Newsflash

A game changer for France's military: How AI is transforming the defence industry

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to dramatically transform modern warfare, with its advanced algorithms enabling unprecedented analytical capabilities and precision targeting. Military experts are likening the impact of AI in defense to the revolutionary potential of the atomic bomb. Major global powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, are already engaged in an "intelligent arms race," vying for technological supremacy. France, determined not to lag behind, has announced a significant investment of €2 billion in defense AI by 2030. This strategic move aims to enhance the country's military capabilities and ensure its competitive edge in the evolving landscape of global defense.

In an exclusive report, FRANCE 24's Elena Volochine delved into the cutting-edge developments within France's defense sector. She met with French military personnel who are being trained to harness the power of AI, as well as the engineers who are developing these sophisticated technologies. Additionally, she engaged with top officials who are working on establishing a regulatory framework to govern the use of AI in military operations. The integration of AI into France's defense strategy is expected to bolster its national security and reinforce its position as a key player in the international defense arena. 🚀💻🇫🇷

Poland reintroduces controls on borders with Germany and Lithuania

Poland has reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania, effective from midnight between July 6 and 7, 2025. This move comes in response to growing domestic pressure, particularly over Germany's policy of returning migrants who crossed the Polish border unlawfully. Checkpoints have been established at 52 locations on the German border and 13 on the Lithuanian border, with constant checks at selected points. The controls aim to target specific vehicles and individuals without disrupting regular border traffic significantly. Shortly after the controls began, Polish authorities detained a car driven by an Estonian citizen transporting four Afghan migrants at the Lithuanian border.

The border controls are initially set for 30 days, with the possibility of extension. They are supported by 800 border guard officers, 500 territorial soldiers, 300 police officers, and 200 military police. The Polish interior ministry assures that the checks will cause minimal disruption for residents who frequently cross the borders for work, family visits, or other legitimate reasons. The government emphasizes that the controls are directed against illegal migration, not against law-abiding citizens. The move has sparked concerns about potential difficulties for border-area residents and has been met with criticism from Poland's right-wing opposition, despite similar practices under the previous government. 🇵🇱🚨

Houthi rebels claim attack on Greek bulk carrier Magic Seas

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for a recent attack on the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas in the Red Sea. The vessel, carrying iron and fertilizers from China to Turkey, was struck by missiles and explosive-laden drone boats, forcing its 19-member crew to abandon ship. The crew was later rescued by a passing vessel and is en route to Djibouti. The attack occurred about 100 kilometers southwest of Hodeida, Yemen, a Houthi-controlled port city.

In response to the attack, Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi-held ports and facilities, including Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power plant. Israel's military stated that these ports are used by the Houthis to transfer weapons from Iran, which are then employed in terrorist activities against Israel and its allies. The Israeli military also targeted the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle-carrying vessel seized by the Houthis in November 2023, which the rebels have been using to track vessels in the Red Sea.

The Houthi rebels acknowledged the Israeli strikes but claimed their air defense forces effectively countered the attack. The rebels also launched missiles and drones targeting Israel in retaliation, with reports of impacts but no injuries. This escalation comes at a delicate time in the Middle East, with a potential ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that further strikes would follow, stating that anyone threatening Israel would face severe consequences. The Houthi attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea have significantly disrupted trade, with over 100 vessels targeted between November 2023 and January 2025. 🌊🚢💥

OPINION: The French are right to shun air conditioning - even during heatwaves

France is experiencing its first nationwide heatwave of 2025, sparking a heated political debate over air conditioning. Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National advocates for a "grand plan for air conditioning," but left- and center-leaning politicians, along with a significant portion of the population, oppose this one-size-fits-all solution. While air conditioning is crucial for high-risk groups, such as the elderly and those in nursing homes, it is not the only answer to combating heatwaves.

Cities like Paris, not designed for extreme heat, face unique challenges. However, urban planning and design can significantly mitigate the effects of heatwaves. Paris is implementing a "vegitalisation" program, planting trees to cool the city, and exploring other adaptive measures. Blanket installation of air conditioning could hinder these efforts and exacerbate social inequalities, as only the affluent would benefit. Instead, improving insulation, installing shutters and fans, and adopting behavioral changes, like taking siestas, can make a substantial difference.

Moreover, widespread use of air conditioning increases outdoor temperatures and contributes to carbon emissions, perpetuating the cycle of climate change. It is essential to address the root causes of heatwaves and adapt to a warming planet rather than relying solely on air conditioning. The fear of heatwaves should motivate action towards sustainable and inclusive solutions. 🌡️🏙️

Travellers should expect checks at Polish border

Poland has announced the implementation of temporary border control measures at 52 points along its German border and 13 points along its Lithuanian border to tackle illegal migration. The checks, which will focus on vans, cars carrying multiple people, and vehicles with tinted windows, aim to ensure that drivers have valid travel documents. EU citizens can present a valid identity card, which officers will verify using special readers. The Polish government has assured motorists that these measures will be conducted efficiently to minimize disruptions.

Officials have also cautioned that attempting to cross the border in unauthorized areas may cause problems. This decision aligns with actions taken by other EU countries, including Germany, which have also reinstated temporary border controls in response to migration concerns. The Polish Border Guard has pledged to do everything possible to ensure that these measures do not inconvenience law-abiding motorists. 🚘🇵🇱🇩🇪

Ukraine says four dead, dozens injured in fresh wave of Russian strikes

On Monday, a fresh wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine resulted in at least four deaths and more than 30 injuries, according to regional officials. The attacks targeted both civilian and military areas, with fatalities reported in the Sumy, Odesa, and Kherson regions. In the Sumy region, two people lost their lives, while one fatality occurred in each of the Odesa and Kherson regions. The majority of the wounded were in the eastern regions of Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk. Ukrainian officials reported that strikes hit two recruitment centers, injuring four individuals in total. Additionally, Russian drones struck the capital, Kyiv, damaging buildings but causing no fatalities. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have captured a village in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region, marking the first such gain since the start of the invasion. The attacks come amid heightened tensions, following Russia's record aerial assault on Ukraine, which underscored President Putin's disregard for diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives. 💥🇺🇦

Atlas Aerospace unveils tactical drone alternative to DJI Mavic amid rising demand for European defense tech

The inaugural Drone Summit 2025 in Riga brought together global leaders in unmanned aerial systems to explore the future of drone technology across defense, industry, and innovation. Atlas Aerospace, a key player in the European drone coalition, showcased its latest developments and insights into the industry's trends.

Atlas Aerospace has developed a tactical drone as an alternative to DJI products, addressing a market gap created by U.S. restrictions on Chinese technology. The new drone, designed over the past two to three years, matches the DJI Mavic in price, size, and specifications but includes enhancements such as thermal cameras, a special radio module, and a GPS-free navigation system. This NO-GPS mode makes the drone harder to intercept, a feature that proved crucial during the early stages of the war in Ukraine.

The CEO of Atlas Aerospace, Ivan Tolchinsky, highlighted the significant impact of drones in modern conflicts, noting that even inexpensive models can cause substantial damage. The company aims to lead the European defense drone market and expand into autonomous systems for land and sea, continuing its innovation in defense technology. However, European companies face challenges competing with U.S. and Chinese manufacturers due to differences in investment scale, regulatory constraints, and manufacturing processes. Despite these hurdles, the drone industry is poised for rapid transformation, particularly in artificial intelligence, with Atlas Aerospace at the forefront of this evolution. 🛸🌐

Explosive device likely damaged Greek tanker off Libya last week, operator says

A Greek oil tanker, the Vilamoura, was likely damaged by an external explosive device while sailing off the Libyan coast last week. The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, operated by TMS Tankers, was en route from the Libyan port of Zuetina to Gibraltar with approximately 1 million barrels of oil when an explosion occurred in its engine room. The blast, which caused a fracture in the side shell plating and subsequent flooding, was attributed to an unidentified explosive device, according to preliminary investigations. Maritime security sources suggested that a limpet mine may have been responsible, marking the fifth such incident in the region in recent months. Despite losing maneuverability, the tanker was towed to Laconikos Bay in Greece, where it arrived safely. The crew members are reported to be in good health. 🚢💥

74 cases launched on pre-election law breaches in Latvia

The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) in Latvia has initiated over 600 investigations into potential violations of the Pre-election Campaign Law following the local elections held on June 7. Among these, 55 cases involve non-compliance with the law's procedures and restrictions, 17 cases pertain to the misuse of administrative resources for campaigning, and two cases concern the failure to submit required pre-election campaign announcements.

Some investigations have already resulted in decisions by KNAB, although the bureau is currently withholding details. Many of these probes are still underway, with the gathered information being evaluated. KNAB plans to release more comprehensive findings once all evaluations and examinations of the submitted declarations are complete. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the importance of upholding electoral integrity and ensuring compliance with campaign regulations. 🗳️🔍

Explosion on Greek-owned LPG Tanker in Russian port

An explosion on the Greek-owned LPG tanker Eco Wizard has caused an ammonia leak at the Russian port of Ust-Luga, approximately 160 kilometers west of St. Petersburg. The incident occurred during cargo loading at this critical Baltic Sea export hub, leading to the evacuation of the 23-member crew and the temporary suspension of port operations. Although Russia’s Transport Ministry described the leak as minor, reports indicate a significant blast. Emergency teams, including divers, have been dispatched to evaluate the damage and mitigate further risks. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

The Eco Wizard, registered in the Marshall Islands and owned by StealthGas—a company headed by Greek shipowner Harry Vafias—had set sail from Antwerp on July 3. Built in 2024, the vessel has a capacity of up to 40,000 cubic meters of liquefied gas. This explosion marks the sixth such incident this year involving ships at Russian ports and follows a similar blast on another Greek-owned tanker, the Vilamoura, in the Mediterranean just nine days prior.

The cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with theories ranging from mechanical failure to potential sabotage. The incident has gained additional scrutiny due to its timing, coinciding with the sudden death of Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoyt. Starovoyt, who was found dead in a suspected suicide shortly after his dismissal by President Vladimir Putin, had scheduled a special briefing on the Eco Wizard explosion. The circumstances surrounding the blast and the minister’s death have raised questions and sparked speculation. 🚢💥

A Europe of good intentions and little action

The Greek economic crisis of 2010-2015 highlighted the European Union's (EU) structural weaknesses and the lack of decisive leadership. The EU, designed for prosperity, was ill-prepared for economic turmoil, leading to a prolonged and painful crisis. The EU's leadership has since grown weaker, often constrained by coalition politics and slow decision-making processes. In contrast, leaders like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Xi Jinping exemplify a more assertive and unilateral style of governance, which, while controversial, allows for swift decision-making.

The EU's response to crises, including the recent pandemic, has been marked by good intentions and extensive reports, such as the Draghi report, but has lacked concrete action. The question remains whether the EU will produce strong leaders capable of navigating future crises and upholding liberal institutions and traditional values. The current landscape is dominated by cautious, consensus-driven politics, which, while inclusive, may not be sufficient to address the challenges ahead. The EU's future may depend on its ability to foster decisive leadership and implement meaningful reforms.

Two crew killed in another attack on Greek-owned ship in Red Sea

In a span of 24 hours, two attacks on Greek-operated ships in the Red Sea have resulted in fatalities and injuries. The second attack targeted the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C, which was sailing 50 nautical miles west of the Yemeni capital, controlled by the Houthi rebel movement. The vessel, managed by Cosmoship in Piraeus, was struck by sea drones and small boats off the port of Hodeidah, leaving two crew members dead, two seriously injured, and two missing. The ship's bridge was hit, disrupting communications and making contact with the crew challenging. The Eternity C was en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when the attack occurred.

Earlier the same day, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on another Greek-operated ship, the Magic Seas, which they alleged had sunk. The ship's operator, Stem Shipping, could not independently verify the claim. The Magic Seas, carrying iron and fertilizer from China to Turkey, was struck by gunfire, rockets, and explosive-laden drones, causing it to take on water and risk sinking. All 19 crew members were rescued by a passing merchant vessel and were expected to arrive in Djibouti. These incidents mark a resumption of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping routes, after a period of relative calm. The Houthis had previously launched over 100 attacks in the region in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict. The recent attacks have raised concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in the area. 🚢💥

German factory output up despite looming threat of tariffs

Germany's industrial production saw a notable rebound in May, rising by 1.2% month-on-month, following a 1.6% decline in April triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs. This recovery surpassed analysts' expectations, who had predicted a slight decline of 0.1%. The resurgence was fueled by a significant increase in energy output and a robust performance from the automotive sector, which saw a 4.9% boost in production.

Overall, industrial production was up 1% compared to the same month last year, suggesting that the worst may be over for German industry. Recent strong production and orders data have fueled hopes of a recovery. Analysts, such as Carsten Brzeski from ING bank, believe that the rebound indicates more than just temporary "front-loading" due to anticipated tariffs. However, the outlook remains uncertain due to the impending U.S. tariffs on EU goods, set to take effect with a 20% rate unless a deal or further delay is reached. The economy ministry cautioned that the ability of manufacturing to regain momentum over the summer will depend heavily on the evolving trade and geopolitical landscape. 📈🚗

Backlash after German minister suggests cap on immigrant students in schools

Germany’s Education Minister, Karin Prien, recently proposed capping the number of students with a migrant background in school classes, suggesting a limit of 30 to 40 percent. This idea, inspired by measures in Denmark, aims to ensure that children can speak German when they start school. Prien advocates for mandatory language tests at age four and binding support measures for those needing help. However, her proposal has sparked immediate and widespread criticism. The Federal Government’s Integration Commissioner and the German Teachers’ Association argue that integration should focus on targeted support rather than exclusion. Opposition parties and education experts also express concerns, highlighting logistical challenges and the risk of stigmatization. The AfD, known for its anti-immigration stance, finds the proposal too lenient, calling for a lower limit of ten percent. Legal and constitutional barriers, along with the decentralized nature of Germany’s education system, make implementing such quotas highly unlikely. 🇩🇪🏫

London's St Pancras station signs deal to increase Eurostar capacity

The London-Paris train route, operated by Eurostar, is experiencing a surge in demand, with projections indicating that passenger numbers will triple by 2040, reaching 35 million annually. However, the current international departures area at St Pancras Station is already struggling to handle peak times, leading to overcrowding and long queues. To address this issue, Eurostar and St Pancras Station have signed a letter of intent to significantly increase the station's capacity.

In the immediate term, the focus will be on optimizing security processes and cross-border passage to improve service quality. This is crucial as post-Brexit travel rules have introduced more rigorous passport checks, including stamping, and the upcoming implementation of the EU's EES and ETIAS systems will further impact the flow of passengers. The architectural firm Hawkins\Brown has been commissioned to conduct a detailed design and feasibility study to reimagine the station's layout and processes, aiming to accommodate more passengers without altering the building's structure. This initiative is part of Eurostar's broader expansion plans, which include new destinations like Geneva and Frankfurt, and an increased fleet from the early 2030s. The project is essential for supporting Eurostar's growth and maintaining a seamless customer experience, as well as for managing potential competition from other train services through the Channel Tunnel. The goal is to create a more efficient and passenger-friendly environment at St Pancras, ensuring that the station can meet the demands of a rapidly growing number of travelers. 🚄🌍

Poland reinstates border controls with Germany, Lithuania to curb illegal migration

Poland has temporarily reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania to combat "illegal immigration," a move that follows a contentious presidential election where nationalist sentiments played a significant role. Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak announced the decision, emphasizing that the controls are necessary to manage irregular migration without inconveniencing Polish citizens or other EU nationals. The measures, effective from July 7 to August 5, involve setting up 52 checkpoints along the German border and 13 along the Lithuanian border, with a focus on spot inspections of vehicles carrying multiple passengers.

The decision comes amid tensions with Germany, as Poland has accused Berlin of sending migrants back across the border without proper authorization. Meanwhile, Poland aims to curb migrant influx from Belarus via Lithuania. The move is seen as a strategic effort by the government to address nationalist concerns and counter criticism from far-right groups, who have accused the administration of being too lenient on migration issues. The controls could be extended beyond the initial period, depending on the situation. 🇵🇱🇩🇪🇱🇹🚨

Student family immigration rises sharply, interior minister criticises reform

Finland has experienced a significant surge in residence permit applications from family members of international students, with numbers skyrocketing from around 1,300 in 2021 to over 12,000 in 2023, and an expected 15,000 this year. This increase follows 2022 policy reforms under Prime Minister Sanna Marin's government, which allowed students to receive residence permits for the full duration of their studies and expanded their work rights. These changes have attracted a new profile of students, often older and more likely to bring family members, primarily from countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and India.

However, the rise in student families has also brought financial challenges to light. In Tampere, one-third of those seeking food aid are now international students, highlighting the financial struggles many face. Some students arrive with unrealistic employment expectations, influenced by misleading information from intermediary firms. The current system verifies a student's financial situation only in the first year, even if their permit covers the entire study period, potentially leading to financial difficulties later on.

In response, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's government plans to tighten residence permit conditions and work with universities to preempt financial issues and address misleading marketing. A broader review will assess challenges related to students' and their families' livelihoods, potential system abuses, and national security concerns. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen has called for a full reversal of the 2022 reforms, advocating for stricter financial self-sufficiency criteria and more frequent reassessments. The goal is to ensure that international students and their families can support themselves throughout their stay in Finland, preventing financial hardship and potential abuses of the permit system. 🎓💸

Latvian central bank publishes third climate change report

Latvijas Banka has released its 2025 climate-related disclosures report, detailing its progress in managing climate risks and aligning investment strategies with global climate goals. The report, prepared in accordance with Eurosystem guidelines and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures recommendations, highlights significant strides in reducing the carbon footprint of its investment portfolios. Notably, the developed markets equity portfolio has achieved a 73% reduction in its carbon footprint since 2022, underscoring the effectiveness of the bank's decarbonization efforts.

Governor Mārtiņš Kazāks emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, stating that it is a present-day challenge requiring immediate and coordinated action. Latvijas Banka is committed to integrating sustainability into its investment decisions and promoting transparency. The bank recognizes the transformative impact of transitioning to a low-carbon economy and aims to play a constructive role in this shift. Kazāks stressed the responsibility of current actions for future generations, urging decisive and responsible measures. The full report is available on Latvijas Banka's website. 🌍📉

Migrant Channel crossings set the tone for Starmer-Macron summit

The escalating issue of migrant crossings in the English Channel will be a central topic during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the United Kingdom. Both nations are grappling with the record number of migrants making the dangerous journey, which has become a significant point of contention. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has pledged to regain control of Britain's borders, is under pressure to address the surge in crossings, which has increased by 48% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. The situation is politically sensitive, with the far-right gaining traction in the UK.

The UK and France are expected to announce new measures to curb these crossings, including potential changes to French laws that would allow police to intercept migrant boats closer to the shoreline. Additionally, a migrant exchange program is being considered, where Britain could return migrants to France, and France could deport individuals to Britain if they have the right to reside there. Macron is also pushing for an expanded agreement within the European Union to share readmissions among multiple countries.

The UK has already taken steps to combat people-smuggling gangs and has signed agreements with countries along migrant transit routes. However, strengthened cooperation with France is crucial for Starmer. The issue is further complicated by claims from French officials that Britain attracts migrants due to the lack of a national identity card, making it easier to work illegally. Starmer's government has intensified efforts to curb illegal work, with arrests increasing by 51% from July 2024 to May 2025. Despite these measures, experts suggest that the English language, family ties, and the UK's departure from the EU are key factors drawing migrants to Britain. Advocates like Rishan Tsegay, a nurse who fled Eritrea, urge leaders to focus on creating safe routes for migrants fleeing conflict, rather than portraying them as criminals. 🌊🛶

FT: Staff at Sanna Marin's employer took part in 'Gaza Riviera' plan

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has been linked to a controversial project aimed at economically revitalizing post-war Gaza, which included a proposal to incentivize half a million Palestinians to leave the region. The plan, outlined in a presentation led by Israeli businessmen and utilizing financial models from Boston Consulting Group, envisioned Gaza as a thriving trading hub with ambitious developments like a "Trump Riviera" and an "Elon Musk Smart Manufacturing Zone." The project drew criticism for its resemblance to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to resettle Palestinians and develop Gaza as a "Riviera of the Middle East," a plan widely condemned as ethnic cleansing.

The Financial Times' report on the project gained significant attention in Finland, particularly due to the involvement of former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who joined TBI as a strategic adviser shortly after leaving politics. While TBI denied direct involvement in the project, it acknowledged that two of its staff members participated in discussions related to the plans. The institute clarified that it opposes any efforts to forcibly displace Gazans and that its staff's involvement did not constitute endorsement of the proposals.

Critics, including the director of the Finnish Institute in the Middle East, Susanne Dahlgren, condemned the plans, highlighting the ethical and practical challenges of offering Palestinians a mere $9,000 to relocate. The controversy underscores the complex and contentious nature of post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with various stakeholders proposing divergent and often controversial solutions. 🇵🇸🏙️