Germany
SAP ousts Novo Nordisk from the throne of Europe's most valuable company
German software developer SAP has overtaken Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk to become Europe's most valuable company, with a valuation of €312 billion. SAP shares rose by 40%.
The EU proposes new conditions for filling gas storage facilities by 2026
EU countries will be able to deviate from the 90% gas storage filling target by 5% if market conditions are unfavorable. The final gas storage rules for 2026 and 2027 are being agreed upon.
Legendary intelligence officer Olga Tverdokhlebova has died at the age of 102
Olga Tverdokhlebova, a veteran of the Second World War who went through it as part of a radio intelligence division, has passed away. She reached Berlin and even at the age of 101 dreamed of Ukraine's victory.
In Switzerland, the Beznau nuclear reactor was stopped due to a power grid failure
A failure occurred at the Beznau nuclear power plant in Switzerland, which led to the shutdown of the nuclear reactor. The cause of the network connection failure is being investigated, and the timing of the restoration is unknown.
A Russian disinformation campaign against Ukraine has been uncovered in Austria
Austrian intelligence has uncovered a large-scale disinformation campaign by the Russian Federation aimed at discrediting Ukraine. A Bulgarian woman, suspected of espionage, is accused of spreading pro-Russian sentiment.
Drone Coalition has allocated €20 million for reconnaissance drones for Ukraine
Partner countries have allocated 20 million euros for the purchase of tactical reconnaissance drones for the Defense Forces. The equipment is expected to be delivered within three months.
Japan strengthens its military forces by creating a new unified command - Bloomberg
Japan has created a Joint Operations Command to better coordinate troops. This is a response to challenges from China and North Korea, as well as strengthening its partnership with the United States.
IT industry paid over $1 billion in taxes in a year - Fedorov
The Ukrainian IT industry continues to grow, increasing its share in exports and paying over $1 billion in taxes. Ukraine exports IT services to 147 countries, including Microsoft, Meta, NASA and Google.
Trump's policy amid his "turn to Moscow" is pushing allies to consider their own nuclear shield - FT
Trump's rapprochement with Moscow and criticism of NATO are forcing Germany, Poland, Korea, and Japan to consider their own nuclear shield.
China leads in the development of 6G, the US and Europe are lagging behind - media
China is actively implementing 6G, setting technological standards. The US and Europe are in no hurry to develop 6G due to the slow deployment of 5G.
Glaciers have lost a record amount of ice in the last three years - UN
The largest three-year loss of glaciers on record was recorded from 2022 to 2024. Since 1975, glaciers have lost more than 9 trillion tons of ice.
Europe is working on a plan to replace the US in NATO in 5-10 years - FT
The largest military powers in Europe are developing a plan to gradually take over more responsibility for the defense of the continent. This should avoid the chaos of a unilateral US withdrawal from NATO.
Germany is easing the "debt brake" for investments in defense and infrastructure: the president has signed the law
The German President has signed a relaxation of the debt limit to increase spending on defense and infrastructure projects. A special fund will be created to finance infrastructure repairs and climate protection measures.
Bundestag Budget Committee approves EUR 3 billion in additional military aid to Ukraine - media
The Budget Committee of the Bundestag has approved the allocation of an additional EUR 3 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2025. EUR 8.3 billion is also planned for 2026-2029.
Germany will allocate hundreds of billions of euros for defense and infrastructure: a large-scale package has passed parliament
The Bundesrat has approved a package of expenditures that weakens the 'debt brake' for defense and infrastructure. 500 billion euros will be allocated to a special fund, which will stimulate the economy and modernization.
German customs confiscated a tanker of the Russian "shadow fleet" along with oil worth 40 million euros
German customs confiscated the tanker Eventin from the Russian "shadow fleet" along with oil worth 40 million euros. The German government has taken strict measures against the tanker due to sanctions.
Huge reserves of natural hydrogen may be hidden in mountain ranges - research
An international group of scientists has discovered that there may be large deposits of natural hydrogen in the mountain ranges of the planet. This discovery could be a breakthrough for clean energy.
European leaders will discuss their position on Ukraine and the peace process in Paris next week - media
European leaders will meet in Paris to discuss the position on Ukraine. The United States has begun negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, and allies are trying to participate in the process.
The EU may cancel the clock change: what is known about the decision
The European Commission plans to withdraw the draft directive on the abolition of seasonal clock changes due to the lack of consensus in the Council of the EU. The final decision is expected in a few months.
Germany will allocate an additional 3 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine
The outgoing German government has agreed to provide an additional 3 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine this year. Also, assistance of more than 8 billion euros is planned for 2026-29.
Parkinson's disease will affect more than 25 million people by 2050 - research
By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson's disease in the world will increase to 25. 2 million. The largest increase is expected in East Asia, and regular physical activity reduces the risk.
Zelenskyy discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense with the Prime Minister of Finland
Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Petteri Orpo, where they discussed defense support for Ukraine, including strengthening air defense, artillery, and investments in weapons production.
Stubb named the countries that should represent Europe in the negotiation process
The President of Finland stated that Europe should create a negotiating team consisting of Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy. He also assured Zelensky of Ukraine's support.
US Attorney General calls Tesla vandalism "domestic terrorism"
Pam Bondi said that a series of attacks on Tesla dealerships are acts of terrorism directed against Elon Musk. Vandals damaged the company's cars and buildings in several cities.
Pistorius sarcastically commented on the results of the Trump-Putin talks
The German Minister of Defense criticized the Trump-Putin agreement on a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, calling it a "pacifier". Russian attacks did not stop after the conversation.
US may relinquish control over NATO troops in Europe - report
The Trump administration is considering abandoning the role of commander of NATO troops in Europe. This could signal a US withdrawal from the alliance and reduce Washington's influence in Europe.
Baerbock may take the post of head of the UN General Assembly - media
The German government plans to propose Annalena Baerbock for the post of head of the UN General Assembly. The German Foreign Minister is known for her active stance on the war in Ukraine.
Bundestag supports reform of "debt brake": what it means
In Germany, the Bundestag supported the reform of the "debt brake", which will allow allocating hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen defense and infrastructure. The reform envisages the creation of an infrastructure fund of 500 billion euros.
France will order more Rafale fighter jets than planned - Macron
Emmanuel Macron announced an increase in orders for Rafale. France will continue to support Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots on Mirage aircraft.
The euro reached a maximum before the vote in Germany on a large increase in spending
The euro reached a five-month high as the Bundestag considered increasing lending. The dollar hit a two-week high against the yen ahead of the Fed and Bank of Japan meetings.