The Confederation of Icelandic Enterprise is warning that a proposed bill on spatial property units and the removal of energy infrastructure exemptions from property valuation could lead to significantly higher taxes on energy facilities, potentially harming competitiveness and reducing investment in energy production.

The world has changed since the European Union adopted its first economic security strategy in 2023. An increasingly confrontational geopolitical environment and the possibility of coercive behaviour from both China and the United States require a longer term strategy to reduce dependencies as well as a short-term ability to react swiftly to threats. On 3 December 2025, the European Commission adopted its new communication on economic security aiming to switch up a gear, from finding ad-hoc responses to crises based on risk identification, to proactive risk anticipation and mitigation. This new approach also focuses on providing clarity on the strategic and coherent use of the many instruments already available in the EU toolbox. Aiming for a safer and more resilient EU economy, the Commission's communication proposes ways to protect and develop strategic industries and reduce the EU's vulnerabilities to coercion and other disruption. To build a solid knowledge base for informed decision-making and common understanding of risks and responses, the approach seeks to strengthen data gathering, analysis and overall economic security policy governance, with increased public and private stakeholder participation. To boost coherence, the Commission wants to adapt existing policy tools to deployment with a clear aim of managing economic security risks, taking possible impacts across policies into account. The Commission will seek to close existing security gaps with new instruments, such as the revised Blocking Statute. The communication met with mixed reactions from the expert community, with both praise for taking the much needed step in the right direction, as well as criticism for its insufficient response to the stark challenges facing the EU. The European Parliament is preparing its opinion on the role of trade in strengthening the EU's economic security, to be adopted in the coming months. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The European Union's competitiveness and prosperity depends on an optimal allocation of private capital; however, although free circulation of capital is guaranteed by the Treaties, the EU's capital markets remain fragmented due to 'technical barriers' and legal uncertainties falling on cross-border investors and institutions. A major reason for that is that EU rules are mostly set out through directives, leaving Member States' supervisory authorities latitude in their interpretation and application of the rules. Therefore, the European Commission considers the use of regulations instead of directives, as well as the establishment of EU-level single supervision, as two policy instruments to 'integrate' – i.e. 'defragment' – the EU's capital markets. On 4 December 2025, the Commission issued a package of three proposals to address this situation (the 'market integration package'), as part of its savings and investments union strategy. One of the three proposals would be a regulation on the settlement finality, thereby converting and replacing the existing directive. The directive establishes the finality and irrevocability of transfer orders once entered, even in the event of a participant's insolvency, with the aim of reducing stability risks in the payment and settlement systems. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Cyberattacks are rising in frequency and complexity, and no sector is immune to malicious intrusions. Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to exploit vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure, compromising security systems and inflicting damage. Addressing this growing threat requires a clear understanding of the nature of cyber incidents. The most effective way to develop this understanding is for affected entities and companies to systematically report cyber incidents and in accordance with predefined protocols. These reports help identify and patch vulnerabilities, share security alerts proactively and prevent further attacks. Accordingly, European regulators have incorporated mandatory reporting requirements into legal frameworks to harness the full potential of incident reporting and counter the escalating threat of cyberattacks. These legal provisions have been designed to safeguard critical entities, infrastructure and internet-connected devices. However, the distinct protections created for each category have resulted in separate legal acts, each with its own reporting procedures, notifying authorities and deadlines. This fragmented approach has created significant administrative challenges for companies. To address this complexity, the Digital Omnibus – a legislative initiative that amends several existing EU digital rules to harmonise requirements and reduce the regulatory burden in digital governance – proposes the implementation of a Single-Entry Point (SEP) mechanism. SEP aims to streamline compliance by allowing companies to fulfil multiple mandatory reporting obligations under various EU laws through a unified process. SEP is a cornerstone of the broader Digital Omnibus regulation proposal. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Technologies are evolving rapidly, data traffic is growing significantly, and demand for gigabit connectivity is increasing. Modern and sustainable digital infrastructures for connectivity and computing are critical enablers for digitalisation and for both industrial competitiveness and for society. High-quality, secure and resilient connectivity is needed, everywhere and for everybody in the European Union. The EU has set non-binding 'digital decade' targets to be reached by 2030. These include providing all EU households with access to a fixed gigabit network (with a capacity of 1 Gigabit per second – Gbps) and ensuring that all populated areas are covered by next-generation, high-speed wireless networks with performance at least equivalent to that of 5G. On 21 January 2026, the European Commission published a proposal for a digital networks act. The proposed regulation aims to consolidate sector-specific legislation currently set out, inter alia, in the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) Regulation, the Open Internet Regulation, the ePrivacy Directive and the radio spectrum policy programme. By replacing directives with a regulation, the Commission aims to ensure uniform application of telecoms rules across all Member States. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Congress accused the BJP of «vote chori» and «murdering democracy» in Haryana's Rajya Sabha elections after cross-voting and invalid ballots marred the contest. Despite acknowledging internal cross-voting and promising strict action against its MLAs, the Congress secured one seat, while the BJP won the other. The outcome has ignited a political battle and an internal party crisis.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday attended the 'Nari Utsav' programme held at the Nirmal Chhaya Complex, where she paid tribute to the strength and contribution of women in nation-building.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale highlighted Census 2027 as a crucial opportunity for accurate disability data, enabling targeted policymaking post the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. A new handbook aims to help parliamentarians translate legal provisions into actionable policy, addressing barriers faced by persons with disabilities, particularly in healthcare.

The Narcotics Control Bureau celebrated its 41st Raising Day with nationwide youth mobilization programs for a Drug-Free India. Events across nearly 40 locations included anti-drug pledges, awareness sessions, and rallies, emphasizing healthy lifestyle choices and the consequences of substance abuse. Participants were encouraged to utilize the MANAS Helpline for reporting and assistance.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev and the Namibian president have discussed plans for cooperation Read Full Article at RT.com

A march commemorating soldiers who served in the Latvian unit of Nazi Germany’s Waffen SS took place in Riga on March 16 Read Full Article at RT.com

The Belgian prime minister faced sharp criticism from EU officials after suggesting the bloc should normalize relations with Russia Read Full Article at RT.com

Argentina and Brazil once pursued ambitious missile programs, but political pressure reshaped South America’s military technology path Read Full Article at RT.com

The US war against Iran “serves no benefit to the American people,” Director of the National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Small boat migrants Karin Al-Danasurt, left, and Ibrahim Alshafe, have both been charged with raping a woman on Brighton beach as she made her way home from a night out in October last year.

New data from the Department for Work and Pensions revealed there were 3.9million claimants entitled to Personal Independent Payment (PIP) as of January this year.

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the Daily Mail's live coverage of the US-Israel war with Iran. Gulf countries continue to come under attack following retaliatory strikes by Tehran.

Rachel Reeves talked up the need to get closer to Brussels again in a major speech - suggesting that, exploiting AI , and growth outside London were her main goals.

Donald Trump branded Keir Starmer 'disappointing' in his latest free-form press conference in the Oval Office.

[Africa Check] IN SHORT: According to some Facebook posts, Riley Moore said «Biafra may become the only option» if his country failed to protect Nigerian Christians. But we found no evidence that he made such statements.

[Premium Times] In a State House statement on Tuesday, the president expressed deep sorrow over the attacks, mourning those killed and sympathising with the injured.

[Vanguard] The Presidency has refuted a widely shared screenshot claiming to show a tweet by US President Donald Trump criticising Bola Tinubu over the security situation in the North-East, describing it as entirely false.

The deepening investigation into the controversial purchase of Amaryllis Hotel has now reached the very heart of executive power, with former Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba and former Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga summoned to appear before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). According to emerging reports, the two high-ranking officials are expected […] The post Zamba, Kapondamgaga Summoned as Amaryllis Scandal Tightens Grip on Previous State House Power Circle appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The stalled corruption trial of Lin Yinhua is fast turning into a troubling case study of how legal processes can be stretched to the brink, raising sharp questions about whether justice is being deliberately slowed down rather than pursued with urgency. On March 16, 2026, the High Court was primed to begin full trial proceedings. […] The post ANALYSIS | Justice on Ice: Lin Yinhua Trial Raises Alarm Over Possible Deliberate Delays appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

What began as a glossy investment story—rebranding Sigelege Boutique Hotel into the “Lifestyle Boutique Hotel”—has collapsed into a storm of allegations over opacity, inflated pricing, and politically connected beneficiaries. The Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) paid K27 billion for Sigelege, a modest 3-star property with just 53 rooms, and immediately handed operations back to […] The post Inside the Sigelege Deal: K27 Billion Pension Fund Purchase Sparks Malawi ‘Overpricing’ Scandal appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The NBM Under-23 Championship has reached its final stages following the draw for the semi-final fixtures involving four regional champions, with matches scheduled for March 20, and the final on March 22, 2026 at Champions Stadium in Mponela, Dowa. According to the draw, QPL Stars will face Mponela United FC, while Karonga Reserves will take […] The post Semifinals draw sets mood for NBM Under-23 Championship appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

“The Icelandic Meteorological Office’s avalanche monitoring team is focused on this area and developments are currently being closely observed,” said Hlynur Hafberg Snorrason, chief superintendent with the Westfjords police, in an interview with mbl.is regarding an avalanche that fell in Seljalandshlíð this morning. As a precaution, a commercial building in Ísafjörður, where dozens of people work, was evacuated.

A 63-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday (March 17) for allegedly breaking into a retail outlet and stealing an Arowana fish valued at $1,400.But the fish was dead by the time it was recovered.The incident happened at about 2.30am at an outlet along Clementi Avenue 2. Police said preliminary investigations revealed that a person had allegedly damaged the rear gate of the shop and gained unlawful entry into the premises. An Arowana fish, valued at $1,400, was reported missing.Officers from Clementi Police Division conducted ground enquiries and used images from police cameras to establish the identity of the man, who arrested within 13 hours of the report. He will be charged in court on Wednesday with the offence of housebreaking in order to commit theft.If found guilty of the said offence, the man may be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.[[nid:731672]]editor@asiaone.com