Category: NEWS

Let it Flow: EU, U.S. Reach Deal Over Private Data Exports

Citing concerns about U.S. intelligence agencies accessing EU citizens’ private data, the Austrian non-profit group NOYB will legally challenge the agreement in the European Court of Justice, where it saw off two previous incarnations of the transatlantic deal.

NATO Vilnius Summit: Sparks Fly on Day One

Ukraine gets no NATO invitation, but is allowed to skip the waiting list in the future while allies pledge billions of military aid; France commits long-range monster missiles; Turkey bags fighter jet sales; and the U.S. explains morally questionable choices.

New Cardinals To Be Created in September 2023

There is a certain ideological uniformity among Pope Francis’ selections, in contrast to those of the previous pontificates of John Paul II and Benedict XVI who took care in their appointments to give the College of Cardinals a certain diversity.

Qatargate, More MEPs Stripped of Immunity

Qatargate, More MEPs Stripped of Immunity

Two more left-wing MEPs find their protection lifted, as investigation into one of the EU’s biggest corruption scandals grows.

February 2, 2023
Government-Funded Feminists Protest Politician at Spanish University

Government-Funded Feminists Protest Politician at Spanish University

The feminist organisation received over €20,000 from the ministry of equality in “grants intended to support the associative and foundational movement at the state level.”

February 2, 2023
Dutch Court: Banning Conversion Therapy Violates Religious Freedom

Dutch Court: Banning Conversion Therapy Violates Religious Freedom

The Council of State sided with Christians on the issue and stated that a total ban on conversion therapy would also violate people’s freedom to choose their own therapy.

February 2, 2023
Exxon Mobil’s Record Profits Spark Call for ‘Windfall’ Tax

Exxon Mobil’s Record Profits Spark Call for ‘Windfall’ Tax

Top executives at companies like ExxonMobil have condemned ‘windfall’ profit taxes as not only unlawful but counter-productive.

February 2, 2023
Meloni Discusses Key Issues With Michel Ahead of European Council Meeting

Meloni Discusses Key Issues With Michel Ahead of European Council Meeting

Both leaders discussed the EU’s response to recently announced American subsidies with Michel praising Italy’s role in protecting Europe’s southern frontier.

February 2, 2023
Ukraine PM: We Will Join EU Within Two Years

Ukraine PM: We Will Join EU Within Two Years

Ukraine’s prime minister expects his country to clear the pre-entry stage of negotiations by the end of the year, but EU officials remain skeptical. Still much needs to be reformed in Ukraine’s public sector before the country can join the EU.

February 2, 2023
CSU Secretary General Calls Baerbock a Massive Security Risk for Germany

CSU Secretary General Calls Baerbock a Massive Security Risk for Germany

Several political notables—from Germany and other European states—have been quick to distance themselves from Baerbock’s comments.

February 2, 2023
Japan and Korea To Strengthen Ties With NATO Amid Rising Tensions

Japan and Korea To Strengthen Ties With NATO Amid Rising Tensions

Global defense cooperation is needed to address mounting security challenges, as the future of the rules-based international order is at stake, warned the secretary general.

February 2, 2023
Warsaw To Commit 4% of GDP to Defense Spending in 2023

Warsaw To Commit 4% of GDP to Defense Spending in 2023

All members of the NATO alliance are expected to reach the benchmark of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense by the year 2024.

February 2, 2023
Human Rights Watch: Landmines Undermining Civilians’ Safety in Ukraine

Human Rights Watch: Landmines Undermining Civilians’ Safety in Ukraine

The watchdog verified 11 civilian casualties and 50 injuries. “Russian forces have repeatedly used antipersonnel mines, but this doesn’t justify Ukrainian use of these prohibited weapons.”

February 2, 2023
Italian Embassies on Alert After Wave of Anarchist Attacks

Italian Embassies on Alert After Wave of Anarchist Attacks

In the shadow of Caspito’s hunger strike, Italy’s government is bracing against a wave of left-wing violence. Meanwhile, some observers are drawing connections between political fields and organised crime.

February 1, 2023
Czech President-Elect Breaks Protocol With Call to Taiwanese President

Czech President-Elect Breaks Protocol With Call to Taiwanese President

After taking a distinctly anti-China foreign policy stance during his campaign, Czech President-elect Petr Pavel has angered Beijing after becoming the first EU leader to acknowledge Taiwan’s legitimacy by direct communication with its president.

February 1, 2023