Newsflash

Russia blames Ukraine for drone attack on Greek-managed tanker in Black Sea

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on a Greek-managed oil tanker in the Black Sea. The tanker, named Matilda and managed by Greece’s Thenamaris, was struck near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal, a key hub for Kazakhstan’s oil exports. The vessel, which was waiting in ballast about 30 miles offshore, sustained minor damage after being hit by two drones. No injuries were reported.

Additionally, a second Greek-managed tanker, the Delta Harmony, operated by Delta Tankers, was also targeted by a drone in the same area. However, Russia has not commented on this incident. The attacks highlight the ongoing tensions in the Black Sea region, where maritime security remains a critical concern. 🚢💥

Why Greenland? Trump ups pressure as Denmark dispatches top diplomat

The Trump administration is intensifying pressure on Denmark to cede control of Greenland, an Arctic territory rich in natural resources and strategically vital for maritime routes. This push has raised concerns about potential consequences for NATO, as coercive actions against a close ally could undermine the alliance's cohesion. Despite Denmark's firm stance that Greenland is not for sale, the U.S. continues to assert its interest in the region, sparking debates about the motives behind this pursuit. Is it driven by the need to secure Arctic shipping lanes, access untapped minerals, assert geopolitical dominance, or simply to keep global powers on edge? The situation remains tense, with Denmark's prime minister emphasizing the gravity of the issue. 🌍🇬🇱

UK ambassador and all embassy staff evacuated from Iran

Britain has evacuated its ambassador and all embassy staff from Iran, citing security concerns and the need to prioritize staff safety. The decision was made as U.S. President Donald Trump considers potential strikes against the Iranian regime. The British government has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, which will now operate remotely. The move underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the heightened risks to diplomatic personnel. 🇬🇧🇮🇷

France to send troops for European security mission to Greenland amid Trump threats

France and Germany have announced plans to deploy troops to Greenland as part of a European security mission, following renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to seize control of the Arctic island. This move, initiated at Denmark’s request, comes after high-level discussions in Washington involving U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials. Germany will send a 13-strong Bundeswehr reconnaissance team to the Greenlandic capital, Nuuk, starting Thursday, with the mission aimed at assessing potential military contributions to regional security. France, as the EU’s only nuclear power, has also confirmed its participation in the deployment. Sweden has similarly expressed its intention to join the European military mission. The deployment follows Trump’s repeated assertions that Greenland is vital to U.S. security, a claim dismissed by Danish officials. 🌍🇬🇷🇫🇷🇩🇰

Denmark and allies boost Greenland military footprint as Trump ramps up pressure

Denmark and its allies are significantly boosting their military presence in Greenland, responding to growing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the strategic importance of Arctic security, stating that enhanced cooperation with allies is essential to strengthen operational capabilities in the region. Immediate measures include deploying additional Danish aircraft, naval assets, and troops to Greenland, where they will engage in expanded training, exercises, and maritime security tasks. This initiative also involves hosting allied forces and operating fighter jets, reflecting a concerted effort to safeguard sovereignty and stability in the Arctic amid rising global pressures. 🌍❄️

France to open consulate in Greenland in a ‘political signal’ amid Trump threats

France is set to open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, a move described by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot as a "political signal" to strengthen its presence in the strategically important Arctic territory. This decision, made during President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Greenland last year, underscores France's commitment to supporting Greenland's autonomy and its ties with Denmark, NATO, and the European Union. The consulate's opening comes amid growing tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing concerns over potential Russian or Chinese influence in the region. Greenland's leadership has firmly rejected these overtures, reaffirming its preference for continued autonomy within Denmark. The establishment of the French consulate highlights France's intent to play a more active role in Arctic affairs, particularly in scientific and diplomatic spheres. 🌍🇬🇱

Foreign Ministers of Baltic states and France to meet in Rīga

Foreign ministers from the Baltic states and France are set to convene in Latvia for a series of discussions and activities aimed at bolstering regional security and cooperation. The meeting, held in the "3+1" format, focuses on supporting Ukraine's defense, deterring Russian aggression, and strengthening transatlantic relations. Key topics include enhancing EU-NATO collaboration and securing the Euro-Atlantic area. The ministers will also lay flowers at the Freedom Monument and visit Edge Autonomy, a manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles. A joint press conference is scheduled for 11:30 local time. 🌍🤝

Iran halts executions for two days

Iran has faced international scrutiny amid reports of planned executions for individuals arrested during ongoing anti-government protests. Despite previous promises of swift trials and executions, authorities claim that no hangings were planned. This assertion follows reports that the execution of prominent protest figure Efran Soltani, scheduled for Wednesday, has been delayed. While Soltani remains at risk, the human rights organization Hengaw confirms that his sentence has not yet been carried out.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning, threatening retaliation if Iran proceeds with executing protesters. The situation underscores the tense atmosphere surrounding the protests and the potential for further escalation. 🇮🇷⚖️

Groenland : l’Europe fait tout pour conclure un accord avec Trump

European leaders are urgently working to reach a compromise on the future of Greenland, aiming to satisfy Donald Trump’s ambitions without undermining European security alliances. 🇬🇷🇺🇸

As tensions rise, diplomats and officials are exploring options such as leveraging NATO to bolster Arctic security and making concessions to the U.S. on mineral extraction. The goal is to avoid confrontation with the American president, who has repeatedly stated that the U.S. "needs" Greenland and has not ruled out using force to acquire it.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed optimism, stating that discussions on the Arctic territory were "encouraging" and that a common ground with Washington has historically been found. Chancellor Friedrich Merz also hopes for a "mutually acceptable solution" within NATO. The urgency of these negotiations reflects the delicate balance between maintaining transatlantic cooperation and safeguarding European sovereignty in the face of Trump’s assertive stance. 🌍⚖️

Europe’s fastest growing startups market

The Greek startup ecosystem is rapidly gaining momentum, emerging as the fastest-growing market in Europe. This surge is part of a broader trend in European innovation, with artificial intelligence and defense technologies leading investment trends. In 2025, European startups attracted over €40 billion in funding, with the UK leading the pack, followed by Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. Southern European countries, including Greece, saw a significant 26.3% increase in deal values compared to 2024.

Greece's startup scene is particularly dynamic, with investments in local startups reaching €413.1 million in 2025. Spotawheel's €300 million funding round, primarily in venture debt, was a standout deal. Venture capitalists in Greece remain optimistic, with 26% expecting an improved investment environment in 2026 and 53% forecasting slight improvements. This positive outlook suggests continued growth and expansion for Greece's startup ecosystem. 🚀💡

Snap election likely in Bulgaria after reformist group rejects bid for government

Bulgaria is on the brink of another snap election after the reformist PP-DB coalition, the country's second-largest parliamentary group, declined the president's invitation to form a new government. This follows the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's coalition government in April, triggered by widespread protests against corruption and a proposed tax increase. President Rumen Radev initially asked the conservative GERB-SDS coalition to form a government, but they also refused. With no viable government forming, Radev is now expected to call for a snap election, marking Bulgaria's eighth election in just four years.

Despite political instability, Bulgaria joined the eurozone on January 1, 2025. However, the country urgently needs political stability to effectively utilize EU funds, attract foreign investment, and combat systemic corruption. The GERB-SDS coalition, which won the October 2024 election, only took power in January 2025 after lengthy negotiations and relies on fragile legislative support. The ongoing political turmoil threatens Bulgaria's progress and economic recovery. 🇧🇬🗳️

US Department of Justice closes investigation into Swedbank without action

Swedbank has concluded another investigation into past compliance failures, marking progress in addressing historical shortcomings. In 2019, multiple investigations were launched in the U.S. following allegations that the bank failed to properly handle suspected money laundering in its Baltic operations. While Swedbank has now closed this particular inquiry, it remains under scrutiny by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), with the timeline for that review still uncertain. Deputy CEO Tomas Hedberg emphasized that this closure represents a step forward in resolving past issues. 🏦🔍

Scarcity tactics aimed to drive up prices hit olive oil

Greece’s olive oil market is facing artificial scarcity tactics aimed at driving up prices, according to a recent study by the country’s competition authority. The research, which examined price links among Greece, Spain, and Italy—the three largest olive oil producers in Europe—reveals that producers are deliberately withholding supply to create scarcity and boost prices. This issue has become particularly acute following years of sharp price increases due to reduced output, with producers hesitating to sell in anticipation of higher prices.

Data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority shows that retail olive oil prices surged by 58.5% by the end of 2023, with only a modest decline of 0.58% by the end of 2024. The most significant drop occurred in 2025, with prices in December falling 34% from earlier highs. Despite this decrease, prices remain well above pre-2023 levels, with a cumulative increase of 57.17% over five years. The study highlights that Greek producers often store olive oil and release it gradually based on their financial needs rather than immediate market fluctuations, creating delays that can lead to price asymmetries at the retail level.

Additionally, Greece’s high domestic consumption and the prevalence of small producers contribute to inelastic supply. As the world’s highest per capita consumer of olive oil, Greece often sees a significant portion of its production used within households or family networks, further limiting market availability. Exports also play a role, with over half of Greek olive oil production being exported, primarily to Italy for bottling. Italian buyers’ prices are influenced by what they pay for Spanish oil, meaning droughts in Spain can drive up Greek prices even when domestic production is strong. Despite these challenges, Greek production is estimated to have rebounded to 250,000 tons in 2024/2025, up from 192,000 tons in 2023/24. 🫒💰

Trump says the killing in Iran has stopped and there are no plans for executions

In a recent press conference at the White House, Donald Trump declared that the killings in Iran have ceased and that there are no plans for further executions, citing information from credible sources. He emphasized that if executions were to occur despite this, the U.S. would respond with strong disapproval. Trump had previously warned Iran of potential retaliation if the country proceeded with executing protesters. However, Iran's Chief Justice, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, stated that swift trials and executions await those arrested during the ongoing protests, raising concerns about the regime's intentions. 🇮🇷🔪

After the nude photos, X takes action against Grok

The ability to generate sexualized images has sparked global criticism, leading Malaysia and Indonesia to block the chatbot entirely. Among the targeted individuals is Sweden's Minister of Energy and Industry, Ebba Busch, who was depicted in a bikini. In response, the platform has implemented stricter measures, extending beyond previous restrictions that limited image generation to paying users. The new policies will now apply to all users, aiming to curb the creation and dissemination of inappropriate content. 🌐🚫

France bans 10 British far-right activists for attacking migrant boats

France has taken decisive action against a group of British far-right activists, banning 10 members of the "Raise the Colours" movement from entering or residing in the country. The activists were targeted for their involvement in anti-migrant activities, including searching for and destroying small boats used by migrants attempting to cross the English Channel. The French interior ministry confirmed the bans, citing reports of the group's aggressive actions, including an alleged assault on migrants near Dunkirk in September.

The "Raise the Colours" movement has been active in France, with members posting videos of themselves slashing migrant boats and harassing individuals attempting to cross the Channel. One activist, identified as Ryan Bridge, was filmed shouting insults and threats at migrants, calling them "potential rapists, murderers, and child abusers." The group has denounced the ban as "absolutely disgraceful," but French authorities have opened an investigation into their actions.

The rise of far-right activism in the UK has been fueled by political debates over immigration, with many activists flying British and English flags as symbols of their nationalist sentiments. Anti-racism campaigners have identified "Raise the Colours" as a key organizer behind these movements. Despite efforts to curb undocumented migration, last year saw the second-highest number of arrivals since crossings began in 2018, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing migration flows across the Channel. 🚨🇫🇷🇬🇧

Polish woman who helped migrants at Belarus border charged with aiding their illegal entry to Germany

A Polish woman involved in providing humanitarian aid to migrants who crossed the Belarus-Poland border has been charged with facilitating the illegal travel of at least 15 individuals to Germany. Authorities discovered 62 temporary identity certificates for asylum seekers in her home, most of whom had left Poland before their asylum applications were processed. The woman, who pleaded not guilty, faces up to eight years in prison if convicted. The case highlights ongoing tensions over migration policies, with Poland and the EU viewing the crisis as part of a broader "hybrid war" orchestrated by Belarus and Russia. The situation has led to border controls between Poland and Germany, with Poland suspending asylum rights for irregular crossers. While some activists have faced legal consequences, a recent court ruling affirmed the legality of humanitarian aid, underscoring the complex interplay between migration policies and human rights. 🌍⚖️

FBI searches journalist's home in Pentagon leak investigation

The U.S. Department of Justice has justified a recent home search of a journalist, citing the possession and reporting of classified, illegally leaked information from a Pentagon consultant. The search, conducted at the request of the Department of Defense, targeted journalist Hannah Natanson of The Washington Post. Police seized her work computer, personal computer, phone, and a watch from her Virginia home. The investigation is reportedly linked to a Pentagon consultant with the highest security clearance, accused of removing intelligence documents from a secure facility. This incident follows a series of restrictive measures imposed by the Department of Defense last year, including limited media access to the Pentagon, forced evacuations of some media offices, and a significant reduction in press conferences. 🕵️‍♂️📰

Greece condemns Iranian crackdown on protests

Greece has strongly condemned Iran’s violent suppression of protests, with Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis urging Tehran to halt the execution of demonstrators seeking freedom. He emphasized that imposing the death penalty on young protesters exercising their universal rights is unacceptable to the global community. These remarks were made during a meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel and ahead of a trilateral discussion in Cairo with Egyptian and Cypriot counterparts to address Middle East developments.

The escalating unrest in Iran has become a major concern, particularly in light of potential U.S. intervention and the broader regional instability it could trigger. Greece is particularly wary of further destabilization, given the potential for increased migration flows and broader geopolitical consequences. The situation underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to prevent further violence and uphold human rights. 🌍✊

Why rent is still going up in Norway in 2026

Norway's rental market is facing significant challenges in 2026, with prices continuing to rise due to high interest rates, new taxes on landlords, and a shortage of new homes. This trend is becoming a long-term structural issue, particularly affecting newcomers and international workers who rely heavily on rentals. The persistent increase in rents is also complicating efforts by Norges Bank to control inflation, as housing costs make up nearly a fifth of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Experts attribute the rising rents to low construction rates and new tax rules that discourage landlords, leading to a reduced supply of rental properties.

In Oslo, average rents have surpassed 20,000 kroner, with popular areas like Majorstuen and Pilestredet seeing two-bedroom apartments priced at 25,000 kroner or more. Other cities such as Stavanger, Sandnes, and Bergen have also experienced notable rent increases, with Stavanger and Sandnes seeing a 9.7% rise to nearly 18,000 kroner. Meanwhile, Trondheim remains a more affordable option, with rents dipping slightly to an average of 15,000 kroner. As urban areas become increasingly expensive, many residents are moving to satellite towns like Rælingen and Lillestrøm, though these areas are also seeing rising rents.

For tenants navigating this challenging market, experts advise securing a rental contract as soon as possible due to the ongoing housing shortage. Considering locations with lower living costs, such as Trondheim or central Norway, can be beneficial. For those who must stay near Oslo, commuting from towns in Østfold or Drammen might offer more affordable options. Utilizing platforms like Finn.no, Hybel.no, and Facebook groups can help in finding rental opportunities, but tenants should ensure they are dealing with legitimate landlords. Additionally, it is crucial to place deposits in a dedicated deposit account rather than transferring them directly to a landlord’s personal account. 🏡💸