- Saudi Arabia halts key oil pipeline as drone attacks disrupt flow
- US intelligence had extensive warnings about bin Laden and al-Qaeda before 9/11
- Mark Carney meets Forever Canadian campaign supporters in Banff
- Gen. Dan Caine recalls 9/11 response and asserts nation was at war
- Fibreglass shark sculpture at Brighton crazy golf course sparks planning dispute
- Ryanair CEO disputes passenger’s claim of being sucked out of aircraft window
- French government supports Slovakia’s call to delist Alisher Usmanov
- CIA releases declassified documents on bin Laden and al-Qaeda ahead of 9/11 anniversary
EU
The French government has aligned with Slovakia to advocate for the delisting of Russian-Uzbek businessman Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, intensifying tensions among member states. Usmanov, under sanctions since 2022, is seen as closely linked to the Kremlin, prompting concerns over motivations behind the push for his removal.
France plans to oppose a European Commission initiative to fast-track trade agreements by using only English-language versions during negotiations, bypassing translations into all 24 official EU languages. This move, aimed at speeding up ratification, has raised concerns about legal and democratic implications, particularly regarding linguistic diversity.
The European Commission downplayed the urgency to channel €210 billion in immobilised Russian Central Bank assets for Ukraine support, emphasising focus on a €90 billion loan disbursement and assessing Ukraine’s budget shortfall. Officials indicate a cautious approach amid entrenched legal and political challenges.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on Tuesday urged the US to adhere to the EU-US trade deal established in Turnberry, as tensions rise over proposed US tariffs on EU cars. Šefčovič emphasised the need for a swift return to a 15% tariff cap amid ongoing negotiations.
Romania is currently grappling with significant economic challenges, including one of the highest budget deficits in the EU, soaring inflation, and a technical recession. This prolonged period of instability poses critical questions for the country’s financial future and governance.
European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič is in Paris for critical discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer amid rising tensions over US tariff threats on European cars. French MEP Aurore Lalucq voiced scepticism towards US trustworthiness following a contentious trade deal, with further negotiations planned.
A car drove into pedestrians in Leipzig, Germany, on Monday, resulting in one death and several injuries, as confirmed by local authorities. The 33-year-old driver, described as “psychologically conspicuous,” has been arrested. Police stated there is currently no further danger from the suspect.
Gangland shootings in Sweden have claimed 23 innocent lives and injured 30 over the last three years, highlighting the nation’s struggle with violent crime. Authorities attribute the violence to young perpetrators targeting rivals, with rising recruitment of underage individuals by gangs using social media.
Austria has expelled three Russian Embassy employees suspected of espionage, reportedly using antennas to intercept data from international organisations in Vienna. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated that diplomatic immunity must not shield espionage activities, underscoring Austria’s commitment to tightening its espionage laws.
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