NATO

After Red Sea mission, Greece seeks key role in EU defence – minister

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After Red Sea mission, Greece seeks key role in EU defence – minister

Greece hosts the headquarters of the EU operation “Aspides” aimed at protecting ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The operation was launched to guard vessels against Iranian-aligned Houthi militants supporting Hamas in its conflict with Israel. Greece, controlling the world’s largest merchant fleet, has seen a significant increase in attacks against its vessels, leading to a 40% drop in trade at its largest port, Piraeus. The Greek frigate Hydra recently sailed for the Red Sea as Greece assumed command of the EU mission, with its headquarters in Larissa and Italy commanding the naval force. The EU’s Red Sea naval mission involves five warships from Germany, Italy, Belgium, and France. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU aims to enhance its defense role. Greece is pursuing a defense reform and industry revamp, including a 10-year purchasing plan for new F-35 jets, French frigates, and U.S.-made Black Hawk helicopters. Greece also plans to produce drone and anti-drone systems and is in discussions with the U.S. to co-design and build Constellation-class frigates.

Swedish PM to visit Hungary before ratification of NATO bid

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Swedish PM to visit Hungary before ratification of NATO bid

Fact: Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is scheduled to travel to Budapest on Friday to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban before Hungary’s parliament votes on Sweden’s NATO membership bid the following Monday.

Fact: Sweden applied to join NATO nearly two years ago following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Fact: Hungary is the last NATO member that has not ratified Sweden’s accession, with delays attributed to criticism from Sweden regarding Hungary’s rule of law.

Fact: Orban expressed it would be a pleasure to welcome Kristersson and mentioned plans to discuss defense and security policy cooperation, the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the EU’s Strategic Agenda.

Fact: Orban’s Fidesz party, which has a significant majority in the Hungarian parliament, proposed a vote to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership for February 26 and indicated support for the motion.

Fact: The delay in ratification has affected Budapest’s relations with the United States and caused concern among allies.

Fact: The visit by Kristersson follows an invitation from Orban, and they plan to hold a joint press conference.

Fact: Hungary leases Gripen fighter aircraft from Sweden’s SAAB under a contract that was signed in 2001.

Fact: There are reports of a potential new defense deal between Sweden and Hungary, but a Hungarian government spokesman has not responded to inquiries.

Explainer: What you need to know about the 2024 US presidential election

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Explainer: What you need to know about the 2024 US presidential election

Fact: Former President Donald Trump is on the cusp of winning the Republican nomination for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Opinion: Trump’s words, military imbalance seen raising risk of war in Europe

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Opinion: Trump’s words, military imbalance seen raising risk of war in Europe

Fact: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new munitions factory and warned that Europe must move to mass producing weapons because we do not live in times of peace.

Steinmeier calls for , ‘bold steps’ and compromise

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Steinmeier calls for , ‘bold steps’ and compromise

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for both sides in Cyprus to show a willingness to compromise and take bold steps to find a solution. He expressed support for the resolution of the Cyprus issue and emphasized Germany’s support for a bi-zonal bi-communal federation within the framework of the United Nations. Steinmeier also praised Cyprus’s role as a safe harbor for the European Union and highlighted the need for Turkey to address the Cyprus problem in relation to its approach to the EU. The Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the current state of affairs in Cyprus is unacceptable and that the key to a solution lies with Ankara. He called for the European Union to play a more active role in resolving the Cyprus problem and expressed hope for the reunification of Cyprus. The two presidents also discussed bilateral relations, including cooperation on defense, economics, and energy. Steinmeier commended Cyprus’s contribution to the evacuation of German citizens from Israel and expressed support for the EU’s stance on Ukraine. He also addressed the issue of immigration, with Steinmeier acknowledging the burden faced by Cyprus and calling for a common European asylum system.

Hungary: Ruling party boycotts Sweden's NATO membership

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Hungary: Ruling party boycotts Sweden's NATO membership

The governing party of Hungary has boycotted the emergency parliamentary session to approve Sweden's entry into NATO. Despite the presence of NATO ambassadors in the parliament, Hungary demanded that the Swedish Prime Minister visit Budapest before the parliament decides on Sweden's application. The move leaves Hungary as the last country in NATO needed to approve Sweden's entry into the alliance. The United States has expressed disappointment over Hungary's obstruction of the vote.

Delor of "EEC-NATO…"

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Delor of "EEC-NATO..."

Jacques Delors, the former President of the European Commission, had the strategic goal of deepening cooperation among the existing members of the European Economic Community (EEC). He aimed to expand and strengthen this cooperation, as well as replace the German mark with a pan-European currency accepted by all. Delors believed that adopting a common currency required a framework of overall enforced fiscal and financial discipline. This framework was later established through the Maastricht criteria. Delors received support from various European leaders, including Chancellor Kohl of West Germany, Prime Minister Thatcher of the UK, and President Bush of the US. During his tenure, the EEC expanded with the accession of Spain, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, and Cyprus. It is noteworthy that Cyprus applied for membership and eventually joined the EU with the support of the AKEL party, despite previously criticizing the EEC as being the same as NATO.

Nuland: If the S400 issue is resolved, Turkey can return to the F35 program

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Nuland: If the S400 issue is resolved, Turkey can return to the F35 program

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United States, Victoria Nuland, stated that if the issue of the S400 is resolved, the US will welcome Turkey back into the F35 family. She also mentioned that Turkey's approval of Sweden's accession to NATO is significant and that the US wants to revive its relationship with Turkey. Nuland emphasized the importance of Turkey's participation in the development of the F-16 fleet and the need for a strong defense system. She also discussed the possibility of resolving the S400 issue and returning to F-35 negotiations. Nuland had productive discussions in Ankara regarding various aspects of the US-Turkey relationship, including energy, environment, trade, and defense cooperation. She expressed the desire to strengthen dialogue on counterterrorism actions and address challenges in the Middle East.

Time to consider maritime security

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Time to consider maritime security

Cyprus has been unsuccessful in establishing itself in the eastern Mediterranean geopolitical sphere and has been considered too small to be taken seriously by allies and neighbors. However, recent tensions in the Middle East and the need for increased security have created an opportunity for Cyprus to change this perception. Cyprus lacks the means to defend its own rights, such as natural resources and commercial interests, and is unable to prevent migrant traffickers from diverting refugees to its shores. Additionally, Cyprus-flagged vessels face risks in areas of conflict. Developing a navy could enhance maritime academies and provide a means for Cyprus to protect its interests. As Europe seeks military autonomy and Turkey’s military power remains unchallenged, Cyprus should consider joining a joint European navy or military group. The importance of energy resources, particularly natural gas, gives Cyprus the incentive to establish a naval presence to reassure commercial partners of its ability to protect its sovereign rights and resources.

Finns go to the polls today – Elect a new president in the shadow of tensions with Moscow

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Finns go to the polls today - Elect a new president in the shadow of tensions with Moscow

The text describes the role of the President of Finland, who has limited powers compared to the Prime Minister. The President handles foreign policy in cooperation with the government and is the highest commander of the armed forces of Finland. The Finnish people are voting for a new president, with the position having greater demands due to the tension with Russia after the war in Ukraine. Finland became the 31st member of NATO, which displeased Russia. The top two candidates in the presidential elections are Alexander Stubb, a former Prime Minister, and Pekka Haavisto, a former Foreign Minister from the Green Party. The third candidate is Juha Halla-aho from the Finns Party. The voting polls open at 9:00 local time and close at 20:00. The relations between Finland and Russia have significantly worsened since February 2022 and the Russian attack on Ukraine. After the neighboring country's accession to NATO in April 2023, Moscow promised "countermeasures." In August, Finland faced an influx of visa-free migrants at its eastern borders. Helsinki accused Moscow of orchestrating a migration crisis and closed its borders with Russia in November.