Newsflash

Rules-based world order is dead, EU to concede

The international world order is facing severe challenges, prompting the European Commission to issue a stark warning. The upcoming Strategic Foresight Report will highlight the erosion of the global rules-based system, emphasizing that Europe must either adapt to a more chaotic environment or establish new guidelines. The U.S. under President Donald Trump has repeatedly demonstrated disdain for international institutions, such as the United Nations, by withdrawing funding and exiting key bodies like the UNHCR and UNESCO. This shift underscores the need for Europe to navigate a more unpredictable global landscape, where traditional alliances and international cooperation may no longer be reliable. 🌍🚨

US steps back from joint efforts to combat misinformation, FT reports

The United States has abruptly ended its collaborative efforts with Europe to counter disinformation campaigns originating from countries like China, Iran, and Russia. This decision, reported by the Financial Times, marks a significant shift in the U.S. approach to combating global misinformation. The move comes amid broader cuts to publicly funded media outlets, including Voice of America (VoA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which have been instrumental in exposing foreign propaganda.

The Global Engagement Center (GEC), a U.S. State Department agency dedicated to countering misinformation from terrorist groups and foreign adversaries, was shuttered in April. This closure followed the termination of memoranda of understanding with approximately 22 African and European countries, which had been working together to identify and expose disinformation. The GEC had been leading these joint efforts, which aimed to address the growing threat of information warfare, exacerbated by advancements in artificial intelligence.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees VoA, had previously launched an investigation into journalists who had criticized Trump’s policies, raising concerns about press freedom and the independence of these media outlets. Meanwhile, Russia continues to employ hybrid warfare tactics, utilizing disinformation to sway public opinion, influence politics, and destabilize Ukraine and its allies. Moscow is estimated to spend around $1.5 billion annually on foreign disinformation campaigns, highlighting the scale and sophistication of their efforts. This withdrawal of U.S. support leaves European countries more vulnerable to foreign influence operations and underscores the urgent need for alternative strategies to safeguard democratic values and national security. 🌐🚨

Russia’s gains speed up in Ukraine ahead of high-stakes autumn

As the fourth summer of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine concludes, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with Moscow continuing its high-intensity offensive operations across the front line. The partially occupied Donetsk Oblast has been the epicenter of the heaviest fighting, with Russian forces steadily gaining territory, particularly between the cities of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka. Despite facing significant losses, Russia has relied on waves of small infantry assaults to advance, exploiting the cover provided by summer vegetation and the crucial element of drone surveillance.

Ukraine has struggled to maintain a cohesive defense, with thinly-manned positions and a dire shortage of front-line infantry. Russian tactics, focusing on infiltration missions and creating chaos in the rear, have proven effective, leading to deep penetrations of Ukrainian lines in some sectors. However, Ukraine's use of reconnaissance and strike drones has been a bright spot, allowing for effective targeting of Russian forces. The conflict is set to intensify as autumn approaches, with both sides preparing for high-stakes battles. Russia's ability to sustain its offensive will depend on its capacity to recruit contract soldiers, while Ukraine faces the challenge of maintaining its defensive posture and countering Russian advances. The coming months are likely to be crucial in determining the trajectory of the war, with both sides preparing for a protracted and intense struggle. 🌳💥

Estonia summons top Russian diplomat after helicopter violates Estonian airspace

Estonia has summoned the Russian charge d'affaires in Tallinn following a violation of its airspace by a Russian MI-8 helicopter. The incident, the third of its kind in 2025, occurred near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland on September 7. The helicopter, which had neither its transponder activated nor a flight plan, breached Estonian airspace for approximately four minutes. This event is part of a larger pattern of aerial provocations by Russia, which has been suspected of using such flights to spy on NATO positions since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russian aircraft frequently operate without transponders, fail to file flight plans, and avoid contact with regional air traffic control, behaviors that NATO officials have deemed high-risk. Previous incidents have involved Russian aircraft flying from Kaliningrad towards international airspace near Poland, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. In addition to these aerial provocations, Russia has escalated sabotage efforts in the Baltic Sea region, with suspected damage to undersea power cables by vessels from Russia's "shadow fleet." These actions have raised concerns among European allies, who warn that such provocations could lead to dangerous escalations if not firmly addressed. 🛩️🌊

Russia would kill civilians in Czechia just like it does in Ukraine, warns spy chief

The Czech intelligence service's chief, Michal Koudelka, has issued a stark warning about Russia's potential aggression towards Czechia. Speaking at a conference on internal security, Koudelka accused Russia of committing brutal atrocities in Ukraine, deliberately targeting civilians, including women and children. He emphasized that Russia's actions in Ukraine serve as a clear indication of its willingness to inflict harm on innocent people. Koudelka asserted that there should be no doubt that Russia would resort to similar tactics if given the opportunity to attack Czechia. His remarks underscore the growing concerns about Russian aggression and the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats. 🇷🇺🇨🇿⚔️

19th Russian top executive dies under suspicious circumstances since start of all-out war, media reports

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, at least 19 high-ranking Russian executives and business figures have died under suspicious and often gruesome circumstances. The latest victim is Alexey Sinitsyn, the CEO of potash producer K-Potash Service, whose decapitated body was discovered near Kaliningrad. This grim tally includes prominent figures from Russia's oil and gas sectors, such as Lukoil, Gazprom, and Transneft, as well as other influential businessmen. The deaths have occurred both within Russia and abroad, raising alarms about potential internal power struggles or targeted eliminations.

Recent high-profile cases include Dmitry Osipov, chairman of the board at Uralkali, and Mikhail Kenin, founder of real estate developer Samolet, both of whom died last month under undisclosed circumstances. Beyond the business community, similar deaths have been reported among law enforcement and government officials, further indicating deepening internal tensions. Notably, Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) counterintelligence officer Vladimir Feshchenko was found dead in a Moscow Defense Ministry building in January. The recurring pattern of unexplained deaths suggests a climate of fear and instability within Russia's elite circles as the conflict in Ukraine persists. 💀💼

Russia planned large-scale offensive in Zaporizhzhia direction, but Ukraine thwarted it, Syrskyi says

Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Ukrainian forces successfully thwarted a planned large-scale Russian offensive in the Zaporizhzhia direction. This comes after Syrskyi's earlier warnings that Russia was amassing troops for a significant push in the partially occupied southern region. Moscow currently controls about 70% of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, but the regional capital, Zaporizhzhia, remains under Ukrainian control.

The Russian forces had intended to launch a major offensive in Zaporizhzhia, along with operations in the Novopavlivka direction, aiming to break through and encircle Ukrainian troops in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad area. However, Ukrainian troops effectively prevented these plans, forcing the Russians to postpone their offensive and redeploy marine units to Donetsk Oblast. Syrskyi noted that Russia's current focus is on the Lyman, Dobropillia, and Pokrovsk directions in Donetsk Oblast, as well as the Novopavlivka direction, which is strategically located at the junction of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

The Russian military is employing a tactic of "infiltration" advancement, using small infantry groups to infiltrate populated areas by exploiting gaps between positions and avoiding direct combat. President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed Syrskyi's remarks, stating that while the situation in Zaporizhzhia remains unchanged, Russia is amassing airborne troops in that sector. Zaporizhzhia Oblast is strategically important, bordering key regions and hosting the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe. 🇺🇦💥

US ‘actively dismantling the order it built’

The global order is undergoing a significant shift, marked by a notable absence of American leadership. Despite remaining the world's most powerful nation, the U.S. has retreated from its traditional role in championing collective security, free trade, and democracy promotion. This retreat has created a power vacuum that no other nation—including China, Europe, Russia, or India—is ready or willing to fill, leading to a state of geopolitical instability.

The U.S. under President Trump has actively dismantled the global order it once built, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term interests. This shift has prompted other nations to hedge their bets, reducing their reliance on an increasingly unpredictable U.S. and seeking alternative partnerships. China, in particular, stands to benefit from this new landscape, as countries look to diversify their alliances and trade partners.

The recent meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlight this trend. India, under pressure from U.S. policies, has sought to stabilize its relationship with China, even as the two nations remain strategic rivals. This normalization is not a sign of a new alliance but rather a strategic adjustment in response to the U.S.'s unpredictable behavior.

The U.S.'s retreat from global leadership has also strained its relationships with traditional allies, particularly in Europe and Canada. While ties with Asian partners and Gulf nations remain strong, the damage to transatlantic relations may be long-lasting. The U.S. must regain its reliability and consistency to restore its standing in the world, but this will require a significant shift in its current approach to global affairs. 🌍💥

Germany’s Merz warns against ‘false nostalgia’ over US alliance

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the need for Europe to assert its independence from the United States, acknowledging the shifting dynamics in transatlantic relations. In a recent speech in Berlin, Merz highlighted that the U.S. is reassessing its global interests, necessitating a similar adjustment from Europe. He urged Europeans to move beyond nostalgia and prepare to navigate the geopolitical landscape on their own terms.

Merz's stance reflects a pragmatic approach to the Trump administration's fluctuating policies, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The chancellor has long advocated for European strategic autonomy, a position he reiterated soon after his election victory in late February. This call for independence underscores the growing recognition within Europe that the continent must fortify its security and economic resilience in an increasingly uncertain world. 🌍🇪🇺

The new cold war

The global geopolitical landscape is increasingly defined by a new cold war between the United States and China, with the latter emerging as the world's second superpower and a formidable rival. President Xi Jinping has assertively projected China's influence, forging a broad anti-American alliance that includes Russia and Iran. This shift has been accelerated by President Donald Trump's foreign policy, which has inadvertently strengthened China's position by alienating potential U.S. allies like India and failing to drive a wedge between Russia and China.

The strength of this anti-American alliance remains uncertain, as demonstrated by its inability to support Iran against U.S. attacks and the nascent, yet limited, alternative to the U.S.-dominated international payment system. The next potential flashpoint is Taiwan, with predictions that China may attempt to invade or forcibly incorporate the island by 2027. This scenario would test the resolve of U.S. hegemony and the strength of its alliances.

The outcome of such a confrontation is uncertain, with questions lingering about whether the U.S. and its allies would stand united, or if they would prioritize their own interests. Trump's transactional approach to foreign policy has eroded the trust and appeal of the U.S. as a global leader, leaving allies uncertain about its commitments to NATO and Asian alliances. As leaders from Europe, Japan, South Korea, and other nations rush to secure U.S. support, the future of the "West" hangs in the balance, poised to be decided by the escalating tensions of this new cold war. 🌍💥

Volkswagen vying for top spot in Europe’s entry-level e-car sector

Volkswagen, the beleaguered German automaker, is pinning its hopes on four new entry-level electric vehicles (EVs) to secure a 20% market share in Europe's electric car segment. The company's CEO, Oliver Blume, announced this ambitious goal ahead of the IAA Mobility show in Munich, one of the world's largest automotive industry events. The four new models, set to launch in 2026, include the ID Polo, priced just under €25,000, and will be manufactured in Spain to optimize costs. An even more affordable model, the ID Every1, is expected to follow in 2027, priced around €20,000, succeeding the discontinued VW Up. Volkswagen aims to dominate the entry-level EV segment, which it sees as having significant growth potential. The company currently leads the European electric car market with a 28% share but faces stiff competition and economic challenges globally. To meet the EU's stringent CO2 fleet targets and avoid substantial fines, Volkswagen must boost its electric vehicle sales. The automaker has also announced plans to cut 20,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 as part of its cost-reduction strategy. 🚘🔋

PM, FM discuss Greece–Libya relations with Belgacem Haftar

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis held a significant meeting with Belgacem Haftar, the Director General of the Fund for the Development and Reconstruction of Libya and son of the de facto leader of eastern Libya, Khalifa Haftar. The discussion centered on strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cooperation in key sectors such as economy, trade, construction, energy, investments, and transport. The meeting also aimed to lay the groundwork for an upcoming Greek business mission to Benghazi later this year.

During the talks, Gerapetritis expressed satisfaction with the recent reduction in migrant flows from Tobruk to Crete, following his visit to Benghazi. The two sides agreed to continue training Libyan coast guard officers in Greece, with a focus on enhancing naval deterrence and managing migration flows. Additionally, Greece reaffirmed its stance, along with the European Union, that the Turkey–Libya memorandum is "invalid and void." This meeting underscores Greece's efforts to bolster its ties with Libya and address shared challenges, particularly in the realm of migration and maritime security. 🇬🇷🇱🇾🌊

Estonian business owners demand budget stability and predictable taxes

As Estonia's government begins state budget negotiations, business leaders are advocating for significant reforms to foster economic growth. The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EKTK) is urging the government to prioritize predictable taxation, reduced bureaucracy, and clear long-term budget planning. The business community emphasizes that cuts should target government bureaucracy rather than essential public services such as healthcare, education, and public safety.

Toomas Luman, chair of the EKTK, highlights the need for substantial reductions in the policymaking apparatus, asserting that excessive bureaucracy and confusing tax policies are stifling Estonia's economy. The business leaders contend that streamlining ministries and central agencies will alleviate the burdens on enterprises, promoting a more favorable environment for economic development. The call for reform underscores the importance of addressing structural inefficiencies to enhance Estonia's competitiveness and prosperity. 🇪🇪💼

Macron may 'look within his own ranks' to find the new PM

French President Emmanuel Macron faces the urgent task of appointing a new prime minister. With the need for swift action, Macron is considering several options. One possibility is to form a coalition with the Socialist Party, which might require concessions such as implementing a tax on the ultra-wealthy. Alternatively, Macron could choose a candidate from within his own political ranks to fill the role. The situation underscores the political pressures and strategic decisions Macron must navigate to maintain stability and governance in France. 🇫🇷🕒

Ex-Wagner Group fighter won't face charges for illegally entering Finland

A former member of the Wagner Group, a notorious Russian mercenary organization, illegally crossed the Russian border into Finland in June, seeking asylum and claiming to be fleeing the war. The individual, identified as Yevgeni, entered Finland near Kitee and was subsequently detained by Finnish authorities. Although initially deemed to have committed a border crime, the case will not proceed to prosecution due to his asylum application.

Yevgeni admitted to crossing the border illegally, stating that he had no other options to seek protection in Europe. He described his journey as harrowing, involving a 24-hour hike through forested terrain filled with bears and difficult conditions. His initial plan was to reach Paris to meet a friend who had also fled the war, but he ultimately decided to apply for asylum in Finland. Authorities verified his route and identity through his smartphone and found evidence of an alias he had used. Yevgeni remains detained in Finland while his asylum application is being processed.

The Finnish Border Guard and National Bureau of Investigation are conducting preliminary probes to determine if Yevgeni may have been involved in war crimes, although no such suspicions have been confirmed. His case highlights the complex challenges faced by individuals fleeing conflict zones and seeking refuge in other countries. 🌍🛂

Norwegian Election Marks Comeback for Støre and Green Party

In Norway's recent parliamentary election, the red-green bloc is projected to secure a majority in the Storting, with 89 seats compared to the bourgeois bloc's 80. This outcome aligns with expectations, marking a significant comeback for both the Labour Party and the Green Party. The Green Party, with 4.7% of the vote, narrowly exceeds the electoral threshold, a notable achievement given its unique position in Norwegian politics.

The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, is poised to continue governing, potentially alone, as the Center Party left the coalition earlier this year. The Center Party's departure, driven by disagreements over EU policy, creates uncertainty for the left-wing bloc. Meanwhile, the Right Party, Norway's conservative counterpart, faces its worst election in two decades, dealing a personal blow to former Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

The election results also highlight the rise of the right-wing populist Progress Party, which becomes the second-largest party. This shift mirrors trends in Swedish politics, where both countries grapple with the influence of right-wing populist movements. The Labour Party's success is attributed to a combination of factors, including economic stability, energy policy, and a desire for a safe alternative amidst global uncertainties, rather than a "Stoltenberg effect" from the former Prime Minister's potential return. 🇳🇴🏛️

Changing what needs to be changed

To secure a third term, the prime minister faces significant challenges. When a government prioritizes re-election above all else, it often avoids making tough decisions or taking risks that could jeopardize its chances. This focus on electoral victory leads to a stagnation of meaningful reforms, as proposals are dismissed or delayed until a hypothetical "next term." To break this cycle, the administration must set a clear goal: address the issues that have gone unresolved in the past six years and eliminate the entrenched, detrimental habits within the political system. This requires a commitment to change and a willingness to tackle difficult problems head-on, rather than deferring them indefinitely. The time for decisive action is now, with a focus on substantive reforms that will benefit the country and its citizens.

German government extends control over Rosneft subsidiaries

The German government has extended its control over the local units of the Russian state-owned company Rosneft, including a significant oil refinery in Schwedt, for an additional six months until March 10, 2026. This decision comes as part of the government's ongoing effort to ensure energy security and stability in the region following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Schwedt refinery, which supplies fuel, heating oil, kerosene, and chemical products to large parts of northeastern Germany, including Berlin, is 54% owned by Rosneft's German subsidiaries. The trusteeship, initiated in 2022, aims to secure the supply of essential energy products to the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg while the government explores long-term solutions. The government has stated that selling the refinery would be the most legally secure and expedient way to enable necessary investments and secure the site's future. Rosneft's German assets also include minority stakes in the MiRo refinery in Karlsruhe and Bayernoil in Vohburg, collectively accounting for around 12% of Germany's crude oil processing capacity. The extension of the trusteeship underscores Germany's commitment to maintaining energy stability and security amidst geopolitical tensions. 🏭🛢️

Existential threat hangs over little piece of paradise

The small island of Pserimos, home to fewer than 100 residents, relies heavily on tourism for its economic sustenance. Situated near the Turkish coast, Pserimos is ensnared in a territorial dispute, with Turkey designating it as part of the so-called "gray zones"—areas of contested sovereignty. This strategic labeling is part of Turkey's broader tactic to assert maximum demands in the Aegean Sea and maintain pressure on Greece. The island's strategic location and disputed status underscore the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations, as Turkey seeks to leverage its claims to gain leverage in regional negotiations. 🏝️🇹🇷🇬🇷

LATEST: Norway's left-wing bloc wins 2025 parliamentary election

In the 2025 Norwegian election, left-leaning parties secured a narrow victory, winning 88 seats to the right-leaning parties' 81, with 99% of votes counted. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre's Labour Party emerged as the largest single party, receiving around 28% of the vote, allowing him to continue leading a minority government. The Labour Party will need the support of the other four left-wing parties to pass legislation and the budget, despite their differing views on various issues.

The populist Progress Party, led by Sylvi Listhaug, saw a significant gain, increasing its vote share by 12% to 24%, primarily driven by younger male voters. This surge propelled the Progress Party past the Conservative Party, led by former Prime Minister Erna Solberg, which saw a 6% decrease in support, securing 14% of the vote. The centrist Liberal Party failed to meet the 4% threshold required for parliamentary representation, receiving only 3.6% of the vote.

The election focused on domestic issues such as purchasing power, inequality, public services, and taxes. Prime Minister Støre emphasized the importance of addressing the daily economic challenges faced by Norwegians, including coping with rising prices. The campaign also highlighted the debate over Norway's wealth tax, with some wealthy individuals having fled the country to avoid it.

Advance voting reached a record high, with 1.9 million Norwegians casting their ballots early. The initial projection, based on these advance votes, will be updated throughout the evening as additional votes are counted from the 19 election districts. The final results are expected to confirm the left-leaning bloc's victory, ensuring Prime Minister Støre's continued leadership.