- Vehicle belonging to missing person located on BC Ferries vessel
- Trump poised to grant pardons for pollution violations while considering clemency for Diddy and others
- British woman arrested for allegedly stabbing husband with machete in Thailand
- European Commission launches €325 million defence projects for member states
- Iran begins week of funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
- Interpol names Ukrainian woman Anastasiia Berezovska as suspect in Monaco bombing
- B.C. premier Eby likens condo conversion plan to liquidation below costs
- Trump calls US commitment to NATO “ridiculous” ahead of summit in Ankara
EU
The European Commission has introduced five large-scale defence projects aimed at enhancing member states’ capabilities, particularly on the eastern flank. With a budget of €325 million, the projects focus on drones, maritime defence, air power, and missile defence, involving 18 member states and Ukraine in four initiatives.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda announced that top political leaders have agreed to amend the constitution, removing Article 137, which bans nuclear weapon deployment. Nauseda cited outdated geopolitical conditions, noting the presence of Russian nuclear capabilities in nearby Kaliningrad and Belarus as a pressing concern.
EU ECONOMIC STRATEGY
This morning, Europe focuses on bolstering economic resilience amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Strategies for fiscal stability and energy independence are top priorities.
Germany has the highest total number of immigrants, while Sweden boasts the highest naturalisation rate within the European Union. These statistics highlight contrasting approaches to immigration and integration across member states, reflecting distinct national policies towards foreign nationals.
The leader of the exiled Iranian Kurdish opposition party has condemned Iran’s leaders as “butchers” and described current attempts at military weakening of the regime as supportive. Mohtadi emphasised that any regime change should come from the Iranian people themselves, criticising Europe’s “policy of appeasement” towards Tehran.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas indicated that using Russia’s frozen assets to finance Ukraine is still possible if Viktor Orbán maintains his veto on the €90 billion loan. Orbán blocked this financial support due to a dispute over the Druzhba oil pipeline, impacting Ukraine’s funding amid ongoing conflict.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has urged EU countries to implement coordinated measures to reduce oil and gas consumption amid rising prices due to the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure. He warned against fragmented responses, stressing the need for a unified approach to ensure supply stability.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is impacting global markets, leading to a spike in energy prices and heightened concerns over potential supply shortages. This critical maritime passage is vital for oil transport, intensifying anxieties about the stability of fuel supplies worldwide.
Investigative journalists have released a recording of Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó offering to assist in lifting EU sanctions on a Russian oligarch’s sister during a call with Sergey Lavrov. This revelation poses challenges for Hungary ahead of the 12 April parliamentary elections, amid scrutiny over its ties to Moscow.
From our sponsors
Subscribe to News
Get the latest news from WTX News Summarised in your inbox; News for busy people.
Advertisement
Subscribe to Updates
Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

