Economists had expected the public finances to break even in July, a month when Treasury revenues are typically boosted by self-assessment income tax payments. Despite strong tax receipts, the Office for National Statistics reported public sector borrowing of £1.8bn last month. During the first four months of the financial year,...
Russian drone enters Romania during overnight attack and crashes near Ukrainian border
Romania's Ministry of National Defense reported that a military radar system detected a group of aerial targets near the border with Ukraine, north of Tulcea County, at 2:23 a.m. Two F-18 aircraft of the Spanish Air and Space Force were scrambled to monitor the situation, along with an IAR-330 SOCAT...
Germany’s digital ministry gets suspected Russian spy hub as neighbour
Germany’s digital ministry has moved key offices next to Berlin’s Russian House, an institution that European authorities suspect has been used as cover for Russian intelligence activity. The relocation, which started last month, has triggered security concerns inside the ministry, with some sensitive units remaining in Bonn rather than relocating to Berlin....
Russia is threatening escalation against Britain
From cyber attacks to assassinations, our experts analyse the most likely ways Moscow could deliver on its threats of retaliation. An intensification of the sabotage campaign, including operations inside Ukraine, is considered one of the most likely options. Against the backdrop of statements by the Russian Embassy in London threatening...
Slovenian President under fire over crash, Russian travel friend
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar has been forced to deny any links to Russian intelligence services after a minor car accident brought to light her close relationship with a Russian-born Slovenian citizen who has come under scrutiny. On Wednesday, the parliamentary security committee, comprising members from all political parties, called...
UK Home Office issues asylum seekers guidance
Men appear to be the primary target for the instructions, although there are also resources for asylum seekers who think they may be victims of illegal behaviour. The guidance states that people are expected to not make sexual remarks about someone "even if you think it is a compliment", whistle...
Russian intelligence services intensify espionage and abotage operations in Germany
Jürgen Kaiser, Head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution of North Rhine-Westphalia, in which he warns of a sharp increase in the activity of Russian intelligence services in Germany and compares the current situation with the “peak periods of the Cold War.” According to Kaiser, Germany has...
Hungary publishes data on HUF 400 Billion in NGO funding under Orbán
The Hungarian government has launched an interactive map providing information on the distribution of state grants to NGOs between 2022 and 2026. According to Prime Minister Péter Magyar, the platform makes public information on approximately HUF 400 billion in funding and around 20,000 organisations, with data broken down by electoral...
NATO’s three-point plan to counter a Russian invasion revealed amid Putin’s threats to the Alliance
NATO has stated that its objective is not to conquer Russia, but to repel and neutralise attacking Russian forces. The primary objective of the plan would be to halt Russian forces and weaken Russia’s military capabilities. NATO would initially intercept incoming missiles and launch a large-scale strike campaign against Russian...
The Paris public prosecutor’s Office is investigating allegations of Russian interference against three French presidential candidates
Paris Prosecutor’s Office opens investigation into suspected Russian interference targeting Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal French presidential hopefuls Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal have been targeted in recent weeks by disinformation campaigns allegedly conducted by Russian-linked networks. The Fundamental Freedoms Protection Section of the Paris Prosecutor’s Office has opened an...