Geopolitical pressure is building across Europe and beyond, with EU leaders preparing for potential U.S. action over Greenland amid Washington’s seizure of a tanker linked to Venezuela’s oil trade. Alongside these tensions, a high-stakes media takeover rejection, regulatory changes in South Africa and a rare conservation milestone in the Congo round out a day shaped by politics, markets and security concerns.
France and allies plan for possible U.S. move on Greenland
France says it is coordinating with European allies, including Germany and Poland, to prepare a response should the United States pursue any move affecting Greenland, following renewed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump. Paris stressed that Greenland’s future rests with its people and Denmark, as concerns grow over Arctic security, resources and strategic influence.
Cyprus takes over EU presidency with Ukraine in focus
Cyprus has assumed the European Union’s rotating presidency, marking the start of its six-month term with a ceremony attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The new presidency has underlined continued EU backing for Ukraine and signalled a focus on regional stability, enlargement and closer ties with neighbouring regions.
Warner Bros rejects revised Paramount takeover bid
Warner Bros Discovery has unanimously rejected a revised takeover offer from Paramount Skydance, arguing the proposal relies too heavily on debt and poses significant financial risk. The board said the bid failed to match the value and certainty of an alternative offer, keeping uncertainty high in an increasingly competitive global media landscape.
South Africa eases competition rules to offset power costs
South Africa has relaxed parts of its competition laws to allow companies facing high electricity prices to cooperate on energy supply and infrastructure. The move is aimed at helping energy-intensive industries cope with sharply rising power costs and preventing further job losses amid long-running strains on the national grid.
Rare mountain gorilla twins born in Congo
Conservationists in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reported the rare birth of mountain gorilla twins in Virunga National Park, offering a rare boost for the critically endangered species. The healthy births are seen as a positive sign for conservation efforts in a region often challenged by conflict and environmental pressure.
[Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-a-map-8828348/]