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EU
The EU is revising the Tobacco Taxation Directive, proposing a 139 per cent increase in minimum excise duties on cigarettes. This overhaul also aims to establish EU-wide minimum taxes on vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, marking the most significant change in tobacco taxes in over a decade.
Wildfires are raging across Belgium, Germany, France, Croatia, Spain, and Greece amid extreme heat and dry conditions. In Belgium, a major blaze has consumed 3,000 hectares in the High Fens reserve, prompting the deployment of over 250 firefighters and international aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Two Spanish F-18 fighter jets intercepted and destroyed an unidentified drone in Romanian airspace early on Sunday, 24 kilometres north of Galati. Defence Minister Miruta confirmed the incident, highlighting Romania’s role in the European Union’s defence and the importance of vigilance amid ongoing tensions with Russia and Ukraine.
EU lawmakers, led by German MEP Bernd Lange, agreed to resume work on the EU-US trade deal, initially suspended due to tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. The move aims to provide certainty for European businesses amidst ongoing tensions over territorial sovereignty.
Estonia’s President Alar Karis expressed confidence in the US honouring NATO’s Article 5 during an interview with Euronews, despite concerns over transatlantic tensions under President Trump. He urged Europe to enhance its defence capabilities, avoiding the testing of collective security commitments.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced plans to ban social media for under-16s, likening online platforms to a “digital wild west.” This move comes amid rising concerns about cyberbullying and self-harm content affecting children across Europe.
An extraordinary plenary session of the European Parliament, initiated by Parliament President Roberta Metsola, will take place on 24 February to approve a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Ihor Samokhodsky, founder of the Policy Genome project, stated that AI chatbots, including Russia’s Yandex-developed Alice, can spread disinformation in global conflicts, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. This highlights the urgent need for accuracy in AI-driven information amid rising security concerns in Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to visit Australia later this month to advance a stalled trade agreement, contingent on upcoming negotiations between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell.
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