Concerns about the susceptibility of far-right politicians in Europe to manipulation by countries like China and Russia are growing as these parties gain power. In Belgium, Vlaams Belang is under scrutiny for alleged Chinese influence, particularly involving former senator Frank Creyelman. Despite the party's denial of any wrongdoing and lack of evidence against its European parliamentarians, Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander de Croo has expressed serious concern over the potential internal sabotage of democracy. Vlaams Belang has expelled Creyelman, who was accused of attempting to influence European parliament members on China's behalf. The party, which is trying to appeal to more moderate voters, faces ridicule and the risk of alienating centrist voters due to these allegations.

The British art world is actively engaging with the theme of Brexit, as seen in the Ikon Gallery's new exhibition on British identity in Birmingham. Artist Hew Locke's work reflects the invasion fears associated with the island nation, a sentiment echoed in the Brexit debate. The art sector is concerned about practical implications, such as shipping artworks to the EU and future collaboration with European counterparts. Uncertainty about Brexit's impact on subsidies and the movement of goods and people is causing anxiety, with no clear solutions in sight. Birmingham, a city marked by post-industrial poverty, migration, and diversity, is a microcosm of the broader Brexit tensions, with some areas desiring a hard Brexit and others, like the British auto industry, facing challenges post-EU departure.

The article discusses the potential impact of Brexit on Eastern European immigrants in Birmingham, focusing on the Lituanica supermarket, which serves as a home away from home for the community. Manager Edita Klimaviciute-Sieradzka, who moved to the UK for work opportunities, expresses uncertainty about the store's future post-Brexit but hopes for a resolution. Customers Oleg Ivanov and Lolita Jarusauskiene, who work in the auto industry supply chain, share their concerns about rising costs but are prepared to return to their home countries if necessary. Klimaviciute-Sieradzka understands the British desire for autonomy but warns that the economy could collapse without European migrants.

Israeli startups are making significant strides in the blockchain industry, leveraging the country's expertise in cybersecurity and financial technology. Companies like Colu, Synereo, and Wave are developing innovative applications of blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies. Colu is expanding its local cryptocurrency-based systems globally, Synereo is challenging the content monetization monopoly of giants like Facebook and Google with its AMP cryptocurrency, and Wave, supported by Barclays, is digitizing trade documents to eliminate physical paper transfers. These companies are not only contributing to the blockchain space but also aiming to revolutionize their respective industries.

Israel is advancing its aerospace capabilities with significant developments in missile systems, military drones, and commercial space exploration. Yariv Bash, co-founder of SpaceIL and CEO of Flytrex, is at the forefront of these innovations. Flytrex is pioneering automated drone delivery solutions, while SpaceIL aims to land on the moon as part of the Google Lunar X Prize competition. Despite setbacks, SpaceIL remains committed to inspiring future generations of engineers in Israel. The Israeli space agency and prominent donors like Morris Kahn and Sheldon Adelson support these efforts, anticipating new industries and commercial opportunities to emerge from these initiatives.

President Donald Trump's arms deal with Saudi Arabia included cybersecurity technology, raising concerns from Israel about maintaining its qualitative military edge. Israel, a leader in cybersecurity, contributes significantly to the global market and investment in the field. The country's expertise is attributed to its experience with cyberattacks and its development of offensive capabilities, such as the Stuxnet cyberworm. U.S. reliance on Israeli technology is noted, with predictions of continued growth in global cybersecurity spending. Israeli firms and professionals are recognized for their impact on the industry, with successful ventures like CyberArk's IPO and the role of the Israeli army in supplying cybersecurity talent.

Michael Shalyt, CEO of Israeli cybersecurity start-up Aperio Systems, discusses the increasing frequency of cyberattacks and the vulnerability of infrastructure systems to such threats. Aperio, which won the prize for most innovative start-up at Tel Aviv's Cybertech conference, offers non-intrusive protection for industrial systems. Shalyt emphasizes the need for better deterrence and international collaboration to combat cybercrime and acknowledges the NSA's superior capabilities in cyberspace. He also highlights Israel's competitive advantage in the cybersecurity industry due to its ecosystem and military experience.