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18 October 2025 16:31

🇪🇺 Beretta warns EU not to overlook small arms in defense buildup

Beretta CEO Carlo Ferlito has urged EU leaders to address a critical gap in Europe’s rearmament strategy: the production of rifles and small-calibre ammunition. While major investments are being directed toward high-end systems like drones and missile defense, Ferlito warned that basic battlefield equipment is being sidelined in policy discussions and budget allocations.

Speaking to Euronews, Ferlito emphasized that consolidating small-calibre ammunition production could be achieved quickly within the EU, but requires political will and strategic focus. His remarks come amid the bloc’s €800 billion rearmament push and NATO’s new capability targets in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Beretta, traditionally focused on civilian markets, has seen its defense and law enforcement sales grow to one-third of its business in recent years. The company’s call reflects a broader concern within Europe’s defense industry: while headline systems dominate public attention, sustained operational readiness still depends on foundational capabilities—such as rifles, bullets, and boots on the ground.

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18 October 2025 14:32

🇪🇺 EU confirms Putin not under travel ban, leaves path open for Hungary summit

The European Commission has clarified that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not subject to an EU travel ban, despite an active International Criminal Court warrant. Commission spokesperson Olof Gill acknowledged that while the situation is far from ideal, “real-world diplomacy” sometimes requires flexibility if it advances the goal of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

To attend the planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Budapest, Putin will likely need clearance to fly through EU airspace. While technically possible, such a route could spark legal and political complications, as multiple EU states are bound by ICC obligations.

Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper confirmed that sanctions imposed on Putin include asset freezes but not explicit restrictions on travel, leaving the door open for Hungary to proceed with hosting the controversial meeting.

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18 October 2025 12:31

🇩🇪 150,000 signatures delivered to Bundestag opposing early release of neo-Nazi terrorist

Family members of victims murdered by the neo-Nazi NSU terror group have submitted over 150,000 signatures to the German parliament, urging lawmakers to block the early release of Beate Zschäpe, the group’s only convicted surviving member. The petition was handed over during a protest outside the Bundestag, with backing from deputies in the Social Democratic Party, Greens, and the Left Party.

Zschäpe was convicted for her role in a decade-long terror campaign that left ten people dead, most of them of Turkish descent. Despite her life sentence, recent legal discussions about possible early release have sparked outrage among victims’ families, who highlight her refusal to cooperate with authorities and continued silence about the group’s network.

Semiya Simsek, daughter of the first NSU victim, spoke emotionally about her father’s murder and the ongoing pain inflicted by a justice system perceived as incomplete. Families are demanding not only Zschäpe’s continued imprisonment but also a deeper investigation into the NSU’s wider support structure and institutional failures that enabled the killings.

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18 October 2025 10:32

🇪🇺 EU cautiously backs Trump–Putin summit if it brings 'just and lasting peace' to Ukraine

The European Commission has signaled support for the proposed meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, provided it contributes to ending the war in Ukraine. “Any steps that lead to a just and lasting peace would be welcome,” said Commission spokesperson Olof Gill during a briefing on Friday.

While the EU maintains its firm stance against Russia’s aggression, the Commission acknowledged that meaningful dialogue, if aligned with Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, could help resolve the conflict. Von der Leyen has not confirmed direct contact with Trump but is reportedly in regular communication with global leaders on peace initiatives.

The Commission clarified that while Putin is subject to EU asset freezes, he is not currently under an EU travel ban, allowing for such a meeting to occur. Meanwhile, Brussels is preparing its 19th sanctions package against Moscow, reinforcing its dual-track approach of diplomatic engagement and sustained pressure.

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17 October 2025 21:52

🧭 Daily Recap – October 17 | East meets West: diplomacy, dissent, and Europe’s new power maps

🔻 China seeks Swedish bridge to Europe
🇨🇳🇪🇺 Beijing urges Sweden to help stabilize China–EU relations, using Stockholm’s upcoming visa-free travel offer as a diplomatic gesture. The move highlights China’s pivot to softer engagement amid growing trade and tech friction with Brussels.

🔻 Romania’s academic red flag
🇷🇴 A new EU report flags Romania’s academic freedom as below average, citing political interference and limited university autonomy — a worrying sign for a member state once hailed as an Eastern reform model.

🔻 Europe’s quiet energy hypocrisy
🇪🇺 Despite tough rhetoric on sanctions, seven EU states have increased imports of Russian energy, exposing the widening gap between political posturing and practical dependence.

🔻 Italy doubles down on Libya deal
🇮🇹 Rome renews its migration pact with Libya despite international criticism over human rights abuses in detention centers, arguing the move is essential to prevent another migration surge across the Mediterranean.

🔻 Diplomatic friction in Tbilisi
🇫🇮🇬🇪 Finland’s foreign minister is fined in Georgia for taking part in unauthorized protests — a rare and symbolic rebuke of Western involvement in local politics.

🔻 Putin’s nuclear pivot
🇷🇺 The Russian president blames the West for global energy instability and unveils a sweeping nuclear energy expansion plan, positioning Moscow as a long-term supplier for Asia and Africa.

🔻 Trump–Putin summit set for Budapest
🇺🇸🇷🇺 Both leaders will meet in Hungary for direct Ukraine war talks, marking a diplomatic earthquake in transatlantic relations — and testing Europe’s unity under U.S. pressure.

🔻 France narrowly avoids collapse
🇫🇷 The Lecornu government survives a no-confidence vote after offering a temporary pension reform pause. The fragile victory buys time but underscores Macron’s deep political isolation.

🔻 Germany reopens the conscription debate
🇩🇪 The Bundestag begins formal hearings on reviving military service, as Berlin ramps up defense spending and seeks to rebuild national readiness amid rising threats.

🔻 Balkans under Brussels’ watch
🇪🇺 Von der Leyen urges Western Balkan leaders to deliver overdue reforms, linking integration funds to measurable democratic and anti-corruption benchmarks.

🔻 Baku’s political ascendancy
🇦🇿 Under President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan cements its role as the region’s new political hub — leveraging post-war stability, gas exports, and its Middle Corridor strategy to shape Eurasia’s next power network.

💬 As Trump and Putin prepare for Budapest, Europe finds itself watching — not leading. Between Chinese outreach, Balkan reform fatigue, and energy dependence, the continent’s geopolitical identity hangs in the balance.

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17 October 2025 19:32

🇪🇺 Von der Leyen presses Western Balkan leaders to implement overdue reforms

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen concluded her Western Balkans tour with pointed calls for Serbia, and North Macedonia to accelerate stalled reforms critical to their EU accession paths. In Belgrade, she urged Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to deliver tangible progress on the rule of law, electoral integrity, and media freedom, saying “implementation is now the key.”

Despite Serbia’s declaration that EU membership remains a strategic priority, no new accession chapters have opened since the start of the Ukraine war. Von der Leyen stressed that EU-related reforms must engage all sectors of society and emphasized Serbia’s integration into the EU energy market as a concrete benefit of alignment.

In Pristina, von der Leyen called on Albanians to reduce internal tensions, and finalize key steps to access EU Growth Plan funding. In Skopje, she reiterated that constitutional changes remain a prerequisite for North Macedonia’s EU progress. The message across the region was clear: further delays in reforms will stall integration, while credible action could still unlock the EU path.

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17 October 2025 16:31

🇫🇷 Lecornu government survives first no-confidence vote after pension reform concession

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has survived his first no-confidence vote since being reappointed, with the motion falling short by 18 votes. The challenge, led by the far-left France Unbowed party, followed Lecornu’s pledge to suspend controversial pension reforms until 2028—a key gesture aimed at securing opposition cooperation.

The decision to delay raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, originally pushed through in 2023, reflects an effort to restore parliamentary stability after months of political volatility. Lecornu’s compromise appears to have calmed tensions with moderate parties, as the Socialist bloc declined to support censure efforts, citing respect for legislative procedure.

The vote comes amid a broader backdrop of government churn and fiscal impasses. Lecornu is the third prime minister to hold office within a year, following the collapse of the Barnier and Bayrou cabinets. While his government has gained temporary breathing room, further confidence motions loom, with the far-right National Rally preparing its own challenge in the days ahead.

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17 October 2025 14:31

🇷🇺 Putin blames West for energy supply crisis, outlines Russia’s nuclear expansion

At the Russian Energy Club plenary session, President Vladimir Putin criticized Western energy policies, claiming they have shifted the global focus from quality to mere availability of fuel. He argued that "irresponsible steps" by Western governments have destabilized markets and elevated supply security over long-term strategy.

Putin announced that Russia plans to add over 29 gigawatts of nuclear capacity in the next 15 years, including small modular reactors, reinforcing its control over the entire nuclear technology chain. He also confirmed that oil production will reach 510 million tons in 2025—slightly below last year due to OPEC+ voluntary cuts—while gas exports are steadily rebounding.

Despite sanctions and reduced Western demand, Russia still accounts for around 10% of global oil output. The Kremlin continues to leverage its energy sector as a strategic pillar, emphasizing resilience and full-cycle independence in both fossil fuels and nuclear power.

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17 October 2025 12:33

🇮🇹 Italy renews migration pact with Libya despite rights concerns

The Italian Parliament has voted to renew the 2017 migration agreement with Libya, reaffirming the center-right government’s commitment to offshore border control policies. Backed by the ruling coalition—Brothers of Italy, Lega, Forza Italia, and Noi Moderati—the measure passed with 153 votes in favor, overcoming opposition from the center-left.

The memorandum, set to renew automatically on November 2, has long been criticized for enabling migrant returns to Libya, where human rights organizations report widespread abuses, including torture and arbitrary detention. Despite calls from the opposition to suspend cooperation with Libyan authorities, the government insists the agreement is a key tool in managing irregular migration across the Mediterranean.

Protests by civil society groups are expected in Rome, as activists demand an end to Italy’s involvement in returning migrants to a country deemed unsafe. The renewal marks a continued hard line on migration by the Meloni-led administration, aligning with broader European trends favoring externalized border enforcement.

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17 October 2025 10:32

🇷🇴 Romania flagged for below-average academic freedom in EU report

A new report by France Universités highlights Romania as one of nine EU member states with below-average levels of academic freedom, raising concerns about growing political influence over universities. The study links this regression to the spread of populist movements and authoritarian tendencies that increasingly target scientific research and institutional autonomy.

Alongside Romania, countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Netherlands were also cited for vulnerabilities in academic independence. The report emphasizes that these trends are not limited to non-democratic regimes and warns of mounting ideological pressures across both Western and Eastern Europe. In Romania’s case, the findings point to a fragile academic environment exposed to external interference and diminishing protections for scholarly integrity.

The report urges heightened vigilance and calls on both national authorities and the international academic community to defend the autonomy of education. It also frames academic freedom as a barometer of democratic health, cautioning that persistent erosion in countries like Romania risks undermining the credibility of their education systems on the global stage.

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16 October 2025 21:52

🧭 Daily Recap – October 16 | Europe’s fractures widen as power, faith, and sovereignty collide

🔻 Berlin backs off the draft
🇩🇪 Germany’s controversial conscription revival plan is put on hold after the defense minister intervenes, citing “lack of readiness and national consensus.” The pause reflects deep unease about militarization amid declining public trust in Berlin’s leadership.

🔻 Serbia’s dual-track diplomacy
🇷🇸 Belgrade advances EU-backed energy infrastructure projects while resisting Brussels’ pressure to fully align its foreign policy with the bloc — walking a tightrope between accession promises and autonomy preservation.

🔻 Diplomatic frost in Tbilisi
🇬🇪 Georgia’s prime minister cancels a planned meeting with Finland’s foreign minister after Helsinki voiced support for anti-government protests — a sign of Tbilisi’s mounting frustration with what it sees as Western interference.

🔻 Brussels codifies digital control
🇪🇺 A newly leaked European Council document reveals plans to cement “digital sovereignty” as a cornerstone of EU governance — giving Brussels greater oversight of AI, cloud, and data infrastructure under the banner of autonomy.

🔻 Orbán’s Moscow move
🇭🇺 Hungary openly attacks EU energy policy during high-level talks in Moscow, urging a “realist reset” with Russia. The visit deepens Hungary’s rift with Brussels and fuels accusations of disloyalty within the bloc.

🔻 Montenegro’s EU momentum
🇲🇪 Brussels hails Podgorica’s progress, declaring EU accession “within reach,” while pressing Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate reforms or risk being left behind in the next enlargement wave.

🔻 Spain’s African pivot
🇪🇸 Madrid doubles down on African partnerships in energy and border control, hoping to curb migration while bolstering its influence on the continent’s southern frontier.

🔻 Belgium’s legal alarm
🇧🇪 The Belgian human rights commission warns of “serious rule of law erosion,” citing overreach in policing, surveillance, and speech regulation — echoing wider European fears of democratic backsliding.

🔻 Faith under investigation in Armenia
🇦🇲 Several Armenian priests are detained over alleged participation in political rallies, drawing backlash from church leaders who warn of government interference in religious life.

🔻 Caspian integration accelerates
🇦🇿🇰🇿 Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan deepen strategic ties across energy, trade, and digital sectors — strengthening the Middle Corridor as a rival to traditional European and Russian routes.

💬 From Berlin’s hesitation to Belgrade’s balancing act, Europe’s new reality is one of fragmented loyalties, competing sovereignties, and the quiet rise of regional power centers beyond Brussels’ control.

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16 October 2025 19:32

🇦🇲 Armenian priests detained as authorities investigate political rally allegations

Armenia’s security services have detained at least ten members of the Armenian Apostolic Church, including Archbishop Mkrtich Proshyan and Father Paren Arakelyan, following allegations that clergy were coerced into participating in political rallies ahead of the 2021 elections. The arrests came after a televised interview with priest Aram Zograbyan, who claimed Church members had been pressured into campaign activity.

Operations by the National Security Service and Investigative Committee targeted the Aragatsotn Diocese and related institutions. Civil society groups, including the Union of Informed Citizens, triggered the investigation by filing formal complaints with the Prosecutor’s Office, citing violations of Armenia’s law against forced political participation.

Church officials denounced the arrests as part of an “anti-church campaign,” accusing the government of targeting religious institutions. However, the initiators of the legal action insist the case is about upholding civic neutrality and the rule of law, not political persecution. The situation highlights rising tensions between the Armenian state and ecclesiastical authority.

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16 October 2025 17:31

🇧🇪 Belgian human rights body warns of serious rule of law erosion

Belgium’s Federal Institute for Human Rights has raised alarm over a deepening decline in rule of law standards, calling it “insidious and worrying.” In its latest report to parliament, the watchdog cited consistent failures to enforce judicial rulings, the spread of administrative sanctions, and shrinking space for protest and free expression.

The Institute warned that these trends, if left unchecked, risk weakening the foundations of Belgian democracy. It emphasized that even in long-established European democracies, legal guarantees and rights protections require constant reinforcement against erosion masked as pragmatic governance.

The report urged immediate corrective action from the Belgian government, including greater resource allocation for legal enforcement and a halt to measures that restrict core freedoms. The findings underscore that democratic institutions must be actively defended, not assumed secure by tradition or EU membership alone.

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16 October 2025 15:35

🇲🇪 Montenegro’s EU accession “within reach” as Bosnia urged to deliver reforms

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Montenegro’s EU accession progress during her visit to Tivat, calling the country’s membership goal “truly within reach.” She urged continued reforms in the rule of law and public procurement and highlighted Montenegro’s ambition to become the EU’s 28th member state by 2028. The EU confirmed an additional €8 million in support, with the potential for access to over €380 million if reform momentum continues.

Von der Leyen also welcomed Montenegro’s entry into the Single Euro Payments Area and announced the end of EU roaming charges for Montenegrin citizens next year. She emphasized the need to complete judicial appointments to the Constitutional Court as part of strengthening democratic institutions.

In Sarajevo, she called on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s leaders to implement the necessary reforms to move forward with EU accession talks. The message underscored Brussels’ dual-track approach in the region: rewarding credible progress while maintaining pressure on hesitant governments to deliver tangible results.

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16 October 2025 14:10

🇬🇧 Britain’s muzzled majority

Once proud of its free speech, the UK now arrests over 12,000 people a year for online “offenses.” Laws born after the 2024 riots — from the Online Safety Act to tougher protest rules — turn digital debate into legal danger. Criticizing migration or sharing the wrong meme can bring a knock on the door.

What began as protection from hate now targets dissent. Housewives, veterans, and activists face charges for posts once seen as banter. Tech giants like Palantir fuel deeper surveillance through state contracts.

Britain’s proud tradition of open debate risks suffocating under laws written to protect it. The louder the call for “safety,” the quieter the public square becomes.

🔎 Read more in our in-depth investigation.

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18 October 2025 15:31

🇸🇰 Fico’s Smer party expelled from European socialists over pro-Russian stance

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s Smer-SD party has been officially expelled from the Party of European Socialists (PES) following a two-year suspension. The decision, finalized during the PES congress, ends Smer’s affiliation with the EU’s main progressive bloc due to persistent alignment with right-wing forces and perceived pro-Russian leanings.

The expulsion leaves Smer’s three Members of the European Parliament without political affiliation, isolating them as non-attached members. A PES spokesperson stated that the move followed consultations with delegates and was based on Smer’s ongoing contradiction of the party family’s core democratic and pro-European values.

The split reflects widening divisions within the European center-left over foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and the war in Ukraine, and underscores growing discomfort with populist-nationalist crossovers inside the EU’s mainstream political structures.

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18 October 2025 13:34

🇭🇺 Orbán touts Hungary as only viable host for Trump–Putin peace summit

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has welcomed the planned Trump–Putin meeting in Budapest, claiming Hungary is “the only place in Europe” suitable for peace talks on Ukraine. Orbán said Hungary’s consistent call for a ceasefire positions it uniquely for diplomacy, even as it faces EU criticism for stalling Ukraine aid and increasing Russian energy imports.

The choice of venue is drawing scrutiny. Hungary’s close ties to Moscow and repeated obstruction of EU sanctions have raised concerns about its impartiality. Legal complexities also loom, as Hungary is a party to the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin.

The summit underscores Orbán’s strategy of using Hungary’s NATO and EU membership to position himself as a regional mediator, while remaining openly defiant of Brussels' consensus on Russia.

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18 October 2025 11:32

🇪🇺🇦🇲 EU signals support for U.S.-led ‘Trump Route’ through Armenia

The European Union has expressed readiness to support the creation of a U.S.-administered transit corridor linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave via Armenia’s Syunik region. Known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), the corridor was agreed upon during the August 8 summit in Washington between Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Washington has pledged $145 million for the TRIPP initiative, and U.S. customs officials have already begun technical discussions in Yerevan. However, Armenian leaders have cautioned that implementation timelines remain uncertain, with both Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan citing ongoing coordination challenges. Despite delays, the corridor is seen as a strategic pivot in post-war South Caucasus diplomacy—promoting connectivity, balancing regional interests, and deepening Western engagement.

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18 October 2025 09:35

🇪🇺 EU investment in 🇦🇲 Armenia to reach €2.5 billion amid infrastructure and energy expansion

The European Union is set to invest €2.5 billion in Armenia through a wide array of ongoing and planned projects, marking one of the bloc’s most significant financial commitments to the country since 2021. EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos highlighted the investments during a visit to Syunik, underscoring the strategic scope of initiatives spanning infrastructure, energy, education, and green development.

Key projects include the construction of the Sisian–Kajaran highway and tunnel, upgrades to Armenia–Georgia power transmission lines, and public sector modernization in Yerevan, such as the ‘Green Yerevan’ program, new transport buses, and kindergarten renovations. These efforts fall under the broader “Resilient Syunik – Team Europe” framework, aimed at bolstering Armenia’s stability and regional integration.

The EU also sees potential in Armenia’s solar energy sector and expects regional connectivity—should the peace process with Azerbaijan hold—to unlock significant trade and employment opportunities. The scale and depth of EU involvement reflect a growing alignment between Brussels and Yerevan, especially as Armenia repositions itself geopolitically in a post-conflict context.

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17 October 2025 20:32

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan emerges as regional political hub under President Ilham Aliyev

Marking 22 years since Ilham Aliyev first assumed office, Azerbaijan has undergone a fundamental transformation—politically, economically, and militarily—consolidating its role as a key actor in the South Caucasus and broader Eurasian region. Under Aliyev’s leadership, the country has moved from post-Soviet fragility to regional influence, asserting sovereign decision-making and stable governance while navigating complex geopolitical currents.

Strategic initiatives, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Southern Gas Corridor pipelines, have elevated Azerbaijan as a cornerstone of Europe’s energy security. The revival of Karabakh through infrastructure and resettlement projects, combined with the “Great Return” policy, reflects a synthesis of national revival and development planning. Simultaneously, Baku has asserted a balanced foreign policy—avoiding bloc alignment while expanding ties with NATO members, regional powers, and international organizations.

The 2020 victory in the Second Karabakh War and the 2025 Washington peace declaration with Armenia marked the culmination of Aliyev’s long-term statecraft. Today, through major transit projects like the Zangezur Corridor and diplomatic initiatives in the Turkic world, Azerbaijan is reshaping the region’s political architecture. Under Aliyev, Baku has not only restored territorial integrity but also claimed a leadership role in defining the region’s future.

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17 October 2025 17:31

🇩🇪 German parliament opens debate on military conscription reform amid defense buildup

Germany’s parliament has launched deliberations on a draft law aimed at reviving a form of military service to address personnel shortages in the Bundeswehr. The proposed reform, championed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, targets a force size of 260,000 troops by 2035, aligning with NATO commitments. However, deep divisions within the ruling coalition have emerged over the potential reintroduction of conscription by lottery.

The plan would initially require 18-year-old men to complete a service readiness questionnaire, with enlistment remaining voluntary for now. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized enhanced training, better pay, and flexible service options to make military careers more appealing. While open to parliamentary input, he rejected immediate calls for mandatory drafts, favoring an approach grounded in incentives over coercion.

The CDU/CSU bloc has pushed for a “Danish model” fallback provision—automatic conscription through lottery if volunteer numbers fall short—but the Social Democrats remain opposed. The debate signals a growing political acknowledgment of security imperatives, even as the country navigates ideological tensions over how to meet them.

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17 October 2025 15:31

🇺🇸🇷🇺 Trump and Putin to meet in Hungary for Ukraine war talks

US President Donald Trump announced that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest following next week’s high-level negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Trump confirmed the arrangement after a call he described as “very productive,” with both sides agreeing to send delegations—led on the US side by Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio.

The summit in Hungary is set to follow Trump’s scheduled Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where the US leader plans to brief Kyiv on his discussions with Moscow. This diplomatic push comes after months of stalled momentum and aims to revive direct engagement between the major powers involved.

Meanwhile, Trump’s efforts to pressure allies and energy partners to halt Russian oil imports have seen mixed results. India, a key energy buyer, responded cautiously, reaffirming its right to source energy based on domestic needs. The developments highlight the complexity of isolating Moscow economically while simultaneously attempting to negotiate a ceasefire on diplomatic terms.

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17 October 2025 13:31

🇫🇮🇬🇪 Finnish foreign minister fined after visiting Georgian protests

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has been fined $1,800 by Georgian authorities after attending a peaceful pro-democracy protest in Tbilisi. The fine aligns with penalties routinely imposed on demonstrators under the ruling Georgian Dream party’s crackdown on dissent.

The visit, part of Valtonen’s broader diplomatic mission in her capacity as acting OSCE chair, sparked diplomatic tension after Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze canceled a scheduled meeting with her, accusing the Finnish official of supporting an “illegal rally.” The punitive response underscores growing authoritarian tendencies in Tbilisi as the government seeks to suppress opposition and distance itself from Western norms.

The incident reflects the erosion of democratic space in Georgia and the escalating friction between the ruling party and its European partners, even as Tbilisi formally maintains EU integration as a strategic objective.

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17 October 2025 11:31

🇪🇺 Seven EU countries increase Russian energy imports despite war stance

Despite vocal support for Ukraine and widespread sanctions, seven EU member states — including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, and Hungary — have increased their imports of Russian oil and gas over the past year. According to Reuters, France alone raised its purchases by 40%, reaching €2.2 billion, while the Netherlands saw a 72% increase.

The paradox exposes the limits of Europe’s economic decoupling from Moscow. While these countries fear future Russian aggression, they continue to sustain parts of its economy through energy trade. The pattern underscores persistent dependencies and market realities that blunt the effect of EU sanctions, particularly in the face of global energy competition.

Analysts argue that cutting off Russian supplies entirely would shift the burden without significantly weakening the Kremlin’s revenues, which have found new buyers in Asia. The focus, some contend, should be on strategic military and financial support to Ukraine rather than symbolic trade ruptures that may harm Europe’s competitiveness more than Russia’s resilience.

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17 October 2025 09:30

🇨🇳🇪🇺 China urges Sweden to help stabilize China-EU relations amid visa-free offer

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Sweden to play a constructive role in improving China–EU relations, emphasizing mutual respect and expanded cooperation during a diplomatic meeting in Beijing with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard. The talks marked a lead-up to the 75th anniversary of China–Sweden diplomatic ties.

Wang announced that China is prepared to implement visa-free travel for Swedish citizens, a move aimed at boosting cultural exchange and business connectivity. He stressed the need to prioritize cooperation over confrontation, proposing broader engagement in trade, green energy, digital economy, and health sectors.

Stenergard welcomed the visa move and confirmed productive talks on climate and security issues. The meeting reflects Beijing’s broader diplomatic effort to counter rising tensions with Brussels by deepening bilateral ties with select EU states while signaling readiness to engage on multilateral concerns.

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16 October 2025 20:32

🇦🇿🇰🇿 Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan deepen strategic integration across energy, trade, and digital sectors

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have significantly expanded their partnership, moving beyond traditional oil transit cooperation to strategic integration across multiple sectors. At the 21st session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission in Baku, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating trade, infrastructure, and technological collaboration under the 2022–2026 Comprehensive Cooperation Development Programme.

Energy ties remain central, with 3.4 million tons of Kazakh oil already flowing through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline since 2023, and plans to increase capacity to 7 million tons annually. Talks are also underway to expand oil shipments via the Baku-Supsa pipeline and to develop Kazakhstan’s Dunga field with SOCAR involvement.

Beyond hydrocarbons, the countries are focused on modernizing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and advancing the Zangezur Corridor. Digital integration is also underway, including the laying of a Caspian seabed fiber-optic cable and proposals for joint AI research centers. Both nations view this broadening partnership as a model of Eurasian cooperation built on shared strategic interests and regional connectivity.

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16 October 2025 18:09

🇦🇲The Unanswered Aftermath of the Karabakh Wars

Years after the 2020 and 2023 Karabakh wars, hundreds of Armenian families still wait for news of their missing. Officially, at least 195 remain unaccounted for from the 2020 war and dozens more from 2023. Families protest outside ministries, demanding answers from a government eager to move on from defeat — and often punished for doing so.

Critics accuse Yerevan of silence and evasion: no public list, no clear investigations, and little empathy. Even as officials speak of peace, institutions fail those who bore its cost. Some parents reject death certificates, insisting their sons are still missing.

The wounds of Karabakh linger not only in land lost, but in names unspoken. Armenia’s future credibility may depend on whether it remembers its missing before the world forgets them.

🔎 Read more in our in-depth investigation.

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16 October 2025 16:31

🇪🇸 Spain pursues deeper Africa ties as migration debate intensifies

Spain is charting a markedly different course from other Western powers in its approach to African migration and development. While countries like the US, UK, France, and Germany scale back aid budgets, Madrid is expanding its Africa policy—launching diplomatic, educational, and economic initiatives under the Spain-Africa 2025–2028 strategy.

This week’s AfroMadrid2025 conference, backed by the African Union, reflects the government’s effort to frame migration within a broader partnership agenda. Spain’s Foreign Ministry has even established an Africa-focused advisory council, with over half of its members from the continent, to oversee implementation of the strategy.

At the same time, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces rising domestic pressure over irregular migration, with the nationalist Vox party exploiting tensions such as recent clashes in Murcia. While the opposition demands stricter immigration controls, the government is balancing electoral concerns with a longer-term vision of cooperation with African states—seen as essential to both economic stability and regional security.

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16 October 2025 14:35

🇭🇺 Hungary assails EU energy policy in Moscow — deepening rift with Brussels

At a Russian energy forum in Moscow, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó sharply criticized EU proposals to phase out Russian gas and pressured Hungary to diversify its energy supply. He insisted that Budapest would not bow to external pressure when defending its national energy interests.

Szijjártó reaffirmed Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil and gas, citing dependable delivery and long-term contracts. He claimed that Hungary would continue importing at current levels into 2026, arguing that reducing pipeline capacity on Brussels’ timetable would be “insane.”

The confrontation underscores Hungary’s increasing divergence from mainstream EU energy and foreign policy. Since 2021, Budapest has deepened energy ties with Moscow — including a 15‑year gas deal and heightened imports via TurkStream and Druzhba pipelines — at odds with EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian supplies.

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REST Media

16 October 2025 13:35

🇪🇺 European Council document signals support for EU push on digital sovereignty

A newly obtained European Council document underscores clear institutional backing for accelerating the EU’s digital sovereignty agenda. The draft text urges EU institutions and member states to intensify joint efforts in developing sovereign digital infrastructure, reducing strategic dependence on foreign providers, and reinforcing Europe’s capacity to set the rules of the digital era.

Key elements of the initiative include boosting European cloud and data infrastructure, promoting secure supply chains for critical digital components (such as semiconductors), and strengthening cross‑border digital cooperation among member states. The document frames this push as essential for preserving European strategic autonomy in the face of mounting global technological competition.

At the same time, German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger cautioned that “digital sovereignty does not mean protectionism,” emphasizing that the EU aims to be a player—not a closed market—in global tech ecosystems.

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