In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, the European Union (EU) announced a comprehensive military mobility package on Wednesday. The initiative, spearheaded by the European Commission, aims to enhance the rapid deployment of troops and equipment across the 27-nation bloc. With mounting concerns over Russia’s potential aggression, the package allocates €17.65 billion ($20.4 billion) to upgrade 500 critical infrastructure points, including bridges, ports, and tunnels, which currently hinder the movement of heavy military vehicles. Additionally, armed forces will be granted priority access to airports, roads, and railways during emergencies, while regulations on transporting hazardous materials will be relaxed for military and defense contractors. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of increased defense spending, stating, ‘Weakness invites them to make their move. If we are strong, Russia will not attack.’ The announcement comes amid reports of Russian drone incursions and intelligence warnings of a potential attack on the EU within the next three to four years. The EU’s Defense Industry Transformation Roadmap, also unveiled, seeks to streamline regulations and boost domestic production of military equipment, with a projected defense spending of €3.4 trillion ($4 trillion) over the next decade. The initiative underscores the bloc’s shift towards greater self-reliance in defense, particularly as the U.S. signals a focus on its own security priorities.
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Merz spokesperson defends German leader over remarks criticized in Brazil
BERLIN (AP) — The spokesperson for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has firmly denied allegations that the leader intended to belittle Brazil during his recent visit to the city hosting the U.N. climate summit. The controversy arose following remarks made by Merz that sparked significant backlash from Brazilian officials, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the mayor of Belem, the governor of Para state, and several lawmakers. Merz’s comments, delivered during a trade conference in Berlin, were interpreted as an attempt to contrast Germany’s economic struggles with the perceived conditions in Brazil. In his speech, Merz remarked, ‘We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Last week I asked some journalists who were with me in Brazil: Which of you would like to stay here? No one raised their hand. They were all happy that, above all, we returned from this place to Germany in the night from Friday to Saturday.’ On Wednesday, Merz’s spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, addressed the issue at a government news conference, stating, ‘It is far from the chancellor to comment in a derogatory way about Brazil.’ Kornelius emphasized that Merz had utilized his brief visit to Brazil to ‘deepen the excellent relations Germany has with Brazil.’ He further clarified that Merz’s impression of the trip had been ‘very positive’ and reiterated Brazil’s importance as Germany’s ‘most important partner geostrategically and economically in South America.’ Kornelius explained that the disputed remark ‘essentially concerned the wish of the delegation to return home after a very tiring night flight and a long day in Belem.’ He added, ‘When the chancellor says that we live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, that doesn’t mean other countries aren’t also very beautiful.’ When questioned about the possibility of an apology or any damage to bilateral relations, Kornelius responded with a definitive ‘No, twice.’
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China releases latest findings from second Qinghai-Tibet Plateau scientific expedition
China has officially released the top 10 application achievements from its second Qinghai-Tibet Plateau scientific expedition, marking a significant milestone in ecological, disaster prevention, and resource exploration research. The findings were announced on Wednesday in Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang Autonomous Region, under the leadership of Yao Tandong, a distinguished academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The expedition, which began in August 2017, has involved over 3,000 research teams and 30,000 personnel, conducting extensive surveys across the plateau. Key achievements include scientific support for ecological protection legislation, the creation of an Earth observation and early warning platform, and innovative technologies for disaster prevention in permafrost regions, which are crucial for major infrastructure projects like the Sichuan-Xizang Railway and expressways. The plateau is experiencing a warming, wetting, and ‘greening’ trend, amplifying both regional and global climate impacts. Additionally, the ‘Asian Water Tower’ has shown a significant increase in water supply capacity, with runoff projections indicating a potential 49 percent rise by the end of the century, ensuring water security for billions.
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Japan: Major fire engulfs residential area; 300 houses under power blackout
A devastating fire erupted in the southern Japanese city of Oita late Tuesday, engulfing a residential area and spreading to a nearby forested mountain. The blaze, which remains uncontained, has forced the evacuation of 175 residents from 115 households, with one individual still unaccounted for. Firefighters have been battling the ferocious flames throughout the night, as footage captured the inferno turning the sky red and consuming homes. Witnesses described the fire as unprecedented, with strong winds exacerbating its spread. ‘The mountain was burning, the one behind,’ one resident recounted, adding that he only managed to grab his driver’s license and smartphone before fleeing. The fire has affected at least 170 buildings and caused a power blackout in 300 houses. Oita’s governor has sought military assistance to aid in the crisis. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to extinguish the fire persist.
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Larry Summers resigns from OpenAI board after Epstein emails made public
Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced his resignation from the board of OpenAI, following the release of a series of emails between him and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers, who also served as president of Harvard University, stated that he would be stepping back from public commitments due to his association with Epstein. The emails, disclosed by the House Oversight Committee, revealed that Summers maintained communication with Epstein until just before Epstein’s 2019 arrest for alleged sex trafficking of minors. In a statement to the BBC, Summers expressed gratitude for his tenure at OpenAI and optimism about the company’s future, while acknowledging his ‘misguided decision’ to continue communicating with Epstein. OpenAI respected Summers’ decision to resign, appreciating his contributions to the board. The controversy has also led to broader political implications, with Congress agreeing to pass a measure requiring the US Justice Department to release its files on Epstein, which will now head to President Donald Trump for approval. Summers, who held senior roles under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, will continue his teaching commitments at Harvard despite stepping back from public life. The Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, confirmed that Summers is no longer affiliated with the organization. Summers joined OpenAI’s board in 2023 after a failed attempt to oust CEO Sam Altman.
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Ferry carrying 267 people runs aground in South Korea
A South Korean passenger ferry, the Queen Jenuvia 2, carrying 246 passengers and 21 crew members, ran aground on rocks near Jogdo Island off the country’s south-east coast on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred near Jangsan Island in Sinan County, according to the Coast Guard. Despite the grounding, the vessel remains stable with no immediate risk of sinking or capsizing. Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to evacuate all passengers and crew to patrol boats, ensuring their safety. Five individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident, but no serious casualties were reported. South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has directed all available resources to assist in the rescue operation. ‘We have confirmed that there is no flooding, and we are transferring passengers to patrol boats to move them to a safe location,’ a Coast Guard official stated. The Coast Guard plans to refloat the ferry during high tide. The Queen Jenuvia 2 was en route to Mokpo from Jeju Island when the accident occurred. The area is notably close to the site of the 2014 Sewol ferry tragedy, which claimed over 300 lives, predominantly schoolchildren on a field trip. This incident has reignited concerns about maritime safety in South Korea, prompting calls for stricter regulations and enhanced emergency preparedness.
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Dubai: Gold recovers some losses as 22K trades above Dh450 per gram
Gold prices in Dubai showed signs of recovery on Wednesday, with 22K gold trading above Dh450 per gram, according to the latest market data. The Dubai Jewellery Group reported that 24K gold was priced at Dh491 per gram, up from Dh489.75 the previous day. Other variants, including 21K and 18K, were also trading higher at Dh436 and Dh373.75 per gram, respectively. Globally, spot gold saw a modest increase of 0.28%, reaching $4,077.38 per ounce. Dat Tong, a senior financial markets strategist at Exness, highlighted that gold could face continued pressure due to declining expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December and easing trade tensions, which have reduced safe-haven demand. Tong noted that market sentiment has shifted, with only a 43% probability of a 25-basis-point rate reduction in December, down from 62% a week earlier. Investors are now focusing on upcoming US economic data, including the delayed September non-farm payrolls report, which could influence market volatility and gold’s trajectory. On the geopolitical front, US President Donald Trump’s executive order to exclude certain food products from recent tariff hikes has temporarily eased market concerns. However, rising tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East continue to support demand for safe-haven assets like gold.
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Mainland spokesperson rebukes Japanese PM’s provocative Taiwan-related remarks
In a strong rebuke, a spokesperson for the Chinese mainland has condemned recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, labeling them as a blatant violation of international justice and a threat to the post-war global order. The comments, made during a regular press conference by Zhu Fenglian of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, accused Takaichi of attempting to meddle in the Taiwan Strait situation, undermining the historical outcomes of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and reviving militaristic tendencies. Zhu emphasized that such statements severely damage the already fragile relations between China and Japan. The spokesperson reiterated China’s unwavering stance on Taiwan, asserting that any foreign interference in the region is unacceptable and will be met with resolute opposition. The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region, with China consistently advocating for peaceful reunification while maintaining a firm position against any form of separatist activities.
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Irish government approves plans to ban disposable vapes
The Irish government has taken a decisive step to curb nicotine addiction among young people by approving a comprehensive ban on disposable vapes and introducing stringent regulations on other nicotine products. This move follows Northern Ireland’s earlier prohibition on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in April 2025. Under the new legislation, retailers in the Republic of Ireland found selling disposable e-cigarettes could face severe penalties, including up to two years in prison and fines of up to £5,000. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill emphasized that the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025 aims to shield children from the allure of nicotine products. The government also plans to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches to individuals under 18 and ban advertising for such products in retail outlets. These measures will be integrated into the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill, which will regulate packaging, flavors, and product displays. Both Carroll MacNeill and Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor pledged to expedite the implementation of these laws, highlighting their commitment to safeguarding the health of future generations.
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5 reportedly injured after South Korean ferry with about 270 people runs aground
A South Korean ferry carrying 267 individuals, including 246 passengers and 21 crew members, ran aground on rocks off the country’s southwest coast on Wednesday, according to the coast guard. The vessel was en route from Jeju Island to Mokpo when the incident occurred. Initial reports from the Yonhap news agency indicated that five people sustained minor injuries, but no fatalities or serious casualties have been confirmed. The coast guard swiftly mobilized all available resources to ensure the safety and rescue of those aboard. The exact cause of the grounding remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to addressing the situation promptly and ensuring the well-being of all passengers and crew members.