Newsflash

Parliament approves Poland’s withdrawal from international anti-landmine treaty

Poland's parliament has approved a government proposal to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which commits signatories to eliminate anti-personnel landmines. The decision, driven by concerns over Russia's growing threat, aims to deploy mines along Poland's eastern borders. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz argued that Poland must prioritize its homeland security, aligning with similar moves by Finland and the Baltic states. The bill received overwhelming support, with 413 MPs voting in favor and only 15 against. It now proceeds to the Senate and then to President Andrzej Duda for final approval.

Poland, which ratified the Ottawa Treaty in 2012 and destroyed over a million mines, joins Finland and the Baltic states in withdrawing from the treaty. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed concern over these withdrawals, emphasizing the importance of upholding humanitarian norms. Despite the controversial nature of landmines, Poland and its allies insist on their necessity for defense, while pledging to adhere to international humanitarian law. The move is part of Poland's broader "Eastern Shield" plan to fortify its borders with Belarus and Russia, including minefields, anti-tank obstacles, and advanced monitoring systems. 🇵🇱💥

Russia still getting spare parts for Airbus, Boeing aircraft despite sanctions

Despite stringent Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the country has managed to import nearly €1 billion worth of aircraft parts for Airbus and Boeing planes. These parts, including engines and electronic systems with potential military applications, have been sourced through third countries like Turkey, China, and the United Arab Emirates, enabling Russia to keep its civilian aviation fleets operational. 🛩️

Both Airbus and Boeing maintain that they have complied with all relevant laws and sanctions, asserting that there is no legal method for exporting aircraft parts to Russia. However, an investigation revealed that around 4,000 shipments of Airbus or Boeing parts were sent to Russia between February 2022 and September 2024, involving over 360 firms worldwide. Many of these exports went to Russian civilian airlines, some of which are state-owned and generate revenue for the Kremlin.

Russia effectively seized approximately 500 Western-leased aircraft, valued at nearly €10 billion, when the sanctions were implemented. The UAE, which has not imposed sanctions on Russia, was the source of nearly one-third of the aircraft parts received by Russia since the sanctions began. Experts warn that Russia's reliance on non-genuine spare parts and old aircraft for spares could significantly compromise aviation safety in the country.

NATO leaders agree to increase defence spending to 5%

NATO leaders have agreed to significantly boost their defense spending to 5% of GDP, yielding to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to withdraw from the alliance's Article 5 mutual defense clause. This decision, reached on June 25, marks a substantial increase from the previous target of 2%. However, some member states, notably Spain, have expressed concerns about their ability to meet this new benchmark, leaving their commitment uncertain. The move underscores the growing tensions within the alliance and the U.S.'s assertive stance on defense spending. 💥💸

Polish justice minister requests recount of presidential election votes in 1,500 polling stations

Poland's justice minister and public prosecutor, Adam Bodnar, has requested a recount of votes from nearly 1,500 polling stations in the recent presidential election due to alleged irregularities. This move comes amid ongoing controversy and calls for a full recount by some politicians, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The request is based on analyses by Krzysztof Kontek and Joanna Staniszkis, which suggest potential anomalies that could have affected the election outcome. However, other analysts have disputed the methodology and significance of these findings.

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing over 54,000 election complaints and must issue a ruling by July 2. The legitimacy of the Supreme Court chamber handling these protests is questioned by the government and European courts due to judges appointed under the former Law and Justice administration. Critics argue that the current government's concerns about the election are politically motivated, as their candidate, Rafał Trzaskowski, lost to Karol Nawrocki. President-elect Nawrocki has urged Tusk not to challenge the election results, accusing him of attempting to "destroy democracy." The situation highlights deep political divisions and legal complexities in Poland's electoral process. 🇵🇱🗳️

Planes, trains and museums: France's 2025 summer strike calendar

France is bracing for a series of significant industrial actions this summer, with various sectors announcing strikes and disputes. Air traffic controllers are set to walk out, with the UNSA-ICNA union planning a two-day strike on July 3rd and 4th, coinciding with the start of French school holidays. The CGT union will join the strike on July 3rd. These strikes could disrupt travel plans and may be followed by additional actions if no agreements are reached.

The Sud Rail union has filed an open-ended strike notice for railway staff, including ticket inspectors, until September 1st. While the previous strike by Sud Rail did not cause disruptions, this strike could impact services, particularly during weekends or over two to three days, with specific dates yet to be announced. Meanwhile, employees of Vinci, which operates parts of the French motorway network, have filed strike notices, particularly affecting the A8 in southern France. The dispute revolves around working conditions and layoffs among maintenance and service station staff, though Vinci assures that drivers should not be impacted.

In Paris, museum staff at 14 institutions staged a one-day strike, highlighting stagnant pay and temporary contracts. Although the museums remained open, guided tours were disrupted. Additionally, drivers on Metro Line 3 have staged a strike, halting traffic completely, and are in dispute with management over working conditions. Taxi drivers are also in conflict with the government over medical transport fees and competition from VTC services like Uber, with potential for further roadblocks and site blockades. These actions underscore the ongoing labor disputes and potential disruptions across various sectors in France this summer. 🚧🚇🛬️

Wildfire destroys homes near Athens as crews battle ongoing blaze

A major wildfire near the coastal town of Palaia Fokaia, southeast of Athens, has destroyed at least 10 homes and threatens more, as firefighters battle multiple fronts amid high winds and extreme heat. The blaze, which started around 12:30 p.m. in low vegetation between Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, has prompted evacuations in several nearby areas, with over 40 people, including children, rescued by police. Authorities have deployed 170 firefighters, 64 vehicles, and 24 aircraft, along with volunteers, local agencies, and military support, to combat the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation, with arson experts on the scene. Smoke from the fire has traveled nearly 180 kilometers southwest, reaching the island of Kythira. The wider Athens area and several Aegean islands are at Level 4 on the wildfire risk scale, with extreme fire risk expected to persist through the weekend. Nationwide, 45 wildfires have been reported in the past 24 hours, highlighting the severe conditions facing Greece. Earlier in the week, a major wildfire on the eastern Aegean island of Chios was contained after four days, with one woman arrested on suspicion of arson. 🔥🏠🌳

German police shoot Afghan dead after officer stabbed

In the southern German city of Wangen, a tragic incident unfolded when police attempted to arrest a 27-year-old Afghan man to serve a prison sentence for assault. During the operation, the man unexpectedly pulled out a knife and attacked the officers, leading to a violent confrontation. In response, the police officers fired several shots, resulting in the man's death despite efforts to resuscitate him. One officer sustained serious injuries from multiple stab wounds but was not in immediate danger of losing his life. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the police use of firearms.

This incident occurs amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding immigration in Germany. Recent serious attacks by migrants, including knife assaults and vehicle rammings, have intensified the debate on immigration policies. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who assumed office in May, has implemented stringent measures to curb irregular immigration, including the refusal of entry to most undocumented migrants at Germany's borders. 🇩🇪🔍

Kay Bailey Hutchison: 'Europe can count on America, our Congress is overwhelmingly pro-NATO'

At the recent NATO summit in The Hague, U.S. President Donald Trump experienced a significant shift in his stance towards the alliance. Trump, who had previously criticized NATO members and even threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the organization, now finds himself embracing NATO more fervently than ever before. The summit was marked by effusive praise from NATO leaders, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who affectionately referred to Trump as "daddy." Additionally, NATO members pledged to increase their defense spending, a longstanding demand of Trump.

This newfound enthusiasm from Trump is a stark contrast to his earlier criticisms and threats. The summit also featured a pledge from NATO leaders to boost defense spending, a key demand of Trump's. The change in Trump's attitude towards NATO was evident, as he seemed to revel in the praise and support from his fellow leaders. The summit highlighted the evolving dynamics within the alliance, with Trump's embrace of NATO signaling a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. 🇺🇸🇪🇺

OPINION: Another week, another attempt to bring down the French government

In France, Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a tumultuous political landscape as he confronts two censure motions in the National Assembly. While these motions are unlikely to succeed immediately, they signal deeper issues within the French political system, particularly the internal strife within the Socialist Party and the strategic maneuvers of the Far Right. The Socialist censure motion, ostensibly about pension reform, is more about the party's internal divisions and its struggle to define its role in the political spectrum. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National is biding its time, waiting for the opportune moment to topple the government, driven by personal and party interests rather than a commitment to national stability.

The current government, already fragile, is likely to face further challenges when it attempts to pass the 2026 budget, which includes deficit-cutting measures. The Socialist Party's decision to bring a censure motion, despite a previous agreement to support Bayrou's budget, highlights the party's internal turmoil and its desire to align with more radical leftist factions. The pension reform debate, which has become a symbol of the Socialist Party's identity crisis, is unlikely to be resolved soon, further complicating the political landscape.

Bayrou's government, the fourth in eighteen months, is caught in a web of political maneuvering, with the Far Right holding the balance of power. The upcoming censure motions, while likely to fail initially, will weaken the government further, potentially leading to a new election in the fall. President Emmanuel Macron faces a difficult decision: appoint another fragile prime minister or call for new elections, which may not significantly alter the fragmented Assembly. The political instability in France reflects broader challenges in navigating a chaotic global environment, with domestic issues often overshadowing critical international concerns. 🇫🇷🏛️

Repeated gender issues raise questions about coalition stability

A contentious proposal to amend Latvia's constitution to recognize only two genders—male and female—has sparked a political debate within the ruling coalition. The opposition party Latvia First introduced the proposal, which was also backed by the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), a member of the ruling coalition. This move has drawn criticism from another coalition partner, the Progressives, who argue that the coalition agreement requires unanimous support for constitutional amendments.

Andris Šuvajevs, leader of the Progressives faction in the Saeima, expressed frustration over the ZZS's change of stance, stating that the coalition had previously agreed not to support the proposal due to a lack of unanimity. However, the ZZS maintains that their position aligns with the coalition agreement and that the issue of gender should be addressed legislatively. Economics Minister Viktors Valainis (ZZS) emphasized that the party believes in enshrining the two-gender perspective in the constitution or through other legislative means.

Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) acknowledged the differing opinions within the coalition but stressed the importance of maintaining government stability. She noted that while there may be disagreements, the primary goal is to ensure the coalition's continued functionality. The Saeima is expected to resume discussions on the gender issue in the autumn, following the holiday break. The debate highlights the ideological differences within the coalition and the challenges of achieving consensus on sensitive social issues. 🏛️🤝

A quick ceasefire

A recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran has been hailed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who is eager to capitalize on the diplomatic breakthrough. However, critics argue that the conflict might not have escalated if Trump had not been in office, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long sought U.S. support for a war with Iran. Netanyahu's repeated warnings about Iran's nuclear capabilities finally found a receptive audience in Trump, who, surrounded by sycophants, initiated the conflict. The ceasefire, achieved through social media posts, is seen as a hollow victory for Trump, while Netanyahu emerges as the true strategist, having successfully manipulated the U.S. president to serve Israel's interests. The ceasefire, however, does not address the underlying tensions, and Israel continues to face threats from extremist groups in the region. The U.S. military's bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, without clear guarantees, further highlights the reckless nature of the conflict. 🇮🇱🇮🇷💥

Senegalese man files complaint against France over father's WWII killing

In a significant legal move, lawyer Mbaye Dieng has filed a complaint in a Paris court on behalf of Biram Senghor, an 86-year-old man whose father, M'Bap Senghor, was killed by French authorities in 1944. M'Bap Senghor, a colonial soldier for France, was among dozens, possibly hundreds, of African soldiers massacred in Thiaroye, Senegal, after demanding their unpaid wages upon returning from war-torn Europe. The French military's crackdown on these soldiers is one of the darkest chapters of French colonial rule, with the true death toll and circumstances surrounding the incident still shrouded in mystery.

Historian Armelle Mabon has documented the 1944 killings, revealing that French authorities initially lied about M'Bap Senghor's fate, first claiming he had not returned from the front and later labeling him a deserter. It was not until 1953 that France officially recognized his death. Last year, France acknowledged Senghor and five others as having given their lives for the country, but questions remain about the location of their remains and the full extent of the massacre.

Dieng accuses France of withholding archives and hiding the truth about the Thiaroye incident, while a French government source maintains that all relevant archives have been made available. Excavations in Thiaroye since early May have uncovered human skeletons with bullet wounds, suggesting the presence of mass graves. Biram Senghor, the sole surviving descendant of the slain soldiers, seeks reparations and the truth about his father's burial. The case highlights the enduring legacy of colonial injustices and the ongoing struggle for recognition and reparations by the families of African soldiers who fought for France. 🇫🇷🇸🇳💔

Switzerland and the US in spat over cost of F-35 fighter jets

Switzerland is facing a significant financial dispute with the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) over the purchase of F-35A combat aircraft. The DSCA has indicated that Switzerland may incur additional costs due to U.S. inflation, rising raw material and energy prices, and other economic factors. However, the Swiss Federal Council is insisting on the validity of the previously agreed fixed price, which was publicly confirmed by the U.S. embassy in Bern. The potential additional costs, ranging from $650 million to $1.3 billion, stem from uncertainties related to U.S. tariffs, inflation trends, and geopolitical risks.

The F-35A aircraft were selected in 2021 as part of a $6.2 billion contract, approved by a narrow referendum margin in 2020, to replace Switzerland's aging F/A-18 fighter jets. The new fleet is crucial for maintaining the country's airspace security and military neutrality, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. The Swiss government has tasked the defense ministry with finding a diplomatic solution to the dispute, emphasizing that terminating the contract would have severe consequences for the nation's defense capabilities. The investigation into the F-35A's selection, despite reported technical issues and high costs, is ongoing. 🛩️🇨🇭

62 cancelled flights on first day of easyJet strike in Spain

A three-day strike by Spain-based cabin crew for the low-cost carrier easyJet has caused significant travel disruptions, despite the Transport Ministry's mandate for minimum services. On the first day, numerous flights were canceled from major airports in Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Malaga, and Alicante, affecting destinations across Europe. The strike, organized by the USO union, aims to address wage disparities and precarious working conditions for Spanish cabin crew compared to their counterparts in other European bases.

The union reports high participation in the strike, with 85% of the 657 cabin crew members involved. USO demands equal pay for Spanish crew, citing significant wage gaps—Spanish crew earn the lowest salaries in Europe, with base pay as low as €10,500 annually for temporary contracts. The union also highlights the high cost of living in Spain's easyJet bases and the precarious nature of employment, with many crew members living in caravans due to housing affordability issues. USO has threatened an indefinite strike if negotiations do not commence and has criticized easyJet's management and the Transport Ministry for allegedly undermining the right to strike. Further strike action in August has not been ruled out. 🛬️💼

Spain's Interior Minister and UK's Home Secretary join call for Brits to get TIEs

The top officials in Spain and the United Kingdom's internal affairs have urged all British residents in Spain to exchange their old residency documents for new Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) cards. This call comes ahead of the EU's upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES) implementation, which could lead to Britons being treated as overstayers if they rely on outdated green certificates. The EES, set to begin in October, will enforce biometric passport checks and a 90-day rule for Schengen Area stays.

Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and the British Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, emphasized the urgency of this switch during a meeting in Madrid. The TIE, a biometric card, will be the only valid travel document for UK nationals in Spain, ensuring they are not subject to the 90-day limit and can bypass the EES system. The green certificates, often referred to as 'green cards,' will no longer provide exemption from registration once the EES is in effect.

The Spanish government has issued over 240,000 permanent and temporary residence cards to UK citizens since 2020, but an estimated 50,000 Britons in Spain have yet to apply for their TIE. To expedite the process, Spanish authorities have increased staffing in regions with significant British populations, such as Valencia, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands. However, some residents have reported difficulties securing appointments due to organized crime groups using bots to block online slots. Both ministers encouraged British residents to initiate the TIE application process promptly to avoid future complications. 🇪🇸🇬🇧🆕

Trump threatens to double tariffs on Spain amid Nato spending clash

At the conclusion of the annual NATO summit in the Netherlands, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to double tariffs on Spain, citing Madrid's refusal to commit to a 5% defense spending pledge. Trump criticized Spain's decision to maintain its current 2% spending level, despite NATO's goal of reaching 5% by 2035. He vowed to negotiate a trade agreement with Spain, imposing higher tariffs if necessary, to compensate for the perceived shortfall in defense spending. Trump acknowledged Spain's economic progress post-pandemic but warned that tariff measures could jeopardize this growth.

Spain's reluctance to increase defense spending can be attributed to its geographical distance from Russia, natural defenses, and the left-leaning Sánchez government's focus on welfare and international issues like the Middle East crisis. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has claimed to have secured a short-term exemption from the 5% target, but NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte disputes this. The EU, as a customs union, will handle negotiations with the U.S., not Spain directly. Sánchez's isolation at the summit and domestic political challenges may make him welcome the international distraction, using the dispute to bolster his anti-NATO stance and shore up left-wing support amid corruption scandals. 🇪🇸💥

Mitsotakis calls for strategic EU approach to third-country relations

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged the European Union to adopt a more strategic approach in its relations with third countries that do not align with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Speaking at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, Mitsotakis emphasized the need for Europe to prioritize its strategic interests and avoid treating defense-related partnerships as mere business transactions. He welcomed the activation of the national escape clause, which allows member states to increase defense spending, but argued that a dedicated European financial instrument is necessary to support joint defense initiatives.

Mitsotakis also highlighted Greece's 12-year armament plan and stressed the importance of European support for the defense startup ecosystem, which fosters innovation and strengthens collective defense capabilities. Additionally, he called for cooperation with Libya to address the surge in migration flows from the North African country, emphasizing the need for a united European response to shared challenges. 🇪🇺🇬🇷🛡️

What the Trump-Sánchez Nato standoff means for Spain

In a recent escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Spain with increased trade measures, demanding that the country commit to spending 5% of its GDP on defense. This threat came after Spain's refusal to meet this demand at the recent NATO summit in the Netherlands. Trump vowed to "double" tariffs on Spain, targeting sectors like agri-food products and pharmaceuticals, which are crucial to Spain's export economy. However, experts suggest that implementing such targeted tariffs would be complex due to the EU's trading bloc structure, making it difficult to single out Spain without affecting other member states.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded by asserting Spain's sovereignty and reminding Trump that trade policies involving EU members must be agreed upon with Brussels. The potential impact on Spain's economy would likely be felt in sectors such as electrical appliances, machinery, and oils, with pharmaceuticals being particularly vulnerable. Historically, Spain has managed to mitigate similar tariffs by finding alternative markets, but this strategy may not be as effective for all products.

Domestically, Trump's threats could paradoxically strengthen Sánchez's political position. Amidst ongoing corruption scandals and political turmoil, Sánchez may benefit from the distraction of an international dispute. By standing up to Trump and challenging NATO's defense spending demands, Sánchez can appeal to his left-wing allies and portray himself as a defender against U.S. interventionism. This stance could bolster his support base and help him navigate potential confidence votes in Congress. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the actual implementation of Trump's threats, the political dynamics within Spain suggest that the U.S. president's actions might inadvertently fortify Sánchez's domestic standing. 🇪🇸🇺🇸

Orpo: Hungary and Slovakia must join in on Russian sanctions

At the EU leaders' summit in Brussels, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized the need for a united front against Russia, urging the inclusion of Hungary and Slovakia in new sanctions despite their opposition. The two-day summit aims to bolster support for Ukraine, address Middle Eastern tensions, enhance European defense, and strengthen the EU's competitiveness. Following the NATO summit in The Hague, Orpo stressed the alignment of EU and NATO goals, particularly in increasing defense spending and building a robust, independent European defense capability.

Orpo highlighted the necessity of fortifying the EU's eastern border, noting that the conflict in Ukraine underscores the importance of strong ground troops. Finland, with its extensive border with Russia, along with the Baltic states and Poland, is crucial in this defensive strategy. The summit will also focus on advancing Ukraine's EU membership negotiations, ensuring comprehensive support for the nation. Additionally, discussions will cover preparedness against hybrid threats, internal security, organized crime, migration, and key external relations, including the Western Balkans and Moldova. The overarching goal is to foster a more secure and resilient Europe in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges. 🇪🇺🇷🇺

Gov’t wants to cooperate with Libya to stop migration, PM says

Greece is seeking cooperation with Libya to curb the increasing flow of migrants from North Africa and the Middle East. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for Libya to work with Greece and the European Union to address this issue, emphasizing the need for immediate action. In response to the surge in migrant arrivals, Greece plans to deploy two frigates and an additional vessel off Libya’s territorial waters to deter migrants from reaching its southern islands, Crete and Gavdos.

Mitsotakis has also requested support from the European Commission to tackle the problem swiftly. He highlighted the significant increase in migrants from eastern Libya and announced that the EU’s migration commissioner, along with ministers from Italy, Greece, and Malta, will visit Libya in early July to discuss potential solutions. The ongoing instability in Libya, stemming from the 2011 uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, has left the country divided and weakened, exacerbating the migrant crisis. 🇬🇷🇱🇾🛳️