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Belgium Ramps Up Drone Defences After Airport Disruptions

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Belgium is urgently working to strengthen its drone defence systems following sightings that caused temporary shutdowns at Brussels’ Zaventem Airport, affecting around 3,000 passengers. Drones were also spotted near a Belgian military base, prompting concern over growing threats to both civilian and defence infrastructure across Europe. Support has already come from Germany, which is providing anti-drone technology.

Airlines including Brussels Airlines suffered major operational and financial disruptions, with flights cancelled or diverted, and emergency arrangements required for stranded travellers. The carrier said drones are a “new threat”, and even short disruptions at major airports have significant ripple effects.

European officials increasingly suspect Russia’s involvement in recent airspace incursions across the region, though no evidence has been publicly confirmed. Analysts say such actions may be aimed at testing European security and undermining support for Ukraine, particularly as the EU considers using frozen Russian assets to fund a major aid package for Kyiv.

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Tesla Backs $1 Trillion Pay Deal to Keep Musk at the Helm

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Tesla shareholders have approved a record $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk, betting on his ability to transform the company into an $8.5 trillion enterprise over the next decade. Under the agreement, Musk will forgo a salary and receive payment only if he meets ambitious performance targets, including producing 20 million vehicles, developing one million robots, and rolling out a fleet of self-driving robotaxis. The decision underscores shareholder confidence that Musk’s leadership remains vital to Tesla’s long-term innovation and success.

Despite controversy over his outspoken political views and open support for President Donald Trump, Musk continues to command a devoted following among investors. Analysts argue that much of Tesla’s $1.4 trillion valuation is driven by what they call the “Musk premium,” a reflection of market faith in his creative and risk-taking approach. Supporters compare him to historical visionaries like Einstein and Edison, saying that without him, Tesla risks losing its innovative edge, particularly in artificial intelligence.

Still, Musk’s unpredictability poses challenges for Tesla’s board. Critics warn that his outside ventures and political involvements could distract him from the company’s complex goals. Legal experts note that the targets set for Musk may be flexible enough to secure his payout even under shifting conditions. Whether or not he achieves them, Tesla’s gamble signals how deeply intertwined Musk’s identity remains with the company’s brand and future direction.

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Trump Grants Hungary One-Year Exemption from Russian Energy Sanctions

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President Donald Trump has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports, marking a diplomatic win for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The decision, confirmed by a White House official, follows Orban’s visit to Washington, where he argued that his landlocked nation faced severe energy supply challenges without Russian imports. Trump acknowledged Hungary’s unique position and noted the difficulty of finding alternative sources of oil and gas.

The exemption comes just weeks after the US imposed harsh sanctions on major Russian energy companies, warning of penalties for nations continuing trade with them. As part of the deal, Hungary agreed to purchase several hundred million dollars’ worth of US natural gas, though the arrangement is expected to unsettle many European capitals critical of Orban’s pro-Russia stance. The move underscores the close personal and political ties between Trump and Orban, who share similar right-wing populist views.

During their meeting, the two leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Trump hinting at future peace talks involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban reiterated his belief that Ukraine cannot win the conflict without a “miracle,” arguing that only the United States and Hungary genuinely seek peace. Despite tensions with the European Union, Trump praised Orban as a strong and pragmatic leader and urged Europe to accord him greater respect.

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Protest Disrupts Israel Philharmonic Concert in Paris

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A concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris was disrupted multiple times on Thursday night when protesters set off flares in the auditorium. Four people were detained after clashes broke out in the Pierre Boulez hall, forcing the performance led by conductor Lahav Shani and pianist Sir Andras Schiff to be temporarily halted due to smoke and commotion.

The event had already faced criticism from a French performing arts union and calls for a boycott by pro-Palestinian activists. While French ministers condemned the disturbances and defended artistic freedom, some political voices argued the protest was justified due to their opposition to the Israeli state.

Despite the chaos, the venue confirmed the troublemakers were removed and legal action will follow. The concert eventually resumed and concluded peacefully, with authorities stressing that violence and threats to public safety have no place in cultural spaces.

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Greek Coastguard Chief Faces Trial Over Deadly 2023 Migrant Shipwreck

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Greek prosecutors have moved to charge four top officials in the Hellenic coastguard, including the current commander Vice Admiral Tryfon Kontizas, over the catastrophic sinking of the Adriana fishing vessel in June 2023. The boat, carrying around 650 migrants en route from Libya to Italy, capsized off Pylos after hours of being monitored by Greek authorities, with only 104 survivors rescued.

Survivors have alleged that the Adriana overturned when a Greek patrol vessel attempted an unsafe towing manoeuvre, causing the overloaded boat to tip. While just 82 bodies were recovered, hundreds more are believed to have drowned, making it one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in recent European history. The prosecutor’s recommendation cites negligent manslaughter, failure to rescue, and exposing people to danger through omission.

Earlier this year, 17 other coastguard personnel—including the ship’s captain and former coastguard chief Vice Admiral Giorgos Alexandrakis—were already set to face charges, but Kontizas and three senior officers had initially been cleared. That decision was later challenged by survivors’ families, leading to the renewed push for accountability. Greek authorities continue to insist they acted appropriately and point to more than 250,000 lives rescued at sea in the past decade.

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Nexperia Chip Shipments Resume Amid Easing Trade Tensions

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Semiconductor maker Nexperia has restarted some chip deliveries after weeks of disruption caused by a dispute between the Netherlands and China over technology transfers. German officials welcomed the signs of “de-escalation,” expressing hope that temporary permits would soon restore supply to Europe’s major automotive industry.

Germany’s Aumovio has secured exemptions from Chinese export controls, becoming the first supplier to confirm resumed access to Nexperia chips. Honda also reported progress, saying shipments in China had begun and production at affected plants in North America could restart as early as next week, though uncertainty remains.

Nexperia, which is Chinese-owned but headquartered in the Netherlands, produces essential components for car electronics. Suppliers had warned they might furlough workers if shortages continued. While Nexperia expects product flows to normalize soon, European automakers like Volkswagen remain cautious, warning that chip constraints could still threaten output into 2025.

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Louvre Faces Backlash Over Security Failures After High-Profile Jewel Heist

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Three weeks after a daring daylight robbery saw €88m worth of crown jewels stolen from the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, France’s prestigious museum is facing harsh criticism for neglecting security. A Court of Auditors report — completed before the heist — revealed that museum management prioritized new acquisitions and exhibitions over essential safety upgrades, despite repeated warnings. Culture Minister Rachida Dati and art experts have accused the Louvre of underestimating the threat and mismanaging funds intended to protect priceless heritage.

The report found that between 2018 and 2024, the museum invested more than €105m in new artworks and €63m in exhibition spaces, while spending far less on maintenance and security systems. These findings have cast doubt on the museum’s ambitious New Renaissance project, which includes a new entrance and a separate gallery for the Mona Lisa. Already over budget — rising from €700m to €1.15bn — the initiative is now being questioned for lacking proper feasibility and financial planning.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the theft continues, with four suspects arrested and the stolen jewels still missing. Among those detained is 39-year-old Abdoulaye N, a former Pompidou Centre guard known locally for viral motocross stunts, who reportedly did not even realise he was breaking into the Louvre. Authorities believe the suspects may have been petty criminals hired by a wealthier mastermind, making security lapses at the world’s most visited museum an even more alarming concern.

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Georgia Charges Opposition Leaders With Plotting to Overthrow Government

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Georgian prosecutors have filed criminal charges against eight opposition figures, including jailed former President Mikheil Saakashvili, accusing them of attempting to topple the government and aiding foreign adversaries. The move follows a recent EU enlargement report that sharply criticised Georgia’s democratic backsliding, warning that its progress toward membership has stalled.

Six of the accused are already serving prison terms on separate charges, while the opposition has denounced the latest case as a politically motivated effort to silence dissent. One of the targeted groups, Strong Georgia, said the ruling Georgian Dream party is trying to impose “a Russian-style dictatorship” and vowed to continue peaceful resistance through legal and political means.

Despite positioning itself as a future EU member, Georgia’s ruling party has maintained close economic ties with Russia and avoided sanctions over the Ukraine war. Critics say billionaire and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, seen as the country’s de facto leader, is driving the authoritarian shift — an accusation both the government and Moscow reject.

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Angelina Jolie Visits Kherson, Praises Resilience of Civilians Under Fire

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Hollywood actor and humanitarian Angelina Jolie travelled to Ukraine’s frontline city of Kherson and the neighbouring Mykolaiv region this week, meeting civilians, volunteers and medical staff who continue to endure relentless Russian attacks. Her visit was supported by the Legacy of War Foundation, which shared images of Jolie wearing a flak jacket while touring underground facilities sheltering residents from daily strikes.

Jolie said she was humbled by the courage of people living so close to the battlefield, noting that the world appears to be turning away from the protection of civilians. Kherson, once home to nearly 300,000 residents, remains within range of Russian forces who withdrew across the Dnipro River in 2022 but still launch frequent drone and artillery attacks.

Local authorities expressed gratitude for Jolie’s presence, saying it helps ensure Kherson is not forgotten amid the ongoing war. The actor last visited Ukraine in 2022, when she met displaced families in the western city of Lviv.

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Europe Tightens Bird Flu Controls as Outbreaks Surge

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A rapid rise in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases has pushed European countries to impose strict containment measures, with millions of birds now ordered indoors. Ireland became the latest to enforce a nationwide poultry housing mandate after confirming its first outbreak in three years, joining France, Britain, the Netherlands, and Belgium in efforts to curb transmission from wild birds.

The virus’s early arrival and wider geographical spread this year have alarmed authorities and farmers. Europe has already recorded 688 outbreaks this season — more than triple the number seen at the same point last year. Bird flu previously led to mass culling, supply disruptions, and higher food prices, while also raising concerns about the potential for human transmission.

Germany has been hit hardest, with 58 farm outbreaks and around one million birds culled since August, far exceeding last year’s figures. Poland, the EU’s largest poultry producer, ranks second with 15 farm cases but has not imposed blanket indoor housing rules. With 15 of the EU’s 27 members already affected, officials warn the situation remains “very worrying” as the autumn migration season continues.

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