Lavrov says NATO spending increase won't significantly affect Russia's security
NATO allies on Wednesday agreed to raise their collective spending goal to 5 percent of gross domestic product over the next decade, citing what they called the long-term threat posed by Russia and the need to strengthen civil and military resilience.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ArabGT
2 hours ago
- ArabGT
Mercedes-Benz Sets the Stage for the Biggest Vehicle Launch in Its History
Mercedes-Benz just dropped a bombshell from its Stuttgart HQ—and it's not just another car announcement. What we're witnessing is a bold, record-breaking move that could redefine luxury mobility as we know it. Over the next two years, the brand is gearing up for something massive: the biggest product launch in its history, with 18 brand-new models set to hit the road in just one year. If you thought Mercedes had already reached its peak, think again. The best, it seems, is still to come. While Others Pull Back, Mercedes Leans In Let's be honest—these are uncertain times for the car industry. Between shifting EV demand and economic turbulence, many brands are playing it safe. Not Mercedes. Despite a 3% drop in global sales in 2024, followed by a 6.2% dip in the first half of 2025, the brand isn't slowing down. It's charging ahead with a production wave that kicks off in 2026—and it's unlike anything we've seen before. Eighteen Cars in Twelve Months? Yes, Really The plan is as daring as it sounds: 18 new models in one year. First out of the gate will be the all-new CLA, built on the futuristic MMA platform, designed to handle both electric and combustion powertrains. Then come the electric GLC, updated E-Class and C-Class EVs, and a range of high-end SUVs that Mercedes is keeping under wraps—for now. Inside the New Mercedes: Smarter Than Ever Mercedes-Benz isn't just redesigning the outside—it's revolutionizing what happens inside. Say goodbye to legacy systems and hello to a fully in-house operating system that turns your car into a thinking, responsive companion. From voice commands to real-time traffic analysis, this is a leap into next-level intelligence—and it's all developed at Mercedes, not outsourced. AMG Gets Electric—and Even More Exciting Performance lovers, don't worry. AMG is very much in on the action. Its upcoming models will include powerful hybrid beasts and fully electric sports cars built on the new platform. Think heart-pounding speed, razor-sharp handling, and zero compromise on driving pleasure—even with zero emissions. So Long, EQ. Hello, Just Mercedes One of the boldest moves? Mercedes-Benz is phasing out the EQ label. No more separate names for electric cars. Everything—electric or not—will simply be 'Mercedes.' It's a statement: this brand doesn't need labels. It is the label.
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Norway to review sovereign wealth fund's Israel investments
OSLO: Norway's government said on Tuesday it had ordered a review of its sovereign wealth fund portfolio to ensure that Israeli companies contributing to the occupation of the West Bank or the war in Gaza were excluded from investments. The review followed a report by the Aftenposten daily that said the $1.9 trillion fund had built a stake in 2023-24 in an Israeli jet engine group that provides services to Israel's armed forces, including the maintenance of fighter jets. The fund's investment in the Bet Shemesh Engines Ltd. (BSEL) group is worrying, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told public broadcaster NRK. 'We must get clarification on this because reading about it makes me uneasy,' Stoere said. BSEL did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), which manages the fund, took a 1.3 percent stake in BSEL in 2023 and raised this to 2.09 percent by the end of 2024, holding shares worth $15.2 million, the latest available NBIM records show. In light of Aftenposten's story and the security situation in Gaza and the West Bank, the central bank will now conduct a review of NBIM's Israeli holdings, Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday. NBIM CEO Nicolai Tangen told NRK that BSEL had not appeared on any lists of recommended exclusions, such as by the United Nations or the fund's own ethics council. Norway's parliament in June rejected a proposal for the sovereign wealth fund to divest from all companies with activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. The fund, which owns stakes in 8,700 companies worldwide, held shares in 65 Israeli companies at the end of 2024, valued at $1.95 billion, its records show. Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, has sold its stakes in an Israeli energy company and a telecoms group in the last year, and its ethics council has said it is reviewing whether to recommend divesting holdings in five banks.
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Sweden, Denmark, Norway to buy US arms worth $500 mn for Ukraine
The pledge follows the announcement of a $577m donation by the Netherlands to help Kyiv'Ukraine is not only fighting for its own security, but also for our security,' Jonson said STOCKHOLM: Sweden, Norway and Denmark will donate equipment and munitions worth $500 million to Ukraine, under a new scheme to speed deliveries from American stockpiles, Stockholm said on pledge follows the announcement of a 500 million euros ($577 million) donation by the Netherlands to help Kyiv fight off Russia's invasion, launched in February the Dutch donation, the purchases will be under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism launched by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte last month.'Ukraine is not only fighting for its own security, but also for our security,' Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson told a press conference.'That is why Sweden, together with Denmark and Norway, has agreed to contribute to the American initiative to sell defense equipment for donation to Ukraine,' he Swedish government said in a statement that the 'support will include air defense systems, including munitions to Patriot, anti-tank systems, ammunition and spare parts.'It added that the Swedish contribution amounted to $275 Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the move.'Since the earliest days of Russia's full-scale invasion, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine. I commend these Allies for their quick efforts to get this initiative off the ground,' Rutte said in a Norway and Denmark will donate equipment and munitions worth $500 million to Ukraine, under a new scheme to speed deliveries from American stockpiles, Stockholm said on Tuesday. (AFP/File)
