Newsflash

Zelenskyy signs law weakening Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies, prompting protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a controversial law that significantly weakens the country’s anti-corruption framework, sparking widespread protests and international concern. The legislation, passed by the Ukrainian parliament, places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the oversight of the Prosecutor General, who is widely seen as politically dependent. This move effectively allows the president’s office to exert direct influence over anti-corruption investigations, raising fears of a rollback of the reforms established after the 2013–2014 Euromaidan protests.

Protesters gathered in multiple cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Poltava, and Odessa, to voice their disapproval, marking the first large-scale demonstrations since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The passage of the bill has drawn criticism from Western officials and Ukrainian civil society groups, who view it as a threat to the country’s democratic governance and judicial reform efforts. The European Commission expressed concern, emphasizing the importance of independent anti-corruption bodies for Ukraine’s reform agenda and potential EU accession.

Adding to the controversy, security forces conducted coordinated raids on NABU employees’ homes just before the vote, with some searches reportedly involving violence. These actions have been seen as part of a broader campaign against independent oversight bodies, particularly as recent NABU investigations have targeted members of Zelenskyy’s party and his inner circle. The legislation has drawn comparisons to the actions of the Yanukovych administration, which sparked the 2014 Euromaidan uprising due to efforts to suppress democratic reforms and dismantle accountability mechanisms. Despite the limitations on public demonstrations under martial law, the new law has ignited significant public outcry and international scrutiny. 🇺🇦💥

EU says Ukraine's blocks on anti-graft bodies 'a serious step back'

The European Union has expressed deep concern over recent actions by Ukrainian lawmakers, who voted to strip two key anti-corruption agencies of their independence. The move, which places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the control of the Prosecutor General, appointed by the president, has been criticized as a significant setback in Ukraine's fight against corruption. The EU's enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, emphasized that the independence of these agencies is crucial for Ukraine's progress towards EU membership, which is contingent on transparency, judicial reform, and democratic governance.

The vote, which passed with 263 in favor and 13 against, has drawn widespread condemnation from NGOs and rights groups. Critics argue that the new rules will hinder investigations into high-level corruption and undermine Ukraine's anti-graft efforts. The changes come amidst ongoing corruption scandals and a recent raid at the NABU, where one employee was detained on suspicion of spying for Russia. Transparency International's Ukraine office described the raid as an attempt to undermine the independence of anti-corruption institutions established after the 2014 Revolution of Dignity. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has made progress in its anti-corruption fight, moving up to 105th place in Transparency International's corruption perceptions index in 2024, from 144th in 2013. The EU's financial assistance to Ukraine is tied to continued progress in these areas, making the recent developments a cause for concern. 🇺🇦💸

Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news of Tuesday

In a significant move to revitalize Germany's economy, over 60 major German companies have pledged to invest at least €100 billion each in domestic projects by 2028. This initiative, dubbed "Made for Germany," aims to counteract recent investment outflows and bolster Germany's economic potential. Led by executives from prominent firms like Deutsche Bank and Siemens, the commitment includes both new and previously planned investments, totaling €631 billion. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has welcomed the initiative, emphasizing Germany's renewed appeal as an investment destination.

The German government, under Merz's leadership, has already implemented substantial corporate tax breaks and increased spending on defense and infrastructure to stimulate economic growth. Meanwhile, severe weather warnings in Berlin and Brandenburg passed with minimal incidents, though a Robbie Williams concert and an opera performance were postponed due to safety concerns. In Baden-Württemberg, food inspectors identified thousands of violations, leading to the closure of 956 businesses in 2024, up from 800 in the previous year.

The government is also considering reversing a recent increase in flight taxes, which have been criticized by airlines for harming competitiveness. This potential rollback is part of a broader pro-business shift, despite the aviation industry's significant reliance on fossil fuel subsidies. Additionally, Germany and Norway have agreed to enhance maritime and airborne surveillance in the North Atlantic, reinforcing their support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. However, the metal and electrical industry in Germany has seen a decline, with around 60,000 jobs lost since the beginning of 2025, and further staff cuts planned in the automotive sector. 📉💸

Finland's unemployment rate hits 10.2% in second quarter of 2025

Finland's unemployment rate increased to 10.2% in the second quarter of the year, marking a rise from 9.3% in the same period last year. The number of unemployed individuals surged by 27,000, reaching an average of 297,000 people. Concurrently, employment figures declined, with 14,000 fewer people employed compared to the previous year. The total number of hours worked also decreased by over 2%.

The decline in employment was notably more pronounced among women, with 18,000 fewer women employed compared to the previous year, while male employment increased by 5,000. The sectors most affected by job losses were wholesale and retail trade, whereas the construction industry experienced significant growth. Overall, just over 2.6 million people were employed during this period, with a margin of error of ±18,000. 📉💼

EU reveals (latest) start date for EES biometric passport checks

The European Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to launch on October 12, 2025, with a phased implementation across all EU/Schengen zone entry and exit points by April 2026. The EES, an enhanced passport check system, will require travelers from non-EU countries to provide fingerprints and facial scans to bolster border security and digitize entry and exit records. This system will help automate the calculation of the 90-day visa-free travel allowance for citizens of countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. The EES will not apply to travel within the Schengen zone or to EU residents holding non-EU passports.

Following the EES rollout, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is scheduled to be introduced in the final quarter of 2026. ETIAS will require an online travel authorization for short visits to the EU/Schengen zone by non-EU passport holders, similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA. The authorization will cost €20 and be valid for three years, with exemptions for those under 18 and over 70. This new system aims to streamline and secure travel processes for tourists and short-term visitors. 🛂🌍

EU reveals (latest) start date for EES biometric passport checks

The European Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to launch on October 12, 2025, with a phased implementation across all EU/Schengen zone entry and exit points by April 2026. This system will enhance border security through biometric passport checks, including fingerprints and facial scans, and will digitize travelers' entry and exit records to manage the 90-day visa-free travel allowance for non-EU citizens. The EES will apply only to non-EU passport holders and will not affect travel within the Schengen zone. Following the EES rollout, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be introduced in the final quarter of 2026. ETIAS is a travel authorization required for short visits to the EU/Schengen zone by non-EU passport holders, similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA. The ETIAS authorization will cost €20 and be valid for three years, with exemptions for those under 18 and over 70. The phased implementation aims to address readiness concerns, particularly at busy crossings like the UK-France border. 🛂🇪🇺

Today in Norway: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday

Persistent hot and dry weather has led to widespread forest fire warnings across Norway, with the Norwegian Meteorological Institute issuing an orange alert—the second-highest level—for several regions, including Møre og Romsdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Trøndelag, and parts of Nordland. A yellow warning, indicating a moderate risk, remains in effect for nearly all other regions, from Innlandet to Finnmark. Meteorologists urge caution, advising against the use of open flames until significant rainfall occurs.

Meanwhile, for those seeking a refreshing swim, Bergen offers the warmest sea temperatures in Norway at 23°C, with calm waters. Oslo, Stavanger, Trondheim, and Kristiansand also provide pleasant swimming conditions, though with varying temperatures and water roughness. Further north, Tromsø and Alta offer cooler but still inviting sea temperatures.

In international news, Norway and Germany have agreed to jointly fund additional Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, with Norway contributing through its Nansen support program. This collaboration comes as Germany prepares to transfer two Patriot systems, pending U.S. approval for replacements.

On the maritime front, Norwegian whaling vessels have caught 311 minke whales since the start of the 2025 season, with a total quota of 1,406 set for the year. The catch rate is slower compared to the previous year, with 365 whales caught by this time in 2024. Norway continues to be one of the few countries where commercial whaling is permitted. 🌡️🌊🐳

Poland asks EU Parliament to strip former CEO of state energy firm of immunity

Poland’s Justice Minister and Prosecutor General, Adam Bodnar, has petitioned the European Parliament to lift the immunity of Daniel Obajtek, an opposition Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Obajtek, formerly the CEO of Polish state energy giant Orlen, faces charges of giving false testimony in court and unlawfully restricting the distribution of a left-wing magazine at Orlen-owned outlets. Obajtek denies the allegations, asserting that the evidence against him is manipulated and that his actions were justified.

The first charge against Obajtek stems from alleged false testimony given in May 2023, where he reportedly denied having informal contact with a right-wing journalist, despite a 2018 recording suggesting otherwise. The second charge involves Obajtek's decision in March 2023 to withdraw a controversial issue of the satirical magazine "Nie," which featured a cover depicting Pope John Paul II with a crucified doll. Prosecutors argue that this action violated press laws by restricting distribution based on content. Obajtek maintains that the cover was offensive to religious sentiments, a criminal offense in Poland. If the European Parliament lifts his immunity, Obajtek could face legal proceedings in Poland. 🇪🇺🚔

Migrants keep arriving despite hardline policy

Migrant arrivals from Libya to the Greek island of Crete persist despite the government's tough stance on immigration, including the suspension of asylum applications. Between Saturday and Monday, 536 migrants either reached Crete or were spotted off its southern coast. Of these, 240 were immediately transferred to a detention center in Lavrio, southeast of Athens, while others remain temporarily housed on Crete. The new policy, effective July 14, restricts migrants from staying in traditional reception centers, where they previously had freedom of movement.

The current detention capacity is around 2,500, but with the ongoing influx, these facilities are nearing full capacity. To address this, authorities plan to convert some reception centers into detention facilities. The situation highlights the challenges Greece faces in managing migrant flows amid its hardline immigration policies. 🇬🇷🛳️

EU reveals (latest) start date for EES biometric passport checks

The European Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to launch on October 12, 2025, with a phased implementation expected to be fully operational by April 2026. This system will enhance border security by requiring non-EU travelers to provide fingerprints and facial scans upon entering or exiting the Schengen zone. The EES aims to digitize entry and exit records, automatically tracking the 90-day visa-free travel allowance for citizens of countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. The system will not affect travel within the Schengen zone or EU residents holding non-EU passports.

Following the EES rollout, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be introduced in the final quarter of 2026. ETIAS is a travel authorization required for short visits to the EU/Schengen zone by non-EU passport holders, similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA. The authorization, valid for three years, will cost €20, with exemptions for those under 18 and over 70. This phased approach addresses concerns about readiness, particularly at busy crossings like the UK-France border, ensuring a smoother transition for travelers. 🇪🇺🛂

EU reveals (latest) start date for EES biometric passport checks

The European Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to launch on October 12, 2025, with a phased implementation across all EU/Schengen zone entry and exit points by April 2026. The EES will enhance border security through biometric checks, including fingerprints and facial scans, and will digitize travelers' entry and exit records to manage the 90-day visa-free travel allowance for non-EU citizens. This system will apply only to travelers entering or leaving the Schengen zone, not for internal travel within the zone. Exemptions include EU residents and citizens of EU or Schengen zone countries.

Following the EES rollout, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be introduced in the final quarter of 2026. ETIAS is a travel authorization required for short visits to the EU/Schengen zone by non-EU passport holders, similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA. The initial fee for ETIAS has been set at €20, with exemptions for travelers under 18 and over 70. This authorization will be valid for three years and must be applied for online before travel. The phased implementation aims to address concerns about readiness, particularly at busy crossings like the UK-France border. 🛂📅

Police suspect three of defamation, sending racist messages to Finland's Lucia

In Finland, police have concluded preliminary investigations into a case involving racist messages sent to Daniela Owusu, who was chosen as Finland's Lucia in 2023. Three individuals are now suspected of defamation, with their cases forwarded to prosecutors for potential criminal charges. Owusu, whose father is Ghanaian and mother is Finnish, became the first non-white person to hold the title and was subsequently subjected to over 100 racist comments and private messages.

The annual Lucia event, organized by the NGO Folkhälsan, celebrates Saint Lucia Day with a young woman representing Lucia in a public ceremony and parade. Owusu expressed her desire to be a role model, emphasizing that anyone can become Lucia regardless of background. The investigation, which reviewed posts on Ylilauta and TikTok, identified the suspects after a flood of racist comments followed an article about Owusu's selection. President Alexander Stubb condemned the attacks, calling them "shocking and unequivocally wrong." Despite the progress, Owusu acknowledged the challenges in identifying online perpetrators. The case highlights ongoing issues of racism and online harassment in Finland. 🇫🇮🌟

France's culture minister to be tried for corruption

Rachida Dati, a prominent French politician with aspirations to become the mayor of Paris, faces serious allegations of lobbying for the Renault-Nissan carmaking group while serving as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2009 to 2019. She is accused of receiving €900,000 in legal fees from a Dutch subsidiary of Renault-Nissan between 2010 and 2012, despite allegedly not performing the work. Investigations are ongoing to determine if she engaged in prohibited lobbying activities within the European Parliament.

Dati, who has consistently denied the charges, has been fighting to have the case against her dismissed. She is a right-wing politician who previously served in Nicolas Sarkozy's government and recently rejoined the government as the culture minister under François Bayrou. Her background as the daughter of working-class North African immigrants adds a layer of complexity to her political narrative.

In a related development, French investigating magistrates have ordered a trial for Carlos Ghosn, the former chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. Ghosn, who was arrested in Japan in 2018 on suspicion of financial misconduct, escaped arrest and has been living in Lebanon since 2019. Both Japan and France have sought his arrest. A hearing scheduled for September 29 will decide the trial date, which could potentially occur after the upcoming Paris municipal elections in March. 🏛️🚘

Gaza is bleeding under weight of a ‘merciless assault,’ says Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos

The leaders of the Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches in Jerusalem, Patriarch Theophilos III and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, have returned from a visit to Gaza, describing the territory as a "land pierced by the wounds of war." Theophilos spoke of the profound impact of witnessing shattered churches, including the Holy Family Church and the Monastery of Saint Porphyrius, where prayers mingled with the cries of the wounded. He emphasized that their visit was not merely symbolic but a tangible response to the Gospel's call to stand with the oppressed.

Pizzaballa echoed these sentiments, describing their return with "broken hearts" and condemning the escalating humanitarian crisis as "morally unacceptable." He called for increased humanitarian aid, stressing that every hour without essential supplies causes deep harm. The visit was rare, as Israel has largely sealed its borders since launching its war against Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack.

The church leaders visited the Holy Family Church compound, where an Israeli strike killed three people and injured several others, including the parish priest. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed the strike to "stray ammunition" and pledged an investigation. However, Pizzaballa and a Vatican official questioned these explanations, noting the lack of clarity surrounding the incident. The UN has reported over 1,000 deaths at aid distribution sites in Gaza, accusing Israel of the killings, a claim largely denied by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The international community continues to call for an end to the conflict and protection of civilians and holy sites. 🇵🇸🕊️

Tourists and laborers seek respite as Greece and Balkans gripped by heatwave

A severe heatwave is gripping Greece and the broader Balkan region, causing significant disruptions and health concerns. In Greece, the third heatwave of the summer has led to temperatures soaring as high as 43 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to order outdoor workers to pause activities from midday until 5 p.m. to avoid heat stress. Tourists in Athens, one of Europe's most densely populated capitals, are seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces, and the iconic Acropolis has been closed for several hours each day to protect visitors from the extreme heat.

The heatwave, exacerbated by climate change, has also sparked wildfires in Albania, where firefighters are battling blazes with international assistance. Neighboring countries like Bulgaria and Montenegro are also experiencing scorching temperatures, with authorities urging businesses to provide water and reduce physical labor during peak hours. The heatwave is expected to persist until Sunday, adding to the growing list of climate-related challenges facing the region. Globally, 2024 was the warmest year on record, with temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time. This ongoing heatwave underscores the urgent need for climate action and adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable populations and ecosystems. 🌡️🔥

Fugitive Moldovan oligarch Plahotniuc lived in villa in Saronida

Vladimir Plahotniuc, a Moldovan oligarch wanted for a $1 billion bank fraud and other illicit activities, was arrested in Athens while attempting to board a flight to Dubai. Plahotniuc, 59, had been residing in a luxurious villa in Saronida, eastern Attica, and had obtained Greek identity documents using false information. Accompanying him was Constantin Tutu, a 38-year-old former kickboxer and MP, who is wanted by Russian authorities for alleged involvement in drug trafficking. 🏠💸

The arrest followed a police investigation that tracked the two men to the Saronida villa. A search of the property revealed approximately €155,000 in cash, 17 fake passports and IDs from various countries, advanced security systems, multiple mobile phones and computers, and four high-value luxury watches. Plahotniuc was found with Bulgarian travel documents, €2,670, two mobile phones, a laptop, and digital storage media. Tutu possessed forged Romanian and Bulgarian travel documents, along with money and mobile phones. 📜📱

The two men, who frequently changed their country of residence, were detained at the airport gates for non-Schengen flights. They are scheduled to appear before a prosecutor. Plahotniuc's arrest highlights the extensive measures taken by authorities to apprehend individuals involved in significant financial crimes and international fraud. 🚔🏛️

Pilot reports of GPS jamming in Lithuania skyrocketed in June

Lithuania has experienced a significant surge in GPS interference incidents, with aircrews filing a record 1,022 reports in June alone, marking a substantial increase from previous months and the same period last year. The interference, originating from Russia's Kaliningrad enclave, has disrupted air and maritime navigation, affecting not only Lithuania but also neighboring countries and the broader Baltic region. The Lithuanian Communications Regulatory Authority has identified ten specific jamming sites in Kaliningrad, noting that the interference is continuous but varies in intensity and scope.

The spike in GPS jamming incidents has raised alarms among Lithuanian officials, with Transport Minister Eugenijus Sabutis calling the figures "quite alarming." The minister suggests exploring alternative navigation systems and advocating for an EU-wide approach to address the issue. The interference has led to an increase in go-arounds, where aircraft must circle and attempt landing again, and has also impacted scientific research, such as studies on bird behavior.

Lithuania, alongside 13 other EU member states, has urged the European Commission to take diplomatic, political, and legal steps to pressure Russia and Belarus over the deliberate jamming of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. The joint letter argues that the interference is a deliberate effort to destabilize regional infrastructure, particularly in transportation services. The situation underscores the broader geopolitical tensions and the need for coordinated European action to safeguard critical navigation systems. 📡🛬️

Fugitive Moldovan oligarch implicated in $1 billion bank fraud detained in Greece

Vladimir Plahotniuc, a fugitive Moldovan oligarch, has been detained in Greece on charges related to a massive $1 billion bank fraud and other illicit activities. Plahotniuc, who fled Moldova in 2019 amid corruption allegations, was apprehended at Athens International Airport by Greek authorities acting on an Interpol warrant. He was bound for Dubai when arrested, alongside a former member of parliament, a close associate. The Moldovan government is now working on extradition proceedings.

Plahotniuc, one of Moldova's wealthiest individuals, is accused of orchestrating a scheme that resulted in the disappearance of $1 billion from a Moldovan bank in 2014, a sum equivalent to about an eighth of the country's annual GDP at the time. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The oligarch's influence extended to controlling law enforcement to target political and business rivals and interfering in Moldova's elections. Plahotniuc's actions led to his inclusion on U.S. and UK sanctions lists, with his assets frozen in the UK and its overseas territories. His detention marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to hold him accountable for his alleged crimes. 🏛️💰

EU reveals (latest) start date for EES biometric passport checks

The European Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to launch on October 12, 2025, with a phased introduction becoming compulsory at all EU/Schengen zone entry and exit points by April 2026. The EES will enhance border security through biometric passport checks, including fingerprints and facial scans, and will digitize travelers' entry and exit dates to automatically manage the 90-day visa-free travel allowance for non-EU citizens. This system will apply only to travelers entering or leaving the Schengen zone and will not affect those traveling within the zone. Exemptions include non-EU citizens residing in EU or Schengen countries.

Following the EES rollout, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be introduced in the final quarter of 2026. ETIAS is a travel authorization required for short visits to the EU/Schengen zone by non-EU passport holders, including tourists and second-home owners without visas. The authorization, valid for three years, will cost €20, with exemptions for those under 18 and over 70. Travelers entering the EU with a visa will not need ETIAS. Both systems aim to strengthen border security and streamline travel processes for non-EU visitors. 🛂🌍

EU reveals (latest) start date for EES biometric passport checks

The European Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to launch on October 12, 2025, with a phased implementation expected to be fully operational by April 2026. This system, designed to enhance border security and digitize travel records, will require non-EU passport holders to provide fingerprints and facial scans upon entering or exiting the Schengen zone. The EES aims to strengthen passport controls and automatically track the 90-day visa-free travel allowance for citizens of countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. However, it will not apply to travel within the Schengen zone or to EU/Schengen residents holding non-EU passports.

Following the EES rollout, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is scheduled to be introduced in the final quarter of 2026. ETIAS will require a €20 fee (with exemptions for those under 18 and over 70) and will be valid for three years. This authorization will be mandatory for short visits to the EU/Schengen zone by non-EU passport holders, similar to the US ESTA or the UK's ETA. The phased implementation of these systems addresses concerns about readiness, particularly at busy crossings like the UK-France border, ensuring a smoother transition for travelers. 🛂🌍