Newsflash

Russia not interested in negotiated settlements, hybrid warfare to continue beyond Ukraine

Russia has made it clear that it has no intention of pursuing negotiated settlements, signaling a prolonged and intensified campaign of hybrid warfare that extends beyond Ukraine. This strategy involves a blend of military, economic, and informational tactics designed to destabilize and undermine Western democracies. The Kremlin's approach is characterized by its use of disinformation, cyberattacks, and political interference, aiming to exploit divisions and weaken the resolve of European nations.

Russia's hybrid warfare tactics are not limited to military actions but also include economic coercion and energy politics. By leveraging its significant energy resources, Russia seeks to gain leverage over European countries, particularly those heavily reliant on Russian gas and oil. This energy blackmail is part of a broader strategy to assert influence and undermine European unity.

Moreover, Russia employs sophisticated disinformation campaigns to sow discord and mistrust within European societies. These efforts are designed to polarize public opinion, erode trust in democratic institutions, and support extremist movements. The use of social media and other digital platforms amplifies these messages, reaching a wide audience and exacerbating social tensions.

In response to these threats, European nations must strengthen their resilience and coordination. This includes enhancing cybersecurity measures, investing in energy diversification, and promoting media literacy to combat disinformation. Additionally, European countries should work together to impose targeted sanctions on Russian entities involved in hybrid warfare activities and support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the broader geopolitical challenges facing Europe. As Russia continues to employ hybrid warfare tactics, European nations must remain vigilant and united in their response. By doing so, they can effectively counter Russian aggression and safeguard their democratic values and security. 🇪🇺🇷🇺

Syria and Russia rekindle realpolitik romance fuelled by military strategy, geopolitical ambitions

Syria and Russia have revived their strategic alliance, driven by mutual military and geopolitical interests. This renewed partnership is rooted in a shared desire to bolster their influence in the Middle East and counterbalance Western and regional adversaries. The collaboration is evident in several key areas, including military cooperation, economic ties, and diplomatic support.

Militarily, Russia has been a crucial ally to Syria, providing military aid, training, and direct intervention to support President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Russian airpower and ground forces have played a pivotal role in turning the tide of the Syrian civil war in Assad's favor. In return, Syria has granted Russia access to its strategic naval base in Tartus, a vital asset for projecting Russian power in the Mediterranean.

Economically, the two countries have strengthened their ties through trade and investment agreements. Russia has invested in Syria's energy sector, helping to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the conflict. Additionally, both nations have explored opportunities in agriculture, construction, and other industries to foster economic growth and reduce their dependence on Western markets.

Diplomatically, Russia has been a steadfast supporter of Syria in international forums, shielding the Assad regime from condemnation and sanctions. This diplomatic backing has been instrumental in maintaining Syria's sovereignty and preventing external intervention. In exchange, Syria has aligned its foreign policy with Russia's, supporting Moscow's initiatives in the region and beyond.

The rekindled alliance between Syria and Russia is a testament to the enduring power of realpolitik in international relations. Despite their differing political systems and cultural backgrounds, both countries have found common ground in their pursuit of national interests and regional dominance. This strategic partnership is likely to endure, shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East for years to come. 🌍🏛️

MI5 boss: Threats from states like China on a par with terrorists

The head of a prominent British intelligence agency, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum, has issued a stark warning that the threat posed by states like China is as severe or even worse than the threat of terrorism. Delivering his annual threat update from MI5 headquarters in London, McCallum emphasized the need for a significant overhaul in how British intelligence operates, marking the most substantial shift since the September 11 attacks.

This call for change comes amid intense scrutiny of the British government and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following the high-profile collapse of a case against two alleged Chinese spies. The CPS's unexpected decision to drop charges against the two individuals last month has raised numerous questions and sparked a debate about the handling of national security cases. McCallum's remarks underscore the evolving nature of security threats and the urgent need for adaptive strategies to counter them. 🌐🔍

Kyiv Independent to present documentary exposing Russia’s militarization of Ukrainian children

The Kyiv Independent is set to release a powerful documentary exposing Russia’s systematic militarization of Ukrainian children in occupied territories. The film, premiering on October 23, reveals a disturbing strategy of indoctrination aimed at preparing children for future military service under Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime. Around 1.6 million Ukrainian children currently reside in these areas, where they are subjected to Russian curricula and paramilitary youth organizations.

The documentary delves into the harrowing experiences of children forced into military training, highlighting the use of fear and coercion by occupation authorities. Families face threats of having their children sent to orphanages unless they comply with enrollment in local schools or military training programs. The film follows the stories of families like Iryna’s, who fled to protect their children from conscription, and teenagers like Oksana, who were deceived into attending military training camps.

The investigation uncovers a vast system designed to normalize war and expand authoritarian influence, undermining democratic values across Europe. The Kyiv Independent’s journalists have identified key figures behind these programs, exposing the mechanisms that turn education and leisure into tools for building Russia’s next army. The documentary aims to raise awareness about this critical issue and the broader geopolitical implications of Russia’s actions. 🎬🎥

Germany to move fighter jets to Poland for NATO patrol flights

Germany is enhancing its defense posture on NATO’s eastern flank by deploying Eurofighter jets to the Polish military airbase in Malbork. This move, announced by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, aims to bolster the protection of NATO’s eastern member states in response to increased Russian airspace violations. The jets will participate in the Eastern Sentry mission, which was initiated in September to safeguard the airspace of Eastern European NATO allies. This mission involves traditional air surveillance, air defense, and measures to counter drone incursions.

The deployment underscores Germany’s commitment to a more active and visible presence along NATO’s eastern border. Other nations, including France, Britain, the Czech Republic, and Denmark, are also contributing to the Eastern Sentry mission. Recent incidents, such as Russian fighter jets entering Estonian airspace and drones disrupting air traffic in Poland and Denmark, highlight the need for heightened vigilance and defense capabilities. This strategic move by Germany is part of a broader effort to deter and respond to Russian provocations along NATO’s eastern frontier. 🛩️🇩🇪🇵🇱

EU Commission presents defense plan to protect ‘every’ centimeter of Europe

The European Commission has introduced its Defense Readiness Roadmap, a strategic plan aimed at enhancing the EU's ability to deter adversaries and respond to aggression by 2030. The initiative comes in response to an evolving threat landscape, particularly from Russia, which the Commission identifies as a persistent security risk. Within the next five years, the EU aims to bolster its defenses to protect all citizens and every part of its territory. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of this mission, stating that recent threats have underscored the need for robust security measures. The roadmap signifies a significant step towards a more secure and resilient Europe. 🇪🇺🛡️

Latvian Radio surveys China's interest in Latvia

In Latvia, Chinese investments present both economic opportunities and security concerns. The biotechnology company "Latvia MGI Tech," a significant Chinese investment, operates a gene sequencing equipment factory in Mārupe. While the company emphasizes its focus on manufacturing and selling equipment, its ties to the Chinese billionaire Wang Jian and the genetic research giant BGI raise eyebrows. The U.S. has previously banned BGI subsidiaries due to national security concerns, and a European study highlights China's broader ambitions in biotechnology. Latvia's State Security Service monitors "Latvia MGI Tech," acknowledging potential intelligence risks associated with Chinese investments.

Latvia hosts 163 companies with Chinese ownership, primarily in services and trade, with a few notable exceptions like the cosmetics manufacturer "Stenders." Despite a decrease in Chinese investor interest due to stricter residency requirements, China remains one of the most active foreign investor groups in Latvia. However, the total contribution of Chinese investments to the Latvian economy is minimal, accounting for less than half a percent of all foreign investment.

Chinese soft power efforts in Latvia include the Confucius Institute at the University of Latvia, which promotes Chinese language and culture. While the institute denies spreading ideological messages, Latvia's security services caution about potential intelligence risks. Additionally, China's influence is visible in everyday life, such as the renaming of "Arēna Rīga" to "Xiaomi Arena," reflecting China's desire for visibility and recognition in Europe. Latvia maintains diplomatic relations with China but approaches Chinese investments with caution, particularly in strategically important sectors like ports, where security risks are carefully considered. 🇱🇻🇨🇳💼

Georgia fines Finnish foreign minister for ‘blocking the road’ during protest

In a contentious diplomatic incident, Georgia’s interior ministry fined Finland’s foreign minister, Elina Valtonen, after she expressed support for protesters at a pro-EU, anti-government rally in Tbilisi. Valtonen, who was in Georgia as the chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), recorded a video in front of the Georgian parliament, voicing solidarity with the demonstrators. The Georgian authorities subsequently fined her 5,000 lari (€1,600) for "blocking the road," a charge often levied against anti-government protesters.

The fine and the ensuing diplomatic fallout led to the cancellation of Valtonen’s planned meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. While the Georgian government cited Valtonen’s participation in an "illegal rally" and her "false statements" as reasons for the cancellation, Valtonen attributed it to scheduling conflicts. In response, Valtonen invited Kobakhidze to Finland to observe any demonstration of his choosing, adding a note of sarcasm to the invitation.

The incident has drawn criticism from both Georgian politicians and international figures. Russia’s ambassador to the U.N., Mikhail Ulyanov, condemned Valtonen’s actions as "gross interference" in Georgia’s internal affairs. Meanwhile, former Georgian President and opposition leader Salome Zourabichvili accused the Georgian government of intimidating diplomats and suppressing citizens’ voices, urging Europe not to ignore the situation. The protests in Georgia have been ongoing for over 300 days, sparked by the ruling party’s suspension of the country’s EU accession bid. 🇬🇪🇫🇮💥

Cooperation is the ‘magical key’ for progress

Yannis Ioannidis, a prominent figure in informatics and president of the Association for Computing Machinery, emphasizes the crucial role of interdisciplinary cooperation in driving technological progress and addressing global challenges. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Ioannidis highlights the importance of integrating humanities with technological advancements to ensure responsible innovation. His work spans sustainability, open science, health, and interactive digital storytelling, all of which require collaboration across diverse fields.

Ioannidis' journey, marked by personal and professional milestones, underscores the value of global experiences and the need for open, transparent scientific practices. His team's projects, ranging from digital twins of the human brain to immersive museum experiences, exemplify the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration. He advocates for greater involvement of the humanities in technological development, stressing that fields like linguistics, history, and ethics are essential for creating ethical and effective AI systems.

Born in Istanbul and forced to relocate to Greece as a child, Ioannidis' experiences have shaped his perspective on knowledge, innovation, and the importance of an open mindset. He credits his parents, mentors, and colleagues for his success and continues to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve through interdisciplinary cooperation. His vision for the future is one where science is open, transparent, and collaborative, fostering trust and driving meaningful progress. 🌍🤝

September review: stability, strength & new trends in European tech investments

The European tech investment landscape has shown remarkable resilience and strategic evolution as the summer transitioned into September. Familiar themes such as AI integration, healthcare, and climate innovation continued to dominate, with AI becoming a ubiquitous horizontal layer across various industries. Healthcare tech maintained a steady flow of investments, from wearable devices to digital clinician tools, while climate and energy infrastructure saw significant funding, particularly in battery storage and sustainable aviation fuel. Investors demonstrated confidence in patient capital development and applied sciences, especially in regulated and asset-heavy markets.

September also brought new trends and consolidations. Hybrid capital models, combining debt and equity, became standard, reflecting a more selective and strategic approach to funding. Consolidation emerged as a key exit strategy, with major acquisitions reinforcing the shift towards scaling and integration. European AI infrastructure solidified, with substantial investments in hyperscalers and deeptech, indicating a move from political rhetoric to investable industrial layers. Defence tech, once niche, matured into a recognised asset class, driven by dual-use technologies.

New momentum was seen in concentrated R&D deeptech rounds, early U.S. investments in European markets, and significant M&A activity. Southern European countries began to feature more prominently in the tech investment map, with notable early-stage funding in Spain, Italy, and other southern nations. Overall, the European tech market is maturing, with a focus on building solid architecture to finance scalable and sustainable growth. The market is not chasing trends but is strategically underwriting its own investment cycle, particularly in AI, climate, and defence sectors. 🇪🇺💡

Controversial labor bill passed by Parliament with government majority

The Greek Parliament has approved a contentious labor bill, backed by the government majority, that allows for a 13-hour workday. The legislation passed with 158 votes in favor, 109 against, and the leftist opposition SYRIZA abstaining. The bill, proposed by the Labor Ministry, has sparked significant backlash from public and private sector unions, which have organized two nationwide strikes in protest. Critics argue that the legislation undermines fundamental workers' rights by increasing flexibility in working hours, effectively dismantling the traditional eight-hour workday and jeopardizing family and social life. 🏢

Unions contend that the bill's provisions for a 13-hour workday are a guise for over-exploitation, unless accompanied by a reduction in the weekly work hours from 40 to 35. The Labor Ministry, however, maintains that the new law enhances worker protections, including safeguards against dismissal for refusing overtime, extended benefits, and protections for workers with families, as well as ensuring salary stability. The debate highlights the tension between promoting workplace flexibility and preserving workers' rights and well-being.

Don’t call it ‘drone wall’ — how Europe wrangles over proposals to protect its skies

Europe is grappling with a contentious proposal to bolster its defenses against drone threats, a plan that has evolved from an initial "drone wall" concept to the broader "European Drone Defense Initiative." Initially proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the idea aimed to protect Europe's eastern flank following Russian drone incursions. However, larger member states like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain expressed concerns, leading to a rebranding and expansion of the initiative to cover the entire continent. The revised plan envisions a network of sensors, jammers, and defensive systems, leveraging Ukrainian expertise in countering drone swarms.

The European Commission's Defense Readiness Roadmap, set to be unveiled in October, includes this initiative as a cornerstone proposal. It aims to address nine key capability gaps, with a target of 40% joint defense acquisitions by the end of 2027. EU leaders will debate the plan at their upcoming summit, with the goal of having functional anti-drone defenses by the end of 2027. The initiative faces political and financial challenges, as smaller eastern countries push for EU leadership, while larger powers like France and Germany are cautious about supranational defense efforts. Additionally, the proposal must navigate existing NATO and national defense projects, as well as secure funding from various sources. The defense industry sees opportunities in this evolving landscape, emphasizing the need for a modular, adaptable approach to drone defense. 🛡️🛸

Lithuanian PM accuses defense minister of using influencers to lobby for bigger budget

The Lithuanian government is facing internal strife as Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė and her Social Democratic Party have publicly criticized Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė for allegedly lobbying behind their backs regarding the defense budget. The dispute arose from a meeting held at the Defense Ministry, where attendees, including public commentators and journalists, were informed that the 2026 defense budget might fall short of the planned amount. Defense Ministry representatives reportedly urged participants to pressure the government to increase the budget, which is currently aimed at reaching 5% of GDP, in line with NATO targets.

Defense blogger Aleksandras Matonis and analyst Marius Laurinavičius, who were present at the meeting, shared posts on social media suggesting that the 2026 defense budget would not meet the 5% target. This revelation has sparked controversy within the ruling coalition, with the Prime Minister and her party expressing disapproval of the Defense Minister's actions. The incident highlights tensions within the government over defense spending priorities and public communication strategies. 🇱🇹💸

Evictions on the rise in Finland, often tied to drug use

Evictions in Finland are increasingly driven by domestic disturbances, particularly those involving intoxicants, with drug-related issues being a significant concern. While non-payment of rent remains the primary cause of evictions, experts note a troubling rise in serious incidents linked to substance abuse. Aija Tasa, director of the Finnish Association of Building Owners and Construction Clients, highlights a worsening situation, attributing it to increased drug-related crime and unpredictable behavior among users. This sentiment is echoed by Maarit Pitkäkangas of Sevas Kodit in Seinäjoki, who observes a rise in housing problems related to intoxicants. Similarly, Mervi Ala-Prinkkilä of the Ostrobothnia branch of the Finnish Real Estate Federation reports an uptick in disturbances, with noisy parties being a notable issue in Vaasa and drug-related problems more prevalent in Central Ostrobothnia.

Statistics from the National Enforcement Authority and district courts reveal a significant increase in evictions nationwide, with the largest cities seeing an 80% rise over the past decade. The capital region of Uusimaa has experienced the most substantial increase in eviction proceedings, although other areas have also seen notable rises. Despite the growing number of evictions, the increase is somewhat mitigated by the overall expansion of rental housing, which has added over a million households to the rental market in recent years. 🏠🚫

Watchdog identifies problems and distortions in ferry market

The Competition Commission has identified significant issues and distortions in Greece’s coastal shipping market, highlighting the need for further investigation. The sector, comprising 299 vessels operated by 216 companies, is highly concentrated, with Attica Group and Seajets controlling approximately 60% of the total passenger capacity. The fleet is aging, with an average vessel age of around 25 years, and the adoption of green technologies is limited. Fuel costs are the largest expense, followed by payroll, maintenance, and insurance, with larger companies benefiting from economies of scale.

The market faces unique challenges, balancing the need to serve as a public utility with the requirement to remain economically viable. Greece’s numerous remote islands and strong seasonality exacerbate these challenges. While market liberalization since 2002 has enhanced competition and improved services, gaps persist in ensuring adequate and sustainable connectivity, particularly for smaller or less popular islands. Pricing policies often prioritize occasional visitors over island residents and regular passengers, and the "Transport Equivalent" subsidy aims to address this disparity.

The Competition Commission has invited stakeholders to submit comments and participate in an online consultation to inform the final report on the sector. The future of Greece’s coastal shipping market hinges on investments in technology and sustainability, with a focus on addressing the unique challenges posed by the country’s geography and seasonal demands. 🛳️🌊

Greece, Egypt agree future of Mount Sinai monastery, Mitsotakis says

Greece and Egypt have reached a significant agreement regarding the future of St. Catherine’s Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt. The monastery, one of the world’s oldest sites of Christian worship, has been a point of contention between the two countries due to Egypt’s plans to develop a tourism project around the site. This development raised concerns in Athens, as the monastery is home to Greek Orthodox monks and holds immense historical and religious significance, including the biblical tradition of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments.

Earlier this year, an Egyptian court ruling ordered the monks to vacate several plots of land and worship facilities they had used for centuries, citing illegal sequestration. However, after negotiations, Greece and Egypt have finalized an out-of-court deal. This agreement, to be signed by the monastery’s leadership and Egyptian authorities, guarantees the monastery’s character in perpetuity and prohibits any conversion of the monastery or other places of worship. The deal is expected to be signed in the coming weeks, according to a senior Foreign Ministry official in Athens. The St. Catherine’s Monastery, founded in the 6th century, is renowned for its extensive library, which houses some of the world’s earliest Christian manuscripts. 🇬🇷🇪🇬🏰

Turkey puts ex-disaster chief in charge of Gaza aid, in sign of big new role

Turkey is significantly expanding its role in the Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian efforts, appointing a former disaster management chief to oversee aid operations. Mehmet Gulluoglu, the former head of Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and ex-ambassador, has been tasked with coordinating humanitarian aid to Gaza. His responsibilities include assessing aid needs, collaborating with UN agencies, ensuring smooth aid delivery, and working with Egyptian and Jordanian officials to facilitate the process. Additionally, Gulluoglu will focus on evacuating the wounded and bolstering Turkey’s medical support in Gaza.

This move comes as President Tayyip Erdogan, a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, joins Qatar and Egypt in endorsing US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan. After largely abstaining from diplomatic efforts for two years, Turkey is now actively engaging in the peace process. Ankara has also expressed its intention to participate in an international task force to monitor the ceasefire accord, with its armed forces ready to contribute in both military and civilian capacities. This heightened involvement underscores Turkey’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in the region’s stability and reconstruction efforts. 🇹🇷🤝🇵🇸

Zelensky ally appoints himself as Odesa's acting mayor

In a significant political shakeup, Ihor Koval, the secretary of the Odesa city council, has appointed himself as the acting mayor of Odesa. This move comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky's decree stripped Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov of his Ukrainian citizenship, citing evidence of his Russian citizenship, which Trukhanov denies. Zelensky had previously appointed Serhii Lysak as the head of the newly formed Odesa Military Administration to replace Trukhanov.

Trukhanov, a controversial figure due to alleged ties with Russia and corruption charges, has been on vacation since October 15, appointing his senior deputy, Oleksandr Filatov, as acting mayor during his absence. However, Koval's self-appointment, citing Ukrainian local government law, has sparked a potential legal dispute. Koval, a political scientist and former university president, was elected to the city council in 2020 as a representative of Zelensky's Servant of People party.

The legality of Zelensky's decree and the subsequent appointments is under scrutiny. Critics argue that the procedure for stripping citizenship without a court decision is legally dubious. Vitaliy Bezhin, a member of the Ukrainian parliament from Zelensky’s party, has called for the Central Election Commission to officially interpret Trukhanov’s removal. Meanwhile, documents suggesting Trukhanov's Russian citizenship have been published by various sources, but the former mayor's alleged Russian passport, published by Ukraine's Security Service, has been deemed fake by a Russian investigative outlet. Trukhanov's corruption trial involving the Krayan factory building is ongoing. 🏛️🇺🇦🤝

Hamas Plans to Return All Hostages per Peace Agreement

The ongoing efforts to retrieve the remains of individuals taken hostage or killed during the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas and other Islamic groups face significant challenges. As part of the first phase of a peace agreement, Israel demands the immediate return of all hostages and remains, threatening to resume fighting in Gaza if this condition is not met. However, the process is complicated by the fact that some bodies were buried in destroyed tunnels during the occupation, while others lie beneath the rubble of bombed and demolished buildings. The remains of 19 people are still unaccounted for, highlighting the grim and delicate nature of the recovery efforts amidst the devastated landscape. 🕊️🏙️

Latvian Saeima starts viewing 2026 budget

In a swift parliamentary session, Latvian MPs referred all draft laws, including the budget, to committees with minimal debate. The budget draft was approved for committee review with 52 votes in favor and 41 against. Before the vote, opposition MPs criticized the government, led by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, for failing to find promised savings and for increasing public debt, which they warned would impact citizens' future well-being. The most contentious issues were the draft laws on retirement pensions, with opposition leaders accusing the government of hypocrisy, lack of courage, and rushing the reforms.

The leader of the For Stability! faction, Svetlana Čulkova, labeled the pension bills as "hypocrisy," claiming the government is taking money from its own taxpayers. Edmunds Zivtiņš of Latvia First described the pension reform as "cutting the tail to pieces," arguing that the government lacks the resolve to create a fair system. Edgars Tavars of the United List faction criticized the government for handling the process hastily and leaving crucial work to Parliament.

At the session's close, Anda Čakša of New Unity, head of the Saeima Budget and Finance Committee, urged constructive work on the budget. She emphasized that the 2026 state budget aims to boost defense spending to nearly 5% of GDP, prioritizing security while also allocating funds to education and family support. However, Čakša acknowledged that the public debt will reach 55% of GDP next year, admitting it is too high and pledging to review all expenditures to maintain Latvia's financial responsibility and credit rating. 🇱🇻💸