Jul 24, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC

The US Department of State has informed Congress that Turkey currently does not meet the necessary criteria to rejoin the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet program. The clarification came in a response to an inquiry submitted by a Democratic lawmaker regarding Ankara's potential return to the defense initiative.

The decision reaffirms Turkey's continued exclusion from acquiring the advanced aircraft, following its initial removal after purchasing Russian S-400 defense systems. The update has drawn significant attention from Greek officials, who are closely following Washington's defense policy in the Eastern Mediterranean. The State Department's statement indicates that Washington continues to enforce strict conditions before considering any readmission.

Sources: To Vima.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has dismissed U.S. justifications for imposing new trade tariffs on European goods, describing claims regarding weak forced-labor enforcement within the bloc as baseless.

Speaking during the ASEAN meetings in Manila, Kallas defended the bloc's regulatory standards and firmly rejected Washington's rationale for the new trade restrictions. "You cannot say that about the European Union," Kallas stated, emphasizing that EU legislation addressing forced labor remains strict compared to global standards.

Her comments follow Washington's decision to announce fresh import duties on European goods over alleged deficiencies in labor oversight. European officials continue to defend the bloc's regulatory record against the U.S. measures.

Sources: Digi24

An investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has detailed how pay-per-action dating platforms managed by the Social Discovery Group generate profits by encouraging paid user interactions. Founded by a Russian entrepreneur, the international network reportedly uses paid models, influencers, and strict engagement quotas to maintain user activity.

According to the report, women across four continents reported experiencing significant financial losses while believing they were forming genuine romantic connections. The underlying business model relies on pay-per-message features, photo exchanges, and audio clips, incentivizing continuous spending from platform members.

Sources: ICIJ

An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed that an agency directed by China's central bank has acquired stakes in various European assets over the past decade. Using corporate and land registries across Europe, reporters mapped a network of Caribbean offshore entities and Luxembourg holding companies linked to Chinese state investment.

The holdings span critical infrastructure, real estate, and energy firms, including a natural gas company in Spain, wind farms, and a police headquarters in Belgium. The findings highlight the extent of indirect state-backed Chinese capital operating within European jurisdictions through offshore structures.

Sources: OCCRP

Greek newspaper To Vima has launched an awareness initiative focusing on the persistent danger of wildfires and public readiness ahead of seasonal fire hazards. The coverage addresses practical steps citizens can take to safeguard homes and natural environments, particularly when visiting or residing near countryside and forested zones. It highlights common, unintended errors that contribute to fire outbreaks and stresses the critical role of individual prevention and early precautions. As seasonal fire risks continue to pose severe threats across the Mediterranean region, public discussions emphasize the importance of preparedness, safety protocols, and proactive community engagement to mitigate potential disasters.

Sources: To Vima