Only military might will win Europe respect, Poland’s Tusk tells fellow leaders – POLITICO

“We will be respected in all the capitals of the world if we believe that the European Union can be a power not only of civilization, economy, and science, but also a military power,” Tusk said in a joint conference with Scholz. “History has turned out to be extremely cruel and surprising. A few years … Read more

Give innovators the boost they need: fairness and transparency

How often have we heard about the importance of innovation for companies in Europe to stay competitive? Well, now we have a chance to make a real difference to help European industry develop new, innovative smart and sustainable products and services. What is at stake is the little-known but hugely important issue of licensing of … Read more

Poland tempers reparation demand from Germany – POLITICO

“If Berlin wants to transfer the money — you’re very welcome! We will even grant a discount if the money is received by the end of the year,” Sikorski said, and then added: “But seriously: money is a difficult issue in times of war and crisis.” Instead, the foreign minister suggested that the German government … Read more

A year on from Turkey’s earthquake, devastation continues – POLITICO

More than 3 million people were displaced by the earthquake. Hundreds of thousands of them still live in container houses or tents in arduous conditions. And thousands of others weren’t even given tents, being left to rely on friends or relatives instead. After the earthquake, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had pledged to rebuild the homes … Read more

In Northern Ireland, ‘a Protestant state’ finally has a Catholic leader – POLITICO

Demands and priorities Britain is providing the executive an extra £3.3 billion to start patching holes in services and pay long-delayed wage hikes that just triggered the biggest public sector strike in Northern Ireland’s history. The trouble is, the head of Northern Ireland’s civil service, Jayne Brady, has already told the new leaders that these eye-watering sums are still … Read more

Connectivity can steer Europe back to competitiveness – POLITICO

Via Vodafone. Joakim Reiter, Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer, Vodafone In 2023, Boston Scientific adopted a 5G-connected service that allows cardiologists to interact with holographic replicas of a patient’s heart through augmented reality (AR). As well as creating the perfect environment for training new surgeons, 5G AR can also play a role in supporting … Read more

9 times Hungarian leader has been a thorn in Brussels’ side – POLITICO

This includes issues in the awarding of public contracts, restrictions on academic freedoms, a “child protection law” widely viewed as homophobic and the treatment of asylum seekers.  The row over the so-called child protection law has turned into legal action, as 15 member countries and the European Parliament have joined a lawsuit brought by the Commission … Read more

EU conservatives are fueling far right with Green Deal crusade, Spain’s deputy PM warns – POLITICO

“My impression is that the reason why we see this behavior is because they fear getting trapped and overcome by the far right,” Ribera said.  Speaking in the Spanish delegation offices at the European Council building in Brussels, she accused the EPP of a “populist style, connected to what Trump may represent” and said the … Read more

Israeli strike in Damascus targets Iran-aligned paramilitary officials – POLITICO

An Israeli attack on the Syrian capital of Damascus on Saturday destroyed a residential building where Iran-aligned paramilitary leaders were meeting. Precision-targeted Israeli missiles destroyed a multi-story building in the western Damascus neighborhood of Mazzeh, Reuters reported. The structure was occupied by Iranian advisers assisting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s administration, according to the report. The … Read more

Four migrants die trying to cross English Channel – POLITICO

PARIS — Four migrants died in French waters overnight on Saturday as they tried to reach a small boat setting off from the beach in the northern French town of Wimereux. Dozens were also rescued in the freezing waters by French rescue teams, according to local French media reports. One migrant was in critical condition … Read more