Browsing: featured-eu

The Spanish government is addressing allegations regarding the use of EU pandemic funds, firmly denying misuse of European Recovery and Resilience Facility money for pensions. Amidst ongoing political pressure, officials assert that Madrid has followed proper procedures, insisting that not a single euro has been misappropriated.

Norway’s foreign ministry has revoked export licences for naval missile systems intended for Malaysia, blocking the delivery of the Naval Strike Missile. This decision, part of increased oversight on sensitive technology, has raised concerns from Malaysian officials about its impact on confidence in European defence suppliers.

Hundreds of road surfaces in western Hungary, including the Oladi plateau in Szombathely, may be contaminated with asbestos due to stones sourced from Austrian mines. Environment Minister László Gajdos will present the issue to the government on Monday as officials assess contamination risks across three counties.

European governments are keen to collaborate with ICEYE, a Finnish space company specialising in mini satellites. These high-resolution radar satellites provide critical Earth observation and military reconnaissance capabilities, reinforcing national sovereignty for allied nations.

Germany emerged as the world’s largest exporter of plastic waste in 2025, exporting 810,000 tonnes. The UK followed with 675,000 tonnes, marking an eight-year high. The European Union exported 1.5 billion kg annually, primarily to non-OECD countries, with Turkey as the largest recipient.

Russia’s lawmakers have passed a law authorising the Kremlin to deploy troops abroad to “protect Russian citizens,” effectively granting President Vladimir Putin the power to invade foreign countries. The legislation aims to address perceived injustices faced by Russian citizens abroad, exacerbating concerns over Russia’s military intentions.

Denmark’s former Queen Margrethe, who abdicated in 2024, has been admitted to Rigshospitalet due to chest pain described as angina. The 86-year-old monarch will remain hospitalised over the weekend for observation. Her health has been a concern following major surgery last year, but she is reportedly in good spirits.

Warsaw has registered its first same-sex marriage, following a court ruling requiring recognition of marriages registered abroad. This follows a November decision by the EU’s highest court, prompting local authorities to comply. Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski confirmed further recognitions will be pursued proactively.

A senior NATO military official confirmed that the planned withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany will not affect NATO’s deterrence and defence strategies, following a dispute between President Trump and Chancellor Merz. The decision highlights ongoing tensions in transatlantic military commitments.

The European Political Community convened in Armenia last week, addressing global instability and escalating US-EU trade tensions, particularly regarding potential tariffs on European cars. Participants, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, discussed strengthening democracy, military cooperation, and economic ties amid shifting geopolitical landscapes.