EU Affairs
Shooting down Russian jets ‘on the table,’ von der Leyen says
Read more on post.
The use of disappearing messages is recommended in Commission guidance called “Checklist to Make Your Signal Safer,” from 2022.
“On the one hand, it reduces the risk of leaks and security breaches, which is of course an important factor,” Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari said. “And also, it’s a question of space on the phone — so, effective use of a mobile device.”
“The president has been complying with these internal guidelines and is using the disappearing message feature, which explains why we could not retrieve any such SMSs.”
He added: “SMSs may have to be registered under certain circumstances — for example, if there is a need to follow up, if there’s an administrative or legal impact.”
In the case of Macron’s message, the Commission concluded that it didn’t meet that threshold. That decision was made by von der Leyen’s powerful head of cabinet, Bjoern Seibert.
“He was one of the actors taking part in this discussion,” Ujvari said. “The President assessed the SMS with her Head of Cabinet and relevant services within the Commission.”
This isn’t the first time von der Leyen’s phone habits have raised eyebrows. Her text exchanges with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla over Covid vaccine contracts were never archived — prompting an ongoing Ombudsman investigation dubbed “Pfizergate.”
Read more on post.
The European Commission president’s trip comes on the heels of an announcement by Germany’s Rheinmetall that it plans two new factories in Bulgaria, making the country Europe’s largest gunpowder manufacturer.
Aug 31
3 mins read
Read more on post.
Le chef de cabinet de la présidente de la Commission européenne est l’homme à appeler pour faire avancer les choses à Bruxelles. Mais il a trop de pouvoir, estiment ses détracteurs, de plus en plus nombreux.
Jul 9
17 mins read
- New laws needed to tackle Russian ‘shadow-fleet’ threat, says Department of Defence official
Read more on post . The Government is to examine new legislation to address the growing number of Russian “shadow-fleet” vessels passing through Irish-controlled waters. Department of Defence secretary general Jacqui McCrum said the move was one of a number of measures being taken by her department to counter potential hybrid threats to Irish underwater… Read more: New laws needed to tackle Russian ‘shadow-fleet’ threat, says Department of Defence official - No one-off measures in next year’s Budget – DonohoeRead more on post. The Minster for Finance has insisted there will be no repeat of last year’s once-off cost of living measures, but other permanent supports will be put in place in next month’s Budget. Speaking at the Oireachtas Budgetary Oversight Committee, Paschal Donohoe said inflation has normalised, although the Government understands that prices… Read more: No one-off measures in next year’s Budget – Donohoe
- Energy regulator to investigate Energia for claiming price increases were sanctionedRead more on post. The energy regulator is to probe an electricity supplier for claiming upcoming hefty price increases were regulator-sanctioned and “unavoidable”. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) said it would investigate the claims by Energia to see if they were misleading or breached the customer code of conduct. Energia’s price rise on… Read more: Energy regulator to investigate Energia for claiming price increases were sanctioned
- West Bank locals report ongoing Israeli settler expansionRead more on post. Europe Editor Tony Connelly and cameraman Bram Verbeke report from Turmus Ayya and al-Mughayyir in the West Bank where locals report the continued expansion of Israel settlements and the destruction of local farms. The ancient olive groves of the West Bank, the ideal retirement for a Palestinian-US citizen returning from California.… Read more: West Bank locals report ongoing Israeli settler expansion
- ‘Nightmare bacteria’ cases rising in the USRead more on post . Infection rates from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” rose by 70% in the US, according to a new report. The increase is driven by a difficult-to-treat gene called NDM, say researchers from the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only two antibiotics work to treat it – and the drugs are… Read more: ‘Nightmare bacteria’ cases rising in the US
- ‘Anti-ICE’ message on ammunition at Dallas shooting that killed two immigration detaineesRead full article on post. 26 minutes ago ShareSave Ben HattonWashington DC ShareSave Two detainees have died and another is critically injured after a rooftop sniper opened fire at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) centre in Dallas, Texas, officials say. The gunman fired indiscriminately at the ICE facility and at a nearby unmarked van,… Read more: ‘Anti-ICE’ message on ammunition at Dallas shooting that killed two immigration detainees
- High-speed rail plan for north of England delayed againRead more on post. 40 minutes ago ShareSave Faisal IslamEconomics editor ShareSave Getty Images Plans to extend high-speed rail across the north of England have been delayed further and will not now be announced by the prime minister at the Labour Party conference next week. The BBC understands concerns over the long-term costs of the… Read more: High-speed rail plan for north of England delayed again
- How luxury brands are tapping into the Labubu crazeRead more on post. Labubu dolls have become a $27 status symbol. Now, high-end brands are testing whether fans are willing to pay luxury prices for crystal-encrusted Labubus or $2,500 bags with the ugly-cute monster. While Labubu mania is new, luxury labels have capitalized on cuteness with other characters from Snoopy to Totoro. Luxury industry… Read more: How luxury brands are tapping into the Labubu craze
- First migrants arrive in UK from France under ‘one in one out’ dealRead full article on post. A family of three, including a small child, are the first people to arrive in the UK under the government’s “one in, one out” agreement with France. The BBC has been told they have been given three-month visas, with no right to work and no recourse to public funding. They… Read more: First migrants arrive in UK from France under ‘one in one out’ deal
- New laws needed to tackle Russian ‘shadow-fleet’ threat, says Department of Defence officialRead more on post . The Government is to examine new legislation to address the growing number of Russian “shadow-fleet” vessels passing through Irish-controlled waters. Department of Defence secretary general Jacqui McCrum said the move was one of a number of measures being taken by her department to counter potential hybrid threats to Irish underwater… Read more: New laws needed to tackle Russian ‘shadow-fleet’ threat, says Department of Defence official
- ‘Genetically, they’re all the same’ – How Europe are betting on continuity to pull off upset winThis post was originally published on this site. Gavin Cooney reports from Bethpage Black, New York THERE IS NO week longer than that of the Ryder Cup, where the world’s media assemble and spend four days doing their best to simply keep on talking until the action starts. Amid this epic quest to find a… Read more: ‘Genetically, they’re all the same’ – How Europe are betting on continuity to pull off upset win
- ‘I’d be dead without Coleen’ – RooneyRead the full article on post. 10 minutes ago Wayne Rooney says he could have died had his wife Coleen not been there to help him manage problems with alcohol. The 39-year-old former Manchester United and England captain says he was “struggling massively” with his drinking during his playing career. Rooney – who scored a… Read more: ‘I’d be dead without Coleen’ – Rooney
- Carabao Cup score updatesRead the full article on post.
- Elusive All-Ireland ‘not everything for me’ – HorganRead the full article on post. Patrick Horgan has admitted that missing out on an All-Ireland medal will remain a “bit of a regret” but feels the experiences he was able to enjoy in the Cork jersey over an 18-year career trumps all that. The 37-year-old called time on his long inter-county career on Tuesday.… Read more: Elusive All-Ireland ‘not everything for me’ – Horgan
- India beat Bangladesh to reach Asia Cup finalRead the full article on post. Elizabeth Botcherby BBC Sport Journalist 32 minutes ago 6 Comments Asia Cup, Super Four, Dubai India 168-6 (20 overs): A Sharma 75 (37); Rishad 2-27 Bangladesh 127 (19.3 overs): Saif Hassan 69 (51); K Yadav 3-18 India won by 41 runs Scorecard. Table Defending champions India booked their spot… Read more: India beat Bangladesh to reach Asia Cup final
- 18 Best Airbnbs in Vancouver for Proximity to Nature, Culture, and Delicious CuisineThis post was originally published on this site.From a funky floating home to a chic studio in Gastown, these standout stays let you experience Vancouver’s neighborhoods like a local.
- 18 Best Travel Backpacks for Every Type of TripThis post was originally published on this site.Our top picks from Away, Monos, MZ Wallace, and more.
- 17 Best Weekender Bags of 2025, According to Our EditorsThis post was originally published on this site.Durable and functional duffels we love.
- Arabian Travel Market to launch dedicated Travel Tech show at 2026 editionThis post was originally published on this site.Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has announced the launch of ATM Travel Tech, a new co-located event that will debut at ATM 2026, taking place from 4–7 May 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Evolving from its previous role as a high-growth sector on the show floor,… Read more: Arabian Travel Market to launch dedicated Travel Tech show at 2026 edition
- Capital Connections: Air Canada Keeps London and Ottawa connected Year-RoundThis post was originally published on this site.Air Canada has announced its London Heathrow to Ottawa non-stop flights will continue for Winter 2025-26, ensuring year-round connectivity between the United Kingdom’s largest airport and Canada’s capital city. Flights are available for booking now at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents.
- Giorgio Armani creations interplay with Italian masterpieces at new Milan exhibitionRead more on post. ADVERTISEMENT “Giorgio Armani, Milano, for love’’ at the Brera Art Gallery opens today, mere weeks after the celebrated designer’s death at the age of 91. Featuring 129 Armani looks from the 1980s through the present day, the exhibition places his creations among celebrated Italian masterpieces by such luminaries as Raphael and… Read more: Giorgio Armani creations interplay with Italian masterpieces at new Milan exhibition
- The last day of doomsday: What is the viral ‘RaptureTok’ trend?Read more on post. ADVERTISEMENT If you’re reading this today, Wednesday 24 September 2025 could be the last day before the end of the world as you know it. If you’re reading this tomorrow, you weren’t blipped out of existence and good luck with all the rebuilding. Please do better. Confused? We’ve got you covered.… Read more: The last day of doomsday: What is the viral ‘RaptureTok’ trend?
- ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion sees James Van Der Beek make surprise appearance amid cancer battleRead more on post. ADVERTISEMENT The cast of the hit TV show Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003, came together earlier this week for a reunion charity event in New York City. The cast, including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, took the stage at the Richard Rodgers Theater on Monday… Read more: ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion sees James Van Der Beek make surprise appearance amid cancer battle
- Booker Prize 2025: Kiran Desai, David Szalay and Andrew Miller among shortlisted authorsRead more on post. This year’s Booker Prize shortlist features an epic globetrotting love story between two young Indians; a man in the throws of a midlife crisis who undertakes a road trip across the US; a successful actor whose life is thrown into dissary by the appearance of a man who may or may… Read more: Booker Prize 2025: Kiran Desai, David Szalay and Andrew Miller among shortlisted authors
- Brian’s back – what’s so funny about peace, love & understanding?Read more on post. On April 10, 1999, I was in the producer’s chair in Studio 4 in RTÉ while we aired a special episode of a live Saturday night chat show called Kenny Live, hosted by Pat Kenny. The show was paying its respects to the late actor and comedian, Dermot Morgan, who died… Read more: Brian’s back – what’s so funny about peace, love & understanding?
-
Culture1 day agoTaylor Swift’s new cinema outing generates more than €12million in just 24 hours
-
Culture1 day ago
Milan Fashion Week 2025: Unmissable shows and Giorgio Armani in mind
-
Politics1 day ago
European Parliament snubs Orbán with vote to shield Italian MEP from Hungarian arrest
-
Opinion2 days ago
Saving the best for last: How the Making In symposium left an indelible mark
-
Business10 hours ago
Households to be offered energy bill changes, but unlikely to lead to savings
-
Culture2 days ago
Marvel stars Mark Ruffalo and Pedro Pascal stand up for Jimmy Kimmel as Disney boycott intensifies
-
Opinion1 day ago
AI Is Pointless If It Doesn’t Boost Productivity
-
Travel & Lifestyle1 day ago
New York City’s Most Iconic Foods—and Where to Get Them
