Andy Burnham says he'll deliver a circuit breaker to transform the UK economy if he becomes leader Andy Burnham, likely the next U.K. prime minister, has pledged to give more autonomy to local leaders The Independent UK · Jun 29
Stray Ukrainian drones crashing onto Nato soil are price worth paying to defeat Putin, says Estonian foreign minister ‘We are not saying to Ukraine to stop it,’ said Margus Tsahkna The Independent UK · Jun 29
US marks 250th anniversary in Brussels with messages of transatlantic solidarity The invitation-only event drew almost 10,000 guests, including NATO chief Mark Rutte, which also sparked some local protests over the weekend-long closure of the public park. Euronews · Jun 29
Newsletter: Air-con culture war cranks up as heatwave moves east Also in this newsletter: A flavour of last night's US Indpendence bash hosted by Ambassador Bill White, and a preview of talks taking place between EU and Chinese trade chiefs in Brussels later today. Euronews · Jun 29
Brussels marks 250th anniversary of US independence with concerts, fireworks and drone show Thousands gathered in Brussels for the US Embassy's "Freedom 250" celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence with senior Belgian, US and NATO officials in attendance. Euronews · Jun 29
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky mocks Putin’s failure to capture Donbas ‘15 times already’ Putin admits fuel supply problems have created shortages in Russia as Kyiv continues attacks on his oil refineries The Independent UK · Jun 29
Stars, Stripes, VIPs and Protests: Brussels hosts US Independence bash Among those attending are Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Euronews · Jun 28
Nawrocki invites four presidents to informal summit amid dispute with Zelenskyy Polish President Karol Nawrocki hosted the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Romania for an informal meeting in Jurata ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. Euronews · Jun 28
Burnham may have to boost defence spending to pass ‘Moscow test’, says ex-military chief Adm Sir Tony Radakin says UK currenly ‘falls short’ of level required to keep Russian threats at bay The Guardian - UK · Jun 28
Plans to replace destroyers and frigates scrapped in defence plan – report Funding for up to eight Type 83 destroyers and five Type 32 frigates will not appear in the spending blueprint, it has been claimed. Evening Standard · Jun 28
Plans to replace UK’s ageing destroyers and frigates ‘scrapped in defence plan’ The UK is in the ‘unprecedented’ position of being second from the bottom in a Nato league table The Independent UK · Jun 28
'Moscow test' for Burnham: Ex-defence chief says next UK PM must act like a 'wartime leader' amid global threats Andy Burnham will need to apply a "Moscow test" to his policies and govern "almost like a wartime prime minister" if he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer, former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has warned. The Times of India · Jun 28
Elite commandos promised £500m in defence spending plan High-speed boats and strike drones will be committed to the elite force, with a focus on the High North. Evening Standard · Jun 27
High-speed boats and drones: Commandos promised £500m in defence spending overhaul The new Defence Secretary, Dan Jarvis, is credited with refocusing the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) since his appointment The Independent UK · Jun 27
Salon · Jun 27 Hegseth escalates his military purge NATO's top American general is out — while Donald Trump tries to buy the military's loyalty
Evening Standard · Jun 27 ‘Real progress’ made on defence spending plan this week, Jarvis says The Defence Secretary said he was working ‘very closely’ with colleagues from the Treasury.
Radio France Internationale · Jun 27 Turkey opposition worries that Europe is sacrificing democracy for security Turkey's main opposition says its Western allies are failing to respond as a widening crackdown by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government targets its leaders and elected mayors.
The Guardian - UK · Jun 27 All quiet on the eastern flank? Nato leaders fear they can no longer rely on US help if Russia attacks Trump administration’s rhetoric has created so much uncertainty that Poland and Baltic states have fresh doubts as alliance prepares to meet next month
The Economic Times · Jun 27 Andy Burnham distanced himself from UK Prime Minister Starmer, but may be stuck with his policies A significant leadership change is imminent in Britain as Andy Burnham prepares to succeed Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham, recognized for his friendly nature, must adeptly handle the ramifications of Starmer's policies while striving to rejuvenate the economy and tackle the growing cost of living challenges. His approach, termed 'Manchesterism,'…
The Economic Times · Jun 27 Germany could revive conscription by mid-2027, senior MP tells AFP Germany is struggling to recruit soldiers and will have to decide by July 2027 at the latest whether to reintroduce compulsory military service, a senior parliamentarian has told AFP. Faced with a growing threat from Russia and an unpredictable United States, Berlin is looking to revamp its army and has…
The Guardian - AU · Jun 27 Ukraine war briefing: Russian-occupied Crimea declares ‘emergency’ as Zelenskyy’s forces step up attacks Ukrainian president says Crimea at centre of Kyiv’s ‘policy of ensuring justice’ against Moscow. What we know on day 1,585
The Independent UK · Jun 26 Cooper heaps pressure onto Starmer and Burnham over defence spending Cooper warns DIP will ‘have to go further’ after John Healey resigned over inadequate funding in the plan
The Independent UK · Jun 26 Royal Navy shadows Russian warships in UK waters for three months Five navy ships have been involved in the monitoring of the Admiral Grigorovich
Euronews · Jun 26 UK foreign policy to remain unchanged despite government transition, deputy PM Lammy says The UK's deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has told Europe Today that his country's foreign policy — including its support for Ukraine and efforts to restore EU ties — will remain unchanged when a new Prime Minister takes the reins after Keir Starmer's exit.
Euronews · Jun 26 Newsletter: Temperatures rise over sanctions against Russia In this newsletter: Bulgaria attempts to bulldoze part of the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia, criticism mounts over the EU's hyped rule of law reports, and a baby makes an appearance at a council meeting in Luxembourg.