Newsflash

Polish factory in Ukraine deliberately attacked by Russia, says Poland

A factory in Ukraine owned by the Polish company Barlinek Group was severely damaged by Russian drones in a targeted attack. The strike, which occurred during a broader Russian assault using hundreds of Shahed suicide drones, resulted in serious injuries to six individuals, two of whom were severely burned. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski confirmed the deliberate nature of the attack, stating that drones struck the factory from multiple directions.

The Barlinek Group factory in Vinnytsia is a crucial part of the company's operations, producing around 40% of its wooden floor products, which are sold in 75 countries across six continents. The attack underscores the escalating threat posed by Russia's ongoing aggression, which is increasingly affecting civilian infrastructure and economic interests beyond Ukraine's borders. The Vinnytsia regional prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the incident as a potential war crime. This is not the first time a Polish-owned factory in Ukraine has been targeted; in September 2023, a factory belonging to the window manufacturer Fakro was hit by a Russian rocket, causing significant damage and financial loss. The recent attack highlights the urgent need for international support and protection for Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. 🇺🇦🇵🇱💥

Belarus calls for “dialogue with Poland to reduce risk of armed clashes” amid military build-up

Tensions between Poland and Belarus have escalated amidst a military buildup along their shared border. Belarus has proposed talks through the OSCE to reduce the risk of armed clashes, citing Poland's increased military presence and defense spending. Minsk accuses Warsaw of escalating regional tensions, though it omits the context of its own actions, such as orchestrating a migration crisis and supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. Poland's military measures are a response to these provocations and the broader threat posed by Russia. Belarus has also hosted joint military exercises with Russia and China near the Polish border, further heightening concerns. Despite Belarus' overtures for dialogue, Poland has yet to respond officially. The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing the other of escalating the conflict. 🇵🇱🇧🇾💥

Sweden 'will contribute' to Trump's Ukraine weapons plan

In a significant shift, U.S. President Trump has announced a tougher stance on Russia, demanding an end to its war in Ukraine within 50 days or facing severe economic sanctions. This announcement comes alongside a deal with NATO, where European allies will purchase billions of dollars in U.S. arms, including Patriot anti-missile batteries, to be sent to Ukraine. Germany has already committed to buying two Patriot systems and playing a leading role in the initiative.

Several European countries have expressed support for the plan. Sweden's Defense Minister Pål Jonson highlighted Ukraine's urgent need for air defense due to constant Russian attacks. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen confirmed his country's readiness to contribute financially, while the Netherlands is considering the proposal positively. Norway, Canada, and Britain are also potential buyers, with Norway emphasizing the importance of air defense support for Ukraine.

The swift delivery of weaponry to Ukraine remains a critical concern, as the country faces nightly Russian bombardments. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte suggested that European countries could send existing weaponry from their stocks to Ukraine, which would then be replaced by new U.S. arms. However, the availability of advanced systems like Patriots is limited, and many countries have previously argued that they cannot spare more. Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo indicated that his government would evaluate each decision as more details emerge. The U.S.'s renewed leadership in supporting Ukraine has been welcomed by European allies, who acknowledge the difficulty of sustaining Ukraine's defense efforts without access to U.S. weaponry. 🇺🇸🇷🇺💥

Satellite data shows soil temperature rise of up to 10°C after wildfires

Satellite data from the National Observatory of Athens has revealed significant soil temperature increases of up to 10°C in areas affected by the August 2024 wildfires in Varnava and Penteli, northeast of Athens. Using high-resolution data from the Landsat-9 satellite, researchers compared surface temperatures from July 2024 to June 2025, noting that while most regions experienced typical fluctuations of 1–2°C, the burned zones showed dramatic temperature rises. The loss of forest vegetation has disrupted the local energy balance, leading to sustained elevated soil temperatures even 11 months post-fire. This phenomenon underscores the lasting impact of wildfires on local microclimates, potentially altering weather patterns and ecosystem dynamics in the affected regions. 🌳🔥🌡️

Migration fears turn Europe’s borderless dreams into traffic nightmares

Amid growing concerns over migration, several European countries have reinstated border checks, disrupting the once-seamless travel and commerce across the continent. Germany, Poland, Austria, France, Italy, and the Netherlands have all implemented stricter border controls, citing immigration concerns as justification. These measures, intended to signal tougher border enforcement, have led to significant traffic delays and economic strain, particularly in border regions like Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany, and Slubice, Poland.

The enhanced checks have slowed down cross-border traffic, affecting commuters, long-haul truckers, and local businesses. In Slubice, for instance, shops have reported a 20% revenue loss due to the delays. The economic interdependence between these cities has been severely impacted, with locals expressing frustration over the disruption of their daily lives and the erosion of the EU's free-movement ideal. Despite these challenges, governments continue to prioritize border security, with plans for further discussions on stricter migration policies. The situation highlights the tension between national security concerns and the economic and social benefits of open borders within the EU. 🚗🚔

Is the Student Visa still the easiest visa to get for Spain?

Spain offers several pathways for non-EU nationals to gain residency, including the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) for remote workers, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for those with sufficient savings and passive income, and the Student Visa, which has traditionally been considered the easiest option. However, recent changes to the Student Visa in May 2025 have altered the landscape.

The Student Visa now varies significantly depending on the type of course pursued. For language courses, the visa allows a maximum stay of two years, with renewal contingent on passing a language proficiency test after the first year. This option remains relatively straightforward and cost-effective, with language courses ranging from €3,000 to €7,000, making it cheaper than the €2,762 monthly requirement for the DNV or the €28,800 annual need for the NLV.

For those seeking longer stays, higher education courses such as Bachelor's or Master's degrees are required. These programs can be more expensive, with private university fees ranging from €2,400 to €30,000 for a Bachelor's degree and from €800 to €7,000 or more for a Master's degree. Public universities are generally more affordable but often teach in Spanish or regional languages. Additionally, applicants may need to prove previous qualifications, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.

The Student Visa application process can take 1-3 months, similar to the DNV and NLV. However, it must be applied for outside of Spain, unlike the DNV, which can be applied for while already in the country. Applicants for long-term Student Visas must also provide proof of financial resources and private medical insurance, adding to the complexity.

In summary, while the Student Visa remains a viable option for gaining residency in Spain, it is now more challenging to obtain than before. The ease of acquisition depends heavily on the type of course and the applicant's ability to meet the new requirements. 🎓🇪🇸

Emails suggest intern programme gave preferential treatment to president's son

The Finnish Institute for International Affairs (FIIA) faces scrutiny over its decision to grant an internship to Oliver Stubb, the son of President Alexander Stubb. Despite having less experience and educational achievement than other applicants, Oliver Stubb was selected for the internship, which focuses on Finnish foreign policy and security in Northern Europe. The FIIA defended his selection, citing his motivation and expertise, but documents obtained by Yle reveal that other applicants had more relevant work experience, including roles in embassies and language interpretation.

The internship requires applicants to secure their own funding, a policy that previously excluded students from the UK and US. However, Oliver Stubb applied just days before this policy changed, and emails suggest that the FIIA's HR chief encouraged his application despite funding uncertainties. Moreover, Oliver Stubb received slightly less financial support than other applicants, potentially making his internship more costly for the Finnish state. The FIIA's director briefed the institute's board on the selection process, but the details remain undisclosed. Multiple complaints have been filed with legislative authorities, questioning the fairness and transparency of the selection process. 📜🔍

Frustrated jobseekers lash out at recruiters as Finland's unemployment grows

In Finland, the surge in long-term unemployment has led to a rise in frustrated and distressed behavior among jobseekers, as reported by recruitment firms. The intense competition for fewer job openings has left many applicants feeling dejected and alone, with some even resorting to aggressive behavior towards recruiters. Recruitment directors have noted an increase in threats, insults, and accusations from jobseekers who feel their applications are ignored or unfairly dismissed. This shift in mood began last autumn and has worsened this spring, with the average unemployment duration hitting a record 70 weeks in May.

Recruitment firms like aTalent, Porkkana & Keppi, and Academic Work have observed a significant increase in the number of applicants per job opening, particularly in the IT sector. Jobseekers are now seeking more detailed feedback and support, leading to longer conversations with recruiters. In the Uusimaa region, over 10% of working-age people were unemployed in May, with Vantaa being the hardest hit at nearly 14%. The desperation is palpable, with jobseekers in Vantaa often expressing hopelessness and crying during consultations, especially when basic needs are at risk. Even young jobseekers applying for their first summer jobs face stiff competition from highly educated adults, further exacerbating the sense of frustration and despair. 😞💼

Lengthy labour dispute costs Finnair tens of millions of euros

Finland’s national airline, Finnair, reported a significant decline in its second-quarter operating results for 2025, with a comparable operating result of €10.3 million, down from €43.6 million in the same period last year. The downturn was largely attributed to extensive industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU), which led to the cancellation of over 1,300 flights and affected approximately 100,000 customers. The strikes, which involved airport ground staff, had a direct negative impact of around €29 million on Finnair's operations, with the total cost exceeding €50 million by the end of June.

Despite the disruptions, Finnair managed to operate 94% of its flights as planned. The prolonged industrial action, lasting six months, finally concluded over the weekend with an agreement between the IAU and Palta, the employers in the service sector. The new collective agreement will remain in effect for about 18 months, providing a period of stability for both the airline and its employees. 🛬️💼

Great tax revenue overshoot

Greece has experienced a significant tax revenue surplus over the past three years, with an excess of €17.7 billion collected from 2022 to 2024. Initially, the government projected tax revenues of €169.76 billion for this period, but actual collections reached €187.4 billion. This surplus has been primarily allocated to permanent social benefits, allowances for vulnerable populations, and support for those affected by natural disasters.

The surplus can be attributed to several factors, including a rise in electronic transactions, which reduced tax evasion and uncovered undeclared income. Additionally, inflation-driven price increases boosted value-added tax (VAT) revenues. Indirect taxes, such as VAT and special consumption taxes, played a crucial role in generating this surplus, accounting for 54.5% of total tax revenues in 2024. The remaining revenue came from income tax and the Single Property Tax (ENFIA).

This fiscal windfall provides the Greek government with greater flexibility to implement additional social policy measures. These measures are expected to be announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair in September, offering potential benefits to various segments of the population. 💰📈

A hard lesson for Greek diplomacy

Greek diplomacy faces significant challenges in its dealings with Libya, a state marked by instability and external influences, particularly from Turkey. Recent developments, such as Libya's invitation to international energy companies and seismic surveys by the Turkish national oil company, initially sparked cautious optimism. However, this hope was quickly dashed as Libya's actions revealed a continued alignment with Turkey's interests, rather than a genuine shift in policy.

Libya's current state, characterized by weak governance and ongoing conflicts, makes it a pawn in regional power struggles. The 2019 Turkey-Libya memorandum, for instance, was signed under Turkish direction, with Libya's Foreign Ministry kept in the dark. Similarly, Libya's recent note verbale to the United Nations reflects Turkish influence, asserting claims against Greece that go beyond its existing exclusive economic zone (EEZ) agreement with Turkey. This stance disregards the significance of Greek islands like Crete and Gavdos, aligning instead with Turkey's position that islands should have minimal territorial waters.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Libya stands to gain more from the Turkey-Libya memorandum than from a potential agreement with Greece. Even if Libya were to stabilize, it is unlikely that any leader would overturn such a favorable, albeit illegal, agreement. The most practical solution, therefore, may be to encourage Egypt to appeal to an international judicial body, with Libya likely following suit. This could help resolve a strategically important area claimed by Egypt and included in the Turkey-Libya memorandum.

The key lesson for Greek diplomacy is clear: securing agreements with Libya and Egypt before 2019 could have prevented the Turkey-Libya EEZ delimitation. This underscores the importance of proactive diplomacy in a region where instability and external influences can quickly derail carefully laid plans. 🇬🇷🇱🇾🇹🇷

Primary surplus more than double target

The Greek government reported a significant fiscal achievement for the first half of 2025, with a primary surplus of €4.667 billion, more than double the target of €2.235 billion. This surplus also marks a substantial improvement over the €2.905 billion surplus recorded in the same period last year. Tax revenues played a crucial role in this success, reaching €32.296 billion, which exceeded the set target by €2.323 billion or 7.8%.

Despite this positive trend, the state budget deficit for the first half of 2025 stood at €416 million. This figure is notably lower than the targeted deficit of €2.795 billion outlined in the 2025 budget introductory report and also represents an improvement over the €2.256 billion deficit recorded in the same period in 2024. The data underscores the government's effective fiscal management and the positive impact of increased tax revenues on the overall budget execution. 🇬🇷💰

OPINION: Bayrou's budget has infuriated everyone and may force France into fresh elections

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed a bold but controversial budget plan, including a freeze on public spending (except defense), no inflation-linked increases in pensions or welfare, a tax on the wealthy, and the abolition of two public holidays. This ambitious program aims to cut the 2026 budget by €43.8 billion, addressing France's substantial public debt of €3.3 trillion. However, Bayrou faces significant political challenges, including a quarrelsome coalition, a minority in the National Assembly, and fierce opposition from both left and far-right parties. His strategy relies on public opinion shifting in his favor and negotiating a compromise with the Socialists, although his days as Prime Minister appear numbered.

Bayrou's fate hinges on two critical numbers: the €43.8 billion budget cut and the 289 votes needed to avoid a censure motion in the Assembly. His predecessor, Michel Barnier, was toppled after attempting a similar deficit-cutting budget. President Emmanuel Macron may need to appoint a new Prime Minister or, as a last resort, call a new legislative election, which is unwelcome by all major political players due to the upcoming presidential election in 2027. The political landscape is complex, with each party having its reasons to avoid an early election, despite the urgent need to address France's long-standing budgetary issues. The country may inadvertently stumble into a new election, as no clear path forward exists. 🇫🇷💸

Prosecutors seeks to strip Supreme Court chief justice of immunity to face criminal charges

Poland's rule-of-law crisis deepened as prosecutors requested the removal of legal immunity for Supreme Court Chief Justice Małgorzata Manowska, who faces charges of abuse of power. The allegations include allowing votes without the required quorum, failing to convene necessary meetings, and non-compliance with a court ruling to reinstate a suspended judge. Manowska, appointed by the former Law and Justice (PiS) administration, has been a vocal critic of the current government, accusing it of illegal actions. The prosecutors' move has been condemned by Lawyers for Poland, a group supporting PiS-aligned judges, who accuse the justice minister of political retaliation. The ongoing conflict highlights the deepening divide between the current government and officials appointed under the previous administration, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the rule of law. The situation underscores the challenges Poland faces in resolving its judicial crisis and restoring public trust in its institutions. 🇵🇱⚖️

New PM and US ambassador: What we know of Ukraine's government reshuffle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a significant government reshuffle, appointing economist Yulia Svyrydenko as the new prime minister and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as the next U.S. ambassador. This move comes amidst ongoing war with Russia and stalled ceasefire talks, as Zelensky seeks to invigorate his administration and strengthen ties with the United States.

Svyrydenko, known for her role in securing a natural resources agreement with the U.S., is expected to leverage her relationships with American political leaders to bolster Ukraine's economy and defense capabilities. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance Ukraine's standing with the Trump administration, which has been critical of previous aid packages but has authorized NATO members to support Ukraine's arms purchases.

Umerov, who has been involved in both defense management and peace negotiations, will focus on strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations, particularly in arms supplies. His appointment underscores the critical importance of military aid in the current geopolitical climate. Outgoing Prime Minister Denys Shmygal will take over the defense ministry, bringing his economic expertise to a sector plagued by corruption and organizational challenges.

The reshuffle has sparked criticism from political rivals and media outlets, who view it as an attempt by Zelensky to consolidate power and centralize control. Svyrydenko's loyalty to Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky's office, has raised concerns about further centralization and a lack of dialogue with opposition parties. Despite these criticisms, Svyrydenko has outlined her priorities as strengthening the economy, increasing arms production, and expanding support programs. The upcoming parliamentary votes to approve new ministers are expected to bring further changes, potentially including the energy ministry. 🇺🇸🇺🇦💥

HISK wins contract to build Rail Baltica section in Lithuania

Lithuania's infrastructure and building company HISK has secured a significant contract worth €83.4 million (excluding VAT) to construct a 12.1-kilometer section of the European-gauge Rail Baltica railway between Seta and Ramygala. This project is part of the Kaunas-Panevezys line and marks the second contract awarded to HISK by LTG Infra, the infrastructure arm of the state-owned Lithuanian Railways (LTG) group. The agreement, signed after a successful public tender, includes not only the railway construction but also the upgrade of three key regional roads, drainage infrastructure, a gas pipeline, power distribution grids, and the installation of noise-protection barriers. The work is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2027.

In addition to this project, Eurovia Lithuania and its Czech partner, Eurovia CZ, have previously been awarded a €11.8 million (including VAT) contract to build the initial 17.1-kilometer track between Seta and Ramygala. The European-gauge track from the Lithuanian-Polish border is already operational, facilitating military mobility and freight transport from other parts of Europe. This ongoing development underscores Lithuania's commitment to enhancing its railway infrastructure and connectivity within the region. 🚄🇱🇹

Ventspils rebuilds some junctions due to massive wind turbine delivery

In June, the port of Ventspils received the first shipment of massive wind turbine wings destined for Laflora Energy's wind park in the Jelgava region. The 87-meter-long wings, unloaded at Stena Line's terminal, represent a significant logistical challenge due to their unprecedented size. The port is undergoing adaptations to accommodate these oversized cargoes, with intersections being widened to handle trains up to 100 meters long, a first for Latvia. The reconstruction, costing around €100,000, is financed by Fulmenn UAB and aims to facilitate the transport of the massive wings to their final destination.

The arrival of these wings marks a unique event in Europe, as they are among the largest onshore wind turbine wings currently in use. The terminal manager, Mārtiņš Ziemanis, highlighted the logistical complexities involved in handling such enormous cargo, noting that the terminal's new electrically powered crane and previous experience were crucial in managing the shipment. The port expects to store 48 wings, which will be carefully cut at specific angles and transported to the wind park in August. This precise operation is a first of its kind and underscores the port's capability to handle heavy and oversized cargo.

The transport of these wind turbine wings is part of a broader effort to boost the port's cargo turnover, which has been significantly impacted by geopolitical factors in recent years. Despite a decline of 10 million tonnes per year in cargo, the port has seen a 14% increase in cargo this year as companies redirect their supply chains. The port of Ventspils is poised to play a crucial role in shipping equipment and wings for wind farms to various locations in Latvia and neighboring countries, contributing to the region's renewable energy infrastructure. 🌬️🏭

Europol-coordinated operation takes down pro-Russian hacking group

In a significant blow to pro-Russian cybercriminal activities, Europol and Eurojust orchestrated an international operation that dismantled the notorious hacking group NoName057(16). This group, responsible for thousands of cyberattacks targeting Ukraine and its allies, was disrupted through coordinated raids in 12 countries between July 14 and 17. The operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals, one in France and one in Spain, and the seizure of over 100 computer systems worldwide. Additionally, a major portion of the group's central server infrastructure was taken offline.

The hacking group primarily targeted Ukraine but expanded its focus to include countries supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, many of which are NATO members. NoName057(16) employed distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, overwhelming websites and applications with targeted requests until they became inaccessible. These attacks affected critical infrastructure such as electricity suppliers, public transport systems, and government sites across Europe.

The group's activities included 14 attacks in Germany, lasting several days and impacting around 230 organizations, including arms factories, power suppliers, and government agencies. They also targeted Swedish government and banking websites, as well as Swiss sites during key political events, such as a June 2023 EU speech by Ukraine's president and the June 2024 peace summit. Most recently, the Netherlands was attacked during the NATO summit in late June. Authorities issued seven international arrest warrants, including six for suspects based in Russia, with two believed to be the principal organizers of the group's activities. 💻🌐

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

Austrian property tycoon Rene Benko, aged 48, has been formally charged with fraud related to the collapse of his Signa real estate empire. Prosecutors allege that Benko concealed €660,000 in assets, defrauding creditors following Signa's 2023 bankruptcy, the largest in Austrian history. Benko, who remains in custody since his January arrest, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The investigation involves over a dozen suspects and estimated damages of €300 million. Signa's former portfolio included iconic properties like the Chrysler Building in New York and several major European department stores.

In a separate development, the operator of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road has launched a campaign urging cyclists to avoid peak hours to reduce accident risks. The initiative comes amid a surge in e-bike usage and bicycle-related accidents, which have risen from under 10% to 33% of all incidents on the road. Critics, including the Greens and cycling groups, advocate for car-free days instead.

Politically, Vienna’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Berlin branch of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD), despite the AfD being classified as a suspected far-right extremist group by German intelligence. The pact involves joint events and shared strategies on migration, security, and education, with plans to form a broader European network of right-wing urban policy alliances.

In legal news, a 16-year-old Austrian was sentenced to six months’ conditional imprisonment for involvement in Telegram chats discussing potential attacks on Vienna’s 2023 Rainbow Parade. The teenager confessed to supporting a terrorist association but denied active planning. Two co-defendants, brothers aged 19 and 22, deny involvement and will face further hearings. Additionally, prosecutors in Wels dropped charges against city employees seen making Nazi gestures at municipal parties, citing the gestures as jokes taken out of context, a decision condemned by anti-fascist groups.

On the healthcare front, Austria is expanding its free vaccination programme to include pneumococcus and shingles vaccines for at-risk groups, along with extending the HPV catch-up campaign for individuals up to age 30 until mid-2026. Health Minister Korinna Schumann emphasized the move aims to reduce healthcare inequality, ensuring that "health should not be a privilege." The new programme is co-funded by the federal government, social insurance, and the provinces.

Why France’s PM has Easter Monday public holiday in his sights

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed significant budgetary measures, including the potential removal of two public holidays, to cut over €40 billion from the annual government budget. Among the holidays under consideration are Easter Monday and May 8th, which commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. The proposal has sparked debate, as France is a secular state with a strong Catholic heritage, reflected in its public holiday calendar.

Easter Monday, one of the holidays suggested for removal, has historical roots dating back to the time of Emperor Constantine. However, its religious significance has waned over centuries, and it is not as widely celebrated as other holidays. Bayrou argues that eliminating Easter Monday could boost productivity and generate substantial savings, echoing Napoleon's past efforts to increase production by reducing public holidays.

The proposal faces significant challenges, including political opposition and public sentiment. Bayrou's position is weak, and it is uncertain whether his proposals will be approved or if he will remain in office. Moreover, the suggestion to remove Easter Monday has surprised many, given its long-standing place in the French calendar. Bayrou has indicated openness to discussing alternative holidays for removal, acknowledging the need to address public concerns. The potential changes aim to enhance productivity and generate billions for the state budget, but their implementation remains uncertain. 🇫🇷📅