During the summit, Trump criticised Spain, calling it a "wasted cause" and announcing a halt to US trade with the country after Madrid resisted US calls to increase defence spending and support military action against Iran .

Fico said the meeting also showed that some NATO members were interested in opening dialogue with Russia, a position Slovakia has long supported.

He reiterated that Slovakia would not contribute to NATO's €70 billion military aid package for Ukraine or the EU's €90 billion military loan.

"We are in favour of cooperation, dialogue and humanitarian aid; however, we are not in favour of war ," Fico said.

NATO leaders agreed during the July 7-8 summit to provide €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine in 2026, with a commitment to maintain similar support in 2027.

"Ukraine has the right to defend its territory - territorial integrity. We maintain our humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, but as I have said many times before, Hungary will not provide arms or troops to Ukraine," he said.

Despite Budapest's position on military aid, Magyar said Hungary remained committed to strengthening its own defence capabilities and would gradually increase military spending to meet NATO's long-term target.

"The Hungarian government has already decided to increase the defence spending in a predictable manner, and we will reach the 5 percent by 2035," he said.

NATO leaders are meeting in Ankara on July 7 and 8, with defence spending, continued support for Ukraine and the future direction of the alliance among the key issues on the agenda.

Speaking ahead of talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, Trump said the United States did not require military assistance but wanted to know which allies would stand alongside Washington.

"We didn't need any help at all [...] I was testing people . I was testing to see whether or not they'd be there. Because I'd said that we helped them, but I'm not sure that they'd be there for us," he stated.

Trump claimed several European allies declined to support the United States.

"Italy turned us down. Germany turned us down. France turned us down," he continued. "Why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars and they're not there for us? We've always been there for them."

Asked whether the United States could reduce its military presence in Europe, Trump said he was dissatisfied with NATO's response during the conflict with Iran.

"I was very disappointed with NATO [...] We weren't treated well because we did something in Iran. We don't need anybody's help. I didn't even want the help," he said.

He also questioned the value of continued US investment in the alliance.

"We've invested trillions of dollars in NATO. Why? To protect European countries and others," he added. "You would think that they'd be very willing to do something to help us."

Trump made the remarks as leaders from all 32 NATO member states gathered in Ankara for a two-day summit focused on defence spending, arms production and support for Ukraine.

His comments shifted attention toward burden-sharing within the alliance and the future of the US military presence in Europe.

Speaking on the alliance's security priorities, Rutte argued that NATO members must rapidly increase defence production to respond to evolving global threats.

" Russia is pouring almost half of its national budget into its war machine," he said.

He also accused China of expanding its military capabilities without sufficient openness.

" China continues to modernise its armed forces and expand its nuclear capabilities without transparency," he said.

Rutte claimed the DPRK was continuing to strengthen its nuclear programme while supporting Russia.

"The DPRK continues to expand its nuclear programme and supply Russia," he added.

Turning to Iran , the NATO chief said recent US military action had weakened Tehran's capabilities but cautioned that the alliance should remain alert.

"While recent US action has significantly degraded Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, we must remain vigilant. These countries are increasingly working together," he warned. "I assure you, they do not have our best interests in mind."

Rutte said NATO must respond by dramatically expanding its defence industry.

"To meet the challenge, we need a transatlantic defence industrial revolution. The hum of machinery must become a roar. Now, that sounds dramatic, but it can be done," he added.

His remarks came as the Russia- Ukraine conflict entered its fourth year, with Ukraine continuing to receive military support from NATO member states. Russia has repeatedly criticised Western arms deliveries, arguing they prolong the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the continued supply of weapons "will not prevent us from achieving our goals."

Rutte's comments also followed the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran on February 28, which Washington said was aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Carrying flags and banners reading, "NATO chain will be broken," "No to NATO," and "Murderer USA, get out of the Middle East," protesters accused the alliance of driving conflict rather than promoting peace.

One demonstrator, Senem Guneysu, said security measures linked to the upcoming summit reflected priorities that did not represent the public.

"For days they have placed Ankara under lockdown because NATO leaders are coming. […] We do not want NATO or its member states in this country. I came here to tell them, once again and as loudly as possible, that they are not welcome," she said.

Another protester argued that NATO had consistently used military action to advance Western interests.

"Since its founding, NATO has served one purpose: to preserve capitalism through bloodshed, bombs, oppression and exploitation," the protester asserted.

"This so-called defence alliance carries out its interventions by engineering regime change in countries that do not conform to Western imperialism, fuelling sectarian conflicts, arming militant groups, planning military coups and operating through clandestine networks, turning countries into bloodbaths," she continued.

Criticism also focused on the upcoming summit, with demonstrators claiming it would prioritise military planning instead of diplomacy .

"NATO is the war organisation of the imperialist states. They are meeting in Ankara to plan new massacres," another protester claimed.

The rally formed part of a wider wave of anti-NATO demonstrations held across Turkey in recent days, including in Ankara, ahead of the summit scheduled for July 7 and 8.

Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Franco-Italian Summit in Antibes on Thursday, Meloni responded to comments made earlier this week by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

“We did not participate in the conflict in Iran ,” Meloni said at a joint press conference with Macron. “Clearly, by providing the bases for activities that were not kinetic but were of a logistical and technical nature.”

Rutte had said on Tuesday that around 500 US aircraft involved in Operation Epic Fury against Iran had departed from American military bases in Italy.

Meloni disputed that account, saying Italy only permitted logistical and technical activities and refused requests related to combat operations.

"When requests were made that went beyond that perimeter, we did not grant the use, the authorisation," she said.

She added that the issue had already been clarified with the Iranian government .

"The secretary-general, in his enthusiastic reconstruction, mixed together things that are actually different from each other, confusing the types of flights authorised, and he then corrected and clarified himself," Meloni said.

The remarks followed renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump , who said allies had failed to contribute enough during the conflict.

Beyond the Iran issue, Meloni and Macron announced plans to work toward creating a multinational coalition to replace the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

Macron said the proposed mechanism would help ensure Lebanon does not become a "starting point of a new regional escalation."

The leaders made the remarks during the 36th Italy-France Intergovernmental Summit in southern France.

The issue was discussed on the sidelines of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Vilnius, where several officials linked the incident to Russia while others avoided mentioning it altogether.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska described the event as "reckless behaviour" by Russia.

Portuguese representative Marcos Perestrello also placed responsibility on Moscow.

"Whether caused by deliberate violation, reckless military activity near a light border, or the spillover effects of Russian actions, the responsibility lies with Russia," he said.

Several senior figures, including Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, did not address the incident in their public remarks. Kubilius did, however, acknowledge concerns about Europe's defence capabilities.

"Russia still out produces European Union and really heavily out produces," he said.

On Friday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte criticised what he described as Russia's "recklessness" and said the alliance would defend "every inch" of allied territory. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia had "crossed yet another line".

Later the same day, Romanian President Nicosur Dan provided a different account of the incident.

"When drones had passed over the territory of Ukraine , some of them were shot down, and one of them was probably hit over the city of Reni. His (the drone's) trajectory changed, and he hit Galati," Dan said.

Asked what caused the change in direction, he said the drone was "hit kinetically" and was "shot down" by Ukraine.

Romania's Defence Ministry also stated that the incident was "not an attack" on the country.

Speaking at the Eurasian Economic Union Forum in Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged caution over assigning responsibility before the facts are established.

"No one can determine the origin of any aircraft until an investigation has been conducted," Putin said.

Russia has firmly rejected these warnings, with President Vladimir Putin dismissing claims of future aggression against Europe as “a blatant, brazen lie”. The exchange highlights growing tensions between NATO and Moscow, as defence leaders gather at one of Asia’s top security summits to address rising global security risks.

With 98.89% of the vote counted, TISZA won 138 seats, Fidesz-KDNP secured 55 seats, and Mi Hazánk obtained 6 seats.

The outcome marks a major political shift in Hungary, where Orbán had been one of Europe’s most controversial leaders. He was widely seen as the European Union’s most autocratic leader and maintained close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. His removal is expected to ease tensions within the EU, where officials have long accused him of undermining democratic systems and taking advantage of institutional weaknesses.

Orbán also faced criticism over his stance on Ukraine. He was accused of supporting actions that helped block €90 billion in European support to Ukraine, raising concerns among European leaders about Hungary’s role in the bloc.

Despite endorsements from Trump and campaign support that included visits from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, the vote appeared to be driven mainly by domestic issues.

Voters were reported to be concerned about Hungary’s economic challenges, as well as allegations of corruption and cronyism linked to Orbán’s administration. The scale of the defeat indicated widespread dissatisfaction, as TISZA was projected to dominate both the national party-list vote and many individual constituencies.

In his speech to supporters, Magyar promised to return Hungary to the main fold of European politics , pledging a pro-European Union and pro-NATO direction for the country.

“My fellow citizens, Hungary will once again be a strong ally in the European Union and NATO. Hungary will once again be a strong ally representing Hungarian interests, because our country's place for a thousand years in Europe was, is, and will be. We will rebuild and strengthen, we will place it on new foundations and expand the cooperation of the Visegrad Four wherever possible,” he said.

The result sparked celebrations in Budapest, where tens of thousands of people took to the streets.

With a projected majority above the threshold required to govern alone, Magyar is expected to form the next government , ending Orbán’s long hold on power and signalling a shift in Hungary’s position within Europe.

“I’m here today to tell you where NATO stands, and what we must do to stop a war before it starts,” he said. “And to do that, we need to be crystal clear about the threat. We are Russia’s next target, and we are already in harm’s way.”

Rutte said he has repeatedly warned since taking office last year that the conflict in Ukraine could extend to NATO territory if member states fail to act decisively. “I fear that too many are quietly complacent, too many don’t feel the urgency, and too many believe that time is on our side. It is not. The time for action is now,” he added.

Moscow has consistently rejected accusations that it intends to attack NATO members, insisting the conflict remains limited to Ukraine. Russian officials have instead accused the alliance of escalating hostilities by supplying weapons to Kyiv and entertaining discussions about deploying troops.

Russian intelligence recently claimed that France was preparing to send up to 2,000 soldiers to Ukraine, a claim Paris denies. Meanwhile, the UK confirmed earlier this week that a British soldier had been killed while observing a weapons test in Ukraine. However, officials stressed the incident occurred far from active fighting.

Rutte’s remarks come amid rising tension between Russia and Western governments, as NATO reassesses its defence posture ahead of next year’s key strategic planning meetings.

Lavrov stressed that Russia, along with state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, is working with “friendly nations” to bolster their sovereignty and reduce reliance on Western countries.

He criticised former colonial powers, claiming many states remain economically dependent despite gaining political independence.

“Many countries that are now freeing themselves from the neocolonial dependence of their former metropolises... still remain economically dependent on the West,” Lavrov stated, adding that Russia’s defence cooperation helps partners build “full-fledged, independent statehood.”

Lavrov also referenced previous cooperation with NATO, recalling that the alliance once relied on Russian helicopters for operations in Afghanistan before opting for its own hardware.

His comments come after Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov announced earlier this week that Rosoboronexport has supplied weapons to more than 120 countries over the past 25 years, with export deliveries exceeding $230 billion.

“Do Europeans feel safer when their elites uncover the hatchet? I believe the answer is obvious,” he said.

Lavrov reiterated that Moscow remains open to discussions on security cooperation across Eurasia, stressing that Russia is “prepared to solidify this position through future security guarantees.”

However, he criticised the EU for rejecting Moscow’s proposals for collective security frameworks, saying European leaders have instead chosen to pursue policies that isolate Russia.

“The leaders of the European Union are moving away from considering these future guarantees on a collective basis, proudly declaring that after the Ukrainian crisis, security guarantees should exist not with Russia’s participation, but against Russia,” Lavrov said. “This reflects a certain way of thinking.”

His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations over the ongoing war in Ukraine and the broader debate on Europe’s post-war security architecture.

A new map plotting violations between September 2024 and 2025 starkly illustrates how Russia has taken the role of principal provocateur, regularly testing the resilience of allied air defences.

Meanwhile, in southeastern Europe, a long-running Greek-Turkish dispute continues to fuel hundreds of skirmishes each year.

The map highlights a clear pattern of most airspace violations traced to Russia during this period. Especially along the eastern flank of Europe, Russian drones and fighter jets appear intent on probing NATO’s boundaries.

In early September 2025, Polish military officials downed several drones that had intruded into their airspace during strikes against Ukrainian targets. Poland called the breach “unprecedented,” and NATO invoked Article 4 consultations.

Likewise, Romania has reported multiple drone fragments and incursions. In September 2024, drones reportedly flew into Romanian territory during nighttime attacks on Ukraine, one incident that drew condemnation from NATO.

Estonia’s airspace was violated by three Russian MiG-31 fighters, which Estonian officials say lingered in their airspace for about 12 minutes, even after being addressed by NATO jets. Moscow, however, denied any breach, claiming the aircraft remained over international waters.

While Russia dominates headlines on the Eastern front, the map reminds us that aerial confrontations are hardly limited to that border. Southeast Europe continues to see intense airspace friction between Turkey and Greece, especially over the Aegean Sea.

The Hellenic National Defence General Staff reported over 106 violations of the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) by Turkish drones and maritime patrol aircraft since August (date of report).

Turkey’s violations have not receded entirely. In early 2025, two Turkish CN-235 reconnaissance planes entered Greek airspace over the southeastern Aegean, prompting interceptions under international law.

New data compiled by NATO and Global Firepower show that female representation in the armed forces varies widely. The data ranks countries by the estimated percentage of women in their military personnel, revealing some surprising leaders.

According to the chart, North Korea has the highest share of women in uniform: an estimated 40 % of its military personnel are female. Israel, where military service is mandatory for most women, follows with 38 %. South Africa comes third at 24 %, benefiting from inclusive post‑apartheid policies.

Several NATO or NATO‑partner nations hover around one‑fifth: Hungary and Moldova each report 20 % women in their armed forces, while Australia and Greece are at 19 %. The United States is listed at 17 %, and Bulgaria at 16 %.

The ranking highlights how conscription policies and cultural factors influence gender balance. Israel and North Korea conscript women, boosting numbers. South Africa has instituted gender‑mainstreaming policies since the 1990s. In contrast, many European and North American militaries rely on voluntary recruitment and have been slower to achieve parity.

NATO’s reporting shows that women remain under‑represented across its member states. In 2019, Spain’s defence minister Margarita Robles noted that women constituted 12.7% of the country’s 120,000 servicemembers, a figure she said put Spain “ahead of the NATO average” of about 10.9 %.

That average has been inching upward – NATO’s 2023 summary of national reports indicated that women account for roughly 12–13% of armed forces personnel across the alliance – but few countries approach the high levels seen in Israel or North Korea.

The United States is a notable case. The U.S. Department of Defence’s 2021 demographics report stated that women made up 17.3% of active‑duty personnel, totalling more than 231,000 service members.

This share has grown steadily from about 15 % a decade earlier, reflecting efforts to open all combat roles and integrate women more fully. Despite this progress, the U.S. still lags behind countries like New Zealand and Australia, which report 18–19% female participation.

The Power Index (PwrIndx) uses more than 60 factors ranging from manpower and equipment inventories to financial resources and logistics to gauge each nation’s theoretical war‑fighting capability. The lower the score, the stronger the military.

The latest Global Firepower ranking shows that Russia and China share the top spot in Asia, each with a PwrIndx score of 0.0788. Russia remains embroiled in its war in eastern Ukraine, yet the ranking underscores Moscow’s enduring conventional strength.

China, meanwhile, has leveraged massive defence spending and industrial capacity to match Russia’s score; analysts say Beijing’s growth extends beyond Asia, reflecting deepened ties in Africa and Latin America and heightened focus on Taiwan.

On the European side, the United Kingdom emerges as the continent’s strongest military power , scoring 0.1785 on the PwrIndx scale. Close behind is France at 0.1878, with Italy, Germany and Spain rounding out the top.

Notably, Ukraine and Poland both post Power Index scores around 0.37, reflecting rapid military build‑ups amid the ongoing war with Russia and NATO’s eastern expansion. The Netherlands completes the European top 10 with a 0.6412 score.

The Global Firepower ranking covers 145 countries worldwide. At the global level, the United States remains number one with a Power Index of 0.0744, reflecting unmatched naval strength, air power and global logistics. Russia and China, tied in Asia, follow closely at numbers two and three, respectively.

Global Firepower’s methodology does not measure nuclear arsenals but does factor in conventional firepower, defence budgets, natural resources and geographic conditions. The ranking notes that a perfect score of 0.0000 is unattainable.

This change comes as Al Jazeera and other global outlets report that U.S. military spending nearly doubles the combined budgets of all its NATO allies. The move to increase commitments is seen as both a response to growing global threats and a bid to ease the burden long shouldered by Washington.

For decades, NATO’s defence spending benchmark stood at 2% of each member’s GDP, a target that many struggled to meet. But with rising geopolitical tensions—from Russia ’s war in Ukraine to growing cyber threats and global instability—the alliance has raised the bar significantly.

This marks the largest increase in collective military investment in NATO’s history.

Even with this new commitment, the U.S. remains the undisputed defence heavyweight. According to data highlighted in Al Jazeera’s recent analysis, the U.S. defence budget outpaces the total military spending of all other NATO nations combined. The Pentagon’s funding dwarfs that of top European contributors like Germany, the UK, and France, reinforcing America's role as the alliance's cornerstone.

In 2025 alone, the U.S. military budget exceeded $877 billion, compared to roughly $450 billion for all other NATO allies combined. This disparity has long been a point of contention, particularly under previous U.S. administrations that pressured allies to contribute more.

This landmark decision, confirmed during a joint summit and reported by Reuters , underscores the alliance’s heightened concern over geopolitical threats, particularly from Russia and China.

The newly released estimates for 2024 show that some member states are already pushing well beyond the old 2% goal.

Top NATO defence spenders in 2024 (by % of GDP)

This surge in military investment reflects a collective response to evolving security threats, especially in Eastern Europe, where Poland and the Baltic States are now on the front lines of NATO's strategic posture.

As reported by Reuters , NATO’s revised 5% defence target comes amid ongoing warfare in Ukraine, increased cyber threats, and growing instability in the Indo-Pacific region. Leaders emphasised the need for stronger deterrence and rapid military modernisation.

While the United States continues to dominate in raw military spending (with a massive global footprint), European allies like Poland, Estonia, and Latvia are now contributing a significantly higher percentage of their GDP toward defence.

Poland's 4.12% commitment reflects its proximity to Russia and Ukraine , as well as a massive military modernisation plan that includes purchasing U.S.-made Abrams tanks, F-35 fighter jets, and HIMARS missile systems.

At the lower end of the spectrum, Spain (1.28%), Slovenia (1.29%), Belgium (1.30%), and Canada (1.37%) remain below both the former 2% threshold and the new 5% goal. These nations may face growing pressure to accelerate defence reforms and increase contributions to NATO operations.

U.S. President Donald Trump is delaying approval of potential airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, citing Libya’s post-intervention collapse as a warning against regime change. According to sources close to the administration, Trump has repeatedly referred to the 2011 NATO-led intervention in Libya, where the fall of Muammar Gaddafi led to civil war and instability, as a model to avoid.

Greek foreign minister to visit Libya for maritime talks

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis will travel to Libya in early July to address unresolved maritime boundary issues, diplomatic sources confirmed. The visit follows Libya’s reaction to Greece’s recent offshore exploration licenses south of Crete, which has reignited bilateral tensions. Gerapetritis is expected to visit both Tripoli and Benghazi, reflecting Libya’s divided political landscape.

Russia shifts military assets to Libya amid uncertainty in Syria

Russia has begun relocating military equipment to Libya as the future of its bases in Syria remains uncertain following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December. The Hmeimin airbase and Tartus naval facility, long-standing Russian outposts in Syria, now face possible closure as Western governments urge Syria’s new interim leadership, led by former rebel Ahmed al-Sharaa, to reconsider Moscow’s military presence.

UNHCR seeks $106 million to support Sudanese refugees in Libya

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has launched an urgent appeal for $106 million to assist approximately 313,000 Sudanese refugees currently in Libya. Carmen Sakhr, UNHCR's head in Libya, stated that the agency has received only 18% of the needed funding, warning that the shortfall is severely limiting humanitarian operations. "Current resources cover only a fraction of what is required," she said, stressing the growing needs on the ground. Libya hosts refugees from at least seven countries, with a total displaced population estimated at nearly 4 million due to ongoing regional conflicts.

Libya’s elections body signs MoU to boost civic education

Libya’s High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Libyan Academy for Postgraduate Studies to strengthen civic education and promote democratic participation nationwide. The agreement, signed on June 22 in Tripoli by HNEC Chairman Emad Al-Sayah and Academy President Ramadan Al-Madani, establishes a framework for cooperation in electoral awareness, public education, and research on democratic governance.

This proposal represents a significant evolution from previous Western strategies, which have primarily focused on arming Ukraine without direct troop deployments.

A bloc of countries across Northern, Central, and Southern Europe has expressed willingness to participate.

Nordic States like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have signalled a strong commitment, aligned with their broader pro-NATO security stance. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, all of which share borders with Russia or Belarus, also see troop participation as a critical component of regional defence.

Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia have long been among Ukraine’s staunchest allies. Additionally, Portugal and Italy have shown openness, although domestic political dynamics could influence their final decisions.

Germany, however, remains non-committal. Despite being one of Ukraine’s top arms donors, Berlin is wary of direct troop involvement. Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, continues to pursue a more Russia-friendly policy , while Neutral countries like Ireland, Austria, and Switzerland are unlikely to join due to constitutional and historical constraints.

Eastern and Southeastern European countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and the Balkans are similarly absent from the current plan, either undecided or reluctant.

Although this seems like a good start for Ukraine, Russia on Sunday, May 25, launched the largest aerial attack on the former.

This attack comes after pressure from the USA on Russia to end the 3-year-long invasion of Ukraine.

US President called Putin "absolutely crazy" after the attack killed at least 13 people.

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” the US president wrote on his Truth platform.

What happens next?

Simion, a hard-right figure known for his admiration of U.S. President Donald Trump, opposes Romania’s continued military support for Ukraine and has frequently criticised the European Union’s leadership. He has aligned himself with far-right ideologies and advocates for a foreign policy shift that would draw Romania closer to Russia.

His opponent, Nicușor Dan, has positioned himself as a centrist and pro-European candidate. A strong supporter of NATO and Ukraine, Dan has pledged to combat corruption and safeguard Romania's existing alliances. 

“The intention of continuing the path that Romania has had so far, I voted with hope in the future for my child to grow up in a world where he can say what he wants, what he wants. I voted for membership of the European family,” one voter told AFP.

Another voter emphasised a nationalist vision, stating, “We have come to vote for a sovereign Romania. Dignified, prosperous, in which Romanians, all Romanians from small to large, from all social classes, in the country and abroad, feel proud to be Romanians.”

Simion led the first round of voting with 40.96% of the vote. Dan advanced to the runoff after narrowly defeating Crin Antonescu, the candidate representing the governing coalition, who received just under 21%.

The rerun follows a controversial annulment of the initial election results by Romania’s Constitutional Court in December. The court cited allegations of electoral fraud and external interference, particularly related to Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian far-right candidate. 

Georgescu, who had initially won the first round, was accused of benefiting from a coordinated social media campaign on TikTok that included algorithm manipulation and paid promotions.

In March, Georgescu lost a legal appeal challenging his disqualification from the current election. Despite being barred from the ballot, he has maintained influence in the race. 

Georgescu, who voted alongside Simion on the outskirts of Bucharest, has publicly referred to him as his "protégé." 

Simon has pledged to appoint Georgescu as prime minister if elected, signalling an intent to pivot Romania’s foreign policy toward closer ties with Moscow.

"We have received confirmation from Bulgaria, which had previously discussed with the Croatian minister the possibility of joining this trilateral agreement. I fully believe that other countries from the region—particularly those that share common values with us, and of course, common interests, as values alone are not enough—will join this agreement or, more precisely, this declaration, which I emphasize once again, is always aimed at peace, stability, and security," said Kosovo's Minister of Defence Ejup Maqedonci.

On March 18, the Ministries of Defence of Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia signed a trilateral memorandum of cooperation in defence during a Tirana ceremony.

The declaration sets out plans for military cooperation in joint training, cybersecurity coordination, rapid response capabilities, and defence procurement. However, beyond its technical scope, many analysts view the alliance as a powerful political signal, particularly with Kosovo positioned at its core.

Bulgaria's accession marks a significant expansion of the alliance, both geographically and strategically. As a NATO member since 2004 and an EU member since 2007, Bulgaria brings substantial military experience, logistical resources, and regional influence to the table.

Still, some uncertainty lingers. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel stated in national media that while Bulgaria maintains strong defence ties with its NATO allies in the region, no final decision has been made regarding formal accession to the Tirana Agreement.

Nevertheless, the political message is clear—there is growing regional momentum for enhanced military cooperation beyond the NATO framework, particularly among nations with shared security concerns and historical connections.

The emergence of this alliance has sparked responses from neighbouring countries . Serbia, in particular, has voiced concern, perceiving the agreement as a potential destabilising force in the region. In turn, Belgrade has begun exploring the possibility of forming a separate military partnership with Hungary."

During the event, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the broader context of international cooperation, calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider any potential tariffs on allied nations.

“This is the time for consolidation; this is the time for full cooperation. There can be no place for confrontation within the North Atlantic pact between the allies,” Tusk said.

He emphasised the importance of unity among NATO members and the mutual benefits of maintaining strong partnerships. “We all have one common interest, and it is worth remembering that Poland will remember this,” he added.

The message comes amid heightened global tensions and ongoing concerns about Russia’s military ambitions , particularly in Eastern Europe.

"If anyone were to miscalculate and think they can get away with an attack on Poland or on any other ally, they will be met with the full force of this fierce alliance. Our reaction will be devastating. This has to be very clear to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and anyone else who wants to attack us," NATO chief, Mark Rutte, warned in Warsaw, Poland on Wednesday, March 26.

While the three countries have framed the pact as a step toward enhanced security cooperation and regional peace, critics argue that the move could deepen political divisions, escalate tensions with neighbouring states—particularly Serbia—and complicate existing diplomatic efforts aimed at long-term reconciliation in the Balkans.

The declaration outlines military collaboration in joint training, cybersecurity coordination, rapid response mechanisms, and defence procurement. But beyond its technical aspects, many analysts interpret the alliance as a strong political statement—especially with Kosovo at the centre of the pact.

Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and is still not recognised by Belgrade or several UN member states, signing a formal military agreement with two NATO members have been viewed by some as a provocative geopolitical manoeuvre.

“This alliance is not just about defence—it’s about redefining the regional balance of power,” said Dr. Marko Ivković, a security analyst based in Belgrade. “It sends a message that Kosovo is increasingly being treated as a de facto NATO partner, even if it is not formally recognised.”

Unsurprisingly, Serbian officials have reacted with strong condemnation . Belgrade has accused the alliance of threatening peace in the region and undermining ongoing EU-facilitated dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić called the move "a dangerous escalation" and warned that it could provoke a regional arms race.

“This agreement does not contribute to peace—it isolates Serbia and fuels division,” he stated in a televised address. “We will not stand idly by while others try to change the security architecture of the region unilaterally.”

Pro-government media in Serbia have even suggested that the pact may be a precursor to greater Albanian-Kosovar military integration, stoking fears of what they describe as a "Greater Albania" agenda—a long-standing narrative in Balkan nationalist discourse, despite repeated denials from Tirana and Pristina.

Some EU diplomats have also privately expressed concerns that the trilateral pact could complicate Serbia’s path toward EU accession and fuel renewed nationalist rhetoric across the region.

“This type of military coordination needs to be carefully managed,” said a Brussels-based EU official. “Otherwise, it risks becoming another flashpoint in an already delicate geopolitical theatre.”

Within the three signatory countries, however, reactions have been mixed. In Albania and Kosovo, the pact has been largely celebrated as a milestone in regional integration and security assurance.

In Croatia on the other hand, some political parties have questioned the value of deepening military ties with Kosovo, citing legal ambiguities and the risk of alienating Serbia, a key trade partner.

Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described the meeting as "the worst public Oval Office meeting that I have ever witnessed." He called it a "dark day for the transatlantic alliance," warning that it could jeopardize NATO’s stability and Ukraine’s future.

"I think it's the worst public Oval Office meeting that I have ever witnessed or can ever remember. I think it's a dark day for the transatlantic alliance, and the transatlantic alliance may not recover. I think it's in some ways very much about Ukraine. So it obviously really puts the future of Ukraine, I think, in doubt, but also puts the future of the NATO alliance in doubt," he told the AFP.

Bergmann accused Trump and his ally, JD Vance, of adopting a confrontational stance, adding that the transatlantic alliance "may not recover" from the fallout. The tense exchange has further fueled geopolitical uncertainty as Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression.

President Tayyip Erdogan has accused Turkey's top business association, TUSIAD, of meddling in politics and undermining the government. Erdogan dismissed TUSIAD as a remnant of the past that thrived on economic privilege and political influence. He accused the group of fuelling political instability and attempting to pressure the government. TUSIAD executive Omer Aras, chairman of QNB's Turkish banking unit, criticised a government crackdown on dissenting figures, claiming the probes had shaken trust and damaged democracy. Istanbul's prosecutors expanded the probe to include TUSIAD President Orhan Turhan, citing his statements as "misleading and disruptive to public order." TUSIAD, which accounts for 85% of Turkey's foreign trade and corporate tax revenue, said it was working for national interests.

Turkey supports Ukraine's bid for NATO membership, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Turkey supports Ukraine's bid for NATO membership and understands the importance of security guarantees. Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, while US officials met with Russian counterparts in Riyadh. Zelensky said Erdogan understands the importance of Ukraine's future NATO membership, contrasting with recent US statements. While most European nations support Ukraine's NATO bid, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, and the US oppose it. Zelensky also discussed defence industry cooperation with Turkish company Baykar, which has offices in Ukraine.

Israeli FM says Turkey aiding Iran in smuggling funds to Hezbollah

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has warned US senators about an intensified Iranian effort to smuggle money to Hezbollah to rehabilitate the group after its devastating war against Israel. He also highlighted concerns about Iran's nuclear project, which aims to compensate for the weakening of its regional power by acquiring nuclear weapons. Sa'ar stated that the effort is being carried out via Turkey and its cooperation. Israel has accused Iran of exploiting international civilian flights to transfer funds to Hezbollah, and the IDF has been in contact with the ceasefire monitoring mechanism to thwart these transfers.

Over a million Turks travelled to Greek islands in 2024

About 1.15 million passengers travelled to the Greek islands from the ports on Türkiye’s Aegean coast in 2024. According to data from the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, Turkish citizens saw a 93% increase in their number of trips to the Greek islands from their ports. The increase was largely due to the visa-on-arrival scheme Greece granted for Turkish citizens visiting the islands. In 2023, 805,000 people and in 2022, 416,000 people travelled to the Greek islands from Türkiye. The top choice for Turkish travellers was Kos Island, followed by Rhodes. The number of international travellers reached 1.36 million, with 85% travelling to Greek islands.

Police detain 282 over ties to outlawed Kurdish group

Turkish police have detained 282 suspects accused of ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), including journalists, politicians, and academics. The raids occurred over the past five days as Turkey removes elected pro-Kurdish mayors from their posts over militant ties. The crackdown coincides with signs that there could be an end to a 40-year conflict between the PKK and authorities. The detainees included members of the Peoples' Democratic Congress, leftist parties, academics, and a prominent LGBTQ rights activist. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party condemned the detentions, claiming they were aimed at ending hopes for peace in the region. The Journalists' Union of Turkey also criticised the detention of three journalists.

"They consider the NATO as relevant as ever," adds Pistorius, after Washington has urged its European NATO partners to look after their own defence and raise military spending.

"To endure for the future, our partners must do far more for Europe's defence. We must make NATO great again," Hegseth told reporters after talks in Brussels, warning that "President Trump will not allow anyone to turn Uncle Sam into Uncle Sucker."

His opponent, Dragan Primorac, backed by the governing Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party, garnered only 25% (380,752) of the vote, marking the worst-ever result for Croatia's dominant political force.

Milanović, a vocal critic of the European Union and NATO has been a thorn in the side of the governing party, frequently speaking out against corruption, inflation, and healthcare issues.

Although he condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he has also criticised Western military support for Kyiv.

As president, Milanović's role is largely ceremonial, with the constitution emphasising the importance of remaining impartial and acting as head of state for all citizens.

Despite this, Milanović's victory is seen as a significant blow to the governing HDZ party and may set the stage for continued political tensions.

Milanović's win is also notable given his experience as prime minister of Croatia from 2011 to 2016 and leader of the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP) from 2007 to 2016.

“People decided to choose their candidate for the presidential election like choosing the most-watched film on Netflix,” he said.

On Wednesday, December 4, declassified documents from Romanian security officials revealed that Calin Georgescu, a far-right, pro-Russian candidate, benefitted from significant promotion on TikTok. This included coordinated accounts, recommendation algorithms, and paid promotions.

Stanca warned that such reliance on social media platforms and unethical campaign strategies has led to widespread voter disillusionment. “They were floated by fake news, clickbait, and propaganda,” he noted.

Romania’s top court annulled the results of the first round on Friday, cancelling the second round vote scheduled for Sunday and necessitating a rerun of the entire election process.

Watch the full interview here :

"An invitation for Ukraine to join NATO is necessary for our survival," Zelenskyy declared.

During the press conference , Zelenskyy also argued that integrating Ukraine into the alliance would not only enhance the country's security but also contribute to regional stability in Eastern Europe. "Our membership in NATO is not just about Ukraine; it is about the security of the entire region," he stated.

The call for NATO membership comes as Ukraine continues to face significant challenges on the battlefield. Despite international support, the conflict has taken a heavy toll on the country's infrastructure and civilian population.

On the other hand, the EU's newly appointed top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, arrived in Kyiv on Sunday as a show of support for Ukraine on their first day in office.

"We came to give a clear message that we stand with Ukraine, and we continue to give our full support," Costa was quoted by AFP.

He highlighted that Ukraine’s three-month military incursion into Russian territory has stalled in this area, potentially due in part to North Korea’s reinforcement of Russian ranks.

The troops are believed to be embedded within Russian units, disguised as members of the Buryat ethnic group from the Russian Federation. The presence of North Korean soldiers on the frontlines has raised global concerns about the implications of Pyongyang’s military cooperation with Moscow. 

NATO officials stated on Friday, November 8, that the recent deployment of North Korean troops constitutes a "dangerous expansion" of the country's support for Russia's military operations in Ukraine.

But why are North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia? Analysts suggest that the North Korean regime sees the deployment as a chance to gain valuable combat experience and technical training for its military, one of the largest in the world, which boasts 1.2 million soldiers but lacks significant combat exposure.

Experts note that this arrangement could also offer North Korea an opportunity to test its military equipment in real-world conditions and gather intelligence on its performance. The development has not gone unnoticed by South Korea, a major arms supplier to Ukraine. 

Last month, CNN reported that South Korea hinted it might reconsider the level of military support it provides to Ukraine if the North Korean presence in Russia continues.

The tension between the Koreas remains high, with South Korea and North Korea still technically at war and separated by one of the world’s most heavily militarized borders. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, along with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, issued a joint statement in Seoul condemning the deployment of North Korean soldiers “in the strongest possible terms.” The statement highlighted worries that Russia might supply North Korea with materials and technology that could further Pyongyang’s military ambitions.

In a separate joint statement on November 6, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the EU’s High Representative expressed strong condemnation of North Korea’s alleged deployment. The statement affirmed their “unwavering commitment to support Ukraine as it defends its freedom” and voiced concerns over the potential transfer of nuclear or missile-related technology from Russia to North Korea, which would violate United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs).

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the increasing military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia… We are also deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of nuclear or ballistic missile-related technology from Russia to the DPRK in violation of the relevant UNSCRs. We urge the DPRK to stop assisting in Russia’s war of aggression,” the statement read.

In conclusion, the joint statement underscored the commitment of the allied nations to work closely with international partners to formulate a coordinated response to the latest development.

"For me, for us, it is clear: we Europeans will now have to assume even more responsibility for security policy responsibility. Today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow. For ourselves, for our children. We are prepared for this," she said.

Trump's victory has raised concerns about the future of transatlantic relations, particularly regarding NATO.

During his previous term, Trump frequently criticised European countries for not meeting their defence spending commitments and suggested that the U.S. might reduce its military support for NATO allies.

These statements have led European leaders to reconsider their defence strategies and increase their contributions to NATO.

Baerbock highlighted the urgency of enhancing Europe's defence infrastructure, stating, "Europe must be prepared to defend itself independently if necessary. This means investing more in our military capabilities and fostering greater cooperation among European nations."

As Fox News projected Republican Donald Trump's victory in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania, reactions from around the world began to pour in on Wednesday, November 6.

"America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate," Trump said early on Wednesday to a roaring crowd of supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Centre.