Latest news with #Safe
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Greece warns Turkey over EU defence scheme
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Turkey, while a member of Nato but not the EU, is technically eligible to access the €150 billion (S$225 billion) Security Action for Europe initiative. ATHENS - Greece has warned Turkey that it may block Turkish access to a European Union defence fund unless Ankara guarantees that the weapons will not be used to target Athens. There are historic tensions between EU member Greece and neighbouring Turkey over sovereignty rights in the Aegean Sea and, more recently, over energy exploration and migration. Turkey, which is a member of Nato but not the EU, is technically eligible to access EU defence industry financing and joint procurement programmes as part of the bloc's €150 billion (S$225 billion) Security Action for Europe ( Safe ) initiative. But Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said late on July 23 that his country would not allow Turkey to take part in the defence scheme if it continued to threaten war against Greece and question its sovereignty in the Aegean Sea. 'Greece will not allow it,' the conservative leader told Skai TV. Turkey maintains a longstanding threat of war should Greece unilaterally expand its territorial waters in the Aegean. Mr Mitsotakis pointed out that all 27 EU members would have to agree before Turkey could access Safe funds. 'Unanimity is required,' he stressed. His comments came hours after Germany said it had approved the delivery of Eurofighter jets to Turkey . Turkey had been in talks for several years on buying 40 of the aircraft, which are constructed by a consortium from Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain. The Typhoon jets are to be built in Britain and London is leading the negotiations. All members of the consortium must sign off on the sale and Germany, which has clashed with Turkey over Israel's war on Gaza, had objected until now. After Germany gave the green light to the sale, the Turkish and British defence ministers signed a preliminary agreement in Istanbul on July 23 for the delivery of the jets. Mr Mitsotakis said that while Greece could, if deemed necessary, block Turkey from accessing Safe funds, it could not actually prevent the Eurofighter deal. It could, however, set conditions. 'Turkey is a large country with a strong defence industry,' he said. 'And if someone believes they can block any purchase of defence equipment by Turkey, they are deeply ignorant. It has never happened. It cannot happen. 'What can happen, however, is that we make our European allies aware that there will be contingencies and conditions regarding the way these aircraft will be delivered, potentially used and supported in the future,' he said. The EU has launched a raft of initiatives aimed at raising up to € 800 billion to help member countries bolster their defences. Safe is a €150 billion financing package designed to strengthen European defence capabilities and reduce dependence on Nato and the United States. The scheme offers low-interest loans for procurement and can include third countries with whom the EU has a security and defence partnership, such as Turkey. AFP
Spectator
3 days ago
- Business
- Spectator
The problem of striking a defence deal with the EU
The UK-EU summit in London in May at which a new relationship between the parties was agreed seems a long time ago now. In fact, it is barely eight weeks, but we live in a world which has supercharged Harold Wilson's mordant dictum that 'a week is a long time in politics'. They seem like aeons now. One major subject at the summit was the EU's financial instrument Security Action for Europe (Safe). This is a fund of €150 billion (£130 billion) which will provide loans for member states to undertake urgent, large-scale defence procurement projects, with the aim of addressing capability gaps and boosting the European defence industry's production capacity. However, Brussels makes clear that 'beneficiary member states will have to carry out, in principle, common procurements involving at least two participating countries to qualify for the loans'. It is now clear that the UK will need to pay a fee to participate in this scheme. The amount has not yet been fixed, but EU diplomats reason that 'since British businesses would receive EU money to create jobs and expand capacity under the scheme, London should recompense Brussels'. France is said to be pushing for a significant contribution, while others, including Germany, are keen not to set the tariff so high that the UK does not participate at all. This should come as no surprise. The prima facie terms of the Safe scheme, initially excluding the US and the UK (between them home to ten of the world's twenty biggest defence contractors), left French and German manufacturers like Thales, Rheinmetall and KNDS at the head of the queue to benefit from new spending. Thales and KNDS, as well as Naval Group and Safran, are, as it happens, part-owned by the French state. In these circumstances, the question of who benefits was not a particularly challenging one. Surely this wasn't supposed to happen? At the summit in May, Sir Keir Starmer said that the UK-EU agreement would 'open the door to working with the EU's new defence fund – providing new opportunities for our defence industry, supporting British jobs and livelihoods'. That was, I argued at the time, one of the main motivating factors behind the agreement. After all, the rules for Safe make it clear: Safe will also allow acceding countries, candidate countries, potential candidates and countries that have signed a security and defence partnership with the EU, such as the United Kingdom, to join common procurements. Alas, there was a brief cautionary note that Britain's participation would be 'subject to a separate negotiation and conditions, including a financial contribution from the UK'. The European Commission's spokesman for defence, Thomas Regnier, told the Financial Times that, under the terms of the agreement, UK-based companies could provide up to 35 per cent of the value of procurement through Safe, but going beyond that would depend on 'an agreement with the EU on the precise modalities on aspects such as budget contribution and security of supply'. This was inevitable. The EU is a fundamentally protectionist organisation which seeks to gain as much advantage as possible for the economies of its member states. That is not a criticism, merely an observation: but it has highlighted the disadvantages of pursuing defence policy through the EU, of which we are not a member, rather than Nato, a dedicated military alliance of which we have been part for more than 75 years. (It is true the overlap between the EU and Nato is not complete: although acting through the latter would include the US, Canada and Turkey, it would exclude the military superpowers of Austria, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.) The Cabinet Office has offered bland, reality-defying reassurance: 'It is in all our interests for the UK and EU to bring together our unique capabilities and expertise to make Europe a safer, more secure, and more prosperous place'. Indeed so, but perhaps that is a message better directed towards the French government, while there still is one. There have been pious expressions of hope that 'parochial national interests' do not undermine Safe's potential to contribute to Europe's overall security. But this is the EU, the bare-knuckle fight club of national interests. It has weak defence institutions but strong ambitions to accrete more competencies to the centre. And the hard-edged realpolitik of Brussels is showing the relative emptiness of the clutch of bilateral agreements Starmer has concluded. There is a clear choice. What is Europe's overriding priority: building the continent's defence capabilities or strengthening national defence industrial bases? The rules governing Safe effectively choose the latter; that is a matter for member states. But perhaps the British government should not have so eagerly chased a mechanism that was bound to work to our disadvantage. The Strategic Defence Review set out a 'Nato First' policy – perhaps we should have focused more closely on that mantra.
Daily Record
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Star-studded crime series with Harry Potter actor hailed 'unexpectedly great'
Harry Potter star Rupert Grint and Harlan Coben actor Marc Warren are among the cast of Guy Ritchie's Snatch - which crime fans have raved about. The star-studded television adaptation of Guy Ritchie's Snatch is now up for grabs. The 2017 crime series, featuring Marc Warren known from the Harlan Coben adaptations Missing You and Safe. It also features Harry Potter star Rupert Grint, Emily in Paris star Lucien Laviscount, and Skins actor Luke Pasqualino. It has now landed on ITVX. Both instalments of the show are available after making their earlier appearance on Netflix this year. Created by Alex De Rakoff and inspired by Ritchie's 2000 gangster film, Snatch delves into the escapades of a band of young hustlers, portrayed by Pasqualino, Grint, and Laviscount, who stumble upon a lorry full of purloined gold bars and get wrapped up in the murky underworld of London. The cast also includes Bridgerton 's Phoebe Dynevor, Stephanie Leonidas, and Dougray Scott, with Money Heist's Úrsula Corbero making a guest appearance in the second season. Audience reactions on IMDb to the crime series have been varied, with one viewer describing it as "unexpectedly great". Despite acknowledging its imperfections, this reviewer awarded it a perfect score of 10/10, finding it "was very fun to watch". "I was left thinking about it for days after and wanting more," they added. Another viewer offered a more lukewarm take, labelling it a "light" version of Snatch, rating it 6/10 for being a "heavily diluted" take on the original film. Meanwhile, someone else commended the series' promising beginning but lamented that it failed to live up to its initial potential. "It just kept going downhill. Very disappointing considering how good the movie was," they remarked. Elsewhere, other fans of the original expressed their admiration with how the TV adaptation turned out, particularly praising the cast, script, and its divergence from the film. "Each episode is as exciting and riveting as the last. Great cast, brilliantly written, acting is on point," a viewer expressed delighted with the outcome. "If you're looking for a throwback to the original Guy Ritchie masterpiece, this show is not what you are looking for," penned another, complimenting Snatch as "an enjoyable show with likeable characters and pretty solid dialogue and writing".
Kuwait Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Gulf Bank offers safe deposit box service at Kuwait Airport T1
KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing commitment to providing integrated banking solutions that enhance customer experience and align with their modern lifestyles, Gulf Bank has announced the launch of its Safe Deposit Box service at its branch located in the Arrivals Hall – Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport. This makes Gulf Bank the only bank offering such a service within the airport. The new service provides travelers with a secure and convenient solution to store their personal or valuable belongings while abroad. It is particularly suited for individuals seeking reliable, short-term storage options during their time away from the country. Tailored for flexibility and ease of access, the service allows customers to rent safe deposit boxes on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on the length and purpose of their travel. Available in both small and medium sizes, the boxes are secured with advanced safety features — including a dual-key system that requires both the customer and a bank representative to be present for access, ensuring enhanced privacy and maximum protection. This initiative reflects Gulf Bank's vision of delivering a seamless and smart banking experience that meets customer needs even in busy locations such as airports. The Safe Deposit Box service allows travelers to embark on their journeys with peace of mind, without the burden of carrying jewelry, official documents, or other valuable items, all while ensuring their belongings remain secure until their return. The service is available seven days a week, with the added convenience of advance booking through WhatsApp – reflecting Gulf Bank's focus on delivering a smooth and advanced digital experience tailored to the expectations of today's generation of customers. In addition to the Safe Deposit Box service, Gulf Bank's airport branch offers a full range of banking services including account openings, loan applications, cash deposits and withdrawals, currency exchange, and instant issuance of debit cards. This makes the branch a comprehensive banking destination for both arriving and departing travelers. This service reflects Gulf Bank's strategic emphasis on innovation, customer-first solutions, and a strong presence in vital locations. It further solidifies the Bank's standing as a leading financial institution in Kuwait, committed to surpassing customer expectations and building long-term loyalty.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Time of India
Safe City Project technicians repairing cameras mugged at knifepoint in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Two technicians' repair work took an ironic turn late night, when two unidentified men robbed them at knifepoint under the very cameras installed to ensure citizens' safety under Bengaluru's Safe City Project. Technicians Manukumar Dahayat and Sagar, both working for a private company associated with Safe City Project, were repairing CCTV cameras at 19th Main Road in Muneshwara Block on Mysuru Road when they were robbed around 2am on Wednesday, according to police complaint. Manukumar told cops two scooter-borne men approached them while they were working and initiated a conversation. Within moments, they pulled out knives from their pockets and threatened them into not speaking. They demanded cash, and as the technicians did not have any, the duo snatched Manukumar's phone. They told the technicians to call their family or friends and ask to transfer money. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Scared, Sagar managed to run away while Manukumar was left behind. He dialled his friend Shanidev and, as instructed by the robbers, told him his friend had met with an accident and he needed money. The friend transferred Rs 500 to a number given by one of the robbers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 지금 모두가 공유하고, 스트리밍하고, 플레이하는 RPG 게임 레이드 섀도우 레전드 설치하기 Undo But they demanded Rs 2,000 more and Manukumar was forced to make another call and get the money. As soon as the money was transferred, the duo smashed Manukumar's phone and rode away. Manukumar reported the incident to his seniors and lodged a complaint with Byatarayanapura police. A senior officer said a case was lodged under BNS sections 308 (extortion), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace). Police said they were examining CCTV footage of surrounding buildings and efforts were ongoing to nab the duo. Safe City Project technicians repairing cameras mugged at knifepoint Bengaluru: Two technicians' repair work took an ironic turn late night, when two unidentified men robbed them at knifepoint under the very cameras installed to ensure citizens' safety under Bengaluru's Safe City Project. Technicians Manukumar Dahayat and Sagar, both working for a private company associated with Safe City Project, were repairing CCTV cameras at 19th Main Road in Muneshwara Block on Mysuru Road when they were robbed around 2am on Wednesday, according to police complaint. Manukumar told cops two scooter-borne men approached them while they were working and initiated a conversation. Within moments, they pulled out knives from their pockets and threatened them into not speaking. They demanded cash, and as the technicians did not have any, the duo snatched Manukumar's phone. They told the technicians to call their family or friends and ask to transfer money. Scared, Sagar managed to run away while Manukumar was left behind. He dialled his friend Shanidev and, as instructed by the robbers, told him his friend had met with an accident and he needed money. The friend transferred Rs 500 to a number given by one of the robbers. But they demanded Rs 2,000 more and Manukumar was forced to make another call and get the money. As soon as the money was transferred, the duo smashed Manukumar's phone and rode away. Manukumar reported the incident to his seniors and lodged a complaint with Byatarayanapura police. A senior officer said a case was lodged under BNS sections 308 (extortion), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace). Police said they were examining CCTV footage of surrounding buildings and efforts were ongoing to nab the duo.
