Κυριακή 24 Μαΐου 2026
8 άρθρα
NATO defenses cannot stop Russia’s Oreshnik
Intelligence warnings of an imminent strike highlight a critical gap in European security as the Mach 10 missile bypasses existing shields like Germany’s Arrow-3. With no physical interceptor capable of stopping the Oreshnik's six maneuvering warheads, the alliance is shifting toward French nuclear deterrence to counter Moscow’s coercive signaling as production of the weapon scales.
Rearmament cycle pushes Eurozone debt to 91.2%
The European Commission’s latest forecast shows public debt rising as the continent enters a sustained defense buildup. While a new escape clause allows for military spending, high-debt economies like France and Italy remain trapped by deficit limits. The IMF warns that without fiscal adjustments, average debt could swell to 130% of GDP by 2040, forcing governments to choose between security and public services.
Undetected drone detonates in Latvian lake
An armed drone from Belarus flew 20 kilometers into NATO territory on May 23, crashing into Lake Drīdzis without triggering military sensors. The incident follows a month of airspace incursions that already triggered the Latvian government's collapse and forced emergency meetings among Baltic presidents. While NATO's air policing remains geared toward Russian bombers, low-altitude drones are exposing critical gaps in regional radar and civilian warning systems.
Zelenskyy rejects Merz’s EU associate status
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal would grant Ukraine voting rights and mutual defense guarantees but exclude it from the EU budget and agricultural subsidies. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the offer as unfair, viewing the hybrid status as a diplomatic trap designed to facilitate territorial concessions rather than providing a genuine path to full institutional integration.
Italy completes only €3.7bn of record EU fund
The €577 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility hits a hard deadline in August 2026, but only 58% of the fund has reached national governments. As construction costs rise 40% and administrative bottlenecks stall projects, major recipients are forced to choose between losing billions or slashing targets for hospitals and housing to ensure they meet technical milestones before the money disappears.
Warsaw cable warns troop chaos fuels EU defense
A leaked diplomatic cable describes a sense of betrayal in Warsaw after the Pentagon abruptly cancelled a major troop rotation without warning. While Donald Trump later pledged 5,000 soldiers via social media, the inconsistency is forcing a strategic shift. Germany is now pursuing domestic missile production and France is deepening nuclear cooperation as allies conclude that American security guarantees have become personal and unpredictable.
Croatia breaks 26-year Big Four ECB monopoly
On 1 June, Boris Vujčić becomes ECB Vice-President, ending an unwritten rule that reserved Executive Board seats for Germany, France, Italy, and Spain since the bank's 1998 founding. Spain declined to contest the seat to preserve political capital for a 2027 run at the presidency. The shift gives northern hawks a stronger hand in Frankfurt while highlighting the European Parliament’s lack of formal power over appointments.
VW’s Chinese-made Cupra escapes EU tariffs
Brussels has accepted its first price-undertaking deal, allowing Volkswagen’s Chinese-made Cupra to bypass a 20.7% import duty. While the agreement prevents undercutting, it protects profit margins for Chinese exporters and risks draining 2 billion euros in annual EU tax revenue. The shift comes as manufacturers like BYD and Geely move production inside Europe, bypassing trade barriers while the continent’s own automotive workforce faces deep job cuts.