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

‘Whatever America decides,’ Europe must back Ukraine – POLITICO

Macron’s comments come as European nations grapple with the looming consequences of Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House, with the NATO-skeptic ex-president on track to win the Republican nomination. In the U.S., further military aid for Ukraine is also stalled in Congress, with Republican lawmakers reluctant to continue funding Kyiv. Ukraine has been … Read more

UK considering recognizing Palestinian state, says David Cameron – POLITICO

“As that happens, we, with allies, will look at the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations,” he added. “This could be one of the things that helps to make this process irreversible.” Cameron is on a fresh tour of the Middle East to try and push a five-point plan to … Read more

Probe opened into Latvian MEP accused of spying for Russia – POLITICO

“Leaked emails between Ždanoka and her two known Russian case officers include explicit, detailed reports from Ždanoka to her handlers describing her work as a European legislator, particularly as those official duties relate to fostering pro-Kremlin sentiment in her native Baltic region,” according to the report. The Latvian security service VDD also said it will … Read more

Clashing visions of Israel’s future – POLITICO

Palestinians would have a different take, of course. They argue the Palestinian Authority was never allowed by Israel to grow into an independent state, and has additionally has squeezed by encroaching settlements. But what about the future? According to Bennett, there are two principles that should guide Israeli policy moving forward: “One is Israel’s security, … Read more

Finland’s Stubb and Haavisto head for runoff in presidential election – POLITICO

Both second-round candidates are familiar figures in Brussels and capitals beyond. Stubb was an MEP before he became foreign minister and then premier, while Haavisto played a key role, alongside Niinistö, in preparing the way for Finland to join NATO last year.  Analysts said the days leading up to the second round will be intense … Read more

Kyiv accuses military brass of procurement graft – POLITICO

Ukrainian authorities uncovered a corrupt arms procurement deal worth nearly €36.4 million, the Ukrainian security service announced late Saturday. Former and current “high-ranking officials” in Kyiv’s defense ministry were involved in the plot, dating to 2022, to steal funds meant for procuring 100,000 mortar rounds, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said in a statement. The … Read more

UK, Italy, Canada, Australia join US in pulling funding for UN Palestinian agency – POLITICO

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani earlier Saturday confirmed Rome’s decision to halt funding for the U.N. agency. Penny Wong, Australia’s foreign minister, made a similar statement on pausing Canberra’s financial support, adding that she welcomed the U.N. agency’s decision to investigate the charges. The U.S. — the U.N. agency’s largest donor — on Friday suspended … Read more

Beijing increases military pressure on Taiwan ahead of US-China talks – POLITICO

Taiwan’s military “monitored the situation and tasked appropriate forces to respond,” the country’s ministry of national defense said. Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have remained high ever since Lai Ching-te won Taiwan’s presidential election early this month with a political campaign focused on pushing back against China’s threats against the island. This weekend, U.S. National … Read more

Security experts find two giant smartphone privacy issues

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends This has been quite a stunning week in regard to the privacy and security of smartphone users. Specifically, two investigations have revealed troubling privacy concerns around smartphone advertising and iOS’ notification system. The first, a deep investigation by 404 Media, uncovered a company called Patternz … Read more