Newsflash

Russian special services remain most significant threat to Latvia’s security – State Security Service

Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) warns that Russian special services remain the most significant threat to the country's national security, with aggression expected to escalate in 2025 and beyond. Last year, Russia engaged in a range of hostile activities, including damaging infrastructure, conducting aggressive intelligence operations, and spreading disinformation to sway public opinion. These efforts aimed to exploit societal divisions, fuel ethnic tensions, and undermine trust in Latvia's institutions.

The VDD anticipates that Russian special services will continue their subversive activities in 2026, focusing on weakening Latvia's support for Ukraine, fostering public distrust in government, and targeting critical infrastructure. Intelligence operations will primarily originate from Russia, with a continued emphasis on recruiting Latvian citizens, particularly those in government, critical infrastructure, and military sectors. Online recruitment methods are expected to become more prevalent.

Belarusian special services also pose a threat, collaborating closely with their Russian counterparts. Their activities include intelligence gathering on Latvia's critical and military infrastructure, as well as monitoring the Belarusian diaspora in Latvia. The visa-free travel regime introduced by Belarus has increased intelligence risks for Latvian citizens visiting the country.

The VDD emphasizes the need for vigilance against these ongoing and evolving threats to Latvia's security and stability. 🇱🇻🕵️‍♂️

Merz urges Europe to let go of nostalgia for the US

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), recently addressed the Deutsche Börse in Eschborn, urging Europe to embrace greater independence from the United States, particularly in technology. He emphasized that the geopolitical landscape has shifted, rendering old assumptions obsolete. Merz highlighted the recent tensions sparked by Donald Trump's suggestion that the U.S. should consider acquiring Greenland, underscoring the need for Europe to adapt to this evolving reality. "Transatlantic relations have changed," he stated, acknowledging the shift with a hint of regret. "Nostalgia and memories of the good old days don't help," Merz concluded, calling for a forward-looking approach to ensure Europe's strategic autonomy and resilience in an uncertain world. 🌍💡

Syrian government forces enter Hasakeh after agreement with Kurdish-led SDF

A significant development has unfolded in Syria as the government in Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached an agreement to "unify Syrian territory." Under the terms of the deal, Kurdish forces will be integrated into Syria's military, with Kurdish soldiers withdrawing from front-line positions. Only government security forces will be permitted in cities previously under Kurdish control. This agreement follows a January ceasefire, which came after Syria's new central government launched an offensive, advancing deep into the former Kurdish autonomous region in northeastern Syria. The move marks a pivotal shift in the region's political and military landscape. 🚗💨

Draghi: Europe needs to integrate faster if it wants to matter on world stage

In a speech at the University of Leuven, former European Central Bank president and ex-Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi emphasized the necessity for the EU to embrace differentiated integration to strengthen its global influence. He argued that the EU should advance in areas where progress is feasible, even if not all member states participate. Draghi stressed that true power requires Europe to transition from a confederation to a federation, highlighting that the EU has gained global clout only in areas where member states have pooled their competencies. His remarks underscore the urgency of deeper integration to bolster Europe's position on the world stage. 🌍💡

Russia stepping up strikes on Ukraine's railways, Zelensky says

Russian forces have intensified their attacks on Ukraine's railway and transport infrastructure, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking on Monday, Zelensky revealed that he had instructed Ukrainian military leaders to respond to the escalating strikes, which have targeted critical logistics routes. These attacks have included a recent strike in the eastern Kharkiv region that resulted in five fatalities.

Despite nearly four years of conflict, Ukraine has managed to maintain its nationwide rail network, though Russian forces have prioritized capturing key train hubs like Kupiansk and Pokrovsk. Zelensky emphasized that Russia's military remains focused on terrorizing Ukraine's logistics, particularly railway infrastructure, with recent strikes hitting the Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Ukrzaliznytsia, the state railway operator, has warned that several routes in eastern Ukraine are now "high risk," advising passengers to use buses instead. In the Sumy region, some services will monitor for drone threats and halt near bomb shelters if necessary. While Russia has refrained from targeted missile or drone strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the past 24 hours, energy facilities in frontline areas have still faced attacks.

Zelensky noted that energy repair crews have managed to restore facilities damaged by high-voltage power line malfunctions and frequent Russian attacks. However, he cautioned that the energy system remains under significant strain due to cold weather and ongoing strikes. Despite a short-term energy truce agreed to by Russia last week, the challenges for Ukraine's energy infrastructure persist.

Although Russia launched fewer drones and missiles at Ukraine last month, the attacks have still severely damaged the country's energy infrastructure, contributing to a humanitarian crisis. The most severe outages occurred in January, when Russia deployed 4,452 long-range drones and 135 missiles, marking a decrease from previous months but still causing significant destruction. 🚂💥

‘Made in Europe’: A call for the European preference

In a rapidly shifting global landscape marked by intense competition and unfair trade practices, Europe faces a critical juncture. The European Union recorded a staggering €350 billion trade deficit with China last year, underscoring the urgent need for a strategic shift. The solution? A bold "Made in Europe" initiative, championed by the European Commission and business leaders, aims to revitalize Europe's industrial prowess and secure its economic future.

The proposal calls for a genuine European preference in strategic sectors, ensuring that public funds support domestic production and quality jobs. This approach, applied to public auctions, state aid, and foreign investments, will bolster Europe's key value chains and safeguard its economic security. The initiative emphasizes efficiency, compliance with international law, and collaboration with trusted partners, all while maintaining Europe's openness and commitment to fairness.

By prioritizing European production, the "Made in Europe" campaign seeks to protect the continent's intellectual capital, workforce, and values. This strategic move, inspired by the Draghi report, represents an act of economic independence and a call to action for those who choose Europe. With the support of over 1,100 business leaders, this initiative marks a pivotal step toward ensuring Europe's competitiveness and sovereignty in a rapidly evolving global economy. 🌍💡

Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight Tuesday damage Kyiv and Kharkiv

In a sudden escalation of attacks, Russian forces targeted Kyiv and several frontline towns overnight, causing significant damage and injuries. The head of Kyiv's military command, Timur Tkachenko, reported that two people and multiple high-rise buildings were affected in the capital. He urged residents to stay in shelters, warning of a challenging night ahead. Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, at least two people were injured, according to regional governor Oleh Synehubov. These attacks follow a brief period of relative calm in strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The renewed violence underscores the ongoing instability and danger faced by civilians near the front lines. 🏙️💥

Owner of Polish hotel that hosted anti-Ukrainian far-right leader to donate proceeds to Ukraine

A Polish hotel chain, Arche, owned by Władysław Grochowski, recently hosted a congress for the far-right Confederation of the Polish Crown (KKP) party, led by Grzegorz Braun, despite publicly opposing Braun’s antisemitic and anti-Ukrainian views. Braun’s party has gained traction with rhetoric targeting Ukrainian immigrants and refugees, and he has a history of controversial statements, including denying the authenticity of Auschwitz gas chambers. In response to criticism for hosting the event, Grochowski announced that all proceeds from the congress would be donated to support Ukraine, a country his company has strongly backed since the war began.

Grochowski, known for his humanitarian efforts, previously offered housing, jobs, and education to 100 refugee families during the 2021 migration crisis and provided over 500,000 nights of free lodging to more than 14,000 Ukrainian refugees. He and his wife, Lena, were honored with the United Nations Nansen Refugee Award in 2023 for their contributions. While Arche stated it cannot legally screen event organizers, Grochowski condemned Braun’s extremist views, emphasizing that KKP poses a dangerous threat. His decision to donate the event’s proceeds underscores his commitment to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. 🇵🇱💙

Lessons from the Imia crisis

The 1996 Imia crisis between Greece and Turkey highlighted critical shortcomings in crisis management, coordination, and preparedness. Key issues included the lack of timely warnings, inadequate inter-ministerial coordination, and insufficient communication between different branches of the armed forces. Additionally, political leaders were unfamiliar with essential military tools, such as rules of engagement and war scenarios, and senior military positions were often filled based on political affiliations rather than merit.

Since then, Greece has made significant strides in addressing these challenges. The creation of the National Security Council has improved coordination, though recent incidents, like the 2024 Greek-Turkish standoff, show that further institutionalization is needed. Today, political and military leaders prioritize having a comprehensive understanding of situations before making decisions, ensuring that missions are clearly defined. The armed forces have also enhanced coordination, and permanent guards are now stationed on disputed islets, reducing vulnerabilities.

However, while progress has been made, there is still room for improvement. Simulations and briefings involving political and military leadership have become more standardized, but they are not yet fully institutionalized. The shift away from political appointments in the military has been positive, but ensuring that professionals operate within clear, impersonal procedures remains crucial. Greece has learned valuable lessons from the Imia crisis, but continued efforts are necessary to solidify these improvements and ensure effective crisis management in the future. 🇬🇷🔍

Illegal building is tolerated

For decades, Greece has grappled with widespread illegal construction, as the state has repeatedly passed laws allowing homeowners to legalize unauthorized buildings by paying modest fines. The practice began in 1983 with the slogan "if you declare it, you can save it," offering a pathway to avoid demolition. Despite promises to enforce a final deadline, successive laws—five between 2009 and 2017—have extended opportunities for legalization, with the latest deadline set for 2028. Since 2009, over 3.48 million declarations have been made, reflecting the scale of the issue. This ongoing tolerance of illegal construction has raised concerns about urban planning, environmental impact, and the rule of law in Greece. 🏗️🇬🇷

L’extrême droite allemande à nouveau la bienvenue à la Conférence de Munich sur la sécurité

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has made a significant comeback by regaining its place at the prestigious Munich Security Conference (MSC) after a three-year exclusion. This decision marks a notable shift for the MSC and a symbolic victory for the AfD, which has been striving to shed its pariah status and engage with global leaders. The AfD has aggressively campaigned since late last year to secure its return, taking legal action against the organizers and leveraging its connections with the Trump administration. The party's reinstatement highlights its growing influence and determination to be recognized on the international stage. 🌍🤝

Turkey watches Israel-Greece-Cyprus ties, flags EU defense concerns

Turkey is closely monitoring the strengthening defense ties between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, but Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler emphasized that Ankara will not solely depend on NATO for its national security. Guler highlighted Turkey's strategic importance, military strength, and operational expertise, asserting that the country is pursuing a balanced approach to security that aligns with both its national interests and NATO obligations.

The minister dismissed any rhetoric against Turkey as insignificant under international law and warned that excluding Turkey from European defense programs could jeopardize both European security and NATO cohesion. He noted that Turkey's involvement in European defense initiatives will be contingent on its NATO rights, strategic contributions, and shared threat assessments. By emphasizing Turkey's pivotal role, Guler underscored the country's commitment to a multidimensional security strategy that ensures its interests are safeguarded while maintaining its alliance commitments. 🌍🔍

Rift within New Left deepens as 10 members leave party

A significant rift within Greece's New Left party has deepened as ten members of its central committee announced their departure, citing disagreements over the party's political direction. The party, which emerged as a SYRIZA splinter group and has struggled to gain parliamentary representation, has been divided between factions advocating for broader leftist and center-left coalitions and those insisting on maintaining a hardline stance. A full split was narrowly avoided at the party's recent congress.

The departing members, including former deputy interior minister Nikos Bistis, criticized the party's "endless navel-gazing over the purity of the Left" and pledged to support efforts to build "a broader front of progressive forces with credible and socially recognized leadership." This development comes as former SYRIZA prime minister Alexis Tsipras, who resigned from Parliament in October, is expected to form a new party later this year. Tsipras's policy think tank, the Alexis Tsipras Institute, recently announced the creation of a working group to draft a common policy platform aimed at uniting social democracy, the radical left, and the Greens. This move is likely to reshape the fragmented center-left landscape in Greece. 🇬🇷💥

Nationalist artist Marko Perković welcomes Croatia handball team, faces criticism

On Monday, nationalist artist Marko Perković will perform in Zagreb to celebrate the national handball team’s success, despite widespread criticism. The mayor of Zagreb attempted to block the concert due to Perković’s controversial past, including bans in several countries over his alleged sympathies with Croatia’s fascist Ustasha regime. However, the handball players themselves requested his performance, and the national government intervened to approve it. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković praised Perković, stating, "You always spread joy to the entire nation, so it is only right that we give something back." The event has sparked debate over the appropriateness of honoring an artist with such divisive associations. 🎤🇭🇷

Bullying of LGBTQ+ youth in Finnish schools has increased, says rights group

A recent report by Seta, Finland’s leading NGO for sexual and gender minorities, highlights a concerning rise in bullying of LGBTQ+ youth in Finnish schools. The latest School Health Survey, published by Finland’s public health authority THL, reveals that while overall well-being among 8th and 9th-grade LGBTQ+ students has remained largely unchanged since 2019, incidents of bullying—including harassment, discrimination, and violence—have increased slightly between 2023 and 2024. According to the survey, 22% of gender-minority students and 16% of sexual-minority students reported being bullied at least once a week during the school year. These figures are significantly higher than those for their non-LGBTQ+ peers, with bullying rates two to three times greater. The most common forms of bullying included name-calling, shaming, offensive gestures, and exclusion.

Seta emphasizes the severity of this issue, noting that bullying can be life-threatening and has become more prevalent in Finnish society as a whole. Despite these challenges, the survey also highlights some positive trends, such as a slight decrease in loneliness among LGBTQ+ youth and a gradual improvement in overall life satisfaction. In response, Seta is calling for targeted actions to better support and protect sexual and gender minority youth in schools. 🏳️‍🌈📚

'Threat to democracy': Norway slammed for harsh treatment of climate protesters

The UN special rapporteur on environmental defenders, Michel Forst, has expressed deep concern over recent Norwegian Supreme Court rulings that imposed prison sentences and steep fines on four environmental activists. Forst, an independent expert monitoring compliance with the UN's Aarhus Convention, argued that the harsh penalties for "aggravated damage" violate the convention, which ensures justice in environmental matters. The activists, Anne Klenge, Joachim Skahjem, Esther Hjerrild, and Fridtjof Klareng Dale, had staged peaceful protests in 2022 and 2023 to highlight Norway's environmental policies, using washable water-based paint on public monuments and government buildings. Despite the non-violent nature of their actions, the Supreme Court handed down sentences of up to 50 days in prison and imposed a fine of nearly 1.2 million kroner ($120,000) on two of the activists. Forst warned that such punitive measures risk stifling peaceful environmental protest and undermining democratic principles. He emphasized Norway's obligation under the Aarhus Convention to protect environmental defenders and urged the country to ensure that any sanctions are reasonable, proportional, and aligned with legitimate public purposes. 🌍⚖️

French budget for 2026 approved after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu survives two no-confidence votes

France's political deadlock has finally been broken after four months of contentious budget negotiations. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal successfully pushed the budget through parliament on Monday, following two failed no-confidence votes. The budget, which avoids raising taxes for households and businesses, will now be reviewed by the Constitutional Council, though rejection is deemed unlikely. This resolution marks a significant step forward for France, which has been grappling with political instability since President Emmanuel Macron's 2024 by-election. The approval of the budget provides a much-needed sense of stability for the eurozone's second-largest economy. 🇫🇷💰

Researchers sue X for access to Hungarian election data

A group of researchers is taking legal action against Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) to access data related to Hungary’s upcoming elections, aiming to evaluate potential risks of interference. The lawsuit, filed by Democracy Reporting International (DRI), follows the group’s November request for access to X’s data to study threats to the Hungarian election, including disinformation. After X denied their request, the researchers escalated the matter to the Berlin Regional Court, which ruled that it lacks jurisdiction to handle the case.

Hungary is preparing for a highly contested election in April, where populist nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces his most significant challenge yet to his 16-year rule. The researchers’ efforts highlight growing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process amid rising disinformation and foreign interference. The case underscores the critical role of social media platforms in shaping public discourse and the need for transparency in safeguarding democratic processes. 🗳️🔍

Latvian PM Siliņa leads delegation to UAE

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa is leading a high-level delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to bolster economic ties and attract investments. Accompanied by Health Minister Hossam Abu Meri, Latvian entrepreneurs, and key business leaders, the visit aims to enhance cooperation in energy, data centers, food production, logistics, and port infrastructure. The delegation includes Hermanis Dovgijs of Agrova International, Ansis Zeltiņš of Rīgas Brīvosta, and Mārtiņš Čakste of Latvenergo, who will present investment opportunities and Latvia's potential for closer collaboration.

During the visit, Prime Minister Siliņa will engage in talks with senior UAE officials and meet with business leaders and investors. She will also participate in the World Governments Summit, a prominent forum in the Gulf region, where she will join a discussion on national reforms and economic growth alongside the Prime Minister of Serbia. The visit underscores Latvia's commitment to strengthening its global economic presence and securing long-term investments. 🌍💼

Finland to introduce 'green wave' automated system for emergency vehicles

Finland's traffic authority, Fintraffic, is set to introduce a new nationwide traffic light system designed to prioritize emergency vehicles. The automated system will create a "green wave" of lights, allowing ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency response units to pass through intersections more efficiently. This initiative aims to reduce response times and minimize the risk of emergency vehicles getting stuck at busy intersections.

The system, scheduled to launch this summer, will automatically recognize the location of an emergency vehicle and adjust traffic lights to facilitate its passage. Although the system will be operational from July, full implementation will take time as traffic systems are tested and updated across the country. The project follows a successful pilot phase involving 700 intersections and 300 emergency vehicles, during which no accidents occurred at the participating intersections. This success highlights the system's effectiveness, particularly in congested areas where quick response times are critical. 🚨🚦