Newsflash

NATO weighs boosting Arctic security as Trump escalates Greenland claims

NATO countries have called for strengthening the alliance's presence in the Arctic following heightened U.S. concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in Greenland. During a private meeting in Brussels, NATO ambassadors agreed to bolster the Arctic flank, according to three diplomats familiar with the discussions. The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the Danish territory is vulnerable to foreign interference.

The alliance is considering several measures to enhance its Arctic strategy, including leveraging intelligence capabilities for better monitoring, increasing defense spending in the region, relocating more military equipment, and conducting additional military exercises. These steps reflect growing geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of the Arctic, where climate change is opening new shipping routes and access to natural resources. 🌍🚢

Russian strikes on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk leave one million without water and heat

Russian strikes on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region have left over a million people without water or heating, as temperatures plummet below freezing. The overnight drone attack, part of a broader campaign targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, also caused power outages in neighboring Zaporizhzhia, affecting thousands. Ukrainian officials report that 97 drones were launched, with air defenses downing 70 but allowing 27 to strike critical sites. Restoration efforts are underway, though the situation remains challenging due to ongoing security threats. Meanwhile, Ukraine has retaliated by targeting Russian oil depots and refineries to disrupt Moscow's energy exports. The attacks underscore the deliberate strategy to undermine civilian resilience during winter. ❄️💧🔌

At least four killed in Russian attack on Kyiv

A devastating attack in Kyiv has resulted in multiple fatalities, including a paramedic who was on duty at the time. At least 13 people were injured in the assault, which also caused significant damage to critical infrastructure. The attack has led to power outages in several parts of the city, disrupting essential services and leaving residents in the dark. The full extent of the damage and the ongoing response efforts remain under assessment. 🚑💔🏙️

Zelenskyy warns of large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned residents to remain vigilant, stating that a Russian attack could occur as early as tonight. He emphasized that Russia has not altered its aggressive stance and is attempting to exploit the harsh winter conditions. The warning comes amid reports from the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, which has also cautioned that Russia is planning a large-scale airstrike on the city. Authorities and residents are urged to stay alert and prepared for potential threats. 🚨❄️

US president's agenda tests world order

US President Donald Trump's recent foreign policy approach, emphasizing deals over democratic values, is reshaping global alliances. His decision to avoid imposing sanctions on Russia, despite Vladimir Putin's refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, signals a shift in US priorities. This transactional stance, where support is conditional on commercial opportunities, leaves traditional allies uncertain and vulnerable.

Europe, in particular, faces significant security challenges. The continent must now bolster its defenses to counter Russian aggression, especially with evidence of military buildup near Finland. However, Europe's ability to provide credible security guarantees to Ukraine is hampered by dwindling American support. To address this, European nations are being urged to increase defense spending beyond the current NATO target of 2% of GDP, with discussions considering raising it to 3%. Additionally, Europe must invest in strategic enablers like satellite systems, intelligence, and heavy transport to reduce dependence on the US.

The scale of the required investment is immense, necessitating collective efforts beyond individual national governments. While Germany may have the fiscal capacity to borrow up to €1 trillion for defense, most European countries cannot take on such debt. The EU's recent €150 billion SAFE mechanism helps but is insufficient for the needed scale. To procure large-scale defense projects like satellite networks or next-generation fighter jets, Europe must collaborate. However, the EU itself is not the ideal institution to lead this effort due to the inclusion of neutral and Putin-friendly member states, as well as the exclusion of key players like Britain, Norway, and Switzerland.

Efficient spending on defense is another major challenge. Current procurement practices favor national champions, leading to a fragmented industry with high costs and small order sizes. To drive economies of scale, Europe must adopt common procurement practices based on open tenders and non-discrimination. Two proposals are gaining traction: a European Rearmament Bank, modeled after the EBRD, to provide low-cost loans for defense projects, and a European Defense Mechanism, inspired by the ESM, to directly purchase equipment on behalf of governments. Both proposals could be implemented swiftly, offering a path to a stronger, more unified European defense market and greater continental security. 🌍⚔️

TikTok deletes Polish far-right leader’s videos following complaint by anti-racism group

TikTok has removed six videos from the account of Polish far-right leader Grzegorz Braun, including content related to his attack on a Jewish religious ceremony in parliament and Holocaust denial. The platform acted after the videos were reported by the Never Again Association, a Polish anti-racism group. Among the deleted videos were clips denying the existence of gas chambers at Auschwitz, celebrating Braun’s disruption of a Hanukkah ceremony, and promoting Janusz Waluś, a white nationalist convicted of assassinating anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani. Another video showed Braun and his supporters tearing down a Ukrainian flag displayed in solidarity.

Braun, a member of the European Parliament, has gained significant influence, particularly among young voters, with 242,000 followers on TikTok. His far-right rhetoric, which includes antisemitic, anti-Ukrainian, and anti-LGBT sentiments, has resonated with a growing segment of the population. Despite facing legal consequences for his actions, including a trial for attacking a Hanukkah celebration and denying Nazi crimes, Braun continues to maintain a strong public presence. The removal of his videos highlights the ongoing struggle to combat hate speech and extremism on social media platforms. 🇵🇱⚠️

Trump moves to pull US from Helsinki-based hybrid centre

US President Donald Trump has announced a significant withdrawal from international organizations, including the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE) in Helsinki. This move is part of a broader strategy to disengage from 31 UN-affiliated bodies and 35 other international organizations. The White House argues that these entities no longer align with American interests, instead promoting what it describes as "radical climate policies" and "ideological programmes." The administration claims that billions of dollars in taxpayer funds have yielded minimal returns.

The decision to exit the Hybrid CoE, which focuses on countering hybrid threats, reflects a broader shift away from multilateral engagement. Other organizations affected include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. The White House has directed the termination of funding and cooperation with all listed entities, emphasizing a new approach to global engagement that prioritizes American interests. 🌍💸

A long-held desire: Why does the US want Greenland?

The United States has long harbored ambitions to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, with the Trump administration signaling no retreat from this goal. The White House has even hinted at the potential use of military force to achieve this objective, raising concerns about the stability of NATO alliances. Mikaa Blugeon-Mered, an expert on hydrogen geopolitics and Greenland, argues that Trump's rhetoric is undermining trust within NATO, particularly as Denmark stands as one of the U.S.'s most reliable allies.

From a strategic perspective, Blugeon-Mered notes that annexing Greenland is unnecessary for the U.S., as existing agreements with Denmark already permit the expansion of American military presence on the island. This underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, where historical interests intersect with contemporary military and diplomatic considerations. The ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance between national sovereignty, strategic alliances, and global power dynamics. 🌍💥

Woman in her 70s killed, 20 injured in Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih

A recent attack in Ukraine has resulted in multiple injuries, including at least six children, according to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry. The assault caused significant damage to numerous apartment buildings, as well as civilian infrastructure and a government building. The extent of the destruction underscores the ongoing impact of the conflict on civilian areas and critical facilities. 🏢👧👦

Trump: ‘It may be a choice’ between seizing Greenland or preserving NATO

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. might face a choice between pursuing his ambition to acquire Greenland and maintaining its commitment to NATO. When asked whether securing Greenland was more important than preserving the 76-year-old military alliance, Trump did not provide a direct answer but acknowledged that his administration could be forced to decide between the two. This statement has heightened concerns among America’s European allies, particularly as Trump and his associates have intensified their rhetoric about obtaining the self-governing Danish territory. 🌍🤝

Policing the sky: NATO’s high-risk patrols near Ukraine

NATO's high-risk aerial patrols near Ukraine are a critical component of the alliance's efforts to monitor and deter potential threats in the region. These patrols, often conducted by advanced fighter jets, operate in close proximity to Ukrainian airspace, facing significant risks from Russian military activity. The missions are designed to gather intelligence, enforce no-fly zones, and demonstrate NATO's commitment to regional security. Pilots undergo rigorous training to navigate the volatile environment, where they may encounter sophisticated Russian air defense systems and aggressive intercepts by Russian aircraft. Despite the dangers, these patrols play a vital role in maintaining stability and safeguarding NATO member states from potential escalation. The alliance's ability to adapt and respond to evolving threats is crucial in ensuring the safety of both its forces and the broader European security landscape. 🛩️🌍

Venezuela to release large number of prisoners

In a significant development, Venezuelan authorities have announced the imminent release of both Venezuelan and international prisoners, although the exact number remains unspecified. This decision follows the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces during an attack on January 3. The announcement was made by Delcy Rodríguez's brother, who did not provide further details on the scope of the release. Human rights group Foro Penal reports that Venezuela currently holds over 800 political prisoners, including 175 military personnel, highlighting the potential scale of this humanitarian gesture. 🔓

Inflation keeps eating away at Greeks’ income

Inflation in Greece remained a persistent challenge in 2025, as government measures failed to significantly curb rising prices, which stabilized at elevated levels. Structural issues in the Greek market, combined with new domestic and international inflationary pressures, contributed to this outcome. Although the average annual increase in the consumer price index was lower than in the 2022-2024 period, consumers continued to face high prices across various goods and services, eroding their incomes.

A notable trend in 2025 was the surge in service sector prices, while food prices, though showing some decline in certain items like olive oil, saw new spikes in beef, coffee, and chocolate. Energy prices decreased but not enough to offset the previous years' sharp increases. The average annual change in the national consumer price index was 9.6% in 2022, 3.5% in 2023, and 2.7% in 2024. Greece's harmonized inflation rate rose to 2.9% in December 2025, up from 2.8% in November, contrasting with a slight slowdown in the eurozone.

Food inflation reached 3.5% in December, the highest of the year, despite government efforts to control prices. Service prices increased sharply by 4.5% year-on-year, while energy prices remained negative. Both the Greek government and the Bank of Greece predict a slowdown in inflation for 2026, targeting rates of 2.2% and 2.6%, respectively. 📉💸

Eurostat: Finland's unemployment rate now worst in EU

Finland's unemployment rate has reached a concerning high, standing at 10.6% in November, the worst in the European Union, according to Eurostat. This marks the highest rate since the 2009 financial crisis, surpassing even Spain, which previously held the top spot. The situation reflects broader economic challenges in Finland, contrasting sharply with the EU average of 6% and the Netherlands' low rate of 4%. While southern European countries like Spain and Greece have improved their unemployment trends over the past decade, Finland and Sweden have seen their rates rise.

Several factors contribute to Finland's rising unemployment, including a growing labor force due to increased immigration. However, this influx has coincided with an economic downturn, making it harder for newcomers to find work. Additionally, recent government measures have been criticized for making life more difficult for immigrants. Despite these challenges, Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment remains optimistic, noting a recent increase of 25,000 in employment and growing job opportunities in certain sectors. The ministry predicts improvements in the coming year. 📉💼

Foreign Investors in Latvia call for serious investment in "human capital"

Latvia faces a critical challenge in its delayed implementation of the Human Capital Development Strategy, initially planned for 2024 but still pending approval in 2026. The Foreign Investors' Council in Latvia (FICIL) warns that these delays undermine the country's ability to address workforce shortages and productivity challenges, risking long-term competitiveness. Foreign investors highlight labor shortages and rising wages as significant constraints on business growth, questioning whether Latvia can maintain its advantage of skilled labor at low costs.

Claudio Rivera, FICIL’s Labour Force & Requalification Work Group leader, emphasizes the need for a clear plan to prevent a decline in workforce availability and weakened attractiveness for high-value investments. FICIL suggests creating a centralized coordinating body to provide unified leadership and ensure efficient use of financial resources. Despite claims of fiscal constraints, FICIL speculates that human capital development may not be treated as a national priority, citing Latvia’s lower-than-OECD-average investment in education (3.8% of GDP compared to the OECD average of 4.7%).

FICIL urges immediate political ownership, guaranteed funding, and binding governance mechanisms to make the Human Capital Development Plan a reality. Without these, education and skills development—foundational to productivity and resilience—will remain unfulfilled promises, jeopardizing Latvia's economic future. Ironically, the call to invest in people is accompanied by an AI-generated image, underscoring the need for human-centric policies. 📚💼

Eni at ‘final stage’ of decision to develop Cronos gas field off Cyprus, says COO

Italian energy company Eni is nearing a final decision on developing the Cronos gas field off Cyprus, with the potential to supply natural gas to European markets by the end of 2024 or early 2028. Chief Operating Officer Guido Brusco confirmed that only a few remaining documents need to be finalized before extraction can begin. The Cronos deposit, one of three discovered in Block 6 of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, is estimated to hold 3.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Eni, in partnership with TotalEnergies, holds exploration licenses for four blocks in Cyprus’ economic zone, while ExxonMobil and a consortium of Chevron, Shell, and NewMed Energy are licensed for other blocks, including the Aphrodite field, which holds an estimated 4.6 trillion cubic feet of gas. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed urgency, stating that all necessary agreements must be finalized by March 30, ahead of an upcoming energy conference in Egypt. The gas from Cronos could be processed at Egypt’s Damietta plant and then transported to Europe by sea, utilizing existing infrastructure. This development is crucial for Cyprus, offering significant economic benefits and energy security for Europe. 🌍💨

Farmers up the ante with escalation of blockades

Farmers across Greece escalated their protests on Thursday, implementing 48-hour blockades on major highways, junctions, and border crossings following unsuccessful talks with the government. The coordinated actions disrupted domestic travel and cross-border trade, with tractors and heavy vehicles strategically positioned on key transport routes. Critical closures included the Athens-Lamia highway near Kastro, the Vale of Tempe highway in central Greece, and the Antirrio-Ioannina highway in the west. In northern Greece, blockades at border crossings like Promachonas, Exochi, Niki, and Evzones hindered international trade, while disruptions near Thessaloniki affected routes to Edessa and the Halkidiki peninsula.

The farmers' actions stem from dissatisfaction with the government's measures, which they argue fail to address rising production costs and declining incomes. While protest leaders express openness to dialogue, they have warned that disruptions will persist until concrete concessions are made. The blockades have caused significant delays and diversions, impacting both domestic and international travel and trade. 🚜🚧

Undercover video alleging secret cash network provokes political storm in Cyprus

An undercover video circulating on social media has ignited a political firestorm in Cyprus, alleging that associates of President Nikos Christodoulides engaged in illicit activities to circumvent election campaign spending limits in 2023 and offered political favors in exchange for cash. The video, published by an account named "Emily Thompson," appears to show former energy minister George Lakkotrypis, the director of the Office of the Cyprus President, Charalambos Charalambous, and Georgios Chrysochos, the head of the construction group Cyfield, in private conversations. The footage, allegedly recorded with a hidden camera, suggests discussions about bypassing campaign finance laws, securing access to the presidential palace, and leveraging political influence for financial gain.

In the video, Lakkotrypis is heard discussing the €1 million election funding cap, implying that cash transactions were used to exceed this limit. Charalambous outlines how interested parties could gain access to the president by offering financial contributions earmarked for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Chrysochos boasts about his close relationship with the president, claiming he can freely discuss matters and meet with him regularly without public scrutiny.

The video has prompted strong reactions from political figures, with Parliament Speaker Annita Dimitriou and Communist AKEL Secretary General Stefanos Stefanou calling for a thorough investigation. Lakkotrypis has filed a complaint with the Nicosia Criminal Investigation Department, asserting that his remarks were selectively edited to misrepresent his intentions. The Cyprus government has dismissed the video as malicious and heavily edited, aimed at damaging the government's reputation. 🇨🇾💸

US Senate demands congressional approval for new attacks on Venezuela

A bipartisan resolution, introduced by the Democratic Party and backed by five Republicans, is set to be voted on next week, though its passage is largely symbolic. The resolution challenges the president’s authority to conduct military strikes against foreign capitals and remove their leaders, a power some argue is not explicitly granted by the Constitution. Senator Rand Paul, one of the five Republicans who supported the measure, emphasized this constitutional concern. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump criticized the vote, calling it a threat to America’s national security and the president’s authority as commander-in-chief. Despite its symbolic nature, the resolution highlights ongoing debates over executive power and congressional oversight in matters of war and peace. 🇺🇸⚖️

FM: "No indications the US planning Greenland takeover"

Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has expressed concern over recent remarks by the U.S. administration regarding Greenland, emphasizing that Denmark's assessment of these statements must be taken seriously. Valtonen reaffirmed Finland's support for Denmark and Greenland's right to self-determination, while highlighting Finland's expertise in Arctic conditions, which it stands ready to share with NATO allies to bolster Arctic security.

The Foreign Affairs Committee convened an extraordinary meeting to address several pressing issues, including developments in Greenland, Venezuela, disruptions to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, and the security situation in Ukraine. Valtonen also noted the significance of the White House's announcement to withdraw from 66 international organizations and agreements, though she clarified that there are no indications of the U.S. preparing a military takeover of Greenland. Both the U.S. and Denmark are founding members of NATO, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong alliances and cooperation in the region. 🌍🇫🇮🇺🇸