Investment in digital infrastructure is critical for economic growth, yet developing economies lag behind in this area. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank highlights a pressing digital divide, where fundamental connectivity remains underfunded, impeding AI readiness and exacerbating inequities in access and opportunities.

Kata Tüttő, former deputy mayor of Budapest, expressed concerns about the impact of Viktor Orbán’s governance, stating the city “suffered a lot.” As President of the European Committee of the Regions, she cautioned against a “wave of centralisation” that poses risks to Europe’s regions.

The new Passenger Package aims to revolutionise rail travel by allowing passengers to book multi-operator journeys as a single ticket. This initiative enhances transparency, ensuring consistent passenger rights, protection during delays, and improved access across Europe’s fragmented rail system, addressing long-standing issues in cross-border travel.

Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer stated that resuming gas supplies from Russia remains a possibility post-peace. He emphasised the need for diplomatic solutions to the Ukraine conflict and raised concerns about German military involvement. Kretschmer also critiqued the federal citizens’ allowance for Ukrainian refugees as counterproductive to employment efforts.

MORNING UPDATE

Overnight developments impact the European Union, shaping strategies on trade, security, and policy alignment.
Key actions signal a unified approach to current challenges.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the Russian deployment of the “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile in Kyiv, following Moscow’s acknowledgment of a retaliatory launch. The missile’s use has drawn sharp condemnation from European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, who denounced the escalation.