Latest news with #CentralandEasternEuropean
Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Slovakia accuses UK of £10m election interference plot
Slovakia has accused Britain of a £10m plot to meddle in its 2023 election. Robert Fico, the country's firebrand prime minister, alleged that the Foreign Office had paid social media influencers through an agency to promote the rival liberal Progressive Slovakia party. Nigel Baker, Britain's ambassador to Bratislava, has been summoned to the country's foreign minister on Wednesday to answer the accusations. A spokesman for the Foreign Office branded the allegations 'entirely false'. Mr Fico told a news conference on Tuesday: 'There was a targeted deliberate activity by a foreign power, which is our ally in Nato, in cooperation with some Slovak journalists and in cooperation with some Slovak political influencers, to influence the election in 2023.' Mr Fico, widely seen as a populist leader, cited a report by Declassified UK, an investigative website, which claimed the UK's Foreign Office had a £10m deal with Zinc Network, a London-based media agency, that had been used to influence Slovakia's last parliamentary election. 'This agency was tasked with finding influencers and political activists in Central and Eastern European countries and influencing events in those countries,' the prime minister added. The Slovakian website reported that the UK Government is 'secretly funding hundreds of foreign influencers whose job is to create political propaganda on YouTube' through the contract. 'We'll demand an explanation of all the details of the case,' Juraj Blanar, Slovakia's foreign minister, said ahead of his meeting with Mr Baker. Mr Blanar said he would be forced to take further action if his government did not receive sufficient information from the British diplomat. It was not immediately clear what videos were being referred to, or what measures the Slovakians could take in response to the accusations. Marek Estok, Slovakia's Europe minister, said he would raise the issue at the next meeting of the European Council's general affairs council. He said it would fit with plans to discuss hybrid threats and interference in election campaigns to the bloc in September. The Foreign Office said: 'Any suggestion that the UK was seeking to sway an election result, or encourage voting for or against a specific political party is entirely false. 'This activity focused on encouraging young people to participate in their democracies and to vote in upcoming elections, regardless of their political affiliation or support.' The Foreign Office's Open Information Partnership works across 24 countries, supporting investigative journalists, charities, think tanks, academics, NGOs, activists, and fact-checkers. 'Media consulting service' Zinc Network's logo features alongside the Government's motif on the bottom of the Partnership's website. The media agency signed a three-year contract worth £9,450,000 in 2022 with the Foreign Office 'for delivery of media consulting service' relating to the project. 'This project fits within wider 30 year UK Government objectives, to provide balanced, independent voices to more people in the regions,' a redacted version of the contract states, according to Declassified UK. It adds that the project should 'not interfere with the editorial independence of the civil society organisations [it] supports'. There are no examples of its work in Slovakia published either by the FCDO or Zinc. One example of the firm's work in Estonia claims it assisted 20 Russian-language influencers in the Baltic country to boost their online presences.
Euronews
a day ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Poland says Russia's secret service hired Colombian for arson attacks
Authorities in Poland charged a Colombian national with terror offences on Tuesday for his role in two arson attacks, allegedly carried out on behalf of Russia. "Officers of the Internal Security Agency (ABW) have determined that a 27-year-old Colombian man who acted on behalf of Russian intelligence was behind two arson attacks that occurred in Poland in May 2024," spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, Jacek Dobrzyński, said during a press conference. ABW said the 27-year-old suspect, who entered Poland from Spain, set fire to two construction supply depots in May last year, following orders from Moscow as part of a hybrid warfare campaign. Dobrzyński said the man had been taught how to prepare incendiary materials, construct Molotov cocktails and document the effects of sabotage actions by Russia's secret services. According to a communiqué issued by the ABW, the suspect's actions fit with previous incidents identified in many Central and Eastern European countries. "It has been confirmed that Russian services, using Telegram, systematically and on a large scale recruited persons of Latin American origin, with military experience, to carry out reconnaissance of the locations indicated to them and then to set fire to the selected objects and to document the destruction," the ABW statement stated. Russian secret services allegedly encourage citizens of South American countries coming to EU countries under the visa-free regime to commit crimes, offering them an easy way to make money. Fires in Warsaw and Radom The first incident occurred in Warsaw on 23 May last year, when a building supply depot was torched. A week later, on 30 May a similar facility went up in flames in Radom. "Thanks to the immediate action of the firefighters, the fires were quickly extinguished," Dobrzyński said. As the ABW explained, Russian-language media used both fires for propaganda purposes and in particular the Radom fire was falsely said to be a "logistics centre with military aid for Ukraine." The Colombian man had already been sentenced to eight years in prison by a Czech court in June this year for setting fire to a bus depot in Prague and preparing to set fire to a local shopping mall. The suspect has partially admitted his guilt and could face up to life imprisonment. Not the first such case Jacek Dobrzyński stressed that "in addition to these acts, disinformation used by the Russian services is also incredibly dangerous." "Russian services are trying to disinform, they are trying to divide Poles, they are trying to split Poles from the European Union or from NATO members," he said. Poland and some other countries in the region were the victims of a series of acts of sabotage last year, among them a a fire that completely destroyed the largest shopping centre in Warsaw. In May, Poland said it was closing the Russian consulate in Kraków in response to evidence that Moscow was behind that fire. And in October last year, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski ordered Moscow to shutter its consulate in Poznań and declared its staff persona non grata in response to a string of sabotage and cyberattacks. Authorities have blamed Russia of carrying out a campaign of hybrid warfare, particularly targeting countries that support Ukraine, and say Moscow often recruits Ukrainian and Belarusian immigrants to carry out the attacks.
Gulf Insider
15-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Wizz Air to Exit Abu Dhabi by September 2025
Wizz Air has announced it will suspend operations in Abu Dhabi as it refocuses business away from the UAE. The low-cost carrier said it will strategically look to European markets, following a review of market dynamics. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will suspend all flights from September 1. A statement from Wizz Air said: 'Wizz Air Holdings PLC today announces a strategic realignment that reinforces the Company's core strength and focus in Central and Eastern Europe and select Western European markets. 'This decision follows a comprehensive reassessment of market dynamics, operational challenges, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East. 'As a result of the suspension of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operations as part of this strategic realignment, Wizz Air will suspend all locally based flight operations effective September 1, 2025 and intends to exit from the joint venture going forward and will focus on its core markets. 'Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has faced increasing operational challenges over the past year, including: • Engine reliability constraints, particularly in hot and harsh environments, which have impacted aircraft availability and operational efficiency• Geopolitical volatility, which has led to repeated airspace closures and operational disruptions across the region, as well as wreaking consumer demand• Regulatory barriers, which have limited the Company's ability to access and scale in key markets 'These factors have significantly impacted the viability of Wizz Air's ultra-low-cost model in the region and its ability to deliver profitability in line with its core European operations. 'Wizz Air will intensify its focus on its core Central and Eastern European markets, as well as select Western European countries such as Austria, Italy and the UK. 'This strategic realignment to core markets will enable the Company to redeploy resources to regions with greater long-term potential for sustainable growth and profitability. 'Wizz Air remains committed to delivering affordable, efficient, and sustainable air travel, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and focus on shareholder value creation'. József Váradi, CEO of the low-cost carrier, said: 'We have had a tremendous journey in the Middle East and are proud of what we have built. I thank our highly dedicated employees for their relentless efforts and commitment for developing the WIZZ brand in new and dynamic markets. 'However, the operating environment has changed significantly. Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions. 'While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances. We continue to focus on our core markets and on initiatives that enhance Wizz Air's customer proposition and build shareholder value.' The airline's passengers with existing bookings beyond August 31, 2025 will be contacted directly via email with options for refunds or alternative travel arrangements it said. Customers who booked their flights through third-party providers are now advised to contact their respective agents for further information. Also read: No passport, Wrong Flight: Pakistani Passenger Mistakenly Flies To Saudi Arabia
What's On
15-07-2025
- Business
- What's On
Affected by Wizz Air's Abu Dhabi grounding? Here are your options
On 14 July, Wizz Air announced a major shake-up of its operations: a strategic realignment that will see all locally based flights from Abu Dhabi suspended beyond September 2025, a full exit from its joint venture in the UAE, and a renewed focus on core Central and Eastern European markets. The airline cited 'market dynamics, operational challenges, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East' as key factors behind the decision. The move affects all routes operating out of Abu Dhabi, including popular destinations across Europe, Central Asia, and beyond. These are routes that had earned Wizz Air Abu Dhabi a loyal following among UAE-based budget travellers. Launched in January 2021, the airline quickly expanded its network with ultra-low fares that made international getaways far more accessible. Now, with its exit, the UAE's low-cost travel landscape faces a notable shift and travellers will need to consider new options. Wizz Air Holdings PLC ('Wizz Air') today announces a strategic realignment that reinforces the Company's core strength and focus in Central and Eastern Europe and select Western European markets. This decision follows a comprehensive reassessment of market dynamics, operational… — Wizz Air (@wizzair) July 14, 2025 What alternatives are there? flydubai Operating out of Dubai International Airport (approximately a 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi), flydubai serves over 120 destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The airline offers wallet-friendly fares with customisable add-ons for baggage and meals, making it a strong alternative for those looking for affordable travel into Europe and beyond. Air Arabia With bases in both Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia is another solid low-cost choice. Its network spans the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, North Africa, and more — ideal for regional travel on a budget. With continued expansion and competitive fares, it remains a favourite among savvy travellers. Etihad Airways Although not a budget airline, Etihad, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, often rolls out competitive seasonal deals. It's a great option for those seeking full-service comfort, especially on long-haul routes. Expect excellent onboard amenities and a global route network that covers almost every corner of the world. Will Wizz Air refund my tickets? According to the airline, 'Passengers with existing bookings beyond 31 August 2025 will be contacted directly by Wizz Air regarding their options.' If you've booked through a third-party platform or agency, Wizz Air advises contacting them directly to manage refunds, changes, or alternative arrangements. What's On tip: If you're set on flying low-cost from the UAE, consider comparing fares from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports there are still plenty of budget-friendly ways to explore the world. Image: Archive > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Today
14-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Wizz Air to exit Abu Dhabi operations
Low-cost carrier Wizz Air said on Monday it would exit its Abu Dhabi operations and suspend all locally based flights from September due to operational challenges and geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Wizz Air will focus on its core Central and Eastern European markets, as well as countries such as Austria, Italy and the UK, it said. "Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions," Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi said in a statement. "While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances," he added. Reuters
