MediaFaro News Digest

French President Macron to visit Cyprus as France deploys warships.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron will visit Cyprus on Monday as France deploys the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, and a frigate and air defence units to Cyprus, following a drone attack on Cyprus days ago.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260308-french-president-macron-to-visit-cyprus-as-france-deploys-warships?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Cyprus #France #Defence #Mediterranean #Iran #Macron

Cyprus raises doubts about the future of British bases on the island after a drone strike.

Cyprus’ foreign minister Constantinos Kombos said there needs to be a “conversation” about the future of the UK’s two bases following a lack of warning of an impending attack on RAF Akrotiri.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260306-cyprus-raises-doubts-about-the-future-of-british-bases-on-the-island-after-a-drone-strike?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Cyprus #RAF #UK #Europe #Defence #Akrotiri #EU #NATO

Axel Springer buys the UK’s Telegraph for £575M.

German media conglomerate Axel Springer announced Friday it is purchasing the UK’s Telegraph Media Group.

Axel Springer, which owns POLITICO, is buying the right-leaning British publication for £575 million (€662 million).

The proposed deal is subject to approval by UK authorities.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260306-axel-springer-buys-the-uks-telegraph-for-575m?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Telegraph #AxelSpringer #Media #UK #Germany #Journalism #Newspapers

Iceland proposes a referendum on resuming EU membership talks.

Iceland’s government on Friday proposed that a referendum be held on 29 August on resuming the country’s EU membership talks after they were terminated in 2015.

Negotiations began in 2010 but were suspended three years later following parliamentary elections.

The country remains divided on the issue.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260306-iceland-proposes-a-referendum-on-resuming-eu-membership-talks?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Iceland #EU #Referendum #Politics

Kosovo heads to elections again after a failed presidential vote.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s decision not to back President Vjosa Osmani marks the end of a key political alliance in Kosovo.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260306-kosovo-heads-to-elections-again-after-a-failed-presidential-vote?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Kosovo #Politics #Elections #Democracy #Balkans #AlbinKurti #VjosaOsmani

Hungary blocks some fuel deliveries to Ukraine amid tensions.

Hungary said Friday it will use “every means” to resolve an escalating row with Kyiv over stalled Russian oil supplies to Budapest and Bratislava.

Tensions have flared between Budapest and Kyiv in recent weeks over a damaged oil pipeline, the Druzhba pipeline, that delivers Russian crude to Central Europe.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260306-hungary-blocks-some-fuel-deliveries-to-ukraine-amid-tensions?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Hungary #Ukraine #Oil #DruzhbaSlovakia

The EU will ban more than 30 plant-based labels but not ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’.

EU member states and lawmakers reached a compromise on Thursday to ban using meat-related terms such as “steak” and “bacon” to market plant-based foods – but spared veggie “burgers” and “sausage.”

The ban is still to be put to a vote in Parliament and the EU 27 member states.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260306-the-eu-will-ban-more-than-30-plant-based-labels-but-not-burger-and-sausage?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Food #EU #PlantBased #Meat #Economy #Europe #Agriculture #Politics

Boycott over Russian inclusion overshadows the Paralympics opening.

Several countries have announced they will boycott the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympic Games on Friday, in protest at the organisers’ move to allow para athletes from Russia and its close ally Belarus to compete under their national flags.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260305-boycott-over-russian-inclusion-overshadows-the-paralympics-opening?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Paralympics #Russia #Belarus #Italy #MilanCortina #Sports #Ukraine #Olympics

European countries deploy military assets to Cyprus after a drone attack on a UK base.

Italy, France, Spain and the Netherlands will send naval assets to Cyprus after an Iranian-made drone struck a British base there, Italy’s defence minister said Thursday.

France also said it would allow US aircraft to access some of its bases in the Middle East during the conflict with Iran.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260305-european-countries-deploy-military-assets-to-cyprus-after-a-drone-attack-on-a-uk-base?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Cyprus #Iran #Military #Spain #UK #France #Netherlands #Italy #Europe

The European Commission proposes a ‘Buy EU’ plan to compete against China.

The commission published a draft regulation – called the Industrial Accelerator Act – on Wednesday, setting demands for EU-made and low-carbon content on bodies spending public money.

The rules mark a big shift in economic thinking from Brussels, long a bastion of open markets.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260304-the-european-commission-proposes-a-buy-eu-plan-to-compete-against-china?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#EU #MadeInEurope #Europe #Manufacturing #Economics #EuropeanCommission #Business #Trade #Politics

Finland’s foreign affairs ministry arranges evacuation flight for Finns in UAE, at their own expense.

The development comes as escalating conflict in the Middle East entered its fifth day, after the US and Israel began military strikes on Iran.

Tickets on the charter flight will cost about 2 300 euros each.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260304-finlands-foreign-affairs-ministry-arranges-evacuation-flight-for-finns-in-uae-at-their-own-expense?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Finland #UAE #Iran #Evacuation

Sánchez says Spain won’t temper criticism of Trump’s attack on Iran over ‘fear of reprisals’.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez insists he won’t bow to US commercial pressure, as he leads international opposition to the strikes against Tehran.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260304-sanchez-says-spain-wont-temper-criticism-of-trumps-attack-on-iran-over-fear-of-reprisals?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Spain #Politics #Iran #Military #Tariffs #Economy

Greece, France and Germany send forces to Cyprus after drone strikes.

Both Greece and France have agreed to send frigates to Cyprus after a UK air base was targeted by Iranian-made drones on Monday.

France will also send additional land-based, anti-drone and anti-missile systems to the country.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260303-greece-france-and-germany-send-forces-to-cyprus-after-drone-strikes?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Cyprus #Iran #Defence #Greece #France #Germany #UK

Setback for the European Commission: MEPs let chat control fail.

The Commission’s plans for a renewed extension of the voluntary chat control provision provisionally failed on Monday evening.

In a decision that surprised even seasoned observers in Brussels’ political circles, the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) voted against the proposal by 38 votes to 28.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260303-setback-for-the-european-commission-meps-let-chat-control-fail?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#EU #ChatControl #EuropeanParliament #Politics #Tech #Privacy

The Russian Central Bank sues the EU for immobilising €210 billion in assets.

The Russian Central Bank has filed a lawsuit against the EU for the indefinite immobilisation of its sovereign assets, which the bloc approved last year to prevent Moscow from tapping into the funds for its own profit.

The assets are worth about €210 billion, with €185 billion held at Euroclear, a Brussels-based depository already sued by Moscow.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260303-the-russian-central-bank-sues-the-eu-for-immobilising-210-billion-in-assets?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Russia #EU #Ukraine #Sanctions #WarInUkraine

Greece sends warships and fighter jets to defend Cyprus after a drone strike.

The deployment comes after a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle hit Britain’s airbase at Akrotiri in Cyprus overnight.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260302-greece-sends-warships-and-fighter-jets-to-defend-cyprus-after-a-drone-strike?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Cyprus #Greece #Akrotiri #Drone #Shahed #RAF #UK

European gas prices surge as Qatar stops LNG production.

Prices surged on Monday as the escalating conflict in the Middle East caused Qatar to stop LNG production at the world’s top plant.

The benchmark European gas price, traded on the Dutch TTF hub, rose by as much as 45% to around €46 per megawatt-hour in early afternoon trading.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260302-european-gas-prices-surge-as-qatar-stops-lng-production?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#LNG #Europe #Iran #Energy #NaturalGas

UK Royal Air Force base in Cyprus hit by a drone strike.

A one-way attack drone has struck the UK’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, prompting a partial evacuation of the base.

Officials believe the drone was launched before UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to let the US use British military bases to attack Iran’s missile sites.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260302-uk-royal-air-force-base-in-cyprus-hit-by-a-drone-strike?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#UK #Cyprus #Iran #Defence #Drone #RAF #Akrotiri

Europeans ready for defensive military actions in the region after Iranian strikes in the Gulf.

French President Macron, German Chancellor Merz and British Prime Minister Starmer said they were ‘appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks’ launched by Iran in response to the US-Israeli offensive.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260302-europeans-ready-for-defensive-military-actions-in-the-region-after-iranian-strikes-in-the-gulf?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Europe #Defence #Iran #EmmanuelMacron #FriedrichMerz #KeirStarmer

Belgium seizes a suspected Russian shadow fleet vessel.

Belgium, working with France. seized a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the North Sea late Saturday, as Europe ramps up the targeting of Moscow's fleet of vessels suspected of carrying sanctioned oil or damaging undersea infrastructure.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260301-belgium-seizes-a-suspected-russian-shadow-fleet-vessel?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#ShadowFleet #Russia #Oil #Belgium #France

Epstein files: the UK government says it will release files on ex-prince Andrew.

UK Minister Chris Bryant said the government would release documents on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's past appointment as UK trade envoy, amid a political storm around the ex-prince and veteran Labour politician Peter Mandelson's ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260224-epstein-files-the-uk-government-says-it-will-release-files-on-ex-prince-andrew?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#UK #Epstein #PrinceAndrew #PeterMandelson #AndrewMountbattenWindsor

Russia opens a criminal case into Telegram founder Pavel Durov.

The criminal investigation into Durov on suspicion of “abetting terrorist activities” further escalates the Kremlin’s stand-off with the widely used messaging app.

The claim of ‘abetting terrorist activities’ comes as the Kremlin attempts to steer users on to a state-controlled app.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260224-russia-opens-a-criminal-case-into-telegram-founder-pavel-durov?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#PavelDurov #Telegram #Russia #Tech

Slovak opposition sues Fico over Ukraine power blockade.

Slovakia's opposition is suing Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico over his decision to halt emergency power supplies to Ukraine amid a widening diplomatic spat over oil supply.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260224-slovak-opposition-sues-fico-over-ukraine-power-blockade?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Slovakia #Ukraine #Oil #WarInUkraine #Sanctions #Politics

Trump spares the EU and UK from higher tariff rates for now.

US President Donald Trump has U-turned on his threat to raise new global tariffs to 15%, sparing the UK and the EU from higher rates.

Tariffs on exports to the US will, for now, remain at 10% under the White House’s new regime, which took effect on Tuesday morning.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260224-trump-spares-the-eu-and-uk-from-higher-tariff-rates-for-now?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Tariffs #Trade #Exports #EU #UK #Trump #Business #Economy

Britain’s former US ambassador Peter Mandelson arrested amid Epstein revelations.

London police arrested former UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson on Monday as part of a misconduct probe over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Emails released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show Mandelson sharing information with the disgraced financier while a minister in then-premier Gordon Brown’s cabinet.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260223-britains-former-us-ambassador-peter-mandelson-arrested-amid-epstein-revelations?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#PeterMandelson #Epstein #UK #Politics

Rob Jetten becomes Netherlands' youngest ever prime minister.

The 38-year-old is sworn in as premier after clinching a narrow victory in October's election.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260223-rob-jetten-becomes-netherlands-youngest-ever-prime-minister?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#RobJetten #Netherlands #Politics

Iceland looks to fast-track a vote on joining the EU.

A referendum on resuming membership talks had been expected in 2027, but could come as early as this August.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260223-iceland-looks-to-fast-track-a-vote-on-joining-the-eu?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Iceland #EU #Security #Politics #Referendum #Europe

France receives the Olympic flag for the 2030 Winter Games, as Milan-Cortina closes.

The Olympic flag has been officially passed to France, which will host the next Winter Games in 2030 in the French Alps.

Some 1500 athletes filed into the arena for the closing ceremony that paid tribute to Italian dance and music.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260223-france-receives-the-olympic-flag-for-the-2030-winter-games-as-milan-cortina-closes?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#OlympicGames #Sport #France #WinterSports #Italy #MilanCortina #Olympics

Kyiv condemns ‘blackmail’ by Hungary and Slovakia as the energy standoff escalates.

Ukraine condemned “ultimatums ⁠and blackmail” by the governments of Hungary and Slovakia on Saturday, after Budapest and Bratislava seized on the closure of a key oil pipeline and threatened to stop electricity supplies to Ukraine unless ⁠Kyiv restarts flows of ​Russian oil.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260222-kyiv-condemns-blackmail-by-hungary-and-slovakia-as-the-energy-standoff-escalates?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Ukraine #Slovakia #Hungary #Sanctions #Electricity #WarInUkraine #Oil #Russia

Over 3000 people march in France in honour of far-right activist.

On Saturday, Macron called for calm ahead of a demonstration in tribute to Quentin Deranque, whose murder has sent shockwaves through the country.

Deranque’s death triggered a storm of recriminations, mostly blaming the far-left France Unbowed party and its leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260221-over-3000-people-march-in-france-in-honour-of-far-right-activist?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#France #FarRight #Protests #QuentinDeranque #Politics #Police #Lyon #Melenchon

Greenland does not need Trump’s ‘great hospital boat’, Denmark says.

Greenland does not need healthcare assistance from foreign countries, Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Sunday after President Donald Trump announced the US was sending a “great hospital boat” to tend to the “many” sick people “not being taken care of” in the autonomous Danish territory that Trump covets.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260222-greenland-does-not-need-trumps-great-hospital-boat-denmark-says?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Greenland #Denmark #Trump #PublicHealth #Europe

Seven are charged over an activist's death as France allows a far-right memorial march.

Seven men were charged on Friday over the killing of far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon, as authorities confirmed a memorial march will go ahead on Saturday under heavy police presence.

France's far-right National Rally has told its elected officials not to attend.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260220-seven-are-charged-over-an-activists-death-as-france-allows-a-far-right-memorial-march?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#QuentinDeranque #France #Politics #FarRight #FarLeft

Italy weighs social media age limits amid teen digital addiction.

Italy is sounding the alarm over digital addiction among teenagers, with new figures suggesting the problem is far more widespread than previously thought.

According to the country’s National Institute of Health, around 100 000 young people aged 15 to 18 are at risk of addiction to social media.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260219-italy-weighs-social-media-age-limits-amid-teen-digital-addiction?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#SocialMedia #AgeVerification #Tech #DigitalAddiction #MentalHealth

France maintains the red flood alert as Storm Pedro hits the southwest.

France has experienced 35 consecutive days of rain, the longest uninterrupted period on record.

Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Maine-et-Loire and Charente-Maritime remained on the highest alert level.

Around 20 other departments along the Atlantic coast were under orange alert for wind, waves and storm surge flooding.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260219-france-maintains-the-red-flood-alert-as-storm-pedro-hits-the-southwest?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#France #StormPedro #Weather #Floods #Storm

UK police arrest Andrew ⁠Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

UK police on Thursday arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles III’s younger brother, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police earlier said it was “assessing” allegations that the former prince sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260219-uk-police-arrest-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-on-suspicion-of-misconduct-in-public-office?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Epstein #UK #Andrew #Crime #Police #PrinceAndrew

Germany eyes a social media ban for children.

German Chancellor Merz has expressed his “sympathy” for a proposal to ban social media for under-14s ahead of a discussion among governing politicians starting Friday.

Calls for a social media ban are gathering pace in Germany as other European countries move ahead with similar measures in a bid to protect children’s mental and physical health.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260218-germany-eyes-a-social-media-ban-for-children?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#SocialMedia #AgeVerification #Politics #MentalHealth #Children #Tech #Germany

‘Difficult’ Russia-Ukraine peace talks end without breakthrough.

Talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US aimed at ending Moscow’s war in Ukraine have concluded without a breakthrough.

The trilateral meetings, held in Geneva, went on late on Tuesday but only lasted two hours on Wednesday.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260218-difficult-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-end-without-breakthrough?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Ukraine #WarInUkraine #Russia

Leaked details of what will be in Brussels’ new ‘Made in Europe’ rules.

The European Commission is planning to introduce “Made in EU” requirements across a range of strategic sectors, from chips, cars, and chemicals to quantum technologies and renewable energy.

It aims to protect Europe’s industries against Chinese and US competition, while speeding up decarbonisation and electrification of energy-intensive industries.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260217-leaked-details-of-what-will-be-in-brussels-new-made-in-europe-rules?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#MadeInEurope #Industry #Business #EU #Politics

ECB’s Christine Lagarde reportedly planning an early exit.

Lagarde, the head of the European Central Bank, plans to leave her job before her term ends in 2027, the Financial Times reports.

A person familiar with the matter said Lagarde hasn't decided when to leave but that she wants President Macron and Chancellor Merz to play roles in choosing a successor at Europe’s most important financial institution.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260218-ecbs-christine-lagarde-reportedly-planning-an-early-exit?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#ChristineLagarde #ECB #Politics #Macron #Merz #France #Germany

French prosecutors set up a special team to review the Epstein files.

Magistrates will analyse evidence that could implicate French nationals and re-examine the case of former modelling agency executive Jean-Luc Brunel who was a close associate of Epstein.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260214-french-prosecutors-set-up-a-special-team-to-review-the-epstein-files?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#France #Epstein #JeanLucBrunel #SexualAbuse #SexualAssault #Crime #Legal