Costa narrows proposed EU business levy
European Council President António Costa has suggested limiting a proposed EU business levy to companies with annual turnover above €750 million, Politico Europe reports, citing two EU diplomats briefed on the discussions.
Why it mattersEurope cannot demand common security and investment on a budget held hostage by national haggling. A levy on the largest firms may be easier to negotiate, but governments still owe taxpayers a transparent account of what it raises and buys.
politico.eu ↗
EU weighs delay to methane rules
EU ambassadors are due to try again on Friday to agree how long to delay methane rules for oil and gas imports, EUobserver reports. The options under discussion are one year or three years.
Why it mattersPostponing methane controls makes Europe’s climate promises cheaper for suppliers and more expensive for the atmosphere. Governments should fix genuine implementation problems without turning a temporary delay into a licence to leak. Set a firm deadline—and enforce it.
euobserver.com ↗
Zelensky seeks help repairing power grid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to Spain and Latin American countries for equipment to repair Ukraine’s power infrastructure, The Guardian reports.
Why it mattersKeeping Ukraine’s electricity running is a security task, not an optional extra to diplomacy. Russian attacks make repair equipment and the people who install it essential to civilian life. European governments should turn the appeal into deliveries, fast.
theguardian.com ↗
Cyberattack costs French bank €100 million
French regional bank Crédit Mutuel Arkéa says a cyberattack led to fraudulent transfers worth around €100 million, France 24 reports. The bank said on Wednesday that hackers accessed its own accounts and transferred funds to other banks. It said the attack had since been contained.
Why it mattersA bank’s own accounts are not a back door regulators can afford to ignore. Protecting customers means protecting the financial plumbing too, including the systems that let large transfers leave. Cyber resilience needs testing before the money moves, not just containment afterwards.
france24.com ↗