This is Beirut - European Union

Rare Earths: Strategic Metals Key to Future Tech

This is Beirut, 16/10 09:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

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Rare earths are minerals used to make magnets crucial to the auto, electronic and defense industries, as well as in renewable energy. The US Treasury Secretary slammed export curbs imposed by Beijing last week on technologies used for rare-earth mining, smelting, and other processing steps. Scott Bessent said on Thursday it was "China versus the ...

NATO and EU Scramble to Boost Drone Defenses to Counter Russia

This is Beirut, 15/10 21:20 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

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NATO and the EU on Wednesday sought ways to boost anti-drone defenses, as Europe scrambles to counter the threat from Russia after a series of air incursions. High-profile incidents in Poland and Estonia have set off a flurry of activity from European officials to plug gaps in the continent's defenses. NATO has launched a new mission and beefed ...

Latest Developments in the Gaza Ceasefire

This is Beirut, 13/10 10:55 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

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Hamas handed over the first seven of 20 surviving Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives in Gaza City, the Israeli army said, as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal. US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel for a trip which will also take him to Egypt, where he will co-host a Gaza peace summit with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah ...

US Gas: Washington Secures Its Place in Europe’s Energy Market

Christiane Tager, 10/10 21:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

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For more than two years, Europe has sought to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, an effort accelerated by the war in Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions. According to RFI, European firms, long hesitant to commit to long-term deals, are now turning to US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to secure reliable supplies. This shift represents a ...

International Sanctions: Mechanisms, Loopholes and Limits

Élie-Joe Kamel, 10/10 17:45 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

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Despite a major military setback suffered by the Iran-aligned axis in its war against Israel and the sanctions imposed on it, Hezbollah reportedly continues to receive $60 million per month in transfers from Iran. That is according to US envoy Thomas Barrack, who made the claim on September 22 in an interview with Sky News. In this context, a ...

Iran Summons EU Envoys Over Bloc's 'Interventionist' Stance

This is Beirut, 08/10 11:10 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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Iran summoned envoys from European Union member states to protest the bloc's "interventionist" statements on contested islands in the Strait of Hormuz as well as the Islamic republic's nuclear program, local media reported Wednesday. Iran considers the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, all near the strategic Strait of Hormuz in ...

EU Wants to Be Part of Gaza Transitional Body

This is Beirut, 06/10 19:05 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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The European Union is seeking a role in US President Donald Trump's transitional authority for the Gaza Strip, its top diplomat Kaja Kallas told reporters on Monday. "Yes, we feel that Europe has a great role, and we should also be on board with this," Kallas said when asked if the EU wanted to take part in Trump's "Board of Peace." The EU is a ...

Public Education in Lebanon: Where Do We Stand?

Sana Richa Choucair, 04/10 13:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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On September 30, 2025, Rima Karami, Minister of Education, launched the National Campaign for Public School Support, presenting it as “a collective space for dreams, hope, and reform.” The initiative aims to restore public schools’ central role in shaping citizens and driving Lebanon’s development. In parallel, the ministry introduced a ...

Swiss Seek Mini-Drone Defense System

This is Beirut, 03/10 20:50 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

European Union Switzerland Drone Russia Defense

Switzerland's military said Friday it plans to acquire a defense system against "mini-drones", after several European countries recently reported incursions into their airspace, pointing the finger at Russia. Following multiple incursions, European leaders are seeking to build an anti-drone "wall" for ...

What Are These Drones Hovering Over Europe?

Mario Chartouni, 03/10 17:30 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

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Munich Airport suspended operations for several hours on Friday after reports of unidentified drones. Seventeen flights were canceled, about 15 were diverted, and nearly 3,000 passengers were affected. Authorities could not determine the size or type of the drones, but the incident disrupted one of Europe’s busiest hubs and reignited concerns ...

Prada Acquires Versace in Major Luxury Move

This is Beirut, 03/10 13:45 - Reading : less than a minute

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It’s official: Prada received EU approval on Tuesday to acquire Versace in a deal valued at €1.25 billion (around $1.38 billion). Regulators cleared the transaction, ruling that it will not harm competition given the relatively limited global market share of both brands. The acquisition marks a pivotal step for the Italian giant. Beyond mere ...

Lebanon, EU Discuss Return of Syrian Refugees

This is Beirut, 03/10 13:35 - Reading : less than a minute

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Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Raggi met with European Union Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele to discuss the return of Syrian refugees to their country. Raggi emphasized the need to accelerate the process and urged the EU to intensify its efforts, stressing that aid should prioritize Syrians inside Syria to encourage their ...

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