Newsflash

Russia strikes Kyiv and Odesa with 'terrifying' waves of drones and missiles, killing at least 15

In a devastating overnight assault, Russia launched a massive wave of drones and missiles against Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuring 116 others. The attacks, which President Volodymyr Zelensky described as "one of the most terrifying" strikes on the capital, Kyiv, came amid stalled peace talks and escalating tensions. The bombardment, which included over 440 drones and 32 missiles, targeted residential areas, demolishing a nine-story building and causing widespread destruction. The southern port city of Odesa was also hit, with one fatality and 17 injuries reported. The intensified aerial attacks coincide with Russia's summer offensive on eastern and northeastern fronts, where Ukraine is urgently seeking more military support from its Western allies. The strikes have raised concerns about the reliability of international support, particularly from the United States, as Ukraine faces ongoing aggression and civilian casualties. 💥🏙️

Fears of energy costs soaring

Tensions in the Middle East are driving up energy costs across Europe, sparking fears of a new energy crisis. Since the onset of the Israeli-Iranian conflict, oil and natural gas prices have surged by 7% and 6%, respectively, while electricity prices in Europe's wholesale markets have seen significant increases. France experienced a 102.8% rise, Germany over 31%, Hungary 51%, Bulgaria 44.7%, Austria 44%, and Greece 40%, with the average price per megawatt-hour reaching €91.93 on Monday.

Starting Wednesday, these price hikes will be passed on to consumers, with gasoline prices expected to increase by 20 cents per liter and diesel by 36-38 cents. The situation is particularly concerning for Greece and Eastern Europe, where summer demand, limited interconnections, and low water reserves are already straining the energy supply. At a recent Council of Energy Ministers meeting, Greece called for the activation of an energy task force to address the price disparities between Northern and Southeastern Europe. The task force's first meeting for Southeast Europe is scheduled for late June, with a plenary session in September. 💸🔋

U.S. citizen killed in Russian strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say

A U.S. citizen was tragically killed during a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials. The 62-year-old man died in the Solomianskyi district, near a residential building struck by debris from the assault. Emergency responders found him in a building across from the site where other victims were being treated, and medics pronounced him dead at the scene. His identity has not been disclosed.

The large-scale Russian attack targeted multiple areas of Kyiv, causing significant damage to a kindergarten, industrial infrastructure, and residential buildings. Authorities reported additional damage to educational institutions and non-residential structures, with at least 15 people injured in the assault. Ukrainian officials urged residents to remain in shelters as the air raid alert remained active throughout the evening. This strike is part of Russia’s intensified aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. 🇺🇸🇷🇺💥

Athens protests Turkey’s maritime zoning plan, says it lacks legal basis​

Greece has strongly protested Turkey's recently published maritime spatial plan for the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean, accusing Ankara of attempting to claim areas under Greek jurisdiction without legal basis. Maritime spatial plans designate zones for activities such as fishing, sea transport, tourism, aquaculture, and renewable energy projects. Greece argues that Turkey's plan lacks legitimacy under international law and is a mere "reflexive reaction" aimed at usurping Greek territorial rights.

In April, Greece submitted its own maritime spatial plan to the EU, citing geopolitical tensions in the region as a reason for the delay. Turkey, however, published its map, an academic work by Ankara University, this week, outlining its perceived rights and uses for the surrounding seas. Turkey maintains that its map aligns with EU laws and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Greece, however, insists that Turkey's plan does not define any exclusive economic zones and is not addressed to an international organization with the authority to impose such maps.

Greece has called on Turkey to cease its claims and has warned of taking "appropriate action in all international fora." Additionally, a separate Greek plan for a marine park in the Aegean Sea has drawn Turkey's ire, with Ankara stating it would not accept any unilateral actions on disputed geographical features. A high-level meeting between the two countries, part of an established mechanism to discuss differences, is anticipated to take place in Turkey this year. The ongoing dispute highlights the delicate geopolitical tensions in the region. 🌊🇬🇷🇹🇷

Greece aims to lead in tech and innovation, Mitsotakis tells Les Échos

Greece is positioning itself as a leader in technology and innovation, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis outlining his government's ambitious plans in an interview with French financial newspaper Les Échos. Since taking office in 2019, Mitsotakis has prioritized digital transformation, modernizing public administration, and fostering tech-driven economic growth. The country has made significant strides in digitizing public services through the Gov.gr platform, with over 1.4 billion digital transactions processed in 2023 alone.

Mitsotakis envisions the technology and innovation sectors contributing up to 10% of Greece's GDP in the long term, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI). He believes Greece's size and centralized project management capabilities give it a competitive edge in shaping Europe's AI landscape. The government is committed to leveraging AI to enhance public services, with notable achievements including an AI-powered cadaster system and the introduction of the Personal Citizen Number to simplify citizen-state interactions. Greece is poised to become a "start-up nation," driving innovation and technological advancement in the region. 🇬🇷💻

How alarmed should we be about Europe's tightening citizenship rules?

Across Europe, numerous countries are revisiting and tightening their citizenship rules, reflecting shifting political landscapes and public sentiments on immigration. Sweden has proposed extending its residency requirement to eight years and introduced stricter security checks, while Finland has already implemented an eight-year residency period for naturalization. Germany is considering scrapping a fast-track citizenship path for highly integrated individuals, and Italy has limited citizenship by ancestry to two generations. Denmark has increased citizenship fees and is exploring screening applicants for anti-democratic views. In the Nordics, Norway's potential right-wing coalition aims to tighten citizenship requirements, while France and the Netherlands are also considering stricter rules. The UK's Labour government plans to extend the residency qualification period as part of broader immigration reforms.

Professor Maarten Vink of the European University Institute notes that such changes are common in democracies, where political shifts often lead to legislative adjustments, especially when migration is a hot-button issue. While citizenship laws in Europe have seen dynamic changes, the most consistent trend is the growing acceptance of dual citizenship, driven by increased migration and gender equality. Most European countries adhere to the European Convention on Nationality, which sets a maximum residency requirement of 10 years for citizenship, with many countries opting for a five-year requirement. Despite recent tightening measures, the overall trend in Europe leans towards more liberal citizenship policies, with a focus on dual citizenship and family law developments. 🇪🇺📜

Iranians in Germany share 'mixed feelings' on Israel offensive

In the wake of Israel's surprise aerial campaign against Iran, Iranian expatriates in Europe are grappling with complex emotions. Many view the conflict as an opportunity to dismantle the oppressive regime of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which has long been criticized for human rights abuses and the suppression of dissent. However, this hope is tempered by deep concern for the civilian casualties and the humanitarian toll of the conflict.

Hamid Nasiri, a 45-year-old product developer in Frankfurt, exemplifies this internal struggle. He acknowledges that Israel's actions target the brutal Islamic government, offering a glimmer of hope for change. Yet, he is also deeply troubled by the loss of innocent lives, including women, children, and scientists. Similarly, an Iranian teacher in Frankfurt shares this sentiment, expressing her inability to reach a friend in Tehran and the anguish of being caught between hope for political change and horror at the ongoing violence.

In Berlin, an Iranian translator echoes these sentiments, feeling "torn" by the conflict. She hopes that the war might lead to the overthrow of the mullah regime, believing that such an outcome could justify the sacrifices made. The Israeli strikes, aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring atomic weapons, have resulted in significant casualties, including top military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran's retaliatory strikes have also claimed lives, further complicating the emotional landscape for those watching from afar. The conflict has left many Iranians in Europe in a state of emotional turmoil, torn between hope for a better future and the grim reality of the present. 🇮🇷🇮🇱💔

Latvia saw 9% wage growth in first quarter of 2025

In the first quarter of 2025, Latvia experienced significant wage growth, with hourly wage costs increasing by 9.3%, outpacing both Lithuania (9.2%) and Estonia (7.9%). Across the European Union, Romania led with the highest wage increase at 16.1%, followed by Croatia (13.5%), Bulgaria (13.0%), and Slovenia (11.9%). Poland and Hungary also saw substantial growth, with increases of 11.2% and 10.2%, respectively. In contrast, Malta and France recorded the lowest wage increases, at 1.6% and 1.9%, respectively. This data highlights the varying economic conditions and wage dynamics across different EU member states. 📈💰

'Scarier things to come': How foreigners view Germany's immigration crackdown

In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Union (CDU/CSU) parties have initiated a "migration turnaround," sparking a mix of concern and support among the public, particularly among foreigners living in the country. While some respondents appreciate the government's tougher stance on immigration, viewing it as a necessary political response or a means to ensure stability and fairness, others are deeply troubled by the harsh rhetoric surrounding the issue.

Many foreigners in Germany express fears of being scapegoated, discriminated against, or treated as "less German" due to the prevailing political climate. The government's actions, coupled with the inflammatory language used by politicians, have raised concerns about increased institutional racism and the potential empowerment of far-right ideologies. Some respondents worry that the government's policies may lead to a two-tiered society, where highly skilled immigrants are valued while others are marginalized.

Despite the varied reactions to the government's policies, there is a consensus that the current debate lacks nuance. Critics argue that the government's approach overlooks the significant contributions made by immigrants and fails to address the shortcomings of past integration efforts. Some respondents even accuse the government of hypocrisy, suggesting that the focus on immigration is a distraction from its own failures.

The overarching sentiment among survey respondents is one of unease, with many fearing that the situation could worsen, particularly if far-right parties gain more influence. The lack of clear communication and the populist tone of the government's policies have left many foreigners in Germany feeling uncertain about their future rights and status in the country. 🇩🇪🗣️

EU moves ahead with Russian gas ban despite Hungary, Slovakia vetoes

The European Union is pressing ahead with a ban on Russian gas imports, despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia. The European Commission plans to propose legislation on Tuesday to halt EU imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the end of 2027. This move, announced last month, aims to reduce the EU's dependence on Russian energy. Hungary and Slovakia vetoed a joint statement endorsing the plan, citing concerns over national sovereignty and energy security. However, the Commission intends to use a legal mechanism that allows the ban to pass with a "reinforced majority" of member states and the European Parliament, bypassing the vetoes. This requires support from at least 15 of the 27 EU members, representing at least 65% of the EU's population. Most energy ministers expressed support for the ban, although some raised concerns about potential legal and financial risks for companies with existing gas contracts. The EU's determination to reduce its reliance on Russian energy is clear, even in the face of dissent from some member states. 🇪🇺💨

Parliamentary report urges Paris to apologise for French Polynesia nuclear tests

A French parliamentary report released on Tuesday called for Paris to formally apologize to French Polynesia for the decades-long nuclear testing that exposed locals to dangerous radiation. From 1966 to 1996, France conducted 193 nuclear tests, primarily at the Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls, to bolster its atomic weapon arsenal. These tests, both atmospheric and underground, resulted in severe health impacts on tens of thousands of residents, creating a significant public health crisis that has largely been overlooked.

The report emphasized that an apology from France is essential for reconciliation and should be integrated into the 2004 law that granted French Polynesia semi-autonomous status. The tests are seen as a stark example of colonial disregard for the lives of islanders, fueling deep resentment in the region. Residents are also seeking compensation for those affected by radiation exposure, as only a few dozen civilians have received compensation since the tests ended. The report underscores the need for a formal apology as a crucial step towards healing and justice for the people of French Polynesia. 🌴💥

Queen of Trash: Sweden convicts 10 people in its biggest environmental trial

A Swedish court has sentenced five key figures in a major environmental crime case to prison terms ranging from two to six years. The case involves Think Pink, a waste management company found guilty of illegally dumping or burying approximately 200,000 tonnes of waste from the Stockholm area at 21 sites between 2015 and 2020, with no intention of proper processing. The waste included building materials, electronics, metals, plastics, wood, tires, and toys, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.

The Södertörn district court handed down the harshest sentence, six years, to Bella Nilsson, the former chief executive of Think Pink, for 19 counts of "aggravated environmental crime." Nilsson, who previously worked as a stripper and managed a sex club, was convicted of accounting crimes in 1998 and later won an entrepreneurship award in 2018. The other four defendants received sentences ranging from two to four-and-a-half years. The court found that the company's actions released high levels of toxic substances, endangering local ecosystems and public health.

Think Pink was hired by various municipalities, construction companies, and private individuals to dispose of waste but left it unsorted and abandoned. The court ordered the five central figures to pay 260 million kronor ($27 million) in damages for clean-up and decontamination costs. One notable incident involved a waste pile in Botkyrka that burned for months, near two nature reserves. The trial, which opened in September 2024, followed a lengthy investigation comprising over 45,000 pages of evidence. 🏭💨💥

Norway's king visits Arctic Svalbard 'to show that this is ours'

The Arctic region, particularly around Svalbard, has become increasingly significant geopolitically and economically as tensions between Russia and the West escalate and climate change accelerates ice melt. This heightened interest was underscored by U.S. President Donald Trump's recent threats to annex Greenland, citing national security concerns. King Harald V of Norway, accompanied by Queen Sonja, visited Svalbard to participate in the centennial celebrations of the Svalbard Treaty, which placed the archipelago under Norwegian sovereignty in 1920. This treaty grants nearly 50 signatory nations, including China and Russia, equal rights to exploit Svalbard's natural resources. Consequently, Russia maintains two settlements in the region, notably Barentsburg, where Soviet symbols are prominently displayed. China, too, has asserted itself as a "near-Arctic state," showing growing interest in the area. King Harald's visit aboard the royal yacht 'Norge' symbolizes Norway's commitment to upholding its rights and responsibilities in the Arctic, reinforcing the country's presence and control over the strategically important region. 🇳🇴🌍

North Korea to send military construction workers, deminers to rebuild Russia's Kursk region

North Korea has agreed to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to aid in the reconstruction of Russia's Kursk region, further solidifying the alliance between the two nations. Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu, during a visit to Pyongyang, announced that North Korea will dispatch 1,000 deminers and 5,000 military construction workers to support restoration efforts in the region. This move follows North Korea's previous commitments, including sending troops and conventional weapons to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The deepening military partnership between North Korea and Russia is evident in their collaborative efforts to repel Ukrainian incursions into Russian territory. North Korea's involvement has been significant, with reports indicating that thousands of North Korean laborers have been sent to Russia under bilateral industrial cooperation programs. Additionally, North Korea has suffered notable casualties, including 600 deaths, on the Russia-Ukraine battlefronts. This strategic alliance underscores the mutual support and cooperation between the two nations, as they work together to address security challenges and rebuild affected regions. 🇷🇺🇰🇵💥

Alūksne municipality included in Latgale Special Economic Zone

The Latgale Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been fostering economic growth in the Latgale planning region since 2017. This initiative offers entrepreneurs significant tax incentives, including discounts on personal income tax and property tax, with the potential for a full 100% property tax discount through local government support. The SEZ aims to stimulate development, particularly in border areas, and has recently expanded to include Alūksne. By February of this year, the Latgale SEZ Authority had secured 80 agreements with capital companies, attracting a total investment of €109.08 million. This strategic initiative is designed to boost entrepreneurship, create jobs, and drive economic prosperity in the region. 📈🏢

‘Greece won’t kneel’ – Samaras renews criticism of Mitsotakis over foreign policy

Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has renewed his criticism of the current government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, focusing on Greece's foreign policy, particularly its relations with Turkey. Speaking at a book launch, Samaras accused the government of being naive and failing to respond adequately to Turkish provocations. He also criticized the inclusion of Turkey in the recently announced Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense fund.

Samaras directed personal attacks at Mitsotakis, labeling him arrogant and dismissive of other viewpoints. He specifically targeted Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and National Security Secretary General Thanos Dokos, suggesting that Mitsotakis should rely solely on their advice. Samaras emphasized his duty to speak out for his country, asserting that Greece must not be left to face its challenges alone and that it will never capitulate. His remarks underscore the ongoing political tensions and debates within Greece regarding its foreign policy and national security. 🇬🇷🗣️

Spain finally says what caused its huge nationwide blackout

On April 28, Spain, Portugal, and parts of southwestern France experienced a significant power outage, plunging cities into darkness and disrupting essential services. The blackout, which cut internet and telephone connections, halted trains, and shut businesses, was attributed to multiple factors, including insufficient voltage control capacity and inappropriate disconnections by certain energy companies. Ecological Transition Minister Sara Aagesen highlighted that the Spanish grid operator, REE, and unnamed energy companies disconnected their plants inappropriately, exacerbating the issue. A programming flaw also contributed to the lack of voltage control, leading to an uncontrollable chain reaction that could have been mitigated with prior steps to absorb overvoltage problems.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez established an inquiry commission to investigate the incident, acknowledging that the probe could take several months due to its complexity. Initial hypotheses, such as a cyberattack or excess renewable energy production, were quickly dismissed. Aagesen confirmed that vulnerabilities and deficiencies in Spain's power grid security systems had been identified, and corrective measures would be proposed. The right-wing opposition has criticized the government's phase-out of nuclear energy and reliance on renewables, suggesting these policies increased vulnerability to blackouts. However, the government maintains that there is no evidence linking the crisis to an excess of renewables or the lack of nuclear power plants. 🌐💡

Spain says 'overvoltage' caused major April power outage

A major power outage that affected Spain, Portugal, and parts of southwestern France in April was caused by an "overvoltage" in the electrical grid, according to a government report. The surge in voltage triggered a chain reaction, leading to widespread disruptions in businesses, internet connectivity, transit systems, and other critical infrastructures. Ecological Transition Minister Sara Aagesen attributed the blackout to multiple factors, including insufficient voltage control capacity and inappropriate disconnections by certain energy companies and the Spanish grid operator, REE. The report highlighted a programming flaw and inadequate protective measures that contributed to the uncontrollable chain reaction. The government has recommended stronger supervision of operators, increased electrical capacity, and enhanced interconnections with neighboring countries to prevent future incidents. The outage sparked debates about the reliability of Spain's energy infrastructure, with the government dismissing claims that an excess of renewables or the lack of nuclear power plants caused the crisis. The European Investment Bank has since announced funding for a major electricity interconnection between France and Spain to bolster grid stability. 🔌💥

How alarmed should we be about Europe's tightening citizenship rules?

Across Europe, numerous countries are revisiting and tightening their citizenship rules, reflecting shifting political landscapes and public sentiments on immigration. Sweden has proposed extending its residency requirement to eight years and introduced stricter security checks, while Finland has already implemented an eight-year residency period for naturalization. Germany is considering scrapping a fast-track citizenship path for highly integrated individuals, and Italy has limited citizenship by ancestry to two generations. Denmark has increased citizenship fees and is exploring screening applicants for anti-democratic views. In the Nordics, Norway's potential right-wing coalition aims to tighten citizenship requirements, while France and the Netherlands are also considering stricter rules. The UK's Labour government plans to lengthen the residency qualification period.

Professor Maarten Vink of the European University Institute notes that such changes are common in democracies, where political shifts often lead to legislative adjustments, especially when migration is a hot-button issue. While citizenship laws in Europe have been dynamic, with changes varying in direction, a notable trend is the increasing acceptance of dual citizenship. This shift is driven by migration patterns and the need for gender equality in citizenship laws. However, most European countries must adhere to the European Convention on Nationality, which sets guidelines such as a maximum 10-year residency requirement for citizenship. Despite these changes, the core principles of citizenship laws remain grounded in international agreements and evolving social norms.

Orlen secures 1.7bn zloty for hydrogen projects from EU recovery funds

Polish state energy giant Orlen has secured over 1.7 billion zloty (€400 million) in EU post-pandemic recovery funds to expand its hydrogen energy projects. This investment will enable Orlen to produce clean hydrogen fuel and establish the necessary infrastructure to support its use across central Europe, playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions in sectors like transport and industry. The funds will support two major projects: Green H2, which involves building a hydrogen plant in Gdańsk using renewable energy, and Hydrogen Eagle, which aims to create nine hydrogen hubs across Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. These hubs will be powered by renewable sources and, in some locations, will convert municipal waste into hydrogen fuel. Orlen is also developing a network of hydrogen refuelling stations, with plans to have 111 operational by the end of the decade, making it a regional leader in hydrogen infrastructure. The company's efforts are part of Poland's broader green transition, supported by EU recovery funds aimed at promoting climate-related projects. 🌿💨