Virkkunen is tasked with addressing the security threats facing the European Union, while also strengthening the 27-member bloc’s external borders and its internal security
International News via Reuters:
Europe’s rule of law and reliability are critical to the case for investing in the continent given uncertainties in other parts of the world, the EU official responsible for tech sovereignty, security and democracy said on Thursday.
“Europe wants to really attract innovators and investment, and we are in the process, really to make Europe faster, easier and simpler for the businesses,” European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen told Reuters.
Europe offered long-term certainty for innovation and investment as well as being “a reliable partner”, Virkkunen said in an interview, adding: “It’s also important for the investors to know that rule of law is respected here”.
Virkkunen is tasked with addressing the security threats facing the European Union, while also strengthening the 27-member bloc’s external borders and its internal security.
One of the areas of technology the EU is wrestling with is the rapidly developing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Earlier this month, the European Commission ordered Elon Musk’s X to retain all documents relating to its AI chatbot, Grok, for longer while the bloc ensures compliance with its rules after condemning it for producing sexualised images.
“We are now also analysing the changes they have made to Grok and to look (at) if it’s complying … if it’s in line,” Virkkunen said, adding it was “totally unacceptable” for AI tools to be used “to create that kind of non-consensual intimate images of people”, particularly of children.
Reporting by Jeffrey Dastin; Writing by Alexander Smith; Editing by Philippa Fletcher
Earlier, President Donald Trump said he had secured total and permanent U.S. access to Greenland in an accord with NATO
International News via Reuters:
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Thursday he wants a plan to bolster Arctic security to be ready by a NATO summit in July after the United States announced a framework deal to de-escalate a row over Greenland’s future.
Earlier, President Donald Trump said he had secured total and permanent U.S. access to Greenland in an accord with NATO, whose head said allies would have to step up their commitment to Arctic security to ward off threats from Russia and China.
The deal came as Trump dropped threats to impose tariffs on eight European allies for their stance on Greenland and ruled out taking the vast, mineral-rich island by force.
Stubb said he wanted a package of measures to be put together to boost Arctic security that would be “not dissimilar” to a deal agreed in The Hague last June, when NATO leaders backed a big rise in defence spending, as demanded by Trump.
SCANDINAVIAN MEMBERS KEY TO PLAN
“In an ideal world, we would have something ready by the NATO summit in Ankara,” Stubb told Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Stubb said that a more robust Arctic security architecture should draw on closer cooperation between NATO’s five Scandinavian members – Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland – plus the United States and Canada.
The armed forces of Finland itself were trained to operate in the region, he added.
“We have one million women and men who’ve done their military service in Arctic conditions,” said Stubb, who many diplomats and political analysts regard as one of the European leaders most adept at building bridges with Trump.
Trump’s threat last weekend to impose tariffs on European countries that opposed his ambition to acquire Greenland has rattled European capitals, and EU leaders are meeting in Brussels later on Thursday for talks on the issue.
Stubb said he was confident that the EU leaders would maintain a united front on Greenland, and he underlined that it was especially important for the views of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to be heard.
Greenland is an autonomous region of the kingdom of Denmark.
Trump has argued only the U.S. can ensure Greenland’s security in the face of what he says are Chinese and Russian ambitions in the Arctic. But his approach has threatened to blow apart the NATO alliance and reignite a trade war with Europe.
Stubb, who extolled the role of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in finding common ground with Trump over Greenland, said he was optimistic about the future of the alliance.
“I think it’s completely justified for President Trump to ask Europeans to do more about their defence, and also to pay more for the alliance and have more capability,” he said. “So the stronger NATO is, the better off we are.”
Reporting by Dave Graham;Editing by Alison Williams, Gareth Jones and Andrew Heavens
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Europe should be careful to preserve its ties with the U.S. but that Washington should also understand it should not try to dominate Europe
International News via Reuters:
The European Union must show unity in dealing with Greenland, the Board of Peace and return to discussions on helping Ukraine, which is the main security problem for Europe, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters before an emergency summit on EU relations with the United States, Tusk said Europe should be careful to preserve its ties with the U.S. but that Washington should also understand it should not try to dominate Europe.
“It is important for …our partners in Washington to understand the difference between domination and leadership. Leadership is OK,” Tusk said. “Coercion is not a good method in relation with our transatlantic partners,” he said.
“I would like us to clearly confirm today that we can act as a political community on various issues, be it Greenland or the Board of Peace and primarily Ukraine, because …it cannot be that …the topic of Ukraine has been sidelined — it is a key issue for the security of Europe,” Tusk said
He added that Poland had expected progress on Ukraine peace talks this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos and the fact that Greenland became the key issue was bad news.
Bermuda’s premier wheelchair racer Jessica Lewis is set to launch her 2026 season next week, heading to Dubai for an intensive training camp and her first competitive outing of the year.
The four-time Paralympian—who finished fifth in the T53 100m at both the Paris 2024 Games and the 2025 World Championships in New Delhi—is using the trip to transition from a grueling “base season” of training into full race form. Under the guidance of coach Geoff Harris, Lewis is prioritizing technical refinement during these early months to build toward peak speed for the major championships later in the cycle.
A critical focus of the upcoming training block in the United Arab Emirates will be the integration of equipment modifications. Working out of her training base in Victoria, British Columbia, Lewis has been implementing changes to her custom-made racing chair—a specialized six-foot-long three-wheeled “rig” designed for the T53 classification.
These adjustments often involve fine-tuning the seating position to maximize power transfer and “punching” technique on the rims, where even a millimeter of difference can translate to significant gains in the 100m sprint. “I am excited to kick off this season,” Lewis shared, noting that the “base season” has provided the perfect window to overhaul her equipment before the pressure of the global circuit intensifies.
The start of the 2026 season also marks a continuation of Lewis’s partnership with Arch Capital Group Ltd., a Bermudian insurance firm that joined her support team in May 2025. The sponsorship provides the financial stability required to manage the high costs of international travel and elite equipment maintenance.
“Grateful to be a part of Team Arch,” Lewis posted, emphasizing that their belief in her mission allows her to focus entirely on the track. The collaboration aligns with the athlete’s long-term “four-year cycle” strategy, which aims for a podium breakthrough at the LA 28 Paralympic Games.
As the fastest T53 racer in the Americas—having broken a 27-year-old record in 2024—Lewis remains Bermuda’s most decorated para-athlete. Her journey in Dubai next week represents the first step in a year that will test those new equipment changes against the world’s elite.
The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) advises that due to trenching by Bermuda Waterworks, the westbound bus stop near the entrance of the Horseshoe Bay Beach will be closed from Friday, 23 January 23rd (weather permitting) until further notice.
A temporary bus stop will be erected in the turnaround area east of the closed stop and opposite the Southampton Rangers field.
DPT thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation during this closure.
Northlands Primary have further cemented their dominance in youth sport after securing their third consecutive Primary School Netball Tournament title following a pulsating 4-3 victory over West Pembroke Primary at Bernard Park.
In a final defined by defensive grit and high-pressure shooting, it was Jher’z Burgess who emerged as the hero for the champions, leading from the front with a vital haul of goals to push her side over the line. The match remained on a knife-edge until the closing stages when Mila Bryan found the net to score the decisive fourth goal for Northlands.
West Pembroke pushed the champions to the very limit as Ariah Tucker netted twice and A’Nylah Tucker added another, but they ultimately fell just one goal short of forcing the match into extra time.
Northlands reached the showpiece event after a convincing 6-3 victory over Somersfield Academy in the semi-finals. Burgess was once again the standout performer, netting five times to lead all scorers.
The other semi-final was a much more grueling affair as West Pembroke needed extra time to eventually see off Harrington Sound Primary 10-8. Ariah Tucker was in sensational form during that encounter, scoring eight goals to single-handedly drag her team into the final.
Knockout Stage Highlights
Quarter-Finals: Harrington Sound delivered a statement 9-4 win over Purvis Primary.
Tight Encounters: West Pembroke edged out BHS 6-4, while Somersfield Academy secured a hard-fought 7-5 win over Saltus Grammar.
The Champions’ Intent: Northlands wrapped up the quarter-final round with a ruthless 7-0 shutout win over Warwick Academy.
The victory ensures Northlands’ dynasty remains intact as the team looks ahead to defending their title once again in 2027.
The Leeward Islands have extended their flawless start to the 2026 West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze, securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Windward Islands via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
The Windward Islands won the toss and elected to bat first at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in Kingstown, Saint Vincent. However, they struggled to find any meaningful rhythm against a disciplined Leeward Islands attack and were restricted to just 69 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Abini St Jean was the top scorer for the Windwards with a modest 16, while Shawnisha Hector was the pick of the bowlers for the Leewards, returning exceptional figures of 3 wickets for just 5 runs from her four overs.
The Leeward Islands’ pursuit of the target was briefly halted by rain after five overs, with the side well-placed at 46 for 3. Upon the resumption of play, the target was revised to 58 from 14 overs.
The Leewards reached the revised mark with ease, finishing on 59 for 3 to maintain their position at the top of the standings with an undefeated 5-0 record. Jahzara Claxton led the chase with a composed unbeaten 23, supported by wicket-keeper Reniece Boyce, who remained not out on 14. Afy Fletcher provided the only real resistance with the ball for the Windward Islands, taking 2 wickets for 23 runs.
Bermudian all-rounder Katherine Bean Rosario was not in the Leeward Islands lineup for this fixture, having previously contributed during the side’s victory over Barbados.
With five wins from five matches, the Leeward Islands now look ahead to the tournament final as the heavy favorites to lift the 2026 crown. Their combination of clinical bowling and composed batting under pressure has set them apart as the team to beat in Saint Vincent.
Nayan Grant and his Gillingham Under-18 teammates saw their cup dreams dashed on Tuesday as they fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Luton Town in the Youth Alliance Cup semi-final.
In a high-stakes encounter at the Sheppey Grounds, the young Gills were hoping to secure a place in the final of the prestigious academy competition. However, despite a spirited performance, it was the Hatters who managed to find the decisive edge to advance.
Gillingham, spurred on by the presence of Bermudian international Nayan Grant at right-back, started the match with plenty of intent. Grant, who has been a consistent performer for the academy side this season, was instrumental in several early attacking moves, using his pace to stretch the Luton defence.
The contest was a cagey affair for much of the first half, with both sides cautious of making a mistake on such a significant stage. Luton broke the deadlock mid-way through the first period, capitalising on a moment of hesitation in the Gillingham box.
The Gills responded well after the interval, mounting a series of sustained attacks that eventually forced an equaliser. However, with the game seemingly destined for extra time, Luton struck a late second goal to reclaim the lead.
Despite a frantic final ten minutes, which saw Grant deliver several dangerous crosses into the area, the Luton backline held firm. The final whistle brought disappointment for the home side, whose impressive cup run comes to an end just one step away from the grand finale.
The Confederation of British Industry said its monthly balance of retail sales, which compares with volumes a year ago, rose to -17 from -44 in December, marking the highest reading since April 2025
International News via Reuters:
A sharp downturn across British retailers abated somewhat this month, although store chains remain gloomy overall about their prospects, an industry survey showed on Thursday.
The Confederation of British Industry said its monthly balance of retail sales, which compares with volumes a year ago, rose to -17 from -44 in December, marking the highest reading since April 2025.
Its gauge of expectations for the month ahead improved to -30 from -57.
“This improvement is expected to be short‑lived, with sales forecast to fall at a quicker pace next month,” said Martin Sartorius, lead economist at the CBI.
“Retailers continue to report that household spending is being weighed down by subdued confidence and cautious behaviour.”
Official data have also pointed to a weak trend in retail sales in recent months, which economists expect to continue in figures for December due on Friday.
While British businesses have grown slightly more optimistic in the aftermath of finance minister Rachel Reeves’ budget, consumer morale hit a nine-month low in January, according to data company S&P Global.
With the city and the country deeply divided over the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good, the vice president’s visit is meant to show support for the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
International News via Reuters:
Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit Minneapolis on Thursday to show support for a massive federal law enforcement operation underway in a city that has been on edge since an ICE officer shot dead a 37-year-old mother of three.
With the city and the country deeply divided over the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good, the vice president’s visit is meant to show support for the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, part of a force of 3,000 federal law enforcement officers deployed to the area.
Minnesota has become the latest Democratic-leaning jurisdiction targeted by Republican President Donald Trump with a federal police show of force that the administration says is aimed at immigration violators and a fraud investigation involving social service programs in the Somali community.
Trump and his supporters have described the federal police rollouts as a necessary response to lax Democratic policies on crime and immigration. Local Democratic leaders and street protesters have accused ICE agents of aggressive tactics and racial profiling, and urged Trump to withdraw from what they say is a provocation dividing Americans.
ARMED OFFICERS, OBSERVERS WITH WHISTLES
Heavily armed federal officers in tactical gear have been combing the streets of Minneapolis rounding up suspects they say are dangerous criminal immigration violators, while sometimes ensnaring law-abiding U.S. citizens. Demonstrators have responded with their own observer patrols, blowing whistles to warn people of ICE raids while voicing their displeasure with Trump’s escalation.
The operations have divided some of the president’s own supporters.
Vance has taken a leading role in defending the Minnesota ICE shooting. Less than 24 hours after Good’s death, Vance stood up for the officer involved, blamed the woman who was killed, and said the incident should be a political test ahead of the 2026 midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.
The vice president will host a roundtable event with local leaders and community members where he will discuss “restoring law and order in Minnesota” and meet with officers in a show of support, the White House said on Wednesday. He will also argue that Minneapolis’ policy of banning city staff from enforcing federal immigration law has degraded public safety and endangered ICE officers, the White House said.
Vance is also expected to discuss how the Trump administration is taking on so-called sanctuary cities that do not cooperate with the administration’s immigration crackdown, threatening to cut them off from federal funding starting on February 1.
‘POLITICAL THEATER’
Richard Carlbom, chair of Minnesota’s Democratic Party, said he hopes Vance will promote calm but fears political agitation.
“I think he is simply coming here for political theater. This entire situation we’re being faced with is a retribution campaign by him and the president of the United States against Minnesotans,” Carlbom told Reuters, calling on Minnesotans to “continue to resist the vice president.”
Trump addressed the Minnesota issue during his speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, saying, “ICE gets beat up by stupid people from leadership in Minnesota. We actually are helping Minnesota so much, but they don’t appreciate it.”
Patty O’Keefe, a 36-year-old Minnesotan and non-profit worker who was pepper sprayed and detained by federal agents in January after documenting ICE movements in the city, did not welcome Vance’s visit.
“He’s calling for law and order when it’s his federal agents who are creating chaos and escalating violence,” O’Keefe said. “His divisive rhetoric is not welcome here.”
The president and the White House have tied the ICE operation to issues of welfare fraud in the state. Since 2022, at least 56 people have pleaded guilty, according to the Justice Department.
“Minnesota reminds us that the West cannot mass import foreign cultures,” Trump said in Davos.
Reporting by Heather Schlitz in Minneapolis and Bo Erickson in Washington; Writing by Daniel Trotta; editing by Scott Malone and Deepa Babington
Public sector net borrowing stood at 11.578 billion pounds ($15.55 billion) in December, the Office for National Statistics said, down 7.1% on a year ago
International News via Reuters:
Britain’s government borrowed less than expected in December, according to data on Thursday that may give finance minister Rachel Reeves reasons for optimism in 2026, even if political risks at home and abroad dog the longer-term outlook.
Public sector net borrowing stood at 11.578 billion pounds ($15.55 billion) in December, the Office for National Statistics said, down 7.1% on a year ago.
Economists polled by Reuters had mostly expected 13.0 billion pounds of public sector net borrowing last month.
Reeves has faced a challenging year-and-a-half in charge of Britain’s economy. She was forced to increase taxes again in her November budget to build a larger buffer against her fiscal rules, as she sought to retain the confidence of investors.
“The December figures offer cautious reassurance. Borrowing remains elevated in absolute terms, but the trend is moving in the right direction,” said Joe Nellis, economic adviser at MHA, an accountancy and advisory firm.
Some predict Reeves’ tough budget stance could be rolled back however, as political pressure on the Labour government – trailing badly in opinion polls – rises through the year.
Government receipts in December stood 8.9% higher than a year ago, the ONS said.
Britain has borrowed 140.4 billion pounds over the first nine months of the 2025/26 financial year, compared with 140.8 billion pounds at the same point last year.
In November, the Office for Budget Responsibility projected borrowing for the entire year of 138.3 billion pounds, which takes into account an expected January surplus.
The forecaster said on Thursday that borrowing was currently running around 4 billion pounds lower than it forecast in November – but is far higher than it anticipated in March, underscoring the uncertainty around such predictions.
DOUBT HANGS OVER BORROWING OUTLOOK
While the latest forecast looks a good bet, Pantheon Macroeconomics economist Elliot Jordan-Doak said political questions surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government hung over the outlook in the longer term.
“We continue to think (Reeves’) package of large, backloaded tax hikes and harsh real-terms spending cuts remains vulnerable to reversal as political pressures mount,” he said.
“A messy leadership contest this year – likely triggered by a poor performance for the government at the local elections in May – would also likely trigger a correction in gilts, boosting borrowing costs.”
Unstable geopolitics – with the relationship between the U.S. and its historic European allies deteriorating – could also hurt Britain’s economy, although Reeves said on Wednesday her plans for the economy would not be buffeted.
She doubled her headroom against the fiscal rules to 22 billion pounds in her last budget, but successive governments have failed to meet their own rules despite having even larger buffers.
For now, the picture differs from January 2025, when gilt yields soared during a global bond sell-off that forced Reeves to reassure investors of her commitment to fiscal discipline.
Gilt auctions held during January 2026 have shown some of the strongest demand for British debt on record.
($1 = 0.7452 pounds)
Writing by Andy Bruce; Editing by Kate Holton, Alexandra Hudson
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