The European Union has been criticized for funding drone technology used by Israel in the Gaza conflict, with observers highlighting that companies like Xtend received EU grants despite prohibitions on military funding. The report by Statewatch and Informationsstelle Militarisierung reveals that millions of euros were allocated to Israeli military projects, raising concerns about the EU's adherence to its own regulations. Human rights groups have urged the EU to reconsider its association with Israel due to the humanitarian impact of the Gaza conflict. The article also mentions previous controversies regarding EU funding for Israeli military and surveillance technologies.

The European Union is reportedly funding Israeli military drone technology through its Horizon Europe program, despite supposed bans on military project funding. Observers Statewatch and Informationsstelle Militarisierung revealed that Xtend, a drone manufacturer supporting Israeli forces, received EU grants. The report highlights other EU-funded Israeli projects with military applications, sparking criticism from human rights groups and politicians. Calls for the EU to reassess its funding policies and suspend agreements with Israel have intensified, emphasizing the need for research and innovation to respect human rights and international law.

The European Union has been accused of funding drone technology used by Israel in its war against Gaza, with monitors Statewatch and Informationsstelle Militarisierung revealing that the drone manufacturer Xtend received an EU research grant. The report criticizes the EU for allegedly violating its own treaties prohibiting military funding and calls for a reassessment of the companies receiving such funds. Human rights groups and some MEPs have urged the EU to suspend its association with Israel due to the humanitarian impact of its military actions in Gaza.

Famine is weeks away in northern Gaza, with half the population facing catastrophic food insecurity, according to Save the Children. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification estimates famine could occur by May 2024. Children are already dying from malnutrition, and families are surviving on wheat, hay, and animal food. One in three children under two in northern Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition due to the Israel-Hamas war and aid restrictions. Humanitarian organizations accuse Israel of deliberately blocking aid, with Oxfam reporting aid trucks delayed by bureaucracy. An UNRWA food distribution centre was recently attacked by Israeli forces. Western countries are attempting to deliver more aid, with the US conducting an airdrop. Save the Children calls for a ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access to prevent the humanitarian disaster.

Children in northern Gaza are dying of starvation due to severe malnutrition and shortages of essential supplies, as reported by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The WHO's visit to two hospitals revealed dire conditions, with significant destruction and lack of resources. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has led to a blockade and restricted aid deliveries. The UN and other humanitarian organizations have paused aid due to security concerns, while the WHO managed to deliver limited supplies. The crisis has left an estimated 300,000 people in northern Gaza with little food or clean water, and a significant portion of the population faces catastrophic food insecurity.

Support for the EU remains high in the Baltic states, with significant majorities in Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia viewing membership positively. However, euroscepticism exists, particularly among Estonia's Russian-speaking minority and certain political parties. The Conservative People’s Party (EKRE) in Estonia and Lithuania’s National Alliance Party express concerns about EU centralization and sovereignty. Expert Aleksandra Palkova highlights a natural transition in the region's relationship with the EU, from rapid integration to questioning further integration. Despite minimal opposition, eurosceptic parties adapt their strategies to remain relevant.

The UK government has announced new rules requiring British citizens or residents to earn at least £38,700 annually for their foreign partners to live with them, effective April 2024. This policy, aimed at reducing net immigration, has sparked significant backlash, with critics arguing it disproportionately affects low-income families and contradicts traditional family values. Observers note that the majority of Britons will be unable to meet this income threshold, effectively banning many from marrying foreign nationals. The policy has been criticized for its potential negative impact on mental health and family unity, particularly among women and young people.

Catherine Ward and many UK citizens are distressed by new family visa rules requiring a minimum income of £38,700 for British citizens or residents to live with their foreign partners in the UK. This threshold, effective from April 2024, is above the earnings of 73% of the population, according to HM Revenue and Customs. Critics argue the policy contradicts traditional values and could lead to forced exile or separation for poorer families. The Conservative government's measure aims to reduce net migration but ignores the benefits migrants bring to the UK, as reported by openDemocracy. The policy may also disproportionately affect women and young people, typically earning less, and could lead to an increase in illegal immigration. Legal challenges are expected as the changes may contravene the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The UK Government's new family visa rules, requiring British citizens to earn £38,700 annually for their foreign partners to live with them, have sparked widespread distress. Only 27% of the population meets this income threshold, leading to fears of family separations and forced relocations. Critics argue the policy contradicts traditional family values and disproportionately affects women and young people. Advocacy groups warn of severe mental health impacts and potential legal challenges, citing violations of human rights.

Russia continues to launch attacks across the entire front line in Ukraine, with Ukrainian commanders, including Oleksandr Syrskyi and Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, detailing the challenging operational situation and their strategic responses. Despite intensified Russian air attacks in the southeast, Ukrainian forces maintain their positions. The article also notes the impact of winter conditions on the conflict and mentions recent Russian missile attacks on Kyiv. Russian Defense Minister Sergueï Choïgou's claims of progress are reported but not verified.