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Denmark, NATO Move to Strengthen Arctic Security Amid Greenland Tensions

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Denmark and NATO have agreed on the need to enhance security in the Arctic following renewed tensions linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Friday. After talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Frederiksen stressed that defence and security in the Arctic are concerns for the entire alliance, not just countries in the region. Denmark and Greenland have firmly stated that Greenland’s sovereignty is not open for discussion, while remaining willing to engage in dialogue on other issues.

Trump said on Thursday that he had secured permanent U.S. access to Greenland following discussions with Rutte, comments that heightened attention on the strategic Arctic region. Rutte later noted that NATO allies would need to intensify efforts to counter growing challenges from Russia and China in the high north. Frederiksen echoed this view, saying NATO must increase its engagement, and Rutte confirmed he was working closely with Denmark to strengthen deterrence and defence measures.

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Rail Fracture Likely Preceded Deadly High-Speed Train Crash in Spain, Investigators Say

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Spanish rail investigators said a fracture in the track likely occurred before a high-speed train derailed in southern Spain, leading to a fatal collision that killed 45 people. In a preliminary report released on Friday, the rail accident investigation body CIAF said available evidence suggests the rail break happened prior to the passage of the Iryo train and before the derailment itself.

The crash occurred on Sunday near Adamuz in the Cordoba province, when a derailed Iryo high-speed train collided with an oncoming Renfe train, marking one of Europe’s deadliest rail accidents in recent years. While the cause of the rail fracture has not yet been determined, investigators stressed that no possibilities have been ruled out and further analysis is required.

CIAF said it found distinctive damage on the wheels of the Iryo train consistent with striking a broken rail, with markings closely matching defects observed on the fractured track section. Similar wheel damage was also identified on other trains that passed through the same area before the accident, though investigators cautioned that the findings remain preliminary and must be confirmed through detailed technical studies.

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ECB Should Avoid Rushing Policy Moves Amid Uncertainty, Says Austria’s Kocher

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The European Central Bank (ECB) should be careful about taking preemptive policy action in response to rising uncertainty, Austrian central bank chief Martin Kocher said in an interview with German outlet Platow. Kocher noted that while geopolitical risks have intensified recently, central banks should avoid committing to policy moves before risks clearly materialise.

Kocher pointed to heightened global uncertainty driven partly by fresh geopolitical tensions, including threats of new U.S. trade measures. However, he cautioned that acting too early—especially when inflation risks are not clearly tilted in one direction—could lock policymakers into a difficult position and complicate communication. “Some risks can be addressed in advance, but many cannot,” he said.

He added that over the past six months, risks had shifted “slightly to the positive,” with modestly improved euro zone growth expectations and stable financial markets. While acknowledging recent developments, Kocher said it was too soon to reassess the broader outlook. Financial markets currently expect the ECB to keep interest rates unchanged through 2026.

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France Seizes Suspected Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tanker in Mediterranean

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The French navy, with support from allied forces including the United Kingdom, has seized an oil tanker in the western Mediterranean Sea suspected of being part of Russia’s sanction-busting “shadow fleet”, officials announced on Thursday. The vessel, named Grinch, was intercepted between Spain and Morocco while sailing from Russia’s northern port of Murmansk under what authorities say was a false or irregular flag.

President Emmanuel Macron said the operation was carried out in accordance with international law and aimed at enforcing sanctions intended to curb revenue that helps finance Russia’s war against Ukraine. The tanker was boarded and diverted for further inspection after French maritime authorities confirmed doubts over its documentation. France’s maritime prosecutor in Marseille has launched a judicial investigation into the incident.

The UK provided key tracking and monitoring support through its naval assets as part of a broader effort to disrupt “shadow fleet” operations, which involve ageing tankers used to evade Western sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the action and urged further measures to ensure sanctioned oil no longer funds Russia’s military operations. This marks another high-profile enforcement against vessels linked to sanctions evasion following similar actions by Western countries.

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Volkswagen Shares Surge After Strong Automotive Cash Flow Surprise

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Volkswagen shares climbed to the top of Germany’s DAX index on Thursday after the carmaker reported stronger-than-expected automotive cash flow for 2025. Europe’s largest automaker said its automotive division generated net cash flow of about 6 billion euros, well above its own forecast of around zero, boosting investor confidence and driving the stock up 4.6% in morning trading.

The result marked a 1 billion-euro improvement from the previous year and exceeded market expectations, with analysts noting that while management had hinted at possible upside, the scale of the beat was a surprise. Broader sentiment toward the sector was also supported by easing trade concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump stepped back from threats of tariffs against European allies, reducing near-term risks for exporters.

Despite the upbeat performance, Volkswagen cautioned that challenges remain. The company expects pricing conditions to stay tight and profits from its China joint venture to decline in 2026 before recovering in 2027. Shares across the European auto sector rose in sympathy, while Volkswagen is set to publish its full-year 2025 results and 2026 outlook on March 10.

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EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Set for Provisional Start Despite Legal Challenge

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The European Union’s long-awaited free trade agreement with Mercosur countries is likely to be applied provisionally from as early as March, according to an EU diplomat. The move could go ahead once the first Mercosur nation ratifies the pact, with Paraguay expected to do so in the coming weeks, allowing parts of the deal to take effect despite ongoing political and legal hurdles within the EU.

Momentum behind the agreement has been complicated by EU lawmakers referring the deal to the European Court of Justice, a step that could delay full implementation by up to two years. The referral has disappointed several EU governments and businesses, particularly in Germany, where the deal is strongly supported as a driver of growth. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the move, stressing that the agreement remains essential for Europe’s economic future.

Signed after 25 years of negotiations, the EU-Mercosur pact is the bloc’s largest trade deal to date and is seen by supporters as a way to offset losses from U.S. tariffs and reduce dependence on China. However, opposition remains strong, led by France and farming groups, who warn that increased imports of South American agricultural products could undermine European farmers and disrupt local markets.

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EU Leaders Reassess U.S. Relationship After Trump’s Greenland U-Turn

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European Union leaders are reassessing their relationship with the United States after former President Donald Trump’s recent threats of tariffs and remarks about acquiring Greenland unsettled transatlantic trust. Although Trump later reversed his stance—ruling out military action and stepping back from proposed tariffs—EU diplomats say the episode has highlighted the unpredictability of U.S. policy and prompted calls for a more independent European strategy, particularly in defence and trade.

At an emergency summit in Brussels, EU leaders are expected to discuss reducing their reliance on the United States, especially within NATO, where Europe still depends heavily on U.S. intelligence, defence systems and logistics. The bloc is also economically exposed, as the U.S. remains its largest trading partner, leaving Europe vulnerable to sudden tariff threats. Diplomats stressed the need to define clear “red lines” and prepare responses should Washington again shift course.

Uncertainty also remains over the details of a proposed Greenland framework agreement discussed by Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, including plans to increase Western presence in the Arctic. While Trump’s reversal eased immediate tensions, EU officials say the broader challenge persists: balancing efforts to keep the U.S. engaged while strengthening Europe’s own resilience, unity and long-term strategic autonomy.

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Telenor Sells $3.9 Billion Stake in Thailand’s True Corporation

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Norway’s Telenor has agreed to sell its 30.3% stake in Thailand’s True Corporation for 39 billion Norwegian crowns ($3.9 billion), marking its second major divestment from Asian markets in recent months. The telecom group said it signed a deal with Arise Digital Technology Company, owned by Khun Suphachai Chearavanont, to sell an initial 24.95% stake, with the remaining 5.35% to be sold two years after the first transaction closes.

True Corporation is one of Thailand’s largest telecom operators, serving around 60 million customers. Telenor said it expects to book an accounting gain of 14.7 billion Norwegian crowns from the initial sale and will provide more details on how it plans to use the proceeds in the coming month. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close within a few months.

The sale reflects Telenor’s broader strategy shift as the Asian telecom industry matures. Having invested across Asia since the 1990s, including in Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and Pakistan, the company has recently moved to streamline its portfolio. CEO Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer said the divestment supports Telenor’s aim to improve returns and sharpen its focus on core markets, particularly in the Nordic region.

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Prince Harry Tells Court Daily Mail Made Meghan’s Life “A Misery”

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Prince Harry became emotional in London’s High Court as he testified that coverage by the Daily Mail had made his wife Meghan Markle’s life “an absolute misery.” Giving evidence in a privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, the Duke of Sussex said the treatment by the publisher had worsened since he and other claimants launched legal action in 2022, adding that the experience of returning to court was deeply distressing.

Harry, who is among seven claimants including singer Elton John and actor Elizabeth Hurley, accused Associated of unlawful information-gathering practices such as phone hacking, bugging and deception. The publisher has rejected the claims as “preposterous,” insisting its journalists relied on legitimate sources and social contacts. Under cross-examination, Harry firmly denied that reporters were part of his social circle, saying he had never been friends with the journalists involved.

Describing Associated’s legal defence as “disgusting,” Harry said the case had reopened old trauma linked to years of intense media scrutiny, which he has long blamed for harming his family. He argued that the lawsuit was not only personal but a matter of public accountability, warning that if powerful media organisations evade justice, the right to privacy is undermined for everyone.

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Spanish Train Drivers Call Nationwide Strike After Deadly Derailments

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Spain’s largest train drivers’ union, SEMAF, has called for a nationwide strike, demanding stronger safety assurances following a series of deadly rail accidents that have shaken the country. The move comes after one of Europe’s worst recent train crashes near Adamuz in southern Spain killed at least 42 people, along with two additional derailments this week that claimed the life of a commuter train driver near Barcelona and disrupted regional services.

SEMAF said it would seek criminal accountability from those responsible for rail safety, revealing it had warned infrastructure operator Adif months earlier about severe track wear on the Adamuz stretch. According to the union, potholes, uneven tracks, and damaged overhead power lines had caused frequent breakdowns and raised safety risks on several high-speed routes. Authorities are continuing recovery efforts at the Adamuz site, where rescuers are still searching for possible remaining victims.

Transport Minister Oscar Puente acknowledged the emotional toll on train drivers but urged the union to reconsider the strike, noting that two of the recent derailments were caused by extreme weather rather than track conditions. Adif has since imposed additional speed limits and ordered inspections after drivers reported poor track conditions, while storms and safety checks have triggered widespread service suspensions, leaving commuters across regions like Catalonia scrambling for alternatives.

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