The EU never learns – except for the wrong lessons
Some observers of the current EU ‘elites’, including this author, used to believe that their defining feature – apart from things such as complicity in genocide and wars of aggression with Israel and the US, bigoted xenophobia about Russia and China, and, of course, pervasive corruption – was an ab»»»
How war in Iran is impacting Armenia and Azerbaijan
The launch of US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran on 28 February led to a response by the Islamic Republic that has drawn in more than a dozen countries. Less than a week into the conflict, Azerbaijan became one of them. Iran and Azerbaijan share a border, and Azerbaijan has good relations with the »»»
Canadian, German and Norway leaders reaffirm commitment to Arctic security
Canadian, German and Norwegian leaders on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to Arctic security, which has come under strain, while visiting troops at a large NATO exercise. "We are fully prepared, individually and collectively, to defend the Arctic and the High North," Canadian Prime Minister Mark»»»
Four Killed in Russian Air Attack on Ukraine
Russia hammered Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight, killing four people and causing damage across five regions of the country, Ukrainian officials said on Saturday. The main target was energy infrastructure outside the capital Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, adding that residentia»»»
Middle East turmoil revives Norway push for Arctic drilling
Already the continent's biggest single supplier of natural gas since Russia invaded Ukraine, Norway is hoping to use the Middle East war to get European Union blessing to drill in the Arctic. The European Commission is revising its Arctic strategy, which has since 2021 committed the EU to work towa»»»
Russia's Dmitriev Advises EU Leaders to Learn From US Economist, Recognize Policy Mistakes
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Russian special presidential envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries, on Saturday recommended that the European Union's leaders study a video by US economist Jeffrey Sachs to recognize their »»»
Gas Reserves in European Storage Facilities Hit Season Low of 29.1% - Gazprom
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Gas reserves in European underground storage facilities (UGS) have reached their lowest level since the start of the withdrawal season at 29.1%, Russian gas giant Gazprom stated on Saturday. "Gas withdrawal from European underground storage facilities continues, according to Gas »»»
Germany would be top destination for Iranians fleeing war – report
Most Iranians fleeing the war, should the US and Israel choose to continue their aggression, would likely head for Germany, a Berlin-based research institute has predicted. The continued unrest in the country with a population of over 90 million has sparked concerns of mass migration flows to the E»»»
Bulgaria in Strong Position on Gas and Oil Supplies, Says Foreign Minister
Bulgaria is in a better position compared with other European countries regarding gas and oil supplies, as it relies far less on petroleum products through the Strait of Hormuz, with the main deliveries coming via the Black Sea, said caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky on Darik Radio, comme»»»
Iran war: Operation Epic Fury sparks MAGA revolt and deep US divisions
The night of February 28-March 1, 2026, will be remembered by all those who followed the news in real time. At 1:15 AM EST, seated in the White House Situation Room, US President Donald Trump said, “Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck.” Those nine words signaled the launch of the »»»
Mideast turmoil revives Norway push for Arctic drilling
Oslo: Already the continent's biggest single supplier of natural gas since Russia invaded Ukraine, Norway is hoping to use the Middle East war to get European Union blessing to drill in the Arctic. The European Commission is revising its Arctic strategy, which has since 2021 committed the EU to wor»»»
How will Russia benefit from US decision to ease oil sanctions?
The United States has eased some restrictions on Russian oil, letting shipments already at sea continue until early April in the aim of calming global markets amid Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Ukraine and European leaders criticised the move, saying it undermined peace efforts. The Unit»»»
Air India, Air India Express adds 62 extra flights to UAE, Saudi Arabia
Air India and Air India Express will together operate a total of 80 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on March 14, 2026. The two carriers will continue their scheduled services to Jeddah and Muscat on March 14, operating a total of 10 flights to and from Jeddah an»»»
Blast outside Jewish school in Amsterdam, no injuries
Belgium: An overnight blast against an exterior wall of a Jewish school in Amsterdam did not cause any injuries, Mayor Femke Halsema said Saturday, denouncing "a cowardly act of aggression". The police have CCTV footage of a person placing the explosive device, she said. An investigation has been o»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
Asia and Europe to battle over dwindling LNG cargoes
Asian and European energy buyers are competing to secure increasingly scarce LNG cargoes after conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on March 12. The dis»»»
COMMENT: What’s behind the US decision to sideline Georgia?
Georgia’s conservative government has tried to court the administration of US President Donald Trump with ideological alignment and overtures of loyalty. But despite those efforts, Washington appears increasingly uninterested in Tbilisi, turning instead to Armenia and Azerbaijan as it reshapes its »»»
Polish President Nawrocki stuns Tusk government with SAFE arms financing veto
Polish President Karol Nawrocki said on March 13 that he will not sign a law setting out the rules for how Poland would spend money borrowed under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism. Poland is»»»
Viktor Orban claims Ukraine plotted attacks on his family but experts say latest video is likely AI-generated
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukrainians of plotting to attack his family, but security analysts say the footage showing a former Ukrainian military person is likely manipulated and part of a broader disinformation campaign ahead of Hungary’s 2026 parliamentary elections. »»»
Viktor Orban claims Ukraine plotted attacks on his family but experts say latest video is likely AI-generated
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukrainians of plotting to attack his family, but security analysts say the footage showing a former Ukrainian military person is likely manipulated and part of a broader disinformation campaign ahead of Hungary’s 2026 parliamentary elections. »»»
Moldova carves out niche in growing medical tourism sector
In the last few years, Moldova has emerged as an unexpected new destination for medical tourists, attracting patients from across Europe and beyond. Over 36,000 international patients come to the country every year, 60% of»»»
Romania’s trade gap keeps shrinking as imports drop by 7.7% y/y in January
Romania’s trade deficit in goods contracted by 15% y/y to €2.33bn in January, as imports (-7.7% y/y) continued to fall faster than exports (-4.7% y/y), according to data published by the statistics office INS. For nine consecutive months, Romania’s exports have performed comparatively better than i»»»
Russia’s nuclear exports a flourishing geopolitical asset, after four years of Ukraine war
Four years after the invasion of Ukraine triggered sweeping Western sanctions, Russia has managed to preserve one of its most important channels of global influence: civil nuclear exports. Russia’s nuclear exports are boom»»»
Global shipping industry caught in storm of war
PARIS, France — For anyone in the import business, the economic risks from the war in the Middle East arrive by sea -- and that goes for everyone who buys their products, too.As the war rages into its third week, the effective closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz has upended not just the oil »»»
Eye on Africa - Cocaine bound for Europe increasingly routed through West Africa
In tonight’s edition: a new report warns that trafficking routes from Latin America to Europe are increasingly passing through West Africa. The new US ambassador to South Africa has backtracked on his criticism of the "Kill the Boer" chant. And more than a month after Cyclone Gezani devastated east»»»
'European Union needs a bit of a revolution: There is no European strategy or foreign policy'
François Picard is pleased to welcome Sophie in 't Veld, former Dutch MEP and member of Volt Europa. She argues that the EU faces a profound structural crisis in its capacity to act on the global stage. What appears as policy debate is, in practice, an internal academic discussion with little »»»
Russia is wrong to think Iran war will offer respite on Ukraine, Macron says
Russia is wrong to think the war in Iran will give it respite in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. The leaders were meeting for talks on ways to increase pressure on Russia, including increasi»»»
US allows sale of Russian oil at sea as Middle East war sends energy prices soaring
The United States will temporarily allow the sale of Russian oil already at sea, the Treasury Department said on Thursday, as energy prices surged after US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered war in the Middle East. The license permits cargoes loaded by March 12 to be delivered and sold until April 1»»»
EU backs ban on AI-generated sexualised deepfakes after Grok backlash
EU states on Friday supported new rules banning AI tools that generate sexualised deepfakes, following a backlash over images made with Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok. EU nations on Friday backed a ban on AI systems generating sexualised deepfakes, after an outcry over such images produced by Elon Mus»»»
Talking Europe - Iran conflict: EU walks diplomatic tightrope between rule of law and support for democracy
The EU is in a bind. EU institutions and many member states have condemned the Iranian government’s waves of repression against its own population. At the same time, the EU has said it would welcome a more democratic form of government in Iran. At the same time, it does not want to appear too close»»»
Talking Europe - Middle East war having 'huge impact' on EU economy: Commissioner Christophe Hansen
It’s no secret that farmers across the EU have grown increasingly frustrated with the state of their industry. Profitability is falling, competition from abroad is fierce, and worries about paperwork and bureaucracy continue to mount. Fewer young people are taking over the family farm, opting for o»»»
Russia summons UK, French envoys over Ukraine Storm Shadow missile strike
Russia on Friday said it summoned the United Kingdom and France ambassadors to protest a Ukrainian strike using Storm Shadow missiles on a factory in Bryansk, calling it a provocation that could undermine peace efforts. The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it had summoned the British »»»
People & Profit - Ireland’s deputy PM warns of ‘near-existential moment’ for EU amid global turmoil
The European Union is facing an “almost existential moment” as it seeks to weather global turmoil. That is the warning from Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris. He says the current conflict in the Middle East serves as “a stark reminder of how Europe must become much more ener»»»
K&H focuses on digitalisation, AI as digital banking grows in Hungary
Hungarian lender K&H Group is deepening its push into integrated digital services and artificial intelligence (AI) as customers increasingly expect banking to match the speed and simplicity of major online platforms. D»»»
Viktor Orban claims Ukraine plotted attacks on his family but experts say latest video is likely AI-generated
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukrainians of plotting to attack his family, but security analysts say the footage showing a former Ukrainian military person is likely manipulated and part of a broader disinformation campaign ahead of Hungary’s 2026 parliamentary elections. »»»
UAE flight status March 14: Updated schedules, destinations and travel advisory
UAE carriers are running reduced flight schedules due to regional airspace limitations. Passengers are advised to check flight status before travelling and to only go to the airport with a confirmed booking. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia have all updated their operations, provi»»»
World’s richest nations ranked by natural resources — where Iran, US, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, China, India, Congo and the Philippines stand
In an era where energy security and mineral dominance shape international alliances, a fresh compilation of data has unveiled the world's wealthiest nations — not by GDP, but by the staggering value of their untapped natural resources. Drawing from authoritative sources like the World Bank, IMF, an»»»
Is Dubai's glossy image under threat? Not everyone thinks so
Stephanie Baker had been celebrating her birthday with friends at a bar on Palm Jumeirah - Dubai's iconic man-made palm-shaped island lined with luxury hotels and beach clubs. But as the group stepped outside to head to another nearby venue, something unusual streaked across the night sky. Moments »»»
EU rules on IDs of transgender citizens
EU member states are obliged to amend the data on gender in the identification documents of citizens who have undergone a sex change, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled. The papers of transgender persons in the bloc must reflect their “lived gender” rather than their biolog»»»
Who gets richer in a war? Follow the money in escalating Iran-US conflict
Dubai: Oil tankers stalled outside the Arabian Gulf, traders bidding up alternative crude supplies and defense contractors preparing new contracts — wars rarely leave markets unchanged. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The escalation between Iran and the United Statesth»»»
Trial starts in case of explosives sent to UK and Poland
The trial has opened in the Polish capital, Warsaw, of five men suspected of involvement in sending parcels containing a liquid high explosive to the UK and Poland on behalf of Russian intelligence. The men, who are Ukrainian and Russian citizens, have been charged with participating in an act of t»»»
Albania Monitoring Citizens in Middle East as Conflict Escalates, Foreign Minister Says
Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told lawmakers on Friday that authorities are closely monitoring the situation of Albanian citizens in the Middle East following the escalation of conflict in the region. Speaking at a hearing in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Albanian Parliament, Hoxha »»»