Politico
- Politico
Russian court extends Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's detention by 3 months
Editor's Note
A Russian court has extended the arrest of Evan Gershkovich , a WSJ reporter who is accused of espionage. Gershkovich has been detained since March without access to a lawyer. Politico reports.
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
EU pulls its gun on China
informed Summary
- Europe has shifted from its passive stance towards China, demonstrating readiness to confront Beijing over issues such as state subsidies to Chinese companies. Recent investigations -- including a raid on Nuctech -- signal a clear change in approach, coinciding with Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Europe.
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
Who could take on von der Leyen for Commission president?
informed Summary
- Despite being the frontrunner for a second term as European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen's re-election is no longer assured. That has sparked speculation about potential alternatives.
Politics1 min read - Politico
How a second Trump presidency could tear Europe apart
informed Summary
- Europe will face several challenges if Donald Trump's returns to the White House, with potential repercussions on Ukraine and NATO. Trump's plan entails coercing Ukraine into ceding territories to Russia, which could pose a threat to European unity.
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
Relieved by US progress on Ukraine aid, Europe grapples with its own support for Kyiv
informed Summary
- Over the weekend, European leaders praised the passage of a $60.8 billion Ukraine aid package by the U.S. House of Representatives. At the same time, some politicians warned that more support is urgently needed from Europe.
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
Deepfakes, distrust and disinformation: Welcome to the AI election
informed Summary
- Callum Hood, a British researcher, demonstrates the potential of AI tools, capable of swiftly generating realistic images to undermine elections worldwide, highlighting concerns about their misuse in spreading disinformation.
Tech1 min read - Politico
Putin is bombing Ukraine into darkness — and leaving Europe short of power
informed Summary
- Russia is now inflicting more permanent damage on Ukraine by attacking power plants and gas storage facilities. These repairs will take years and are threatening Europe's winter energy supplies.
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
Why Ukraine is losing the war with Russia
informed Summary
- Delays in Western aid and relentless attacks by Russia are sapping the fighting spirit of Ukraine's armed forces. Soldiers lack advanced weapons and basic ammunition, leading to a lack of enthusiasm among the wider poblic
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
Why Germany’s Scholz is bowing to the Chinese dragon
informed Summary
- Olaf Scholz's recent debut on TikTok came ahead of a crucial visit to China, signaling his recognition of the country's significance amid Germany's economic challenges and its chancellor's own political vulnerabilities.
Politics1 min read - Politico
Will American AI kill European culture?
informed Summary
- European countries are rapidly developing AI chatbots in their own languages as an alternative to the U.S. tech giants that dominate the space. They fear that the likes of OpenAI and Google will erode European culture and economies.
Tech1 min read - Politico
‘I won’t dance. Promise,’ says Olaf Scholz as he joins TikTok
informed Summary
- German chancellor Olaf Scholz has joined other political leaders in signing up for TikTok, using the account name @teambundeskanzer.
Politics1 min read - Politico
JK Rowling, Joe Rogan and Elon Musk are fuming over Scotland’s hate crime law. Here’s why
informed Summary
- The Scottish government has passed a new law to protect groups like transgender people from hate crimes. It criminalizes "stirring up hatred" and adds transgender identity as a protected characteristic.
Politics1 min read - Politico
Ukraine is at great risk of its front lines collapsing
informed Summary
- The Ukrainian government fears losing ground in its war with Russia without a multi-billion dollar U.S. aid package currently stalled in Congress. This lack of weapons and ammunition would make it difficult to counter Russia's potential offensive.
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
France’s war on woke, from the salons to the cinemas
informed Summary
- French intellectuals like Jean-Michel Blanquer regard "wokeness" as divisive and reductive. They believe it focuses on group identity over individual merit and clashes with France's ideal of universalism. This critique comes from across the political spectrum, including some on the left.
Culture1 min read - Politico
Belgium still struggling with its colonial ghosts
informed Summary
- The publication of a report on Belgium's colonial past has been blocked by lawmakers from the French-speaking liberals the Flemish far right and the Flemish nationalists. The report was compiled by a commission that was later dissolved due to disagreements on recommendations.
World Affairs3 min read - Politico
Putin the autocrat comes of age
informed Summary
- A massive terrorist attack at the Crocus City complex in Moscow last week killed at least 140 people. ISIS claimed responsibility, but Putin blamed Ukraine and the West.
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
As Russia attacks, Ukraine scrambles to dig enough trenches
informed Summary
- Ukrainian lawmakers are concerned that the military is falling behind in constructing fortifications to repel an anticipated Russian attack in the east. They argue that work on the fortifications started too late and isn't happening quickly enough.
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
Big Chocolate is conning you this Easter
informed Summary
- European chocolate lovers are facing a bitter Easter, with prices jumping as much as 50% due to a global cocoa shortage. This has been caused by extreme weather in Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer.
Economy1 min read - Politico
From Navalny to Gaza: Human rights activists need to connect the dots
informed Summary
- In this Politico story, Paula Kweskin argues that Iran and Russia are working together to spread extremism and suppress human rights globally. They achieve this through supporting militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and by committing human rights abuses against their own citizens.
World Affairs1 min read - Politico
Putin’s going nowhere. The West needs to get a grip.
informed Summary
- Predictions of Vladimir Putin's downfall have persisted for years, but the Russian president's grip on power has only tightened over time. The recent election, where he secured an overwhelming share of the vote, underscores his firm control over the country, despite sporadic protests and social media dissent.
World Affairs1 min read
