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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.

Beretta Defense Technologies will unveil the Livet, an automated weapon station targeting drone attacks, at the Eurosatory defence show in Paris this June. Featuring eight Benelli shotguns in a remote-controlled turret, it boasts auto-tracking capabilities and rapid response for protecting critical infrastructure.

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.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated on Wednesday before the Paris Court of Appeal that he has “not betrayed the trust of the French people” regarding allegations of Libyan funding for his 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy faces renewed charges of corruption, campaign financing, and concealment as his appeal progresses.

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.

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.

Kata Tüttő, former deputy mayor of Budapest, expressed concerns about the impact of Viktor Orbán’s governance, stating the city “suffered a lot.” As President of the European Committee of the Regions, she cautioned against a “wave of centralisation” that poses risks to Europe’s regions.

Taras Kachka, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, emphasised the need for “fast, merit-based, full membership” in the European Union, rejecting alternative proposals such as associate membership. He urged for the opening of all negotiation clusters by June to expedite Ukraine’s EU accession process.