Newsflash

Russian strikes kill at least 26, injure over 200 in Dnipro

Russian missile strikes on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people and injured over 200 others. The attacks, which occurred on a Tuesday, targeted critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and kindergartens, causing significant damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a NATO summit in the Netherlands on the same day, highlighted the strikes as evidence of Russian President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The assault underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure by Russian forces. 🇺🇦💥

Trump claims 'win' as NATO agrees massive spending hike

In a significant development, NATO member countries have agreed to substantially increase their defense spending, a move hailed by U.S. President Donald Trump as a "monumental win" for America. This agreement comes amid Trump's persistent calls for European allies to contribute more to their collective defense. The increased spending is seen as a reaffirmation of the U.S.'s commitment to protecting its European allies, despite ongoing tensions and demands for greater financial burden-sharing within the alliance. The decision underscores a renewed focus on strengthening NATO's defense capabilities in the face of evolving global security challenges. 💪🇺🇸🇪🇺

Article 5: Trump reopens debate on NATO's mutual defence pledge

At a recent NATO summit, leaders agreed to significantly increase defense spending and reaffirmed their commitment to mutual defense, as outlined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. However, U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about the alliance's core security guarantee have raised concerns among European allies. Trump initially suggested that Article 5, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all, has "numerous definitions," but later affirmed the U.S.'s commitment to the principle. The ambiguity in Trump's statements has left some NATO members uncertain about the U.S.'s dedication to the alliance.

The summit in The Hague saw Trump push for a new defense spending target of 5% of GDP by 2035, up from the current 2% target. This demand was met with agreement from NATO allies, who saw it as a necessary concession to secure Trump's endorsement of a final declaration reaffirming their "ironclad commitment" to mutual defense. The increased spending is seen as a way to ensure that the U.S. continues to support the alliance, despite Trump's previous criticisms of NATO and questions about European allies' willingness to defend the U.S. if needed.

The summit also highlighted the evolving dynamics within NATO, with European leaders acknowledging the need for greater European responsibility within the alliance. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, whose country recently joined NATO, noted the emergence of a "more balanced NATO" with increased European involvement. Despite lingering doubts about Trump's commitment, his closing remark—"I stand with Article 5"—provided some reassurance, helping to maintain the alliance's foundational principle of collective defense. The summit ultimately resulted in a significant increase in defense spending commitments, which Trump hailed as a "great victory" for the U.S. and the alliance. 🇺🇸🇪🇺

Zelensky and Council of Europe rights body sign accord for Ukraine war tribunal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed an accord with the Council of Europe to establish a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting top Russian officials for the "crime of aggression" in Ukraine. This historic agreement marks the first time the Council of Europe has set up such a tribunal, addressing the gap left by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which lacks jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. The tribunal will target senior Russian figures, potentially including President Vladimir Putin, for their roles in the invasion launched in February 2022.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of demonstrating that aggression leads to punishment, stating, "Every war criminal must know there will be justice, and that includes Russia." The next steps involve expanding the agreement to allow more countries to join and support the tribunal, with the goal of commencing operations next year. The Council of Europe, which includes 46 member states such as Turkey, the UK, and Ukraine, aims to ensure that international law applies equally to all, without exceptions or double standards. The tribunal's location has yet to be determined, but its establishment represents a significant step towards holding Russian leaders accountable for their actions in Ukraine. 🇺🇦⚖️

The gambit may even work

In a dramatic shift, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have executed a series of bold and unprecedented military actions, defying long-held assumptions and strategic plans. Netanyahu led the charge, decisively eliminating Hamas and Hezbollah, and striking Iran's nuclear facilities after dismantling its leadership. Initially hesitant, Trump ultimately supported these aggressive moves, even personally authorizing B-2 bomber strikes on Iran's nuclear plants, a stark contrast to his previous reluctance to use American military power.

This coordinated effort has temporarily reasserted the U.S. as a dominant global force, a role that had waned under previous administrations. The gambit appears successful for now, with Iran weakened and its allies hesitant to intervene. The drop in oil prices serves Trump's interests, potentially influencing Moscow's stance on Ukraine. However, the long-term consequences remain uncertain. The destruction in Gaza is likely to breed new, more brutal terrorist groups, and Iran's internal dynamics will undoubtedly shift. Meanwhile, other global leaders are observing these developments closely, potentially drawing inspiration or caution from Trump and Netanyahu's audacious strategy. The geopolitical landscape is in flux, and the ultimate impact of these actions is yet to be seen. 🌍💥

Zelensky, Europe rights body sign accord for Ukraine war tribunal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed an accord with the Council of Europe to establish a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting top officials responsible for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This tribunal will focus on the "crime of aggression" committed during the invasion, which began in February 2022. The court has the potential to try senior Russian figures, including President Vladimir Putin, for their roles in the conflict. This move underscores Ukraine's commitment to seeking justice for the ongoing war and holding accountable those responsible for the aggression. 🇺🇦⚖️

Land expropriation for Rail Baltica still not going smoothly

In Iecava parish, Latvia, the Mazputniņi plot is crucial for the Rail Baltica project, a major railway initiative. The state has been attempting to expropriate the land from its current owner, who demands an exorbitant price, ten times the offered amount. The expropriation process, initially supported by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2023, has faced delays in the Saeima, Latvia's parliament. Despite funds being allocated for this stage, the expropriation has stalled due to conflicting messages from the Ministry of Transport.

The Ministry of Transport initially requested a postponement of the expropriation bill, despite previously stating the land's critical importance for Rail Baltica. Officials from the ministry and the project's implementing body, European Railway Lines, have provided differing opinions on the urgency of the expropriation. While some insist the land is necessary for construction, others suggest that work can proceed without it, with plans to lease the land temporarily. This confusion has led to delays in the Saeima, with the Legal Affairs Committee awaiting clarity from the ministry. The situation highlights the complexities and challenges in acquiring necessary land for large-scale infrastructure projects, with stakeholders offering differing views on the urgency and feasibility of proceeding without the contested property. 🚄🏗️

High expectations for private universities

The introduction of private universities in Greece has sparked debate over their potential benefits and drawbacks. Proponents argue that these institutions will cater to students who did not secure spots in public universities or afford to study abroad, potentially diverting enrollment from less desirable state universities and foreign institutions. However, critics raise concerns about the quality of education and the potential for these universities to award degrees to functionally illiterate graduates, exacerbating an already significant issue in Greece.

The country has seen a dramatic increase in tertiary education attainment, with 44.5% of Greeks aged 25-34 holding a degree or master's by 2024. However, a substantial portion of these graduates struggle with functional illiteracy, highlighting deep-seated problems in the education system. The real challenge lies in ensuring that private universities maintain rigorous standards to prevent the proliferation of subpar degrees.

Moreover, the economic benefits of private universities remain uncertain. With an already high percentage of degree holders, Greece may not need more graduates in saturated fields like business, psychology, medicine, and law. Instead, the focus should be on enhancing public universities' research capabilities and infrastructure, as well as improving administrative services and security. By investing in these areas, Greece can bolster its tertiary education sector's contribution to the economy and foster a more competitive and innovative academic landscape. 🎓🏛️

Opposition to Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership now outweighs support in Poland

Public opinion in Poland regarding support for Ukraine has significantly shifted since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. A recent study by IBRiS, conducted for Defence24 and the Stand With Ukraine foundation, reveals a marked decline in support for Ukraine's EU and NATO accession. Only 35% of Poles now believe their country should back Ukraine's EU ambitions, and 37% support NATO membership, a stark contrast to the 85% and 75% support recorded shortly after the invasion. This change reflects a growing skepticism about Poland's preparedness for war, with only 8% of respondents rating their country's readiness as "good."

Despite Poland's historical strong support for Ukraine, including substantial military, humanitarian, and economic aid, public sentiment has cooled. While a narrow majority (52%) still agree that Poland should support Ukraine in international forums, only 35% favor continuing economic aid, and 46% advocate for reducing or halting military support. This shift is influenced by recent political developments, including the election of President Karol Nawrocki, who opposes Ukraine's immediate EU entry but acknowledges the need to support Ukraine due to the Russian threat.

The study also highlights concerns about Poland's security and defense spending. Although 50% of Poles support increased defense spending, which is already at 4.7% of GDP, the highest in NATO, there is uncertainty about U.S. support. Only 57% believe the U.S. would militarily support Poland if attacked by Russia, with 18% doubting such assistance. This skepticism is mirrored in a Pew Research Center survey, which shows a significant drop in confidence in U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership, from 75% under Joe Biden to 35% currently.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, 62% of Poles believe Ukraine should engage in peace talks with Russia, even without a ceasefire, and 35% think Kyiv should accept territorial losses to end the conflict. This aligns with a broader trend, as a December 2024 CBOS poll found that a majority of Poles now support ending the war, even if it means territorial concessions. The study also reveals that 45% of Poles think supporting Ukraine enhances their own security, while 37% disagree. Only 15% favor sending Polish troops to Ukraine on a peace mission, with 64% opposed. 🇵🇱🇺🇦

FULL LIST: The Swedish jobs with the best chance of finding work right now

A recent study by the Public Employment Service in Sweden has revealed a significant labor shortage across nearly one-third of the country's professions, with 53 out of 163 roles experiencing a critical lack of skilled workers. The most acute shortages are in nursing, electrical work, and IT, particularly among system developers. While there is also a demand for teachers, this need is expected to decrease due to a declining birth rate. Conversely, the aging population will increase the demand for healthcare workers.

The study highlights a "paradoxical situation" in certain professions, such as cleaning, pharmacy, and hospitality, where there is both a need for new staff and a potential labor supply. However, issues such as part-time work, skill mismatches, and skilled workers leaving the field hinder effective staffing. For instance, many waiters are currently registered as unemployed.

The report categorizes professions by region and industry, assessing the likelihood of finding employment as small, medium, or large. Notably, healthcare roles, including vets, physiotherapists, and various medical professionals, offer the best job prospects. Other promising fields include construction, IT, sales, craft professions, and hospitality. The study also identifies unique opportunities in roles like pizza bakers, cantors, and organists. The findings underscore the need for targeted workforce development and strategic hiring to address these labor shortages effectively. 📈💼

Poland to extend electricity price freeze until end of year

Poland's government has extended the freeze on household electricity prices until the end of 2025, a measure initially introduced in response to the energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the extension, ensuring that prices remain capped at 500 zloty (€118) per megawatt hour (MWh), significantly lower than the 623 zloty/MWh that households would otherwise face. The government subsidizes the difference between the capped price and the official tariff rate, providing financial relief to millions of families.

The decision to extend the price freeze comes amid falling energy prices and uncertainty over future market conditions. While energy companies, largely state-owned, had initially planned to bear the cost of maintaining the freeze, they have since indicated that a reduction to 500 zloty/MWh would be unsustainable without incurring losses. The average price on the TGE power exchange was just over 400 zloty/MWh in May, but suppliers remain uncertain about whether prices will drop sufficiently to allow for rates below 500 zloty/MWh in 2026.

Climate and environment minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska praised the extension, emphasizing the importance of price stability and predictability for Polish households. The government's decision to maintain the price freeze until the end of the year provides much-needed relief and security for consumers in the face of ongoing energy market volatility. 🏠💡

Denmark’s KFC restaurants shut down amid food safety revelations

All 11 KFC restaurants in Denmark are temporarily closing after a Danish broadcaster exposed serious food hygiene issues. The West European head office of KFC announced the shutdown, citing the need to find a new franchise operator, as the current franchisee, Isken ApS, will not continue. Former employees revealed that the franchise extended expiry dates on chicken and relabeled thawed products, practices that violate franchise agreements and food safety regulations.

The closures follow a series of poor hygiene ratings from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. Inspections in early June found that none of the KFC locations received the top "happy" smiley rating, with four restaurants earning the lowest "unhappy" smiley and seven receiving a neutral rating. Inspectors noted issues such as mold, dust, and improper food storage, including chicken kept at unsafe temperatures. The temporary closures aim to address these concerns and ensure that future operations meet food safety standards. 🍗🚫

Suspected Azerbaijani spy remanded in custody

A 26-year-old Azerbaijani man was remanded in custody on Wednesday after being arrested near the Souda military base in Crete on espionage charges. The suspect, who has not cooperated with authorities and refused fingerprinting, claimed during his testimony that he was a tourist and accidentally photographed military material while taking landscape pictures. Greek authorities are investigating whether the man is part of a larger espionage network and if he is connected to a 40-year-old Azerbaijani individual recently arrested for spying in Cyprus. The suspect was apprehended on Sunday at Souda Bay for allegedly photographing military vessels at the strategic naval base, which supports U.S. operations. 🇬🇷🕵️‍♂️

Oslo to get memorial for 2022 Pride terror attack

On June 25th, Norway's Culture Minister Lubna Jaffery announced that the government would allocate 5 million kroner to commission a memorial for the anniversary of the deadly attack that occurred on the same date in 2024. The memorial, to be overseen by Koro, Norway's public art body, aims to serve as a place of collective grief, reflection, and resistance, ensuring that conversations about the event and its implications for the queer community continue. The announcement, made during Oslo Pride week, was met with approval by Oslo Pride leader Dan Bjørke, who hopes the memorial will serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for queer rights and the importance of open dialogue.

The memorial is expected to be located on Rosenkrantz gate, the street where much of the shooting took place. The attacker, Matapour, targeted the London Pub, a popular gay hangout, on the eve of the Oslo Pride march. Matapour was subsequently convicted of serious terror offenses and sentenced to 30 years in prison, the maximum penalty under Norwegian law. The memorial is intended to honor the victims and foster a space for remembrance and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. 🏳️‍🌈🕯️

Crete scrambling to find accommodation for migrants amid surge

Crete is facing an urgent housing crisis for migrants as a surge in arrivals overwhelms existing facilities. Local officials in Rethymno and Iraklio have held emergency meetings to address the shortage of temporary accommodations, but mayors are reluctant to take responsibility, instead pushing the issue to the Migration Ministry to avoid local backlash. Seven mayors from the Iraklio regional unit have agreed to request immediate government contracts to cover the costs of food, housing, and transport for new arrivals. However, current facilities near Iraklio port can only accommodate 100 people, far short of the current demand.

Proposals to use abandoned cooperative warehouses have met with fierce opposition from local residents. The suggestion to house migrants at the Sultana Cooperative Organization facility near Mesara sparked significant resistance, with Viannos Mayor Pavlos Baritakis noting the strong reaction from residents. This crisis underscores Greece's ongoing struggle to manage migration flows, as local communities grow increasingly resistant to hosting temporary facilities despite the pressing humanitarian needs. 🏝️🏠

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

German business morale has reached its highest point in a year, with the Ifo Institute's confidence barometer rising to 88.4 points in June, marking the sixth consecutive monthly increase. This uptick reflects growing optimism that the new government will stimulate Europe's largest economy, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a manufacturing slump and high energy prices. The improvement in sentiment was particularly notable in the services and construction sectors, with around 9,000 businesses surveyed.

In a separate development, a German court overturned a ban on the far-right Compact magazine, which had been imposed by the previous government for promoting hate speech and anti-constitutional views. The court ruled that while some of the magazine's content was problematic, it did not meet the criteria for a ban. The magazine celebrated the decision as a victory for press freedom, while critics expressed concern about the spread of extremist ideologies.

Meanwhile, German authorities launched a nationwide operation against online hate speech and incitement, targeting individuals who have made extremist statements on social media. This effort is part of ongoing initiatives to combat hate crimes, which have seen a significant increase in recent years. Additionally, the World Health Organization criticized Germany's low tobacco taxes, stating that they are insufficient to reduce consumption and protect public health. The WHO recommended stricter tobacco control measures, including higher taxes, more robust support for quitting, and stricter advertising bans. 🇩🇪📈🚬

Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday

The European Commission has initiated an excessive deficit procedure against Austria, citing the country's budget deficit exceeding EU limits. Austria's deficit reached 4.7% of GDP in 2023 and is projected at 4.5% for 2024, surpassing the EU’s 3% threshold. Austria has until October 15th to present corrective measures, with the goal of reducing the deficit below 3% by 2028. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer asserts that Austria has submitted a compliant fiscal plan and that the current double budget aligns with EU rules.

In digital news, Austria has launched 'ID Austria,' a revamped digital identification app replacing 'Digitales Amt.' With over 3.9 million users, the new app offers improved usability, biometric login options, and direct alerts for renewals. The government aims to create a one-stop shop for administrative tasks and plans a summer roadshow to promote the app across all federal states.

A recent national education survey reveals that Austria’s school system is viewed as mediocre, with an average score of 3.1 on the 2025 Education Climate Index. Teachers were the most critical, while parents were marginally more satisfied. Common demands include competent and motivated teachers, improved cooperation, and public recognition for educators.

Austria is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 35°C in Burgenland and other regions. Despite a powerful thunderstorm, highs are expected to remain above 30°C into next week. Meteorologists note an unusually high number of heat days for June, with potential relief from a cold front late next week.

Health concerns include a sharp rise in hepatitis A cases, with 87 confirmed cases and three deaths from January to May 2025. Experts link most cases to poor hygiene in vulnerable communities and travel-related infections. The public is urged to maintain strict hygiene and consider vaccination, especially for those traveling or in high-risk settings.

In maternal health, caesarean deliveries accounted for 32.5% of births in Austria last year, a significant increase from 12.4% in 1995. Women over 35 and regional variations contribute to the rise in surgical births. Most births occur in hospitals, with a small share at home or in midwife-led centres. The average age of first-time mothers has risen by 4.5 years since the mid-1990s.

Due to security concerns, Austria has temporarily relocated its embassy operations in Iran to Baku, Azerbaijan. Over 140 people, including 70 Austrians, have been assisted in leaving Iran. The land border between Iran and Armenia remains open for those seeking to depart independently. Austrians in the region are urged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance. 🌡️🏥🏠🇦🇹

Swedish universities call for increased collaboration with China

Four prominent Swedish vice-chancellors have advocated for strengthening academic ties with China, highlighting the country's significant investments in cutting-edge research areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and renewable energy. In a joint opinion piece published in Svenska Dagbladet, Martin Nilsson Jacobi (Chalmers), Anders Söderholm (KTH Royal Institute of Technology), Erik Renström (Lund University), and Anders Hagfeldt (Uppsala University) argued that Europe risks falling behind in economic development and technological innovation if it fails to collaborate with China. While acknowledging potential risks associated with such partnerships, they identified "neutral areas" like sustainable technology where these risks could be mitigated. The vice-chancellors emphasized that Europe's long-term security and scientific competitiveness depend on fostering strategic collaborations with China. 🇨🇳🔬

Turkey, US defense cooperation would help in hitting trade targets, Erdogan says

During a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the potential benefits of enhanced defense industry cooperation between the two nations. Erdogan stated that strengthening this partnership could significantly boost bilateral trade, helping to achieve the ambitious target of $100 billion in trade volume. The Turkish presidency highlighted that both countries possess substantial potential in various sectors, including energy and investments.

Erdogan also commended the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, underscoring the importance of dialogue in resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The discussion between the two leaders underscored the mutual interest in fostering economic growth and regional stability through collaborative efforts. 🇹🇷🇺🇸💼

CIA says Iran’s nuclear program “severely damaged” as Trump disputes media reports

The CIA has asserted that Iran's nuclear program has been "severely damaged" following recent targeted strikes, contradicting media reports that suggested a more limited impact. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that credible intelligence indicated the destruction of three key Iranian nuclear facilities, which would require years to rebuild. This assessment, backed by a reliable source, contrasts with reports from outlets like the New York Times and CNN, which cited a Pentagon assessment that the strikes delayed Iran's nuclear program by less than six months.

President Donald Trump has vehemently disputed these media reports, labeling them as "fake news" and accusing them of undermining the success of the mission. He announced a Pentagon news conference to defend the achievements of the U.S. military, emphasizing the bravery and success of the pilots involved in the operation. The conflicting narratives highlight the tension between official statements and media reports, with the CIA and the President presenting a more optimistic view of the strikes' impact on Iran's nuclear capabilities. 🌍💥