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Italy Probes Spyware Attack Targeting WhatsApp Users, Including Activist and Journalist

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The Italian government announced an investigation into a “particularly serious” spyware incident targeting seven mobile phone users on WhatsApp. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office denied any involvement and directed the National Cybersecurity Agency to probe the matter after reports that a journalist and a migrant rescue activist were affected.

Luca Casarini, co-founder of the Mediterranea Saving Humans charity, revealed he received a spyware alert from WhatsApp the same day Meta accused surveillance firm Paragon Solutions of targeting 90 users across several countries. Italian journalist Francesco Cancellato, editor of Fanpage, also confirmed receiving a similar alert. Both victims expressed concern about the breach, with Casarini calling it a “violation of democracy.”

Meta linked the sophisticated “zero-click” hacking method to Paragon, reportedly owned by AE Industrial Partners, and issued a cease-and-desist letter. Spyware cases were also detected in Belgium, Greece, Germany, and other EU nations. The Italian cybersecurity agency has yet to receive information on the identities of those targeted.

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High Seismic Activity Forces Evacuations from Santorini

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Santorini residents and visitors scrambled to leave the Greek island on Monday as dozens of tremors continued to shake the region for a fourth consecutive day. The quakes, some with magnitudes above 4, prompted authorities to close schools on Santorini and nearby islands, including Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi, until Friday. Disaster response units were deployed as a precaution, and people were urged to stay out of indoor spaces and small ports.

Local officials noted that while permanent residents were accustomed to earthquakes, many visitors and workers were leaving the island. “There have been continuous tremors every five minutes for three days. We couldn’t sleep last night,” said Tzanis Lignos, who left with his family after managing to secure tickets. Aegean Airlines arranged extra flights upon the request of Greece’s Civil Protection Ministry to facilitate travel for those evacuating the island.

Experts, including Efthymios Lekkas, a professor of tectonic geology and disaster management, warned that seismic activity is expected to persist for several weeks. The tremors come in an area historically known for tectonic and volcanic activity, with the last major volcanic eruption occurring in 1950. However, experts clarified that the mild volcanic activity observed recently near Santorini is unrelated to the current quakes.

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Starmer Urges Europe to Intensify Efforts Against Putin’s War Machine During Brussels Visit

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to Brussels on Monday to call for a stronger European commitment to countering President Vladimir Putin’s Russia and its ongoing war in Ukraine. In his discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European leaders, Starmer emphasized the need for the continent to step up its efforts, particularly in targeting Russia’s energy revenues and companies supporting Putin’s missile factories. His visit marks the first time a British leader has met with EU heads of state since the UK’s departure from the bloc.

During his visit, Starmer reiterated the importance of maintaining pressure on Putin, noting U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats to impose new tariffs on Russia if the war in Ukraine continues without a resolution. He expressed confidence that European allies must play a more significant role in this collective effort, working together to “crush Putin’s war machine.”

While Starmer’s visit aimed to strengthen post-Brexit relations with the EU, British Interior Minister Yvette Cooper raised concerns over the government’s position on migration. She clarified that a proposed youth mobility deal with the EU was not a priority for the UK, stressing the need to reduce net migration, which has been a central issue for the government.

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French Finance Minister Confident on 2025 Budget Talks Amid Political Tensions

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French Finance Minister Eric Lombard expressed optimism on Friday regarding ongoing talks to pass the 2025 budget bill, emphasizing that negotiations were “on the right track” despite potential compromises still needed. Speaking to TF1 television, Lombard reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the public sector deficit to 5.4% of GDP this year, down from nearly 6% last year, amid concerns over tax shortfalls and increased spending.

As lawmakers from the Senate and lower house continued closed-door discussions to finalize the much-delayed budget, Lombard acknowledged the risk of a possible no-confidence motion. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to invoke constitutional powers to push the budget through without a regular vote, a move likely to provoke backlash from opposition parties, including the far-left and potentially Marine Le Pen’s far-right RN party.

Jean-Philippe Tanguy, an RN lawmaker on the panel, criticized the draft budget for lacking significant spending cuts, calling it a “phantom budget.” He warned of mounting financial risks as France approaches February without an approved fiscal plan, noting that the rising cost of state debt has already increased by 8 billion euros. The uncertainty has rattled investor confidence and could have further consequences if no resolution is reached.

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EU Stands Firm on Denmark’s Sovereignty Amid U.S. Greenland Interest

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The European Union has strongly reaffirmed its support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, following repeated comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential acquisition of the Arctic island. European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the importance of Denmark’s territorial integrity, calling it an “essential issue” for the EU in an interview on Wednesday. Costa’s statement aligns with the position of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who declared that the bloc would not entertain any negotiations over Greenland’s status.

Trump has expressed that Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, holds strategic significance for U.S. national security, and has even suggested the possibility of using military or economic power to secure the island. The U.S. operates a military base in northwestern Greenland, which functions as a ballistic missile early-warning system. However, both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected Trump’s claims, with Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede stating that the island’s people should determine their own future.

In response to growing concerns about Arctic security, NATO and Denmark have agreed to bolster Arctic defense measures, with Denmark committing to an additional $2 billion in defense spending. Despite the tensions over Greenland, both Greenland and Denmark have made it clear that the island is not for sale, maintaining their position on the region’s territorial sovereignty.

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Britain and EU Clash Over Post-Brexit Fishing Rights in Hague Tribunal

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Britain and the European Union have taken their first legal dispute over post-Brexit fishing rights to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The case, which began on Tuesday, centers on whether Britain’s ban on fishing sandeels in its North Sea waters breaches the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). A three-member panel of legal experts from France, New Zealand, and South Africa will hear arguments for three days and deliver a final ruling by late April. The ban, justified by Britain as necessary for ecological balance, has sparked tensions, with the EU calling it discriminatory and disproportionate.

Though the financial impact is minor, with Britain estimating a maximum revenue loss of £45 million for non-UK vessels, the political ramifications could be significant. A ruling against the ban may lead to EU retaliation, potentially straining Britain’s efforts to “reset” relations with the bloc under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Environmental groups and Brexiteers have also urged the government to stand firm, creating further complications.

The case highlights broader tensions between the UK and EU, as both sides aim to resolve trade and regulatory disagreements post-Brexit. Britain is also exploring a veterinary agreement to ease food trade and closer defense cooperation with EU leaders. The fishing ban specifically affects Danish fleets that harvest sandeels for animal feed and oil production, while British vessels do not target the species.

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British Businesses Set to Cut Pay Awards Amid Tax Hikes and Economic Pessimism

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A majority of British businesses are planning to reduce staff pay awards in response to upcoming payroll tax increases, according to surveys published on Monday. Incomes Data Research (IDR) revealed that 69% of employers surveyed were moderately or extremely likely to slow pay rises to offset the tax hike announced by Finance Minister Rachel Reeves in her October budget. Over half of respondents said they were “extremely likely” to scale back pay increases, with one-third also considering redundancies. The survey, covering 168 employers and 1.2 million workers, found that 43% expect pay rises between 3.0% and 3.99%, while only 14% anticipate increases of 4% or more.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) added to the bleak outlook, reporting only a slight improvement in business sentiment for the next three months. The CBI’s growth indicator rose marginally to -22 in January from a two-year low of -24 in December, as businesses across sectors, including manufacturing, services, and retail, remained pessimistic. Alpesh Paleja, the CBI’s interim chief economist, warned that plans to cut staff and raise prices could exacerbate challenges for policymakers trying to balance growth and inflation control.

These findings come as the Bank of England prepares to announce its interest rate decision on February 6. Most economists expect a quarter-point rate cut, though the long-term trajectory remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Reeves has defended her tax increases as a one-off measure to stabilize public finances, ahead of an upcoming speech outlining her strategy to accelerate Britain’s sluggish economic growth.

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Irish Parliament Vote for Prime Minister Delayed Amid Opposition Protests

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The election of Micheál Martin as Ireland’s new prime minister was delayed by a day after chaotic scenes in the parliament, Dáil Éireann, on Wednesday. The disruption stemmed from protests by opposition lawmakers over speaking rights for independent legislators backing the incoming coalition government. The speaker was forced to suspend proceedings four times before adjourning the session to Thursday morning.

Martin, set to lead a coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and independents, criticized the opposition, particularly Sinn Féin, for what he called a “subversion of the Irish constitution.” He emphasized the importance of electing a taoiseach and forming a government, expressing dismay at the day’s events. Outgoing premier Simon Harris, who was poised to become deputy prime minister, described the disruptions as “stunt politics on speed.”

The delay has postponed Martin’s appointment of new ministers, with the government aiming to finalize the cabinet before the upcoming U.S. presidential inauguration. The opposition’s protest centered on government-supporting independents retaining extended speaking rights, a contentious issue that remains unresolved. Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane accused the coalition and independents of engaging in “stroke politics” that prompted the standoff.

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Lukashenko Set for Seventh Term as Belarus Holds Presidential Election

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Belarus is set for a presidential election on Sunday, with five candidates appearing on the ballot. However, Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled for 31 years, is assured of victory in what the exiled opposition has labeled a sham election. Opposition leaders have urged voters to reject all candidates as Lukashenko, 70, claims he is too focused on governance to campaign. Critics argue the election lacks genuine competition, as independent media is banned, and around 1,250 political prisoners remain detained, according to human rights groups.

Lukashenko’s tenure has been marked by protests and international condemnation, especially after mass demonstrations against alleged election fraud in 2020. Security forces cracked down on dissent, jailing opposition leaders or forcing them into exile. While recent prisoner releases suggest an attempt to mend ties with the West, opposition figures like Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya say these moves are strategic, aiming to secure sanctions relief amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

As a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko allowed Belarus to serve as a launchpad for Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Analysts suggest that a potential end to the war could open opportunities for Lukashenko to balance relations between Russia and the West, as he has done in the past. However, exiled opposition leaders, including Ivan Kravtsov, admit to struggling to remain relevant as Belarusians prioritize survival over politics.

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Prince Harry’s Legal Battle Against Murdoch’s Newspaper Group Begins in High Court

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Prince Harry’s legal fight against Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers (NGN) commenced at the High Court in London on Tuesday. The royal, alongside former senior lawmaker Tom Watson, is suing NGN over allegations of unlawful activities, including phone-hacking and private investigator misconduct, carried out by journalists for its publications, The Sun and the defunct News of the World, between 1996 and 2011. Harry seeks accountability, claiming that senior figures within the organization were aware of, and covered up, widespread wrongdoing. His legal team intends to prove that top executives misled police and destroyed crucial evidence to conceal unlawful actions.

In a mission described by Harry as being driven by the pursuit of truth rather than financial gain, he aims to hold the media giant responsible for its actions. The prince’s older brother, Prince William, previously settled his own case against NGN in 2020. Although NGN has paid millions of pounds in previous settlements, the publisher has firmly denied the claims and intends to fully defend its position in court. The trial, which is expected to last for eight weeks, will initially focus on the extent of phone-hacking and other unlawful activities carried out by the newspaper group.

Witnesses set to testify include former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, actors Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller, singer Lily Allen, and Heather Mills, former wife of Paul McCartney. As the case progresses, Harry is set to take the stand himself in February. NGN, which closed News of the World in 2011, denies the allegations, with a spokesperson stating that the claims are “wrong” and will be vigorously contested through testimony from experts and senior staff.

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