European countries

Citizen’s disappointment and the responsibility of politicians

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Citizen’s disappointment and the responsibility of politicians

There is a strong tendency among the electorate to vote punitively, with a segment of society refusing to vote for parties they see as part of the establishment. This anger is fueled by economic hardship, the state’s inability to provide basic services, and the rise of far-right parties like ELAM. The political system is perceived as weak and unable to address societal problems, with politicians focusing more on their image and social media presence. Society’s choices reflect a desire for revenge on the establishment, but this also leads to disengagement from politics. The responsibility for these choices lies with society, which must find answers to its own problems before the next elections.

We are designing an obsolete future

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We are designing an obsolete future

A study in a small EU member state proposes reducing car use by 13.45% by 2040 through urban tolls and low-emission zones, sparking reactions and ultimately rejected by the Ministry of Transport. The country aims to increase public transport trips to 17% and decrease car use by 14%. Comparisons are made to other EU countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, which have successfully reduced car use through infrastructure improvements. The country is seen as lagging behind in implementing sustainable transport measures.

School bomb threat email sent from Swiss service provider

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School bomb threat email sent from Swiss service provider

The threatening email sent to schools in Cyprus on May 17 appears to have been sent using services from a Swiss company, as indicated by the response provided by Russian authorities to Cypriot authorities.

In Cyprus 50 years ago, in Israel 7 months ago

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In Cyprus 50 years ago, in Israel 7 months ago

The Palestinian President made a translation error in an official statement that referred to the “Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus,” causing mild reactions in Cyprus. Some people point out that Cyprus recognized the State of Palestine in 1988, unlike Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which recently did so. The focus should be on the form of the state, as Hamas, a terrorist organization, is in control of Gaza and aims to prevent Israel from having a state.

Headquarters Question: Where Could UBS Relocate?

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Headquarters Question: Where Could UBS Relocate?

Fact: UBS currently pays around 18.5 percent on its profits in Switzerland, derived from a mixed calculation of cantonal rates, with Zurich at 19.61 percent and Basel-Stadt at 13.04 percent.

Our View: Parties, ’ obsession with Elam has not yielded results

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Our View: Parties, ’ obsession with Elam has not yielded results

Elam, an extreme right nationalist party in Cyprus, has become a central focus in the election campaign for the European Parliament. Opinion polls suggest that Elam could finish third in the elections, leading other parties to turn against it due to its links with Greece’s neo-fascist Golden Dawn party. Migration has emerged as a major political issue in the campaign, with Elam being known for its xenophobic rhetoric and anti-migrant stance. Other parties, such as Diko and Edek, have directed attacks at Elam in an attempt to prevent losing votes to the far-right party. Despite efforts from various parties to discredit Elam, they have inadvertently given the party free publicity.

EU’s Borrell says some European countries are trying to intimidate ICC judges

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EU’s Borrell says some European countries are trying to intimidate ICC judges

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged some European countries to stop intimidating International Criminal Court judges over a case against Israeli leaders. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan filed for arrest warrants against Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders. Israel denies committing war crimes in Gaza and has called the ICC politically motivated. Several countries, including the United States, have denounced the ICC prosecutor’s decision. Spain, Norway, and Ireland announced they will recognize an independent Palestinian state. Borrell stated that supporting Palestinian state-building should not be considered antisemitic.

Israel stops Spanish consulate from providing services to Palestinians

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Israel stops Spanish consulate from providing services to Palestinians

Israel is blocking the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians in the West Bank after Spain recognized Palestine. Israel accuses Spain, Ireland, and Norway of rewarding Hamas for attacking Israel. Spain’s Labour Minister used an expression that Israel sees as a call for its destruction. Spain is analyzing Israel’s decision to limit the consulate’s abilities to serve Palestinians.

Euros & Dollars: Bad Timing for Lithuania’s Tax Hikes

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Euros & Dollars: Bad Timing for Lithuania's Tax Hikes

The Lithuanian Finance Ministry proposed increasing the corporate tax rate by one percentage point, hiking excise duty on fuel, and introducing a tax on some insurance contracts to raise additional funds for defense.

Israel doesn’t want peace in the Middle East

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Israel doesn’t want peace in the Middle East

Israel’s reaction to Norway, Ireland, and Spain recognizing the State of Palestine was expected. The European countries’ intentions are historic and assert the need for coexistence and recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. Recognizing the State of Palestine is a condemnation of Israeli authoritarianism and their genocidal campaign. It is crucial for humanity’s survival, even if it means isolating Israel to achieve peace and end the slaughter.