Macron appoints Lecornu as new French Prime Minister after confidence vote loss
The 39-year-old armed forces minister will replace François Bayrou, who lost a confidence vote on Monday over his spending plans.…
Political instability in France could impede military spending plans
“Here we go again,” sighed a defense industry official, as PM François Bayrou is likely to be toppled next week.…
Italy considers invoking EU defence spending clause to increase military budget
Italy Considers Activating EU Budgetary Provision for Military Spending Italy is weighing the activation of an EU budgetary provision that would allow increased military spending without contravening the bloc’s stringent fiscal rules,…
Taiwan set to increase defence budget to over 3% of GDP amid rising tensions with China
Taiwan plans to raise its defence budget for 2026 to over three percent of GDP amid escalating pressure from the United States to enhance its military capabilities, Premier Cho Jung-tai announced on…
Russian car market contracts by 27% as borrowing costs and economic pressure mount
The Russian passenger car market shrank by 27% in the first half of 2025, as a toxic mix of high interest rates, falling household incomes, and deepening economic uncertainty continue to erode…
Russian Enterprises on the Brink of Bankruptcy Amid Mounting Economic Crisis
On June 20, 2025, Alexander Shokhin, head of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), delivered a stark warning at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. He declared that the prolonged period of high interest…
France and Germany set up joint defence and security council
France and Germany have agreed to set up a joint defence and security council that will meet regularly to discuss common strategic challenges, French president Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday. The initiative…
Sanchez: Spain to meet NATO spending goal of 2% GDP in 2025
Span’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said thaty his government will meet NATO’s target of 2% of GDP on defence spending this year, much earlier than its previously self-imposed deadline of 2029. U.S.…