EU Commission: two firefighting aircraft to Cyprus
The European Commission will reinforce Cyprus’ firefighting fleet with two aircraft this summer, amid increased risks of forest fires.
European Commission
EU bolsters Cyprus’ firefighting capacity for warmer-than-average summer
The European Commission will provide Cyprus with two light aircraft to enhance its firefighting capabilities this summer due to the increased wildfire risks in the Southeastern Mediterranean region. The Air Tractor models will be leased by Cyprus, with costs covered by the EU through the RescEU mechanism. The aircraft will be available for deployment to other EU countries if necessary. RescEU activations have increased significantly in recent years, with Cyprus activating the mechanism eight times since 2016. Wildfires have affected 500 million hectares globally in 2023, with Greece, Spain, and Italy being the hardest hit. The focus this year is on strengthening firefighting personnel, with additional firefighters being sent to France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain for the third consecutive summer from various EU countries.
North Macedonian president’s inauguration revives name dispute with Greece
Greece threatened to hinder North Macedonia’s EU bid after newly elected president Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova referred to her country as just “Macedonia,” violating a U.N.-brokered agreement. Greece has long argued that the use of the term implies territorial claims on a Greek province also called Macedonia. EU and Greek officials warned that progress towards EU accession hinges on North Macedonia’s respect for agreements, including the Prespa accord renaming the country “North Macedonia.” The nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party, which backed Siljanovska-Davkova’s election, refuses to acknowledge the Prespa deal, causing frustration in both countries.
Immigration measures , ‘have brought positive results’
– The state’s immigration measures have brought positive results
– There is a significant reduction in arrivals at present and return rates in April continued as before
– The EU would support Lebanon’s armed forces with equipment and training for border management.
Poland wants to fill the position of EU defense commissioner, says former PM
Poland may seek to fill the new position of a European commissioner for defense if it is created, according to European Parliament vice-president Ewa Kopacz. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to create the post if she wins a second term. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the position.
Tales from the Coffeeshop: Cost-cutting: increasing the taxpayer, ’s costs
Fact: Tornaritis is not very popular among Disy supporters because of his two-faced role in the last presidential elections.
Google fights $17 bln UK lawsuit over adtech practices
Google parent Alphabet is facing a mass lawsuit in London accusing it of abusing its dominance in the online advertising market. The lawsuit seeks damages of up to 13.6 billion pounds on behalf of UK-based publishers who claim they have suffered losses due to Google’s allegedly anticompetitive behavior.
Greece extends naval advisory to deter Russian oil ship-to-ship transfers
The Greek navy has extended an advisory to ban ship traffic off the coast of the southeastern Peloponnese to prevent ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil. International sanctions have made trading Russian oil difficult, leading to vessels avoiding cargo and vessel checks by Greek authorities in offshore transfer points. The advisory is aimed at deterring such activities and may be extended further to push away ship-to-ship transfers close to Greek waters.
Foreign interests working against Greece is a myth
Fact: Jacques Delors recounted an exchange at a meeting of the Council of the EEC where the French president argued in favor of Greece’s full membership by highlighting its historical significance as the homeland of Aristotle.
Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains
French right-wing lawmaker Jean-Paul Garraud expects nationalist and eurosceptic parties to gain influence in the upcoming EU assembly election. Polls predict radical right parties will increase their seats across the EU, including France, Germany, and Italy. Garraud anticipates far-right parties could have positions in committees or even hold key roles in the European Parliament, allowing them to influence policies related to green initiatives, free trade, and immigration. The rise of radical right parties is fueled by a growing gap between mainstream parties and distrustful voters, as well as concerns over issues such as the cost of living, illegal migration, and changing geopolitical dynamics. Critics warn that the influence of the hard right could weaken Europe and potentially lead to closer ties with China and Russia.