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Latvia finds tunnel under Belarus border, vows to combat people smugglers

Latvia finds tunnel under Belarus border, vows to combat people smugglers

By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Latvia said on Tuesday a tunnel had been discovered under the border with Belarus and announced plans to combat networks that it says are helping a growing number of migrants cross the frontier illegally.

French Authorities Report Increase in Channel Crossings Using 'Mega-Dinghies'

French Authorities Report Increase in Channel Crossings Using 'Mega-Dinghies'

A record number of 230 people crossed the English Channel to the UK using a 'mega-dinghy', highlighting a shift in tactics by people smugglers operating from northern France. This development comes as smugglers adapt to increased enforcement by UK and French authorities. The use of larger vessels, known as 'mega-dinghies', has become more common, with nine such crossings reported this year. This method poses significant risks, as demonstrated by a recent incident where a dinghy carrying 173 people capsized after its engine caught fire. Despite a decrease in overall crossings by more than 40% compared to last year, the use of larger boats indicates a strategic change by smugglers to circumvent law enforcement efforts.

Latvia Faces Demographic Challenges as Population Declines and Ages

Latvia Faces Demographic Challenges as Population Declines and Ages

Latvia is experiencing a significant demographic shift, characterized by a projected population decline and an increase in the old-age dependency ratio. Economist Holger Zschaepitz highlighted that by 2050, Latvia's population is expected to decrease by 20%, leaving it with approximately 1.5 million people. Concurrently, the old-age dependency ratio is anticipated to rise by 23 percentage points, while the pension replacement rate is expected to fall by 33 percentage points. This demographic trend poses a risk of increased old-age poverty and necessitates private retirement savings for the working population. The situation in Latvia is part of a broader regional trend affecting the Baltic states, with Lithuania and Estonia also facing population declines and aging populations. The European Commission's 2024 Ageing Report underscores these challenges, noting that the EU's population is expected to start declining from 2029, with significant impacts on Central and Eastern Europe.

Meta, TikTok agree to fact check content on Spain border crossings after deadly incident

Meta, TikTok agree to fact check content on Spain border crossings after deadly incident

BRUSSELS, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Social networks Meta and TikTok have agreed to fact-check content on border crossings into Spain following the massive rush to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco late last month, European Union tech chief Henna Virkkunen said.

Moldova Recalls Ambassador After Drone Incident Near Ukraine Border

Moldova Recalls Ambassador After Drone Incident Near Ukraine Border

Moldova has recalled its ambassador to Russia for consultations following an incident where an unidentified drone crashed and exploded near its border with Ukraine. The drone, which contained components matching guided missile technology, crashed near the village of Crocmaz, causing damage to nearby homes. This marks the first time such an aircraft has been detected on Moldovan territory since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Moldova has condemned the incident as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, expressing concerns over the safety of its citizens.

Morocco Issues Security Alert Amid Mass Migration to Ceuta

Morocco Issues Security Alert Amid Mass Migration to Ceuta

Morocco has heightened security measures at the Fnideq-Ceuta border following social media calls for a renewed mass crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This comes weeks after a significant surge saw approximately 49,000 people cross into Ceuta in a single day, highlighting the fragility of Europe's southern frontier. The situation has prompted Spain to deploy military and police reinforcements, with the European Union offering support through Frontex. The Ceuta-Fnideq corridor, known for its shadow economy, plays a crucial role in local livelihoods, complicating border control efforts.

Bulgaria Investigates Drone Explosion Near Romanian Border

Bulgaria Investigates Drone Explosion Near Romanian Border

A drone exploded in Bulgaria near the Romanian border, prompting an investigation by Bulgarian authorities. The incident occurred close to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, which connects Turkey and Ukraine. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that the drone, which carried a significant amount of explosives, was not detected by either Bulgaria or Romania. The explosion caused no casualties or infrastructure damage, as it occurred in a sunflower field. Bulgaria has summoned the Ukrainian ambassador for consultations, as the drone is believed to be of a type used by the Ukrainian military. The incident highlights the increasing number of drone-related events in Eastern Europe amid ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

South Africa's Deportation of Migrants Sparks Humanitarian Concerns

South Africa's Deportation of Migrants Sparks Humanitarian Concerns

Over the past several months, more than 178,000 migrants have left or been deported from South Africa amid a government crackdown on illegal immigration. The majority of these migrants returned to neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe and Malawi. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence against migrants and pledged to enhance border security and expedite deportations. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants, particularly children, and the potential disruption of medical treatments for those with chronic conditions.

Drone Explodes in Bulgaria After Crossing from Romania, No Casualties Reported

Drone Explodes in Bulgaria After Crossing from Romania, No Casualties Reported

A drone exploded in Bulgaria after crossing into its airspace from Romania, according to Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev. The incident occurred in a sunflower field near the former Kardam border crossing, approximately 100 meters inside the Bulgarian border. There were no casualties or damage to infrastructure reported. The explosion took place near a Trans-Balkan gas pipeline compressor station, raising concerns about potential threats to critical infrastructure. The drone was not detected by air defense systems due to its small size and low altitude flight.

Drone Explosion in Bulgarian Airspace Raises Security Concerns

Drone Explosion in Bulgarian Airspace Raises Security Concerns

A drone entered Bulgarian airspace from Romania and exploded near the village of Kardam, close to the border. The incident occurred at 8:10 a.m. local time, with the drone detonating in a sunflower field. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed that there were no casualties or infrastructure damage. The explosion site was near strategic locations, including the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline. Initial analysis by Bulgaria's defense ministry suggests the drone was a Maya decoy drone, commonly used by Ukrainian forces. The incident has heightened concerns about drone incursions linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting Bulgaria to increase security measures and surveillance along its border with Romania.

Drone Explodes Near Gas Pipeline in Bulgaria, Raises NATO Security Concerns

Drone Explodes Near Gas Pipeline in Bulgaria, Raises NATO Security Concerns

A drone, believed to be of Ukrainian origin, exploded near an international gas pipeline in Bulgaria after crossing the border from Romania. The incident, which occurred without causing casualties or damage, has raised security concerns within NATO. The Bulgarian defense ministry indicated that the drone was likely used by Ukrainian armed forces and that the explosion was accidental. Both Bulgaria and Romania are NATO and EU members, and the incident is being investigated in coordination with Ukrainian authorities.

Serbia and Ukraine Strengthen Economic Ties with Free Trade Agreement Plans

Serbia and Ukraine Strengthen Economic Ties with Free Trade Agreement Plans

Serbia and Ukraine have committed to enhancing their economic cooperation, with a focus on finalizing a long-delayed free trade agreement by the end of the year. This development was announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Belgrade, where he met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. The two leaders discussed various aspects of their bilateral relationship, including Serbia's support for Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and its territorial integrity. Despite Serbia's refusal to impose sanctions on Russia, a long-time ally, it has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and pledged to assist in rebuilding Ukrainian cities. The free trade agreement, which has been under discussion for over two decades, is crucial for Serbia's aspirations to join the World Trade Organization and the EU. The agreement has been stalled due to issues related to quotas and tariffs affecting Ukraine's agricultural sector.