4 d. ago US considers special status for Greenland amid Trump push for control

Officials float idea of compact of free association (Cofa), used by US to keep close ties with Pacific Island nationsUS officials are discussing a plan to pull Greenland into America’s sphere of influence using a type of agreement that the United States has used to keep close ties with several Pacific Island nations, according to two US officials and another person familiar with the discussions.Under the plan being considered, the Trump administration would propose to Greenland’s leaders that the island enter into a so-called compact of free association, or Cofa, with the United States. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago The EU seeks to halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027 and ban new contracts already this year

The European Commission wants to halt EU imports of Russian natural gas by the end of 2027

Politics

8 d. ago Plan which could see students moved to another school to be considered by Welsh Government

RCT Council is proposing the closure of Mountain Ash Comprehensive's sixth form and moving pupils to Aberdare Community School

Politics

8 d. ago Hamas says it will not engage with Israel again until ‘hunger war’ in Gaza ends

‘No sense’ in considering new truce proposals, says group, hours after Israel agrees plan for ‘conquest’ of territoryMiddle East crisis – live updatesHamas has said it is no longer interested in truce talks with Israel and urged the international community to halt Israel’s “hunger war” against Gaza, hours after Israeli officials agreed an intensified offensive in the devastated territory that would involve displacing “most” of its residents and a sustained Israeli military presence in the devastated territory.“There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,” Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, told AFP. Continue reading...

Politics

9 d. ago EU to set 2027 deadline for severing energy contracts with Russia

Plan to be announced by European Commission aimed at forcing member states to end imports of Russian gas

Events

1 week ago FirstFT: Shein considers US restructuring as trade war threatens London IPO plans

FirstFT: Shein considers US restructuring as trade war threatens London IPO plans  Financial Times

Events

2 w. ago All options ‘remain on the table’ for Ukraine – Downing Street

Downing Street has said that all options “remain on the table” when it comes to support for Ukraine in the event of a peace deal.A Number 10 spokesman said on Friday that “advanced coalition of the willing planning is developing at pace” and “all options remain on the table” when it comes to supporting Kyiv.The Times newspaper reported on Friday that the UK is likely to abandon plans to send troops to Ukraine as risks are considered to be too high, however Number 10 said that it does not recognise that report.A Number 10 spokesman said on Friday: “All options remain on the table and advanced coalition of the willing planning is developing at pace.”The spokesman also pointed to the Operation Interflex programme training Ukrainian troops as one of the ways the country is being supported.Asked whether troops being deployed would be dependent on the US offering a “backstop” to a peace deal, the spokesman said he would not give a running commentary on talks, but added: “As the Prime Mini...

Politics

2 w. ago China confirms its plans to build a nuclear plant on the MOON to power the research station it's 'dreaming up' with Russia

China is considering building a nuclear plant on the moon to power the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) it is planning with Russia, a presentation by a senior official

Economics

4 w. ago EU mulls plan to let importers break Russian gas contracts without penalties

European Commission could reportedly let energy companies declare force majeure and avoid paying MoscowThe European Commission is considering plans that would allow European companies to break long-term Russian gas contracts without paying penalties to Moscow, it has been reported.Citing three officials with knowledge of the plan, the Financial Times reported that the commission was studying the possibility of allowing companies to declare force majeure, which would absolve importers of their obligations to pay penalty fees for ending contracts. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago EU considers plans for firms to break Russian gas contracts without penalties

European Commission could reportedly let energy companies declare force majeure and avoid paying MoscowThe European Commission is considering plans that would allow European companies to break long-term Russian gas contracts without paying penalties to Moscow, it has been reported.Citing three officials with knowledge of the plan, the Financial Times reported that the commission was studying the possibility of allowing companies to declare force majeure, which would absolve importers of their obligations to pay penalty fees for ending contracts. Continue reading...

Politics