Ukraine has increased its production and industrial partnerships to strengthen its defense industry after the Russian invasion, inherited from the Soviet Union, but faces corruption and bureaucracy. The dissolution of UkrOboronProm aims to improve efficiency and transparency.
The IMEC network in the Gulf advances with the participation of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. The lack of diplomatic normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is the biggest obstacle. Bahrain’s inclusion would benefit the project with its ties to Saudi Arabia, its financial importance and its logistical potential. Oman’s inclusion would resolve security risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
The European Commission proposes reforming consent for personal data processing in the EU, simplifying online consent management and reducing situations requiring it. Although it could alleviate user fatigue, it must be avoided that companies abuse it and ensure data protection.
The second Italian-German ministerial forum, presided by Adolfo Urso and Katherina Reiche, takes place in Rome. Italy and Germany, Europe’s main manufacturing powers, strengthen their strategic dialogue in the midst of discussions on regulatory simplification and competitiveness in Brussels at a time of deep changes in policies and regulations.
The EU proposes a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that uses only the excess income from frozen Russian assets to finance war efforts in Ukraine, avoiding legal and geopolitical risks, without destabilizing Belgium or compromising global financial stability.
