Category: Europe-Asia

STRASBOURG, France (NPA) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined an ambitious agenda for a stronger and more independent European Union, focusing on economic competitiveness, energy security, defence, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, migration, democracy and support for Ukraine.

Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday in her 2026 State of the Union speech, von der Leyen said Europe was navigating a period of exceptional challenges and opportunities, with geopolitical tensions, wars, economic pressures and rapid technological change reshaping the global environment.

The European Commission describes the annual State of the Union address as an opportunity for its president to take stock of the previous year and set out priorities and major initiatives for the year ahead.

Von der Leyen said Europe had chosen to pursue greater strategic independence, arguing that the bloc needed greater capacity to determine its economic, energy, technological and security priorities.

She said the EU had reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, expanded its trading relationships and increased defence spending, while continuing to support Ukraine and respond to what she described as hybrid threats, including drones, cyberattacks and disinformation.

“Europe has chosen to forge its own path,” she said, presenting greater European independence as a central theme of her administration’s agenda.

Economy and single market

On the economy, von der Leyen said Europe’s immediate priority was to accelerate economic growth while dealing with higher energy prices and borrowing costs.

She pointed to the size of the European market, its industrial and services base, savings and currency as major economic strengths, but said fragmentation across capital markets, networks and purchasing power continued to limit the bloc’s potential.

She announced plans to accelerate implementation of the “One Europe, One Market Roadmap”, with the aim of completing an overhaul of the EU Single Market by the end of next year.

She also called for faster approval of strategic projects and a reduction in administrative burdens facing businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to von der Leyen, the Commission’s 12 omnibus proposals are expected to reduce administrative costs by about €17 billion annually.

She urged EU member states to contribute to simplification efforts and called for a pact against what she described as “gold-plating” — the addition of requirements beyond those necessary to implement EU rules.

Energy and critical raw materials

Energy independence featured prominently in the address.

Von der Leyen said Europe needed to increase investment in homegrown clean energy, including renewables and nuclear power, while reducing its exposure to imported fossil fuels.

She said imported fossil fuels had cost Europe an additional €90 billion since the start of the conflict surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, without adding energy supply.

She proposed increasing the share of electricity in Europe’s energy mix and said the bloc’s target was to double that share by 2040.

The Commission president also called for faster investment in electricity grids, storage capacity and grid connections, noting that a large amount of renewable energy capacity was still awaiting connection.

On trade and strategic dependencies, she said Europe’s trade deficit with China had reached €1 billion a day and warned that the imbalance was affecting European industries and communities.

She said the EU would continue discussions with Beijing while using available instruments to seek a rebalancing of the relationship.

Von der Leyen also said Europe remained heavily dependent on China for critical raw materials, including rare earths, and announced plans for a European corporation focused on securing and stockpiling critical materials needed for electric vehicles, semiconductors, batteries, clean technologies and defence.

Climate change and preparedness

Climate change was another major component of the speech.

Von der Leyen pointed to the severe wildfires, heatwaves, crop losses and other extreme weather events experienced across Europe during the summer.

She said Europe was warming at twice the global rate and argued that climate mitigation and adaptation needed to be pursued together.

The Commission will present a new framework for climate resilience, including an assessment of 100 of Europe’s most vulnerable territories, she said.

She also announced plans for a Climate Insurance Alliance to address the gap between climate-related losses and insurance coverage.

According to her, only about 25 per cent of catastrophe losses in Europe are currently covered by private insurance.

A European Heatwave Plan is also expected, focusing on early warning systems, health preparedness, urban adaptation and protection of vulnerable populations.

The Commission also plans a European Water initiative to address water scarcity, ageing infrastructure and losses from leaking water networks.

On wildfires, von der Leyen proposed further work towards a possible European Firefighting Fleet, following cross-border cooperation during recent emergencies.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence was described as another major area requiring both investment and safeguards.

Von der Leyen said AI was becoming increasingly important to Europe’s economy and security but warned of potential risks associated with increasingly capable frontier models.

She said the EU’s AI Act provided an important regulatory framework and announced plans for closer cooperation with countries including Canada and the United Kingdom on model evaluation, verification, early warning systems and AI security.

She also called for increased European computing capacity and investment in European AI companies and start-ups.

The Commission plans to focus industrial AI initiatives on five sectors: health, transport, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, and defence and space.

Von der Leyen said AI should be used to empower professionals rather than replace them, citing healthcare as an example.

She also announced a Quality Jobs Act, saying technological change should be accompanied by efforts to improve workers’ skills and employment opportunities.

Social rights and housing

The speech also addressed social policy, housing and demographic change.

Von der Leyen said the Commission would launch a European Care Deal and continue investing in regions to give people greater opportunities to remain in their communities.

She also referred to the proposed Housing Act, which seeks to address issues including short-term rentals and housing speculation.

She reaffirmed the Commission’s position on women’s rights and said it would continue defending equal treatment, equal opportunities and equal pay.

Defence and Ukraine

Security and defence occupied a substantial part of the address.

Von der Leyen said Europe’s increased defence spending had generated higher investment in military capabilities and joint projects, but argued that more cooperation was needed.

She proposed a European Instrument for Strategic Enablers to support capabilities such as air and missile defence, strategic transport, air-to-air refuelling, space and cyber systems.

She also proposed what she described as an Emergency Security Protocol that would allow EU member states to coordinate responses to certain security incidents that fall below the threshold of armed aggression.

On Ukraine, von der Leyen said the EU would maintain strong support as the country prepares for another difficult winter.

She said Europe would provide humanitarian assistance, reinforce Ukraine’s power and heating supplies and strengthen its air defences.

She also referred to the approval of the purchase of US Patriot interceptor missiles and proposed further European-Ukrainian cooperation on missile defence through the Freya project.

She called for stricter enforcement of sanctions against Russia and efforts to close loopholes that allow sanctions to be circumvented.

Gaza and the Middle East

On the Middle East, von der Leyen said the humanitarian situation in Gaza and violence in the West Bank remained a major concern for Europeans.

She criticised Israel’s advancement of the E1 settlement project and acknowledged divisions among EU member states over how the bloc should respond.

She said Europe had provided significant humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and referred to nearly €1 billion pledged through the Palestine Donor Group and Team Gaza Initiative for rebuilding Gaza and supporting a modern Palestinian Authority.

Von der Leyen reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to self-defence while also saying Palestinians had an equal right to live in safety and dignity.

She said Europe should continue working towards a two-state solution.

Migration and democracy

Migration and border management also featured prominently.

Von der Leyen said the EU’s external borders were a shared European responsibility and called for full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

She cited a 55 per cent reduction in irregular arrivals over the previous two years and a further 35 per cent decline in the current year, according to the figures presented in her address.

She proposed a European Emergency Response Framework for situations involving mass movements of migrants and said the EU would strengthen Frontex, improve early-warning systems and address the root causes of irregular migration.

She also announced a Mediterranean Youth Skills and Jobs initiative aimed at expanding employment, training and skills opportunities for young people in partner countries.

On democracy, von der Leyen warned about foreign interference, disinformation, deepfake videos and other forms of what she called cognitive warfare.

She said the EU would strengthen its Centre for Democratic Resilience and continue efforts to protect democratic institutions and independent information.

The Commission president also announced the proposed EU KIDS ACT, which would introduce age-based restrictions and protections for children using social media.

Under the proposal outlined in the speech, children under 13 would not have access to social media, while those aged 13 to 15 would use supervised accounts with limited features and time restrictions.

Von der Leyen also announced plans for a wider Digital Fairness Act to address concerns about addictive digital design.

Global partnerships

The Commission president also outlined plans to deepen Europe’s international partnerships.

She highlighted recent and planned trade agreements and announced a new connectivity project linking the South Caucasus and Central Asia with European markets through the Middle Corridor.

The initiative, to be supported through the EU’s Global Gateway programme, aims to attract up to €12 billion in public and private investment.

Von der Leyen also proposed moving the EU-Canada relationship beyond the existing CETA framework towards what she described as an “Alliance for the Future”, covering areas including technology, defence, energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and cybersecurity.

She invited Canada to become the first associate member of the European Union.

Concluding her address, von der Leyen called for renewed European cooperation and said the bloc’s future should be shaped by its member states and citizens.

She announced plans for a new Congress of Europe ahead of the 70th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in 2027, saying it would bring together thinkers from across the continent to develop a vision for the next generation.

The European Commission has framed the 2026 State of the Union around strengthening Europe’s ability to act in a changing world, with competitiveness, strategic independence, defence, Ukraine, international partnerships, democracy and citizen protection among its stated priorities.

CARDIFF, United Kingdom (NPA) — Leaders of the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin have signed a joint declaration asserting the right of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to determine their own constitutional futures.

The declaration was signed in Cardiff on Monday by Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney, Welsh First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Northern Ireland First Minister and Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill.

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald, who is also leader of the opposition in the Republic of Ireland, attended the meeting. The four leaders participated in the summit in their capacity as party leaders, rather than as officials formally representing their respective governments.

The declaration states that the three nations have a right to self-determination and calls on the British Government to “prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change” in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The leaders said each nation should be able to determine its future through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of its people.

Different constitutional positions

The three parties share a commitment to greater constitutional independence from the United Kingdom, but their positions on the timing and process differ.

Swinney has continued to call for another Scottish independence referendum. Scotland held its previous independence referendum in 2014, when voters chose to remain in the UK.

In Wales, ap Iorwerth has not set a timetable for an independence referendum. He has said Wales and Scotland are on different constitutional paths while arguing that Welsh people should have a say in determining the country’s future.

In Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin supports Irish reunification and has continued to advocate a referendum on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland.

Call for constitutional change

The Cardiff declaration says the political landscape across the nations is changing and calls for greater cooperation between the parties.

The leaders also discussed cooperation on areas including the economy, energy and international relations.

A separate Cardiff Agreement was also signed by Swinney and ap Iorwerth on behalf of the Scottish and Welsh governments. That agreement covers cooperation on issues including child poverty, the cost of living, economic growth, climate change, international engagement, language, culture, media and sport.

The self-determination declaration itself does not create an independence referendum or alter the constitutional status of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

It is a political declaration by the participating parties calling for the people of the three nations to have the opportunity to determine their constitutional futures.

The Cardiff meeting therefore brought together nationalist leaders from the three devolved nations, alongside McDonald, to make a coordinated political case for self-determination while acknowledging that the constitutional circumstances and political positions of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are different.

CARDIFF, United Kingdom (NPA) — The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to meet in Cardiff on Monday to discuss greater cooperation and renewed demands for self-determination, including the possibility of future independence or constitutional referendums.

According to The Telegraph, Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iowerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill are expected to sign a joint declaration calling for the right to self-determination and referendums on the constitutional futures of the three nations.

The meeting would mark an unusual convergence, with pro-independence or nationalist parties currently leading governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The three leaders are also expected to meet with Mary Lou McDonald, President of Sinn Féin and leader of the opposition in Ireland, as part of the discussions.

The proposed declaration comes amid renewed debate over Scotland’s constitutional future and the possibility of another independence referendum.

The debate has also been fuelled by comments from UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham about the circumstances that could lead to another Scottish independence vote and comparisons with the Good Friday Agreement mechanism for a possible referendum on Irish unity.

However, Burnham has subsequently rejected calls for a legally agreed pathway to a second Scottish independence referendum, stressing that the Scottish and Northern Irish constitutional situations are different.

Potential implications for the United Kingdom

Any move by Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland towards leaving the United Kingdom would have major political, economic and security implications for the country.

The scale of those consequences would depend on the terms of any constitutional settlement, including negotiations over borders, public assets, debt, energy resources, defence infrastructure and international arrangements.

One immediate issue would be the future of Britain’s nuclear deterrent.

The Royal Navy’s HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane in Scotland is home to the core of the UK Submarine Service, including the country’s nuclear deterrent. The nearby Coulport facility stores and maintains key components of the UK’s Trident missile system.

A Scottish departure from the UK would therefore create a major question over the future location of the nuclear deterrent and the wider defence relationship between London and an independent Scotland.

North Atlantic security

Scotland also occupies a strategically important position in the North Atlantic, including around the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) area, which has long been important to maritime surveillance and NATO security.

A change in Scotland’s constitutional status could therefore require the UK and its allies to reassess naval and air deployments across the North Atlantic.

The UK would also face questions over its defence training estate.

The Ministry of Defence operates major training areas across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. Its Defence Training Estate comprises 16 major training areas and numerous other ranges and camps used to prepare British forces for operations.

Oil, gas and offshore energy

Energy resources would be another major issue in any negotiations over Scottish independence.

UK Parliament analysis has previously noted that most UK North Sea oil and gas reserves are located in waters that could potentially fall under Scottish jurisdiction following independence, although the precise division of maritime resources would have to be negotiated.

An independent Scotland could also seek greater control over offshore renewable-energy resources and related infrastructure.

A changed western security environment

The possible departure of Scotland and Wales, together with a future decision by Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland, would fundamentally alter the United Kingdom’s constitutional and strategic geography.

The Irish Sea, in particular, could become a body of water bordered by several independent states rather than being largely within the United Kingdom’s constitutional territory.

Such a development could raise new questions about defence cooperation, maritime security and the future relationship between London, Dublin, Edinburgh and Cardiff.

Wider geopolitical developments

The renewed debate over the UK’s internal constitutional arrangements comes amid other developments involving Britain’s overseas territories and international disputes.

In July, a new EU-UK agreement concerning Gibraltar came into practical effect, providing for free movement of people and the removal of the physical frontier barrier, while Spain retained its longstanding claim to sovereignty over Gibraltar.

The Falkland Islands also remain the subject of a longstanding sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina. Argentina has recently intensified its diplomatic and legal pressure over activities in the islands, while the UK government has reaffirmed its sovereignty over the territory and the right of Falkland Islanders to determine their future.

Separately, the UK has been negotiating arrangements concerning the Chagos Archipelago and the future of the Diego Garcia military base, adding another dimension to debates over Britain’s overseas strategic position.

The Cardiff meeting is therefore likely to attract attention beyond domestic British politics, as renewed demands for self-determination in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland raise questions about the future shape of the United Kingdom and its wider geopolitical role.

VALLETTA, Malta (NPA) — European Council President António CostaEU unity crucial as bloc prepares for 2028-2034 budget, President Costa says

VALLETTA, Malta (NPA) — European Council President António Costa has stressed the importance of unity among European Union member states as the bloc prepares to negotiate its next long-term budget for 2028 to 2034.

Costa made the remarks following a meeting with Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, in Valletta on September 10, 2026, as part of his consultations with European leaders ahead of key decisions facing the EU.

He said engaging directly with EU leaders in their home countries was important for understanding different perspectives and building consensus within the European Council.

“It is very important for me to engage directly with all European leaders regularly, including their home country, and to listen to and understand all perspectives. This will help the European Council to achieve unity. Because unity cannot be taken for granted, we build it every day, at every meeting.”

Costa said the EU was preparing for a major budget decision that would determine the bloc’s ability to respond to its priorities between 2028 and 2034.

“We will need it again for a decision that will define what Europe is able to do between 2028 and 2034: on our next long-term budget.”

According to Costa, the geopolitical environment facing Europe has fundamentally changed since the previous long-term budget was negotiated in 2020, requiring a different approach to the structure and allocation of EU resources.

“We are now operating in a fundamentally different geopolitical environment from the one we faced when we last negotiated the budget in 2020. This new reality calls for a new approach to our budget, with a new structure and a new way of allocating our resources.”

He said the next budget must be capable of funding strategic priorities such as competitiveness, defence, security and strategic resilience.

“At the same time, the next budget should ensure funding for our cohesion and agriculture policies. They pull our regions upwards and support growth and jobs locally. In a nutshell, they have a direct impact on the prosperity of our citizens.”

Costa said reaching an agreement before the end of 2026 would be important to ensure continuity of funding for farmers, fishermen, students, researchers and businesses.

“Reaching agreement by the end of the year is key. Because we need to ensure that funding keeps flowing without interruption. For our farmers and fishermen, for our students and researchers, for our businesses.”

He outlined the proposed timeline as: “agree in 2026, legislate and prepare in 2027, deliver in 2028.”

EU budget requires new revenue sources

Costa described the size of the next EU budget as a critical issue, noting that the bloc, like national governments, must finance its priorities within limited resources.

He said most EU funding comes from national contributions by member states, which he argued must remain within reasonable limits.

“Therefore, we need new European revenues, the so-called new own resources, in order to reduce the pressure on national budgets. This will be a key component of an overall agreement.”

Costa discusses Mediterranean, Middle East

Beyond the long-term budget, Costa said he and Abela discussed issues expected to feature prominently at the upcoming European Council meeting, including developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

He said the developments had implications for Europe’s peace and stability, migration flows and energy security.

“We need to remain engaged in the region and I am grateful for your active role in this regard, dear Robert. The European Union will continue to work, including with regional and global partners, on the path towards a long-lasting peace, based on the two-state solution.”

Costa said recent geopolitical developments had demonstrated the need for Europe to accelerate efforts towards greater strategic autonomy.

“The geopolitical developments of recent years have shown us one thing clearly: Europe needs to accelerate its path towards greater strategic autonomy. And we are on the right track.”

He, however, stressed that greater European autonomy depended fundamentally on unity among member states.

“The most important condition for greater European autonomy is our own unity.”

Costa said strengthening unity was the main purpose of his meeting with Abela and would remain central to his consultations with other European leaders in the coming weeks.

“And that was the main purpose of today’s meeting with the Prime Minister Robert Abela, and of the talks I will continue to have with European leaders in the next weeks – to foster unity.”

He thanked Abela for the meeting and expressed confidence in continued cooperation ahead of the next European Council meeting.

“Dear Robert, I look forward to our work together at the next European Council.” has stressed the importance of unity among European Union member states as the bloc prepares to negotiate its next long-term budget for 2028 to 2034.

Costa made the remarks following a meeting with Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, in Valletta on September 10, 2026, as part of his consultations with European leaders ahead of key decisions facing the EU.

He said engaging directly with EU leaders in their home countries was important for understanding different perspectives and building consensus within the European Council.

“It is very important for me to engage directly with all European leaders regularly, including their home country, and to listen to and understand all perspectives. This will help the European Council to achieve unity. Because unity cannot be taken for granted, we build it every day, at every meeting.”

Costa said the EU was preparing for a major budget decision that would determine the bloc’s ability to respond to its priorities between 2028 and 2034.

“We will need it again for a decision that will define what Europe is able to do between 2028 and 2034: on our next long-term budget.”

According to Costa, the geopolitical environment facing Europe has fundamentally changed since the previous long-term budget was negotiated in 2020, requiring a different approach to the structure and allocation of EU resources.

“We are now operating in a fundamentally different geopolitical environment from the one we faced when we last negotiated the budget in 2020. This new reality calls for a new approach to our budget, with a new structure and a new way of allocating our resources.”

He said the next budget must be capable of funding strategic priorities such as competitiveness, defence, security and strategic resilience.

“At the same time, the next budget should ensure funding for our cohesion and agriculture policies. They pull our regions upwards and support growth and jobs locally. In a nutshell, they have a direct impact on the prosperity of our citizens.”

Costa said reaching an agreement before the end of 2026 would be important to ensure continuity of funding for farmers, fishermen, students, researchers and businesses.

“Reaching agreement by the end of the year is key. Because we need to ensure that funding keeps flowing without interruption. For our farmers and fishermen, for our students and researchers, for our businesses.”

He outlined the proposed timeline as: “agree in 2026, legislate and prepare in 2027, deliver in 2028.”

EU budget requires new revenue sources

Costa described the size of the next EU budget as a critical issue, noting that the bloc, like national governments, must finance its priorities within limited resources.

He said most EU funding comes from national contributions by member states, which he argued must remain within reasonable limits.

“Therefore, we need new European revenues, the so-called new own resources, in order to reduce the pressure on national budgets. This will be a key component of an overall agreement.”

Costa discusses Mediterranean, Middle East

Beyond the long-term budget, Costa said he and Abela discussed issues expected to feature prominently at the upcoming European Council meeting, including developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

He said the developments had implications for Europe’s peace and stability, migration flows and energy security.

“We need to remain engaged in the region and I am grateful for your active role in this regard, dear Robert. The European Union will continue to work, including with regional and global partners, on the path towards a long-lasting peace, based on the two-state solution.”

Costa said recent geopolitical developments had demonstrated the need for Europe to accelerate efforts towards greater strategic autonomy.

“The geopolitical developments of recent years have shown us one thing clearly: Europe needs to accelerate its path towards greater strategic autonomy. And we are on the right track.”

He, however, stressed that greater European autonomy depended fundamentally on unity among member states.

“The most important condition for greater European autonomy is our own unity.”

Costa said strengthening unity was the main purpose of his meeting with Abela and would remain central to his consultations with other European leaders in the coming weeks.

“And that was the main purpose of today’s meeting with the Prime Minister Robert Abela, and of the talks I will continue to have with European leaders in the next weeks – to foster unity.”

He thanked Abela for the meeting and expressed confidence in continued cooperation ahead of the next European Council meeting.

“Dear Robert, I look forward to our work together at the next European Council.”

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Union has released €1.4 billion in proceeds generated from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine, reinforcing its commitment to helping Kyiv withstand Russia’s ongoing invasion.

The European Commission announced on Monday that the funds represent the fifth transfer of windfall profits earned from the interest on cash balances originating from frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) held by Central Securities Depositories (CSDs).

According to the Commission, the latest disbursement covers revenues generated during the first half of 2026 and follows a previous tranche released in March 2026.

The Commission said immobilised Russian assets have so far generated a total of €8 billion in windfall profits since EU sanctions were imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the latest transfer demonstrates the bloc’s determination to hold Russia financially accountable for the destruction caused by the war.

“Russia must pay for the destruction it has caused. We are using the proceeds from the immobilised Russian assets to make sure it does. We are making a further €1.4 billion available to Ukraine. This will support Ukraine’s continued resistance against Russia’s illegal war,” von der Leyen said.

The European Commission explained that while the Russian Central Bank assets remain frozen under EU sanctions, the interest generated on the cash balances does not belong to Russia.

Following proposals by the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, the Council of the European Union authorised the use of the net profits to support Ukraine.

Under the arrangement, 95 per cent of the funds will be channelled through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism (ULCM), while the remaining 5 per cent will be allocated through the European Peace Facility (EPF).

The Commission said the ULCM provides non-repayable financial support to help Ukraine service macro-financial assistance loans provided by the European Union and other G7 partners under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans initiative.

The ERA programme provides Ukraine with a total financing package of €45 billion, while the European Peace Facility supports the country’s urgent military and defence requirements.

The latest disbursement forms part of a broader package of restrictive measures adopted by the European Union in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As part of those sanctions, the assets of the Central Bank of Russia held within the European Union were immobilised, preventing transactions involving the assets and reserves of the Russian central bank and affiliated entities.

The restrictions have resulted in significant cash balances accumulating within European financial institutions, generating extraordinary revenues through interest.

In February 2024, the Council of the European Union ruled that Central Securities Depositories holding more than €1 million in immobilised Russian central bank assets must retain the resulting cash balances and refrain from disposing of the net revenues generated.

Subsequent legal acts adopted in May 2024 authorised the use of those profits to support Ukraine.

The European Union further strengthened the sanctions framework in December 2025 by adopting legislation permanently prohibiting the transfer of immobilised Russian Central Bank assets back to Russia.

The Commission said the latest payment underscores the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine politically, financially and militarily for as long as necessary.

MADRID, Spain (NPA) — The Spanish government has reiterated that irregular entry into the country through the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla does not confer the right to remain in Spain, travel to mainland Spain or move freely across Europe, following a recent surge in migrant arrivals from Morocco.

The clarification comes after thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta in recent days, prompting renewed scrutiny of Spain’s border management and migration policies.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Spanish government stressed that no recent court ruling has altered the country’s immigration laws or created a new pathway for irregular migrants to enter or remain in Spain.

“Entering Spain irregularly through Ceuta or Melilla does not grant the right to remain in the country, to travel to mainland Spain, or to move freely within Europe. It also poses a grave risk to life. No court ruling has changed this,” the statement said.

The government explained that the recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court merely clarified the legal procedure applicable to migrants arriving by sea and did not invalidate existing border controls or return procedures.

According to the statement, the ruling does not amend the Immigration Act, declare border refusals unlawful, create new entry routes or prevent the return of irregular migrants.

Spanish authorities also announced that security at the border has been strengthened with the installation of a 500-metre maritime containment barrier at the Tarajal breakwater in Ceuta.

The government said the new infrastructure is compatible with both the Supreme Court ruling and Spain’s return procedures, adding that nearly all migrants who crossed into Ceuta on July 30 have already been returned to Morocco.

Highlighting the uniqueness of Spain’s border controls, the government noted that Ceuta and Melilla operate under a dual border-check system.

It explained that travellers are first screened at the border with Morocco before undergoing a second Schengen border control when departing for mainland Spain by air or sea.

“No one boards without identifying themselves to the National Police,” the statement said.

The government also sought to dispel speculation linking the recent migrant arrivals to Spain’s ongoing extraordinary regularisation programme.

It clarified that the programme applies only to foreign nationals who were already residing in Spain before January 1, 2026, stressing that migrants who entered Ceuta on July 30 are not eligible.

“The only route is the legal one,” the statement added.

The latest migration surge has attracted attention across the European Union, with concerns growing over its implications for regional border security and migration management.

According to reports, Italy has suspended aspects of its Schengen travel arrangements with Spain following the influx, although Spanish authorities have continued efforts to return irregular migrants to Morocco.

While thousands have already been deported, reports indicate that a number of migrants remain in Ceuta, hoping to secure an opportunity to remain in Spain or eventually reach mainland Europe.

KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukraine’s international partners to impose tougher and better-coordinated sanctions on Russia’s ballistic missile industry, warning that gaps in the existing sanctions regime continue to allow Moscow to expand its missile production despite the ongoing war.

Speaking during a meeting with heads of Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic missions, Zelenskyy said the growing threat posed by Russian ballistic missiles demands stronger international action, deeper military cooperation and accelerated development of Europe’s collective air and missile defence capabilities.

According to the Ukrainian leader, several key Russian companies involved in manufacturing ballistic missiles remain outside sanctions imposed by major Western partners, enabling them to continue operating through what he described as loopholes in different jurisdictions.

“Everyone can see the ballistic missile threat posed by Russia, and this threat is growing,” Zelenskyy said.

“Some key Russian enterprises involved in ballistic missile production are still not subject to strict global sanctions. Of the 17 key Russian enterprises involved in producing ballistic missiles, most can unfortunately exploit sanctions loopholes in various partner jurisdictions.”

He called on Ukraine’s allies to strengthen coordination and synchronise sanctions regimes across countries, arguing that fragmented restrictions weaken international efforts to reduce Russia’s military capabilities.

“We need greater coordination, daily engagement with partners on sanctions, and greater synchronisation of sanctions,” he added.

The Ukrainian President warned that Russia’s extensive use of ballistic missiles, coupled with similar tactics employed by Iran, is encouraging potential aggressors elsewhere to view such weapons as effective tools of warfare.

According to him, the global ballistic missile threat is likely to increase significantly unless democratic nations collectively strengthen their defensive capabilities.

“One of the worst consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine—and of Iran’s tactics as well—is that potential aggressors around the world can see how much harm ballistic missiles can inflict on human life,” he said.

“The global ballistic missile threat will therefore continue to grow, and all anti-ballistic defence capabilities must grow as well.”

As part of Ukraine’s response, Zelenskyy unveiled the FREYJA project, which he described as a future integrated European anti-ballistic missile defence system.

He said Ukraine has the capacity to manufacture both the interceptor missile and its launch platform, while several European partners possess the radar systems, sensors and supporting technologies required to make the project operational.

“Our FREYJA can become a shared European system providing integrated protection. FREYJA will be quick to produce and battle-tested,” he said.

The President disclosed that agreements had already been reached with participating governments and defence manufacturers.

According to Zelenskyy, the Anti-Ballistic Coalition currently comprises Ukraine, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, alongside 12 defence manufacturers, while remaining open to additional countries capable of contributing to Europe’s collective security.

Beyond missile defence, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s expanding defence-industrial cooperation with international partners through what he described as the Drone Deals initiative.

He said the programme provides Ukraine with stable, long-term annual financing for domestic drone manufacturers while enabling partner countries to benefit from modern defence technologies.

“Through the Drone Deals format, Ukraine receives long-term annual funding for the country and for Ukrainian defence manufacturers—a stable financial foundation for the defence industry. Our partners, in turn, receive modern defence capabilities,” he said.

According to him, Ukraine has already concluded drone cooperation agreements with nine countries, while negotiations on another 15 agreements are underway.

The President also announced a key change in Ukraine’s security architecture.

He said Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will become the new Head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service to enable him focus on defence diplomacy, negotiations with the United States and other strategic partners, as well as diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia’s invasion.

Zelenskyy also named Ihor Klymenko as the new Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC), describing him as an experienced security official who played a central role in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience during the previous winter.

He disclosed that the NSDC would soon meet in a special session to assess the implementation of regional resilience plans, warning that officials who fail to deliver would be held accountable.

The Ukrainian President also instructed the government, diplomatic missions and national institutions to align foreign policy priorities more closely with Ukraine’s defence, economic resilience and international partnerships.

Reflecting on the broader war effort, Zelenskyy praised Ukraine’s Air Force for defending the country’s skies despite what he described as an unequal battle against Russia’s vastly superior military resources.

He said Ukraine has prevented Russia from achieving air superiority since the start of the full-scale invasion and has significantly strengthened its air defence capabilities through cooperation with European partners.

According to him, systems such as Patriot, IRIS-T, NASAMS and Hawk have enabled Ukraine to intercept a substantial proportion of Russian cruise missiles, while the country’s success rate against attack drones now exceeds 90 per cent.

“Ukrainians did not surrender—and will not surrender—their skies to Russia. That is one of our nation’s greatest achievements throughout this full-scale war,” Zelenskyy said.

He acknowledged that ballistic missiles remain one of Ukraine’s greatest security challenges but expressed confidence that closer cooperation with allies, expanded sanctions against Russia and stronger integrated air defence systems would further strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect its territory and move closer to what he described as a just and lasting peace.

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The Council of the European Union has imposed sanctions on nine Russian individuals and four entities over their alleged involvement in cyber-attacks and destabilising activities targeting the European Union, its member states and international partners.

The sanctions, announced on Monday, form part of the EU’s efforts to counter malicious cyber operations and activities linked to Russia’s military and intelligence networks.

According to the Council, those sanctioned are accused of carrying out, facilitating or enabling cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure, government institutions and essential services across Europe and beyond.

Among the entities sanctioned is Media Land LLC, a bulletproof hosting service provider accused of supporting a wide range of cybercriminal activities.

The company and its owner, Alexander Volosovik, were sanctioned for allegedly facilitating malware attacks, ransomware operations and phishing campaigns that targeted EU member states and other countries.

The Council also listed ML.Cloud, a sister company of Media Land LLC, for its alleged role in supporting the cyber operations.

The EU further imposed sanctions on Z-Pentest, described as a pro-Russian hacktivist group accused of targeting critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy and water sectors.

According to the Council, the group was responsible for a cyber-attack on a Danish water utility in December 2024.

Its alleged leader, Yuliya Vladimirovna Pankratova, and one of its principal hackers, Denis Olegovich Degtyarenko, were also included on the sanctions list.

Both individuals are reportedly linked to the Cyber Army of Russia Reborn (CARR), a group the EU says has carried out sustained distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks since 2022 against countries supporting Ukraine.

The Council alleged that CARR has targeted government agencies, financial institutions, media organisations and critical infrastructure across EU member states, Ukraine and other countries, and is linked to Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.

Also sanctioned were LLC Impuls and its owner, Evgeniy Viktorovich Bashev, who the EU identified as a member of GRU Unit 29155.

According to the Council, the company provided technical and material support for cyber-attacks and attempted cyber-attacks carried out by the intelligence unit against the EU and its member states.

The sanctions also target Maksim Evgeniyevich Voronin, Maksim Alexandrovich Gordienko and Vitaly Nikolayevich Kovalev.

The Council accused Voronin and Gordienko of participating in the development, distribution and sale of the information-stealing malware LummaC2, while Kovalev was linked to the development of the Trickbot and Conti malware programmes.

The EU said the sanctions were adopted in close coordination with the United Kingdom, marking the first time both jurisdictions have simultaneously imposed cyber sanctions under their respective legal frameworks.

The Council said the coordinated action underscores the shared commitment of the EU and the UK to countering malicious Russian cyber activities.

In a separate measure, the EU also sanctioned Ivan Kasyanenko, Deputy Commander of the Special Operations Service of Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU).

According to the Council, Kasyanenko allegedly supervised operations linked to GRU Unit 29155, including activities in Afghanistan, the 2018 Novichok poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter, covert operations across Europe, and the management of Wagner Group networks in Africa.

The Council further alleged that he coordinated military-technical cooperation initiatives involving Iran.

Under the sanctions, all individuals and entities listed will be subject to an asset freeze, while EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to them.

The individuals have also been placed under travel bans, preventing them from entering or transiting through the territory of European Union member states.