Hello, this is EUR Radio News.
1. Belgian bank plans to replace 1,000 jobs with AI over 3 years
Belgium’s BNP Paribas Fortis intends to replace approximately 1,000 positions with artificial intelligence and digitalization over the next three years. CEO Michael Anseeuw indicated that the bank will hire fewer employees than those leaving its commercial operations as AI tools increasingly manage routine tasks.
2. Dutch Patriot systems to remain in Poland to protect NATO logistics hub
Dutch Patriot air defense systems, along with around 150 troops, will continue their deployment in Poland for an additional six months. This extension, aimed at safeguarding a crucial NATO logistics hub supporting Ukraine, was confirmed by TVP World, with the deployment originally set to conclude in early June.
3. UN system ‘better equipped but under-resourced’: Secretary-general
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted a significant funding decline facing the UN system, just 1,700 days ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline. Speaking at the ECOSOC Operational Activities for Development Segment, he outlined four essential actions to ensure development remains on track.
4. Belgium says Iran-US talks offer opportunity for comprehensive peace agreement
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot remarked that the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the US present a vital opportunity for a comprehensive peace agreement, including issues related to Lebanon. After a discussion with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Prevot emphasized the need for advancing diplomatic efforts.
5. Lithuanian president says renewed calls for Russia engagement ignore Europe’s security needs
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda expressed that recent calls for engagement with Russia do not align with Europe’s security requirements. Addressing the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, he asserted that the future of European security is being determined in Ukraine, advocating for the containment of Russia rather than fostering relations.
Next.
6. European Council President Antonio Costa has called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to expedite necessary reforms to advance its EU accession talks. During his visit to Sarajevo, he emphasized that the country is just “a few steps away” from opening the next phase of negotiations.
7. The Czech government is moving forward with plans to sell Explosia, a manufacturer of explosives. First Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček indicated that the sale could be valued between 15 to 17 billion Czech korunas, which translates to approximately 720 to 820 million dollars.
8. The EU has approved a contentious new migration law aimed at expediting the return of migrants without legal status in Europe. This legislation, known as the Return Regulation, represents the bloc’s most stringent migration policy shift in decades, with policymakers asserting it is essential for enhancing return processes.
Next.
An international court has rejected Rwanda’s claim for over €115 million from the UK regarding a scrapped migrant deal. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that Britain is not liable for the payment, which Rwanda argued was owed for the cancellation of the agreement to deport migrants.
In Ukraine, drones piloted by artificial intelligence are being deployed on the front lines to target Russian convoys. The US-made Hornet Drone, which incorporates AI technology, is central to a new strategy aimed at disrupting Russian logistics, although many details about its operational capabilities remain unclear.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 13 to 22 degrees with patchy rain possible riga will experience a pleasantly warm today. In London, 13 to 19 degrees with moderate rain mild temperatures are expected in london. In Paris, 13 to 19 degrees with heavy rain mild temperatures are expected in paris. In Brussels, 12 to 20 degrees with moderate rain mild temperatures are expected in brussels. In Berlin, 14 to 26 degrees with partly cloudy berlin will have a warm day. In Stockholm, 9 to 21 degrees with partly cloudy stockholm will experience a pleasantly warm today. In Madrid, 21 to 29 degrees with sunny madrid will have a warm day.
Thank you for listening to EUR Radio News.