Newsflash

Swedish man recruited girls for Epstein

A recent release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case has revealed disturbing new details about his international network of recruiters. Correspondence between Epstein and a Swedish financier, now in his 70s, shows that the Swede actively recruited young women and girls from Scandinavia for Epstein. One email from 2014 boasted, "I've done a really good job scouting in Scandinavia. Most of them are ready to start tomorrow. At least five of them, 16 and 17 years old, will be ready next year."

This latest batch of documents, the largest release to date, includes approximately 3.5 million pages. The revelations underscore the extensive reach of Epstein's criminal activities and the ongoing efforts to uncover the full extent of his operations. The case continues to shed light on the dark underbelly of powerful networks that exploit vulnerable individuals. 😡📄

Yle's new satellite images reveal: Russia upgrading Soviet-era garrison in Petrozavodsk

Russia is significantly bolstering its military presence near Finland, with satellite images revealing extensive renovations and new construction in key garrison areas. In Petrozavodsk, just 160 km from the Finnish border, Russia is refurbishing a Soviet-era garrison, likely to house a new army corps established in 2024. This expansion includes new barracks and infrastructure to accommodate thousands of additional troops, reflecting President Vladimir Putin's strategic focus on securing its NATO border.

Further north, in Kandalaksha, construction of new facilities for artillery and engineer brigades is well underway, with about 2,000 soldiers expected to be stationed there. Meanwhile, in Luga, south of St. Petersburg, Russia is upgrading a motor rifle brigade into a full division, potentially tripling its personnel to 8,000–10,000 soldiers. These developments indicate a concerted effort to strengthen Russia's military capabilities along its western flank, particularly near Finland, which shares the longest border with Russia among NATO countries. Finnish military experts warn that these changes enhance Russia's ability to wage war in areas close to Finland, though the pace of expansion may be slowed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 🚧🇷🇺🇫🇮

Cartoon (31/01/2026)

The openly racist and fascist Blue-Black Movement has been reinstated as a registered political party in Finland. The group, which was previously removed from the register in 2024 due to its program violating constitutional and human rights laws, successfully gathered the required 5,000 supporter signatures to re-register. The Justice Ministry confirmed that the group’s updated rules and program were deemed acceptable, allowing its return to the political landscape.

Founded by former members of the Finns Party, the Blue-Black Movement promotes ethnonationalist views and draws inspiration from the Lapua Movement, a radical nationalist and fascist group active in Finland in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The group recently held an event in Tampere on May Day, where participants carried Finnish flags and a banner reading "May Day is White." The movement’s re-emergence has raised concerns about the rise of extremist ideologies in Finnish politics. 🇫🇮⚠️

Study: Russia’s influence activities exploited special characteristics of bilateral relationship with Finland

A comprehensive study conducted by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, the University of Helsinki, and Tampere University has examined Russia’s extensive influence activities targeting Finland since the 2000s and their impact on Finnish society and decision-making. Funded by the Finnish government, the research highlights how Russia has leveraged specific aspects of its bilateral relationship with Finland, achieving some success, particularly in areas like energy and investment, where Finland’s consensus-driven political culture has made detecting indirect influence more challenging. However, more overt forms of coercion, such as the manipulation of migration, have been less effective.

The study, based on extensive documentary sources, interviews, and expert insights, reveals that Russia’s primary goal was to prevent Finland from joining Western military alliances. Despite this, Finland’s decision to join NATO in April 2023 was driven by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine rather than dissatisfaction with its actions toward Finland. The research also underscores the historical continuity in Finland-Russia relations, noting that Finland often viewed its relationship with Russia through a bilateral lens, considering it "special."

The study emphasizes Finland’s robust security model and strong consensus on security policy as key factors in countering Russian influence. The findings are part of the Finnish government’s 2023 Analysis, Assessment, and Research Plan, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of international relations and national security. 🇫🇮🔍

Schools struggle with teachers found psychologically unfit for duty

Greek education authorities have identified approximately 2,500 teachers nationwide who are deemed psychologically unfit for classroom duties. These educators, labeled as "unable" within the system, often face delayed interventions due to school principals' reluctance to initiate procedures, fearing stigmatization or personal liability. This issue was recently highlighted by a disturbing incident in Serres, where a teacher taped a student's mouth shut and had another student tie the child's hands, prompting administrative action and legal consequences.

In response, Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki has revived a plan for mandatory psychological evaluations for teachers upon entry into public education and at regular intervals. The current process involves a health committee diagnosing mental illness and determining a teacher's inability to teach, after which they are reassigned to administrative duties. Annual evaluations are conducted to reassess their condition. Ioannis Koumentos, a primary education director in Attica, noted that 88 teachers in his jurisdiction have been diagnosed as unable to teach but are still contributing through administrative roles.

The proposed framework aims to prevent such issues by implementing pre-employment psychological evaluations and providing legal protection for education officials managing these cases. The plan also includes permanent administrative reassignment after three years for teachers deemed unfit. While some teachers may resist acknowledging their condition due to the stigma associated with mental illness, indirect encouragement and escalating recommendations are used to promote seeking medical help. 🏫🧠

Trump’s policies ‘erodes the fabric of global cooperation’, ex-Swedish PM Bildt says

In an interview with FRANCE 24, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt expressed deep concerns about the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policies on global cooperation and the rules-based international order. As the United Nations faces financial instability and tensions rise with Iran, Bildt highlighted the challenges world leaders encounter in navigating Trump's approach to diplomacy. The former Swedish leader emphasized that Trump's policies are eroding the foundations of international collaboration, creating uncertainty and instability across the globe. 🌍💥

Local economy’s AI paradox

Greece faces a striking paradox in its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). While businesses in the country lag significantly behind, individuals are embracing AI at a remarkable pace, potentially reshaping the economic landscape. Business AI adoption in Greece stands at just 8.9%, far below the OECD average of 20.2% and comparable to other Balkan nations like Bulgaria (8.5%), Romania (5.2%), and Turkey (7.4%). This low adoption rate is partly attributed to Greece's economic structure, which lacks large businesses and a strong information and communication technologies sector, both of which are key drivers of AI adoption in other OECD countries. Notably, the use of AI in Greece's accommodation and food service sector has declined from 6.2% in 2024 to 3.4% in 2025, contrasting with a 62.5% increase across the OECD.

However, the outlook is not entirely bleak. Individual AI usage in Greece is highly promising, with the country matching the levels of Scandinavian nations at 44.1% and boasting the highest percentage of young people aged 16-24 (83.5%) using AI among all OECD members. This suggests a strong potential for a future surge in business AI adoption as the workforce becomes increasingly proficient in AI technologies. Yet, translating this technological advancement into economic growth remains uncertain. Success will depend on how effectively Greece can develop a specialized workforce capable of leveraging AI to its fullest potential, a challenge shared by many other countries. 📈🤖

PM defends higher defense spending

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended Greece’s increased defense spending, emphasizing that citizens understand the necessity of such investments for national security and prosperity. Speaking at a meeting of European People’s Party leaders in Zagreb, Mitsotakis highlighted that Greece has long allocated over 2% of its GDP to defense, a commitment that has now risen to above 3%. He attributed this higher spending to Greece’s strategic priorities and geographic conditions, noting that the public supports these expenditures as essential for maintaining a secure, prosperous, and democratic nation.

Mitsotakis also addressed the growing demand for greater involvement of Greece’s domestic defense industry in these expenditures, stating that the government is actively working toward this goal. He reassured that, despite the increased defense spending, Greece remains committed to reducing taxes for the middle class and maintaining a primary surplus, thanks to the strength of its economy. The Prime Minister concluded that Greece has struck the right balance, with citizens recognizing higher defense spending as a vital contribution to Europe’s strategic autonomy. 🇬🇷🛡️

French fishermen repurpose used nets to help Ukraine protect against drone attacks

French fishermen are playing a crucial role in supporting Ukraine’s defense against relentless Russian drone attacks. By repurposing their used fishing nets, these fishermen are providing a creative and effective solution to mitigate the threat posed by drones. The nets, originally designed to catch sturdy monkfish, are strong enough to withstand impacts from lightweight drones, offering a protective barrier when strung above streets and buildings. This initiative, led by the Brittany-based NGO Kernic Solidarités, has already sent thousands of kilometers of nets to Ukraine, particularly to the southern city of Kherson. These nets allow residents to continue their daily lives with a measure of security, even as drones continue to fly overhead. This innovative approach highlights the power of community-driven efforts in the face of ongoing conflict. 🇫🇷🇺🇦🎣

Starmer piles pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to answer Epstein questions in US

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, to testify before the U.S. Congress regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer emphasized that Mountbatten-Windsor’s refusal to address these concerns could undermine his commitment to Epstein’s victims. Recently released emails from 2010 reveal Epstein offering Mountbatten-Windsor a dinner with a woman described as "26, Russian, clever, beautiful, trustworthy," to which he responded, "That was quick! How are you? Good to be free?" The ongoing scrutiny highlights the persistent questions surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor’s past associations with the convicted sex offender, who died in 2019. 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸

EU delays full rollout of EES border system over travel chaos concerns

The European Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to digitally track non-EU travelers entering and exiting the Schengen area, has been operational since October 12, 2025. This system, which replaces manual passport stamping, is being gradually implemented across 29 countries, including 25 EU member states and four non-EU Schengen nations. Initially, the full implementation deadline was set for April 2026, but it has been extended to September 2026 to prevent summer travel disruptions.

European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert highlighted the successful launch of the EES, calling it a significant advancement for EU security. He acknowledged the complexity of deploying such a large-scale system and emphasized the flexibility built into the rollout to address potential issues. Despite initial challenges, the system has largely functioned smoothly, even during peak travel periods. The EES requires travelers from non-EU and non-Schengen countries to register biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, upon their first entry. This data is stored in a centralized database to monitor compliance with the 90/180-day stay rule.

However, the rollout has faced criticism from travel organizations, which have raised concerns about operational issues and long processing times. In response, some countries, like Portugal, temporarily suspended EES implementation at certain airports to mitigate congestion. The tourism industry in Spain has also called for additional resources, such as more police and functional passport control machines, to ease travel delays. The extended deadline aims to ensure a smoother transition and address these challenges effectively. 🌍✈️

President, PM, pay tribute to Navy officers killed in Imia standoff

On Saturday, Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis honored the three Greek Navy officers who lost their lives during the 1996 Imia crisis, a tense standoff that nearly escalated into war with Turkey. The president emphasized the importance of strengthening Greece’s defense capabilities and upholding national sovereignty, stating that these goals unite Greeks and secure the country’s future. Prime Minister Mitsotakis underscored the need for constant vigilance, asserting that Greece’s sovereignty and national rights are non-negotiable, regardless of external provocations.

The crisis unfolded when Turkish special forces secretly landed on one of the Imia islets. A Greek helicopter dispatched to investigate crashed, tragically killing the three naval aviators on board: Christodoulos Karathanasis, Panagiotis Vlahakos, and Ektoras Gialopsos. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the Aegean and the necessity of maintaining a strong defense posture. 🇬🇷🌊

Portugal braces for more rain - 200,000 without power

Portugal remains on high alert as the national weather authority, IPMA, has issued warnings for the entire mainland until Monday. The country is still recovering from the devastating impact of Storm Kristin, which left around 200,000 customers without power and resulted in five fatalities. With the return of heavy rainfall, authorities are cautioning that urban flooding, landslides, and rockfalls are significant risks. In response to the ongoing crisis, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro declared a state of disaster for the most affected regions, a step short of a full state of emergency. The government is urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared as the weather conditions persist. 🌧️💧

Zelensky expects meeting next week

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed optimism about upcoming diplomatic efforts following a meeting between Russian and American envoys in Miami. In his daily address, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is prepared to engage in discussions in various formats and is awaiting further details from the United States regarding the outcomes of Saturday's meeting. The Russian delegation, led by envoy Kirill Dmitriev, met with American representatives, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Witkoff described the meeting as "productive and constructive," fueling hopes for continued progress in the diplomatic process. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of achieving tangible results and ensuring that these meetings proceed as planned. 🇺🇦🤝

PM: Joining Nato was "the only right choice"

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo reaffirmed his country's decision to join NATO, calling it "the only and right choice" despite global uncertainties stirred by U.S. President Donald Trump. Orpo expressed confidence that transatlantic cooperation and NATO's importance will endure, ensuring Finland's security. He also addressed concerns about U.S. democratic stability, asserting that democracy has historically endured crises and will do so again.

Orpo recently visited China, where he met with President Xi Jinping and secured 11 trade agreements, describing the outcomes as "major deals." However, he criticized China's insufficient efforts in promoting peace in Ukraine, particularly its continued energy trade with Russia. Despite criticism from figures like Finns Party's Jani Mäkelä, who questioned engaging with an authoritarian regime, Orpo defended the trip as necessary and important, citing similar visits by leaders from Britain and Canada. He emphasized that declining such invitations would not be in Finland's best interest. 🇫🇮🤝🌍

Germany will not boycott the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico

The recent political and social climate in the United States, marked by controversial actions such as Donald Trump's policies on Greenland and tariffs against Europe, as well as ICE's activities, has sparked calls for a boycott of the upcoming summer World Cup. The German Football Association's vice president, Oke Göttlich, initially expressed personal reservations about traveling to the U.S., advising against it due to the current situation. However, the German Football Association has since clarified its stance, stating that a boycott is not under consideration. The federation emphasized the importance of internal discussions and reaffirmed its belief in the unifying power of sport and the global impact of the World Cup. 🏆⚽

Marko Ahtisaari named in Epstein files

Marko Ahtisaari, the chief marketing officer at Finnish satellite company Iceye and son of former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, has addressed his brief encounter with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Recently released documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, spanning over three million pages, revealed an email exchange between venture capitalist Joi Ito and Epstein, discussing a potential introduction to Ahtisaari. The documents confirmed that a meeting took place on November 24, 2013, though Ahtisaari clarified that it was a brief, one-off encounter arranged by Ito and did not lead to any further contact or collaboration.

Ahtisaari strongly condemned Epstein's criminal conduct and emphasized that he had no personal or professional relationship with the convicted sex offender. Epstein, who was found dead in his cell in 2019, was linked to numerous flights to Helsinki, as detailed in the released documents. Ahtisaari, who also chairs the board of the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, reiterated his disassociation from Epstein and his unequivocal condemnation of the financier's actions. 🚀

Starmer urges Prince Andrew to testify before US Congress about Epstein

On his return from a visit to Japan, Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of cooperation in investigations, stating that anyone with relevant information should be prepared to share it in any requested form. He stressed that victims must be the top priority, particularly in cases involving Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer's remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of Prince Andrew's involvement in the Epstein case. In November, Prince Andrew was invited by U.S. congressional Democrats to provide testimony as part of their investigation. At the time, Starmer noted that the decision to cooperate was a personal matter for the prince. 🗣️⚖️

In pictures: Life in ice-cold Finland

Finland is currently experiencing a severe cold snap, with freezing temperatures gripping the entire country and expected to persist through the weekend. The icy conditions have brought daily life to a near standstill, with residents bundling up in thick layers to brave the frigid air. Despite the harsh weather, Finns are known for their resilience, finding ways to adapt and even enjoy the winter wonderland around them. From ice fishing and cross-country skiing to cozying up by the fire with a warm drink, life in Finland during these icy months is a testament to the nation's enduring spirit. Meanwhile, political discussions continue, with Finnish leaders expressing confidence in American democracy and addressing past controversies, such as meetings with disgraced figures like Jeffrey Epstein. 🇫🇮❄️