Sweden is creating a new foreign intelligence service modelled on MI6
The Swedish government has actively begun establishing a new foreign intelligence service — Sveriges utrikes underrättelsetjänst (UND). In terms of its functions, it will be comparable to Britain’s MI6. The decision to reform was taken after a reassessment of the work of the special services against the backdrop of Russia’s…
EU plans to sanction more than 1,600 companies linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex
The European Union is preparing its largest sanctions package against Russia by number of companies targeted. According to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the preparation of the document, more than 1,600 firms that Brussels believes are helping Russia in its war against Ukraine could face restrictions. This would be a…
Andy Burnham announces biggest education reform in 15 years
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled a major overhaul of school and vocational education aimed at tackling youth unemployment and addressing what he called a “lost generation.” Government figures show that more than one million young people aged 16–24 are currently not in employment, education or training (NEET). Burnham described…
Hungarian parliament approves creation of national asset recovery agency
Hungarian lawmakers voted on Tuesday to establish the National Asset Recovery and Protection Office (Nemzeti Vagyonvisszaszerzési és Vagyonvédelmi Hivatal, NVVH). The law was passed by 143 votes in favor to 47 against. Only deputies from the ruling Tisza party supported the initiative. The new independent body is tasked with identifying…
US Senate advances “hellish sanctions” against Russia and Iran
On the evening of July 28, the US Senate voted to move forward with a major package of sanctions against Russia and Iran. The vote was 86 in favor and only 12 were against. This bill is already being called “hellish sanctions.” Its main author was Senator Lindsey Graham, who…