Newsflash

Trump threatens ‘substantial’ new tariffs against countries with ‘discriminatory’ digital rules

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to countries implementing digital regulations that he considers discriminatory against American companies. In a post on Truth Social, Trump threatened to impose substantial additional tariffs on exports from such countries and restrict the sale of American technology and chips. This move comes amid ongoing criticism from the Trump administration and some tech allies regarding the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which they have labeled as "Orwellian" and accused of censorship. The U.S. government also contends that the DSA would impose significant costs on domestic companies, further fueling the tension between the two economic powerhouses. The potential escalation underscores the growing friction over digital governance and the protection of American tech interests. 💻🌐

Trump admin weighs sanctions on EU officials over Digital Services Act, Reuters reports

The Trump administration is contemplating sanctions against European Union or member state officials involved in implementing the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This potential move stems from U.S. complaints that the law censors American voices and disproportionately burdens U.S. tech companies. The sanctions, if imposed, would represent a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts to counter what it perceives as Europe’s attempt to suppress conservative viewpoints. Senior State Department officials are exploring visa restrictions as a possible punitive measure, although no final decisions have been made.

The DSA, a key EU law, mandates that large online platforms take stronger action against illegal content, including hate speech and child sexual abuse material. EU officials maintain that the law aims to create a safer digital environment while upholding freedom of expression. However, U.S. critics argue that the DSA imposes undue restrictions on free speech and unfairly targets American platforms. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed U.S. diplomats in Europe to challenge the law and advocate for its amendment or repeal.

EU officials have dismissed the U.S. claims of censorship, asserting that freedom of expression is a fundamental right within the EU and is central to the DSA. The Trump administration has increasingly framed its foreign policy around defending conservative speech, with Vice President JD Vance and other senior figures frequently criticizing European governments for allegedly suppressing right-wing views. U.S. tech companies, such as Meta Platforms, have also echoed these criticisms, arguing that the DSA amounts to censorship and creates significant compliance burdens.

The administration's stance has led to tensions with EU officials, who have rejected the U.S. criticisms and emphasized that the DSA is designed to ensure open digital markets and is not specifically targeted at American firms. The potential sanctions and ongoing diplomatic disputes highlight the growing rift between the U.S. and EU over digital regulation and free speech. 🌐🚫

Five Turkish nationals remanded in Greece on drug and firearms trafficking charges

Five Turkish nationals have been remanded in prison in Greece, facing serious charges of drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession. Authorities accuse the men of being part of a Turkish mafia organization involved in coordinated criminal activities across Greece and Spain, including drug, arms, and migrant trafficking. The defendants, however, denied these allegations during their court hearing, asserting that the seized funds were legally obtained and not tied to illicit activities. They also claimed ownership of businesses in Turkey and stated that their luxury villas in Greece were purchased through the Golden Visa program. Additionally, the men alleged political persecution under Turkey's Erdogan government and asserted that they had been granted political asylum in Greece. The case highlights the complex interplay between criminal investigations and political asylum claims. 🚔💥

Russia plans withdrawal from European Convention preventing torture

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a resolution on August 25, recommending that Russia withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture. This move comes despite Russia's ongoing violations of the convention, with documented instances of torture and war crimes committed against Ukrainian civilians and troops. The resolution, addressed to President Vladimir Putin, seeks to formally denounce the decades-old agreement, which aims to prevent torture and inhumane treatment.

Russia's actions in Ukraine have been marked by severe human rights abuses, including targeted killings and torture of Ukrainian officials and civilians in occupied territories. Former Kherson Mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko, detained by Russian forces in April 2022, was reportedly tortured and killed for his pro-Ukrainian stance. Additionally, a Russian soldier confessed to participating in the execution of five captured Ukrainian soldiers in Donetsk Oblast in May 2024. Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who disappeared in August 2023, was later found dead in February 2025, her body showing signs of torture and missing organs. These incidents underscore the grave human rights violations occurring under Russian occupation, highlighting the urgent need for international scrutiny and accountability. 🇷🇺🇺🇦⚰️

Kupiansk left without water, electricity, and gas amid Russian attacks

The residents of Kupiansk, a city in northeastern Ukraine, are enduring severe hardships due to ongoing Russian attacks. With a pre-war population of around 30,000, Kupiansk is now home to approximately 1,800 civilians who face daily bombardments with guided bombs, artillery, and drones. These relentless assaults have devastated the city's infrastructure, leaving residents without electricity, gas, and running water. The situation is particularly dire on the city's right bank, where 870 people are trapped in near-inhumane conditions, with minimal access to basic services.

The intense shelling has made restoration efforts impossible, according to Andriy Besedin, head of the Kupiansk city military-civil administration. While some critical services remain operational in the Prystinske district, the overall humanitarian situation is dire. Russian forces continue to target not only Kupiansk but also other areas in Kharkiv Oblast, including the city of Kharkiv itself. On August 25, Russia launched multiple airstrikes, artillery barrages, and rocket attacks, further exacerbating the crisis. The ongoing conflict has left many civilians in desperate need of aid and relief. 🇺🇦💥

Seoul Warns North Korea Can Produce More Nuclear Weapons

North Korea is rapidly advancing its nuclear capabilities, with estimates suggesting it could soon produce 10 to 20 nuclear weapons annually. South Korea's new President, Lee Jae-Myung, raised this alarming prospect during a visit to a Washington think tank. Currently, North Korea is believed to possess around 50 nuclear warheads and has enough material to manufacture an additional 40, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Despite this escalating threat, President Lee expressed a desire to ease tensions between the two neighboring countries, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic strategy. 🇰🇷💥🇺🇸

How Russia targets, detains and kills Ukrainian officials in occupied regions

In occupied regions of Ukraine, Russian forces have systematically targeted, detained, and even killed Ukrainian officials as part of a broader strategy to dismantle local governance and impose their own administrative systems. This campaign has involved the abduction of mayors, village heads, and other community leaders, often with the goal of extracting information, pressuring them into collaboration, or simply removing obstacles to Russian control. 🇷🇺🇺🇦

One notable case is that of Volodymyr Mykolaienko, the former mayor of Kherson, who was detained in April 2022 for his pro-Ukrainian views and released over three years later on Ukraine's Independence Day. Another is Ihor Kolykhaiev, the acting mayor of Kherson at the time of the occupation, who remains in Russian captivity despite his vocal support for Ukraine and refusal to cooperate with Russian authorities. Kolykhaiev's son reports that his father has been transferred between multiple detention facilities and has suffered both physical and mental health deterioration.

The targeting of Ukrainian officials is not isolated but part of a coordinated effort to undermine local governance. According to Borys Petruniok, an analyst at the Zmina Human Rights Center, around 133 Ukrainian officials have been abducted or unlawfully detained since the full-scale invasion, with at least six still in captivity. These detentions often involve harsh conditions, including solitary confinement, and are aimed at exploiting the officials' administrative skills and networks or coercing them into collaboration. In some cases, officials have been killed, such as Olha Sukhenko, the head of Motyzhyn village in Kyiv Oblast, who was abducted and murdered along with her family.

The systematic nature of these violations suggests a broader policy aimed at establishing Russian control and implementing its policies in occupied territories. This strategy has led to the illegal annexation of parts of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts, with local officials being targeted not just as individuals but as symbols of legitimate Ukrainian authority. The international community has condemned these actions as potential war crimes, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and justice.

Ministries still mulling cost-saving measures against budget background

In response to the need for significant budget savings, Latvian ministries are exploring various restructuring and consolidation efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs. Next year, the state budget must find savings of €150 million, prompting ministries to submit 250 proposals for efficiency improvements. These proposals include not only reviewing staff numbers but also making substantial structural changes to ministries' subordinate institutions and capital companies.

The Ministry of Finance is spearheading several reforms, including the reorganization of the State Revenue Service (VID) to separate tax administration and consulting functions from criminal investigation and prevention tasks. The Tax and Customs Police may ultimately fall under the Ministry of the Interior, and the Lottery and Gambling Inspectorate could be integrated into a market supervision authority. Public sector accounting functions are also being centralized, with several ministries already transitioning to a standardized accounting system in the Treasury, reducing the number of employees by half.

The Ministry of Economics plans to consolidate state-owned companies in two stages, beginning with the merger of three entities into a unified technology development center. This move aims to save up to €200,000 annually through streamlined administrative functions. The Ministry of Agriculture has already optimized several institutions, consolidating administrative functions and reducing the number of forestry departments. The Ministry of Welfare, meanwhile, is reviewing administrative functions and procurement processes to improve efficiency and redirect savings to client care.

The government's budget priorities for next year include defense, demographics, and education, with the budget submission to the Saeima scheduled for October 15th. These efforts reflect a broader push for smarter processes and structural reforms to achieve significant cost savings and enhance operational efficiency across the public sector. 💸📉

Norwegian Oil Fund Divests from Israeli Banks and Caterpillar

The Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global, commonly known as the oil fund, has divested from 17 companies with ties to Israel due to concerns over human rights violations. The decision, advised by the Norwegian Ethics Council, stems from the "unacceptable risk" that these companies contribute to serious human rights abuses in war or conflict zones. The fund had previously announced its intention to sell holdings in six companies, with the specifics kept confidential until the sales were finalized.

Among the companies divested from is Caterpillar, a manufacturer of bulldozers used by Israeli authorities for the illegal destruction of Palestinian property, according to the Ethics Council. At the start of the year, the oil fund held shares in Caterpillar valued at approximately 24 billion Swedish kronor. This divestment follows a controversial summer revelation that the fund had invested in Bet Shemesh Engines, an Israeli fighter jet company.

The fund's recent actions reflect a broader effort to align its investments with ethical standards, particularly in regions marked by conflict and human rights concerns. The divestments underscore the fund's commitment to avoiding investments that may contribute to or benefit from serious violations of individual rights. 💸🛢️

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

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre visited Kyiv to express solidarity with Ukraine as the conflict intensifies. During his visit, Støre met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to discuss the ongoing situation and reaffirm Norway's commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense. This visit comes at a pivotal moment, as Russia has escalated its drone and missile attacks over the past six months. Støre's trip coincides with a visit by German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, who is also in Kyiv to discuss long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇳🇴

In domestic news, advance voting for Norway's upcoming parliamentary election has seen a strong turnout, with over 560,000 Norwegians casting their ballots early. This trend of increased advance voting reflects a growing preference for early participation in the electoral process. The advance voting period continues until September 5th, with the election day set for September 8th.

On the energy front, Equinor has announced significant oil and gas discoveries near the Troll field in the North Sea. The finds, located nine kilometers north of the Troll gas and oil field, include one oil and gas discovery and one gas-only discovery, with estimated recoverable resources ranging from 0.1 to 1.1 million standard cubic meters. Equinor's director, Geir Sørtveit, expressed optimism about the potential for further discoveries in the area.

Meanwhile, Norwegian authorities have issued a warning regarding a data breach involving passports and national ID cards at Italian hotels. Nearly 100,000 identity documents may have been compromised, with copies offered for sale on the dark web. Norwegian travelers who visited Italy during the summer are advised to contact their hotels to verify if their documents were affected and to take precautions against identity fraud. The Norwegian Police Directorate emphasized the importance of protecting personal data in the wake of this breach. 🚨💳

When the summer belongs to everyone but Greeks

Greece's tourism industry is thriving, with 36 million visitors generating €20 billion in 2024, and projections indicate another record-breaking year. This boom, driven by global wealth increases, affordable air travel, and extended retirements, has led to "overtourism" in many destinations. Locals, particularly on islands and in small businesses, are being displaced by multinational hotel chains and foreign investors, making it difficult for Greeks to afford their own summer getaways. The influx of tourists has transformed local economies, with short-term rentals and foreign investments reshaping communities.

Experts caution that traditional solutions, such as expanding infrastructure or extending the tourist season, do not address the core issue. Instead, sustainable strategies are being considered, including imposing entry fees to limit visitor numbers, promoting culturally engaged tourism, and subsidizing access for Greeks. The growing exclusion of locals from their own summer experiences risks fueling resentment and resistance to a tourism model that primarily views Greeks as cheap labor. Balancing economic gains with the preservation of local culture and access is crucial for the long-term sustainability of Greece's tourism industry. 🏝️🌴

French government risks collapse after Bayrou calls high-stakes confidence vote

France's minority government, led by Prime Minister François Bayrou, is on the brink of collapse as a crucial confidence vote on a contentious €43.8 billion budget cuts approaches. Bayrou announced an extraordinary parliamentary session on September 8, two weeks ahead of the scheduled resumption of legislative work, to address the impending fiscal crisis. The prime minister emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that France's freedom and economic stability are at stake. His bold move has sent ripples through the political landscape, as the country braces for potential government dissolution and the uncertainty that follows. 🇫🇷🏛️

Greece issues very high wildfire risk alert for Aegean islands and Crete

Greece has issued a very high wildfire risk alert for several regions, including the Aegean islands and Crete. Areas under the highest risk level, classified as "very high," encompass Karpathos in the South Aegean, the islands of Chios, Samos, and Ikaria in the North Aegean, and the regional units of Iraklio and Lasithi on Crete. Authorities have heightened the alert status for state agencies, regional authorities, and municipalities in these areas to ensure rapid response capabilities in case of fires. The public is strongly advised to avoid activities that could potentially ignite flames, such as burning vegetation, operating machinery that emits sparks, lighting grills, or discarding lit cigarettes. The use of fire in fields is strictly prohibited during the summer fire season. Authorities urge anyone who spots a fire to immediately contact the Fire Service at 199. Updated safety instructions are available in both Greek and English on the Civil Protection website. 🔥🌳📞

Study finds ‘collapse of births,’ more deaths

Greece is confronting a significant demographic crisis, as highlighted by a recent study from the University of Thessaly’s Laboratory of Demographic and Social Analyses. The report, authored by assistant professor Ifigeneia Kokkali, reveals a stark decline in births, with the number dropping to 72,300 in 2023—approximately half the annual average recorded between 1951 and 1970. This "collapse of births" is attributed to broader social challenges Greece has faced in recent decades, including economic hardships and migration outflows.

Since 2011, Greece has experienced a steady negative natural balance, with more deaths than births, leading to a population reduction of nearly 500,000 people. The country's fertility rates remain among the lowest in the European Union, with women averaging only 1.3 to 1.4 children, well below the replacement level of 2.07. The study also notes a rise in childlessness, affecting about one in five individuals born around 1980, and a housing crisis that delays family formation. Consequently, nearly 23% of Greeks are over 65 years old, and seniors outnumber children by one million, underscoring the severe demographic challenges ahead. 📉🏠👶

Prosecutor demands prison sentences as anchor-dragging Eagle S trial begins in Helsinki

The trial of the captain and two officers of the Eagle S oil tanker commenced at the Helsinki District Court, with the defendants facing serious charges related to an incident in the Baltic Sea last Christmas Day. Prosecutors allege that the crew deliberately dragged the ship's anchor along the seabed, damaging five undersea cables between Finland and Estonia, including the crucial Estlink 2 power cable. The prosecution seeks a minimum sentence of two years and six months in prison for each defendant, citing the extensive damage and significant repair costs, estimated at €60 million.

The incident involved the Eagle S sailing 90 kilometers with its anchor down, causing substantial damage to critical infrastructure. Finnish authorities intervened, preventing further harm. The ship's captain, Davit Vadatchkoria, and his co-accused deny the allegations, claiming the damage was accidental. The defense argues that the incident occurred in international waters, challenging the court's jurisdiction.

The Eagle S is suspected to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet," a network of vessels used to evade Western sanctions. The ship, owned by a company in the United Arab Emirates and flagged in the Cook Islands, was reportedly in poor condition, raising security and environmental concerns. The trial will also address these suspicions and the defense's claims of a maritime accident rather than deliberate sabotage. 🛳️💥

Trump and the model of power

Donald Trump's second term as U.S. President has been marked by a radical overhaul of both domestic and foreign policies, with a disregard for longstanding norms and traditions. His approach to power is deeply personal and authoritarian, prioritizing his instincts and loyalists over established mechanisms and committees. This shift is evident in his transformation of the White House into a personal residence, reflecting his disregard for bipartisan traditions and the delicate balance of power.

Trump's unconventional leadership style has raised questions about the long-term impact on America's global standing and alliances. While the full effects of his policies, such as tariffs and foreign investments, remain uncertain, it is clear that his actions are eroding trust in the U.S. among allies and partners. The fear instilled by his aggressive tactics may not be enough to sustain long-term relationships. If Trump's domestic policies succeed and he secures further electoral victories, his model of leadership could redefine success for Western leaders, potentially paving the way for similar authoritarian tendencies across the globe. The delicate equilibrium between respect for institutions and authoritarianism may shift, with far-reaching implications for democratic governance. 🌍🏛️

French Prime Minister Bayrou Faces No Confidence Vote on September 8

The political future of centrist Prime Minister Bayrou hangs in the balance, as he faces potential dismissal after just nine months in office. The far-right National Assembly, the green Ecologists, and likely the socialist parliamentary group have all expressed a lack of confidence in his leadership. This political turmoil stems from Bayrou's efforts to tackle France's substantial national debt through unpopular austerity measures, including the proposed abolition of two public holidays and freezing spending on pensions and healthcare.

Bayrou assumed the role of prime minister in December following the dismissal of his predecessor, Michel Barnier. He narrowly survived a vote of no confidence in January but now faces an uncertain future. If the National Assembly votes against him, President Emmanuel Macron will be compelled to appoint a seventh prime minister since taking office in 2017. Macron has agreed to convene the National Assembly on September 8 for the crucial vote, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in French politics. 🇫🇷🏛️

El Mayo Admits Guilt in Drug Smuggling and Murders

In a New York courtroom, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a former leader of the notorious Sinaloa cartel, expressed deep remorse for the extensive damage caused by illegal drugs in the USA and Mexico. Zambada, who once headed the cartel alongside Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, acknowledged his role in the vast distribution of drugs and the ensuing violence that has plagued Mexican society. He admitted to corrupting police and military officials to facilitate the cartel's operations and took responsibility for the innocent lives lost due to the cartel's activities.

Zambada, now 77, was arrested in Texas last year and chose to cooperate with authorities to avoid the death penalty. He confessed to decades of criminal activity, including orchestrating the cartel's hitmen, known as sicarios, to eliminate opponents. His former partner, Guzmán, was previously sentenced to life imprisonment in the same courthouse. Zambada's confession highlights the devastating impact of the Sinaloa cartel on both sides of the border, underscoring the urgent need for continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and its associated violence. 🇲🇽🇺🇸💊

Norway pledges $8.5 billion in aid to Ukraine in 2026

Norway is significantly bolstering its support for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announcing an $8.45 billion aid package for 2026 during a visit to Kyiv. This substantial commitment underscores Norway’s increasing role in Ukraine’s defense as Western allies work towards finalizing security guarantees. Store emphasized that the most crucial guarantee would be to equip Ukraine with robust defense capabilities, stressing the importance of continued U.S. engagement in these discussions. Norway will also contribute to training Ukrainian troops and enhancing Ukraine’s air defense by providing necessary systems.

This announcement comes as Ukraine’s allies push for comprehensive postwar security guarantees, following a high-level meeting in Washington involving President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump, and European partners. While the details of the security package are still being finalized, European officials have discussed deploying troops from various countries, including Britain and France, to support Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trump has indicated that the U.S. could provide air support but has ruled out sending ground troops. This collective effort highlights the international community’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defense and ensuring its long-term security. 🇳🇴🤝🇺🇦

Trump Considers More Tariffs on Advanced Technology Exports

In a recent statement on Truth Social, former U.S. President Donald Trump accused various countries of implementing digital taxes, legislation on digital services, and regulations on digital markets that he claims are designed to harm or discriminate against American technology companies. Trump urged these nations to revise their legislation in favor of U.S. tech firms, warning that if they do not comply, he would impose significant additional tariffs on their exports to the U.S. and introduce export restrictions on protected American technology and semiconductors. Trump's broadside was directed at "everyone," without specifying any particular countries.

This warning comes just a week after the U.S. and the EU jointly agreed to address "unjustified trade barriers" together. However, the EU has maintained that its legislative changes regarding digital services are not currently discriminatory. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between promoting fair trade practices and protecting national interests in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 💻🌐