Newsflash

Russia blocks WhatsApp for failing to comply with local law, pushes state-backed alternative

Russia has completely blocked the popular messaging app WhatsApp, citing its failure to comply with local laws. The Kremlin has urged Russians to switch to MAX, a state-backed "national messenger," which critics argue is a surveillance tool. The Russian government denies these claims, asserting that MAX is designed to improve citizens' daily lives by integrating government services.

The move against WhatsApp follows months of pressure on the app and reflects Russia's broader effort to control its communications infrastructure amid ongoing conflict. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has condemned the blockage, stating that it isolates over 100 million users from secure communication and undermines their safety. WhatsApp can still be accessed in Russia through virtual private networks (VPNs), but its domain names have been removed from the national register, making direct access difficult.

Russian authorities have also restricted other social media platforms like Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, pushing MAX as an alternative. The government insists that MAX is not a surveillance tool but a means to simplify citizens' lives. The restrictions on WhatsApp began in August, with authorities accusing the app of failing to cooperate with law enforcement on fraud and terrorism cases. Since December, Russians have increasingly relied on VPNs to access WhatsApp, while some have switched to other messaging apps like Telegram, which also faces government pressure. 📵🇷🇺

New EU industry act keeps friends closer — and shuts out China

The European Union is considering significant changes to its industrial policies, as outlined in a leaked draft of the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). The proposed legislation aims to open up public procurement to trusted trade partners like the UK and Japan, while tightening restrictions on Chinese investment in critical sectors such as green technology. The draft introduces a "Made in EU" definition that includes contributions from these trusted partners, signaling a more inclusive approach to collaboration.

The leak coincides with a high-level EU retreat in Belgium, where leaders are strategizing to address the bloc's industrial decline amid competition from China's export dominance and America's technological leadership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is navigating a delicate balance between France's protectionist stance and the push for greater openness advocated by Germany, Italy, and the Nordic countries. The proposed act reflects this tension, seeking to strengthen Europe's industrial base while fostering strategic partnerships and mitigating risks from foreign investments. 🌍🏭

EU leaders back major economic overhaul to counter pressure from US, China and Russia

EU leaders have agreed on a major economic overhaul to strengthen the bloc's competitiveness amid growing pressure from the U.S., China, and Russia. Meeting in a Belgian castle, the leaders endorsed an "action plan" with a strict timeline for restructuring the EU's economy. The plan, to be formally presented in March, includes upgrading energy grids, deepening financial integration, and easing merger rules to foster "European champions" that can compete globally. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the pressure is immense and can drive significant change.

The meeting highlighted unity between France and Germany, with President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Friedrich Merz arriving together, underscoring their shared sense of urgency. Macron and Merz emphasized the need for a faster, more competitive EU industry. However, differences remain, with Macron advocating for "strategic autonomy" and prioritizing European producers, while Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni push for deregulation and trade deals with non-EU nations.

The leaders also discussed new financial instruments to protect the EU from global trade disruptions, including Macron's proposal for "Eurobonds for the future" to challenge the dollar's hegemony. The plan aligns with the economic stimulus strategy proposed by former European Central Bank head Mario Draghi, focusing on cutting regulations, infrastructure investments, and expanding trade ties. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, urged swift action to remove barriers hindering capital flow and simplification within the EU.

Public support for a stronger, more unified EU is growing, as indicated by the Eurobarometer poll. Citizens across the bloc are calling for ambitious leadership to address military threats, economic pressures, and climate instability. Alberto Alemanno, a professor of EU law, highlighted the opportune moment for leaders to leverage this demand for greater European action. The agreed plan marks a significant step toward a more integrated and competitive EU economy. 🌍💼

Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat in exclusive economic zone, captain arrested

A Chinese fishing vessel was recently seized in Japan's exclusive economic zone, and its captain was arrested after attempting to flee the scene following orders to stop. This incident occurs amid escalating tensions between the two nations. In November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi further strained relations by stating that Japan would consider military intervention if China attempted to forcibly take control of Taiwan. The ongoing friction highlights the delicate balance in regional security dynamics. 🇯🇵🇨🇳

Govt kept its promise by delivering naval-blockade power says Meloni

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the introduction of a bill aimed at combating illegal immigration, fulfilling a key promise of her government. The legislation includes measures that allow authorities to impose a "naval blockade" in response to serious threats to public order or national security, including terrorism risks and exceptional migratory pressures. Under this new law, vessels carrying migrants subject to the ban could be redirected to third countries. Meloni emphasized that these measures align with the upcoming EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, set to take effect in June, and urged parliament to swiftly approve the bill. The proposed changes reflect Italy's commitment to strengthening border security and managing migration flows in accordance with European regulations. 🚢🌍

New departure from Starmer's inner circle as Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald resigns

Recent political turmoil in the UK has seen key figures stepping down from their roles. The government announced that the resignation of a senior official was mutual, though reports suggest that the individual was, in fact, forced out due to dissatisfaction with their performance. This resignation follows the departures of Downing Street's communications director and the Prime Minister's chief of staff, both of whom left their positions amid controversy. The chief of staff's resignation came to light after revelations that a former ambassador had close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The wave of resignations has intensified calls for the Prime Minister's resignation, both from within and outside his Labour Party. However, the Prime Minister has firmly rejected these demands, maintaining his position amid the growing pressure. 🏛️💥

Housing shortage worsens in Athens and Thessaloniki amid high vacancy rates

Greece is facing a severe housing crisis, particularly in its largest urban centers, Athens and Thessaloniki, despite a high percentage of vacant properties. According to Alpha Bank research, the shortage of housing supply is exacerbated by several factors, including a significant number of unoccupied homes, an aging housing stock, and reduced investment in new construction. Only 2.6% of the country's housing was built in the last 15 years, leaving the average age of homes well over 30 years, with many in need of renovation.

The 2021 building census revealed that 35% of Greece's homes are vacant, the third-highest rate in the EU. Of these, 12% are completely empty, and 22.5% are holiday or secondary homes. While the number of holiday homes has increased by nearly 10% since 2011, and empty homes have decreased by 11.6%, the total number of vacant homes remains high at 794,000. A third of these vacant homes, approximately 262,000, are located in Greater Athens, accounting for 11.8% of the capital's housing stock.

Ownership patterns also contribute to the crisis. Nationwide, 11% of respondents own undeveloped or vacant housing, with higher percentages in regions outside Athens and Thessaloniki. Among these owners, 42% cite the high cost of renovation as the reason for keeping their homes unoccupied, while 21% mention inheritance issues and multiple ownership. This combination of factors has led to a worsening housing shortage in Greece's major cities, despite the availability of vacant properties. 🏘️💸

Chills on Wall Street as US stock market closed lower amid AI concerns

U.S. stock markets experienced a downturn, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 1.3%, the S&P 500 falling 1.6%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq declining 2%. The losses were widespread, with notable declines in the software sector, including Autodesk, which fell 4%. Investment bank Morgan Stanley also saw a significant drop of 4.9%. Concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) are contributing to the market's volatility. While AI initially drove stock prices to new highs, fears are now growing that the technology could disrupt existing business models and increase unemployment. Analyst Jay Woods noted that AI, which once propelled these stocks to extreme valuations, is now acting as a drag on their performance. 📉💻

Dozen police officers indicted over alleged abuse of two detainees in Verona

In Verona, Italy, a dozen police officers have been indicted for alleged abuse of two detainees at the city's police headquarters during the summer and autumn of 2022. Among the accused, four officers face serious charges of torture for allegedly inflicting "acute suffering" on the two men while in custody. The case has gained public attention, with local newspapers L'Arena and Il Corriere del Veneto reporting on the developments. The indictments highlight concerns about misconduct within law enforcement and the need for accountability in cases of alleged abuse of power. 🚔⚖️

Milano Cortina: Ukraine's Heraskevych disqualified from skeleton over helmet

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has disqualified Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing in the men's skeleton event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The decision follows Heraskevych's refusal to comply with a ban on wearing a helmet adorned with images of war victims from the conflict in Ukraine. Heraskevych has expressed his intention to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), asserting his right to express himself and questioning the IOC's selective enforcement of rules. He argues that other athletes have freely expressed themselves without facing similar consequences, making his disqualification unjust. 🏅🇺🇦

Amb. Prunas to new Terna Innovation Zone Tunisia start-up program

Italy's ambassador to Tunisia, Alessandro Prunas, recently attended the launch of Terna Innovation Zone Tunisia's new start-up acceleration program at the Technopole in Borj Cedria. The initiative, introduced in January 2025, was celebrated in the presence of key figures, including Italy's Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and Tunisian officials such as Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti and Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Wael Chouchane. The Terna Innovation Zone Tunisia is emerging as a significant hub for innovation, training, and capacity building, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem with over 1,400 active start-ups.

Ambassador Prunas highlighted Tunisia's dynamic entrepreneurial landscape, emphasizing the crucial role of Tunisian institutions and technopoles in driving innovation. He noted that the Terna Innovation Zone's second global location, after San Francisco, underscores its importance. The ambassador also reaffirmed Italy's commitment to structured cooperation, aligning with the Mattei Plan's vision of exchanging expertise in sustainability and technological innovation. This collaboration aims to strengthen ties between Italy and Tunisia, fostering mutual growth and development. 🌍💡

EU must be concrete to start thinking big again says Meloni

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni emphasized the urgent need for the European Union to take decisive action to enhance its competitiveness and address global challenges. Speaking after a pre-summit meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Meloni stressed that the EU must deliver concrete, immediate solutions to boost its economic strength. She denied claims that her collaboration with Germany was aimed at marginalizing French President Emmanuel Macron, asserting that France was involved in the competitiveness discussions. Meloni praised Merz's role and expressed gratitude for their productive cooperation. She also supported the idea of issuing eurobonds to fund critical investments in defense and artificial intelligence, though she acknowledged that the proposal remains contentious. 🌍💡

Helsinki Shipyard signs icebreaker deal with US Coast Guard

The American shipbuilder Davie Defense, part of the same group as the Helsinki Shipyard, has secured a contract with the U.S. Coast Guard to construct five icebreakers. The first two vessels will be built at the Helsinki Shipyard, with the remaining three to be completed in Texas. The first icebreaker is expected to be delivered to the U.S. by 2028. This deal follows a similar agreement in December between the U.S. Coast Guard and Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) for two additional icebreakers.

Finland's Minister of Economic Affairs, Sakari Puisto, praised the deal, highlighting its significant positive impact on the Finnish maritime industry. The country's unique combination of shipyards, subcontractors, and partners is a key strength. Davie Defense emphasized Finland's expertise in icebreaker technology and technical know-how, which will also be applied to the ships built in the U.S.

The Helsinki Shipyard, a global leader in icebreaker design and construction, will see a substantial jobs boost from this contract. The project is estimated to create around 5,000 person-years of employment in the Helsinki region. Kim Salmi, CEO of the Helsinki Shipyard, noted that this deal continues Finland's long-standing tradition of supplying world-class Arctic vessels. Finnish President Alexander Stubb's diplomatic efforts, including his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, are credited with facilitating this significant agreement. 🚢🇫🇮🇺🇸

Tariffs on timber see exports to US shrinking and warping

Latvia's forestry sector, a cornerstone of the national economy contributing over 5% of GDP and 20% of total exports, has faced significant challenges in 2025. Exports of wood and wood-derived products to the U.S. plummeted by 44% compared to 2024, totaling just 27.9 million euros in December 2025. This decline was primarily driven by a staggering 86.4% drop in exports of charcoal and other wood products, influenced by U.S. tariffs and a sluggish construction market.

Kristaps Klauss, Executive Director of the Latvian Wood Industry Association (LKF), noted that total exports of wood products to the U.S. fell from 148 million euros in 2024 to 105 million euros in 2025. While some products, like softwood boards, saw increased demand, others, particularly particleboard and Oriented Strand Board (OSB), experienced steep declines. Companies are exploring alternative markets, but the shift is challenging due to global trade disruptions caused by tariffs.

Economist Kārlis Purgailis of Citadele Bank highlighted the volatility in Latvia's wood product exports to the U.S., with significant fluctuations throughout 2025. The imposition of 10–15% tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump in September 2025 further strained the industry, as these measures aim to reduce the U.S. trade deficit by making foreign products less competitive. The unpredictable trade policies have created instability, impacting Latvia's vital woodworking sector. 🌲📉

ELTA finds itself in Catch-22

The Hellenic Post (ELTA) is grappling with a Catch-22 situation: it cannot improve its financial stability without enhancing its services, and vice versa. Staff shortages, economic challenges, and the discontinuation of cooperation with a private partner have led to a backlog of letters and packages at its Athens distribution center, causing delays and disruptions for individuals and businesses alike. Clients face prolonged waits for contracts, mail orders, bank cards, and benefit vouchers, with the festive season exacerbating issues as delayed voucher deliveries forced ELTA to outsource to a private courier.

Despite targets requiring 90% of shipments to be delivered within three working days and 98% within five, ELTA’s performance falls short. In 2024, only 35% of shipments met the three-day target, and 69% arrived within five days—far below even the relaxed standards set in 2021. Previously, ELTA was expected to deliver 90% of mail in one day and 98% in three. These delays have drawn scrutiny from the National Telecommunications and Post Commission, which has imposed fines, including a €216,000 penalty for quality issues between 2019 and 2021.

Facing this dilemma, ELTA is at a critical juncture. To break the cycle, the organization has decided to close several post offices, despite local opposition. The path forward remains uncertain, as ELTA must balance financial recovery with service improvements to meet the needs of its customers. 📬💸

The messy breakfast that delayed an EU summit

A planned informal breakfast meeting ahead of a crucial EU summit in Belgium sparked tensions among European leaders. Organized by Italy, Germany, and Belgium, the gathering initially aimed to discuss migration policy but expanded to include 19 out of the EU’s 27 leaders. This exclusionary approach raised concerns among the uninvited nations, who feared the meeting would result in decisions being made behind closed doors. The impromptu nature of the event led to delays and accusations, overshadowing the formal discussions on the EU’s economy scheduled to take place later at Alden Biesen castle. The incident highlights ongoing divisions within the EU over transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes. 🇪🇺🍳

'The price of our dignity': Ukraine athlete disqualified from Olympics over memorial helmet

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Winter Olympics after refusing to remove a helmet featuring portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) upheld the decision, stating that Heraskevych violated its athlete expression guidelines. Despite being offered a compromise—a plain black armband—Heraskevych insisted on wearing the helmet as a tribute to fallen sportsmen and women. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky supported his stance, arguing that the ban undermined Ukraine's dignity. Heraskevych has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), challenging the IOC's interpretation of the Olympic Charter. The incident highlights the tension between athletic expression and Olympic regulations, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical conflicts. 🏅🇺🇦

Siemens Energy nearly triples quarterly profit

Siemens Energy reported a significant financial turnaround in the first quarter of its fiscal year, nearly tripling its net income to €746 million ($889 million) compared to the same period last year. This impressive performance was driven by strong demand in its gas turbines and grid technologies sectors, despite a notable one-off loss related to the sale of its wind-power business in India. The company's chief executive, Christian Bruch, highlighted the positive momentum, noting that while the wind segment remains the weakest division, it shows early signs of recovery.

The wind business, operating under the Siemens Gamesa brand, continued to report losses, though these narrowed to €221 million, roughly half of what was recorded a year earlier. Order intake in this sector fell by around a third to just under €1.6 billion, raising concerns about future demand. However, Bruch remained optimistic, attributing the fluctuations to large orders and emphasizing that production capacity is already booked for the coming years. Overall, the company saw a substantial increase in new orders, which rose by a third to €17.6 billion, while revenue grew by about one-eighth to €9.7 billion. The order backlog reached a record €146 billion, with new orders driving further margin improvements, particularly in the gas sector.

Siemens Energy aims to achieve profitability in its wind business, at least when adjusted for special effects, by the second half of the year. The company expects overall net profit to range between €3 billion and €4 billion by the end of the fiscal year. This strong performance reflects sustained demand and strategic adjustments, positioning Siemens Energy for continued growth and stability. 📈💨

Baltic innovation gets a €225 million European boost

The Baltic Innovation Fund 3 (BIF 3) has secured significant backing from national development finance institutions and the European Investment Fund (EIF). Estonia’s SmartCap, Latvia’s Altum, and Lithuania’s ILTE each committed €50 million, while the EIF contributed €75 million. This initiative aims to mobilize up to €700 million in private capital over the next decade, supporting growth-stage companies in the Baltic region.

The fund targets both new and experienced fund managers to drive innovation and economic growth. Marjut Falkstedt, EIF’s Executive Director, highlighted the Baltic region’s resilience and innovation potential, emphasizing the importance of long-term capital for scaling high-quality companies. Reinis Bērziņš, Chairman of Altum, noted that past investments in the fund have attracted substantial additional financing, fostering economic activity and new opportunities. He praised the collaboration between public and private capital, which enhances financing options while ensuring professional investment management. This initiative is expected to strengthen the Baltic region’s investment environment and support long-term business growth. 🚀💼

Belgian police raid EU Commission buildings in property sale probe

Belgian police conducted searches at the European Commission's offices in Brussels as part of an ongoing investigation into the 2024 sale of several Commission buildings to the Belgian state. The probe is being led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), an independent body tasked with investigating crimes affecting the EU’s financial interests. While the EPPO confirmed that evidence-collecting activities are underway, they declined to provide further details to protect the integrity of the proceedings. The investigation underscores the seriousness of the case and the need for transparency in financial transactions involving EU institutions. 🏛️🔍