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- Italy urges EU to suspend carbon market amid high energy costs
- Jesse Lingard ‘in advanced talks’ to join new club with former Man Utd teammate
- EU Parliament responds to citizens’ initiative by advocating for safe abortion access.
- Britons arrested for staging fake kidnapping to extend holiday in Benidorm
- Roberto Martinez says £54m Chelsea star can reach another level ahead of Arsenal clash
- ISIS Promotes Responsible AI Use for Recruits in Afghanistan’s Khorasan Region
- NASA discloses medical incident details prompting historic ISS evacuation
- European Commission Proposes Up to Eight-Year Sentences for Illegal Firearms
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Italy urges EU to suspend carbon market amid high energy costs
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Get you up to speed: Italy urges EU to suspend carbon market amid high energy costs
EU CARBON MARKET DEBATE
Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso urged the European Commission to suspend the ETS pending a comprehensive reform, citing competitiveness challenges for European businesses.
EU RESPONSE
According to a spokesperson, the European Commission is aware of Italy’s request but emphasised the need for balanced reforms to support both industry competitiveness and climate goals.
EU CARBON POLICY
Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso will request the European Commission to suspend the ETS, awaiting a comprehensive reform proposal expected this summer.
What we know so far
Italy’s Industry minister Adolfo Urso urged the European Union to suspend its carbon market until the bloc presents a revised proposal due this summer, citing the hardship faced by European businesses because of high power and carbon costs.
The Emissions Trading System (ETS) is the bloc’s mechanism for making companies pay for their pollution, with the dual aim of reducing emissions and encouraging industry to invest in more sustainable alternatives.
In Europe, the ETS currently covers heavy industries, power plants as well as airlines and shipping. Additional sectors such as international aviation, landfills and incinerators will be included in the upcoming review by the European Commission.
But Urso said the ETS is to blame for Europe’s competitiveness problems because the bloc’s climate policy tool has a “perverse effect” and is preventing European companies from competing with China and the United States.
“We are all aware that the mechanism of the ETS, as it is currently drafted, is only a tax, a tariff on the energy-intensive companies that struggle to remain competitive,” Urso told reporters on the sidelines of a gathering of industry ministers in Brussels on Thursday. “It is necessary – we are all aware – to review it in a substantive way.”
“To do this properly, it is necessary to suspend the ETS mechanism while awaiting a reform that must necessarily be comprehensive,” Urso added.
Urso added: “If we are in the face of the collapse of the European chemical industry and the crisis of European ideology, we cannot wait for the time of negotiations within the European Union to find a solution.”
The Italian minister said that in the meantime, “we are looking for an effective organic solution,” adding that he will ask the European Commission to suspend the ETS.
Italy’s plea joins that of industry leaders who have recently asked the EU to urgently act to reduce energy and carbon costs. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has recently touted the same idea, driving down carbon market prices, only to backtrack on it a few days later.
Nordic business leaders back ETS
In a letter sent to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, a group of Nordic industry associations representing Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway urged the EU to maintain the ETS, highlighting its role as a key European advantage and as a source of certainty for investments in clean technologies.
They backed the ETS as a “market-based and technology-neutral policy instrument” that helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
“Reforming the system must be done carefully, because it has such a significant impact on the economy and competitiveness, in addition to the climate,” the Nordic leaders suggested.
The four industry associations argued that future prosperity in the EU is linked to the ETS since its revenues can bring about decisive investments in clean energy production, critical infrastructure, electrification, and ultimately the decarbonisation of industry.
“Efficient use of the EU’s own resources is central to achieving almost all the Union’s major strategic aims, and these efforts require reliable access to both public and private financing,” reads the letter dated 23 February and seen by EU News.
Since its inception in 2005, the ETS has slashed emissions by 39%, with revenues exceeding €260 billion, according to the EU data.
Hindering technological innovation
Carlo Carraro, President Emeritus and Professor of Economics at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, criticised the Italian government’s stance on the ETS, saying the attack risks weakening a policy that has proven effective in reducing emissions in regulated sectors.
“Innovation and competitiveness are now inextricably linked to decarbonisation,” Carraro said. “Hindering the transition exposes businesses to increasing technological and financial risks and makes the country less competitive.”
Similar thoughts were voiced by Chiara di Mambro, Director of Strategy Italy and Europe at the environmental think tank ECCO.
“Suspending the ETS as proposed today or subsidising gas, as envisaged in the Government’s recent decree, would move Italy in the opposite direction (higher energy prices): weakening the price signal, increasing market uncertainty, and ultimately delaying the transition away from expensive fossil fuels,” di Mambro said.
Italy is already on track to overhaul its electricity market, which would strip carbon costs from power bills. Instead, Di Mambro suggests using fiscal revenues or dividends from energy companies to reduce the burden of levies on electricity bills.
Jesse Lingard ‘in advanced talks’ to join new club with former Man Utd teammate
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Jesse Lingard ‘in advanced talks’ to join new club with former Man Utd teammate | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Jesse Lingard advanced discussions regarding a move to Brazilian club Corinthians, following his departure from FC Seoul in December. Reports confirmed that Lingard, a former Manchester United midfielder, was close to finalising a contract with the club, reuniting with teammate Memphis Depay, as the agreement aimed for completion soon.
Jesse Lingard is in advanced talks to join Brazilian side Corinthians, according to reports in Brazil. This development comes after the former Manchester United midfielder has been without a club since leaving South Korean side FC Seoul in December. Lingard’s move to Corinthians could become official soon, with both ESPN Brasil and Globo confirming the ongoing negotiations.
Lingard had previously held discussions with Brazilian club Remo, who are making their return to the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A after 31 years. However, it appears that the 33-year-old is now closer to finalising a contract with Corinthians until the end of the season. The club hopes to conclude the deal imminently.
Lingard’s transfer will reunite him with former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay, who had a successful season with Corinthians, scoring 12 goals in 51 appearances last term. Corinthians experienced a challenging league campaign, finishing 13th in Serie A, but they managed to secure silverware by winning both the Campeonato Paulista and the Copa do Brasil, qualifying for this year’s Copa Libertadores.
After his departure from FC Seoul, Jesse Lingard expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, “This wasn’t an easy decision. My time in South Korea has been unbelievable — the football, the atmosphere, and the passion around this club have been top-class.” Lingard thanked FC Seoul and its supporters for their unwavering support during his tenure at the club.
Official statements regarding his transfer to Corinthians are expected soon.
EU Parliament responds to citizens’ initiative by advocating for safe abortion access.
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Get you up to speed: EU Parliament responds to citizens’ initiative by advocating for safe abortion access.
ELECTORAL RIGHTS INITIATIVE
The European Parliament responds to the “My Voice, My Choice” campaign, addressing the demand for improved access to safe abortions with over 1.1 million signatures.
EU INITIATIVE
According to a Commission spokesperson, the campaign “My Voice, My Choice” illustrates a significant public demand for enhanced reproductive rights within the EU.
CITIZENS’ INITIATIVE
The European Commission is set to review the “My Voice, My Choice” initiative following the collection of over 1.1 million signatures across all EU member states.
What we know so far
The decision comes in reaction to a campaign launched by the citizens’ initiative “My Voice, My Choice”, which raised 1,124,513 signatures across all 27 EU member states asking for improved access to safe abortions in Europe.
Britons arrested for staging fake kidnapping to extend holiday in Benidorm
5:11 pm
Get you up to speed: Britons arrested for staging fake kidnapping to extend holiday in Benidorm
Spanish police in Benidorm arrested two British men, aged 37 and 51, for simulating a kidnapping to extort money. The pair allegedly sent a relative a fake video showing one of them covered in blood while being threatened by the other with a knife, demanding £725. Following a tip-off from Interpol, police mobilised resources but called off a planned raid upon observing the alleged victim leaving the hotel with his supposed captor.
Two British men, aged 37 and 51, were arrested in Benidorm for simulating a kidnapping to extort £725 from a relative. A spokesman for Spain’s National Police in Alicante confirmed that the operation was initiated following a tip-off from Interpol, which had alerted authorities to potential abduction claims. According to police, both men face charges of simulating a crime and fraud, and one was additionally suspected of identity fraud after using a false name during his arrest.
Two British men, aged 37 and 51, have been arrested in Benidorm after allegedly staging a fake kidnapping to extort money. Following the incident, they could face significant compensation demands for disrupting police operations and potential prison sentences. A police investigation is ongoing, after receiving a tip-off from Interpol regarding the simulated crime.
What we know so far
Brits arrested for staging fake kidnap ‘to extend their Benidorm holiday’ | News World
Police officers arrested two Brits looking to stay for a good time (Credits: Shutterstock / PP Photos)
Two bungling Brits are accused of staging a bizarre fake kidnapping on each other to earn some extra holiday cash.
Hostage negotiators were rushed to their hotel after the pair allegedly sent a relative a fake video of a ‘kidnapper’ threatening his blood-soaked friend with a knife.
The ‘kidnapper’ told panicking family members to hand over £725 or he would kill the terrified Brit.
Spanish police tipped off through Interpol prepared for an assault on the hotel they believed was ‘kidnap’ location.
But the raid was called off at the last moment when they saw the alleged victim strolling out of the resort with his supposed captor.
After arresting the pair for simulating a crime and fraud, investigators revealed they could now face a huge compensation demand for virtually paralysing police activity in the holiday getaway as well as potential prison time.
Why wouldn’t you want to spend more time in beautiful Benidorm?
A spokesman for Spain’s National Police in Alicante, confirming the scale of the operation launched after the phoney kidnapping to extort money, said: ‘Officers in Benidorm have arrested two British men aged 37 and 51 for simulating a kidnap with the aim of making some quick cash.
‘Our investigation began after a tip-off from Interpol about the possible abduction of a British national in the resort.
‘A relative of the man who had apparently been kidnapped, who initially alerted authorities in the UK, said he had received videos in which the supposed victim was covered in blood and the alleged kidnapper was threatening him with a knife.
‘Officers contacted British consular officials so they could provide the images they’d received from the tipster.
‘The British authorities also provided recordings of conversations in which the ‘kidnapper’ made ransom demands saying the man he had hostage would be killed if the money wasn’t paid.
‘All police resources available in Benidorm were mobilised to prevent the victim suffering any harm given the apparent severity of the situation.
‘A police unit with officers based in Madrid who specialised in dealing with kidnaps and extortion were also mobilised.
‘They managed to establish direct phone contact with the relative of the man supposedly being held hostage who supplied a photo of the alleged kidnapper and information suggesting that if £725 wasn’t paid into the abductor’s bank account the other person would be killed.
‘This happened as a large number of officers from Benidorm Police Station were called on to try to locate the ‘kidnap location’.
‘The place where the alleged abductor and his victim could be was finally identified as a hotel in Benidorm where the man believed to be the kidnapper had checked in days earlier with another British man.
‘A discreet watch was placed on the hotel and preparations were being made for a possible rescue when officers spotted two men coming out of the establishment whose descriptions matched those of the alleged kidnapper and his victim who were chatting in a relaxed and amicable way.
‘Both men were intercepted and identified.
‘It soon became apparent the kidnap had been staged with the aim of earning quick cash and both were arrested on suspicion of simulating a crime and for fraud.
‘When they were being fingerprinted at a nearby police station, officers also discovered the supposed kidnapper had given a false name both when he checked into the hotel and when he identified himself to the police who arrested him.
‘He was subsequently read his rights for another suspected crime of identity fraud.’
The hotel where they were staying has not been named.
Last April police arrested a British woman accused of masterminding the bungled robbery and kidnap near Benidorm of a wealthy former partner with the help of her ex-husband.
The trio, all from the UK, were placed at the centre of a criminal investigation which began with the detentions of two men following an armed break-in and took an unexpected twist days later with the imprisonment of the female suspect.
Police sources said at the time they had evidence pointing to the unnamed woman instigating the crime after becoming saddled with debts and seeing her moneyed ex-lover as the solution to her financial problems.
Local reports said her ex-husband offered an alleged Portuguese accomplice EUROS 2,500 (POUNDS 2,150) to help give someone ‘a fright.’
Two tasers, an air pistol, three defence sprays, a Balaclava, gloves, face masks and a roll of duct tape were seized by police after they made the first two arrests.
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Roberto Martinez says £54m Chelsea star can reach another level ahead of Arsenal clash
5:00 pm
Roberto Martinez says £54m Chelsea star can reach another level ahead of Arsenal clash | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Roberto Martinez indicated that Pedro Neto has the potential to become a consistently influential player for Chelsea, following his £54m transfer from Wolves in 2024. Despite scoring 19 goals in 89 appearances, Neto has not netted in the Premier League since early December. Chelsea currently sits fifth in the league ahead of a crucial match against Arsenal.
Roberto Martinez believes Pedro Neto can reach another level and become a consistently ‘influential’ player for Chelsea. Martinez, the national manager of Portugal, made these comments recently as he highlighted Neto’s potential impact following a series of performances since his £54 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2024.
Neto has scored 19 goals in 89 appearances for Chelsea, with three of those goals coming in the recent FA Cup victory over Hull City. However, he has not found the net in the Premier League since early December, prompting discussions about his ongoing adaptation to playing at a high level.
Manager discusses player development
Martinez acknowledged that Neto, at 25 years of age, is still “adapting” to the demands of Chelsea, particularly given the rigorous schedule of playing every three days. He stated, “He’s been adapting to the number of games Chelsea play because a game every three days is tough for him. He’s still young and he had a big injury when he was younger.” Martinez expressed confidence that once Neto adjusts to playing regularly, he will have a significant influence in matches.
Martinez also praised Neto’s playing style, noting his ability to “open the game up,” which was evident during a key moment in the Club World Cup final. He contrasted Neto’s approach with that of Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, saying, “Pedro Neto is the opposite, he will accelerate the game.”
Upcoming fixtures critical for Chelsea
Neto contributed to Chelsea’s successes last season, helping them qualify for the Champions League and lift the Conference League trophy, as well as winning the Club World Cup. Currently, Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League, three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, ahead of their London derby against league leaders Arsenal this weekend.
Former player Paul Merson has voiced concerns about Chelsea’s defensive abilities ahead of this crucial match, emphasising that they cannot afford to “park the bus” as they did in the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Arsenal. He underscored that Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures, particularly against Arsenal, will be a huge challenge.
ISIS Promotes Responsible AI Use for Recruits in Afghanistan’s Khorasan Region
4:22 pm
Get you up to speed: ISIS Promotes Responsible AI Use for Recruits in Afghanistan’s Khorasan Region
The latest edition of Voice of Khorasan, the English language magazine by Afghanistan’s ISIS branch, instructs supporters on using AI technology. It describes AI as having dual potential, stating, “AI is like fire. You can use it to light a home, or to burn it down.”
Afghanistan’s branch of ISIS, through its magazine Voice of Khorasan, has begun instructing supporters on utilising artificial intelligence responsibly for jihadist purposes, as reported by Politico. Jonathan Hall, the British government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, warned that advancements in AI capabilities are increasingly accessible to terrorist groups, suggesting that chatbot radicalisation could soon emerge. Additionally, Eric Schmidt, former chief executive of Google, expressed concerns about the potential for AI to be used by terrorists for harmful ends, advocating for government oversight of tech companies involved in AI development.
The latest edition of Voice of Khorasan, the English-language magazine by Afghanistan’s ISIS branch, outlines how supporters can responsibly use artificial intelligence for their purposes. Jonathan Hall, the British government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, warns that the rapid developments in AI could lead to the creation of terrorist chatbots and underscores the need for government oversight of AI advancements. Eric Schmidt cautions that the technology might be exploited by terrorist organisations or rogue states, emphasising the risks associated with unregulated AI development.
What we know so far
Terror group ISIS is teaching recruits how to use AI ‘responsibly’ | News World
Afghan soldiers have been fighting against the Khorasan-based ISIS group for years (Picture: AP)
The latest edition of the magazine by Afghanistan’s branch of ISIS explains how supporters can use AI to be ‘responsible’.
Politico found that the editions of Voice of Khorasan, the English language magazine made by ISIS based in Afghanistan, are showing supporters how to utilise the technology for ‘mujahid’.
‘Mujahid’ is a term for those engaged in jihad, or defending Islam.
The magazine reads: ‘AI is like fire. You can use it to light a home, or to burn it down’.
‘AI is everywhere. Learn it before it learns too much about you. Raise children and students to be cyber-conscious and spiritually grounded,’ it added.
The article also said it’s useful for ‘anonymous private research’ and could help recruits avoid ‘unnecessary exposure’.
It comes after a warning from the British government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall, who told Politico: ‘The developments in AI and agentic AI are accelerating fast, and more and more of these capabilities are available off the shelf to terrorist groups.
‘I would not be surprised if chatbot radicalisation starts to take off: If you can create a terrorist website, why would you refrain from creating a terrorist chatbot?
‘If government officials are not watching a ticker-tape of AI developments, they really should be.’
Last year, a former chief executive of Google warned about the ‘extreme risk’ posed by terrorists or rogue states using artificial intelligence.
Eric Schmidt called for governments to have oversight of private tech companies, citing fears of terrorists using the tech for ‘evil goals’.
‘The real fears that I have are not the ones that most people talk about AI – I talk about extreme risk,’ Mr Schmidt told the BBC, naming North Korea, Iran or Russia.
ISIS fighters are fighting members of the Taliban in Afghanistan (Picture: Getty)
Mr Schmidt, who held senior positions at Google from 2001 to 2017, said the technology could be used to create biological weapons.
‘I’m always worried about the ‘Osama Bin Laden’ scenario, where you have some truly evil person who takes over some aspect of our modern life and uses it to harm innocent people,’ he said.
With private companies leading the way in AI development, Mr Schmidt called for careful monitoring and regulation by governments.
‘It’s really important that governments understand what we’re doing and keep their eye on us,’ he said.
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