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Denmark Pushes Tougher Deportation Laws, Risking Clash With European Rights Court

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Denmark’s government said on Friday it will introduce tougher deportation laws aimed at making it easier to expel foreign nationals, including criminals, even if the move risks conflict with the European Court of Human Rights. The announcement comes amid a broader hardening of attitudes across Europe toward migration and asylum, with several governments expressing frustration over court rulings that have blocked deportations.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said her coalition government would move ahead without waiting for changes in how the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted, arguing that Denmark’s approach reflects the intent of many countries signed up to the convention. Facing mounting pressure from nationalist and anti-immigration parties ahead of an election due by October, Frederiksen acknowledged the reforms could prompt legal challenges.

The proposed measures, expected to take effect from May if approved, include stricter deportation rules for foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, electronic tagging for migrants who breach reporting requirements, and the appointment of a deportation envoy. Denmark also plans to reopen its embassy in Syria, review refugee permits more aggressively, and explore establishing an EU reception centre outside the bloc, reinforcing the country’s long-standing tough stance on immigration.

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Digital Espionage Suspected in Early Leak of Nobel Peace Prize Winner

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The Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Friday it believes digital espionage was likely responsible for the early exposure of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner’s identity, ahead of the official announcement. While investigators have not confirmed how the breach occurred or who was behind it, the committee said the digital domain remains the primary suspect.

Suspicion arose after betting activity surged hours before the official announcement, with large wagers placed on Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado—who was ultimately named the laureate. According to committee officials, Machado’s name had not appeared in expert predictions or media coverage prior to the unusual spike in bets, which climbed to about $2.2 million.

One of Norway’s intelligence agencies participated in the investigation to determine whether the leak stemmed from an internal source or external digital spying, possibly involving criminal or state actors. While the motive remains unclear, the committee said its focus has now shifted to strengthening safeguards to prevent future breaches and protect the credibility of the prestigious award.

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Aircraft Lessors Hold Firm as Geopolitical and Supply Risks Rise

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Global aircraft leasing companies say they remain resilient despite rising geopolitical tensions and market volatility, citing supply shortages and decades of crisis experience as stabilising factors. Speaking at an industry gathering in Dublin, leasing executives said the sector’s ability to move aircraft across borders and preserve tariff-free trade has helped shield it from recent global shocks.

A large backlog of jet orders at Boeing and Airbus has handed lessors significant control over new aircraft deliveries well into the next decade, supporting lease rates, resale values and profits. Executives said manufacturing issues and limited supply have placed “guardrails” around the industry cycle, keeping demand firm even as global markets remain unsettled.

While risks have increased following past crises including COVID-19 and Russia’s seizure of leased aircraft, industry leaders said long investment horizons help absorb shocks. At the same time, consolidation is accelerating, with a widening gap between lessors with large order books and smaller rivals. Executives said barriers to entry are rising, and attention is now focused on the potential sale of Macquarie AirFinance, which could reshape the competitive landscape.

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Spain Grieves Train Crash Victims as Families Demand Answers

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Spain held emotional tributes on Thursday for the 45 people killed in a devastating high-speed train collision, as grieving families vowed to uncover the truth behind one of Europe’s deadliest rail disasters. At a funeral mass in the southern city of Huelva, relatives and survivors gathered, some still bearing visible injuries. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia attended the service, where families stressed that only full accountability would help them heal.

The crash occurred on January 18 near the village of Adamuz, when a train travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and was struck seconds later by another train heading in the opposite direction. Authorities said a fracture in the rail may have caused the initial derailment, with as little as nine to 20 seconds between the two incidents. The tragedy has intensified scrutiny of Spain’s railway safety standards and government investment in maintenance, especially after other rail-related incidents reported the same week.

Speaking at the service, Liliana Saenz, who lost her mother, said the families would continue seeking answers to ensure such a disaster never happens again. She told mourners that the 45 families would give up everything they own for just 20 seconds to change the outcome. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Transport Minister Oscar Puente did not attend the funeral, further fuelling public debate over responsibility and oversight.

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First Brands Founder Indicted on Fraud Charges After Bankruptcy Fallout

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Federal prosecutors have indicted First Brands founder and former CEO Patrick James on fraud-related charges, alleging he orchestrated years of deceptive accounting that led to the auto parts supplier’s collapse and bankruptcy. James, 61, faces multiple counts including bank fraud, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and running a continuing financial crimes enterprise. His brother Edward James, a former senior vice president at the company, has also been charged. Prosecutors say the scheme defrauded lenders of billions of dollars before First Brands filed for Chapter 11 protection in September with more than $9 billion in liabilities.

According to the indictment, First Brands falsely portrayed itself as a successful and fast-growing global business while concealing mounting liabilities and cash-flow stress. Prosecutors allege the James brothers inflated growth through practices such as double- and triple-pledging collateral, faking invoices, and hiding debt off the balance sheet between 2018 and 2025. A former executive, Andy Brumbergs, has pleaded guilty in a related case and is cooperating with authorities. Patrick James has denied all charges, while Edward James’ lawyer said his client acted with integrity and will contest the allegations in court.

The criminal case adds to the turmoil surrounding First Brands’ bankruptcy, which has disrupted supply chains for major automakers including Ford and General Motors. New company management has accused Patrick James of leaving the firm insolvent while transferring hundreds of millions of dollars to himself. To keep critical operations running, a bankruptcy judge has approved short-term financing support from Ford and GM, even as First Brands winds down several business units and struggles with dwindling cash reserves.

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Western Balkans Press EU for Relief as Truck Blockades Enter Fourth Day

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Truck drivers across the Western Balkans continued blocking cargo terminals at European Union borders for a fourth straight day, as regional governments urged Brussels to ease new rules they say are crippling trade. Drivers in Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia began protests this week against stricter enforcement of the EU’s entry-exit system, which they say risks detention or deportation for breaching Schengen stay limits.

Despite the EU saying it is working on a new visa strategy for highly mobile professions such as truck drivers, protests persisted on Thursday. At the Batrovci crossing between Serbia and EU member Croatia, long lines of trucks blocked access to cargo terminals, disrupting a key transport corridor linking the EU with Turkey and the Middle East. Truckers said they would continue demonstrations until concrete solutions are offered.

Serbia’s Chamber of Commerce said nearly all exports from the four countries were halted, causing losses of about 92 million euros a day, with EU-based companies also affected. Montenegro’s president has appealed to EU officials to consider the needs of regional transporters, while Serbia is seeking talks with the European Commission on options such as special visas or permits. Some blockades have eased, including at Montenegro’s port of Bar, but pressure remains high for a swift compromise.

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STMicro Sees Clearer 2026 Outlook as Restructuring Costs Persist

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STMicroelectronics forecast first-quarter revenue slightly above market expectations, citing improving visibility and signs of recovery in its key end markets, but warned that restructuring costs will continue to weigh on results through 2026. The Franco-Italian chipmaker said it expects revenue of about $3.04 billion in the first quarter, ahead of analysts’ average estimate of $2.99 billion, lifting its shares in early trade.

The company reported fourth-quarter net income of $125 million, well below both analysts’ expectations and last year’s result, after booking a $141 million impairment linked to restructuring. Excluding the charge, profit would have been $266 million. STMicro said demand in its core automotive, industrial and consumer electronics markets has begun to stabilise as inventory corrections ease after a prolonged post-pandemic slowdown.

However, the group cautioned that the impact of its European manufacturing overhaul will be felt across every quarter of 2026. The restructuring involves shifting production away from older facilities in France and Italy toward newer sites, with finance chief Lorenzo Grandi saying costs will remain elevated even as operational charges gradually decline, supporting margin improvement over time.

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Deutsche Bank Offices Raided in Germany Over Money Laundering Probe

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German authorities have raided Deutsche Bank’s offices in Frankfurt and Berlin as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering, prosecutors said. The Office of the Federal Prosecutor said it is probing “unknown individuals and employees” at Germany’s largest lender, alongside the Federal Criminal Police Office, over past business relationships with foreign companies believed to have been used for illicit financial activities.

Officials declined to provide details on which employees or companies are under investigation, saying no further information could be disclosed about the transactions, their scale, or the entities involved. Deutsche Bank confirmed that searches were conducted at its premises but did not comment further. German media reports suggested potential links to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, claims his lawyers strongly denied.

Abramovich’s legal team said he has no connection to the investigation and is neither a suspect nor under scrutiny, adding that the raids relate solely to Deutsche Bank’s alleged failure to meet reporting obligations under Germany’s anti-money laundering rules. The case recalls a 2018 investigation when Deutsche Bank’s Frankfurt headquarters and other offices were searched over suspected assistance in setting up offshore accounts to move funds linked to criminal activity.

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Six European Economies Push to Advance Stalled EU Projects

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Ministers from six major European economies, including Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, pledged to take the lead in advancing projects stalled by the EU’s slow decision-making processes. The virtual meeting followed criticism from the Trump administration over the EU’s lengthy deliberations, with leaders emphasizing the need to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and defense capabilities amid geopolitical uncertainty. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil described the group as a flexible coalition, open to additional countries joining in the future.

While no concrete decisions were made, the ministers agreed to focus on key areas such as creating a capital markets union, enhancing the international role of the euro, coordinating defense investments, and securing critical minerals through joint purchasing and trade partnerships. The discussions underscored the growing emphasis on European sovereignty in light of global challenges from the U.S., Russia, and China. Officials stressed that the initiative would allow faster progress on crucial projects without requiring unanimous agreement from all 27 EU members.

The move reflects a broader push within Europe to adopt a “two-speed” approach, enabling smaller groups of countries to act independently on policy areas where consensus is difficult. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French leaders have long advocated for this strategy to accelerate economic and strategic initiatives, including trade deals and energy policies. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domański noted that Europe must act faster to respond to ongoing economic and geopolitical changes, signaling a shift toward more agile and pragmatic decision-making within the EU.

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Donetsk Remains Major Hurdle in Ukraine Peace Talks, Rubio Says

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said active efforts are under way to resolve the territorial dispute over Donetsk, calling it the most difficult remaining obstacle in U.S.-mediated talks aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. Speaking at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Wednesday, Rubio said negotiators have narrowed the talks to this single core issue, but warned it would be “very difficult” to bridge the gap.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ukraine surrender all of the Donbas region, including the remaining 20% of Donetsk still under Kyiv’s control, threatening to seize it by force if it is not handed over in a peace deal. Ukraine has firmly rejected territorial concessions, saying it will not cede land Russia has failed to capture militarily, a stance widely supported by Ukrainian public opinion and most of the international community.

Rubio said the United States may participate in follow-up talks expected in Abu Dhabi, though senior envoys involved in earlier discussions will not attend. Previous talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials ended without an agreement, but both sides signaled willingness to continue dialogue. Rubio also indicated that U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine could come into effect only after the conflict ends, amid reports that Washington is pressing Kyiv to accept a peace deal as a condition for long-term security support.

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