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Netherlands Joins US-Led AI Alliance Despite ASML Export Dispute

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The Netherlands has agreed to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at strengthening and coordinating artificial intelligence supply chains among allied nations. The move marks a significant boost for Washington’s technology diplomacy efforts, even as the two countries continue to disagree over certain chip equipment exports to China.

The announcement comes as Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma visits Washington to discuss trade issues, including concerns over the proposed U.S. Match Act. While both countries support restrictions on exporting advanced semiconductor manufacturing tools used for AI chip production, they remain divided on whether Dutch company ASML should be allowed to sell and maintain some less-advanced equipment in China.

Pax Silica seeks to enhance economic security and cooperation in critical technology sectors. Besides the Netherlands, members include Japan and South Korea, while Taiwan has endorsed the initiative without formally joining. The European Union is also expected to participate in the future, further expanding the alliance’s influence over global AI and semiconductor supply chains.

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France’s Private Sector Slowdown Eases in June

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France’s private sector remained in contraction during June, but the pace of decline eased significantly, according to the latest S&P Global Flash PMI survey. The Composite Output Index rose to 47.6 from 44.9 in May, indicating that business activity is still shrinking but showing signs of stabilization. Economists viewed the improvement as a positive signal after France’s first-quarter GDP was revised to reflect an economic contraction.

The manufacturing sector showed encouraging progress, with the Manufacturing PMI climbing to 50.7, returning to growth territory. Manufacturing output also improved, while the services sector remained weak but contracted at a slower rate than in previous months. The Services PMI rose to 47.4, marking its highest level in three months.

Despite the improvement, demand remained subdued as new orders declined for a seventh consecutive month and export orders continued to fall sharply. Employment levels stabilized after a significant drop in May, while business confidence improved for the first time since January. Cooling cost pressures and softer pricing trends suggested easing inflation, although uncertainties surrounding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz continue to pose risks to the outlook.

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Former SNP Chief Peter Murrell Jailed for Embezzling Party Funds

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Former Scottish National Party (SNP) chief executive Peter Murrell has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison after admitting to embezzling more than £400,000 from party funds over a 13-year period. The court heard that Murrell used the money to purchase vehicles, a luxury motorhome, and high-end consumer goods.

Murrell, the estranged husband of former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310 between 2010 and 2023. During sentencing, the judge described his actions as a serious breach of trust and a calculated act of dishonesty, emphasizing that the punishment should serve as a warning to senior officials in other organizations.

The case stemmed from a wider investigation into the SNP’s finances that also led to Sturgeon’s arrest in 2023. However, she was later cleared of any wrongdoing and has repeatedly stated that she had no knowledge of Murrell’s misuse of party funds. Authorities are now expected to pursue legal action to recover the embezzled money through proceeds-of-crime measures.

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German Business Activity Falls to 18-Month Low as Services Sector Weakens

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Germany’s private sector activity contracted at its fastest pace in 18 months during June, according to the latest S&P Global survey. The Composite Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropped to 48.0 from 48.8 in May, falling short of market expectations and remaining below the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction.

The decline was driven mainly by the services sector, where the PMI fell to 46.8, its lowest level since November 2022. Business activity and new orders in the sector weakened further, while overall new business across the economy declined for a fourth consecutive month, marking the sharpest fall since December 2024.

Despite the slowdown, the survey highlighted easing inflationary pressures. Input costs rose at the slowest pace in four months, while output price inflation softened. However, business confidence for the next 12 months weakened slightly and remained below long-term averages, raising concerns that Germany’s economy may have slipped back into contraction during the second quarter.

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Europe Under Extreme Heat Alert

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Europe is facing an intense and prolonged heatwave, with red alerts issued across France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg as temperatures are forecast to exceed 40°C. French weather authorities warned that the heatwave could be one of the longest in recent years, with cities like Bordeaux already recording 42°C and Paris expected to reach 41°C. Hundreds of schools have been closed, and transport services have been disrupted as governments urge residents to take precautions.

The extreme conditions have already had deadly consequences. In southern France, two young children were found dead in a family car in an incident believed to be linked to the heat. Several elderly residents have also died amid soaring temperatures, while authorities reported multiple drowning incidents as people sought relief in rivers and lakes. Across Europe, emergency services remain on high alert as hospitals prepare for heat-related illnesses.

Meteorologists say the heatwave is being driven by hot air moving north from the Sahara Desert, trapping unusually high temperatures across western and central Europe. Scientists point to the event as another sign of global warming, noting that most of France’s recorded heatwaves have occurred since 2000. Temperatures are expected to peak midweek before gradually easing toward the end of the week.

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Bauhaus Becomes Flashpoint in Germany’s Cultural Battle Ahead of State Election

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Germany’s iconic Bauhaus movement has become a focal point in a growing cultural debate ahead of September’s state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading opinion polls. The party has pledged a “patriotic cultural policy” and argues that Bauhaus architecture represents rootless globalism rather than nationally grounded German traditions.

Founded after World War I, the Bauhaus school revolutionized architecture and design through its minimalist use of glass, steel, and concrete, influencing buildings and household products worldwide. While the AfD criticizes modernist architecture and state support for what it calls “anti-German” culture, Bauhaus supporters say the movement reflects innovation, openness, and an important chapter of German history.

Cultural leaders and academics have expressed concern that an AfD victory could reshape cultural and educational policies in the state. Although Germany’s federal system limits sweeping changes, observers say Saxony-Anhalt could serve as a testing ground for the party’s broader cultural agenda, placing institutions such as Bauhaus and universities under increased political scrutiny.

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Crimea Suspends Summer Camps as Ukraine Strikes Trigger Fuel Crisis

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Russian-held Crimea has suspended tourist activities and children’s summer camps until September as a growing fuel crisis disrupts the region. Authorities say Ukrainian attacks on sea routes, supply roads, and Russian oil infrastructure have severely affected fuel deliveries, forcing petrol stations across Crimea to halt sales to the public and businesses.

The fuel shortages are part of a wider problem across Russia, where repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries have reduced gasoline and diesel production. Several Russian regions have reported supply disruptions, while some fuel stations in Moscow have also experienced shortages of certain fuel grades.

The Kremlin said officials and oil companies are working to stabilize the domestic fuel market. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has directed agencies and producers to prepare measures to boost supplies, maintain prices, and increase output as Russia faces declining fuel production and exports amid continued attacks on its energy sector.

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Pope Leo Urges Leaders to Fight Hunger Instead of Fueling Wars

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Pope Leo criticized world leaders for prioritizing military conflicts over humanitarian needs, saying governments are “feeding” wars while millions continue to face hunger. Speaking at the headquarters of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome, the pope warned that global political and moral priorities have become dangerously unbalanced.

The pontiff urged nations to increase spending on food security and humanitarian aid rather than limiting assistance due to geopolitical interests. He stressed that access to food is a fundamental human right and argued that tackling hunger should be a central international priority. Leo also cautioned that many humanitarian crises are being pushed aside as countries focus more on national security and economic concerns.

Highlighting the link between hunger and global stability, Pope Leo said food security is essential for lasting peace and international security. His remarks come as the WFP warns that acute food insecurity is expected to worsen across multiple countries due to conflict, funding shortages, and climate-related challenges. The agency is seeking $13 billion in donations for 2026 to support its worldwide operations.

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EU Turns to Brazil for Critical Minerals as Supply Chain Diversification Gains Pace

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The European Union is strengthening ties with Brazil as part of its strategy to secure critical mineral supplies and reduce dependence on dominant global producers. During a visit to a rare earth processing facility in Minas Gerais, EU officials highlighted Brazil’s importance as a key partner in building more resilient and diversified supply chains.

The proposed partnership focuses on supporting local processing and refining capabilities rather than simply exporting raw materials. The EU says the collaboration will help Brazil create jobs, attract investment, access advanced technologies and move further up the value chain in the rapidly growing critical minerals sector.

The initiative comes amid intense global competition for rare earths, lithium and other minerals essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy and defence industries. Officials said discussions are progressing on new agreements and investments, with both sides aiming to strengthen long-term cooperation while promoting sustainable development and industrial growth.

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No-Fly Zone for US-Iran Talks Causes Flight Disruptions at Zurich Airport

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Flight operations at Zurich Airport faced significant disruptions after a technical issue linked to security measures for ongoing US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland. Swiss air traffic control authority Skyguide said the problem occurred when a newly established restricted airspace over the Buergenstock resort, where the negotiations are taking place, was integrated into radar systems at short notice.

The no-fly zone was implemented after the decision to host the latest round of talks was finalized only a day earlier. The technical glitch temporarily affected air traffic management, leading to cancellations and delays. Airport officials reported that 12 arriving flights and 14 departing flights were cancelled, while at least 60 departures experienced delays before the issue was resolved.

Authorities confirmed that operations have since returned to normal and that aviation safety was never compromised. The security restrictions coincide with high-level diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran at the Swiss resort, which has been chosen as a discreet and secure venue for the sensitive negotiations.

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