Κυριακή 31 Μαΐου 2026
8 άρθρα
Russian drone strike in Galați injures two
The first Russian strike to cause casualties on NATO soil has triggered a diplomatic crisis, exposing deep rifts between allies over how to respond to spillover violence. While Bucharest expels Russian diplomats and Italy deploys fighter jets, Washington’s refusal to name Russia in its condemnation highlights a shifting US strategy as the Pentagon draws down 9,000 troops from Poland and Germany.
Berlin becomes French nuclear 'co-manager'
The first session of the bilateral Nuclear Steering Group in Paris marks a shift toward forward deterrence, integrating Germany into French strategic dialogue without giving Berlin launch authority. While German jets may eventually provide refueling or escorts for nuclear-armed Rafales, the framework is facing criticism for bypassing parliamentary votes across nine European democracies that have recently joined the initiative.
Pentagon pulls 5,000 troops from Germany
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered 5,000 troops out of Germany and canceled submarine pledges, dismantling decades of NATO commitments in a single month. While European capitals respond with record budgets, including France's €36 billion injection, they cannot yet replace critical American enablers like electronic warfare jets. This leaves European hardware without the long-range strike and radar-jamming support formerly provided by Washington.
Drone hits Zaporizhzhia Unit 6 turbine hall
While the May 30 strike caused no radiation leak, the hit on Europe’s largest nuclear plant reveals a systemic failure in Brussels. The European Union operates zero independent nuclear intelligence collection, leaving member states dependent on restricted UN inspections and borrowed US data. From Berlin to Bucharest, civil defense plans remain largely on paper as shelter infrastructure and iodine distribution lag behind the escalating threat.
SoftBank pledges €75 billion for French AI
The deal aims to build five gigawatts of data center capacity, quadrupling the country’s current infrastructure by 2031. Masayoshi Son is leveraging France’s stable nuclear energy to create a massive AI hub in the north. While the scale is enormous for Europe, SoftBank’s negative credit outlook and heavy reliance on OpenAI valuations create significant delivery risks for the project.
EU targets Bulgaria’s 3.5% deficit on June 3
Just 17 months after joining the eurozone, Bulgaria faces formal EU disciplinary action as its deficit hits 3.5% of GDP. While the European Commission prepares the Excessive Deficit Procedure for June 3, Sofia points to a double standard: larger economies like Germany have used defense spending clauses to avoid similar enforcement. The move tests the bloc's fiscal rules as Bulgaria struggles with political instability.
Hungary faces August deadline for €16.4 billion
Prime Minister Péter Magyar must pass ten remaining judicial and anti-corruption reforms by August 31 to unlock three frozen funding streams. While a deal with Brussels is in place, the RRF regulation requires all milestones to be completed—not just promised—before the money expires at year-end. Hungary now faces the political hurdle of joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and stripping government trusts of university control.
Arson and 5,000 protesters shut Brenner
A dual shutdown by suspected arsonists and thousands of Tyrolean residents has paralyzed Europe’s busiest Alpine crossing. The crisis exposes a policy fracture: Brussels is investing billions in rail tunnels while simultaneously supporting an Italian lawsuit against the truck restrictions intended to move freight off the road, where tolls remain nearly €335 cheaper than in neighboring Switzerland.