Latest news with #Lithuania
Forbes
12 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
As Donald Trump Tugs On NATO Ties, Europe Thinks About Plan B
Former Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis sums up his concerns about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Russian President Vladimir Putin with an image borrowed from quantum mechanics: Schrödinger's cat. 'We're in an ambiguous position,' Landsbergis told me in an interview last week. President Donald Trump makes inflammatory statements about the alliance, threatening to walk away unless Europe steps up to carry more of the cost. But then Secretary of State Marco Rubio appears in Brussels, or some other forum, and calms European leaders down—Landsbergis calls it 'normalizing the situation.' The upshot: confusion and uncertainty. 'NATO is challenged and not challenged at the same time,' the former diplomat says. And in his view, this creates a perfect, bone-chilling opportunity for Putin. It isn't hard to imagine how the scenario would play out. If Putin can convince the White House that the U.S. will benefit from a better relationship with Moscow—as he apparently has—Trump may hesitate to jeopardize the opportunity, even if a NATO ally is attacked. It's Landsbergis' worst nightmare: 'Trump will say, 'I'm in the middle of a conversation with Putin. I can't break it off. I'm sorry, guys. I'm unable to help. You're on your own.'' As the Lithuanian sees it, Putin has already maneuvered the U.S. into a kind of 'limbo position' that poses grave dangers for the alliance. 'Putin may think this is the moment to act—to change the reality' on the ground in Europe. No wonder leaders across the continent are starting to think about Plan B. Trump doesn't have to withdraw from NATO, as he has threatened repeatedly over the years. He is already destroying the trust that made the transatlantic alliance so effective, protecting its members and deterring its enemies through the Cold War and beyond. One such Plan B is the self-dubbed 'coalition of the willing' that came together to support Ukraine after Trump's brutal Oval Office encounter with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. Among its goals: continued military aid for Kyiv, tougher negotiations with the Kremlin, and a just, lasting peace, guaranteed by a European 'reassurance force' stationed on Ukrainian soil. Landsbergis has been sharply critical of the effort. 'Why is it so hard to find evidence that the coalition of the willing is actually willing to do anything meaningful, let alone game-changing?' he asked in a recent online post. The group's premise isn't wrong, he explains to me. 'We're seeing our world unravel. But something needs to be done—something more—to avert the threat.' Landsbergis' own Plan B starts with his home region, the Baltic countries, which have been among the most stalwart in warning the world about Russian aggression and providing aid for Ukraine. Absorbed by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, and occupied for nearly 50 years (until 1991), the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—understand Russian imperialism better than almost anyone except maybe Ukraine. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the three small states—along with Denmark, also on the Baltic Sea—have spent proportionately more to support Ukraine than any other country, including the U.S. (The Baltic countries have contributed between 1.5% and 2.2% of GDP, the U.S. just .5%.) These three small nations alone—total population, just over 6 million—can't hope to fill in for NATO. But they'd stand a better chance, Landsbergis argues, in coalition with seven other states that also front or depend on the Baltic Sea: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Poland, and Germany. All 10 already belong to an existing international organization, the Council of the Baltic Sea States, that Landsbergis and a coauthor of a recent report, former Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves, believe could be recast and reinvented as a powerful regional alliance. Formed in 1992 as a kind of beginners' club—a forum to help the Baltic states and Poland, all just emerging from the Soviet sphere of influence, understand what it would mean to join Europe. The group long ago outlived its original mission. 'In ordinary circumstances, if we felt NATO was strong enough,' Landsbergis explains, 'we wouldn't be having this conversation. We'd thank the CBSS for what it did, and that would be that. But our world is changing. We need alternative security formats.' The former diplomat sees the Baltic council as a 'bit more than a coalition of the willing.' It comes with a ready-made organizational infrastructure—rotating leadership, working groups, a secretariat, and staff. In the short term, it would be largely a political forum focused on the northern response to Russian hybrid warfare—sabotage, disinformation, undersea cable-cutting, and the like. But if the climate were to get worse—if NATO continued to lose power and influence—it could take on a larger role, including regional defense planning and military coordination. 'Look,' Landsbergis says. 'The Baltic countries are nervous.' He points to the bilateral security agreement signed earlier this month by France and Poland. 'Does France think Europe ends in Warsaw? We need to protect ourselves.' A coalition that includes Poland, currently NATO's biggest defense spender, and the newly re-arming Germany, would have significant military muscle. 'Germany is going to spend half a trillion euros on defense in coming years,' Landsbergis notes. 'We need to keep its eyes focused north.' What about NATO itself? Why, I ask skeptically, are Landsbergis and other worried Europeans focused on regional alliances? Aren't they just putting patches on a collapsing roof? Wouldn't it make more sense to rethink NATO? Landsbergis doesn't disagree. His report recommending an overhaul of the CBSS is suitably deferential: 'Ultimately, major security decisions will always flow through NATO and the EU,' it states. But he admits he and his coauthor were being diplomatic. And in the long run, he recognizes, there may be a need for more fundamental, far-reaching reform. The problem is no one wants to abandon ship until it's absolutely necessary. European leaders are worried about what Landsbergis calls a 'self-fulfilling prophecy.' The continent could trigger the breakup of the alliance just by talking about it, prompting Trump's anger and a sudden U.S. withdrawal. 'Our ministers are in a tough position,' the former diplomat says empathetically. 'They will be forced to deny the reality until the very last moment.' He has no expectations for the upcoming NATO summit, scheduled to take place in The Hague at the end of June. Far from confronting alliance tensions, he predicts, it will continue to paper over reality with an upbeat message about increased military spending. All 32 members, with the possible exception of Spain, are expected to commit to reaching Trump's target, spending 5% of GDP on defense and related infrastructure. 'They will raise the hand of a barely alive person,' Landsbergis forecasts sardonically, 'and say, 'Look, it's waving.'' Where does that leave Europe in the short term, as Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine and expands its military presence on NATO's eastern flank, increasing defense spending and building bases along the Finnish border? Maybe the only answer for now is a patchwork of Plan B partial alternatives. 'I'm speaking as someone who is worried about the future of my country,' Landsbergis explains. 'We need to be able to defend ourselves. How long would we have to fight if we were fighting alone?'
Globe and Mail
13 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
BTCC Exchange Launches Hot Coins Trading Week Campaign Series Ahead of 14th Anniversary Celebration
A Media Snippet available here. VILNIUS, Lithuania, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BTCC, the world's longest-serving crypto exchange, is excited to announce the launch of its Hot Coins Trading Week campaign series, marking the beginning of pre-anniversary celebrations leading up to the platform's 14th milestone in June. The first round of the campaign focuses on carefully selected spot and futures pairs that have gained significant traction among the exchange's user base of over 7 million. The first round, which runs from May 26 to June 2, 2025, features a diverse selection of trending pairs including TRUMP, PI, and AI16Z. The campaign offers substantial rewards totaling 50,000 USDT across two prize pools, including exclusive benefits for new users and trading volume-based rewards for active participants: New User Exclusive Prize Pool: First-time BTCC traders can earn 10 USDT by achieving 10,000 USDT in cumulative trading volume. Trading Champions: High-volume traders compete for rewards ranging from 5 USDT to 800 USDT based on trading volume. "These selected pairs not only reflect current market trends, but also align with our users' trading behavior observed over the past quarter," said Alex, Head of Operations at BTCC. "After 14 years, we know what our community wants to trade. This campaign gives our traders straightforward spot trading on the assets they're most excited about, with more rounds featuring different coins coming as we build up to our June anniversary." The timing of this campaign series strategically positions BTCC as it approaches its 14th anniversary milestone in June. The exchange has built a reputation for longevity and stability in the volatile cryptocurrency market, making it one of the industry's most established platforms. Users can participate in the current round through BTCC's platform, with additional rounds to be announced in the coming weeks. The exchange encourages traders to stay updated on campaign developments and anniversary celebrations through BTCC's official X account. About BTCC Founded in 2011, BTCC is one of the world's longest-serving cryptocurrency exchanges, offering secure and user-friendly trading services to millions of users globally. With a commitment to security, innovation, and community building, BTCC continues to be a trusted platform in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
Associated Press
14 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
BTCC Exchange Launches Hot Coins Trading Week Campaign Series Ahead of 14th Anniversary Celebration
A Media Snippet available here. VILNIUS, Lithuania, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BTCC, the world's longest-serving crypto exchange, is excited to announce the launch of its Hot Coins Trading Week campaign series, marking the beginning of pre-anniversary celebrations leading up to the platform's 14th milestone in June. The first round of the campaign focuses on carefully selected spot and futures pairs that have gained significant traction among the exchange's user base of over 7 million. The first round, which runs from May 26 to June 2, 2025, features a diverse selection of trending pairs including TRUMP, PI, and AI16Z. The campaign offers substantial rewards totaling 50,000 USDT across two prize pools, including exclusive benefits for new users and trading volume-based rewards for active participants: 'These selected pairs not only reflect current market trends, but also align with our users' trading behavior observed over the past quarter,' said Alex, Head of Operations at BTCC. 'After 14 years, we know what our community wants to trade. This campaign gives our traders straightforward spot trading on the assets they're most excited about, with more rounds featuring different coins coming as we build up to our June anniversary.' The timing of this campaign series strategically positions BTCC as it approaches its 14th anniversary milestone in June. The exchange has built a reputation for longevity and stability in the volatile cryptocurrency market, making it one of the industry's most established platforms. Users can participate in the current round through BTCC's platform, with additional rounds to be announced in the coming weeks. The exchange encourages traders to stay updated on campaign developments and anniversary celebrations through BTCC's official X account. About BTCC Founded in 2011, BTCC is one of the world's longest-serving cryptocurrency exchanges, offering secure and user-friendly trading services to millions of users globally. With a commitment to security, innovation, and community building, BTCC continues to be a trusted platform in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. Website: X: Contact: [email protected]
Arabian Business
15 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Flydubai to launch flights to Chișinău, Iași, Riga and Vilnius in 2025
Flydubai has announced four new destinations as it continues to grow its international flight network. It includes the start of flights to Chișinău and Iași from September 2025 in addition to Riga and Vilnius from December 2025. It takes the carrier's network in Europe to 35 destinations across 20 countries. Flydubai to launch new flights Flydubai becomes the first UAE carrier to offer direct flights between Dubai and Iași International Airport (IAS) in Romania. The carrier first started operating to Romania in 2012 with the launch of flights to Bucharest. This also marks the carrier's first entry into the Baltic region with a direct service to Riga International Airport (RIX) in Latvia and Vilnius International Airport (VNO) in Lithuania, increasing the number of underserved markets on its network to more than 100 destinations. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO at flydubai, said: 'The expansion of our network reflects our unwavering commitment to opening up underserved markets and stimulating free flows of trade and tourism, and we are pleased to see this happen with the launch of our latest destinations in Europe. 'Today, we have built a diverse network of more than 135 destinations, 75 per cent of which are underserved routes from Dubai. With our new services to Eastern Europe and the Baltic region, we look forward to strengthening the UAE's trade and cultural links and supporting Dubai's position as an international aviation hub.' Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: 'Europe remains an important market for flydubai and we are excited to grow our network with the addition of Chișinău, Iași, Riga and Vilnius. These gateways into Eastern Europe and the Baltic region will enable more passengers to enjoy an enhanced travel experience with a convenient service to Dubai and further beyond on the flydubai network as well as the Emirates network through our codeshare partnership.' Flight details Flights to Chișinău International Airport (RMO) and Iași International Airport (IAS) will operate from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB). Return Business Class fares from DXB to RMO start from AED8,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED1,600. Return Business Class fares from DXB to IAS start from AED 8,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 1,600 Flights to Vilnius International Airport (VNO) and Riga International Airport (RIX) will depart from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB). Return Business Class fares from DXB to VNO start from AED 7,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,200. Return Business Class fares from DXB to RIX start from AED 7,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 1,800
BreakingNews.ie
16 hours ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Wexford man seriously injured after seven-storey fall from building in Lithuania
A Co Wexford man has been seriously injured after he fell seven storeys from a building in Lithuania. David 'Daithí' Manley from the village of Oulart has suffered multiple injuries including a spinal injury which has left him paralysed from the chest down as a result of the fall which occurred at 11am local time last Monday. Advertisement Mr Manley is currently in intensive care in a Lithuanian hospital after surviving the fall in which he sustained other serious injuries, including multiple fractures according to his sister Aoife. Ms Manley explained that his condition is 'not very good'. She continued: 'He (David) has a severed spinal cord, and has no movement (or) feeling from just below his chest line. That will not be coming back or improving.' She has described how her brother's breathing and lungs are not 'very good' and doctors are concerned he could develop pneumonia. '(Medical staff) are worried about his heart but have it under control at the minute. All (of the) bones that are fractured and broken will repair.' Advertisement But on a more positive note, Ms Manley added that her brother's 'mind is good (and) there's been no brain damage. He is chatting when he has energy and rest assured he is still managing to make some funny jokes.' Mr Manley is to undergo spinal surgery once his condition stabilises and doctors hope that he will be able to return to a hospital in Ireland in the coming weeks when his condition improves. A GoFundMe campaign, Help Get Daithí Home, has already raised almost €40,000. The funds will help cover medical bills, travel, and necessary adaptations to the family home in Wexford. The Vine Thai Restaurant in Wexford town, where Mr Manley previously worked said they 'are absolutely shocked and heartbroken' for their 'dear friend and past employee". Eoin Reynolds Cars Ltd continued: 'We were extremely shocked to hear of his accident.A proper gent and wishing him all the best from everyone here."
