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Moldova’s Pro-EU Party Secures Landmark Victory Amid Russian Interference Concerns

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Moldova’s pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, claimed a decisive win in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, securing 50.2% of the vote against 24.2% for the Russian-leaning Patriotic Bloc. The result gives Sandu’s government a clear mandate to pursue Moldova’s long-term goal of EU membership by 2030, a move seen as a significant step away from Moscow’s influence in the small former Soviet republic. European leaders, including France, Germany, and Poland, congratulated Moldova on the peaceful conduct of the elections, while European Council President Antonio Costa praised voters for choosing “democracy, reform, and a European future.”

The elections were held under tense conditions, with widespread reports of Russian-backed disinformation campaigns, vote-buying attempts, and cyberattacks targeting election infrastructure. Sandu’s administration highlighted these efforts, noting fake bomb threats at polling stations and attacks on government websites. Russia denied meddling and instead accused the Moldovan government of manipulating the vote, with former President Igor Dodon calling for protests alleging election annulment, though no evidence was presented. Authorities warned of possible unrest in the coming days.

Moldova, a country of 2.4 million people, faces ongoing economic challenges including high inflation and energy costs, while attempting to meet the EU’s stringent membership requirements. Analysts see Sunday’s outcome as a strong endorsement of PAS’s European integration agenda but caution that bridging domestic divides and communicating the benefits of EU accession to sceptical Moldovans remain key challenges ahead.

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EA in Talks to Go Private in Record $50 Billion Buyout

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Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), the videogame publisher behind global franchises such as FC and Battlefield, is in advanced talks to go private in a deal valued at roughly $50 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. The investor group reportedly includes Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, with an announcement expected as soon as next week. If finalized, the deal would mark the largest leveraged buyout in history.

The move comes as EA doubles down on its flagship sports and action shooter titles, including the upcoming Battlefield 6 and FC 26, to offset a slowdown in the gaming industry. Shares of EA jumped nearly 15% on Friday following reports of the potential buyout, underscoring strong market optimism around the publisher’s stable cash flows and predictable annual revenues.

For Saudi Arabia’s PIF, the investment aligns with its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify beyond oil and strengthen its foothold in global entertainment, particularly through gaming and esports. Analysts say EA’s globally recognized sports portfolio, led by its soccer franchise FC, represents a strategic cultural asset with mass international appeal.

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Belarus Proposes Nuclear Plant to Supply Power to Russian-Controlled Ukraine

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Belarus is considering the construction of a nuclear power plant in the eastern part of the country that could supply electricity to Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine, President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Friday. He presented the proposal during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.

“If a decision is made, we will immediately begin building a new power unit or a new station if there is a need in western Russia and in the liberated regions,” Lukashenko said, using Moscow’s term for Ukrainian territory under Russian occupation. Putin welcomed the idea, saying financing would not be an obstacle as long as there are consumers willing to pay for the electricity.

The proposal highlights the close partnership between the two leaders, with Belarus remaining a key ally of Moscow since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Lukashenko has allowed Russian troops to use Belarusian territory for military operations, and he continues to meet Putin more frequently than any other foreign leader, underscoring Minsk’s alignment with the Kremlin.

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Dockworkers Block Ports as Protests Over Gaza Flare Across Italy

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Striking dockworkers blocked access roads to major ports in Italy on Monday as unions staged a nationwide protest against Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Demonstrators said they aimed to prevent Italy from serving as a transit hub for arms and supplies to Israel, which is at war with Hamas. The action disrupted schools, public transport, and regional train services, while thousands joined rallies in cities including Genoa, Livorno, Trieste, and Naples.

Violence broke out in Milan, where police in riot gear clashed with pro-Palestinian demonstrators near the central station, using tear gas to disperse crowds. In Naples, protesters forced their way into the main railway station and briefly occupied tracks, delaying trains. Meanwhile, dockside protests saw Palestinian flags waved at port entrances, with the Autonomous Port Workers’ Collective calling the action an act of solidarity with Palestinians.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has stood firmly behind Israel and rejected recognition of a Palestinian state, unlike several other Western nations. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini downplayed the impact of the strikes, saying only a limited number of trains had been cancelled and accusing “far-left trade unionists” of trying to politicise the country’s workforce.

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Cyberattack Disrupts Check-In Systems at Major European Airports

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A cyberattack targeting a service provider responsible for check-in and boarding systems has disrupted operations at several major European airports, including London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The attack has forced airports to rely on manual check-in and boarding procedures, leading to significant flight delays and cancellations. Brussels Airport confirmed that its automated systems were inoperable, causing widespread disruption for travelers.

Airport operators have urged passengers to check with airlines before traveling, as delays are expected to continue throughout Saturday. “This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations of flights,” said Brussels Airport in a statement. Berlin Airport also highlighted extended waiting times, posting a banner on its website urging passengers to allow extra time due to the technical issue.

Heathrow Airport reported delays caused by a “technical issue” at a third-party supplier, while Frankfurt Airport stated it was not affected. Officials confirmed that the service provider is actively working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, but travelers are being advised to anticipate disruptions and plan accordingly.

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Starmer Secures Record U.S. Investment as Trump Makes Historic UK Visit

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s high-risk gamble of extending Donald Trump an unprecedented second state visit appears to have paid off, with the former U.S. president announcing £150 billion ($203 billion) of corporate investment in the UK’s technology, finance, and energy sectors. The move provided Starmer with a much-needed political boost after weeks of domestic challenges and showcased his ability to manage a mercurial Trump without public fallout.

The centrepiece of the visit was a commitment from U.S. giants, including private equity firm Blackstone pledging £100 billion over the next decade and Microsoft announcing a £22 billion investment. Trump, determined to secure America’s lead in the global AI race against China, pushed for Britain to align closely with U.S. firms in developing AI infrastructure. “We’re committed to ensuring that the UK has a secure and reliable supply of the best AI, hardware and software on Earth,” Trump said during a joint press event.

While the deal was hailed as a landmark win for Britain’s economy, critics warned it risks leaving the UK dependent on U.S. technology and vulnerable to Trump’s unpredictable politics. Analysts argued that heavy reliance on U.S. infrastructure could undermine Britain’s leverage with both Washington and Brussels, its largest trading partner. Still, observers noted Starmer’s diplomatic finesse had won Britain favourable treatment from Trump compared to other countries, with the former president praising him: “I just want to thank you, Mr Prime Minister, for the great job I think you’re doing.”

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Mass Protests Erupt Across France Against Austerity Plans

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Hundreds of thousands of people across France took to the streets on Thursday in nationwide protests against looming austerity measures, demanding President Emmanuel Macron and his new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu scrap planned budget cuts. Teachers, train drivers, hospital staff, and pharmacists joined the strikes, while students blocked dozens of high schools, calling for more public spending and higher taxes on the wealthy.

Union leaders warned the government to heed the anger on the streets, with CGT chief Sophie Binet declaring, “It’s the streets that must decide the budget.” The Interior Ministry had anticipated up to 800,000 demonstrators, and major disruptions were reported in schools and regional train services. Sporadic clashes broke out in cities including Nantes and Lyon, where police used tear gas and several people were injured.

Macron’s administration faces mounting pressure between protesters demanding social fairness and investors alarmed by France’s deficit, which nearly doubled the EU’s ceiling last year. Lecornu, who replaced ousted prime minister François Bayrou after his failed €44 billion budget squeeze plan, has signaled openness to compromise but must navigate a divided parliament. Over 80,000 security personnel were deployed nationwide, with police confirming more than 90 arrests by evening.

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Merz Accuses Putin of Murder, Warns Against Russian Destabilisation Efforts

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of murder and attempting to destabilise the West through sabotage, espionage, and border violations. Speaking during a heated parliamentary debate, Merz cited recent Russian incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace as part of a long-running campaign to test NATO’s limits.

Merz warned against any Ukrainian surrender, stressing that a “dictated peace” without freedom would embolden Moscow to pursue further aggression. He said Russia’s strategy was aimed at unsettling democratic societies, adding, “Putin has long been testing the borders, he is sabotaging. He is spying, he is murdering, he is trying to unsettle us.” The Kremlin has previously dismissed Merz’s remarks, rejecting allegations of war crimes and denying involvement in the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The debate saw sharp exchanges with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Party leader Alice Weidel accused Merz of “posing as a global politician and warlord,” while Merz ally Jens Spahn hit back, calling Weidel a “fifth column” for Russia. The row highlights Germany’s deepening political divides over support for Ukraine as the war grinds on.

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UK to Invest £1.1 Billion in Maritime Sector to Boost Jobs and Green Growth

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The UK government announced plans on Monday to jointly invest more than £1.1 billion ($1.5 billion) with industry partners in the maritime sector. Officials said the initiative will create new jobs and drive growth in coastal communities across the country, with a particular focus on engineering, green technology, and construction.

The funding package includes £700 million in private investment earmarked for major UK ports, alongside £448 million in public funding to cut carbon emissions from shipping. According to the government, this represents one of the largest ever commitments to strengthening the nation’s maritime infrastructure while accelerating its transition to greener operations.

The announcement, set to be formally unveiled on September 15 at the start of London International Shipping Week, underscores the UK’s ambitions to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. “We’re committing almost half a billion to cut carbon emissions from shipping – steering us towards net zero by 2050,” UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander said.

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Fitch Downgrade Puts Pressure on New French PM Lecornu Amid Budget Talks

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France’s credit rating has been cut by Fitch to A+ from AA-, its lowest on record, casting a shadow over newly appointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu as he begins budget negotiations. Fitch cited political instability and rising debt for the downgrade, which comes just days after President Emmanuel Macron named Lecornu as his fifth prime minister in two years. While markets reacted calmly, analysts warned the move raises fresh risks ahead of upcoming reviews by Moody’s and S&P.

The downgrade complicates the government’s efforts to present a draft 2026 budget to parliament by early October. Lecornu faces the daunting challenge of balancing investor demands for spending cuts with pressure from unions, who have called nationwide strikes this week, and political blocs divided over tax and reform strategies. In his first interviews, Lecornu scrapped unpopular holiday cuts but left the door open to higher taxes on the wealthy, a move opposed by business groups and conservatives but supported by the Socialists as a condition for backing his government.

With France’s deficit at 5.4% of GDP, Lecornu has pledged to put public finances on a “healthy trajectory,” though he admitted the budget may not fully reflect his own convictions. Employers’ federation MEDEF has threatened mass mobilization against any wealth tax, while the far-right National Rally renewed calls for fresh elections. Analysts warn that continued political gridlock could lead to another downgrade, increasing borrowing costs and straining Macron’s already fragile government.

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