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U.S. Threatens Retaliation Against European Companies in Trade Dispute The U.S. administration has escalated trade tensions with the EU by threatening direct retaliation against nine major European companies. The targeted firms, including Accenture, Amadeus, Capgemini, Publicis, Mistral, DHL, SAP, Siemens, and Spotify, have enjoyed extensive market access in the U.S. The U.S. claims these companies have benefited from unfair EU rules, suggesting their access could now be at risk. This is the first time specific European companies have been publicly identified in this dispute. The EU has defended its digital laws, stating they are not discriminatory and apply equally to all companies. The combined market capitalization of the listed companies, excluding Mistral, is over eight hundred billion euros. This development is seen as unhelpful for ongoing negotiations between the EU and the U.S.

French authorities are investigating a suspected cyberattack plot on an international ferry, with a Latvian crew member in custody. The incident has prompted Frances counterespionage agency to launch a full investigation, as France and its allies accuse Russia of engaging in hybrid warfare. The Latvian national is charged with criminal conspiracy and hacking-related offenses, while a Bulgarian crew member was released without charge. The ferry has undergone security checks and is now back in operation.

Former UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron denied intelligence watchdog access to sensitive documents, marking the first time a public body refused such access. The documents pertained to James Bond licenses, special authorizations for intelligence officers overseas. The Investigatory Powers Commission (IPCO) later obtained the documents, emphasizing the importance of transparency in maintaining public trust in intelligence oversight.

British Government Issues Final Warning to Roman Abramovich: Release War Victims Fund or Face Legal Action

Belgium Stands Firm on Ukraine Financing: EU Talks Stall Over Asset Usage, Safeguards Belgiums ambassador to the EU, Peter Moors, expressed frustration during closed-door discussions, stating that negotiations are moving backward. Belgium, which holds a significant portion of frozen Russian assets in Euroclear, demands substantial financial and legal safeguards to protect against potential Russian retaliation. The country also insists on unlimited financial guarantees and the termination of bilateral investment treaties with Russia. Belgiums prime minister, Bart De Wever, will make the final decision on asset usage. The European Commission has explored alternative financing methods, such as joint debt, but Hungarys veto threat and legal constraints pose challenges.

Germanys government has approved a new law to manage growing wolf populations, allowing for the culling of problem wolves that threaten livestock. This move aims to balance conservation efforts with the concerns of farmers and the public, addressing the rise in livestock killings and the divide between conservationists and agricultural communities.

The UK government has issued a final warning to sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, demanding he pay £2.5 billion to Ukraine or face legal action. This sum, from the sale of Chelsea Football Club, must be transferred to humanitarian causes in Ukraine. If Abramovich refuses, the government will take him to court. The money has been frozen since 2022, and the government will consider any humanitarian aid proposal, ensuring every penny reaches those affected by the conflict.

The Louvre Museum faces a crisis: a strike by workers due to understaffing, deteriorating infrastructure, and management decisions, leading to a partial closure and security concerns. A $102 million jewel heist exposed serious security failures, with thieves escaping with only a few seconds to spare. The museums physical structure is also under strain, with parts of the aging building deemed unsafe. The pressure is on Louvre President Laurence des Cars, as the Culture Ministry appoints Philippe Jost to help reorganize the museum.

Duke of Marlborough Charged with Serious Offenses: A Tumultuous History Unfolds The Duke of Marlborough, a British aristocrat, faces charges of nonfatal strangulation. This marks a surprising turn in his life, which has been marked by struggles, including drug addiction, and a complex family history. He was disinherited by his father and lost his inheritance to Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace itself has seen drama, including a high-profile theft in 2019. This latest news adds another chapter to the Marlborough familys tumultuous history.