Germany, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is facing criticism for its inconsistent support to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite initial contributions, Germany's reluctance to provide the Taurus missile system to Ukraine has raised questions about its commitment to Ukrainian victory and European security. A leaked recording contradicted Scholz's claim that deploying the missile would require German troops in Ukraine, leading to Russian threats and internal NATO concerns. The situation coincides with Ukrainian military challenges, including ammunition shortages and the need to destroy high-value Russian assets.

A new decree issued by the Kremlin, cleared by Vladimir Putin, allows foreigners serving in or alongside the Russian army to apply for Russian citizenship. This move comes as Russia faces significant troop losses in Ukraine and seeks to avoid nationwide conscription by recruiting from former Soviet states, the Caucasus, domestic prisons, and the Ukrainian Oblasts of Donetsk and Luhansk. Recent Ukrainian attacks on Belgorod have highlighted the potential for the conflict to impact Russian civilians.

Marianne Williamson, a New Age author and spiritual adviser, is running for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States against Joe Biden. Despite the Democratic National Committee's support for Biden, Williamson is critical of the political elite and believes her campaign could ignite a 'political wildfire' if given proper exposure. She has controversial views on depression, vaccines, and the pharmaceutical industry, and her campaign focuses on social justice and economic reform, drawing inspiration from Franklin D. Roosevelt. Williamson's previous campaign in 2020 did not gain significant traction, and she faces similar challenges this cycle.

The Slovenian government is refunding thousands of fines issued for non-compliance with mask-wearing and social distancing orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fines, totaling approximately 5.7 million euros from March 2020 to May 2022, with 1.7 million euros actually paid, will be reimbursed. The legislation, introduced by the center-left government, aims to rectify police excesses under the previous administration. The justice minister, Dominika Švarc Pipan, described the effort as addressing injustices and unconstitutional human rights invasions. The country, which experienced protests against strict pandemic measures, elected a center-left coalition in April 2022, with Prime Minister Robert Golob promising to restore freedom to the nation.

The Slovenian government is refunding €1.7 million in COVID-19 fines and removing infractions from official records, halting enforcement of penalties. This move addresses the strict pandemic measures enforced by the previous right-leaning government, which included mask mandates and restrictions on movement. Justice Minister Dominika Švarc Pipan described the effort as redress for abuses of criminal law and human rights infringements. The current centre-left government, elected in April 2022, campaigned against the previous administration's authoritarianism, with Prime Minister Robert Golob emphasizing a return to freedom.

Ireland is considering a significant change to its military policy by reforming the 'triple lock' system, which requires government, parliament, and UN Security Council consent for troop deployment abroad. Defence Minister Micheál Martin argues that removing the UN requirement would enhance military agility, despite opposition from parties like Sinn Fein. The debate comes as Ireland reevaluates its longstanding neutrality and faces geopolitical pressures, with experts like Eoin McNamara suggesting that Ireland must adapt to the realities of international power politics.

Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the resurgence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the EU and NATO are facing new global security chaos, prompting Germany to reconsider its military's purpose. Chancellor Olaf Scholz reevaluated Germany's moral obligations after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling for support to Ukraine, a non-EU and non-NATO member. His speech marked a turning point in Germany's approach to military strategy and defense minister Boris Pistorius called for fundamental changes in the Bundeswehr to ensure future war readiness. Germany faces pressure to fulfill its NATO commitments, including a troop contingent to Lithuania and meeting the 2% GDP defense spending requirement. Former US President Donald Trump's criticisms of European NATO members' spending and potential threats to withdraw from NATO underscore the urgency for Germany to meet its obligations.

Ireland has taken a notably tougher stance on Israel compared to other European countries, particularly in light of the conflict in Gaza. Irish leaders, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins, have criticized both Hamas's massacre and Israel's response. The historical context of Ireland's own experience with colonization and identification with the Palestinian cause contributes to this perspective. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has called Israel a 'racist and apartheid regime' and advocated for a Palestinian state. Despite the criticism of Israel's actions, Irish Senator Tom Clonan clarified that the Irish support Israel's right to exist and have strong trade ties with the country.

Ireland's leaders, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins, have taken a notably tougher stance on Israel's actions in Gaza compared to other European governments. This is partly due to a historical resonance with the Palestinian cause among Irish nationalists and a complicated political reality stemming from past incidents, such as the use of forged Irish passports by Mossad agents. The Irish government is currently engaged in intense diplomatic efforts to secure the release of an Irish citizen, Emily Hand, believed to be held hostage in Gaza. While condemning the Hamas massacre, Irish leaders have also criticized Israel for what they see as a disproportionate response and a disregard for international humanitarian law.

The upcoming Bavarian election is seen as a potential indicator of rising far-right extremism in Germany, challenging the notion that such political shifts are confined to the former East German regions. The Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Free Voters of Bavaria (FW) currently lead the state, but the FW's Hubert Aiwanger has been embroiled in a scandal over an antisemitic pamphlet from his school days. Despite this, the AfD is expected to gain votes, and the federal government's 'traffic light' coalition is polling behind the AfD. Franziska Schröter of the Friedrich Ebert Institute highlights that while the far-right's presence is stronger in the East, it is a national issue, with West German Neo-Nazis moving east to capitalize on opportunities.

Germany has banned the neo-Nazi group 'Hammerskins Germany' and its sub-organisation 'Crew 38', conducting raids in 10 regions. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated this action is against organised right-wing extremism and ends the group's neo-Nazi activities in Germany. This is the 20th far-right organisation ban by the Interior Ministry. The Hammerskins, with origins in the US and a peak in the 1990s, have seen a resurgence with modern technology aiding their networking and recruitment. The German branch is influential in Europe's far-right scene, with about 130 members. Germany has prioritized combating far-right terrorism following several attacks and disrupted a major extremist plot last year.

Sweden is considering sending its domestically produced Gripen fighter jets to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The Swedish Air Force has been training Ukrainian pilots, and the Gripen is touted for its advantages over the F-16, including its design to counter Russian air defenses and its ease of maintenance and operation from dispersed bases. This potential support adds to the narrative of Western backing for Ukraine, as the country highlights its military successes and the direct impact of Western contributions on its efforts against Russian forces.

France's response to the coup d'état in Gabon, a former colony, highlights its complex role in Africa, burdened by colonial history. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne is closely monitoring the situation, while President Macron insists on France's neutrality, despite skepticism in Gabon and beyond. France's military presence and economic ties, such as Eramet's significant employment in Gabon, underscore its influence. The article also discusses the broader geopolitical context, including Russia's growing presence in Africa, which challenges European influence and complicates France's position.

The reported death of Evgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group, in a plane crash has sparked suspicions of Kremlin involvement. Prigozhin had publicly criticized Russian military failures in Ukraine and led a brief rebellion against the Russian government earlier in the summer, which was resolved by an agreement with Vladimir Putin's government for his relocation to Belarus in exchange for dropping criminal charges. However, Prigozhin apparently did not fulfill this agreement. Experts from Chatham House and universities suggest that such incidents are part of Russia's 'new normal' and a way to consolidate Putin's power despite military setbacks. The article also touches on the Ukrainian military's ongoing successes and the implications for Putin's position both domestically and in the conflict with Ukraine.

International aviation accident expert Ismo Aaltonen explained to Euronews the typical steps taken to investigate a crash like the one presumably killing Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. Aaltonen suggested a criminal act could be involved, based on the aircraft's owner and passengers. He hypothesized the plane might have disintegrated mid-flight after reviewing video footage. Aaltonen emphasized the need for an unbiased investigation, considering various potential causes, including aircraft details, weather, history, pilot training, and maintenance records. He noted the practical difficulties investigators might face in Russia, such as accessing black box data due to a lack of parts supplied by U.S. manufacturers in recent years.

Irish national broadcaster RTÉ is facing a major scandal involving 'slush fund' payments to presenters and extravagant spending. A report by Grant Thornton revealed practices such as buying flip-flops for staff and undisclosed top-ups for high-paid presenters like Ryan Tubridy. RTÉ's board is divided, with some unable to express confidence in its executive leadership. Siún Ní Raghallaigh, RTÉ Board Chair, acknowledged a culture of careless stewardship and hopes for a reformed RTÉ by its centenary in 2026.

Following Vladimir Putin's announcement of the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, political analysts and military experts have discussed a new and more dangerous phase of the war in Ukraine. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that several countries are increasing their nuclear capabilities, with China rapidly expanding its nuclear warheads, potentially matching Russia and the US by the end of the decade. India and Pakistan are developing new weapons, with India focusing on long-range weapons that could theoretically target China. North Korea continues to produce long-range missiles and has increased its nuclear warheads and fissile material stockpiles. The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine remains a primary concern for global security, with Russian threats of nuclear strikes. Belarus confirmed the transfer of Iskander missiles with a 500-kilometer range from Russia and the production of Su-25 aircraft capable of carrying these missiles, putting most European NATO allies at risk. The US has attempted diplomatic dialogue with Russia regarding nuclear arms, with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressing interest in managing nuclear risks and developing post-2026 agreements.