June, 2022

• 3 June

  EU Slaps Sanctions on al-Qaida-linked Group

  

  The member states of the European Union on Monday agreed to impose terrorism-related sanctions against an al-Qaida-affiliated armed insurgent group and two of its leaders. The European Council, which oversees the 27-member bloc’s political direction, identified Hurras al-Din, a Syria-based al-Qaida affiliate, its leader, Faruq al-Suri, and its religious leader, …

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• 3 June

  Russia’s war on global food security

  

  Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine is also a war on global food security. In February 2022, Russia blockaded all of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, through which all its bulk exports were being shipped. The ports remain closed, with no opening in sight. David Beasley, the executive director of …

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• 3 June

  Denmark to join EU defence policy after historic vote

  

  Denmark will join the European Union’s defence policy after a referendum on Wednesday (1 June), final results showed, signalling the latest shift among Nordic countries to deepen defence ties in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Denmark is the only EU member that is not part of the bloc’s defence …

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• 3 June

  Berlin promises Ukraine heavy weapons, but delivery may take months

  

  Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised to send Ukraine heavy weapons, including air defence systems, though Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was quick to dash hopes of speedy delivery. Speaking in front of the Bundestag on Wednesday (1 June), Scholz said Germany would provide Ukraine with a modern Iris-T air defence system …

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• 3 June

  Afghan refugees in Albania, forgotten and facing eviction

  

  Afghan refugees staying in the Albanian coastal city of Shengjin until their visas for the US and other countries are processed say they are facing eviction, having their passports confiscated, and that many of the NGOs that were helping them have left. After western troops pulled out of Kabul in …

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• 3 June

  Bulgarian president hints at North Macedonia referendum

  

  Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has hinted that he could call a referendum on Bulgaria’s veto on North Macedonia’s EU integration but denied he would discuss the matter with French President Emmanuel Macron. Radev’s comments come after Bulgarian media reported that Macron invited Radev and Prime Minister Kiril Petkov to a …

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• 3 June

  The Netherlands, Germany announce joint North Sea drilling operation

  

  The Netherlands and Germany will drill for gas in the North Sea together, with production expected to start in 2024, the Dutch government has announced. According to the Dutch government’s website, production will take place in the North Sea, about 19 kilometres north of Schiermonnikoog and Borkum. A pipeline is …

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• 3 June

  Turkey, Terrorists and NATO

  

  Turkey, reportedly on the verge of yet another military incursion into Syria, appears up to other fun and games as well. The so-called “terrorists” to whom Erdoğan is referring are Kurdish politicians, political activists, and refugees who live in Sweden and Finland. In particular, those who engage in advocacy for …

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• 3 June

  Ukraine’s Best Chance for Peace

  

  How Neutrality Can Bring Security—and Satisfy Both Russia and the West At this stage of the war in Ukraine, as Russia steps up its offensive in the Donbas and more revelations of the atrocities committed by its forces emerge, the prospect of any kind of negotiated peace between Moscow and …

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• 3 June

  Baltic Sea exercise may serve as prime showcase for prospective NATO members Finland, Sweden

  

  An annual U.S.-led naval exercise in the Baltic region that starts this weekend could allow Finland and Sweden to demonstrate their maritime prowess, potentially underscoring the contributions they might make as NATO members. Both countries long have been participants in Baltic Operations, or BALTOPS, but this year Sweden hosts opening …

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