EU

Elon Musk clarified that any disruptions in Ukraine’s use of the Starshield satellite communications system are under the authority of the US government, not SpaceX. His comments follow concerns from Ukrainian officials regarding speed limits affecting military operations, amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s National Rally, is poised to challenge the European Commission’s authority if elected president. She advocates capping France’s EU budget contributions at €5 billion and proposes a carbon border tax, while pledging to halt funding for Ukraine and push for sanctions relief for Russia.

The Right Livelihood Award has honoured this year four women and women-led organisations for confronting authoritarianism, patriarchal violence, and unregulated AI development. Among them are Jalila Haider from Pakistan and Timnit Gebru, an Ethiopian-born computer scientist, with the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 December in Stockholm.

European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius emphasised that the European response to Russian hybrid attacks must be proportionate and severe. He warned that Russia aims to influence European populations and called for a robust hybrid defence strategy, rejecting diplomatic engagement as a viable solution to the ongoing conflict.

European Union Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen reported that while the EU is not facing an imminent energy-supply crisis, high energy prices are already impacting nearly 50 million Europeans struggling to heat their homes. He emphasised the need for flexible rules and increasing renewable energy investments.

The European Parliament’s proposed digital levy could generate up to €25.2 billion yearly, significantly exceeding the European Commission’s prior estimates. MEP Danuše Nerudová highlighted the broader tax base considered, which includes online gambling and digital services, amid ongoing negotiations for the EU’s long-term budget.

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