Latest news with #Readiness2030
Euronews
30 minutes ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Macron says France will ban social media for under-15s if EU does not
President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that France will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 within "a few months" if this is not done at a European level. "We must ban social media for those under 15," Macron told the public television channel France 2 after a school staff member was stabbed by a 14-year-old student at the entrance to a secondary school in Nogent. "I'm giving us a few months to get the European mobilisation going. start doing it in France. We can't wait," he said. A pupil fatally stabbed a school staff member during a routine bag check at the middle school in eastern France, officials said. The teenager was arrested at the scene. A police officer assisting with the bag checks sustained minor injuries while apprehending the suspect, who used the same knife in both attacks, according to the National Gendarmerie. It's not immediately clear whether the attack was linked to anything the student had seen on social media, or why local media had made the link. This is a developing story and our journalists are working on further updates. The EU is planning to borrow €150 billion on the financial markets for its new lending instrument Security Action for Europe (SAFE). It is one of the pillars of the Readiness 2030 plan, which aims to mobilise €800 billion for defence investment by the end of the decade. "Russia's war in Ukraine and the EU's attempt to support Kyiv really highlighted the dependencies and shortcomings of the EU's defence industrial base and how ill-prepared we were in the event of being forced into a conventional war," said Alice Tidey, a Euronews reporter who covered the announcement. "SAFE is about firing up European weapons manufacturing lines by getting member states to buy strategically and together so that the industry becomes less fragmented and quicker to produce, and our armies, more crucially, become more interoperable. And of course, also, it's about putting prices down," she added. The investments should boost production and procurement of air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, as well as other crucial military equipment to deal with security threats, including critical infrastructure protection and cyber, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare. "It gives countries the possibility to find money to buy military equipment. It's a beginning and I think it's very good sign," said German MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann from the Renew group. The parliamentarian who chairs the European Parliament's Security and Defense Committee also highlighted that some of the technology could have dual use and be useful for civilian purposes. Euronews spoke to residents in Rome and opinions were divided. 'We need to defend ourselves and the threat is at our doorstep,' said one . 'They shouldn't increase spending for a war that won't happen. This is not our war,' said another resident in the Italian capital, referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In Berlin, the same divisions were evident: 'If the aim is to start another arms race, then I'm not in favour,' said one resident of the German city. 'I'm all for a joint European defence effort, but without going into debt,' said another. Governments will have to repay over 45 years and they can also activate the Stability and Growth Pact's National Escape Clause, which stipulates that budget deficits cannot exceed 3% of GDP. Under SAFE, governments can exceed this figure by 1.5% per year, provided that the amount is spent solely on defence. More than half of member states have requested activation from the European Commission. To receive loans, governments must meet certain conditions: 65% of the value of each piece of military equipment must be produced in one of the 27 EU member states, Ukraine and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The remaining 35% can also come from any third country in the world. The common procurement can include EU candidate countries, such as the Western Balkans, and third countries with bilateral security and defence partnerships, such as Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. However, the EU remains highly dependent on weapons purchased from the US and the increased investment could be a clear indication of the bloc's commitment to becoming more autonomous, something that President Donald Trump has demanded in the framework of NATO. "I'm optimistic that the President of the US will realise what we are now starting to do," said Strack-Zimmermann. The EU is planning to raise more funds, with the European Commission proposing to use part of the Cohesion Funds, which are intended for regional development. The European Investment Bank will also try to mobilise private funds for this area for the first time. Watch the video here! Journalist: Isabel Marques da Silva Content production: Pilar Montero López Video production: Zacharia Vigneron Graphism: Loredana Dumitru Editorial coordination: Ana Lázaro Bosch and Jeremy Fleming-Jones
Euronews
30 minutes ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Is debt justified to increase defence investments?
President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that France will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 within "a few months" if this is not done at a European level. "We must ban social media for those under 15," Macron told the public television channel France 2 after a school staff member was stabbed by a 14-year-old student at the entrance to a secondary school in Nogent. "I'm giving us a few months to get the European mobilisation going. start doing it in France. We can't wait," he said. A pupil fatally stabbed a school staff member during a routine bag check at the middle school in eastern France, officials said. The teenager was arrested at the scene. A police officer assisting with the bag checks sustained minor injuries while apprehending the suspect, who used the same knife in both attacks, according to the National Gendarmerie. It's not immediately clear whether the attack was linked to anything the student had seen on social media, or why local media had made the link. This is a developing story and our journalists are working on further updates. The EU is planning to borrow €150 billion on the financial markets for its new lending instrument Security Action for Europe (SAFE). It is one of the pillars of the Readiness 2030 plan, which aims to mobilise €800 billion for defence investment by the end of the decade. "Russia's war in Ukraine and the EU's attempt to support Kyiv really highlighted the dependencies and shortcomings of the EU's defence industrial base and how ill-prepared we were in the event of being forced into a conventional war," said Alice Tidey, a Euronews reporter who covered the announcement. "SAFE is about firing up European weapons manufacturing lines by getting member states to buy strategically and together so that the industry becomes less fragmented and quicker to produce, and our armies, more crucially, become more interoperable. And of course, also, it's about putting prices down," she added. The investments should boost production and procurement of air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, as well as other crucial military equipment to deal with security threats, including critical infrastructure protection and cyber, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare. "It gives countries the possibility to find money to buy military equipment. It's a beginning and I think it's very good sign," said German MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann from the Renew group. The parliamentarian who chairs the European Parliament's Security and Defense Committee also highlighted that some of the technology could have dual use and be useful for civilian purposes. Euronews spoke to residents in Rome and opinions were divided. 'We need to defend ourselves and the threat is at our doorstep,' said one . 'They shouldn't increase spending for a war that won't happen. This is not our war,' said another resident in the Italian capital, referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In Berlin, the same divisions were evident: 'If the aim is to start another arms race, then I'm not in favour,' said one resident of the German city. 'I'm all for a joint European defence effort, but without going into debt,' said another. Governments will have to repay over 45 years and they can also activate the Stability and Growth Pact's National Escape Clause, which stipulates that budget deficits cannot exceed 3% of GDP. Under SAFE, governments can exceed this figure by 1.5% per year, provided that the amount is spent solely on defence. More than half of member states have requested activation from the European Commission. To receive loans, governments must meet certain conditions: 65% of the value of each piece of military equipment must be produced in one of the 27 EU member states, Ukraine and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The remaining 35% can also come from any third country in the world. The common procurement can include EU candidate countries, such as the Western Balkans, and third countries with bilateral security and defence partnerships, such as Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. However, the EU remains highly dependent on weapons purchased from the US and the increased investment could be a clear indication of the bloc's commitment to becoming more autonomous, something that President Donald Trump has demanded in the framework of NATO. "I'm optimistic that the President of the US will realise what we are now starting to do," said Strack-Zimmermann. The EU is planning to raise more funds, with the European Commission proposing to use part of the Cohesion Funds, which are intended for regional development. The European Investment Bank will also try to mobilise private funds for this area for the first time. Watch the video here! Journalist: Isabel Marques da Silva Content production: Pilar Montero López Video production: Zacharia Vigneron Graphism: Loredana Dumitru Editorial coordination: Ana Lázaro Bosch and Jeremy Fleming-Jones A second group of Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of war were returned home on Tuesday as part of a deal made during direct talks in Istanbul on 2 June. The exchange began on Monday for soldiers aged between 18-25, focusing on seriously wounded and sick Ukrainian service personnel, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Telegram, without specifying the exact number. Among them were soldiers captured over three years ago in the battle for Mariupol, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said on Telegram. All of those freed had severe injuries and illnesses, including amputated limbs and vision problems, it said. Amina Ivanchenko was reunited Monday with her husband, a POW for 18 months, in the initial release. She said was grateful to Ukrainian officials for supporting her. "My struggle was much easier thanks to them. Our country will definitely return everyone. Glory to Ukraine! Thank you!" Anastasia Nahorna waited in the Chernyhiv region to see if her husband, who has been missing for eight months, was among those being released in the latest swap. "This pain is more unbearable every day," she said. "I really want to hear some news, because since the moment of his disappearance, unfortunately, there has been no information. Is he alive? or maybe in captivity? Has someone seen him?" Russia's Defence Ministry said it had also received a second group of released soldiers as part of the deal. The Russian servicemen arrived on the territory of Belarus, where they are receiving psychological and medical assistance, the ministry said in a statement, without specifying the number of exchanged soldiers. All servicemen will be transported to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation, the statement added. A similar exchange was announced for the bodies of fallen soldiers held by both sides, although no schedule has been released. Two recent rounds of direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul have yielded no significant breakthroughs beyond pledges to swap prisoners as well as thousands of their dead and seriously wounded troops.
Saudi Gazette
7 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Denmark quits the Frugal Four to focus on rearming Europe, says PM Frederiksen
COPENHAGEN — Denmark has quit the so-called Frugal Four to embrace instead a "more flexible" attitude towards the European Union's seven-year budget, the country's prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has said, insisting the imperative goal of rearming the bloc against Russia should take precedence over "all other priorities". "As Danes, we will always be tough in the negotiations on the budget. We don't want money to be spent on (anything) that is not necessary for Europe. So we will be tough, but being a part of the Frugal Four is no longer the right place for us," Frederiksen said on Tuesday, speaking next to Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament. "For me, the most important thing is to rearm Europe. That's my starting point, and that's my conclusion in all discussions. Because if Europe is not able to protect ourselves and to defend ourselves, then it's game over at some point," she went on. "So rearming Europe is for me number one." The Frugal Four was an informal group made up of the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Denmark during the bloc's budget talks in 2020. The fiscally conservative coalition, which at times was supported by Finland, pushed hard to keep common spending in check, opposing the expansionary vision espoused by France and the South. The agreement depended on unanimity, meaning one "no" was enough to block from the Frugal Four proved instrumental in reshaping the balance of the €750 billion COVID recovery fund, reducing the share of grants, which were paid collectively, and increasing the share of loans, paid back group's behind-the-scenes maneuvering was closely scrutinized by the media, further consolidating its name. Critics often accused them of being uncompromising and insensitive to the needs of countries worst hit by the years later, Brussels is gearing up for another all-out, protracted battle to approve the next common budget for the 2028-2034 period, with the European Commission expected to present the first proposal before the summer don't count on Denmark to advocate the virtues of frugality, Frederiksen said."Last time, we had a leading role in the Frugal Four. Next time, we'll have a leading role in another group, because things have changed and the world is changing rapidly. And we have to find the right answers to all these challenges in front of us," she premier argued that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine had irreversibly transformed the financial equation and that, as a result, "all other priorities and all other principles" should be decided "after" the bloc settles its rearmament month, member states agreed on a €150-billion program of low-interest loans to drastically boost military spending across the bloc. The plan, named SAFE, is the main element of a broader initiative, "Readiness 2030", to mobilize up to €800 billion."For me, the latest point will be 2030, and we are running out of time because of Russia's behavior," she said, referring to an estimated date by which the Kremlin could have the necessary capabilities to attack a NATO country."Because of Russia's behavior, because of all the threats against Europe and a very uncertain situation for Europe and a very insecure world, then we need a new budget."Denmark is not alone in shifting its and Sweden, which applied to join NATO after Russia launched its unprovoked war, have also softened their position towards the EU budget, urging the bloc to think bigger to boost defense investment and support for Netherlands, by contrast, has stood its ground to shoot down any idea of "Eurobonds" or common borrowing. Germany, which was not officially part of the Frugal Four but had similar views, has also ruled out permanent joint debt at the EU on behalf of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola agreed with Frederiksen on the need to be flexible and agile, but stressed that one political priority must not come at the expense of other crucial financial envelopes."What we would not want is that we put everything in one or two programs and forget everything else," Metsola said. "This is where we will need to come to a compromise."Denmark will take over the six-month presidency of the EU Council on 1 July. — Euronews
Euronews
03-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Denmark quits the Frugal Four to focus on rearming Europe
Denmark has quit the so-called Frugal Four to embrace instead a "more flexible" attitude towards the European Union's seven-year budget, the country's prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has said, insisting the imperative goal of rearming the bloc against Russia should take precedence over "all other priorities". "As Danes, we will always be tough in the negotiations on the budget. We don't want money to be spent on (anything) that is not necessary for Europe. So we will be tough, but being a part of the Frugal Four is no longer the right place for us," Frederiksen said on Tuesday, speaking next to Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament. "For me, the most important thing is to rearm Europe. That's my starting point, and that's my conclusion in all discussions. Because if Europe is not able to protect ourselves and to defend ourselves, then it's game over at some point," she went on. "So rearming Europe is for me number one." The Frugal Four was an informal group made up of the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Denmark during the bloc's budget talks in 2020. The fiscally conservative coalition, which at times was supported by Finland, pushed hard to keep common spending in check, opposing the expansionary vision espoused by France and the South. The agreement depended on unanimity, meaning one "no" was enough to block it. Pressure from the Frugal Four proved instrumental in reshaping the balance of the €750 billion COVID recovery fund, reducing the share of grants, which were paid collectively, and increasing the share of loans, paid back individually. The group's behind-the-scenes manoeuvring was closely scrutinised by the media, further consolidating its name. Critics often accused them of being uncompromising and insensitive to the needs of countries worst hit by the pandemic. Five years later, Brussels is gearing up for another all-out, protracted battle to approve the next common budget for the 2028-2034 period, with the European Commission expected to present the first proposal before the summer break. Just don't count on Denmark to advocate the virtues of frugality, Frederiksen said. "Last time, we had a leading role in the Frugal Four. Next time, we'll have a leading role in another group, because things have changed and the world is changing rapidly. And we have to find the right answers to all these challenges in front of us," she said. The premier argued that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine had irreversibly transformed the financial equation and that, as a result, "all other priorities and all other principles" should be decided "after" the bloc settles its rearmament plan. Last month, member states agreed on a €150-billion programme of low-interest loans to drastically boost military spending across the bloc. The plan, named SAFE, is the main element of a broader initiative, "Readiness 2030", to mobilise up to €800 billion. "For me, the latest point will be 2030, and we are running out of time because of Russia's behaviour," she said, referring to an estimated date by which the Kremlin could have the necessary capabilities to attack a NATO country. "Because of Russia's behaviour, because of all the threats against Europe and a very uncertain situation for Europe and a very insecure world, then we need a new budget." Denmark is not alone in shifting its tone. Finland and Sweden, which applied to join NATO after Russia launched its unprovoked war, have also softened their position towards the EU budget, urging the bloc to think bigger to boost defence investment and support for Kyiv. The Netherlands, by contrast, has stood its ground to shoot down any idea of "Eurobonds" or common borrowing. Germany, which was not officially part of the Frugal Four but had similar views, has also ruled out permanent joint debt at the EU level. Speaking on behalf of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola agreed with Frederiksen on the need to be flexible and agile, but stressed that one political priority must not come at the expense of other crucial financial envelopes. "What we would not want is that we put everything in one or two programmes and forget everything else," Metsola said. "This is where we will need to come to a compromise." Denmark will take over the six-month presidency of the EU Council on 1 July. More false videos alleging criminality and health issues in Moldova and attributed to Euronews are circulating online, with some even being posted by accounts posing as Euronews staff. One video claims that Moldova ranks first in the number of STD carriers in Europe, while others talk of waves of illegal immigration flowing from Moldova into the European Union, particularly Italy. Rome has seen a rise in the number of criminal gangs making false documents for immigrants from Moldova, according to one of the fake videos. All of them use Euronews' graphics and branding and many have been shared by accounts on TikTok and X purporting to be current or former Euronews journalists, including one which claims to be the channel's former CEO. They've received thousands of views and likes as of the time of writing, but Euronews did not produce these videos. Our graphics and format were copied and used without our consent and our teams are working to ensure the video is removed from all social platforms. The accounts posing as Euronews staff feature profile pictures that appear to be AI-generated. One supposedly belongs to a man called Brandon Goyce, who claims to be Euronews' former CEO. However, no such person has ever served as the channel's CEO and online searches yield no trace of anyone who bears that name and works in the media. Other profiles contain similar uncanny avatars and the same bio: #Euronews or #Euronews rep. They have also all only posted a single video each, all related to the same subject matter about Moldova and follow no other accounts. The false videos and accounts appear to be part of the Matryoshka campaign, a coordinated pro-Russian operation known among fact-checkers for spreading false news reports stylised as material from international media outlets, academic institutions and government agencies. The campaign often targets EU and NATO countries, as well as Ukraine, seemingly in an effort to weaken alliances and discredit Western democracies. EuroVerify has already debunked other false videos attributed to Euronews as part of the disinformation campaign. A fake video posted on Russian Telegram channels claimed that corruption had pushed Moldova to become one of the biggest black markets for arms sales. It also attributed a false quote to a Romanian minister. Another alleged that Romania cautioned French authorities over interference in the Romanian presidential election runoff. In both instances, Euronews and national authorities in France and Romania fully denounced the videos and their contents.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Czechia and Ukraine to train F-16 pilots in joint programme
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and his Czech counterpart, Petr Fiala, have agreed to cooperate in training Ukrainian pilots for F-16 fighters. Source: a joint statement following a meeting of the prime ministers on 20 May, seen by European Pravda Details: During their meeting in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod on 20 May, Shmyhal and Fiala agreed upon cooperation in training Ukrainian pilots for F-16 aircraft, other types of aircraft, and helicopters. According to the statement, this agreement will be accompanied by the development of simulation capacities and training in Ukraine and Czechia. The statement emphasised that the training will also include technical ground personnel through the implementation of specific modernisation projects. The prime ministers also underlined the importance of further increasing military, financial, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Shmyhal and Fiala emphasised strengthening cooperation between the defence industries of Ukraine and Czechia through joint efforts and technology licensing, aligned with the goals and mechanisms of the Readiness 2030 plan (presented by the European Commission in March 2024, aiming to leverage over €800 billion in defence spending), as well as collaboration in third markets. Background: On 4 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and Czechia are working on the establishment of a joint Ukrainian-Czech F-16 training school. A few days later, it was reported that Romania and the Netherlands will establish a joint centre to train Ukrainian technical personnel for the F-16 fighter jets. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
