US data analytics firm Palantir has filed a lawsuit against Republik, a Swiss online magazine, following investigative articles that detailed the company's unsuccessful attempts to sell surveillance software to Swiss authorities. The articles, published in December in collaboration with investigative collective WAV, revealed that Swiss agencies rejected Palantir at least nine times over several years. Concerns cited by officials included data sovereignty issues, reputational risks, and a lack of genuine need for the product. The lawsuit raises questions about press freedom when reporting on government procurement decisions.

Source: TechDirt

Belgian military forces, supported by French naval air units, intercepted and boarded an oil tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet in an unprecedented maritime operation. The Ministry of Defence released dramatic footage of "Operation Blue Intruder" at a Sunday press conference. French President Emmanuel Macron applauded the action, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed support for the operation. The shadow fleet refers to vessels used to circumvent Western sanctions on Russian oil exports, representing a key enforcement challenge for European authorities.

Source: HLN

President Emmanuel Macron announced France will increase its nuclear warhead stockpile beyond the current 300 and extend deterrence coverage to eight European nations. Speaking at a naval base in Brittany, Macron described the move as a response to growing strategic instability, declaring "the next 50 years will be an era of nuclear weapons." The UK, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark have agreed to participate in this advanced deterrence strategy. France also plans to launch a new nuclear-armed submarine, The Invincible, in 2036.

Source: Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Italian media he believes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will lose upcoming elections, paving the way for improved bilateral relations. Zelenskyy noted that while Hungary matters as a country, it lacks military weight, and emphasised that the Hungarian people are not pro-Russian despite their leader's stance. The Ukrainian president said he maintains contact with Slovakia's Robert Fico but does not speak with Orbán, who refuses dialogue. Zelenskyy suggested Orbán only becomes important when other political forces empower him.

Source: Pravda

European natural gas prices have surged close to double recent levels as the Iran conflict threatens energy supply chains. Countries including Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands face potential competitiveness erosion that could lead to production cuts or factory closures. EU gas storage sits at approximately 30 per cent, below last year's levels, with German inventories at just 21.6 per cent in late February. Lower-income households across Central and Eastern Europe, along with small businesses lacking hedging capabilities, remain particularly vulnerable. Governments may need to consider targeted support measures to shield consumers from price shocks.

Source: Euronews

Prosecutors have charged Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's Crown Princess, with reckless behaviour and violating a restraining order during his ongoing rape trial. The 29-year-old was arrested the day before his trial began in early February on suspicion of threats and violence against a woman at his Oslo flat. While charges of bodily harm and knife threats have been dropped, he admitted to reckless behaviour and the restraining order violation. Høiby now faces a total of 40 charges and denies the most serious allegations.

Source: BBC News

Russian gas tanker Arctic Metagaz sank off Libya's coast following explosions and a massive fire, according to the country's maritime rescue agency. The vessel sent a distress call on Tuesday evening, March 3, reporting sudden explosions that led to a fire and the ship's complete sinking. The incident adds to tensions surrounding Russian energy infrastructure and shipping operations. Details about casualties or the cause of the explosions remain unclear, and the Libyan maritime authorities have not provided further information about potential environmental impacts.

Source: Reuters

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a strong televised rebuttal to President Donald Trump's threat to impose a full trade embargo on Spain. In a ten-minute address, Sánchez said Spain's position could be summed up as "no to war," referencing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza alongside the Iraq War. The dispute arose after Spain refused to allow the US to use jointly operated bases at Morón and Rota for strikes against Iran. Sánchez called Trump's threat part of a broader "breakdown of international law" and restated his opposition to military escalation.

Source: BBC News

European Union negotiators reached an agreement on new measures designed to stabilise farmers' income and improve their bargaining power within the food supply chain. The deal includes provisions to help establish fair prices for agricultural products, clarify labelling and advertising regulations, and introduce stricter labelling requirements for certain meat products for the first time. The measures represent a response to longstanding farmer complaints about their weak negotiating position relative to major food retailers and processors across the bloc.

Source: European Parliament