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Normal view

A faca do dólar e a ferida monetária

Washington raramente presta socorro aos seus aliados. Ao contrário do que parece, as recentes intervenções do Tesouro americano para apoiar o iene não constituem uma exceção a esta regra. Longe de serem motivadas por qualquer forma de altruísmo, correspondem às preocupações dos Estados Unidos com o custo do seu endividamento. E remetem a Europa para o papel que tantas vezes lhe é reservado: o de se sujeitar às consequências. Nunca tal se viu desde há quase trinta anos e é, sem dúvida, o (…)

- 2026/09

O regresso do recalcado

Os povos europeus, em particular os gregos, guardam a amarga memória da hegemonia alemã da década de 2010. Mas nessa época ainda prevalecia o acordo feito em 1990, aquando da reunificação: a Alemanha, motor económico do Velho Continente, estreitamente enredada nas teias da integração europeia, deixava que França reivindicasse a supremacia militar e diplomática. Esse compromisso acabou. Desde a invasão russa na Ucrânia, Berlim está a reestruturar a sua economia, a militarizar a sua indústria (…)

- 2026/09 / DOSSIÊ | Uma Alemanha «pronta para a guerra»?

A Interpol e a repressão política

3 September 2026 at 17:42

O Tajiquistão, o Turquemenistão e o Uzbequistão já não hesitam em perseguir no estrangeiro os seus cidadãos exilados, inclusive em países europeus. Esta repressão transnacional apoia-se, nomeadamente, na divulgação de informação que apresenta certos requerentes de asilo como terroristas ou criminosos. Apesar das reformas anunciadas, as expulsões continuam. A repressão transnacional corresponde ao conjunto de técnicas que um Estado utiliza para perseguir opositores para lá das suas (…)

- 2026/09

A nova agenda de reforma das pensões: individualizar direitos, responsabilidade e risco

Em agosto foi divulgado o relatório sobre a reforma da Segurança Social encomendado pelo governo de Luís Montenegro ao grupo de trabalho coordenado por Jorge Bravo. Insere-se na ofensiva contra o sistema público de pensões que tem sido denunciada neste jornal. A nova agenda procura instaurar uma repartição à imagem da capitalização e dos sistemas complementares, trocando valores solidários por uma extensão do mercado em que o Estado subvenciona quem menos precisa. Está a emergir uma nova (…)

- 2026/09

Avanza l’analfabetismo funzionale

3 September 2026 at 17:27

La polemica tra Stefano Bonaccini e Giorgia Meloni in merito all’asserita ignoranza dell’elettore medio di destra mi ha fatto perdere qualche amico permaloso, perché ho riconosciuto la verità della riflessione dell’esponente ex comunista.

L’elettore di destra è oggi “maggioritariamente chi ha poco studiato, vive nelle aree interne, nelle periferie delle città e chi sta peggio economicamente”.

Lo conferma ogni analisi sociologica.

Bonaccini avrebbe dovuto aggiungere, per completare l’identikit, che la destra prevale tra gli uomini ed è minoritaria tra le donne.

Lungi dal suscitare un serio dibattito sui motivi di tale cambiamento antropologico – impensabile venti o trent’anni fa – la reazione a destra è stata iraconda.

Nulla di strano: a nessuno piace ascoltare l’elenco dei propri limiti sulla bocca degli avversari. Tanto più se la boria, la presunzione intellettuale, il sarcasmo, il disprezzo per l’altro, il neo classismo sono l’immagine insopportabile della sinistra 2.0 lontana dal popolo.

Il punto, tuttavia, è che non solo non si valuta seriamente la mole di cambiamenti intervenuta nella composizione della popolazione, nella diversità degli interessi rispetto al passato, nelle dinamiche di consenso e dissenso, ma ci si attarda in baruffe simili a quella tra i capponi di Renzo, che si beccavano a vicenda ma erano destinati tutti a finire nella pentola dell’avvocato Azzeccagarbugli.

Non possiamo aspirare a un popolo di dotti, ma la realtà, aggravata dall’affidamento cieco alla Rete, all’Intelligenza Artificiale, in generale alla tecnologia, cioè ai suoi padroni, è che il potere sta plasmando generazioni di ignoranti, analfabeti di ritorno indipendentemente da diplomi, lauree e master.

È in atto una lotta per impadronirsi della mente umana, un’ampia operazione volta al controllo della coscienza. Controllando ciò che pensano, si gestiscono i popoli e si organizza il futuro.

Geopolitica della mente: è la formula di Fabrizio Fratus, sociologo e intellettuale comunitarista.

Si estende l’analfabetismo funzionale, la condizione di chi è incapace di comprendere, valutare, utilizzare testi scritti.

Un risultato della società dell’immagine e dell’immediato?

Certamente, ma vi è di più.

L’analfabeta di ritorno ha difficoltà a comprendere testi semplici, eseguire calcoli matematici, non ha conoscenza dei fenomeni storici e il suo pensiero non sa essere critico. Il tutto anche se il soggetto ha ricevuto un’educazione scolastica e un titolo di studio.

L’analfabeta funzionale non sa di esserlo.

Il numero è altissimo in Italia: un’indagine dell’OCSE stima che si tratti del 27 per cento della popolazione adulta, la più elevata in Europa.

Il 5,5% comprende solo informazioni elementari in testi molto brevi, mentre il 22,2% capisce testi digitali o cartacei solo se brevi: oltre quindici milioni persone.

Il fenomeno colpisce diverse fasce demografiche, di cui tre milioni sono giovani. Quasi tutti hanno un lavoro, spesso manuale o ripetitivo.

Un connazionale su cinque si informa unicamente attraverso la televisione: non legge libri e giornali, non va a teatro, al cinema, non ascolta musica. Non ha particolari interessi, non riceve stimoli cognitivi.

È, tuttavia ,assai attivo sulle reti sociali, analizza le situazioni prendendo in considerazione unicamente la propria vita e il proprio microcosmo, sola realtà a cui ha accesso. È l’uomo della moderna caverna di Platone.

Secondo Fratus “oltre il settanta per cento delle persone non sono in grado di comprendere quanto dicono e ripetono come pappagalli”.

Leggono, ascoltano, guardano ma non capiscono.

Ogni giorno parliamo di politica, lavoro, sport, religione e di qualsiasi altro argomento ripetendo quanto il cervello ha immagazzinato senza avere elaborato i concetti.

In uno scambio di battute spesso non siamo capaci di spiegare quanto appena ascoltato e ricostruire il ragionamento sottostante.

Non siamo coscienti della complessità della realtà oggettiva; percepiamo esclusivamente i passaggi più semplici, elaborati senza capacità logica, razionale e riflessiva.

Da civiltà della ragione siamo divenuti una società delle emozioni, dell’immediato, come teorizzò Zygmunt Bauman.

L’evoluzione tecnologica, niente affatto neutra, guidata dai suoi padroni, ha semplificato al massimo azioni e pensieri, diminuendo le nostre capacità logiche.

L’analfabetismo funzionale non è una condizione prodotta solo dalla scarsa istruzione.

Un esempio proposto da Fratus è illuminante: cento persone accendono la TV per guardare I Promessi Sposi. Nella sala a fianco, altrettante leggono il libro. La differenza è immensa. La visione porta via meno tempo, ma nel nostro cervello avvengono fenomeni del tutto diversi.

Chi ha guardato il film, lo racconterà più o meno allo stesso modo: colori, figure, percezioni. Chi si è immerso nella lettura, farà commenti così diversi da credere che abbiano letto libri differenti.

Dinanzi allo schermo il cervello non lavora. Guardiamo, ascoltiamo, ma restiamo passivi, non creiamo connessioni, ossia sinapsi. Leggere un libro rende attivi: il cervello si accende, produce immagini e personaggi diversi configurati in base alle nostre esperienze.

Passiamo ore dinanzi agli schermi televisivi e allo smartphone. Non ascoltiamo – tanto meno seguiamo – argomentazioni complesse, per cui ci abituiamo a ragionamenti semplici che spengono progressivamente il cervello.

Diminuiscono intuizione, analisi, collegamento tra conoscenze, testi, temi diversi: la cultura, alla fine.

Uguale è il risultato dell’uso del navigatore GPS. Come facevamo senza? Eppure era normale consultare una cartina o chiedere informazioni. Il resto riguardava la memoria, l’orientamento, il buon senso.

Con il navigatore seguiamo la voce elettronica e l’immagine, obbedienti, senza ragionare, senza capire. Anche i cartelli di divieto vengono ignorati se la voce del tecnopadrone ordina di proseguire.

Il titolo di un vecchio film prendeva di mira il turismo organizzato di masse inconsapevoli: Se è giovedì, deve essere il Belgio. E non avevamo ancora il magico smartphone, la propaggine del padrone insinuata dentro di noi.

Portiamo in tasca un apparecchio che riduce progressivamente la nostra capacità intellettiva in quanto immagine: una piccola televisione che illude mentre guida e agisce nel nostro cervello rendendoci schiavi delle immagini, assuefatti ad una realtà che ci rilassa mentre ci spegne.

Il cervello si plasma su frammenti che scorrono veloci, predefinite; gli algoritmi propongono i contenuti che ci piacciono e ci trattengono sull’applicazione.

Google stima la durata della concentrazione media in otto secondi. Inevitabilmente sfuma la capacità di comprensione del mondo esterno. Lenti, passivi, ottusi, ci abituiamo a ripetere quanto riceviamo da altri senza rielaborarlo, senza argomentare.

Ci accapigliamo sui flussi elettorali legati ai titoli accademici, intanto l’ignoranza avanza, il pensiero svanisce – decrescita felice, per molti – il conformismo dilaga e si alimenta della reiterazione degli stessi messaggi.

Diventiamo incapaci di fare autonomi collegamenti. Prediligiamo la banalità, il facile accesso. Perfino fatti indiscutibili per migliaia di anni vengono revocati in dubbio e gettati nel baule del vecchiume perché non in linea con oggi.

E domani?

Chi ci dirige facendoci credere nella libertà delle nostre scelte sa che il cervello è un organo plastico che può essere modellato. La neuroplasticità può determinare cambiamenti nella sua struttura fisica.

Ciò include “la formazione di nuove sinapsi, la crescita di dendriti (le estensioni dei neuroni) e la creazione di nuovi neuroni attraverso un processo chiamato neurogenesi”. (F. Fratus).

Tutto induce a pensare (il verbo verrà presto abbandonato?) che l’Intelligenza Artificiale moltiplicherà l’analfabetismo funzionale, con effetti enormi su chi già non è capace di comprendere.

Esempi di Intelligenza Artificiale semplice sono gli assistenti digitali che rispondono alle domande, forniscono suggerimenti, organizzano la giornata. Grazie alla plasticità del cervello diventano insostituibili.

È solo l’inizio: le grandi potenze e l’apparato tecnologico lavorano a trasformare tutti gli aspetti della vita.

Quattro milioni di italiani rischiano il lavoro nei prossimi anni, nella vaga speranza che possano riconvertirsi nei servizi. Metà degli impieghi sono automatizzabili. Non è questione di ignoranza o cultura.

Riusciamo a comprendere che il gatto si morde la coda, ossia che sostituire gli esseri umani richiederà la diminuzione drastica della popolazione e, intanto, produce povertà?

Silvia Ciucciovino, docente di diritto del lavoro, scrive: “l’adozione dell’IA impatta sull’esercizio delle libertà economiche e sul ruolo gerarchico dell’imprenditore. È suscettibile di accrescere l’intensità dei tipici poteri datoriali e del committente e, più in generale, le prerogative manageriali e organizzative e, con esse, anche l’asimmetria informativa che connota il rapporto tra lavoratore e datore di lavoro. Si tratta di libertà, poteri, prerogative che non possono essere annullati o compressi oltremisura, ma devono trovare un giusto bilanciamento con la protezione dei diritti delle persone che lavorano“.

Nessuno ce lo sta dicendo, perché l’informazione è proprietà privata dei soliti noti e anche le scelte elettorali sono orientate – anzi, direttamente determinate – dal vertice della piramide.

L’uso di algoritmi di IA è sfruttato per la manipolazione dell’opinione pubblica attraverso la diffusione mirata di informazione o disinformazione.

La dipendenza da sistemi automatizzati riduce la capacità di svolgere compiti manuali e prendere decisioni indipendenti.

Le libere scelte non esistono più; se aggiungiamo l’analfabetismo funzionale, si comprende che siamo manovrati in ogni momento.

Cancellare la capacità di elaborazione, di memoria, l’analisi di quanto avviene attorno a noi, consente di controllare le persone. In una società individualista e materialista, creare soggetti non in grado di pensare e capire rende facilissimo soggiogarli.

Tra popolazioni rese incapaci di riflessione, regredite all’ignoranza, l’utilizzo dell’Intelligenza Artificiale rende immenso il potere di chi la possiede, orienta, programma, controlla.

Tecnototalitarismo in cui saremo incapaci di valutare e distinguere la realtà, inconsapevoli strumenti di chi detiene la tecnologia.

Queste le sono le poste in gioco, non le futili schermaglie a uso delle opposte tifoserie della politica, il più debole dei poteri, fungibile, intercambiabile, eterodiretto.

L'articolo Avanza l’analfabetismo funzionale proviene da Blondet & Friends.

Kazakhstan cuts 2026 oil production plan to 96mn tons amid CPC attacks

3 September 2026 at 08:30
  • Kazakhstan has revised its oil production plan for 2026 from 98 million to 96 million tons due to the impact of attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), Qazinform News Agency quotes Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov as saying.

According to him, Kazakhstan initially planned to maintain last year's production level of 99.5 million tons and approach the 100 million-ton mark.

"With the attacks in January and the continued attacks in June and July, we lost approximately 3.5 million tons. TCO shareholders decided not to conduct a major overhaul and postponed it until next year," Akkenzhenov said at a government briefing.

The ministry also decided to postpone planned maintenance at NCOC fields until next year.

"We planned to produce 98 million tons, but the adjusted plan is now 96 million tons. Production losses resulting from the attacks on the CPC will amount to 3.5 million tons," the minister clarified.

In July, the CPC was targeted in a series of drone attacks. On July 17, drones struck the oil tanker Nordic Zenith.

On July 19, two tankers carrying Kazakh oil were targeted in separate attacks.

Following the attacks, oil loading operations at the CPC terminal were suspended. The Ministry of Energy said that such attacks on civilian critical energy infrastructure facilities were unacceptable.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned drone attacks on vessels transporting oil via the CPC.

On July 23, the Ministry of Energy announced a temporary suspension of oil loading at the CPC marine terminal and a reduction in oil production in Kazakhstan.

On July 27, the CPC resumed oil intake from shippers and loading operations at its marine terminal in the port of Novorossiysk.

On July 30, the CPC reported new attacks targeting two tankers, following which oil loading operations were suspended again.

Study on competitiveness of EU sustainable blue economy sector: Focus on ocean observation technologies

3 September 2026 at 08:00

Understanding the EU sustainable blue economy's structure, performance and challenges in comparison with international competitors is the objection behind a new study, which needs participants for a survey.

The study is on competitiveness of EU sustainable blue economy sector: focus on ocean observation technologies, and is conducted by Cogea srl on behalf of the European Commission. under Framework Contract CINEA/2021/OP/0011 (Lot 2). .

Input will help ensure that future EU policies, funding programmes and support measures reflect industry realities and priorities of the European ocean observation sector.

Participants of this survey (which takes 10-20 minutes) will receive a summary of aggregated findings of the study and will be considered for featured case studies highlighting relevant companies in the European ocean observation sector, if you consent.

Companies and organizations developing, supplying or working with ocean observation technologies are invited to participate by 15 September.

Survey

Commissioners Kadis and Micallef participate in Arctic youth dialogue

3 September 2026 at 07:30

On 1 September in Brussels, Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner Costas Kadis and Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Commissioner Glenn Micallef jointly hosted the Youth Policy Dialogue ‘How to make Arctic youth participation more inclusive’.

The ten young participants were selected via the EU-funded project Youth Together for Arctic Futures, a workstream under the EU Arctic Youth Dialogue initiative. During the discussion, they will share their experiences and ideas on how the EU can better support the inclusive participation of Arctic youth in decision-shaping processes on issues that matter to young people. During the dialogue, the Commissioners will also ask for the participants’ opinions on the forthcoming Blue Generational Renewal Strategy, a flagship initiative under the European Ocean Pact aimed at making careers in the maritime sectors more attractive.

The Dialogue took place in the framework of the EU Arctic Forum and the Arctic Youth and Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogues, which took place on 1-2 September opened by International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Síkela and Kadis. The Forum came at an important moment as the EU is updating its Arctic policy in the context of evolving geopolitical, economic and environmental developments.

The EU Arctic Forum, Arctic Youth and Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogues, which bring together a range of Arctic stakeholders to discuss developments in the region and the future of the EU’s engagement in the Arctic, are integral parts of the EU Arctic policy. Youth Policy Dialogues are part of the European Commission's commitment to mainstream the voice of young people in EU policymaking, as set out in President von der Leyen's Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.

Statement by President von der Leyen following her visit to the emergency response co-ordination centre

3 September 2026 at 07:00

Good afternoon,

I want to start with a simple message – thank you, this is a message for all of you, at my side or in the background. Dear Commissioner, dear Director-General, to the staff from the ERCC and ECHO, thank you for being here when Europe needs you most. As you have said – and I learned a lot in this hour here - day and night, 24/7, weekends and on holidays, whenever a crisis strikes, the team is there. The work you do protects people and most importantly saves lives. When a country asks for help, within hours, that call becomes action. Aircrafts take off, firefighters cross borders, and Copernicus maps reach responders on the ground. What we have seen today and what the ERCC lives everyday is European solidarity in action.

This summer has shown once again how much Europe relies on you. The wildfire season started exceptionally early in late April and put national services under enormous pressure. Since April, the EU civil protection mechanism has been activated 10 times for wildfires in 8 different countries, sometimes with several happening at the same time. When national capacities are stretched, Europe steps in, you can count on Europe. Firefighting aircrafts, helicopters, ground teams with all their expertise, vehicles, satellites, all of this is needed and all of this is mobilised across the continent. And because every single moment counts in an emergency, we are acting before the worst fires begin. Another impressive figure is the nearly 800 firefighters that were pre-positioned in high-risk areas. They stood ready to reinforce local teams from the first critical hours. And over the summer, teams were deployed from 25 countries – Member States and partner countries. And for the very first time, this also included firefighters from Ukraine, helping here in the European Union. Rescue teams have worked heroically. Some tragically lost their lives while bravely protecting others. We honour their courage, we honour their service. Their memory will stay with us, and it will inspire our action moving forward.

The work of this centre goes far beyond the fires, and far beyond Europe. I was impressed to hear that when there was a Hantavirus outbreak on a ship, you prepared repatriation flights and mobilised medical evacuation services. As the earthquakes hit Venezuela, you coordinated the deployment of 750 responders and experts from 18 countries. When Colombia was struck by an earthquake, Europe provided tents, water filters and essential supplies, as well as expertise on the ground. And after the devastating floods in Nepal just last week, we saw the images from Copernicus, you immediately supported the response with Copernicus mapping.

Fires, earthquakes, floods, health emergencies, hybrid attacks, you name it. Each crisis is different and requires a specific response. But most important is that the principle is the same: when help is needed, you can count on Europe. And these crises also paint a bigger picture. The risks around us are changing. They are becoming more frequent, more complex and more severe. Changing global climate patterns are adding to this volatility. Around the world, we see higher temperatures and disrupted rainfall. For emergency services, this is not an abstract warning about the future, it is already changing the emergencies they are facing today. Extreme events happen more often, in more places, and at the same time. This centre has shown time and again that Europe can respond when crisis strikes. But we must also learn from every single crisis and we must turn those lessons into action. So that we adapt faster, strengthen prevention and act before an emergency becomes a disaster. Our civil protection mechanism is pooling and sharing this expertise and the emergency capabilities. When one country comes under pressure, we step in, because as Europe, we are greater than the sum of our parts. That is what this centre demonstrates every day,

I thank you very much for presenting to me the essence of this centre. Of course the time was way too short to speak and see enough. But for me it is also very important preparation for the State of the Union. I thank you for giving me the time, sharing with me your expertise and knowledge. From the bottom of my heart, Europe is grateful for what you're doing.

Thank you.

Results of 31-08-2026 auction (EU-Bonds)

3 September 2026 at 06:30

The European Commission, on behalf of the European Union, has carried out an EU-Bonds auction on 31 August. The results of this auction are as follows:

 EU-Bonds
13/10/2031
2.875%
EU-Bonds
12/12/2036
3.250%
EU-Bonds
12/12/2040
3.625%
ISINEU000A4EXVK3EU000A4ERVC2EU000A4EJF17
Competitive auction31/08/202631/08/202631/08/2026
Settlement competitive auction02/09/202602/09/202602/09/2026
Non-competitive auction01/09/202601/09/202601/09/2026
Settlement non-competitive auction03/09/202603/09/202603/09/2026
Maturity13/10/203112/12/203612/12/2040
Volume bids *2 6553 4732 066
Volume allotment *2 1832 3021 788
Non-competitive allocation *---
Old outstanding amount *6 00014 98512 964
New outstanding amount *8 18317 28714 752
Weighted average price98.280%96.294%95.819%
Lowest accepted price98.270%96.270%95.790%
% awarded at lowest accepted price100.00%27.72%100.00%
Weighted average yield3.246%3.689%4.013%
Cover ratio1.221.511.16

* in millions of euros

Registrations are now open for the 5th EUDIS Defence Hackathon

3 September 2026 at 06:00

If you are developing technologies that could shape the future of defence, this is your opportunity.


Registrations are now open for the 5th edition of the EUDIS Defence Hackathon, taking place onsite from 15 to 17 October 2026 across eight locations in Europe. Engineers, startups, researchers, developers and defence professionals are invited to join one of Europe's flagship defence innovation initiatives, work on real operational challenges and connect directly with experts, industry leaders and fellow innovators shaping the future of European defence.

This autumn, participants will tackle one of the most pressing topics in defence innovation: Autonomy on the Battlefield. From operating in GNSS-denied environments to enabling autonomous swarms for reconnaissance and logistics, teams will develop practical solutions with real-world relevance. Alongside these two challenges, each host location will also propose a third challenge reflecting regional priorities and expertise.

More than a hackathon

The EUDIS Defence Hackathon is designed for innovators who want to go beyond ideas. Over three intensive onsite days, teams will work side by side with mentors from the defence industry, research organisations and operational environments to develop solutions addressing genuine capability needs.

The onsite format is at the heart of the experience. It gives participants the opportunity to collaborate directly with fellow innovators, engage with defence experts and end-users, and build valuable relationships within Europe's growing defence innovation ecosystem. Whether you are looking for future collaborations, industry insights or your first step into the European defence market, EUDIS is designed to create meaningful connections.

But the experience does not end there.

Winning teams will undergo a Mentoring Programme, a two-month programme offering expert guidance on product development, business strategy and defence market positioning. Participants will also take part in dedicated defence innovation bootcamp, receive support to refine their solutions and have opportunities to pitch their projects to investors and other stakeholders. Together, these activities help accelerate promising ideas while opening the door to Europe's defence innovation ecosystem.

Join a growing European innovation community

Since its launch, the EUDIS Defence Hackathons has brought together more than 2,300 participants through 30 hackathons organised across Europe. Each edition strengthens connections between innovators, industry, investors, defence stakeholders and EU

institutions, creating new opportunities for collaboration and helping innovative technologies move closer to real-world deployment.

The Autumn 2026 edition will take place simultaneously in:

  • Austria
  • Cyprus
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Sweden

Ukrainian participation encouraged

The European Commission actively encourages Ukrainian citizens to participate across all locations, whether as competitors, mentors or jury members. Ukrainian expertise and operational experience continue to play an important role in developing innovative and deployable defence solutions.

How to participate

Registrations are now open for the Autumn 2026 EUDIS Defence Hackathon.

The programme is open to startups, SMEs, engineering teams, researchers and technology professionals from eligible countries who are ready to tackle real operational defence challenges and collaborate with Europe's defence innovation community.

Key dates

  • Participant registrations: Open now
  • Hackathon: 15–17 October 2026 (onsite)
  • Locations: Austria, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Portugal and Sweden

Interested? 

Register today and find full details on the challenges, eligibility criteria and local hackathon locations here. 

For media enquiries, partnerships or additional information, please contact: contact@eudis-hackathon.eu

Israel Faces Toxic Blowback From Its Genocide in Gaza

3 September 2026 at 01:00
Reprinted from Andy Worthington’s website. Many thanks to Dr. Dianne Woodward, a former lecturer in Biological Sciences, and a manager at the Galilee Foundation, a UK charity empowering Palestinian youth since 2007, for writing a compelling article for Al Jazeera, “Toxic waste of war on Gaza reached Israel”, highlighting how the ecocidal impact of Gaza’s […]

Canada gave contracts to Iran VP’s son while investigating role in regime missile program

2 September 2026 at 10:00
The RCMP and Canadian military were among the agencies that hired companies run by Edmonton resident 'Sal Ghafouri,' a Global News investigation has found.

Creating a 'dynamic space' for young people

2 September 2026 at 09:50

Since June 2026, Brussels’ bustline Place Noord has made a space available to three local associations led by young people to develop their activities, projects, and events.

The associations are primarily from the Quartier Nord (spanning the City of Brussels and Schaerbeek).

The space is now gradually becoming a hub for meeting, creativity, and initiative for the neighbourhood's youth.

This Thursday, 3 September, the venue is opening its doors to the public for an evening to mark what is called 'Residents Day'.

The initiative stemmed directly from a request made by young people. 

In May, Laila, Marouane, and Rashad came to meet the Place Noord team one by one to ask if a space could be made available to them—both for their weekly activities and for organizing their own events.

Pauline Omnes, programmer at Place Noord, told this site on Wednesday: "I have been working in the Quartier Nord for several years, collaborating closely with local community groups.

“The idea was for Place Noord to also serve projects led by the neighbourhood's youth, with support from those who have been working here longer.

“The goal is not only to provide them with a venue but also to connect them with others so they can grow their projects.

“On one hand, Play Label organizes events that generate the funds needed to make the space available for free, thereby supporting these local initiatives."

Since their arrival, the three associations have been gradually settling into the premises. Young people work on their projects there, but also come to study, play board games, organize movie nights, or simply socialize.

The presence of the three associations also creates a collective dynamic that extends beyond their individual activities, said Omnes.

"Young people share ideas, skills, and projects, and are beginning to build a shared life within the space."

EU approves €20 million relief scheme for Italian region’s agriculture and fisheries companies

2 September 2026 at 08:30

The European Commission has approved a €20 million state aid scheme for agricultural and fishing companies in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia that are facing increased fuel and fertiliser prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.

The scheme, which will run until 31 December 2026, aims at mitigating the impact of the increase in agricultural fuel and fertiliser prices, as well as in fishery and aquaculture fuel prices. The aid will take the form of direct grants and subsidised loans. It will be determined on the basis of the size of land used for the primary production of agricultural products, and on the basis of estimates of fuel consumption in the primary production of fishery and aquaculture products, capped to €50,000 per beneficiary. The aid is paid by the autonomous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The Commission assessed the scheme under EU state aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget and will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of agricultural products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Italian regional scheme under EU State aid rules.

For more information

New training paths available for Taxation and Customs officers from candidate and potential candidate countries

2 September 2026 at 08:00

Discover the new available training paths for taxation and for customs officers on the EU Learning Potal.

Two curricula modules for taxation and for customs officers from candidate and potential candidate countries have been released on the DG TAXUD Customs, Tax & CBAM EU Learning Portal. These modules are gateways that guide and provide direct access to targeted training resources designed for taxation officers or customs officers in candidate and potential candidate countries.  

The modules feature links to selected courses of the training catalogue of the portal, displayed in a pre-determined order, to provide an extensive knowledge on the EU customs and taxation acquis and its implementation. Taxation and customs officers can also select a specific course according to their competence and/or need. 

Access to the Courses 

Jobseekers know your rights in the age of AI hiring

2 September 2026 at 07:30

AI is playing a bigger role in hiring, but laws protect you. Here is what you need to know.

Europe needs top talent, and employers want high-quality hires – the best person for the job – quickly and in a cost-efficient way. So, given this urgency, it’s no surprise that more and more companies are using AI in their hiring processes. From CV screening to interviews, AI can streamline each stage, reduce hiring times and make the whole process more cost-effective. 

But there’s a downside to AI-driven recruitment, as a recent Instagram post highlighted. It describes how a jobseeker from Vienna felt ‘dehumanized’ by an AI interview. 

The EU takes AI action

This concern isn’t limited to Austria, which is why the EU AI Act classifies using AI in employment decisions as ‘high-risk’. Given the growing AI adoption in HR by businesses across the globe (39 % by the end of 2025), the AI Act addresses risks by introducing rules that help make its use more transparent and accountable. 

Under the AI Act:

  • No AI tool can make final hiring decisions without a qualified human in the loop. 
  • Using AI to infer emotions, stress levels or personality traits and assign people numerical scores is banned.
  • Starting 2 August 2026, companies using AI tools for hiring, evaluating performance or other employment decisions must check regularly for safety risks and bias, keep detailed technical records, ensure human oversight and transparency, and continuously monitor their systems.
  • Obligations apply not only to the providers of these AI systems, but also the businesses that use them.
  • These rules even apply to non-EU companies, if their AI system is used or affects people in the EU.

As for the Viennese candidate, here’s what went wrong during the AI interview process:

  • It repeatedly interrupted the interviewee, jumped to the next question and moved on even when asked to go back.
  • If the jobseeker paused even briefly during a response, it sometimes took it for a complete reply.
  • There were errors in the interview transcript.
  • Instead of answering the applicant’s questions, the AI just recited the company’s ‘About Us’ page.

Only about one in four companies had begun to prepare for the EU AI Act’s strict requirements for high-risk AI systems. As AI becomes increasingly common in recruitment, it is therefore important to remember that you have the right to:

  • be informed beforehand on its use and the role it plays in the company’s hiring decision;
  • ask that a human reviews the hiring decision; 
  • not to have your facial expressions, voice tone or body language analysed by AI during an interview; and
  • know what data is being collected and, in many cases, to have it deleted once the hiring process is over. 

In an increasingly AI-driven labour market, EURES continues to offer human support through its network of trained advisers, who can provide information and guidance on practical, legal and administrative matters related to living and working across Europe. 

In the meantime, online interviews are here to stay, so gear up for that final step by reading up on some tips for tackling remote interviews.
 

Related links

‘Daily Austrian News’ Instagram post

EU AI Act

The State of AI in HR 2026

AI Hiring Tools at Risk: 6 Critical EU AI Act Compliance Steps Every HR Leader Must Take (2026)

Chat with EURES Advisers

The new ‘rules’ of the remote interview

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Top 10 European 'ghost towns' perfect for remote workers

2 September 2026 at 07:00

An August 2026 report on remote work destinations in Europe found that Palencia, Spain, is the best small town for digital nomads. A new study by the digital entertainment platform BC Game reveals the top 10 hidden gems where remote workers can spend this summer. 

  • Palencia, Spain, is the best small town for working remotely in Europe, offering fast 267 Mbps Wi-Fi and safe neighborhoods. 
  • With rent at just $525 a month, Le Havre is the cheapest way to spend summer on the French coast as a digital nomad.
  • Akureyri is the best reason to finally make the Iceland trip happen, with close to 30 places to open a laptop and Arctic scenery all around.

The research examined 20 European towns with smaller populations to find which ones work best for remote workers. The report looked at factors like average Internet speeds, monthly rent for a one-bedroom city center apartment, and personal safety ratings. It also considered the number of cafes and coworking spaces, coffee prices, and the cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. Each town received a final score out of 100, with higher scores meaning that the city is more suited for digital nomads. 

Here's a look at the top 10 European small towns for remote workers:

CityCountrySafety IndexAverage Broadband Download Speed (Mbps)Monthly Rent (1 Bedroom/City Centre)Coffee
PalenciaSpain94267$698$1.8
SoriaSpain87277$582$2.2
VaduzLiechtenstein92286$1,427$6.7
Le HavreFrance43312$524$2.7
AngersFrance61257$664$2.8
Akureyri Iceland80279$1,783$4.9
ReimsFrance45288$705$3.7
DijonFrance47271$646$3.9
TartuEstonia77136$659$4.2
MateraItaly8087$737$2.1

You can access the complete research findings here.

1. Palencia, Spain

  • Safety Index: 94.12/100
  • Broadband speed: 267 Mbps
  • Monthly rent (1BR, city center): $698
  • Coffee price: $1.75
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $11.64
  • Score: 100/100

Palencia is the best small town in Europe to work remotely this summer. The destination has a 94/100 safety rating, which matters a lot for anyone arriving in an unfamiliar city for the first time. The Internet is also fast at 267 Mbps, so video calls and file transfers are never going to be an issue. One-bedroom rentals in the city center go for around 700 USD a month, and staying fed and caffeinated while working from a local spot costs very little, with meals under 12 USD and coffee at 1.75 USD.

2. Soria, Spain

Soria is the most affordable hidden gem for remote workers looking to set up a base for a couple of months. Rents here average just 580 USD a month, and Internet speeds reach 277 Mbps, so there's no trade-off on connectivity. The safety score of 87/100 also means it's a comfortable place to be, whether walking home late or leaving a laptop at a cafe table. It's also a small city of around 41K people, quiet and easy to get around, which is exactly what a lot of remote workers are actually looking for.

3. Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Vaduz is for digital nomads who put safety and connectivity above everything else. The city’s safety rating of 91/100 is second only to Palencia, and Internet speeds exceed 285 Mbps, making it one of the best-connected small towns in Europe. The trade-off is cost: rent runs at around 1,440 USD a month, and a coffee is nearly 7 USD, so the daily expenses add up fast. But for anyone earning well and looking for a calm base with fast Internet in the middle of Europe, Vaduz is hard to look past.

4. Le Havre, France

Le Havre has the best Internet of any small town in Europe at 312 Mbps, faster than even the capital, Paris. That alone is a good reason to be here for anyone doing heavy digital work. Rent is also among the cheapest at around 525 USD a month, and a meal at a local restaurant costs under 14 USD. Beyond that, the city has up to 20 cafes and co-working spaces where remote workers can get the job done. 

5. Angers, France

Angers rounds out the top five small towns for digital nomads. Typical studios here get listed for under 670 USD a month, while the Internet is fast enough for stand-ups, deadlines, and everything in between, at 257 Mbps. Angers is also quite safe for a city this size, and there are plenty of cafes and coworking spaces (up to 20) to rotate between when working from home gets boring. With around 161K residents, the city also has an active social scene to make longer stays feel less isolating. 

The CEO of BC Game commented on the study: "Most remote workers pick their next destination based on photos on Instagram or a Reddit thread someone wrote two years ago. The problem is that those places are usually packed by the time you get there, and the rent has gone up. The smarter move is to look one step outside the obvious choices. If everyone is going to Lisbon, look at a smaller Portuguese city like Faro. If Madrid is getting expensive, look at a town two hours away. The infrastructure is usually the same, the costs are lower, and you actually get to feel like you live somewhere rather than just being another nomad in a queue for a coworking desk."

'Any citizen can get shot,' warns the Brussels prosecutor in comment on gang war

2 September 2026 at 06:30

"Any citizen can get shot. This is not going to calm down," warned Julien Moinil, (pictured) the King's Prosecutor of Brussels, during a press conference on Friday, dedicated to the recent wave of violence linked to drug trafficking. Approximately 150 shootings have been recorded since the firearm attack on 5 February 2025 at Metro station Clémenceau. Accompanied by the head of the Brussels-Midi police zone, Jurgen De Landsheer, and the director of the Federal Judicial Police of Brussels, Eric Jacobs, the prosecutor outlined recent events, the judicial response, and several points of concern.

The current wave began on 20 August. It is believed to be related to a conflict between two groups involved in drug sales. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the shootings over the past few weeks. Around a hundred shooters have also been detained since the violence started. No link has currently been established between this conflict and the shootings targeting the police station last weekend in Anderlecht. "They have touched a sensitive point: a police station," emphasized Julien Moinil. No one has been injured, but the prosecutor reminded everyone of the daily risks police officers face and assured them of the prosecution's support. He praised the work of both local and federal police but called for structural investment.

The current prosecutor's office staff includes 49 magistrates out of the 63 planned. He reiterated his requests for more investigators in the federal judicial police and the installation of jamming devices at Haren prison, noting that at least one mastermind operating from a cell has been definitively identified. "The solution must not only come from the Justice Department," insisted Julien Moinil, calling for mobilization of the social and health sectors as well. He advocates activating a task force led by the prime minister.

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