Portugal’s Judicial Police conducted extensive raids targeting a corruption network within the Socialist Party’s local government. Five arrests were made, with 37 suspects identified. The operation investigates malfeasance in municipal contracts, highlighting violations that allegedly cost the public treasury over €800,000 from 2016 to 2022.

Giorgia Meloni’s government faces increasing tension with historic allies, the US and Israel, as calls grow for European sanctions against Israeli officials following controversial remarks by Itamar Ben-Gvir. The shift in Italy’s foreign policy has sparked debate among political figures amid concerns of self-sanctioning trade impacts.

Artificial intelligence is being weaponised, presenting significant cybersecurity threats, GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler stated. She emphasised that Russia’s hybrid activities against the UK and Europe are intensifying, while allied nations must prioritise cybersecurity to prevent miscalculations amid rising tensions and evolving AI technologies.

EU lawmakers are contesting a European Commission rule regarding data centre ratings, arguing it would limit public access to information on the environmental performance of individual facilities. This dispute highlights concerns about transparency in the sector’s impact on sustainability.

EU FOCUS

This morning, European Union leaders address energy strategies and economic challenges as tensions rise over recent geopolitical developments.
Member states seek coordinated responses to enhance stability and resilience.

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.