EU’s top court adviser says the Commission was wrong to release €10B to Hungary in Dec 2023.
If judges follow the opinion, Budapest may have to repay the money, Politico. 1/
The funds had been frozen over rule-of-law concerns.
The European Parliament argues the Commission unfroze them on the eve of a key EU summit — when leaders needed Viktor Orbán’s support on Ukraine aid. 2/
Advocate-General Tamara Ćapeta says the Commission “incorrectly” applied its own rule-of-law criteria.
She cites failures to properly assess judicial independence and Constitutional Court appointments in Hungary. 3/
Putin tightens the grip of dictatorship. Russia has erased WhatsApp from its internet.
Roskomnadzor removed the Meta-owned app — used by at least 100M Russians — from the national registry, making access nearly impossible without VPN workarounds, FT. 1/
It’s a deeper block than past slowdowns.
By Dec, WhatsApp traffic had already been throttled 70-80%. Now Moscow appears to be cutting access long-term — after labeling Meta platforms “extremist” and degrading YouTube. 2/
The push is toward Max — a state-designated “national messenger” owned by VK, linked to Putin’s inner circle.
Modeled on China’s WeChat, it combines messaging and госservices — but without encryption. 3/
NATO's PURL initiative hit $4.5B in commitments to buy US weapons for Ukraine — led by Germany, Netherlands, and Norway.
More pledges expected when defense ministers meet in Brussels Feb 12 — United24. 1/
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker called Germany, Netherlands, and Norway "PURL champions" for making significant contributions and pushing other allies to follow. Their leadership is driving the program forward. 2/
Japan is joining too — expected to formally confirm participation in coming weeks. Tokyo's contribution will be financial, limited to non-lethal defensive items like radar systems, body armor, and protective equipment. 3/