![\"Deborah](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1751967555_799_Deborah_Cole_2.png\")
Deborah Cole<\/p>\nGermany summons Chinese ambassador over use of laser targeting German aircraftDeborah Cole<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the German foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Berlin<\/strong>, reporting that the Chinese military used a laser to target a German aircraft taking part in the EU operation Aspides<\/strong>, which helps protect shipping in the Red Sea.<\/p>\n \u201cThe endangerment of German personnel and disruption<\/strong> of the operation are completely unacceptable<\/strong>,\u201d the ministry said on X, announcing the summons.<\/p>\n The foreign ministry, the Chinese embassy and the Aspides mission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.<\/p>\n European officials have repeatedly expressed concern about Chinese influence on critical infrastructure<\/strong> including key shipping routes.<\/p>\n The EU established Aspides, from Ancient Greek meaning \u201cshields\u201d, as a defensive maritime security operation to safeguard navigation during the Red Sea crisis.<\/p>\n Since Israel\u2019s war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in October 2023, Iran-backed Houthi militants have been attacking Israel and vessels in the Red Sea in what they say are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians.<\/p>\n The German military has been participating in the Aspides operation since February 2024. Its parliamentary mandate sets a maximum deployment of 700 military personnel.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Key events<\/p>\n Show key events only<\/p>\n Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/p>\n Trump’s offer to EU is ‘really bad,’ Swedish finance minister warns Speaking of trade, the Swedish finance minister has said the tariff deal being offered to the EU by Donald Trump\u2019s is \u201creally bad\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n Swedish finance minister Elisabeth Svantesson pictured at a conference last year. Photograph: Mike Segar\/Reuters<\/p>\n Elisabeth Svantesson\u2019s<\/strong> remarks on her way into a summit of finance ministers in Brussels underlines divisions in the bloc over how to approach negotiations during the three-week extension period granted last night by Washington.<\/p>\n Asked what she thought of the US offer, which is believed to include some concessions on cars, wines and spirits exports, she was blunt.<\/p>\n \u201cOffer is not a word I would use to describe this,\u201d<\/strong> said Svantesson.<\/p>\n At the same time she seemed resigned to having to accept a basic 10% tariff \u2013 five times more than the pre Trump average on EU exports \u2013 when the new negotiating period expires on 1 August.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is the Commission that is driving this, but now I think we just have to prepare ourselves for at least 10 percent being what we will have. Do I think that\u2019s good? No, it\u2019s really bad. But we have to know what applies.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n She said the uncertainty was holding back the Swedish economy saying that was one reason to have a quick deal, as demanded by the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz.<\/p>\n But she insisted the EU should not accept a bad deal.<\/strong> Some believe an offer by the US to reduce tariffs to those car manufactures who have plants in the US will result in the deindustrialisation of Europe<\/a>, with huge job losses in a key sector.<\/p>\n \u201cWe support taking a tough stance against the US. We cannot stand with our hats in our hands and thank them for an \u2018offer\u2019 of a 10 percent tariff.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The European Commission said on Monday it was working on \u201call cylinders\u201d to try to find a solution by tomorrow, the original deadline for talks.<\/p>\n \u201cExactly how we will respond together is something we will decide together. But I want the Commission to be tougher and more straightforward<\/strong> because that is what is needed. We cannot drag this out indefinitely,\u201d said Svantesson in Brussels.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Europe ‘falling behind’ rivals and need to reduce burdens to innovate, Danish PM says<\/p>\n Turning to \u201ca competitive and green Europe<\/a>,\u201d Frederiksen<\/strong> warns Europe is \u201cfalling behind\u201d rivals<\/strong> and calls for renewed urgency in \u201creducing burdens<\/strong> on businesses, citizens and public authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to boost our ability to innovate, develop and produce the technologies of tomorrow, and we need to do it with urgency and ambition,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n But she argues this must not come at the cost of long-term climate policies.<\/p>\n She mentions extreme temperatures affecting the continent in recent days, saying Europe still \u201cneeds to keep pushing for an ambitious global green transition.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Moving on to trade, in a thinly veiled swipe at Trump, she says:<\/p>\n \u201cWe can use our trade policy to diversify and make supply chains more robust. And while others build tariff walls, we should form new trade partnerships.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n She ends with a direct appeal to EU lawmakers, saying:<\/p>\n Let\u2019s build a stronger Europe together.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a>Migration issues are ‘challenging Europe,’ Danish PM says, as she calls for reforms<\/p>\n Danish prime minister Frederiksen also warns about migration \u201cchallenging Europe<\/strong>, affecting people\u2019s lives, and the cohesion of our societies.\u201d<\/p>\n Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen delivers her speech in Strasbourg. Photograph: Pascal Bastien\/AP<\/p>\n She says Europe needs to \u201cstrengthen our external borders\u201d<\/strong> as she says \u201cEuropean citizens have a right to feel safe in their own countries.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n She calls for a reform of EU rules to \u201cmake the process of returns easier and \u2026 more efficient.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n She also directly accuses Russia<\/a> of \u201cusing migration as a weapon at our eastern border.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Share<\/a>Cutting Europe’s defence spending in past 30 years was a huge mistake, Danish PM says<\/p>\n Boiling it down to two overriding priorities of the Danish EU presidency, Frederiksen<\/strong> says Denmark\u2019s focus will be on \u201ca secure Europe\u201d<\/strong> and \u201ca competitive and green Europe<\/a>.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all, we must take responsibility for our own security.<\/strong> <\/p>\n Cutting our defence spending in the past 30 years was a huge mistake, [that] we shall never repeat. <\/strong><\/p>\n We cannot take lightly the threat from the East.<\/strong> Russia\u2019s<\/strong> military rearming means that they could, within two to five years, pose a credible military threat to Europe and Nato.<\/p>\n And Russia is no longer working alone. We see it in Ukraine<\/strong>. North Korea<\/strong> providing soldiers and ammunition missiles from Iran<\/strong> and military technology from China<\/strong>.<\/p>\n We must act now to respond to this threat.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n She also says Europe be ready to defend itself from 2030, and learn from Ukraine<\/a> on how to develop \u201can impressive defence industry\u201d.<\/p>\n She also makes it clear that Europe \u201chas to continue our support for Ukraine in every way we can, as Europeans, for as long as it takes.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Danish PM adds:<\/p>\n \u201cOur donations are not a gift and they are not charity. They are a direct defence of Europe, our life and our freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n She calls for \u201cthe toughest possible sanctions\u201d on Russia<\/a>, and calls for support to enlarge the EU with Ukraine, Moldova and western Balkan countries.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n In a strong paragraph outlining her intellectual vision for Europe<\/a>, Denmark\u2019s Frederiksen<\/strong> says:<\/p>\n \u201cEurope is first and foremost an idea.<\/strong> <\/p>\n It is the way we think.<\/strong><\/p>\n Our fundamental values, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, our firm belief in progress, science and common sense, that we always seek to move make tomorrow better than today, our social model, that we are free to think as we want, believe what we want, and speak as we see fit. <\/p>\n These are the fundamental ideas on which our continent is built<\/strong>, and they run in the blood of all Europeans. <\/p>\n Europe is cooperation, discussions and difficult compromises. <\/p>\n But above all, Europe is a magnificent, rich and diverse continent that has managed to rise again and again<\/strong> and in a time where fundamental values are being questioned, the response from our side needs to be firm and to be clear, we must in every way possible, be willing to protect our democracies, our freedom and rights and our prosperity.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a>‘Europe is facing greatest challenges since 1940s,’ Denmark’s Frederiksen Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen<\/strong> is now giving a major speech in the European parliament, outlining Denmark\u2019s priorities for the EU<\/strong> as it takes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union<\/a>.<\/p>\n Opening, she warns that \u201cEurope is facing the greatest challenges since the 1940s,\u201d<\/strong> as she lists a growing lists of urgent issues, with Russia\u2019s aggression on Ukraine<\/a>, migration, the Middle East, trade, and terrorism.<\/p>\n She says:<\/p>\n \u201cThe threats may be many<\/strong>, and they are indeed serious, but I have trust in Europe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Trust that we can move our continent forward, build a more secure Europe, a greener and more competitive Europe, a new Europe of tomorrow with possibilities and welfare for our citizens<\/strong>, but only if we remember what we are capable of, what our societies are built upon, and who we really are as Europeans.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a005.08 EDT<\/p>\n Germany summons Chinese ambassador over use of laser targeting German aircraft Meanwhile, the German foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Berlin<\/strong>, reporting that the Chinese military used a laser to target a German aircraft taking part in the EU operation Aspides<\/strong>, which helps protect shipping in the Red Sea.<\/p>\n Logo of the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES mission. Photograph: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cThe endangerment of German personnel and disruption<\/strong> of the operation are completely unacceptable<\/strong>,\u201d the ministry said on X, announcing the summons.<\/p>\n The foreign ministry, the Chinese embassy and the Aspides mission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.<\/p>\n European officials have repeatedly expressed concern about Chinese influence on critical infrastructure<\/strong> including key shipping routes.<\/p>\n The EU established Aspides, from Ancient Greek meaning \u201cshields\u201d, as a defensive maritime security operation to safeguard navigation during the Red Sea crisis.<\/p>\n Since Israel\u2019s war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in October 2023, Iran-backed Houthi militants have been attacking Israel and vessels in the Red Sea in what they say are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians.<\/p>\n The German military has been participating in the Aspides operation since February 2024. Its parliamentary mandate sets a maximum deployment of 700 military personnel.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Trial begins after attempted murder of Slovak prime minister<\/p>\n Over in Slovakia<\/strong>, a 72-year-old man who shot and wounded Slovak prime minister, Robert Fico<\/a> last year has gone on trial<\/strong> in Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica.<\/strong><\/p>\n Police escort Juraj Cintula (R), a 72-year-old man on trial for last year\u2019s attempted assassination of Slovakia\u2019s prime minister Robert Fico, into the courtroom in Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica, Slovakia. Photograph: Joe Klamar\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/p>\n During the attack in May last year, Fico<\/strong>, a divisive figure in Slovak politics, was shot in the abdomen and had to undergo two major surgeries in the first days after the attack.<\/strong> He has since recovered.<\/p>\n The attacker, Juraj Cintula<\/strong>, was arrested immediately after the incident and charged with attempted murder, later converted into terror charges. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment, Reuters noted.<\/p>\n \u201cLong live democracy, long live free culture,\u201d he shouted as he arrived at the court. According to reports in Slovak media<\/a>, he did not enter a plea and refused to testify in court.<\/p>\n Fico is not present in court.<\/p>\n The case continues.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a004.48 EDT<\/p>\n EU still hopes to conclude deal with US on tariffs The EU still hopes to conclude an agreement in principle this week<\/strong> with Donald Trump over tariffs<\/strong>, after it was granted an extension of three weeks for talks.<\/p>\n Aerial view of shipping containers stacked in Hamburg Port in Hamburg, Germany. Photograph: Sean Gallup\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Ireland\u2019s deputy prime minister Simon Harris<\/strong> revealed the bloc had been given until 1 August<\/strong> to conclude talks or face tariffs on imports of up to 50%.<\/p>\n In exchange for an acceptance of a 10% baseline tariff, the EU is looking for a series of concessions.<\/strong><\/p>\n This includes a reduced tariff quota for car imports and steel,<\/strong> currently attracting import duties of 27.5% and 50% respectively.<\/p>\n This addresses Germany\u2019s critical demand for concessions for its beleaguered car industry.<\/strong> The compromise would centre on manufacturers with plants in the US including major German brands Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen.<\/p>\n And the EU is looking for concessions on medical devices and wine and spirits,<\/strong> which currently attract a 10% tariff<\/p>\n The EU also wants the tariff relief to kick in immediately after an agreement is signed<\/strong>, and not have to wait weeks, as the UK did, for formal text to be registered by the White House.<\/p>\n Uncertainty remains over Trump\u2019s threatened tariffs on pharma<\/strong>, Harris said. \u201cThis is obviously an area of significant concern to Ireland,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n In a statement issued last night he added:<\/p>\n \u201cMy understanding is that we can now expect an extension of the current status quo until 1 August<\/strong> to give further time for the EU and the US to reach an agreement in principle on a mutually beneficial agreement that works for both sides.<\/p>\n However, it remains the position of the EU and the Irish government that we would like to conclude discussions on a trade agreement before 1 August. I remain cautiously optimistic about reaching agreement<\/strong> in principle on a Framework Agreement.<\/p>\n I want to be clear that while it is likely there will be some form of tariffs going forward, their imposition even at a lower rate is bad for consumers<\/strong>, jobs, economic growth and investment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Separately, The Irish Times\u2019s view<\/strong> of the three-week extension for EU talks with the US is that it offers little comfort to EU capitals.<\/p>\n It notes that Ireland is terrified of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, one of its biggest multinational sectors and employers, but it also points out that if the result of talks is a 10% baseline tariff, then Trump has won.<\/p>\n Its morning newsletter opined<\/a>:<\/p>\n \u201cA three-week pause<\/strong> on the deadline to a 90-day pause on tariff hikes \u2013 will not be met with sighs of relief in Dublin<\/strong>, or any other European capital. <\/p>\n The base expectation has been for some time that tariffs are part of the picture when dealing with Trump\u2019s second administration, something which T\u00e1naiste and Minister for Trade Simon Harris has consistently articulated. <\/p>\n But rather than dealing with the consequences of a punishing new trade regime,<\/strong> which refuses to crystallise, Ireland and the rest of the world is stuck in a kind of purgatory<\/strong> \u2013 counting the cost of uncertainty while trying to navigate the ambiguities of global trade under Trump.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a> Now, let\u2019s get an update on the EU-US trade talks, from Lisa O\u2019Carroll.<\/strong><\/p>\n Share<\/a>EU’s von der Leyen derides right-wing conspiracies as she fights against motion of censure against her commission As we wait for more reactions from Ukraine<\/a>, let\u2019s start with a brief catch up on last night\u2019s European parliament debate on Ursula von der Leyen<\/strong> and her leadership of the European Commission.<\/p>\n Nearly one year ago von der Leyen<\/strong> was returned as European Commission president by the European parliament with a bigger majority than the first time around in 2019<\/a>. The same forces that propelled her back to office with a comfortable level of support in 2024 are now keeping her safely in post.<\/p>\n European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives a speech during a plenary session at the European parliament, where a motion of censure against the European Commission is debated, in Strasbourg. Photograph: Jean-Christophe Verhaegen\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Speaking to MEPs on Monday, von der Leyen dismissed as \u201cdebunked conspiracy theories\u201d the central claims of a motion of censure designed to unseat her<\/strong>, framing the political move from a right-wing nationalist MEP as part of \u201can age of struggle between democracy and illiberalism\u201d.<\/p>\n The European parliament will vote on Thursday on a motion tabled by Romanian nationalist anti-vaxxer MEP Gheorghe Piperea<\/strong>, ostensibly over von der Leyen\u2019s refusal to release text messages linked to the negotiation of vaccine contracts during the pandemic. In theory, the vote could trigger the downfall of von der Leyen and her commissioners.<\/p>\n But even its author does not expect it to get the required majority.<\/strong><\/p>\n Addressing MEPS in Strasbourg on Monday, von der Leyen derided Piperea\u2019s world of conspiracies and alleged sinister plots<\/strong> by \u201cwhat he calls Brussels\u201d, going on to point to wider threats to democracy from extremist parties,<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no proof that they have any answers, but there is ample proof that many are supported by our enemies and by their puppet masters in Russia or elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Unsurprisingly she was strongly supported by her own European People\u2019s Party group<\/strong>. Equally expected, were the unenthusiastic declarations of support from the socialists, centrists and greens, who voted for her in 2019, and will vote against the upcoming motion of censure.<\/strong> They have grievances, but none want to hand a gift to the anti-EU far-right, by bringing down the commission at such a turbulent moment for international politics.<\/p>\n Iratxe Garc\u00eda P\u00e9rez<\/strong>, leader of the Socialist group, criticised the EPP over the occasions it had voted with the far right, as well as the centre-right group\u2019s stance on the EU\u2019s 2040 climate targets and opposition to an EU ethics body. She accused von der Leyen of looking the other way on these issues.<\/p>\n Val\u00e9rie Heyer<\/strong>, a French member of the centrist Renew group, chided von der Leyen for the same reasons, concluding: \u201cDon\u2019t take anything for granted. Please put your own political house in order.\u201d<\/p>\n While the far-right \u2013 Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n\u2019s Patriots for Europe and the more extreme Europe of Sovereign Nations \u2013 will vote for the motion, the other right-wing group, the European Conservatives and Reformists, is split.<\/strong><\/p>\n Piperea, an ECR member, was responsible for the motion, but the group is dominated by the party of the Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni<\/strong>, who has no wish to bring down the more right-leaning commission – which includes a vice presidency post for her ally, Raffaele Fitto. They will have a free vote, where two-thirds of their 79 MEPs are expected to vote against the motion.<\/p>\n For her part, von der Leyen offered a modest olive branch to her supporters<\/strong>, saying she was always ready to work for compromise. Listing EU-US trade talks, Ukraine, China, she dropped a not very subtle hint at the stakes: \u201cEurope must show strength\u2026 This strength only comes through unity.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a003.51 EDT<\/p>\n We are yet to hear Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy\u2019s<\/strong> reaction to Trump\u2019s announcement overnight, but his most senior aide Andriy Yermak<\/strong> responded to the Pentagon statement with a not-so-cryptic post on social media<\/a> showing the flags of Ukraine and the US with a handshake emoji.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>UK imposes sanctions on head, deputy of Russia’s principal chemical weapons unit Defence and security editor<\/p>\n The UK has sanctioned the head and a deputy of Russia\u2019s principal chemical weapons unit over the illegal use of CS teargas in Ukraine<\/strong> ahed of a meeting of the executive council of the Organisation of Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.<\/p>\n Rescue workers extinguish a fire at a private enterprise damaged in a Russian drone strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Photograph: Global Images Ukraine\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Aleksey Rtishchev<\/strong>, the chief of Russia\u2019s Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence unit (known as RKhBZ) and Andrei Marchenko<\/strong>, a deputy will now both be subject to sanctions following OPCW reports that gas was used on the battlefield.<\/p>\n Though CS gas is used as a crowd control agent in several countries, its use in war is prohibited by the chemical weapons convention.<\/strong> Last November the OPCW confirmed there was evidence of the use of teargas on the frontline, at Ilinka<\/strong>, near the town of Nikopol<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The UK has already sanctioned the RKHBZ unit as well as its former chief Igor Kirillov, though he was assassinated by Ukraine last December by a bomb hidden in a scooter, after Kyiv accused Russia of deploying chemical weapons hundreds of times.<\/p>\n Britain also sanctioned The Joint Stock Company Federal Production Centre Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry<\/strong> for transferring gas grenades to the Russian military.<\/p>\n Stephen Doughty,<\/strong> the sanctions minister, said \u201cBarbaric chemical weapons are supposed to be consigned to history, and yet Russia continues to deploy them on the battlefield in Ukraine.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Morning opening: US agrees to send ‘defensive’ military aid to Ukraine The big news overnight is that US president Donald Trump<\/strong> said the US will send additional weapons to Ukraine<\/strong> to help it defend itself against ongoing attacks by Russia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n US president Donald Trump speaks during a dinner with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (not pictured) in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, DC. Photograph: Al Drago\/EPA<\/p>\n Talking to journalists at the White House, Trump said \u201cthey are getting hit very, very hard,\u201d<\/strong> adding he was \u201cnot happy\u201d with Russian president Vladimir Putin.<\/strong><\/p>\n They have to be able to defend themselves.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n A Pentagon statement shortly afterwards confirmed that<\/p>\n \u201cat president Trump\u2019s direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves<\/strong> while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The move comes a week after a confusing halt in military deliveries for Ukraine despite continuing attacks by Russia, which prompted Kyiv and several European capitals to urge the US to rethink its position.<\/p>\n The issue was also discussed during last week\u2019s direct call between Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the announcement overnight, Russia continued attacks on Ukraine, with explosions reported in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, among others.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, we will be looking at the latest in the EU-US trade talks<\/strong>, the beginning of French president Emmanuel Macron\u2019s state visit to Britain<\/strong>, key votes in the European parliament<\/strong>, and the beginning of the trial of a man who shot and wounded Slovak prime minister Robert Fico<\/strong> last year.<\/p>\n It\u2019s Tuesday, 8 July 2025<\/strong>, it\u2019s Jakub Krupa<\/strong> here, and this is Europe Live.<\/strong><\/p>\n Good morning.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Rescue workers extinguish a fire after a Russian drone strike on July 7, 2025 in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Photograph: Global Images Ukraine\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a003.54 EDT<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Germany summons Chinese ambassador over use of laser targeting German aircraftDeborah Cole Meanwhile, the German foreign ministry has…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":247658,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7654],"tags":[2000,299,657],"class_list":{"0":"post-247657","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ukraine","8":"tag-eu","9":"tag-europe","10":"tag-ukraine"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114816953216967001","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247657","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=247657"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247657\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/247658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=247657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=247657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=247657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Logo](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1104.jpg\")
Logo of the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES mission. Photograph: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"Lisa](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1751967557_422_Lisa-OCarroll-byline-004.jpg\")
Lisa O’Carroll<\/p>\n\n
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Jakub Krupa<\/p>\n\n
Deborah Cole<\/p>\nLisa O’Carroll<\/p>\n\n
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Jakub Krupa<\/p>\n![\"Jennifer](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Jennifer_Rankin,_L.png\")
Jennifer Rankin<\/p>\n\n
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Dan Sabbagh<\/p>\nJakub Krupa<\/p>\n\n
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