Author: staff

A Swiss security strategy released earlier this month warns of a “drastically deteriorated” security landscape and calls for the procurement of long-range missiles and drones.  Since 2025, Bern has participated in selected projects under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation defense framework, or PESCO. Switzerland has also intensified its long-standing partnership with NATO with closer political dialogue and efforts to improve the Swiss military’s ability to operate alongside allied forces, including in areas such as air power, communications, space and resilience. However, Switzerland remains outside the alliance. Supporters of the neutrality initiative argue that this shift has already gone too far…

Ian O. Lesser, distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, believes the summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was largely about “symbolism” and finding ways to “manage rivalry” between the two leaders. The visit, the first by a Chinese leader to the US in more than a decade, leaves “a lot of unresolved issues” in areas including trade and technology, according to Lesser. However, he sees the extension of the “sort of trade truce” between the two countries as “something of a success”, while acknowledging that there is still “a lot…

Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, as planned protests broke out in the city against the Israeli prime minister. Netanyahu, who is gearing up for Israel’s legislative elections in October, used the platform to take aim at critics of Israel’s war in Gaza as well as media outlets and international partners. As he made his way to the podium, dozens of delegates from around the world exited the venue as the speaker called for order. “If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please…

Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are prompting governments across Europe to introduce subsidies, change taxes and revise policies to shield their economies, companies and households from record petrol and diesel prices. Countries around the world have intervened to limit the economic impact of diminished energy supplies and soaring fuel prices since the start of the Iran war, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Seven of the 10 nations taking the most measures to contain the economic damage are in the European Union, the OECD said in a report published Wednesday. Before the United States…

The 50 Best Bars has just unveiled its extended 51-100 list for 2026, and Europe is the most represented region with 18 watering holes making the cut. Of those 18, four are in Italy, with three bars apiece in Spain and the UK, and two each in Sweden and Greece. Norway, Türkiye, France and Ireland all have one each. The list is based on votes from the 800-strong academy, which is made up of one third bartenders and bar owners, one third drinks writers, and one third global cocktail experts. Each voter nominates eight bars – five in their region,…

Der Tankrabatt feiert sein umstrittenes Comeback. Unter enormem Zeitdruck und auf Drängen von Kanzler Friedrich Merz soll die Milliarden-Entlastung noch heute den Bundesrat passieren. Doch kommt das Geld wirklich an der Zapfsäule an, oder verpufft der Effekt? Josh Groeneveld von „Energie & Klima am Morgen” über den Sinn und Unsinn der Maßnahme. Fernab der Brüsseler Routinen feilen europäische Innenminister in München am Gelingen der Migrationswende. Unter der Leitung von Bundesinnenminister Alexander Dobrindt geht es um die konkrete Umsetzung von Rückführungszentren in Drittstaaten. Das Treffen soll ein unmissverständliches Signal senden, doch wie realistisch sind die Bemühungen beim „Munich Migration Meeting“? Eine…

Church bells will quite literally be ringing across France this Friday morning as Pope Leo XIV lands on the tarmac of Paris-Orly airport for the first official papal visit to the country in 18 years. The Bishops’ Conference of France (CEF) described the decision to ring bells for seven minutes “as a simple and symbolic gesture” to mark the beginning of the Pope’s apostolic journey and allow people “to take part” from wherever they are. From addressing EU leaders and meeting with victims of sexual violence within the Church to parading through Paris on his popemobile, the pontiff has a…

Published on 25/09/2026 – 8:02 GMT+2•Updated 8:05 On today’s show: A meeting yesterday between US President Trump and China’s leader Xi Jinping was closely watched in Europe, as every meaningful agreement between Washington and Beijing also has an impact on the EU. EU Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné and Ian Lesser, distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, share their takes on this meeting. Lauren Walker speaks to Danish minister Martin Lidegaard just days after his country and the United States inked a deal on Greenland. The deal de-escalated a months-long diplomatic crisis over the Arctic Territory triggered…

In der EU geht es um Aufträge, die einen erheblichen Teil der Wirtschaftsleistung ausmachen. Von Windparks bis hin zu Stahl und Zement für den Bau von Autobahnen und U-Bahnen. Deutschland, das Exportkraftzentrum der Union, dringt auf eine breiter angelegte „Made with Europe“-Definition. Dies entspricht auch weitgehend dem ursprünglichen Vorschlag der Kommission. Er sieht die Aufnahme von Partnern vor, die Freihandels- oder Beschaffungsabkommen mit der EU geschlossen haben oder einer Zollunion mit der Union angehören. Der Kreis könnte bis zu 80 Länder umfassen. „Deutschland lehnt Protektionismus und Diskriminierung ab“, heißt es in dem deutschen Papier. „Die EU muss ein verlässlicher Partner…

Brussels is dialling up the pressure on Kyiv to speed up the reforms indispensable for unlocking roughly €20 billion in financial assistance, which the country badly needs as the budget deficit swells and Russia escalates the war. “It is essential that Ukraine continues to deliver on the reforms and policy conditions jointly agreed with the European Union,” a European Commission spokesperson said. “Their timely implementation is key to enabling the Commission to proceed with the corresponding disbursements as planned.” It comes as the Commission is engaged in intense talks with the Ukrainian authorities to pin down the precise extent of…