German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine “associate member” status in the European Union without voting rights while it pursues full membership, according to a letter seen by AFP on Thursday. The plan would allow Kyiv representation at EU summits, the European Commission and parliament, but without voting powers.
Continue ReadingThe Pentagon said on Tuesday it was cutting the number of US Brigade Combat Teams stationed in Europe from four to three, returning troop levels to those seen in 2021 as Washington presses European allies to assume greater responsibility for regional defence. The move will temporarily delay the deployment of additional US forces to Poland.
Continue ReadingSweden’s government said Tuesday that it would buy four new frigates from France’s Naval Group as part of a rearmament effort launched after the war in Ukraine and its accession to NATO in 2024. “This is one of the largest Swedish defence investments since the Gripen fighter jet was introduced in the 1980s,” Prime Minister […]
Continue ReadingThe cruiseship hit by a deadly outbreak of hantavirus has finally docked in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. It will be disinfected and the crew will go into quarantine. It will then be setting sail for Iceland, where it is to start another trip on May 29. FRANCE 24’s Fernande Van Tets tells us ore from […]
Continue ReadingMoscow and Minsk held joint military drills to practice using Russian nuclear weapons, the Belarus defence ministry said on Monday. Russia deployed nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles to its western neighbour last year, and in 2024 released revised doctrine placing Belarus under its nuclear umbrella.
Continue ReadingThe hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius was due to dock in Rotterdam for disinfection on Monday morning, as Dutch authorities prepared quarantine arrangements for remaining crew and medical staff following a multi-country outbreak that has killed three people and triggered global monitoring.
Continue ReadingStarmer has vowed to fight on despite being widely unpopular after a series of setbacks, policy U-turns and questions over his judgment for appointing a friend of the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as U.S. ambassador. The government is facing weeks of chaos after he rejected calls to resign following the party’s disastrous results in the […]
Continue ReadingIn London, the Tube and iconic red double-decker buses are deeply woven into the city’s fabric. When these ageing vehicles retire, some are given a surprising second life and transformed into unique dining experiences. From underground carriages turned into restaurants to vintage buses serving afternoon tea, these repurposed icons offer a nostalgic journey through the […]
Continue ReadingBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer is fighting for his political survival. He is warning of chaos as is expected to face a leadership challenge from his own health secretary, Wes Streeting. Starmer started the week saying he would prove his doubters wrong, but that address and Wednesday’s King Speech has done little to quell the […]
Continue ReadingLatvian Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned Thursday after a key party in her coalition withdrew its support for her sacking of the defence minister after Ukrainian drones repeatedly strayed into the country. Silina had blamed defence minister Andris Spruds for the incursions, saying the country’s anti-drone systems had not been deployed quickly enough.
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