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On September 18, 2025, hundreds of thousands of protesters across France staged strikes and demonstrations against proposed austerity measures under new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Unions oppose budget cuts, social welfare freezes, and pension reforms raising retirement age from 62 to 64. The government deployed 80,000 police to maintain order amid disruptions in transport, schools, and healthcare.
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Russian drones entered Polish airspace last week, with at least 19 detected. Poland and Romania reported incursions, prompting NATO to deploy additional jets. Experts see the incident as a deliberate test of NATO defenses, with Russia aiming to gauge response and influence support for Ukraine.
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Germany plans to invest €35 billion by 2030 to enhance space security, citing threats from Russia and China. Defense Minister Pistorius highlighted Russian satellites tracking German and allied satellites, warning of potential space warfare. The move signals a shift towards offensive capabilities and increased European independence in space security.
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Over recent days, Ukraine has intensified drone strikes across Russia, targeting Belgorod, Bryansk, and Crimea, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and power outages. Russia reports intercepting hundreds of drones, while Ukraine claims to strike military and logistical targets. Tensions continue to rise amid ongoing conflict.
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The UK and Germany are increasing joint military efforts against Russian naval activity. The Royal Navy monitored a Russian destroyer under NATO command for the first time, while Germany plans to deploy submarines alongside the RAF from Lossiemouth. These moves strengthen NATO's northern defenses amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
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Germany has officially deployed the Israeli Arrow 3 missile defense system at the Holzdorf Air Base, marking its first operational use outside Israel and the US. The system enhances Germany's long-range missile defense, part of NATO efforts amid rising threats from Russia and Iran. The sale underscores deepening Israel-Germany defense ties.
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Germany's parliament approved legislation to expand its military, aiming for 260,000 soldiers by 2035. The law includes sending questionnaires to 18-year-olds about willingness to serve, mandatory medical checks for men, and a dual-track recruitment system. Reintroduction of conscription remains a possibility if volunteer numbers fall short.