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The Latest Breaking News from Theo Francken

India stabilising factor, useful counterweight to China's dominance in Asia: Belgium Defence Minister

Belgium sees a security interest in India's growing military base. India's stability is vital for Belgium's economy and global power balance. Belgian firms will supply components for Indian tanks and rifles. Belgium offers expertise to the Indian navy for maritime security. This cooperation aims to strengthen both nations militarily and…

The Economic Times

Zorawar: The war machine built to counter China takes centre stage in India's Belgium defence outreach

India and Belgium are cooperating on advanced defense equipment development. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the indigenous Zorawar light tank's capabilities. This collaboration includes manufacturing the Belgian John Cockerill turret in India. The Zorawar tank is designed for high-altitude warfare in challenging terrains. Induction of these tanks into the Indian Army…

The Economic Times

From diamonds to defence: India, Belgium target 2x trade in 5 years

India and Belgium will work to double bilateral trade over the next five years. Cooperation will expand beyond traditional commerce into defence and clean energy sectors. Both nations seek to enhance collaboration in critical minerals and semiconductor technology. Belgium's expertise and India's scale offer complementary strengths for mutual growth. This…

The Economic Times

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'She's the queen, leave her alone': Belgian defence minister backs Italian PM Meloni over Trump's restraining order joke

Belgian defence minister Theo Francken has urged European leaders to maintain strong ties with US President Donald Trump, saying Europe will continue to rely on American military protection for another five to 10 years, while warning the US leader against targeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. His remarks come after…

The Times of India

Keeping cool has become Europe's latest climate class war

As Europe accelerates its green transition, the debate over air conditioning has become emblematic of a broader challenge. Climate policy is no longer judged solely by its environmental ambitions, but also by whether it can reduce emissions without deepening social inequalities.

Euronews

Hungary’s voters shunned Orbán – but it may be too early to celebrate end of Europe’s far right

Leaders of Poland and Germany hail Péter Magyar’s majority as a turning of the tide – but analysts say there were other reasons for defeat of prime minister

The Guardian - UK

‘Victory for democracy’: Trump’s friend Viktor Orbán humiliated after people reject him, Obama leads the celebration

One more far-right pillar down.

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'A Victory For Democracy': Barack Obama Celebrates Trump-Ally Viktor Orbán's Loss in Hungary Elections

Barack Obama and global leaders welcome Viktor Orbán's election defeat in Hungary, as Péter Magyar's rise signals a shift in European politics.

International Business Times UK

Newsletter: US-Israeli strikes legally 'problematic' but 'righteous', Belgian Defence Minister says

Also in this newsletter: Hungary's energy giant MOL files EU competition complaint against Croatia's JANAF, and the EU seeks to constrain China dominance with "Made in Europe" push.

Euronews

Israeli-US attacks ‘legally problematic’ but ‘cause is righteous’, says Belgian Defence Minister

Belgium's defence minister told Euronews that Belgium will not join the Israeli and US attacks on Iran, but will lend military support for defence purposes.

Euronews

Merzsplaining: the chancellor’s overconfidence is unpopular in Germany. But could it be what Europe needs?

Unlike his predecessors, Friedrich Merz projects certainty, even when he’s wrong. Now he must turn words into a deliverable plan, says Foreign Policy Research Institute fellow Joseph de Weck

The Guardian - UK

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Five injured in Ukrainian drone attack on major Russian oil terminal

Russian city of Novorossiysk, home to port and a naval base, comes under overnight attack from Kyiv's forces

The Independent UK

Suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker seized in North Sea

Belgian special forces boarded the Ethera, which was sailing under the flag of Guinea, on Saturday night

The Guardian - UK

Belgium buys Latvian-made drone interceptors after string of incursions

The deal comes after several drone sightings that disrupted Belgian airports, military bases and a nuclear plant over the last month.

Euronews

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The Independent UK

Drone sightings halt flights at major European cargo airport in Belgium

Flights out of one of Europe’s biggest cargo airports were briefly suspended after drones were spotted

The Guardian - UK

Belgium to hold security meeting after drone sightings at airports and military bases

Source says Russia ‘very probably’ responsible amid surge in incursions into European airspace since mid-September

International Business Times UK

Belgian Minister Tells Russia to 'Calm Down' — Using Selena Gomez Song in a Nuclear Feud

Belgium's defence minister Theo Francken hit back at Russia's nuclear threats with Selena Gomez's 'Calm Down'.

Euronews

Drone flights near airbase could be spying operation, Belgium's defence minister says

Both NATO and the European Union have been on high alert following a string of airspace violations, thought to be from Russia, in recent weeks.

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The Independent UK

Major air base hit by suspected drone ‘spying operation’

The base houses US nuclear weapons

Euronews

Drones spotted over Belgian military base for third night in a row

For a third consecutive night, drones were seen flying over a Belgian military base. This weekend, drone sightings were also reported above two other military bases and near two of the country's airports.

Euronews

Does Belgium's small size prevent it from using its new fighter jets?

French media have been mocking Belgium for buying fighter jets that it will be unable to use for training exercises due to its airspace being too small, but this has always been taken into account, according to Belgian authorities.

Euronews

Belgium to follow Dutch example and introduce voluntary military service

To increase reservists, 18-year-olds in Belgium will soon receive letters informing them about voluntary military service, following a recently announced initiative in the Netherlands.

The Independent UK

Close to 100,000 protest Belgian plans to cut social services in strategy to reduce debt

Close to 100,000 protesters have thronged the center of Brussels while airports and public transport were largely paralyzed as trade unions took their ire to the streets over drastic plans of the new center-right government to revamp some of the foundations on which the nation’s welfare state was built

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