Day: December 13, 2023

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The amount of funds crypto projects lost to hackers has declined by about half to around $1.7 billion so far this year, amid improved security measures and an uptick in law enforcement actions

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) lost eight more troops during the battles with the Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Report informs via TASS.

Israel’s military has begun pumping seawater into Hamas’s vast complex of tunnels in Gaza

NPR News: 12-13-2023 12AM EST

Focus shifts from Santos to Menendez  The Storm Lake Times

Armenian Government and People of Armenia Also Have European Aspirations: Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan  Armenian News by MassisPost

Austria has formally voiced its opposition to the fast-track procedures for Ukraine and Moldova’s accession to the union, aligning itself with Hungary and Slovakia in dissent.

The objection from Austria adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions surrounding the potential membership of Ukraine and Moldova in the EU. While both Eastern European nations have expressed their keen interest in joining the union, the reluctance of certain member states is now posing a challenge to the unity of the bloc.

Austria’s objection comes after Hungary and Slovakia raised concerns about the speed at which the EU has been considering the accession of Ukraine and Moldova. These objections revolve around issues related to governance, economic stability, and the potential impact on existing EU policies.

The objections center around fears of a potential strain on the EU’s resources and institutions, as well as concerns about the compatibility of Ukraine and Moldova with EU standards in various domains.

Critics argue that a rush to admit these countries without addressing these concerns could jeopardize the stability and effectiveness of the European Union.

The European Commission, responsible for handling the accession process, has yet to issue an official response to the collective objections from Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. However, it is expected that this dissenting stance will be thoroughly discussed in upcoming EU meetings, where leaders will attempt to find common ground and address the reservations of the opposing member states.

The current situation highlights the delicate balance the European Union must strike between expanding its membership and ensuring the continued cohesion and effectiveness of the union. As discussions unfold, the eyes of the international community remain fixed on Brussels, awaiting further developments in this evolving story.