Newsflash

Chernobyl radiation shield has stopped working after Russian drone strikes, UN warns

A critical safety structure at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine has been rendered inoperable following a drone attack by Russian forces earlier this year, according to the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog. The New Safe Confinement, a €1.5 billion Europe-led project completed in 2019, was designed to prevent radioactive leakage from the reactor destroyed in the 1986 meltdown, which claimed over 30 lives. However, a recent report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reveals that the large steel structure has lost its primary safety functions, including its containment capabilities, after its outer cladding was set ablaze by the drone strikes. This development raises serious concerns about the potential risks of radioactive contamination. 💣🚨

Russian attacks on cities

Russia launched overnight attacks on central Ukraine, targeting the cities of Kremenchug and Fastiv. Since 1:30 a.m., multiple explosions from rocket and drone strikes have been reported in Kremenchug, while Fastiv, located about 70 kilometers southwest of Kyiv, also came under attack. The assaults have disrupted essential services, including heating, electricity, and water supplies. Fortunately, there are no immediate reports of injuries. The situation remains tense as authorities assess the damage and respond to the ongoing threat. 💥🌃

Cartoon (06/12/2025)

Finland's far-right Blue-Black Movement, known for its racist and fascist ideologies, has been reinstated as a registered political party. The group, originally removed from the register in 2024 due to its program violating constitutional and human rights laws, successfully re-registered after gathering the required 5,000 supporter signatures. Founded by former members of the Finns Party, the movement draws inspiration from the Lapua Movement, a radical nationalist group active in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The group's recent May Day event in Tampere, where participants carried Finnish flags and a banner reading "May Day is White," has raised concerns about the resurgence of extremist ideologies in Finland. 🇫🇮⚠️

Live: Macron will meet Ukraine, German and UK leaders in London Monday

French President Emmanuel Macron will convene with leaders from Ukraine, Germany, and the United Kingdom in London on Monday to assess the progress of ongoing U.S.-mediated peace negotiations. Macron condemned Russia's recent overnight drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, asserting that Moscow is not genuinely pursuing peace. The meeting aims to coordinate a unified European response to the escalating conflict and Russia's continued aggression. 🇫🇷🇬🇧🇩🇪🇺🇦

How immigration trends will change around Europe in 2026

In 2025, immigration has emerged as the defining issue in European politics, shaping debates on the economy, pensions, and foreign policy. The rise of anti-immigration parties has shifted the political landscape rightward, with far-right movements gaining traction in France, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Sweden. Even centrist governments in Denmark and the UK have adopted stricter immigration policies, paring back citizenship and residency rights.

Experts predict that 2026 will see a continuation of restrictive migration policies across Europe, despite potential economic consequences. Key elections in Hungary, Denmark, Portugal, France, Germany, and Sweden will influence migration debates and policies. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán is expected to intensify anti-migrant rhetoric, while Denmark's left-wing government, which has adopted extreme anti-migration policies, faces potential backlash. Portugal's far-right Chega party and France's Rassemblement National are also poised to make significant gains.

Germany will hold crucial state elections, with the anti-immigration AfD gaining support, and Sweden's far-right Sweden Democrats may demand ministerial posts if re-elected. Switzerland will vote on an explicitly anti-immigration measure, and Italy, despite hardline rhetoric, will issue 500,000 visas for non-EU workers due to economic demands.

The EU faces challenges in implementing its new Pact on Migration and Asylum, with considerable opposition from member states. Economic realities, such as low fertility rates and labor shortages, may force governments to balance anti-immigration rhetoric with the need for migrant workers. The political landscape in 2026 will likely remain tense, with immigration policies continuing to evolve amidst economic pressures and electoral dynamics. 🌍🗳️

Orbán sends business delegation to Russia

During a campaign rally in Kecskemét, Hungary's pro-Moscow Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized the need for strategic foresight, warning that if the war in Ukraine concludes without Hungary's involvement and if the U.S. reintegrates Russia into the global economy, lifting sanctions, Hungary will face a transformed economic landscape. Orbán, who previously pledged to continue purchasing Russian gas and oil during his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow last November, hinted at Hungary's potential economic maneuvers in this new scenario.

Hungarian oil and gas company MOL is reportedly exploring the acquisition of refineries and gas stations across Europe, particularly those owned by Russian entities Lukoil and Gazprom, which are currently under sanctions. This move aligns with discussions between Orbán and Putin during their recent meeting, though Orbán did not provide specific details about the delegation's objectives in Russia. The potential acquisition reflects Hungary's proactive stance in preparing for a future where economic ties with Russia may be restored. 🌍💡

Russia hammers Ukraine's energy infrastructure as Florida peace talks continue

As peace talks between U.S. officials and a Ukrainian delegation continued in Florida, Russia launched a massive drone and missile barrage targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure overnight. The attack, which coincided with Ukraine's Armed Forces Day, involved 653 drones and 51 missiles, triggering air raid alerts nationwide. Ukrainian forces successfully neutralized 585 drones and 30 missiles, but 29 locations were struck, leaving at least eight people injured, including three in the Kyiv region. The assault primarily targeted power stations and other energy facilities, causing temporary power loss at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian control.

Meanwhile, Russia claimed its air defenses shot down 116 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, while Ukrainian forces reportedly struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery, aiming to disrupt Russia's oil export revenue. As the conflict persists, U.S.-mediated peace talks in Florida entered a third day, with both sides acknowledging that progress depends on Russia's commitment to long-term peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed determination to work with the U.S. to achieve genuine peace, while French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to meet with Zelensky and other European leaders to discuss the U.S.-drafted peace proposal. 💥🇷🇺🇺🇦

Top US official says EU regulation ‘undermines’ NATO ties

The EU's push for its green agenda and enforcement of tech regulations against U.S. companies is straining the transatlantic alliance, according to the U.S. deputy secretary of state. Christopher Landau expressed concerns on the social media platform X, stating that European nations cannot rely on the U.S. for security while undermining American interests through the EU. This criticism follows the European Commission's imposition of a €120 million fine on X for violating EU transparency rules, which drew strong reactions from prominent U.S. figures. Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X and a key supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, threatened retaliation and even called for the abolition of the EU. These tensions highlight the growing divide between the U.S. and the EU over regulatory policies and their broader implications for transatlantic relations. 🌍💥

How Israel’s settlement surge in the West Bank is displacing Palestinians

In the West Bank, Israeli settlements are rapidly expanding, displacing Palestinians from their homes and land. Muhammad Abdulrahman, a 58-year-old beekeeper, was among the first affected. In May, Israeli settlers took control of the road leading to his home, and Israeli soldiers evicted him and his wife. Despite the Israeli military's claim that he left voluntarily, Abdulrahman asserts he has been unable to return. A video later showed his house repurposed for religious study by the settlers.

This displacement is part of a broader Israeli government initiative to redraw the West Bank's map by converting more Palestinian areas into Jewish settlements. The government approved 22 villages and neighborhoods for settlements, including Beit Horon North, near Abdulrahman's former home. This expansion has accelerated since 2022, coinciding with Benjamin Netanyahu's return to office as Israeli Prime Minister and the outbreak of the Gaza war.

The surge in settlements and settler violence has led to the largest wave of Palestinian displacement in the West Bank in 50 years. The international community views the creation of a Palestinian state, including the West Bank, as crucial for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, Israel has expanded its presence in the territory through settlement building, even in densely populated Palestinian areas.

The Israeli government's recent decision to expand settlements aims to curb Palestinian urban growth and link Israeli-populated areas. Settlers have built a record number of outposts, often with the implicit support of the Israeli military. The government's plan includes retroactively authorizing existing illegal settlements and establishing new ones in previously unsettled regions. The E1 settlement project, approved in August, would effectively split the West Bank in two, further complicating the prospects for a contiguous Palestinian state.

Despite international law deeming Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, Israel continues to advance its settlement agenda. The situation on the ground reflects a tense and rapidly changing landscape, with settlers asserting control over disputed territories and Palestinians fighting to retain their homes and land. The ongoing expansion of settlements and displacement of Palestinians underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 🏡🇵🇸

Musk threatens ‘response’ against individuals who imposed €120M X penalty

Elon Musk has strongly criticized the European Union after it fined his social media platform X €120 million for violating transparency rules under the EU’s Digital Services Act. Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla, expressed his frustration on X, stating that the fine was not only imposed on the platform but also on him personally, which he deemed "even more insane." He warned that his response would target the top EU officials responsible for the penalty.

The fine was issued by the European Commission for breaching transparency obligations that X faces as a very large online platform. Musk's reaction underscores the escalating tension between the tech billionaire and European regulators, who are increasingly scrutinizing the platform's compliance with EU laws. The situation highlights the broader challenges tech companies face in adhering to stringent EU regulations while navigating the complexities of global content moderation. 🚨💸

Preschool hit in Sudan – over 30 children dead

A school in the town of Kalogi, South Kordofan, central Sudan, was struck by a drone attack on Thursday, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. Paramedics responding to the scene faced a second attack shortly after their arrival. The doctors' network attributed the assault to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the warring factions in Sudan's civil conflict, condemning it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. The death toll from the attack is expected to rise.

The violence in the Kordofan region has escalated following the RSF's recent capture of al-Fashir, the Sudanese army's last major stronghold in the Darfur region. The fall of al-Fashir has been accompanied by reports of mass executions and warnings of ethnic cleansing. UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk has expressed grave concerns about the potential for similar atrocities in Kordofan, urging influential states to intervene and halt the fighting and arms supplies fueling the conflict. The ongoing war between the RSF and the Sudanese army, which began in 2023, has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced around twelve million people, according to the World Health Organization. The situation remains dire, with urgent calls for international action to prevent further escalation and humanitarian catastrophe. 🚨🇸🇩

Finland celebrates 108th Independence Day with traditions, tensions

Finland celebrated its Independence Day with a blend of solemn traditions and political demonstrations, drawing large crowds despite the rain. The day began in Helsinki, where President Alexander Stubb and his spouse laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by a military band performance of the national anthem. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and other officials also participated in the wreath-laying ceremony.

In Kouvola, the national Independence Day parade took place, reviewed by Lieutenant General Kim Jäämeri. Meanwhile, in Helsinki, the charitable tradition of Heikki Hursti's meal provided free soup to around 800 disadvantaged individuals. A newer tradition saw cold-water swimmers gather to sing Finlandia while braving the frigid sea in Jätkäsaari.

Political tensions surfaced with the "Suomi herää" ("Finland Awakens") march, involving around 500 masked participants, including far-right groups. The procession faced police intervention due to safety risks from pyrotechnic torches. Later, authorities fenced off Töölöntori to manage potential clashes between the 612 torchlight march and the counter-movement "Helsinki without Nazis."

The day concluded with the Presidential Reception at the Presidential Palace, a gala event broadcast live and watched by many Finns, marking the culmination of the nation's Independence Day festivities. 🇫🇮🎆

At least 18 migrants die when inflatable boat capsizes south of Crete

A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Crete when an inflatable boat carrying at least 20 migrants capsized, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people. The boat was discovered by a passing Turkish merchant vessel 26 miles south of the island of Chryssi, also known as Gaidouronissi. Only two individuals were rescued, and a rescue operation is still underway, involving a vessel and a plane from the European border agency Frontex, a helicopter, and three merchant vessels. The area experienced moderate winds at the time of the incident. 🚤🌊

Profitable Ukraine talks – but no breakthrough

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he engaged in productive discussions with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during negotiations in Florida. The conversation, which included members of the Ukrainian delegation, focused on key issues aimed at securing a lasting peace and preventing further Russian aggression. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's commitment to working in good faith with the American side to achieve these goals.

Following the talks, Zelenskyy awaits a detailed report from his negotiators before traveling to London for a meeting with the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany. The summit will address the ongoing U.S.-led negotiations and strategies to pressure Russia into agreeing to peace. French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed Europe's unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of the "coalition of the willing," a group of around 30 countries collaborating to support Ukraine. 🇺🇸🇺🇦✌️

Von der Leyen, Merz: Talks with Belgium over Russian assets were ‘constructive’

In Brussels, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen engaged in "constructive" discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever regarding the potential use of €165 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Merz traveled to Brussels to address De Wever's opposition to the plan, which involves leveraging the cash value of these assets to secure a loan for Ukraine. Von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that financial aid for Ukraine is crucial for European security. The talks highlighted the shared commitment to providing timely and substantial support to Ukraine amid the ongoing geopolitical challenges. 💸🇪🇺

A venture studio for AI startups

In response to the growing need for accelerated development of AI-driven startups, two seasoned entrepreneurs, Kostas Fetfatsidis and Dimitrios Kourtesis, have launched The Flywheel, a venture studio focused on fostering innovation in AI applications for industry, defense, and energy. Based in Thessaloniki, The Flywheel provides comprehensive support to startups, from formation and financing to business planning, offering a direct path for professionals to become founders of Europe’s next leading industrial AI companies.

Fetfatsidis, a deep-tech entrepreneur with a PhD in mechanical engineering and extensive experience in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, emphasizes the potential for Greece to become a hub for AI startups. Kourtesis, a computer scientist with decades of experience in software development and venture building, highlights The Flywheel’s role as a co-founder, investor, and operational partner, committing up to €300,000 in initial funding for each startup. The studio operates differently from traditional venture capital, stepping in early to co-found companies based on technical or business expertise.

The Flywheel will evaluate proposals from across Europe, with the first five founder-in-residence positions opening in early 2026. The goal is to build a portfolio of 15 companies over five years, each aiming to generate revenue within 12 months and scale up quickly. Supported by a network of private investors, including Greek-American entrepreneurs and industry leaders, The Flywheel is poised to drive innovation and economic growth in Greece and beyond. 🚀💡

Chasing debtors’ realty abroad

Greece's tax administration is launching a new initiative to track down undeclared properties owned by debtors abroad. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is collaborating with international audit firms and specialized offices to identify Greeks with overseas real estate who have not declared their assets despite significant debts to the Greek state. The ministry has also secured agreements with numerous countries to exchange information on property ownership, enabling both sides to share data on tax residents and foreign property owners.

This effort marks a significant expansion of Greece's tax enforcement capabilities beyond its borders. The first phase involves partnering with foreign law and audit firms to investigate debtors' assets. These firms will receive publicly available debtor data from Greece and begin their searches, leveraging their expertise in uncovering hidden wealth. Once assets are identified, Greek authorities will work with foreign tax agencies to initiate seizure procedures, ensuring that debts can be recovered regardless of where the assets are located. This proactive approach aims to uncover hidden taxable assets and hold debtors accountable for their financial obligations. 🏡🌍💼

At least 18 migrants die as inflatable boat sinks off Greek island of Crete

At least 18 migrants perished when their inflatable boat capsized south of the Greek island of Crete, authorities reported on Saturday. The half-sunken vessel was discovered by a passing Turkish merchant ship, with two survivors rescued so far. The search for additional survivors is ongoing, involving a Frontex ship and plane, a Greek Coast Guard helicopter, and three merchant vessels.

Greece remains a critical entry point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with fatal accidents occurring frequently. The country faced a significant influx during the 2015-16 migration crisis, when over a million people crossed into Europe. While patrols and alleged pushbacks have reduced crossings from Turkey to nearby Greek islands, recent months have seen a surge in arrivals from Libya to Crete. The origin of the capsized boat remains undetermined. 🚤🌊

Kallas downplays Trump security strategy’s criticisms

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has acknowledged some validity in the Trump administration’s recent critique of Europe, particularly regarding the continent’s underestimation of its own power in relation to Russia. Speaking at the Doha Forum, Kallas emphasized the need for Europe to boost its self-confidence and strategic autonomy. The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy, released this week, included sharp criticisms of European governments, highlighting tensions over defense and geopolitical influence. Kallas’s remarks suggest a willingness to address these concerns, signaling a potential shift in Europe’s approach to global security and diplomacy. 🌍💡

Many dead when migrant boat capsizes

A Turkish merchant ship discovered a partially sunken boat on Saturday, rescuing two survivors. A multi-ship and aircraft operation is now underway to search for additional victims. Greece is a frequent entry point into the EU for individuals fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Recently, crossings from Libya to Crete have surged, while the perilous route from Turkey to the Greek islands has seen a decline. The origin of the boat in question remains unknown. 🚢🌊