Finland urges NATO, EU to shield critical networks after undersea cables damaged – POLITICO

Finland urges NATO, EU to shield critical networks after undersea cables damaged – POLITICO

This marks the second time in a year that Baltic Sea infrastructure — which includes communications cables and energy pipelines such as Nord Stream — has been damaged, raising concerns over security and sabotage. Another telecom cable in the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Sweden’s Gotland Island was damaged Sunday morning, telecom company Telia Lietuva, … Read more

Kaja Kallas vies to become EU’s next foreign policy chief — live updates – POLITICO

Kaja Kallas vies to become EU’s next foreign policy chief — live updates – POLITICO

If not for Russia’s full-scale assault on Ukraine, Kaja Kallas might not have emerged as one of the most prominent voices on European foreign affairs. As prime minister of Estonia, Kallas rang the alarm bells about Russian aggression, pushing the EU to supply Ukraine with ammunition and freeze Russian assets, even as some Western leaders … Read more

Sergey Lavrov to visit Malta next month, Russian media reports – POLITICO

Sergey Lavrov to visit Malta next month, Russian media reports – POLITICO

Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that Lavrov intended to make the trip to Vedomosti, while Malta’s Embassy in Russia said invitations to the Dec. 5-6 meeting “will be sent to all OSCE delegations in due course.” The last time Lavrov visited an EU country was a trip to Stockholm for an OSCE gathering … Read more

Europe’s Greens ask Jill Stein to pull out of US election to prevent Trump victory – POLITICO

Europe’s Greens ask Jill Stein to pull out of US election to prevent Trump victory – POLITICO

“Right now, the race for the White House is too close for comfort,” the statement said. “We call on Jill Stein to withdraw from the race, and endorse Kamala Harris for the presidency of the United States.” But with the election just days away — voters head to the polls on Nov. 5 — and … Read more

Coolcations had another big summer. Here are the places travelers went

Coolcations had another big summer. Here are the places travelers went

Extreme temperatures are driving travelers to seek cooler destinations. And there’s a term for the trend: “coolcations.” Heat waves — which are increasing in frequency, duration and intensity, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — are affecting where people are choosing to vacation, especially during the hot summer months. “Often, when we think of vacation, … Read more

The EU seaside city tipped to rival Spain as next hotspot | Travel News | Travel

The EU seaside city tipped to rival Spain as next hotspot | Travel News | Travel

The city of Pärnu is known by locals as the “summer capital” and is tipped to rival Spain thanks to its sandy beach, bars and spas. Hailed as Estonia‘s most popular summer holiday location, the city’s main attraction is its beach and seafront. Thousands descend on the city in summer to swim in sea, where … Read more

5 takeaways on Ursula von der Leyen’s new Commission – POLITICO

5 takeaways on Ursula von der Leyen’s new Commission – POLITICO

3. Von der Leyen crowns herself the winner on gender despite lack of balance Von der Leyen’s month-long struggle to get a gender-balanced European Commission did not lead to an equal number of men and women on her team, despite her pressure on countries to send one male and one female candidate from each country. … Read more

Ursula von der Leyen unveils her new European commissioners – POLITICO

Ursula von der Leyen unveils her new European commissioners – POLITICO

After a ‘will she, won’t she’ few days, Ursula von der Leyen is on Tuesday set to unveil her top team at the European Commission. But who will get which portfolio? Stay with POLITICO for updates on the big announcement and for instant analysis of what it all means. Read original article here Denial of … Read more

The 24 names we know so far – POLITICO

The 24 names we know so far – POLITICO

The deadline for putting forward names for the next European Commission is the end of August. With that date approaching fast, and now that Ursula von der Leyen is back from her summer holiday in Germany, here are the nominees so far (remember that all of them, except for von der Leyen herself, need to … Read more

Estonia knows how to spend EU money – POLITICO

Estonia knows how to spend EU money – POLITICO

Alongside the major regional development projects, a minor part of the fund will be dedicated to entertainment activities which, the Estonian finance ministry says, will give residents the opportunity to participate in the transition process through civic initiatives. “Anyone with an idea that meets the grant conditions can submit an application to the implementing unit … Read more