TOP NEWS

Three Norwegian defense chiefs suspected of economic crime

Three senior managers within the Norwegian equivalent of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, Forsvarsmateriel, have been arrested on suspicion of serious economic crime, writes VG. According to the suspicions, they have hired consulting services from a company owned by one of them, and paid consulting fees that have been 35 percent above normal.

– Cases like this can be an example of economic crime undermining defense capabilities, since allocated funds are not used as they should, says Pål K Lønseth, head of the economic crime police, Økokrim.
The summit in Cyprus
“Relief and optimism” with Viktor Orbán out of the picture

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is participating in the informal summit of EU leaders in Cyprus tonight. He was initially supposed to participate via link, but is now expected to arrive at 6:30 p.m., just in time for dinner.

The meeting has gained a clearer focus on Ukraine after a 90 billion euro aid package was unlocked, writes Politico.

A diplomat describes the atmosphere as one of “relief and optimism” since Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has long blocked the loan, is now effectively out of the picture.

The leaders are gathering in Ayia Napa, a city better known for its nightlife than for political meetings.

The summit in Cyprus
Cyprus wants to clarify the EU’s crisis rule in the event of an attack

The EU needs a clear plan for how member states should help each other in the event of an attack. This is what Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides says ahead of today’s informal summit in Ayia Napa.

The issue is Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, which requires member states to help each other in a crisis, but where clear guidelines are currently lacking.

EU heads of state and government are attending the meeting, as is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Middle East war, rising energy prices and concerns about the Strait of Hormuz are also on the agenda.

Climate Threat  Global Challenges
G7 Skips Climate Issue – Doesn’t Want to Upset US

When the G7’s Environment Ministers Meet in Paris for Two Days, Climate Change Will Not Be on the Agenda, AFP Reports. The Subject Has Been Dropped to Avoid a Conflict with the US.

The French side has announced that the meeting will deal with “less divisive” issues. Ecology Minister Monique Barbut says that G7 cooperation must continue to be “a forum for unity”.

She further says that climate change will not be addressed because “the American position on the issue is well known”.

The US has not even sent its Environment Minister to the meeting, but is represented by Usha-Maria Turner, Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.