torrent of scree, ice, and mud. The disaster, described as "virtually unprecedented" in scale and impact, devastated the village of Blatten, which had been evacuated just days prior due to the looming threat. The village, home to 300 people, was largely destroyed, with many houses now submerged in an artificial lake formed by the debris blocking the river Lonza.

The collapse was triggered by a series of rockfalls from the nearby Kleines Nesthorn peak, which deposited three million cubic meters of rock onto the glacier, increasing its weight and causing it to give way. While experts caution against directly linking the event to climate change, they acknowledge that thawing permafrost likely played a role in destabilizing the mountain. The search for a missing 64-year-old man, believed to have been in the danger zone, resumed with the aid of mountain specialists, dog handlers, and a mechanical excavator.

The Swiss Insurance Association (SIA) estimates the damage to be in the hundreds of millions of francs, although a precise figure is not yet available. The association has pledged to assist victims promptly and without unnecessary bureaucracy. The disaster has underscored the importance of early warning systems in mitigating the impacts of such events. Celeste Saulo, head of the World Meteorological Organization, highlighted that while the disaster is a stark warning about our warming world, it also serves as a message of hope, demonstrating the lifesaving potential of effective forecasts and timely evacuations. The event has reminded experts that even well-prepared countries must continually enhance their early warning systems to address emerging threats in a changing climate. 🌍🏔️

Citizens get single ID via Personal Number

In a significant move to streamline citizen interactions with state services, the country is introducing a unified Personal Number system. This alphanumeric identifier, consisting of three prefix characters and the existing tax registry number (AFM), will replace the four separate identification systems previously used, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and enhance digital services. The Personal Number will be issued starting Tuesday and will appear on identity cards from June 3, as well as being integrated into the digital Gov.gr Wallet application by the end of the month.

Citizens can obtain their Personal Number through the myinfo.gov.gr platform using Taxisnet credentials or by visiting Citizen Service Centers (KEP) and consular offices starting June 23, accommodating those with limited digital access or skills. The new system ensures that the four basic state registries maintain consistent, verified, and accurate data for each citizen, with robust data protection measures in place to comply with Personal Data Protection Authority regulations.

For the initial three months, citizens can select two of the three alphanumeric prefix characters. After September 5, Personal Numbers will be automatically assigned to those who have not yet obtained one. Existing identity cards without the Personal Number will remain valid until they are replaced or expire, with citizens having the option to request updated cards through standard procedures. This reform addresses the longstanding issue of Greece’s decentralized identification model, where separate registries maintained by different agencies have led to inconsistencies and update challenges. 🆔🇬🇷

Koran burned after theft from mosque in France

In a disturbing incident, an unidentified individual entered a mosque in the Rhône region of France, set a copy of the Koran on fire, and fled the scene. The attack occurred just days after a man with a history of posting racist videos fatally shot his Tunisian neighbor and severely injured a Turkish man in the southern town of Puget-sur-Argens. The suspect, a 54-year-old Frenchman, was swiftly arrested after his partner alerted authorities. He had previously called for violence against people of foreign origin in his online videos, pledging allegiance to the French flag.

The anti-terrorism prosecutors have taken over the investigation, marking the first time a far-right motivated racist attack has been classified as terrorism since the office was established in 2019. This incident follows another tragic event in April, where a man stabbed a Malian man to death inside a mosque, a case currently under regional prosecution.

France, home to the largest Muslim and Jewish communities in the European Union, has seen a rise in religiously motivated crimes. In a related incident, a Turkish-born man was convicted in London for burning a Koran, and Sweden has witnessed several Koran burnings, including one by Iraqi Christian Salwan Momika, who was later killed. These events highlight the growing tensions and the urgent need for measures to protect religious communities and promote social cohesion. 🕌🔥🚔

Police: New three-step phishing scam spreading in Finland

A sophisticated three-step scam targeting online banking credentials is rapidly spreading, according to the national Cyber-Enabled Crime Investigation Unit. Between April and May, approximately 30 cases of this multi-phase scam were reported, with the scheme originating from a Croatian number (+385). The scam begins with an automated call, purportedly from the victim's bank, alerting them to suspicious account activity. The victim is then connected to a fake customer service agent who claims that unauthorized transfers have occurred and that the victim must log in to a specific website using their bank credentials to cancel the transactions. This final step grants the scammer access to the victim's account.

The police have emphasized the importance of never sharing online banking credentials with anyone and have warned of the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes, particularly those involving phishing tactics. As new criminal methods continue to emerge, vigilance and awareness are crucial in protecting personal financial information. 💳💻🚨

Today in Denmark: A roundup of the news on Tuesday

Two companies, Stelton and San Pellegrino, have severed ties with the Danish prison service after revelations that detained asylum seekers at the Ellebæk Departure Centre were paid as little as six kroner per hour for work. The low wages, tied to the rate for work in ordinary Danish prisons, were further reduced by a requirement that detainees pay half their earnings toward future deportation costs. The meager pay was crucial for detainees to afford calls to their families using the centre’s coin-operated phone. Both companies expressed regret, stating they were unaware of the exploitative working conditions.

Meanwhile, the city governments of Copenhagen and Aarhus have decided to phase out Microsoft as their IT service provider, citing financial concerns, dependency risks, and geopolitical uncertainties under U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. The cities fear that deteriorating U.S.-Denmark relations could disrupt essential communication systems. Both municipalities have heavily relied on Microsoft Office programs and cloud services.

In a historical move, Denmark’s National Museum has acquired the paint-splattered suit worn by former Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen during a 2003 protest against Denmark’s involvement in the Iraq War. The incident led to enhanced security measures at the parliament building. The suit will be stored for potential future exhibitions, highlighting a significant moment in Danish political history.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has criticized a proposed NATO target to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2032, deeming it "too late." At a meeting of Nordic and Baltic NATO members, she advocated for a more immediate increase to 3.5% for armed forces and 1.5% for broader defense-related spending, emphasizing the urgency of bolstering European security. 🇩🇰💼

Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday

A German court has ruled that the new government's policy of rejecting asylum seekers at the border without adhering to the EU's Dublin Regulation is illegal. The policy, introduced by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt in early May, was challenged after three Somalis were sent back to Poland without proper Dublin checks. The court's decision underscores the necessity of following established EU procedures for processing asylum claims.

The controversial policy, implemented swiftly after the new government took office, aims to curb irregular migration and was a central promise of the ruling party's election platform. This crackdown comes amid rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured over 20% of the vote in the recent general election. The government argues that tougher migration policies are essential to counter the AfD's influence.

Meanwhile, a study by the charity Brot für die Welt highlights increasing pressures on civil liberties in Germany and Europe. The report places Germany in the second-highest "impaired" category, noting that while fundamental rights are generally respected, violations still occur, particularly during peaceful demonstrations and in the surveillance of activists. Only a handful of EU countries, including Portugal, Ireland, and Sweden, were classified in the best "open" category.

In a parallel development, Germany and France are pushing for greater European autonomy, aiming to reduce dependence on the U.S. and other foreign powers. An internal policy paper outlines plans for joint initiatives, including the creation of European-controlled cloud platforms and advancements in defense technology through a new Franco-German innovation agency. The proposal also seeks to ease financial regulations and pressure countries to take back rejected asylum seekers.

Despite a global boom in artificial intelligence, AI-related jobs in Germany remain scarce, according to a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation. From 2019 to 2022, AI job listings nearly doubled but still accounted for only 1.5% of all job ads, with growth stalling since then. Most AI positions are focused on development, particularly in machine learning and language models, rather than everyday AI applications. Experts caution that without better AI adoption, Germany risks falling behind in productivity gains and international competitiveness. 🇩🇪💻

“Fundamental freedoms respected” in Poland’s presidential run-off but concerns over financing, finds OSCE

In Poland's recent presidential run-off election, held on June 1, independent candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the opposition national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, emerged victorious. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) deemed the election "competitive and well managed," with fundamental freedoms respected. However, the OSCE report highlighted significant concerns, particularly regarding campaign finance regulations. The report noted that inadequate rules allowed several third parties to campaign extensively in favor of Nawrocki's opponent, Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate of the centrist Civic Platform (PO).

The OSCE's findings were based on observations from an international team of 42 observers from 24 countries. While the election was deemed free and fair, the report criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in campaign financing, particularly the involvement of third-party organizations and social media ads. The OSCE also pointed out the deepening political polarization and media bias, with state and private media outlets showing clear favoritism towards their preferred candidates. The report further highlighted issues with the independence of Poland's legal system, particularly the Supreme Court's chamber of extraordinary review and public affairs, which has been a contentious point since its establishment in 2018.

Despite these challenges, the high voter turnout of 71.63% reflected the strong commitment of Polish citizens to their democracy. The OSCE called on politicians to strengthen the trustworthiness and accountability of democratic institutions, emphasizing that genuine democracy is a shared responsibility. The victory of Nawrocki, who had never previously held elected office, marked a significant shift in Poland's political landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the future. 🇵🇱🗳️

Kela: Basic social assistance spending will exceed €1b this year

Finland is set to spend over one billion euros on basic social assistance this year, according to the national benefits agency Kela. This form of financial aid serves as a last-resort safety net for individuals struggling to cover essential living expenses. In 2024, spending on basic social assistance reached 825 million euros, marking a nearly 15% increase from the previous year and the largest rise among all benefits.

The number of social assistance recipients has also surged, with an additional 17,000 people receiving aid in April compared to the same month last year, bringing the total to over 150,000 households. This increase can be attributed to several factors, including Ukrainians in Finland gaining municipal residency and becoming eligible for social security benefits, as well as reductions in unemployment and housing benefits. Kela anticipates further increases in spending on student benefits, health insurance benefits, and unemployment benefits throughout the year. Conversely, spending on the general housing allowance is expected to decrease to approximately 1.35 billion euros, a reduction of around 300 million euros from the previous year. 💸🏠

Today in Norway: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday

The Norwegian parliament has achieved a significant consensus on drug reform, with the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Liberal Party, and Social Democratic Party backing the initiative. While initial proposals aimed for full decriminalization, the parties agreed on a more moderate approach: simplified fines for adults caught with small amounts of drugs. These fines will not result in a criminal record, and those who refuse to pay will be directed to counseling instead of facing legal consequences. This reform marks a progressive step in Norway's approach to drug policy, prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment.

In other news, train passengers west of Oslo experienced delays and cancellations on Tuesday morning due to a train breakdown at Nationaltheatret station. The stalled train blocked one of the tracks between the National Theatre and Skøyen, reducing traffic capacity and causing disruptions. Efforts to remove the train and restore normal service are underway. Meanwhile, in the Arctic, plans are in motion to build a new diesel-powered thermal plant in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The current reliance on backup diesel generators, which have proven unreliable, has underscored the need for a more robust energy solution. The new plant aims to secure the electricity supply for Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in the Norwegian archipelago, following the shutdown of its coal plant in 2023. 🚂🏭

US moves a step closer to closing consulates in Germany

The U.S. State Department has formally presented plans to Congress for a significant overhaul, which includes the closure of several consulates in Europe, sparking concerns about reduced access to essential services for American residents and visitors. The proposed closures, part of President Donald Trump's initiative to streamline the State Department, improve efficiency, and cut costs, target consulates in Germany, Italy, and France. In Germany, the consulates in Düsseldorf, Leipzig, and Hamburg are slated for closure, forcing U.S. nationals to travel to Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin for assistance. Similar closures are planned in Florence, Italy, and several cities in France.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the reorganization, stating it will create a more agile department better equipped to promote American interests and ensure global safety. However, critics argue that the plan may hinder U.S. influence abroad and allow adversaries to gain more influence. The State Department's workforce of around 75,000 employees, predominantly local hires, may face significant job cuts, with foreign nationals being the most vulnerable.

Consulates play a crucial role in assisting U.S. citizens abroad, providing services such as passport renewals, access to federal programs, emergency financial assistance, and support in legal and medical emergencies. The proposed closures could severely limit access to these vital services, leaving Americans in affected regions more vulnerable. 🇺🇸🏛️

Finnish MPs largely favour landmine treaty withdrawal proposal

Finland's government has proposed withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transport of anti-personnel mines. This move, primarily driven by security concerns due to Russia's aggressive stance, has garnered broad support among MPs, although some opposition remains. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen have argued that rearming with anti-personnel mines will enhance Finland's defensive capabilities in the face of evolving security threats. They maintain that allied countries understand Finland's circumstances and that the decision has been thoroughly assessed.

Supporters of the withdrawal, including Defence Committee Chair Mikko Savola and SDP leader Antti Lindtman, view anti-personnel mines as a necessary defensive tool, especially in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine. However, critics like Veronika Honkasalo from the Left Alliance and Oras Tynkkynen from the Greens have raised concerns about the humanitarian implications and the message it sends to the international community. They argue that using such weapons contradicts Finland's commitment to a rules-based system and could lead to civilian casualties. The government has assured that any use of mines would prioritize avoiding harm to civilians. The proposal is now under parliamentary review, with committees tasked to evaluate the significance of recent changes in warfare and weapons technologies. 🇫🇮💥

Reader question: Do I have to attend a ceremony to get Swedish citizenship?

The Swedish government, in collaboration with the Sweden Democrats, is implementing stricter regulations for citizenship and permanent residency. An inquiry in January proposed extending the residency requirement for citizenship from five to eight years, introducing a self-sufficiency requirement, and mandating language and civics tests for applicants. Additionally, the government considered introducing a mandatory oath of allegiance or ceremony for new citizens to emphasize the significance of citizenship. However, the inquiry recommended against this, citing administrative challenges and the sufficiency of existing voluntary municipal ceremonies.

Despite the inquiry's stance, the government has hinted at the possibility of overruling this decision, potentially making citizenship ceremonies mandatory in the future. For now, these ceremonies remain voluntary, and new citizens are invited to participate in their respective municipalities. Meanwhile, the Migration Agency has implemented a mandatory in-person ID check for citizenship applicants, separate from the voluntary municipal ceremonies. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the National Day ceremony if they wish, or to enjoy their day off as they prefer.