TOP NEWS

US-China Relations
Top-secret F-35 parts may have ended up in China

Top-secret technology from the US F-35 fighter jet may have fallen into Chinese hands, Politico reports, citing multiple sources. This follows the unexpected diversion to Hong Kong—while en route from Australia—of a ship transporting the parts earlier this year.

The shipment, handled by a subcontractor, included a panel covering the aircraft's cockpit that contains stealth technology accessible only to the US and its allies.

The Pentagon has confirmed that certain parts have gone missing. It remains unclear why the ship was diverted or where the aircraft parts are currently located.

Russian Invasion  The Fighting
Russian nuclear power plant hit by drone – IAEA condemns

A cooling tower at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region of southwestern Russia was struck by a drone on Thursday. This was reported by the UN's nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, according to several news agencies.

On X, the IAEA stated that the reactor was operational but reportedly unaffected, and that no fire broke out.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is urging maximum restraint, stating that any attacks on nuclear energy facilities are unacceptable.

The Threat from Russia
Macron strengthens defense: "The threat from Russia has increased"

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered relevant authorities to better protect France's critical infrastructure. He made the announcement at a press conference on Friday, citing the increased hybrid threat from Russia as the reason, AFP and Reuters report. Macron did not specify which events in France he was referring to, but he stated that the country needs to improve the protection of its most sensitive assets—particularly the defense industry—against drone and cyberattacks. 

The EU Budget
Five leaders: EU budget doesn't add up in turbulent times

The EU’s long-term budget has been the subject of tough negotiations. Several European heads of government are critical of the European Commission’s budget proposal, which totals nearly €2 trillion.

Funding new priorities without cutting back in other areas is unsustainable, according to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

"It is simply not realistic. Not economically, not politically, and certainly not at a time when public finances in several member states are a cause for serious concern," they write in an opinion piece for Politico.

The leaders believe the Union should primarily focus its efforts on security, defense, and competitiveness.