The European Union is pushing forward with plans for a continent-wide anti-drone defence network following repeated drone incursions into Polish airspace and incidents over airports in Denmark and Germany. Initially pitched by Baltic nations as a “drone wall” along the eastern border, the proposal has evolved into a broader “European Drone Defence Initiative,” aiming to deploy interconnected sensors, jamming systems, and interception technologies across the EU. The move highlights Europe’s growing recognition of drone threats and its desire to take greater responsibility for regional defence amid calls from the U.S. for increased self-reliance.

However, the proposal remains mired in internal disputes over cost, coordination, and control. France and Germany are reluctant to hand authority over major defence projects to the European Commission, preferring national oversight. Smaller states, meanwhile, argue for a unified EU-led approach to streamline efforts and funding. Without broad government support, experts warn the project could struggle to access EU financing despite potentially generating billions of euros in defence contracts.

Drawing on Ukraine’s battlefield experience against Russian drones, the proposed system would integrate cameras, acoustic sensors, radar, and AI-assisted detection tools, supported by interceptor drones, cannons, and electronic jammers. Defence firms such as Rheinmetall, Helsing, and Alpine Eagle have lined up to participate, promoting solutions for cost-effective protection against swarms of low-cost drones. Yet defence officials caution that Europe’s counter-drone capabilities remain limited and fragmented, with full implementation likely years away despite the growing urgency.

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London’s FTSE 100 remained largely unchanged on Tuesday, as investors paused following last week’s record highs. The blue-chip index stood at 9,480.84 at 1050 GMT, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 slipped 0.2%. Gains in major energy stocks helped offset broader market declines, keeping the overall market relatively steady.

Retailers led the losses, with the FTSE 250’s B&M plunging 5.5% to its lowest level in over five years after forecasting a drop in annual profit amid weak sales. Homebuilders also declined after Halifax reported that the rise in British housing prices slowed to 1.3% over the past year, the weakest growth since April 2024, weighing on the household goods and construction sector.

On the upside, energy shares rose 1.3%, with Shell climbing 1.6% following a higher third-quarter LNG production forecast. Other notable performers included Imperial Brands, up 2.1% on a new share buyback announcement, and Rentokil, which surged 2.4% after receiving a double-upgrade from Bernstein. Analysts expect markets to remain in a wait-and-watch mode amid ongoing U.S. government shutdown concerns and European political uncertainties.

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British Jewish communities are increasing security measures ahead of the Sukkot holiday following last week’s deadly attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, where a man drove into pedestrians and stabbed worshippers on Yom Kippur. Two victims were killed, one reportedly by police error, prompting fears that Jews in the UK are being unfairly targeted amid tensions over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Rabbis, including Ben Kurzer in London, say enhanced security is necessary but lament that their community must live under such precautions.

The Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents across the UK in the first half of 2025, the second-highest ever reported for that period. Jewish institutions, including synagogues and schools, have installed barbed wire, spikes, CCTV, and rely on private security to protect congregants. Many children are now prevented from playing outside during services, highlighting the daily impact of fear and intimidation on Britain’s Jewish population, which numbers around 300,000.

Community leaders have called for comprehensive government-backed educational programs to address antisemitism and violence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Police Commissioner Mark Rowley have promised increased security, but many remain wary. “Our synagogues, our schools and our nurseries are already like fortresses … and I do not trust them to keep us safe,” said journalist Nicole Lampert, reflecting widespread concern over the persistent threats facing British Jews.

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