Newsflash

French President Macron says France will recognise Palestine as a state

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state, a significant shift in European policy aimed at ending the war in Gaza and addressing the humanitarian crisis there. This decision, to be formalized at the UN General Assembly in September, underscores France's growing frustration with Israel's actions in Gaza and its commitment to a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East. Macron's announcement follows increasing global outrage over the conditions in Gaza and comes amid mounting pressure on Israel to cease its military operations.

The move has been welcomed by Palestinian authorities and Hamas, who see it as a step towards justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people. However, it has been met with strong opposition from Israel and the United States, who view it as a reckless decision that could aid terrorism and undermine peace efforts. Israel's Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin criticized the move, suggesting it could lead to Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank. Meanwhile, Canada and Spain have expressed support for a two-state solution, with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez praising France's decision.

France's recognition of Palestine is part of a broader European effort to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with France's foreign minister co-hosting a UN conference next week on the topic. The announcement comes as momentum builds against Israel, with France and other European countries condemning Israel's restrictions on aid shipments and the killing of Palestinians. The Palestinians seek an independent state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, territories Israel occupied in the 1967 war. Israel, however, has long opposed Palestinian statehood, citing security concerns and the Hamas attack in 2023. 🇫🇷🇵🇸🇮🇱

EU says China's links with Russia now 'determining factor' in ties

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has underscored the significance of China's relationship with Russia as a pivotal factor in its ties with the European Union. This statement came after a tense summit in Beijing, where China agreed to expedite the export of rare earth minerals to the EU. The summit highlighted the growing geopolitical tensions and the complex dynamics at play between the EU, China, and Russia. Von der Leyen's remarks reflect the EU's increasing concern over China's alignment with Russia, which has implications for global security and economic stability. 🌍💥

Starlink experiences widespread outage in U.S. and other countries

Starlink, the satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX, experienced a significant outage affecting users in multiple countries and parts of the United States. The issues began around 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, with reports of connectivity problems flooding in from various U.S. cities and regions, as tracked by DownDetector. The outage also impacted users globally, with notable disruptions reported in Ukraine. Starlink’s official website was also affected, initially displaying a message about the service outage before becoming inaccessible and showing an error message.

Starlink provides high-speed broadband access, particularly crucial in remote areas and conflict zones like Ukraine, where traditional infrastructure is limited. The outage underscores the reliance on Starlink for reliable communication in such regions. The company's team is investigating the cause of the disruption, aiming to restore service as quickly as possible. 🌐🛰️

Should people in Germany be worried about the chikungunya virus?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert about the spread of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease that has now been detected in 119 countries, including Germany, putting 5.6 billion people at risk. The virus, primarily transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), causes symptoms such as high fever and severe joint pain, which can persist for months or even years. While the risk of major outbreaks in Central Europe remains low, the disease has been increasingly reported among travelers returning to Germany, with 15 imported cases registered in Baden-Württemberg alone in the first half of 2025. The spread of chikungunya is linked to global trade, travel, and climate change, which have enabled tropical mosquitoes to migrate and survive in Germany. The WHO's early warning aims to prompt countries to prepare for potential outbreaks, as the virus could become endemic in Central Europe due to the northward migration of mosquito species driven by warmer temperatures. 🦟🌡️

Travel to France: Your questions answered about EES And ETIAS

Starting in late 2025, the European Union will implement two significant changes to travel procedures: the Entry & Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS). The EES, set to launch on October 12, 2025, will enhance border control through biometric passport checks and digitize the enforcement of the 90-day rule. It will be followed by ETIAS in the final quarter of 2026, which will require an online visa waiver for tourists and visitors to the EU/Schengen zone.

The EES will not apply to EU citizens, residents with visas or residency permits, or visa holders (except those with short-stay Schengen visas). Dual nationals will be subject to EES only when traveling on their non-EU passport. The system will be introduced in phases, with full implementation expected by April 2026. Travelers will need to complete a pre-registration process, providing personal details and biometrics, but there is no fee associated with EES. Scammers are already exploiting the system, so travelers should be cautious of any websites offering to complete EES pre-registration in advance.

ETIAS, on the other hand, will require an online application and a €20 fee for a three-year travel authorization. Exemptions include residents with visas or residency permits, visa holders, and those over 70 or under 18 (who are fee-exempt). The system will have a six-month education phase post-launch, during which travelers without ETIAS will not be turned back at the border. Full enforcement is expected by spring 2027. 🛂📅🇪🇺

A Samaras party

Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is contemplating the formation of a new political party that would champion his conservative social views and assertive national positions, particularly regarding relations with Turkey. This potential move aligns him with the ideological currents of Donald Trump, though the extent of support from Trump's movement and other like-minded leaders remains uncertain. Samaras' initiative stems from his ideological disagreements and personal animosity toward current Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, marking a significant challenge to the ruling New Democracy party.

If realized, this new party could fragment the political landscape, making it difficult for New Democracy to secure an absolute majority or even form a government. The political scene would enter a period of uncertainty, potentially leading to a coalition government after navigating various terms and conditions. However, historical precedents, such as Samaras' previous attempt with Political Spring and George Papandreou's short-lived KIDISO, suggest that new parties often struggle to gain lasting traction. Despite these challenges, Samaras' potential new party could significantly alter the political dynamics in Greece, contributing to a complex and unpredictable post-election environment. 🇬🇷🏛️

'Disproportionate': European tourism chiefs blast ETIAS fee hike

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set to launch in late 2026, will mandate visa-exempt non-EU travelers to obtain online authorization and pay a fee before entering the EU/Schengen area. However, the proposed fee increase from €7 to €20 has sparked significant backlash from travel and tourism groups, who argue that the hike is disproportionate and lacks transparency. These groups, including Airlines for Europe and the European Tourism Association, have called for an impact assessment and a more evidence-based fee structure. They also demand a detailed cost breakdown and question the EU Commission's justification for aligning the fee with unrelated travel authorization programs like the UK's ETA and the US's ESTA.

The Commission attributes the fee increase to inflation, additional operational costs, and the desire to match similar programs. However, the industry contends that fee decisions should be based on the actual needs of the EU system and not on unrelated schemes. Furthermore, the groups propose that any surplus revenue from ETIAS should be allocated to support tourism infrastructure, staff training, and sustainable development within the EU.

ETIAS is part of the EU's enhanced border control measures, following the upcoming EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which begins its phased rollout in October 2025 after several delays. The travel industry's pushback underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both security and the economic impact on travelers and the tourism sector. 🛫💸

Travel to Germany: Your questions answered about EES And ETIAS

The European Union is set to implement two significant travel changes between late 2025 and 2026: the Entry & Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS). The EES, scheduled to launch on October 12, 2025, will enhance biometric passport checks and digitize the enforcement of the 90-day rule, replacing manual passport stamping. It will be followed by ETIAS in the final quarter of 2026, which will require an online visa waiver for tourists and visitors entering the EU/Schengen zone.

The EES will not apply to EU residents, visa holders (except those with short-stay Schengen visas), or EU citizens. Dual nationals will be subject to EES only when traveling on their non-EU passport. The system will be introduced in phases, with full implementation expected by April 2026. Travelers will need to complete pre-registration, providing personal details and biometrics, but there is no fee for this process. Scammers are already exploiting the system, so travelers should be cautious of fraudulent websites.

ETIAS, on the other hand, will require travelers to complete an online form and pay a €20 fee in advance of their trip. This authorization will be valid for three years or until the traveler gets a new passport. Exemptions include EU residents, visa holders, and those under 18 or over 70 (though the latter group is still required to complete the form). The system will have a six-month "education phase" after its introduction, during which travelers without ETIAS will not be turned back at the border. Full enforcement is expected by spring 2027. 🛂📅

Today in Denmark: A roundup of the news on Thursday

The Fehmarn Belt rail link, a crucial infrastructure project connecting Denmark and Germany, is facing significant delays. The construction of a 2.2-kilometer railway tunnel on the German side, essential for the project, is expected to take six and a half years, pushing the completion date for train services across the Fehmarn Belt to at least 2032. This delay is in addition to the ongoing construction of an 18-kilometer underwater tunnel between Rødbyhavn in Denmark and Fehmarn in Germany, which is slated for completion in 2029 and will also accommodate road traffic. Danish Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen has acknowledged the delay and is seeking clarification from German authorities. Meanwhile, road traffic can still use the existing bridge over the Fehmarn Strait. 🚄🇩🇰🇩🇪

In other news, Denmark's Meteorological Institute (DMI) defended its use of a new "very dangerous weather" alert system after issuing the first-ever red alerts for heavy rain, which, despite the warnings, resulted in minimal damage. The alerts were issued due to the genuine risk of local flooding from exceptionally heavy rain. Additionally, customs officers at Copenhagen Airport seized 5,000 doping pills and half a liter of liquid doping from a single passenger, highlighting a growing trend in the smuggling of performance-enhancing substances. Tax Minister Rasmus Stoklund expressed concern over the increasing use of doping substances in Denmark. Meanwhile, Japan vowed to pursue anti-whaling activist Paul Watson despite Interpol lifting its red notice, insisting its own arrest warrant remains valid. Watson was previously detained in Greenland but released after Denmark refused a Japanese extradition request. 🌧️💊🐳

Judges’ union chides government over senior appointments

The Union of Judges and Prosecutors has criticized the government for effectively nullifying a law that allows judges to propose candidates for senior judicial positions. This criticism comes after the government announced its selections for top court roles, which reportedly excluded several highly-ranked candidates from the advisory votes. The union's statement, released on Wednesday, accused the government of using the law only when it suits their preferences, suggesting that the law should be abolished if it is not to be applied impartially. This controversy arises from a presidential decree published in the Government Gazette, which confirmed appointments to key judicial and prosecutorial positions, including vice-presidencies at the Supreme Court, the Council of State, and the Court of Audit, as well as deputy prosecutor roles at the Supreme Court. The union's stance highlights concerns over the independence and transparency of the judicial appointment process. 🏛️📜

Oil drives inflation in Cyprus

Geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, have significantly driven up oil and food prices in Cyprus, impacting the island's inflation rates. A study by the Economics Research Center (CypERC) at the University of Cyprus reveals that external shocks, such as fluctuations in raw material prices, have a substantial effect on the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) in Cyprus. Specifically, a 1% increase in oil prices leads to a 3.5% rise in energy inflation, while a similar increase in food prices primarily affects unprocessed food inflation. Oil, crucial for energy production in Cyprus, is the main driver of energy inflation, potentially having a more pronounced impact than in other countries. However, this influence may lessen as Cyprus transitions to more environmentally friendly energy sources. 🛢️🍞

Swedish justice minister vows to 'keep up pressure' as gang leaders seized abroad

In the past six months, Swedish authorities have apprehended 124 individuals listed as "wanted" overseas, a significant increase from the 86 arrests made during the same period last year. Notable arrests include Ismail Abdo, alias "Jordgubben" or "The Strawberry," captured in Turkey, and "Dybala," a key figure in the rival Foxtrot network, seized in Iraq. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer emphasized the importance of these arrests in preventing further crimes and disrupting the recruitment of children into criminal activities. Approximately 700 criminals with ties to Sweden are believed to be operating abroad, orchestrating a wide range of organized crimes, from violent offenses to fraud. Strömmer stressed the need for sustained pressure, both operationally and politically, to combat these transnational criminal networks. 🌍🚔

New Denmark to Germany tunnel rail link 'delayed by several years'

The ambitious Fehmarn Belt tunnel project, set to connect Denmark and Germany, faces significant delays due to infrastructure challenges on the German side. A report from Germany’s federal railway authority indicates that constructing a crucial 2.2-kilometer railway tunnel between the island of Fehmarn and the German mainland will take approximately six and a half years. This delay could push back the project's completion by several years, with trains unlikely to begin running across the Fehmarn Belt before the end of 2032.

The Fehmarn Belt link, an 18-kilometer underwater tunnel currently under construction, is scheduled to connect Rødbyhavn on the Danish island of Lolland with Fehmarn in Germany by 2029. However, the additional railway tunnel on the German side has yet to receive final approval, further complicating the timeline. While the road connection, facilitated by the existing Fehmarn Sound Bridge, will still allow vehicles to cross once the tunnel is completed, the railway delay is a significant setback.

Danish authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Danish transport minister Thomas Danielsen has requested detailed clarification from the German Ministry of Transport, emphasizing the importance of timely communication between the two governments. The Danish side of the project, managed by Femern A/S, part of Sund & Bælt, is aware of the potential delays and is preparing for possible adjustments. The overall success of the Fehmarn Belt tunnel project hinges on coordinated efforts and timely approvals from both countries. 🚄🇩🇰🇩🇪

'Disproportionate': European tourism chiefs blast ETIAS fee hike

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set to launch in late 2026, will mandate visa-exempt non-EU travelers to obtain online authorization and pay a fee before entering the EU/Schengen area. However, the proposed fee increase from €7 to €20 has sparked significant backlash from travel and tourism groups, who argue that the hike is disproportionate and lacks transparency. These groups, including Airlines for Europe and the European Tourism Association, have called for an impact assessment and a more evidence-based fee structure.

The European Commission justifies the fee increase due to inflation, additional operational costs, and alignment with similar programs like the UK's ETA and the US's ESTA. However, the industry contends that the decision sets a concerning precedent and that any surplus revenue should be reinvested into the tourism sector to support infrastructure, training, and sustainable development. The ETIAS is part of the EU's broader border control measures, following the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which begins its phased rollout in October 2025. The debate highlights the tension between enhanced security measures and the economic impact on the travel industry. 🛫💸

Greece concerned over Turkish Eurofighters’ weapon systems

Greece is closely monitoring a recent agreement between Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Germany for the sale of 40 Eurofighter jets, valued at $5.6 billion. Athens is particularly concerned about the potential weapon systems that these aircraft might carry, as they could significantly alter the regional military balance. Greece is in constant dialogue with both London and Berlin to stay informed about the specifics of the deal, especially regarding the armaments that Turkey may acquire for its new Eurofighters.

Experienced pilots from the Hellenic Air Force, who have flown alongside Eurofighters, warn that when equipped with appropriate weaponry, these jets pose a serious threat, even to the most advanced fighter aircraft. Turkey has reportedly requested Meteor air-to-air missiles, similar to those used by Greece’s Rafale jets. Additionally, Eurofighters can be outfitted with strategic cruise missiles like the Scalp EG, which are already deployed by Greece’s Rafales and Mirages, or the British variant, Storm Shadow. The potential acquisition of these advanced weapons by Turkey has raised alarms in Greece, as it could enhance Turkey’s military capabilities in the region. 🛩️🇬🇷🇹🇷

New Denmark to Germany tunnel rail link 'delayed by several years'

The ambitious Fehmarn Belt tunnel project, set to connect Denmark and Germany, faces significant delays due to infrastructure challenges on the German side. A report from Germany’s federal railway authority indicates that constructing a 2.2-kilometer railway tunnel between the island of Fehmarn and the German mainland will take approximately six and a half years. This delay pushes back the potential start of train services across the Fehmarn Belt to at least the end of 2032, as the additional tunnel construction has not yet begun and awaits final approval.

The Fehmarn Belt link, an 18-kilometer underwater tunnel scheduled for completion in 2029, will carry both rail and road traffic, connecting Rødbyhavn on the Danish island of Lolland with Fehmarn in Germany. While the road connection is expected to be operational by the end of 2029, the railway link's delay raises concerns about the overall project timeline. Danish authorities, including Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen, are closely monitoring the situation and have sought clarification from German counterparts. Despite the setbacks, the road connection will proceed as planned, utilizing the existing Fehmarn Sound Bridge. However, the railway delay could have broader implications for the project's success and the anticipated benefits of improved cross-border connectivity. 🚄🇩🇰🇩🇪

Greece raises concerns at UNSC over past OIC statements

During a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on the cooperation between the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Greece raised significant concerns about certain past positions and statements made by the OIC. Ioannis Stamatekos, Deputy Permanent Representative of Greece, highlighted that some OIC positions and resolutions contradict international law and established UN resolutions.

Stamatekos specifically criticized the OIC’s references to a “Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace” and a “Turkish Muslim community in the Dodecanese,” asserting that these descriptions are inaccurate. He emphasized that the status of the Muslim minority in Thrace is clearly defined by the Treaty of Lausanne, based on religion rather than ethnicity. Additionally, he noted that Muslim Greek citizens in Rhodes and Kos enjoy full rights and protections, including religious freedoms, just like any other Greek citizen.

On the issue of Cyprus, Greece condemned the OIC’s recognition of the Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, which has been granted observer status since 2004. Stamatekos stated that these OIC positions are in direct violation of international law and the UN Charter, underscoring Greece’s commitment to upholding legal and diplomatic principles in the region. 🇬🇷🇹🇷

'Disproportionate': European tourism chiefs blast ETIAS fee hike

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), set to launch in late 2026, will mandate visa-exempt non-EU travelers to obtain online authorization and pay a fee before entering the 29-country EU/Schengen area. However, the proposed fee hike from €7 to €20 has sparked significant backlash from travel and tourism groups, who argue that the increase is disproportionate and lacks transparency. These groups, including major industry associations, have called on the European Parliament and Council to reject the fee hike and demand a detailed impact assessment to justify the costs.

The European Commission has defended the fee increase, citing inflation, additional operational costs, and the need to align with similar travel authorization programs like the UK's ETA and the US's ESTA. However, the travel industry contends that the Commission's justification sets a concerning precedent and that fee decisions should be based on the actual operational needs of the EU system. They also propose that any surplus revenue from ETIAS should be reinvested into the travel and tourism sector to support infrastructure, training, and sustainable development.

The ETIAS is part of the EU's broader border control measures, following the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which is scheduled to begin its phased rollout in October 2025. The industry's pushback highlights the tension between enhanced security measures and the economic impact on travelers and the tourism sector. The outcome of this debate will shape the future of travel authorization in the EU and its effects on both security and tourism. 🛫🌍

Lithuania wants more info from Latvia about any airBaltic buy-in

Latvia’s efforts to sell a 10% stake in its national airline, airBaltic, have faced mixed reactions from neighboring countries and potential investors. Lithuania’s Transport Minister, Eugenijus Sabutis, expressed dissatisfaction with the information provided in the initial offer, stating that more detailed financial and general data are needed. The offer, received directly from Latvia’s transport minister, remains confidential, but it is understood to involve a €14 million investment. Estonia has already declined the offer, with Minister of Regional Affairs and Infrastructure Kuldar Leis citing airBaltic’s importance as a partner but ultimately deciding against acquiring a stake. Similarly, Germany’s Lufthansa has shown interest and acquired a stake in the airline.

Latvia’s strategy to partially privatize airBaltic through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) has been ongoing for years, with the goal of retaining a strategic controlling interest while inviting external investment. However, the process has been marked by delays and uncertainty, with no concrete IPO date announced. Additionally, airBaltic is currently in the process of appointing a new CEO, following the dismissal of longtime executive Martin Gauss in April. The airline’s future remains a topic of speculation as Latvia seeks to balance strategic control with financial investment.

Cabinet member: Poland to keep border checks with Germany, Lithuania

Poland has announced plans to extend border checks at its frontiers with Germany and Lithuania, despite the initial 30-day limit imposed by Schengen Area regulations. The decision, confirmed by Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, comes in response to ongoing migration pressures and the perceived weaponization of migration by Russia and Belarus. Siemoniak, who is set to be replaced in a cabinet reshuffle, highlighted that the checks are crucial for managing irregular migration and maintaining national security.

Since the checks began on July 7, Polish authorities have turned away 100 individuals attempting to enter the country irregularly from Germany or Lithuania. Spot checks have been conducted on approximately 280,000 people and 134,200 vehicles. The Polish government attributes the migration surge to coordinated efforts by Russia and Belarus, where migrants are allegedly flown to Moscow, transported to the Polish border, and directed by Belarusian authorities to attempt entry into Poland.

The border controls were initially introduced in response to German border measures implemented since October 2023. The Polish government faced pressure from right-wing vigilante groups, which claimed that Germany was sending refugees to Poland, leading to self-organized patrols along the border. The extension of these checks underscores Poland's commitment to securing its borders amidst complex geopolitical challenges. 🌍🛂