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☆ Israel-Hamas war: Why Hezbollah is threatening Cyprus
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

While experts say war between Israel and Hezbollah remains unlikely, the very mention of Cyprus adds a new dimension to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Stavros Ioannides/PIO/ReutersWhat has Cyprus’ role been in the Gaza war? Cyprus has been keen to dispel any suggestions that it is implicated in the Gaza war, noting its humanitarian efforts that helped bring some aid into Gaza. It would mean that an EU country is, for the first time, directly involved in an expanded Gaza war. “The US also does not want to find itself in another Middle East quagmire, especially with presidential elections looming.”

Persons: Hassan Nasrallah, ”, Nikos Christodoulides, ” Peter Stano, Abdallah Bou Habib, Constantinos Kombos, Lebanon’s, Israel, “, Eli Cohen, Stavros Ioannides, PIO, Christodoulides, Yiannis Kourtoglou, ” Mohammad Ali Shabani, Amwaj.media, ” Lina Khatib, ” Khatib, Biden Organizations: CNN, Lebanese, European Union, EU, United Nations, Lebanon’s, Cypriot, Israel, The, NATO, Israel Defense Forces, IDF, Reuters, Spanish, North Africa, Chatham House Locations: Cyprus, Israel, “ Cyprus, Iran, Lebanon, EU, Greece, Gaza, East, Europe, European, Delaware, Republic of Cyprus, Turkish, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Turkey, The Republic of Cyprus, Nicosia, Tel Aviv, Larnaca, ”, UAE, Russian, Syria, London, Haifa, “

☆ Putin may need arms from North Korea’s Kim for Ukraine war, but what is he willing to give in return?
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

North Korea launched its first spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, in November. The arrangement may also enable North Korea to gain real-world intel on the functioning of its weaponry and help it ramp up exports more broadly. Such satellites can help North Korea improve its ground-based military capabilities, for example enabling it to more accurately target opponents’ forces with its own missiles. Both countries in recent years have blocked movement in the council related to North Korea as they grew skeptical of US-backed sanctions. He pointed to his experiences during the former US President Barack Obama administration working on nonproliferation efforts related to North Korea and Iran.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Putin ramped, Kim Jong, Putin, ”, Edward Howell, Xi Jinping, Kim, ” Putin, “ Kim Jong, he’ll, Ankit, Sofiia Gatilova, Putin –, “ Putin, –, John Erath, Erath, Xi, it’s, Michael McFaul, Barack Obama, ” McFaul, … we’re Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, University of Oxford, KCNA, intel, South, United Nations, North, Carnegie Endowment, International Peace, Kremlin, UN Security Council, Center for Arms Control, Observers, UN, National Security, Center for Strategic, International Studies Locations: Hong Kong, North Korea, Ukraine, Russia, Pyongyang, Moscow, Eurasia, United Kingdom, United States, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Seoul, Washington, North Korean, Korea, Russian, Kharkiv, Kyiv, China, Iran

☆ EU countries approve landmark nature law after delays
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The nature restoration law is among the EU's biggest environmental policies, requiring member states to introduce measures restoring nature on a fifth of their land and sea by 2030. EU countries' environment ministers backed the policy at a meeting in Luxembourg, meaning it can now pass into law. "I know I will face opposition in Austria on this, but I am convinced that this is the time to adopt this law," Gewessler told reporters. Belgium, which holds the EU's rotating presidency and chairs meetings of ministers, said the Austrian government dispute would not affect the legality of the EU ministers' vote. EU countries and the European Parliament negotiated a deal on the law last year but it has come under fire from some governments in recent months amid protests by farmers angry at costly EU regulations.

Persons: Leonore Gewessler, Gewessler, Chancellor Karl Nehammer's, Karoline Edtstadler Organizations: Climate, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, European Union, European, Union, Greens, People's Party, EU Locations: European, Brussels, Luxembourg, Austria, Belgium, Austrian

☆ 'We're not backing down:' How the West plans to use Russia's frozen funds, and why some say it's still not enough to help Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-16 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The Group of Seven has agreed in principal to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan. Profits from Russian frozen funds are to be used as collateral to back the loan. AdvertisementThe Group of Seven has finally moved the dial on a contentious idea to provide funding to Ukraine by using Russian funds. AdvertisementRoughly $322 billion in funds were frozen after Moscow invaded Ukraine and have sat untouched for over two years. That could mean Moscow taps Western funds in the country and punishes any Western companies that have remained in Russia.

Persons: —, Putin, we're, Joe Biden, Biden, Michael Froman, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Charles Lichfield, Chatham House's Timothy Ash Organizations: Seven, Service, Kyiv, European Commission, of Foreign, CNBC, Moscow, The, CEPA, Financial Times Locations: Ukraine, headbutting, Moscow, Europe, Kyiv, Russia, France, Germany

☆ The Greens Are Dead. Long Live the Greens!
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-16 | by ( Matina Stevis-Gridneff | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

There is no sugarcoating it: losing one-third of their seats in the European Parliament elections last week, the Greens tanked. The European Union has in recent years emerged as the world’s most ambitious frontier in fighting climate change. European voters are anxious about the war in Ukraine and its effect on defense and the economy. A cost-of-living crisis fueled by the coronavirus pandemic is still gripping core European Union members. In this new set of priorities, the Greens’ appeal seems to have faded — or worse, made them appear out of touch.

Organizations: Greens, European, Union Locations: Ukraine

☆ Russian ally ditching Putin's rival to NATO damages the image Putin wants to project of himself, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewArmenia's announcement that it's going to leave a Russia-led alliance that was set up to rival NATO is a blow to the image Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to project, experts told Business Insider. In fact, experts say it's the opposite of what Putin hoped to achieve with the alliance. But leading it is still important to Putin as, in Putin's mind, "great powers lead alliances and organizations." Armenia snubbing RussiaPashinyan's announcement came after months of snubs against Putin, and criticism of the CSTO in general.

Persons: —, Vladimir Putin, Nikol Pashinyan, Putin, Davis Ellison, Alexander Cooley, Thomas Graham, snubs, Pashinyan, Graham, Armenia doesn't Organizations: Service, NATO, Collective Security, Organization, Business, The Hague, Strategic Studies, Columbia University, Yale, Armenia's, Reuters, Getty Locations: Russia, Armenia, Kremlin, Soviet Union, Moscow, Soviet, East, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Washington, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan

☆ EU tariffs on EVs sting China but won’t halt BYD’s advance
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The impact on China’s EV makers will vary depending on the level of tariff and each company’s cost structure. “One critical issue for China is that the EU accounted for 38% of China’s EV exports in 2023,” Sebastian said. In February, nine government agencies, including the Commerce Ministry and the central bank, vowed to provide support to accelerate Chinese EV makers’ global push. Tesla prices to riseIn contrast to BYD, state-owned carmaker SAIC is in a “disastrous” situation facing 38.1% in additional tariffs, according to Sebastian. Soula said China could retaliate by imposing tariffs on some European goods such as luxury cars, premium brandies or airplane parts.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, BYD, Tesla, Gregor Sebastian, ”, ” Sebastian, Etienne Soula, It’s, Sebastian, Geely, Andrew Bergbaum, don’t, Soula Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, European Union, EV, China’s, Alliance, Democracy, German Marshall Fund of, Commerce Ministry, SAIC, Volvo, European Commission, UBS, EU Locations: China, Hong Kong, European, Europe, Beijing, Asia, Brazil, Turkey, United States, EU, America, Shanghai, Hungary, Italy, Spain

☆ One of Russia's allies says it is quitting Putin's rival to NATO, in the latest snub to the Kremlin
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewA key Russian ally said it's quitting the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a group widely considered to be President Vladimir Putin's answer to NATO. The prime minister told lawmakers: "We will leave. Related storiesTensions have heightened between Russia and Armenia since Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which Pashinyan has refused to endorse on multiple occasions. Frankopan said the latest development may not end with Armenia leaving the CSTO if negotiations take place.

Persons: —, it's, Vladimir Putin's, Nikol Pashinyan, he'd, Pashinyan, Putin, Pashinyan's, Dmitry Peskov, Peter Frankopan, Frankopan Organizations: Service, Security, Organization, NATO, Armenian, Associated Press, Business, AP, Kremlin, Oxford University, West . Relations, Ukraine —, Azerbaijan, International Criminal Locations: Russian, Russia, Moscow, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Balkans, Azerbaijan

☆ Europe risks trade war with China by hiking tariffs on its electric cars
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, launched the probe in October to establish whether Chinese EV prices are artificially low because of subsidies and so hurt European carmakers. Europe is the main destination for Chinese EV exports. The new EV tariffs are likely to kick off intense negotiations between Beijing and Brussels aimed at averting a damaging trade war. Many of them manufacture cars in China and then sell them in Europe, a set-up that will be more costly as a result of the higher tariffs. Alternatively, Beijing could pledge investment into EU countries and promise better market access in China for EU firms, the Rhodium analysts wrote.

Persons: ” Will Roberts, BYD, Roberts, …, Olaf Scholz, ”, Joe Biden, Olesya Dmitracova, Mark Thompson, Shawn Deng, Alex Stambaugh Organizations: London CNN, European Union, European Commission, Commission, Volvo, SAIC, EV, EU, Rho Motion, China’s Ministry of Commerce, Rho, Renault’s, CNN, “, France EU, Group Locations: China, Beijing, European, Brussels, Washington, EU, Europe, Renault’s Dacia, “ Beijing, Germany, France, Spain, United States, Hungary, London, Hong Kong

☆ OPEC’s sway over global oil prices may soon loosen, IEA says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Anna Cooban | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The Paris-based IEA said Wednesday that it expects growth in global oil production — led by the United States and other countries in the Americas — to “inflate the world’s spare (oil) capacity cushion” to levels seen only once before, during the coronavirus pandemic when oil prices crashed. By 2030, global oil supply will outstrip demand by a “staggering” 8 million barrels per day, according to forecasts published by the agency in its medium-term oil market report. “(That’s) a major, major surplus and… might be one of the highest in the history,” Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director, told reporters. The IEA also forecast growth in global oil demand to “slow progressively” over the rest of the decade, with demand peaking by 2029 before contracting slightly the year after. Despite the cuts, oil prices have trended downward in recent months.

Persons: London CNN —, upend, ” Fatih Birol Organizations: London CNN, Organization of, Petroleum, International Energy Agency, The, ”, OPEC, CNN, IEA, Brent, West Texas Locations: OPEC, The Paris, United States, Americas, Russia, Syria, China

☆ Oil slips on dollar's strength from U.S. jobs data
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Oil wells are seen at an oil facility by the Highway 5 near Bakersfield in California, U.S. on Nov. 27, 2022. Oil prices nudged lower for a second straight session on Monday, weighed down by a firmer dollar as expectations of interest rate cuts were pushed out further following strong U.S. jobs data on Friday. On Friday, data showed the U.S. added more jobs than expected last month, leading investors to trim expectations for rate cuts and causing the dollar to rally. In the U.S., Washington stepped up purchasing of crude oil to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve after prices fell. Last week, U.S. energy firms cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating to the lowest since January 2022, energy services firm Baker Hughes said on Friday.

Persons: Emmanuel Macron, Le, Tony Sycamore, Sycamore, Brent, WTI, FGE, Washington, Baker Hughes, Hayan Abdel, Ghani Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, greenback, European Union, IG, U.S . Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, Organization of, Petroleum, bbl, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Iraq's Oil Locations: Bakersfield, California, U.S, European, Sydney, OPEC, Kurdistan, Iraq, Turkey

☆ European Parliament Elections: Key Takeaways
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Matina Stevis-Gridneff | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Voters in the 27 European Union member states sent a stern warning to mainstream political powers, wreaking havoc on French and, to a lesser degree, German politics and rewarding hard-line nationalist parties in a number of countries. Even so, the radical right-wing wave dreaded by the European political establishment did not fully materialize; the center of European Union politics held. Here are the most important trends emerging from the elections. Conservatives dominateThe mainstream center-right group, the European People’s Party, performed strongly and finished first, not only maintaining its dominance in the European Parliament but adding a few seats to boot. It was a sign that its strategy over the past two years, to integrate more right-leaning policies in order to stop voters from abandoning for further-right rivals, delivered.

Organizations: Union, European People’s Party

Members of European Parliament attend a plenary session in Brussels on April 10. John Thys/AFP/Getty ImagesThe European Parliament is the legislative branch of the European Union and one of the bloc’s three main institutions, along with the European Commission, which is the executive branch, and the European Council, which is made up of ministers from the governments of the 27 member states. In order for any legislation to be implemented, both the council and parliament have to agree. It often has the final word on major policy issues such as the budget, trade and sanctions on foreign nationals. For example, A comprehensive mutual investment agreement between the EU and China is effectively on hold while some MEPs are under sanctions from China.

Persons: John Thys, Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen Organizations: European, Getty, European Union, European Commission, European Council, EU Locations: Brussels, AFP, Belgium, Strasbourg, France, China

☆ The right-wing surge in EU Parliament could have implications for Europe and beyond
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Right-wing parties across Europe have seen a surge in support over recent years and are set for record gains in the 2024 European Parliament elections. Meanwhile, an emboldened ID party could apply pressure on Parliament to alter its stance on other contentious issues. Here's a look at how these shifts could impact EU policy. "The incoming Commission and Parliament are likely to continue the trend towards greater protectionism and intervention in strategic industries, although the EU will remain an open, trade-dependent economy," they wrote. EU enlargementElsewhere, enlargement of the EU could face further setbacks with a larger euroskeptic presence in Parliament.

Persons: Sean Gallup, Armida van Rij, Chatham House thinktank, Verisk, Mario Bikarski, Laurent Balt, van Rij, Dorien Rookmaker, Balt Organizations: Getty, Populist, Sunday, Greens, European Free Alliance, European People's Party, EPP, European Conservatives, Eurasia Group, Chatham House, CNBC, Immigration, Citi, ECR, EU Locations: Europe, Ukraine, Russia, China, U.S

☆ Europe’s center ground is shifting further to the right
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Luke Mcgee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

And while the far right is on course to make large gains, the center parties remain ahead. For those on the center right, domestic political shifts to the hard right could make working with the hard right increasingly attractive at a European level. The deadline for this is months away, which leaves a lot of time for horse-trading, which could see elements of the center right and hard right cooperate. It’s not implausible that the center right could vote with the left on issues like support for Ukraine, but then work with the hard right on immigration and climate policy. That was the result of years of domestic politics shifting in the UK, the center right shifting to fend off the hard right, ultimately leading to that rupture.

Persons: –, it’s, It’s, Emmanuel Macron, Pen, Macron, Brothers, Benito Mussolini, Ursula von der Leyen, she’s Organizations: CNN, European Union, EU, European People’s Party, Socialists, Democrats, Europe Greens, Conservative Reformers, European Locations: Europe, Ukraine, Brussels, Netherlands, France, Italy, EU

☆ Far right surges in European Parliament elections but center still holds
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Far-right parties are predicted to win a record number of seats in the European Parliament, a result that, if confirmed, would deliver a stinging rebuke to Brussels’ political mainstream and add uncertainty to Europe’s future direction. Most of the far-right gains were concentrated in countries that elect large numbers of seats: France, Italy and Germany. Alternative for Germany (AfD) party co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla cheer the exit poll in Berlin, Germany, June 9, 2024. Annegret Hilse/ReutersWhile the far-right surge may further complicate Brussels’ bid for unity, the far-right parties themselves remain relatively divided. Several other far-right parties are among the non-aligned (NI) group, predicted to secure 45 seats.

Persons: Ursula von der Leyen, –, ”, Europe’s centrists, Le, Emmanuel Macron, Jordan Bardella, ” Macron, Brigitte Macron, Stephane Lemouton, Olaf Scholz, Scholz, shored, ” von der Leyen, Alice Weidel, Tino Chrupalla, Annegret Hilse, Maximilian Krah, Roberta Metsola Organizations: CNN, European People’s Party, EPP, Macron’s Renaissance Party, Socialists, Social Democrats, Christian Democrats Party, CDU, EU, Forces, Reuters, Nazi, SS, Brussels Locations: Brussels, France, Italy, Germany, France’s, Europe, Britain, Russia, Ukraine, Kyiv, Berlin

☆ Far right makes big gains in EU elections as center right holds majority, early data indicates
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Populist, far-right parties have won record support in this year's European Parliament elections, early exit polls indicated Sunday. The center-right European People's Party (EPP) is once again projected to win the most parliamentary seats, with a marginally bigger majority than before. The projection is based on exit polls, national estimates and pre-election polling data, and follows a four-day, EU-wide vote. The European Parliament, which is responsible for deciding EU laws and budgets, is the only directed elected institution within the bloc. It is made up of Members of European Parliament (MEPs), who are elected by each member state and come together to form European party groups.

Organizations: Populist, European Conservatives, European People's Party, EPP, Europe, Greens, European Free Alliance, EU

European Union Parliament Election 2024: Live ResultsThe first countries are now reporting national estimates. The first overall estimate of parliament seat counts are expected after 2:15 p.m. Eastern. No results EPP S&D Renew ECR Greens ID Left Other No results Greens EPP ID S&D Renew Left Other ECR EPP S&D Renew ECR Greens ID Left Other No results Note: Country-level seat counts are estimates based on available exit polls and other non-official data from member states. Projection of overall seats by group The first overall seat count projection will be available after 2:15 p.m. Eastern. Group Seats Seats 0 0 0 0 + Show more * Newly elected members not allied to any of the political groups in the outgoing parliamentElection results are announced country by country, and voting is organized according to national rules.

Organizations: Union, EPP, Greens, Left, The New York Times

☆ U.S. economic engagement in Indo-Pacific 'isn't about China,' Commerce Secretary Raimondo says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-07 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

watch nowAmerica's economic engagement in Indo-Pacific "isn't about China" but for strengthening U.S. presence in the region, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told CNBC. President Joe Biden launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, involving14 countries, about two years ago, for economic and trade cooperation among the member states. Raimondo underscored the U.S doesn't stop countries in the region from deepening their own economic ties with China. "They all do trade with China, they all trade in EVs with China … that's fine." She added the U.S. was also "massively ramping" up its economic support in the region by providing technology, technical assistance and capital.

Persons: Gina Raimondo, Joe Biden, Raimondo, CNBC's Eunice Yoon, Lawrence Wong Organizations: CNBC, Prosperity, Commerce Department, Singapore's, U.S . Commerce Locations: China, U.S, Singapore, United States, Southeast Asia, EVs

☆ Dutch nationalist Wilders makes big gains at EU election, exit poll shows
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Geert Wilders, leader of the Freedom Party, campaigns ahead of the European elections, in The Hague, Netherlands, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Dutch nationalist Geert Wilders' anti-immigration party on Thursday was projected to have made large gains in the Netherlands' election for the European Parliament, an exit poll published by broadcaster NOS showed. Wilders' PVV party, which won the national election last year but secured no seat at the previous EU election, was predicted to have won seven seats, one less than the Labour/Green Left combination. Voting in the Netherlands kicked off four days of elections for the EU parliament across the 27 EU member states. The actual result of the Dutch election will be announced after voting has closed in all 27 member states, on Sunday at 2100 GMT.

Persons: Geert Wilders, Wilders Organizations: Freedom Party, Parliament, NOS, Labour Locations: The Hague, Netherlands

☆ EU elections kick off against a backdrop of China disputes, 'greenlash' and possible Trump return
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Silvia Amaro | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Laurie Dieffembacq | Afp | Getty ImagesThe political makeup of the European Union is about to change with voters across the 27 member states heading to the polls from Thursday until Sunday. Trump has previously remarked that he would not protect NATO countries from Russian attacks if they lag on their membership payments. Green pledgesIn the wake of the 2019 EU elections, the bloc claimed it was the global champion on a climate-friendly agenda. "This could include more support for nuclear power or even support fracking for cheaper and more reliable gas," they added. "An even larger Eurosceptic representation is also likely to weigh against bold reforms which could make enlargement difficult," the analysts said.

Persons: Hadja, Laurie Dieffembacq, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Biden, Trump, Green, Giorgia, There's Organizations: Belgian, Afp, Getty, European, CNBC, U.S . European Union, U.S, EU, NATO, European Commission, Citi, Bloomberg, European Union Locations: European Union, Europe, U.S, Ukraine, China, Brussels, Beijing, Italy, Rome, Kyiv

☆ European elections 2024: What’s at stake in the world’s biggest multi-country vote
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Luke Mcgee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —One of the world’s largest democratic exercises gets underway this week, with some 373 million people across the European Union eligible to vote in elections for the next European Parliament. Pedestrians walk past a banner displayed on the building of the European Parliament in Brussels on May 17, 2024. The European Parliament sits primarily in Brussels, Belgium, but moves roughly once a month to Strasbourg, France. National elections are set to take place in France in 2027, in which right-wing populist Le Pen could emerge victorious. There are EPP members (and certainly ECR members) who will agree with ID members on matters such as immigration and climate change.

Persons: Kenzo Tribouillard, Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen, Ursula von der Leyen, Giorgia Meloni, Yara Nardi, Pen, Emmanuel Macron’s, What’s, Simona Granati, der Leyen, Von der Leyen, it’s Organizations: CNN, European Union, Voters, EU, Getty, European Commission, European Council, Italian, European, European People’s Party, EPP, Progressive Alliance of Socialists, European Conservatives, ECR, Corbis, Von Locations: Ukraine, Gaza, EU, Brussels, AFP, European, Belgium, Strasbourg, France, Lampedusa, China, Europe, Italian, Rome, Italy, Germany

☆ Biden aims to deepen transatlantic ties with trip to France for D-Day, state visit amid Ukraine crisis
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Kayla Tausche | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Paris CNN —US President Joe Biden touched down in Paris on Wednesday for a trip marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day and engaging in a state visit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Biden “really believes we’re at an inflection point in history,” John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, said. The visit to France aims to bring Biden closer to one of his key allies on the world stage. Biden quietly gave Ukraine permission to use those weapons; Macron was less subtle in his support for the measure. By contrast, European Union member states together have sent Ukraine $53 billion in direct financial assistance and $35 billion in military aid.

Persons: Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron, Biden, Biden “, ” John Kirby, “ It’s, ” Kirby, ”, Andrew Bates, “, Republican –, Macron, ” Macron, Volodymyr Zelensky, Jake Sullivan, ” Marcon, Zelensky, ” CNN’s Jessie Gretener, Mariya Knight, Joseph Ataman Organizations: Paris CNN, French, National Security Council, Army Rangers, Biden, Wall, Air Force, Congressional, Republicans, Republican, White House, United, Union, Bank, European Union Locations: Paris, Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Normandy, Nazi Germany, Pointe, Omaha and Utah, France, Washington, Italy, Los Angeles, Moscow, Kharkiv, Meseberg, Brandenburg, Germany, United States

☆ A Ukrainian commander said new troops are trained so badly they have to learn basic skills on the front lines like shooting a gun
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The 93rd Mechanized Brigade has seen some of the heaviest fighting in the war, including the battles for Bakhmut, Kharkiv, and Adviivka. One newly arrived soldier, identified by call sign Val of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, told the outlet he was assigned to the front line with a day's notice. AdvertisementAnother soldier from the 42nd Mechanized Brigade in Kharkiv told the outlet that "everything is learned on the spot." As for new recruits, Ukraine's training centers are barely equipped to provide soldiers with basic training, per the Post. AdvertisementThe UK hosts trainings for Ukrainian troops under its Operation Interflex program.

Persons: —, Schmidt, Mechanized Brigade Kholodny Yar, ANATOLII STEPANOV, Val, France —, HENRY NICHOLLS Organizations: Service, Washington Post, Business, Kyiv, 93rd Mechanized Brigade, Bakhmut, Mechanized Brigade, Getty, 42nd Mechanized Brigade, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, Ukraine, Atlantic Treaty Organization, Kremlin, NATO, for Locations: Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukrainian, Bakhmut, Donetsk, AFP, Chasiv Yar, Kyiv, Baltic States, France, Russia, Washington

☆ Croatian millennials can't afford to buy homes. The solution — build on top of their parents' place.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Joshua Zitser/Business InsiderWhen Dascalescu, originally from Romania, moved to Mokošica in 2017 with his Croatian wife, Diana, buying a home in Dubrovnik wasn't financially viable. Now, Dascalescu and Marlais live on their own floor, beneath her brother and his children, who live beneath their parents. Joshua Zitser/Business InsiderThe popularity of this set-up comes down to price, according to a Croatian real-estate expert. AdvertisementPerhaps as a result, many Croatian millennials are stuck living at home well into their mid-30s — the highest average age in Europe. Given the lucrative potential of short-term rentals, Croatian homeowners might also be building rooftop apartments for tourists, to generate extra income, he added.

Persons: —, Bogdan Dascalescu, Dascalescu, Joshua Zitser, Diana Marlais, Diana, Marlais, Bogdan Dascalescu's, Filip Brkan, Brkan, Ivan Vukovic, Nenad Lipovac, Lipovac, there's Organizations: Service, Business, Real Estate Business Association of, Croatian Chamber, Eurostat, UNESCO, University of Zagreb, BI Locations: Dubrovnik, Old Town, Mokošica, Independence, Romania, Croatian, Dubrovnik wasn't, Marlais, Croatia, Europe

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