EU seeks 'digital sovereignty'
The State Bank is working on a project to prevent digital frauds through deploying artificial intelligence. photo: file
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At a market stall in Berlin run by charity Topio, volunteers help people who want to purge their phones of the influence of US tech firms. Since Donald Trump's inauguration, the queue for their services has grown.
Interest in European-based digital services has jumped in recent months, data from digital market intelligence company Similarweb shows. More people are looking for e-mail, messaging and even search providers outside the United States.
The first months of Trump's second presidency have shaken some Europeans' confidence in their long-time ally, after he signalled his country would step back from its role in Europe's security and then launched a trade war.
"It's about the concentration of power in US firms," said Topio's founder Michael Wirths, as his colleague installed on a customer's phone a version of the Android operating system without hooks into the Google ecosystem.
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Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Global reaction to US attack on Iran's nuclear sites
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Read: Netanyahu seeks support for Iran strikes as Trump mulls US attack 'within two weeks' 'These attacks violate all norms of international law. Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter,' Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement. Terming the situation 'deeply disturbing,' the statement warned that the 'unprecedented escalation of violence' could have far-reaching implications beyond the Middle East. Iranian FM Abbas Araqchi: "The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations. The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Every member of the UN must be alarmed by this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour. Following the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people." Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu: "Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history... History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons." Maryam Rajavi, head of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Paris: "Now [Iranian Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei must go. The Iranian people welcome the end of the war and are calling for peace and freedom." "Khamenei is responsible for an unpatriotic project that, beyond the loss of countless lives, has cost the Iranian people at least $2 trillion — and now, it has all gone up in smoke." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: "Iran must never acquire the bomb." "With tensions in the Middle East reaching a new peak, stability must be the priority. Respect for international law is essential." "This is the time for Iran to commit to a credible diplomatic path. The negotiating table is the only route to resolve this crisis." Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chair of Russia's Security Council: "Trump, who entered office branding himself a peacemaker, has now launched a new war for the United States." "With this kind of outcome, Trump will not be winning the Nobel Peace Prize." French FM Jean-Noël Barrot, on X: "France remains convinced that a lasting resolution to this issue requires a negotiated settlement within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty." British PM Keir Starmer: "Iran's nuclear programme poses a serious threat to international security. Iran must never be permitted to develop a nuclear weapon, and the United States has taken action to address that threat. The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, and regional stability is of utmost importance. We urge Iran to return to the negotiating table and pursue a diplomatic solution to end this crisis." UN Secretary-General António Guterres: "This marks a dangerous escalation in a region already on the brink—and represents a direct threat to international peace and security. The risk that this conflict could spiral out of control is growing, with potentially catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. I urge Member States to de-escalate and uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and international law." United Arab Emirates FM, via state news agency: The United Arab Emirates expressed deep concern over the ongoing regional tensions and the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities. It called for an immediate halt to the escalation to prevent dangerous repercussions and a descent into further instability. The Ministry urged the United Nations and the Security Council to take responsibility by working actively to resolve longstanding regional issues, which it said now pose an increasing threat to both regional and global security and stability. Qatari FM, on X: The State of Qatar expressed regret over the worsening situation following the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities and said it is closely monitoring developments with deep concern. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the current levels of tension in the region could lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels. Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, to reporters: "It is vital that there is a swift de-escalation of the conflict. We are monitoring the situation closely and with serious concern." Italian FM Antonia Tajani, on state broadcaster Rai: "We now hope that, following this attack—which caused substantial damage to nuclear weapons production and posed a threat to the entire region—de-escalation can begin, and Iran can return to the negotiating table." New Zealand FM Winston Peters: "We acknowledge the developments over the past 24 hours, including President Trump's announcement of US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. The continuation of military action in the Middle East is deeply troubling. It is essential to avoid further escalation. New Zealand strongly supports diplomatic efforts and urges all parties to return to the negotiating table. Diplomacy offers a more lasting solution than continued military engagement." Australian Government Spokesperson, in a statement: "We have consistently stated that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes pose a threat to international peace and security. We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace. The security situation in the region remains highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy." Mexican FM, on X: The Ministry urgently called for diplomatic dialogue to promote peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict. In line with Mexico's constitutional principles of foreign policy and its long-standing pacifist stance, it reiterated its appeal for a de-escalation of tensions in the region. Venezuelan FM Yvan Gil, on Telegram: "Venezuela condemns the US military aggression against Iran and demands the immediate cessation of hostilities. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela strongly and unequivocally condemns the airstrikes carried out by US forces on nuclear facilities in Iran." Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel: "We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, which represents a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. 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