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1. MEPs confirm compromise on air passenger rights reform
Members of the European Parliament have reached a compromise on air passenger rights reform, which will be voted on in a plenary session next month. The reform aims to balance the interests of airlines with passenger rights, maintaining current compensation rules for delays and cancellations while introducing new consumer protections, set to take effect in 2027.
2. Leaked EU legal opinion says bloc can suspend trade deal with Israel
A leaked document reveals that the European Union has the legal authority to suspend its trade agreement with Israel due to serious violations of international law. The confidential opinion from the European Commission’s legal service, dated 2017, suggests that a “total or partial suspension” could be enacted if necessary.
3. Former French premier warns of ‘technological war’ over US limits on AI
Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has called for increased investment in artificial intelligence within France and Europe. He argues that recent U.S. restrictions on advanced AI models signify a growing global technological competition, stating, “This means we are in a technological war, and there will be winners and losers.”
4. ‘Russia-linked’ men found guilty of attacks on UK premier’s properties
Two men have been convicted of arson attacks targeting properties associated with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The individuals, identified as Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych and Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, were reportedly acting on instructions linked to Russia.
5. UK hits Russia with fresh energy sanctions at G7
The UK has announced new energy sanctions against Russia during the G7 meeting, with Prime Minister Starmer highlighting an agreement to support the supply of enriched uranium to Ukraine’s Energoatom. This deal, worth £210 million, aims to bolster Ukraine’s nuclear capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
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6. The Hungarian parliament has approved an eight-year term limit for prime ministers, a move that could prevent Viktor Orbán from returning to power. This constitutional amendment reflects Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s commitment to significant political changes following his election campaign.
7. In Greece, the environmental organization Kallisto is raising alarms after three brown bears were found illegally killed. Two bears were shot, while the third was poisoned, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into these incidents to protect wildlife.
8. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that a maritime mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz could be deployed within days. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the U.K. and other nations, aims to ensure the safety of a critical route for global oil and gas shipments once hostilities cease.
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In the Middle East and around the globe, there is cautious relief following a deal aimed at ending a damaging war. While some world leaders have praised the agreement, many in the region remain skeptical, emphasizing that crucial details still need to be addressed and warning that the accord could easily unravel.
In Sweden, a trial has commenced for a former army consultant accused of attempted espionage for Russia. The 34-year-old, who worked as an IT consultant for the military from 2018 to 2022, is alleged to have attempted to pass classified information to Russian intelligence services.
Turning to the weather. In Riga, 9 to 15 degrees with moderate rain a slightly cool ambiance awaits riga on today. In London, 12 to 22 degrees with partly cloudy london will experience a pleasantly warm today. In Paris, 12 to 29 degrees with sunny paris will have a warm day. In Brussels, 8 to 21 degrees with partly cloudy mild temperatures are expected in brussels. In Berlin, 11 to 20 degrees with patchy rain possible mild temperatures are expected in berlin. In Stockholm, 8 to 15 degrees with moderate rain a slightly cool ambiance awaits stockholm on today. In Madrid, 19 to 31 degrees with patchy rain possible.
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