Newsflash

How the EU plans to get troops and weapons across the continent to deter Russia

The European Commission is set to unveil a comprehensive plan to enhance military mobility across the continent. The upcoming military mobility package, to be announced on Wednesday, aims to streamline bureaucratic processes and allocate significant funds to facilitate the swift movement of troops and weapons. This initiative is crucial for bolstering Europe's defense capabilities and ensuring a rapid response to potential crises. The 15-page communication underscores the importance of military mobility in deterring adversaries and maintaining regional security. 🇪🇺🚚💥

EU must avoid becoming tech 'vassal' of US and China, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have called for Europe to assert its digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on U.S. and Chinese tech giants. Speaking at the European Summit on Digital Sovereignty in Berlin, Macron emphasized the need for a "European preference" in tech, arguing that the continent should not be a "vassal" to foreign tech powers. He criticized the EU's past focus on regulating domestic players rather than fostering innovation and urged a shift in approach.

Macron and Merz highlighted the strategic importance of the tech sector for Europe's economy and democracy, warning against over-reliance on American tech giants like Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. They advocated for increased investment in European tech infrastructure, including cloud computing capabilities, to better protect European data and foster competition.

The EU faces significant challenges in catching up to the U.S. and China in the tech race, with its data centers lagging behind in computing capacity. Despite economic struggles, Europe must prioritize digital investments to secure its future competitiveness and jobs. The summit aims to address these issues and announce new digital initiatives, focusing on protecting European sovereignty and establishing fair digital markets. The event is not about confrontation with the U.S. or China but about safeguarding Europe's core interests and setting rules at the European level. 🌐💡

Ukraine: Attacked in Russia with Atacms

Ukraine has confirmed its continued use of long-range missiles, including the Advanced Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), against Russian targets. Recent reports from Russian Telegram channels indicated attacks on Voronezh, a city in southwestern Russia, with claims that Russian forces had destroyed ATACMS missiles. The use of these weapons by Ukraine was initially approved by former U.S. President Joe Biden, but subsequent changes under President Donald Trump introduced stricter requirements for U.S. approval of cross-border attacks.

The decision-making authority for approving Ukraine's use of these missiles was recently transferred to the top U.S. general in Europe, who also serves as NATO's commander in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich. Following this shift, Ukraine received clearance to employ ATACMS missiles in its defense efforts. This development underscores the strategic importance of long-range missile systems in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia. 🚀💥

Ukrainians working for Russia carried out train line sabotage, says Polish PM

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has revealed that two Ukrainians, acting on behalf of Russian secret services, carried out acts of sabotage on a Polish railway line last weekend. The individuals, who had previously been convicted for similar activities, fled to Belarus immediately after the attacks. The first attempt involved placing a clamp on the tracks to derail a train, while the second used an explosive device that caused only minor damage to a freight train. Russia has a history of recruiting Ukrainians to conduct sabotage and espionage in Poland, often through encrypted messaging services and cryptocurrency payments. Poland has detained 55 individuals suspected of involvement in 23 acts of sabotage, with the aim of sowing social and political unrest, particularly anti-Ukrainian sentiment. The Polish defense minister has confirmed that all evidence points to Russian involvement, describing it as part of a broader hybrid war against NATO and Europe. The Kremlin has denied these allegations, accusing Poland of Russophobia. 🚂💥🇵🇱🇷🇺

“All traces lead to Russia” being responsible for rail explosion, says Polish defence minister

Poland's defence minister has accused Russia of orchestrating a recent act of sabotage that damaged a rail line between Warsaw and Lublin. The explosion, which occurred over the weekend, was deemed an act of sabotage intended to target a train, though no injuries were reported. Polish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the incident, describing it as a "terrorist nature" act committed for the benefit of foreign intelligence. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz suggested that the attack is part of a broader Russian strategy to sow unrest and fear in the West, aligning with a pattern of sabotage and disinformation campaigns across Europe.

The Polish National Prosecutor’s Office has found evidence of a second explosive device and video recording equipment near the damaged track, indicating a sophisticated operation. Additionally, security services have traced the purchase of SIM cards used to remotely detonate the explosives. This incident follows a series of similar acts of sabotage in Poland, including arson attacks and the sending of explosive devices by post, all linked to Russian interests. In 2023, 16 individuals were jailed for planning to blow up aid trains bound for Ukraine, and three Ukrainians were jailed for their role in a group tasked with carrying out sabotage and terrorism, including the destruction of Warsaw’s largest shopping centre, allegedly on Russia’s orders. The ongoing investigations and accusations highlight the persistent threat of hybrid warfare and the need for heightened security measures in Poland and across Europe. 🚂💥🇷🇺

Mercosur momentum grows with fast-track vote on safeguards likely next week

The European Parliament is expediting a crucial vote on the final obstacles to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, driven by intense political pressure to conclude the deal before European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's scheduled trip to Brazil on December 20. This long-awaited accord, often dubbed the "cows for cars" deal, has been in negotiation for 25 years and aims to establish a free-trade zone encompassing nearly 800 million people. Initially met with significant resistance in Europe, the agreement has gained momentum due to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies and Brussels' commitment to implement safeguards for European farmers against South American competition. The swift timeline underscores the strategic importance of the deal amidst shifting global trade dynamics. 🌍📝

Clear yes to releasing Epstein documents

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the release of the so-called "Epstein documents," with a vote of 427–1. The lone dissenting vote came from Republican Clay Higgins of Louisiana, who argued that disclosure could harm innocent people. Six members abstained. The bill now awaits Senate approval and the president's signature, with a potential Senate vote scheduled for the following Tuesday. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the bill is likely to pass without amendments, despite House Speaker Mike Johnson's concerns about victim privacy.

The documents, which have sparked intense debate, contain information related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. President Donald Trump, initially opposed to their release, has since indicated his willingness to sign the bill. Both Democrats and Republicans, including figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, have advocated for the documents' disclosure. Prior to the vote, a press conference was held with some of Epstein's victims, highlighting the personal and political battles they have endured. Victim Jena-Lisa Jones, who first encountered Epstein at age 14, expressed exhaustion from the ordeal and urged Trump to stop politicizing the issue. 📜🏛️

Massive new data centre to be built in Germany by Lidl parent firm

The Schwarz Group, the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland, has announced an ambitious €11 billion investment to build a massive data center in Lübbenau, Germany. This project, the largest in the company's history, aims to significantly enhance Germany's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The data center, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, will be powered by renewable energy and will house approximately 100,000 specialized AI chips, making it a formidable player in the AI infrastructure landscape. The waste heat generated by the data center will be repurposed to supply the local district heating network, adding an eco-friendly dimension to the project.

The investment underscores Germany's push for digital sovereignty and increased computing power to drive AI applications and maintain competitiveness on the global stage. The Schwarz Group's data center will not only support its own extensive retail operations but will also offer storage and computing services to external clients, further cementing its role as a major IT player. The project has garnered praise from German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger, who highlighted the importance of such initiatives in bolstering the country's technological independence and digital infrastructure. The data center is expected to play a crucial role in Germany's AI strategy, aligning with broader European efforts to advance digital capabilities. 💻🌍

EU ministers agree new rules around suspending visa-free travel

The European Union has implemented new rules to strengthen its visa policy, enabling the bloc to revoke visa-free status for countries that fail to align with EU standards or pose security threats. The updated regulations, approved by the EU Council, allow for the suspension of visa-free travel for nations that facilitate irregular migration, engage in citizenship-by-investment schemes, commit human rights violations, or conduct hostile acts against EU member states. These acts can include cyber operations, economic espionage, or sabotage of critical infrastructure.

The visa-free regime can be suspended temporarily for up to 36 months before permanent revocation, with the initial suspension period extended from 9 to 12 months. Suspensions can also be triggered by a rise in serious crimes, increased unsuccessful asylum applications, entry refusals, or overstaying visas by nationals from the concerned country. The new rules will take effect 20 days after their publication in the EU’s Official Journal and will be directly applicable across all member states.

Countries currently included in the EU’s visa-free scheme range from Albania and Argentina to Ukraine and the United States. The updated suspension mechanism aims to address new security threats and ensure that visa-free travel agreements are not abused. Previously, visa-free travel agreements have been suspended only for Russia, Belarus, and Vanuatu, the latter due to its citizenship-by-investment scheme. The EU's visa policy remains a crucial tool in its foreign policy arsenal, balancing the need for open travel with the imperative of maintaining security and integrity. 🌍🛂

Crime boss murdered by associates

A high-stakes power struggle within an organized crime syndicate led to the murder of Giannis Lalas, a 42-year-old crime boss, in early November. Police believe associates within the gang ordered his killing due to his growing autonomy and financial disagreements with the leadership. Four suspects arrested in connection with Lalas’ murder are also charged with attempting to kill Marios P., a former employee at Lalas’ gas station. Lalas had ties to ethnic Greeks from the former Soviet Union, accused of multiple homicides in Attica since 2022.

The gang, led by the fugitive "Entik" who is currently in Dubai, has a history of violent internal conflicts. Lalas, while imprisoned, had attacked another inmate, Panagiotis Vlastos, claiming it was on Entik’s orders. Police sources reveal that Lalas had been operating independently, undertaking actions that harmed the group’s interests and created financial tensions. One of the arrested suspects, A.M., was previously involved in the kidnapping of businessman Giorgos Kiparissis alongside another ethnic Greek described as "Entik’s confidant."

Weeks before Lalas’ murder, police had foiled an assassination plot against him in Mani, where he had sought refuge. Despite these efforts, gunmen killed Lalas on November 1 at a chalet in Eptalofos, Fokida, where he was staying with his partner but without bodyguards. Investigators traced a BMW used in a previous attack to M.P., a former SYRIZA adviser, who remains at large. The intricate web of alliances and betrayals within the criminal underworld continues to unfold, highlighting the deadly consequences of internal power struggles. 🔍🔒

Reimagining the Greek summer: A call for a coherent strategy

Greece's booming tourism industry faces a critical juncture, with experts urging a coherent strategy to balance economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. At the "Reimagine Tourism in Greece" conference, a panel discussion highlighted the need to protect the unique "Greek summer" experience from the risks of over-commercialization. Stathis Kalyvas, a professor at the University of Oxford, traced the concept's roots and warned that unchecked tourism growth could undermine the very identity that attracts visitors. He proposed selective tourism strategies, such as those implemented in Venice and Bhutan, to manage visitor numbers and preserve cultural integrity.

Yannis Retsos, CEO of Electra Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive national strategy to ensure competitiveness and sustainability. He identified infrastructure as a key bottleneck, advocating for targeted public investment while cautioning against unstrategic development. Demetres Karavellas, CEO of WWF Greece, reframed sustainable tourism as a balance of economic, social, and environmental impacts. He stressed the need for integrated planning and sector-specific strategies to reduce tourism's footprint, ensuring long-term profitability without environmental degradation.

The panel agreed that Greece must make critical, long-term decisions now to safeguard its identity and future. This includes recognizing the pressures tourism places on natural resources and implementing measures to mitigate them. The goal is to create a sustainable tourism model that benefits both the economy and the environment, preserving the unique Greek summer experience for future generations. 🌊🏝️🌳

Canada wants to learn from Finland

Finland and Canada share notable geopolitical similarities, including long borders with powerful neighbors, Arctic locations, and sparse populations. As national security concerns rise in Canada, there is growing recognition that the country can no longer solely rely on the United States for defense. This shift has turned attention to Finland, which has successfully navigated its proximity to Russia. 🇫🇮🇨🇦

Canada is increasingly looking to Finland as a model for bolstering its defense capabilities. The Liberal-led government in Canada views Finland's defense strategies as an exemplar worth emulating. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited Finland to study the country's defense approaches, highlighting the interest in adopting Finland's successful strategies. While Canada's defense spending stands at 1.5% of its GDP, far below Finland's, there is a growing consensus that Canada should aim to strengthen its defense capabilities, learning from Finland's experience. Public figures like Stephen Marche advocate for Canada to aspire towards Finland's defense model, acknowledging the challenges but emphasizing the importance of enhancing national security.

Crime ring crackdown

Organized crime, often compared to the mythical Hydra, presents a formidable challenge due to its entrenched and expansive nature. However, recent successes by Greek authorities demonstrate that effective law enforcement can swiftly dismantle criminal networks and send a clear message that no crime ring can operate with impunity. These achievements underscore the importance of a structured and methodical approach to combating organized crime, ensuring that justice prevails and public safety is upheld. 🏛️🔍

Finland will likely be subject to EU's Excessive Deficit Procedure, finance minister warns

Finnish Finance Minister Riikka Purra has warned that Finland is likely to face the EU's Excessive Debt Procedure (EDP) early next year, citing the European Commission's economic forecast. The forecast predicts that Finland's public debt will surpass the 90% of GDP threshold, reaching 92.3% by 2027. Purra emphasized that this development is almost certain, based on current figures. Under the EDP, the next Finnish government would be required to reduce its debt ratio by at least one percentage point annually.

Purra attributes Finland's economic challenges to structural issues, particularly the weak growth of revenue relative to increasing expenditures on social welfare and benefit transfer payments. While increased defense spending has contributed to the debt, it is not the primary cause of the current deficit. The finance ministry is expected to release its own economic forecast before Christmas, providing more insights into the country's state debt.

The EDP is designed to ensure EU member states adhere to deficit and debt rules. Although the procedure has few direct consequences, it can lead to reputational damage and require more frequent reporting on public finances. If Finland is subject to the EDP, it would need to develop a plan to address the debt issue and comply with EU rules. However, the threshold for sanctions is high, and many EU states have undergone EDP monitoring without severe penalties. 🇫🇮💸

State budget records €11 bln primary surplus in January-October

The Greek state budget recorded a significant primary surplus of €11 billion in the January-October period, marking an improvement from the €8 billion surplus in the same period of 2024. This positive trend reflects a strong fiscal performance, with the central administration's cash result showing a surplus of €3.9 billion, though this is a decrease from the €7 billion surplus recorded in the previous year.

According to data from the Bank of Greece, regular budget revenues reached €60.4 billion, up from €55.7 billion in the same period last year. Meanwhile, regular budget expenditures increased to €51.5 billion, compared to €48.4 billion in January-October 2024. The rise in both revenues and expenditures indicates robust economic activity and effective fiscal management, contributing to the overall surplus. This fiscal strength is crucial for Greece's economic stability and growth, providing a solid foundation for future investments and public services. 📈💰

Who’s afraid of a new crash?

The global economy operates in cycles, and while history may not repeat itself exactly, it often rhymes. Financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, author of “1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History,” draws striking parallels between the market conditions leading up to the 1929 crash and today’s economic landscape. Sorkin warns that the current market, characterized by record-high levels, geopolitical uncertainty, and deteriorating economic fundamentals, may be primed for a significant downturn. He points to excessive speculation, high debt levels, and a potential bubble in artificial intelligence as major concerns.

Sorkin’s extensive research into the 1929 crash reveals similarities such as extreme leverage, a boom in investment trusts, and surging brokers’ loans. However, he also notes differences, including a stronger policy toolkit, more transparency, and a global, tech-heavy market. The current market’s exuberance and belief that “this time is different” echo the sentiments of the late 1920s, but today’s safeguards, such as the FDIC, circuit breakers, and stress tests, provide some protection.

The independence of the Federal Reserve, a contentious issue under the Trump administration, is crucial for managing economic stability. Unlike the politically buffeted Fed of 1929, today’s central bank has more tools and independence, but it faces new challenges from trade wars and policy unpredictability. While parts of the market show classic bubble traits, others reflect genuine technological innovation. The high U.S. debt and geopolitical pressures add complexity to any potential crash, making a government bailout more challenging and Europe’s ability to manage such a scenario uncertain.

Sorkin emphasizes that while the economy goes in cycles, history always repeats in some form. The key is to learn from the past to navigate the future, recognizing that both innovation and speculation can coexist, but vigilance is essential to prevent another catastrophic crash. 📉💸

France jails eight men over deadly 2023 Channel migrant crossing

A French court has sentenced eight men to prison terms ranging from three to 15 years for their roles in a migrant-smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of seven Afghans in a 2023 Channel shipwreck. The convicted individuals, aged 23 to 45, included two Iraqi Kurds identified as the ringleaders, who received the longest sentences of 12 and 15 years. The court found that the defendants exploited the vulnerability of migrants, creating dangerous conditions that led to the fatalities.

The incident involved an overloaded boat carrying 67 people that capsized due to engine failure while crossing the Channel. While 60 migrants were rescued, seven Afghans lost their lives. The investigation uncovered an organized smuggling network operating across Europe, with coordination between France, Germany, and the UK. The network, led by Iraqi-Kurdish individuals based in Germany, facilitated irregular migration to Britain, with an Afghan branch responsible for recruiting migrants.

The court acquitted a ninth defendant, a Sudanese man who was the presumed pilot of the vessel, recognizing him as a victim of the tragedy. The sentences reflect the severity of the charges, including involuntary manslaughter, and underscore the ongoing efforts by European authorities to dismantle such smuggling operations. Previous similar cases in France have also resulted in significant prison terms for those involved in deadly migrant crossings. 🛳️🇫🇷🇬🇧

Update: Was Deutschland von Schweden lernen kann — mit Verteidigungsminister Pål Jonson

In a special episode of the Berlin Playbook Update, Rixa Fürsen reports from the Berlin Security Conference, where European defense leaders, including generals and ministers, discussed deterrence, military buildup, and the future of NATO. This year, Sweden is the conference's partner country, marking a significant shift in its security posture.

Fürsen interviews Pål Jonson, Sweden’s defense minister, who discusses his country’s historic pivot towards NATO membership and the strategic importance of the Nordic region. The conversation covers the situation in the Baltic Sea, Russian provocations, the need for clear drone usage regulations, and the deepening security cooperation between Germany and Sweden. The Berlin Playbook podcast, hosted by Gordon Repinski, provides daily updates on European politics, offering concise and insightful analysis. Additionally, the Berlin Playbook newsletter delivers key political developments and expert insights every morning. For more from Gordon Repinski, follow him on Instagram @gordon.repinski and X @GordonRepinski. 🇸🇪🇩🇪🎙️

S demands answers about gang-linked police weapon

A police service weapon has reportedly fallen into the hands of criminals in Sweden, with suspicions that it has been used in at least two shootings. This alarming development has sparked outrage and concern, particularly from the Social Democrats, who are calling for the National Police Chief, Petra Lundh, to appear before the Justice Committee to address the situation. The party demands an immediate investigation into how the weapon went missing and what measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

According to reports, a missing service weapon has already been documented by the police, but it remains unrecovered. Forensic technicians have linked the weapon to at least two shootings, raising serious questions about police procedures and security. The Social Democrats emphasize the urgent need to ensure that police weapons do not end up in the wrong hands, highlighting the potential dangers posed by such lapses in security. The police have neither confirmed nor denied the information, leaving the public and political figures seeking answers and assurances that steps are being taken to rectify the situation. 🚨🔒

Meeting between top diplomats of Poland and Sweden

In a strategic meeting, Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard discussed bolstering Europe's security, particularly in the Baltic region, and addressing Russian aggression. The ministers emphasized the need for a coordinated response from the EU and NATO to common challenges, including hybrid threats from Russia and Belarus. They highlighted the importance of combating the "shadow fleet" and enhancing regional resilience through Poland's presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

Both ministers agreed that the war in Ukraine should be financed by Russia, not European taxpayers, and advocated for continued sanctions and the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defense. They also stressed the importance of EU enlargement, calling for the resumption of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. The meeting also covered high-priority EU issues such as migration and climate policies. The discussions underscored the strong strategic partnership between Poland and Sweden, which share similar views on both conventional and hybrid security threats. 🇵🇱🇸🇪🤝