Newsflash

Russia seeks extradition of Moldovan oligarch Plahotniuc after arrest in Greece

Moldovan oligarch and former politician Vlad Plahotniuc faces extradition requests from both Moldova and Russia following his arrest at Athens International Airport. Russia accuses Plahotniuc of orchestrating a 2014 assassination plot against a political rival and Russian citizen, as well as involvement in a criminal organization trafficking cannabis from Spain to Russia. Meanwhile, Moldovan authorities allege his participation in a criminal group, large-scale fraud, and money laundering, including the 2014 disappearance of $1 billion from Moldovan banks, equivalent to 12% of the country’s GDP at the time. Both countries must submit complete case files within 40 days for the extradition process to proceed. The Greek Court of Appeals will evaluate the requests, with the final decision resting with Greece’s Minister of Justice, Giorgos Floridis. 🇬🇷🇲🇩🇷🇺

Poland withdraws from international anti-landmine treaty amid heightened Russian threat

Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed a bill withdrawing Poland from the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. This decision, described as a "rational step" by Duda, comes amid escalating regional security threats, particularly from Russia. Poland joins several neighboring countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, which have also exited the treaty in recent months. The move is part of a broader effort to bolster national security, with Poland unveiling a €2.4 billion plan to fortify its eastern border, including the deployment of minefields and advanced surveillance systems.

The Ottawa Treaty, ratified by Poland in 2012, led to the destruction of over one million anti-personnel mines. However, the deteriorating security situation, exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has prompted Poland and other nations to reconsider their stance. Despite the withdrawal, Poland and its allies have reiterated their commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. Poland's defense spending has surged to 4.7% of GDP, the highest in NATO, reflecting its determination to enhance military capabilities and deter potential threats. The country is coordinating its border fortification plans, known as the "Eastern Shield," with the Baltic states to strengthen collective defense. 🇵🇱💥

What kind of messages is the government sending?

In Greece, the handling of the OPEKEPE scandal, which involves illegal payments of EU subsidies to fake farmers, has raised serious concerns about the government's commitment to the rule of law and transparency. Instead of conducting a thorough investigation and holding those responsible accountable, the government has chosen to engage in a political debate in Parliament, focusing on "long-standing problems" rather than addressing the specific criminal allegations.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has indicated the possible involvement of two former ministers, Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis, in aiding and abetting the embezzlement of EU funds. Despite this, the government has not taken decisive action to lift their immunity and pursue justice. Instead, it has sought to conceal its responsibilities, avoid confrontations with the implicated ministers, and maintain the cohesion of its parliamentary group. The government's primary goal appears to be managing public perception rather than upholding the rule of law.

The government's actions send a troubling message both domestically and internationally. Internationally, Greece's image is tarnished as it deviates from the European model of the rule of law, suggesting that even scandals revealed by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office can be covered up. Domestically, the message is even more alarming: it discourages younger generations from engaging in politics, portraying it as a corrupt and untrustworthy arena. This erosion of trust in political institutions is a grave concern for the future of Greek democracy. 🇬🇷🚨

Berlin metro station gets rainbow makeover after Reichstag Pride flag row

This Saturday, Berlin's annual Pride parade, known as Christopher Street Day (CSD), will commence without the traditional rainbow flag flying over the Reichstag. This decision, made by Germany's conservative Christian Union parties (CDU/CSU), marks a departure from the previous government's tradition of displaying the flag. Bundestag President Julia Klöckner cited house rules to justify the removal of rainbow flags from parliamentary offices, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz compared the Reichstag to a "circus tent," drawing criticism from opposition leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates.

Despite the political backlash, Berlin's municipal transport company, BVG, has stepped in to show support. The Bundestag U-Bahn station has been adorned with rainbow colors and a Pride flag, with BVG posting on Instagram, "We are happy to help you fly the flag." The CSD parade, themed "Never again quiet!" will begin at Leipziger Straße / Charlottenstraße, passing by the Bundesrat and culminating at the Brandenburg Gate. Organizers emphasize the importance of protest in the face of increasing attacks on the queer community and the erosion of hard-won rights. The event aims to be a powerful statement of solidarity and resistance in the heart of Germany's political capital. 🌈🏳️‍🌈🇩🇪

Travel to Austria: Your questions answered about EES and ETIAS

Starting in late 2025, significant changes will impact how non-EU citizens enter and exit the Schengen area, including Austria. The EU is set to launch the Entry & Exit System (EES) in October 2025, followed by the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026. These systems aim to enhance border security and streamline processes, replacing manual passport stamping with automated, biometric checks.

The EES will introduce biometric passport registration, tracking the duration of stays within the Schengen zone. Non-EU citizens with valid residence permits or visas will be exempt from EES, but should use staffed border booths to present both their passport and residence card. Dual nationals traveling on their EU passport will also be exempt. The EES will not charge any fees for registration.

ETIAS, on the other hand, is a digital visa waiver required for short-term visits by citizens of visa-exempt countries, such as the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. Travelers must apply online in advance, pay a €20 fee, and receive authorization before entering the Schengen zone. The permit is valid for three years or until the passport expires. Residents of Austria with valid visas or residence permits are exempt from ETIAS. Those over 70 and under 18 are exempt from the fee but must still register. 🛂🇪🇺

Extreme fire risk warning for many areas on Saturday

On Saturday, Civil Protection authorities have issued an extreme fire risk warning, placing several regions under a red Category 5 alert—the highest on the national scale. This heightened alert is due to the combination of hot and dry conditions. The most vulnerable areas include Attica (encompassing Kythira and the Saronic Islands), a significant portion of the Peloponnese (Corinthia, Argolida, Arkadia, Messinia, Lakonia), Viotia, and southern Evia. Additionally, a very high fire risk, categorized as orange or Category 4, is predicted for Zakynthos, Western Greece, Central Greece (Fthiotida and Fokida), the Region of Thessaly (Magnesia), Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Rodopi and Evros), the North Aegean (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria), and Crete.

Citizens in these areas are urged to exercise extreme caution and adhere to all safety instructions in the event of a fire. The Civil Protection agency emphasizes the importance of preparedness and vigilance to mitigate potential risks associated with the extreme weather conditions. 🔥🌡️

TELL US: Have you had problems booking an appointment to renew your TIE?

Foreign residents in Spain are facing significant challenges in booking online appointments for crucial administrative processes, such as renewing their TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) cards or applying for EU green residency cards. This issue is particularly pressing for British residents, as many of their TIE cards, issued under the Withdrawal Agreement post-Brexit, are set to expire this year. The problem is exacerbated by criminal groups using bots to hijack the online appointment system, selling the slots for profit, and by recent reforms to Spain’s migration law that have increased the workload of immigration offices, leading to longer processing times.

The British Embassy in Spain has urged the Spanish government to increase the availability of appointments, but many regions, especially popular ones among foreigners, have not seen improvements. This bottleneck affects not only British residents but also many other foreign nationals, creating a widespread administrative nightmare. The situation highlights the urgent need for Spain to address these systemic issues to ensure that all residents can access essential services efficiently.

Moldova seeks extradition of business magnate Plahotniuc held in Greece

Moldovan authorities have initiated extradition proceedings for Vladimir Plahotniuc, a prominent business magnate detained in Athens. Plahotniuc, former leader of a small political party, was arrested at Athens International Airport while en route to Dubai. He faces charges related to a massive fraud case involving the disappearance of $1 billion from Moldovan banks in 2014, an event dubbed the "theft of the century." The sum equaled 12% of Moldova’s GDP at the time. An Interpol red notice has been issued against him for alleged participation in a criminal organization, money laundering, and fraud.

Moldova's general prosecutor's office expressed confidence that Greek authorities will honor the extradition request, noting that Moldova actively pursued Plahotniuc's arrest. The businessman, who has lived in 22 countries since 2023 to evade capture, was found residing in a luxurious villa in the Athens suburbs with his partner. Plahotniuc, 59, led the Democratic Party from 2016 to 2019 and held significant influence over Moldovan institutions during his tenure. The scandal has had enduring impacts, including the removal of Moldova’s central bank chief in 2023 due to failed recovery efforts. Additionally, Russia is also seeking Plahotniuc's extradition on drug-related charges. Plahotniuc is expected to appear before a Greek prosecutor soon. 🏛️💸

Volkswagen takes massive hit from Trump tariffs as profits fall

Volkswagen reported a significant 38.5% year-on-year decline in net profit, amounting to €4.48 billion. This downturn was attributed to several factors, including higher sales of lower-margin electric vehicles (EVs), restructuring costs, and increased tariffs. Despite these challenges, Finance Chief Arno Antlitz expressed optimism, stating that the company is "on the right track" and performing at the upper end of expectations, excluding tariffs and restructuring costs. However, he cautioned that tariffs are likely to remain a persistent burden, necessitating intensified cost-cutting efforts.

In response to the financial strain, Volkswagen struck a deal with unions last December to cut 35,000 jobs in Germany by 2030, aiming to save €15 billion annually. The company also revised its revenue and profit outlook downward, citing political uncertainty and increased trade barriers. Volkswagen now forecasts a profit margin of 4-5% for the year, down from the previous 5.5-6.5% range. This adjustment accounts for potential U.S. tariffs on imported cars, ranging from 10% to 27.5%.

Sales in North America fell by 16% due to tariffs, despite a slight global increase. The U.S. recently imposed additional tariffs, impacting European automakers, including Volkswagen and Stellantis. CEO Oliver Blume urged negotiators to reach a balanced outcome on the tariff issue, emphasizing its importance for a competitive economy on both sides of the Atlantic. Despite initial market fluctuations, Volkswagen's shares rose over 3% in morning trading, reflecting positive momentum expected for Audi and Porsche from 2026 onwards. 🚗💰

How life in Switzerland is different for foreigners compared to Swiss nationals

The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) has released comprehensive data on various aspects of healthcare, finances, and living conditions in Switzerland, highlighting disparities between individuals with a migrant background and Swiss nationals. Financially, people with a migrant background face greater challenges, with a median annual disposable income nearly 5,000 francs lower than that of Swiss nationals. This economic disparity leads to higher financial struggles, with 15.1% of migrants struggling to make ends meet compared to 5.7% of Swiss nationals. However, the poverty rate for migrants has been gradually decreasing, now at 9.1% compared to 7.8% for non-migrants in 2023.

Living conditions also present significant disparities. A higher percentage of migrants (21.1%) live in noisy neighborhoods compared to Swiss nationals (15.1%), particularly in the Espace Mitteland and Ticino regions. Migrants also tend to have smaller living spaces, with single-person migrant households having 1.2 times less living space than their Swiss counterparts. This gap widens to 1.4 times for households with two or more occupants.

Social cohesion is another area of concern, as migrants are nearly three times more likely to experience racial discrimination. In 2024, 27.2% of foreigners reported unfair treatment due to their nationality, religion, or skin color, compared to 9.4% of non-migrants. This discrimination is most pronounced in German- and Romansh-speaking regions. Additionally, migrants are less likely to seek support from others, although this trend has been improving, with 93% of migrants feeling able to ask for help in 2023, compared to 97.7% of non-migrants.

In terms of civic life, both groups show similar levels of confidence in Swiss institutions, with 58% of migrants and 51.7% of non-migrants expressing trust in 2023. This confidence has been steadily increasing since 2014. However, migrants are more open to diversity, with 78% embracing differences compared to 65.9% of non-migrants, although this acceptance has been declining for both groups since 2022.

Family and health data reveal that migrant households are more likely to use nurseries and after-school facilities (50.6%) compared to non-migrant households (36.8%). Additionally, migrants are nearly three times more likely to forgo dental care due to financial constraints, with 7.4% skipping dental visits in 2022, up from 4.2% in 2015. These findings underscore the ongoing challenges faced by migrants in Switzerland, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address these disparities. 🏠🦷

Spain adds more than 1 million foreigners to its workforce in a decade

Over the past decade, Spain's economy has seen a significant influx of foreign workers, with a total of 1.4 million new migrants entering the workforce. As of June 2015, there were 1.67 million foreigners legally employed in Spain, with 693,728 from EU countries and 974,371 from non-EU nations. By 2025, this number had surged to 3.09 million, with nearly one million coming from other EU countries and over two million from non-EU nations, reflecting an 84.6% increase in the total foreign workforce. The rise in non-EU migrants is particularly notable, with a 118% increase, driven largely by migration from Latin American countries.

The geographical distribution of these workers shows a concentration in Spain's most populated regions: Catalonia, Madrid, Andalusia, and Valencia. However, the most significant relative increases in non-EU workers are seen in northwestern regions like Galicia, Castilla y León, and Asturias. Several provinces, such as Zamora, Ourense, and A Coruña, have nearly quadrupled their number of foreign workers, while only a few provinces have not seen a doubling of their non-EU workforce.

This surge in migration comes amidst a backdrop of increasing controversy, with recent race riots in Murcia highlighting the tensions surrounding immigration. Despite these challenges, Spain's economy has a structural need for migrant workers to combat demographic aging and support its pension system. A study by the Bank of Spain estimates that the country will require up to 25 million more immigrant workers by 2053 to maintain the worker-to-pensioner ratio. Foreign workers have been crucial to Spain's economic growth, contributing 80% of GDP growth since 2019, underscoring their vital role as workers and taxpayers. 🌍💼

Zelensky seeks EU support while Ukraine struggles with corruption

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken steps to address mounting concerns over corruption and anti-corruption reforms in the country. In response to widespread public protests and pressure from the European Union, Zelensky approved a draft bill aimed at reinstating the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies. This decision follows significant backlash against a recent law that placed crucial anti-corruption bodies under presidential control, sparking the largest demonstrations since the onset of the war with Russia.

The protests highlighted the public's frustration with perceived attempts to undermine the independence of key watchdog institutions. By approving the draft bill, Zelensky seeks to reassure both domestic and international stakeholders that Ukraine remains committed to fighting corruption and upholding democratic principles. The move is seen as a crucial step in maintaining EU support and ensuring the integrity of Ukraine's institutions amid the ongoing conflict.

Intel to “no longer move forward” with planned new plant in Poland

US tech giant Intel has officially abandoned its plans to build a new semiconductor plant in Poland, as well as a similar project in Germany. The decision comes amidst significant financial struggles for the company, which reported a net loss of $2.9 billion in the second quarter of 2024, despite generating $12.9 billion in revenue. Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, attributed the company's woes to overinvestment in the face of inadequate demand, leading to a 15% reduction in its core workforce.

The planned plant in Poland, announced in 2023, was expected to be located near Wrocław and create 2,000 jobs, contributing to an EU-wide semiconductor supply chain. The European Commission had approved state aid for the project, but Intel initially postponed it for two years due to cost-cutting measures. Now, the company has decided to scrap the plans entirely as part of its efforts to optimize its manufacturing footprint and improve returns on invested capital. This move comes despite Poland's recent success in attracting significant investments from other US tech companies, such as Microsoft and Visa. The country has seen substantial economic growth over the past three decades, positioning itself as a key player in Europe's tech landscape. However, Intel's withdrawal highlights the challenges and uncertainties that can arise in the tech industry. 💻💸

Revitalized army

To bolster the combat readiness of its Armed Forces, a nation must look beyond merely investing in expensive weaponry. Equally crucial is the elimination of bureaucratic inefficiencies that squander resources and funds. This is the core objective of a recent restructuring plan introduced by the Defense Ministry. The plan prioritizes streamlining operations and ensuring that all efforts are aligned with the country’s genuine defense requirements. By dismantling unnecessary bureaucratic layers, the armed forces can operate more effectively and efficiently, ultimately enhancing their ability to protect national security. This strategic overhaul aims to create a leaner, more agile military capable of responding swiftly and decisively to emerging threats. 🛡️🔧

German business morale hits annual high following tax cuts

German economic sentiment has shown a modest improvement, with the Ifo Institute's confidence barometer rising to 88.6 points, marking its seventh consecutive increase and the highest level since May 2024. However, the rise fell slightly short of analysts' expectations. Ifo president Clemens Fuest noted that while business sentiment has improved, the economic recovery remains slow. Germany faces significant challenges, including high production costs and intense competition from China, particularly in key export sectors like automobiles. The situation has been exacerbated by new U.S. tariffs imposed in April, which have further strained the economy.

Despite these hurdles, new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has initiated tax breaks and substantial spending plans to stimulate growth. Recent economic data has fueled hopes that the worst of the downturn may be over. However, analysts caution that Germany remains highly vulnerable to ongoing trade tensions. The country is currently navigating negotiations with the U.S. and EU to avoid further tariffs, with a crucial deadline approaching in August. The outcome of these talks will be pivotal in determining Germany's economic trajectory in the coming months. 📈🇩🇪

Spain's PM feels 'good and strong' amid right-wing corruption scandal

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, on his seventh tour of Latin America, expressed confidence and vigor as he reaches the midpoint of his second term. However, his administration faces significant challenges, including an investigation into two former Socialist leaders who played pivotal roles in his 2018 election victory. This scandal has shaken his left-wing coalition and fueled speculation about early elections.

The main opposition party, the Popular Party (PP), has seized on this opportunity, along with separate probes into Sánchez's family members, to intensify its anti-corruption stance. The PP's narrative was recently disrupted by a corruption case involving former finance minister Cristobal Montoro, who served under two PP premiers. Montoro was charged with bribery, fraud, and abuse of office, accused of creating a "network of influence" to benefit companies in exchange for payments to his consultancies. The scandal involves €48 million from various sectors, including construction, energy, and gambling.

This development has provided a political boost for Sánchez, shifting some of the corruption spotlight away from his party. Sánchez has capitalized on the situation, criticizing the PP's past austerity measures and alleging that they legislated for business elites rather than the public interest. Meanwhile, the PP has been relatively quiet, with its leader expressing support for the ongoing investigation. However, the party's parliamentary spokeswoman dismissed any notion of a "draw" in corruption cases between the two main parties.

The persistent perception of corruption in Spanish politics is eroding public trust and fostering political apathy, according to political scientist Cristina Monge. The far-right party Vox, which is gaining traction, is exploiting this discontent to advance its agenda. The political landscape in Spain remains tense, with corruption scandals continuing to shape the narrative and influence public opinion.

Are German airports and airlines among worst in Europe?

Recent surveys have highlighted significant shortcomings in the quality of air travel for passengers departing from Germany. In a global ranking of 250 airports based on customer satisfaction, punctuality, and other factors, German airports performed poorly, with the highest-ranked German airport, Düsseldorf, securing only the 100th position. Other major German airports, including Berlin-Brandenburg, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Nuremberg, received average to below-average rankings, with punctuality being a notable weak point.

Additionally, a survey titled "The Worst Airlines of 2025" included four major German airlines—Lufthansa, TUIfly, Eurowings, and Discover Airlines—raising concerns about their reliability, compensation policies, and customer satisfaction. While the ranking considered Europe's top 20 largest airlines, the inclusion of German carriers is noteworthy. TUIfly tied for the 7th worst position in reliability, while Lufthansa was criticized for its slow compensation payments. Discover Airlines, despite having the best overall score among the German airlines, received the lowest customer satisfaction rating. These findings underscore the challenges faced by German air travel providers in meeting passenger expectations. 🛬️😞

Germany says no plans to recognise Palestine 'in short term'

Germany maintains that recognizing a Palestinian state is a crucial step towards achieving a two-state solution, while emphasizing that Israel's security remains a top priority. This stance comes amid heightened international tensions, particularly after French President Emmanuel Macron announced France's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September. The move follows growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas has left over two million Palestinians in dire straits, facing mass starvation.

Germany, historically a strong ally of Israel and supporter of its actions against Hamas, has been vocal about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. While it has not joined the 28 Western countries calling for an immediate end to the war, Germany has outlined four key priorities to address the crisis. These include an urgent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, significant improvements in the humanitarian situation, and a viable political future for Gaza to ensure lasting peace. Germany has also stressed the importance of preventing further annexation of the West Bank and is prepared to increase pressure on relevant parties to achieve these goals. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is engaging with international leaders, including Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to discuss and coordinate efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis. 🇩🇪🇮🇱🇫🇷

Polish prosecutors reveal ballot errors in presidential election, say no impact on result

In Poland, prosecutors have uncovered discrepancies in the official results of the presidential election, revealing over 1,500 votes were incorrectly attributed to the winning candidate, Karol Nawrocki. Despite these irregularities, the national prosecutor’s office confirmed that the differences would not alter the election outcome, which saw Nawrocki win by a narrow margin of about 370,000 votes over his rival, Rafał Trzaskowski. The investigation, initiated in response to media reports of potential vote-counting issues, reviewed 250 polling stations deemed high-risk for errors.

The review found inconsistencies in 84 of the 250 stations, with votes sometimes misattributed between the two candidates. In total, Nawrocki received 1,538 more votes than he should have, while Trzaskowski received 1,541 fewer. Prosecutors are now investigating the causes of these discrepancies to determine if they were due to systemic problems or human error. The Supreme Court, despite its contested legitimacy, had already confirmed Nawrocki's victory. Nawrocki, backed by the conservative opposition, is set to replace the current president, Andrzej Duda, on August 6. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns about electoral integrity in Poland. 🗳️🇵🇱

Talking Europe: Highlights from the 2024-2025 season

As the political season concludes, a retrospective of key interviews with Europe's influential figures highlights the pivotal issues that have shaped the continent over the past year. Topics ranged from enhancing competitiveness and streamlining regulations to promoting corporate responsibility and combating disinformation. The discussions also emphasized the importance of investing in research and innovation through initiatives like "Choose Europe." Geopolitical themes, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the impact of the Trump presidency, were central to the conversations. These interviews offered insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Europe as it navigates a complex global landscape. 🌍📢