Newsflash

EU Summit focuses on Ukraine amid divisions over Russia sanctions

At the recent EU summit in Brussels, leaders convened to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for enhanced support, particularly in air defense, anti-drone technology, and ammunition. The call for an 18th round of sanctions against Russia was met with internal divisions, as Hungary and Slovakia obstructed both the proposed economic measures and a plan to gradually reduce Russian energy imports. The summit highlighted the ongoing challenges within the EU in presenting a united front against Russian aggression. 🇪🇺🇷🇺

European leaders push defense spend amid uncertainty over Trump aid to Ukraine

European leaders convened in Brussels for a crucial summit, focusing on pressing geopolitical issues, including the Israel-Iran conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The meeting followed a NATO gathering where leaders emphasized the need to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities, particularly by providing more tanks. However, progress on imposing new sanctions against Russia was limited. The summit underscored the urgency of addressing Ukraine's immediate military needs and the broader security challenges facing Europe, as leaders grappled with uncertainties surrounding potential U.S. aid under the Trump administration. The discussions highlighted the need for increased defense spending and a more united European front in the face of evolving geopolitical threats. 🇪🇺💥

Voridis among Greek officials linked to EU subsidy fraud, prosecutors say

A sprawling investigation into EU subsidy fraud in Greece has implicated several high-ranking officials, including former Agriculture Minister Makis Voridis. Prosecutors allege that Voridis, along with other officials, obstructed efforts to address systemic irregularities in subsidy allocation, enabling criminal networks to continue their activities. The scandal involves falsified land-use claims, fraudulent "young farmer" registrations, and inflated livestock declarations, all designed to illicitly access national and EU funds.

The investigation, which spans from 2019 to 2022, reveals a coordinated scheme to manipulate agricultural subsidies, despite previous EU penalties for similar misconduct. A controversial "neighbor land" scheme, introduced under Voridis, allowed grazing lands far from applicants' actual farms to be assigned, leading to the misallocation of tens of thousands of hectares across various regions. This scheme facilitated the continued misallocation of funds, despite earlier reforms aimed at curbing such practices.

The unfolding scandal has led to the resignation of five government figures, including Voridis, and a cabinet meeting is scheduled to address the issue. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has forwarded the case file to the Greek parliament, highlighting the severity of the allegations and the need for immediate action. The investigation underscores the deep-seated issues within Greece's agricultural payments agency, OPEKEPE, and the political interference that has allowed fraudulent activities to persist. 🇬🇷💸

Latvia to boost investment in European Space Agency

The Latvian government has approved an additional investment of €4.9 million in the European Space Agency (ESA) programs, reallocating funds from other EU support areas. This decision comes as Latvia, an associate member of the ESA since 2020, seeks to bolster its scientific and high-tech sectors. Since joining, Latvia has successfully implemented over 120 projects valued at €22 million, engaging 34 local organizations, including businesses, research institutions, and universities. The new funding will support Latvia's participation in the ESA National Programme and other confirmed initiatives, fostering international collaboration and delivering economic benefits to the country. This strategic move is expected to enhance Latvia's technological capabilities and integrate its scientific community into global space projects. 🚀🌍

Gulf shipping costs drop as Israel-Iran ceasefire holds

Shipping costs in the Gulf have decreased over the past two days following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. The conflict had previously raised concerns about potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies. As tensions eased, shipping rates for supertankers, which can carry up to 2 million barrels of oil, dropped from over $60,000 to around $50,000 per day. The Greek shipping ministry also relaxed its advisories for vessels passing through Hormuz, reflecting improved security conditions.

War risk insurance premiums for Gulf shipments have softened to between 0.35% and 0.45%, down from a peak of 0.5% earlier in the week. This reduction translates to significant cost savings for shipping companies, with daily expenses decreasing by tens of thousands of dollars. However, the situation remains volatile, and insurance experts caution that rates could rebound if tensions escalate again. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that any future U.S. attack would be met with strikes on American military bases in the Middle East, underscoring the ongoing geopolitical risks in the region. 🛳️💥

Climate minister: Solving emissions challenges will be up to next government

Finland's government has approved and submitted the Annual Climate Report to Parliament, highlighting significant challenges in achieving the country's 2035 carbon-neutrality target. The report, unveiled by Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala, indicates that emissions in the land-use sector, particularly agriculture and forestry, have increased, jeopardizing Finland's climate goals. The forest sector, once a net absorber of emissions, is now a source of concern, with the current government acknowledging that resolving this issue will largely fall to the next administration.

The current right-wing coalition, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, has faced criticism for its perceived inaction on climate change and policies favoring traditional combustion-engine vehicles. The government's climate and energy strategy, long overdue, is set to be published next week, outlining measures to address excess emissions. However, the coalition is divided on climate and environmental issues, with Finns Party leader and Finance Minister Riikka Purra advocating for the repeal of the Climate Act and dismissing the 2035 target as unrealistic. The path to carbon neutrality remains uncertain, with the burden of action likely to shift to future governments. 🌳📉

Tasoulas rejects Tsipras’ request to publish 2015 council minutes

President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas has declined a request from former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to release the minutes of the Council of Political Leaders meeting held on July 6, 2015. The meeting, which took place the day after a significant referendum, involved highly sensitive national discussions that remain classified. Tasoulas emphasized that the Council of Political Leaders operates informally and behind closed doors, with minutes kept confidential within the Presidency of the Republic. A similar request from Zoe Konstantopoulou, leader of the Course of Freedom party, was also rejected in August 2024 for the same reasons. The decision underscores the confidential nature of these high-level political consultations. 📜🔒

Germany's minimum wage to rise to €14.60 in two stages

Germany's Minimum Wage Commission has unanimously recommended a significant increase in the country's minimum wage, striking a balance between the interests of employees and businesses. The proposed raise, which will see the minimum wage rise by almost 14%, is set to be the largest increase agreed upon since the introduction of the minimum wage. This decision comes amidst political tensions, with the conservative Union party (CDU) and the centre-left SPD previously clashing over the planned increase to €15 by 2026.

The commission's chairwoman, Schönefeld, emphasized the importance of avoiding political intervention, while negotiators from both labor and employer sides acknowledged the challenges and pressures involved in the decision-making process. Labour Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) has committed to implementing the proposal, which will provide a substantial pay raise for millions of workers. However, the increase has sparked criticism from various sectors, with business leaders warning of potential job losses and economic impacts, particularly in retail and agriculture. Meanwhile, economists argue that a higher minimum wage could address labor shortages and make the job market more attractive to foreign workers. The decision underscores the delicate balance between economic growth, worker welfare, and political compromise in Germany. 💰🏢

Auschwitz Museum launches educational material on homosexuals imprisoned at the camp

The Auschwitz Museum has introduced new educational resources focusing on the fate of men imprisoned at the Nazi German camp for being homosexual. This initiative aims to highlight the often-overlooked history of homosexual victims of the Holocaust, who were persecuted under Paragraph 175 of the German Penal Code. This law, in effect from 1871 until 1994, criminalized homosexual acts between men, leading to imprisonment and, in many cases, deportation to concentration camps. The Nazis, in particular, enforced this law harshly, sending tens of thousands of men to camps where they were marked with a pink triangle.

The Auschwitz Museum estimates that at least 77 men were imprisoned in Auschwitz for homosexuality, although researchers suggest the true number could be as high as 136. Of these, at least 66 were killed in the camp, with 11 more perishing after being transferred to other camps. The museum's new online lesson and podcast, available in both English and Polish, provide a comprehensive look at the broader social and legal context of the persecution of homosexuals during the Third Reich. These resources underscore the diverse dimensions of Nazi terror and the importance of remembering all victims of the Holocaust. The educational materials are part of the museum's ongoing efforts to shed light on lesser-known aspects of the camp's history and to promote understanding of the broader implications of Nazi persecution. 🏳️‍🌈🏛️

Work permits and family reunification: Switzerland to impose new immigration rules

Switzerland is implementing significant changes to its immigration policies to address labor market needs and ensure uniform regulations across the country. For EU and EFTA citizens working in Switzerland, the government aims to tighten rules for those on temporary assignments or under labor leasing arrangements. Currently, over 6,000 companies in Switzerland are involved in temporary recruitment and leasing services, with workers often receiving short-term L permits. However, some workers have been granted residence permits (B) instead of the intended short-term permits (L). To rectify this, the government plans to revise the Free Movement of Persons Agreement with the EU to ensure consistent rules across all cantons. The Federal Department of Justice and Police will develop a corresponding project by the end of 2025.

Additionally, Switzerland is focusing on integrating immigrants who come to the country through family reunification. To better utilize their professional potential and address labor shortages, the government will require these immigrants to register with career guidance services. This measure aims to promote the professional integration of this group, which was the second most common reason for immigration in 2024, after gainful employment. The Federal Department of Justice and Police will develop a project by the end of January 2026 to include this requirement in the law. These policy changes reflect Switzerland's efforts to streamline immigration processes and maximize the contributions of its foreign workforce. 🇨🇭💼

'We want to open a new chapter in German-French relations': Germany's Europe minister

Germany's Minister of State for Europe, Gunther Krichbaum, has emphasized the need for a renewed and strengthened partnership between Germany and France, aiming to open a new chapter in their bilateral relations. This shift comes amidst growing tensions in the transatlantic relationship and the need for Europe to assert its own interests, particularly in defense policy. Krichbaum, a Francophile and fluent French speaker, believes that finding a consensus and fostering an atmosphere of trust between the two nations is crucial for European stability and security.

Under the new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, there is a renewed effort to mend strained relations with France, which had been tense during the previous administration of Olaf Scholz. Krichbaum acknowledges past differences but stresses the importance of unity and mutual trust. He advocates for a balanced approach to European investment, emphasizing the need to avoid excessive debt while ensuring fair conditions for future generations. While not ruling out increased European investment, he insists that national states must remain responsible for their own budgets.

On defense, Krichbaum is committed to boosting Germany's military spending, with plans to allocate 3.5% of GDP directly to defense and an additional 1.5% to infrastructure. This ambitious goal, though not immediately achievable, is seen as essential for European security. He also addresses the geopolitical landscape, noting the need for Europe to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, especially as the U.S. shifts its focus to the Pacific region. Regarding the conflict with Iran, Krichbaum supports measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, advocating for both diplomatic solutions and, if necessary, military action to dismantle Iran's nuclear facilities. 🇩🇪🇫🇷🛡️

Cabinet meeting to be held on Monday amid OPEKEPE scandal

A cabinet meeting is scheduled for Monday, following a series of high-profile resignations sparked by the OPEKEPE scandal. The meeting is expected to address potential government reshuffles and the ongoing investigation into the scandal. Government sources have clarified that each case involving officials named in the OPEKEPE case file is being examined individually, and that resignations do not necessarily indicate criminal liability.

The scandal has already led to the resignation of several top government ministers, including Minister of Migration Makis Voridis, Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Hatzivasileiou, Deputy Minister of Rural Development Dionysis Stamenitis, Deputy Minister of Digital Governance Christos Boukoros, and Secretary General of Rural Development and Food Giorgos Stratakos. The OPEKEPE case file, which was forwarded to Parliament by the European Prosecutor, has sent shockwaves through the government, prompting swift action and public scrutiny. 🏛️🔍

Hungary's Pride march ban a 'serious breach' of EU values: Sweden's EU minister

At a recent EU summit in Brussels, Sweden's EU Affairs Minister, Jessica Rosencrantz, addressed several critical issues, including Hungary's ban on a Pride march and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Rosencrantz condemned Hungary's decision to prohibit the June 28 Pride march, labeling it a "serious breach" of EU values and fundamental rights. She emphasized the importance of upholding principles such as the rule of law, anti-corruption, and the freedom to express one's identity and opinions. Rosencrantz called for the EU to utilize all available tools, including budget negotiations, legal interventions, and Article Seven of the EU treaty, to ensure compliance with these values.

Rosencrantz also highlighted Sweden's commitment to supporting Ukraine, noting that Europe has surpassed the U.S. in military aid to the country. She stressed the need for concrete support and maintained that Sweden, along with other Nordic and Baltic countries, is leading these efforts. Regarding the stalled talks on new Russia sanctions, Rosencrantz expressed optimism, citing the EU's successful agreement on previous sanctions packages.

On the situation in Gaza, Rosencrantz acknowledged the dire conditions and Sweden's significant humanitarian aid contributions. She criticized Israel's conduct in the conflict, stating that it is unacceptable and calling for pressure to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Rosencrantz also supported a review of the Israel-EU Association Agreement and potential sanctions against Israeli ministers hindering a two-state solution. 🌍🏳️‍🌈

Tsipras calls for release of 2015 political leaders’ meeting minutes

Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has called for the release of the minutes from a crucial political leaders’ meeting held the day after the 2015 bailout referendum. In a letter to President Konstantinos Tasoulas, Tsipras emphasized the importance of transparency regarding the events of that period, asserting that understanding the past is essential for navigating the present and future. The minutes, which include the positions and assessments of all party leaders, are vital for comprehending the political landscape and decisions made during the referendum and subsequent negotiations with creditors.

Tsipras highlighted that the Greek people’s will, expressed through the referendum, and the consensus among political leaders were pivotal in shaping the final agreement. This agreement, he argued, facilitated debt restructuring, secured financing, restored Greece’s international credibility, and enabled the country’s return to financial markets and political normalcy. As the tenth anniversary of the referendum approaches on July 5, Tsipras’s call for transparency underscores the enduring significance of those events in Greece’s political and economic history. 📜🇬🇷

80 flights cancelled on third day of easyJet strikes in Spain

The ongoing strike by easyJet cabin crew in Spain has led to significant flight disruptions, with 80 flights canceled across the airline's four Spanish bases on the third day of the strike. The affected routes include destinations such as Geneva, London Gatwick, Basel, and several other European cities. The strike, organized by the Spanish workers' union USO, aims to secure better pay and working conditions for easyJet's Spain-based cabin crew, aligning their wages with those of their counterparts in other European countries.

The strike, which began on Wednesday, has resulted in a total of 204 canceled flights over three days, with 124 flights grounded in the first two days alone. The cabin crew is demanding fair and equitable working conditions, citing the high cost of living in cities like Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, and Alicante. However, easyJet's management argues that comparing working conditions across different countries is not feasible due to local contract variations. The strike is scheduled to end on Friday, but the union has not ruled out an indefinite strike in August if no agreement is reached. The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving wage parity and fair working conditions for employees in the aviation industry. 🛬️💼

Germany charges Syrian youth over plot against Taylor Swift concerts

A 16-year-old suspect, identified as Mohammad A., has been charged with supporting a foreign terrorist organization and planning a serious act of violence that threatened national security. The teenager began following IS ideology in April of the previous year and, by July, was in contact with an Austrian young adult planning a bomb attack at a Taylor Swift concert. Mohammad A. assisted in translating bomb-making instructions from Arabic and facilitated contact with an IS member abroad. He also provided the Austrian with a template for an oath of allegiance to IS, which the individual used to join the organization.

The suspect was initially detained in September in Frankfurt an der Oder but was later released. The federal prosecutors' office in Karlsruhe filed charges on June 17 in a Berlin higher regional court, which will now determine the admissibility of the charges. The case is linked to the cancellation of three Vienna shows during Swift's "Eras" tour last summer due to a terror plot by IS sympathizers. Authorities detained three suspects, including a 19-year-old Austrian with North Macedonian roots, with the U.S. providing intelligence to aid the investigation. Swift expressed her fear and guilt over the concert cancellations on Instagram. 🎵💥

Italian chemical plant executives convicted in 'historic' water pollution trial

In a landmark ruling, an Italian court convicted eleven executives from Mitsubishi and Luxembourg-based International Chemical Investors (ICIG) for contaminating nearly 200 square kilometers of drinking water and soil through the Miteni plant near Vicenza, Veneto. The plant, operational from 1968 until its bankruptcy in 2018, produced PFAS, a group of over 10,000 human-made chemicals used in various consumer products. These chemicals, known for their persistence in the environment, have been linked to severe health issues, including liver damage, cancer, and reduced immune responses.

The court sentenced the executives to prison terms ranging from two years and eight months to 17 years, exceeding the prosecutors' initial request of 121 years in cumulative jail time. Four other defendants were acquitted. The ruling also mandated the companies to pay over €6.5 million in damages to the Veneto region and €58 million to the Italian environment ministry. Hundreds of civil plaintiffs, including Greenpeace and local families affected by the contamination, welcomed the decision, with Greenpeace Italy calling it "historic." The court's verdict underscores the severe environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination and holds accountable those responsible for the widespread pollution. 💧🏭🚨

HEATWAVE: Italy puts 21 cities under red alert on Sunday as temperatures soar

Italy is currently experiencing an intense heatwave, prompting the health ministry to issue its highest-level 'red' heat warning for 21 cities. The affected cities include Ancona, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Catania, Civitavecchia, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, Turin, Trieste, Venice, Verona, and Viterbo. The red alert, known as 'bollino rosso' in Italian, signifies heat levels that pose risks to the health and well-being of the general population, including healthy and active individuals.

The ministry advises people to avoid outdoor activities between 11 am and 6 pm, minimize physical exertion, and stay in air-conditioned spaces. Inland areas of central Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia are expected to reach daytime temperatures up to 40°C, while the north and south of the country will experience hot and muggy conditions with temperatures in the high 30s. Rome has set up Red Cross stations with cooling tents in strategic locations to provide first aid to those affected by the extreme heat. Ambulances and first-aid teams are also stationed around popular tourist spots like the Colosseum to respond to potential medical emergencies.

The heatwave is expected to persist into next month, with a slight drop in temperatures anticipated after July 2nd. This extreme weather pattern is part of a broader trend of more frequent and intense heatwaves in Italy, which experts attribute to climate change. The highest temperature ever recorded in continental Europe, 48.8°C, was observed in Floridia, near Syracuse, in August 2021. 🌡️🏙️

Lithuanian President discusses truce in Middle East

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has expressed that a sustained truce between Israel and Iran would significantly weaken the so-called "axis of evil," which includes Iran, Russia, and North Korea. This axis, according to Nauseda, fuels regional tensions and supports Russia's war in Ukraine. A lasting ceasefire could delay or even prevent Iran's nuclear ambitions, he suggested.

Recent escalations in the Middle East have seen Israel and the U.S. conducting strikes on Iran's nuclear and military facilities, with Iran retaliating against both Israel and a U.S. base in Qatar. Despite a ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, both Iran and Israel have accused each other of violations. Nauseda warned that a fragile truce could create another global hotspot, diverting attention from the Ukraine conflict and driving up oil prices, which would benefit Russia.

The Lithuanian president emphasized the interconnected nature of global conflicts, highlighting how instability in the Middle East could have far-reaching consequences, including bolstering Russia's position in the ongoing war in Ukraine. 🌍💥

Hungary maintains veto on Ukraine’s EU membership bid after referendum

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has reaffirmed his opposition to Ukraine's EU membership bid, citing a state-run consultation that provided him with a "strong mandate" to block Ukraine's accession. This stance was reiterated during the EU summit in Brussels, where Orbán, known for his nationalist policies and close ties with Russia, has consistently posed obstacles to Ukraine's integration into the EU. His position underscores the ongoing political tensions and divisions within the European Union regarding Ukraine's potential membership. 🇭🇺🇺🇦