News summary for
France deploys 70,000 police to block central Paris protests
Governments are looking for unconventional ways to stretch their limited resources. The Dutch cabinet admitted to using artificial intelligence to write its parliamentary reports. Estonia's army offered three million euros to buy a local cinema for extra space. Romania offered to pay the Pentagon to maintain permanent US military bases on its soil. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš identified wastewater fees as his next source of state revenue. In Moldova, the government tried to stave off bankruptcy by making it easier to fire employees while simultaneously raising MPs' salaries.
Get European news in your inbox daily
A short daily digest of the whole continent — or just the countries you care about.
Check your email. We've sent a confirmation link — click it to complete your subscription.
In more detail
Dutch ministers use AI to draft parliamentary reports
An investigation found that cabinet members are using artificial intelligence to draft their updates for Parliament. The shift to automated communication leaves it untested whether a machine will be any less transparent than a minister.
Law firm drafted legislation for client that paid it €637,000
Prosecutors suspect Start Campus paid a law firm over half a million euros to write custom legislation for its data center in Sines. The indicted lawyer then provided a favorable legal opinion on the very diploma they had helped prepare.
Secret emergency shelters found without medical supplies
The crisis management ministry confirmed that none of the country's 357 emergency bunkers contain any medicine. The facilities are designed for use during a war or natural disaster, though occupants will apparently have to treat their own injuries.
Altieri withdraws from anti-corruption presidency days after appointment
Nuccio Altieri withdrew his candidacy to lead the National Anti-Corruption Authority following a legal ruling that he was incompatible with the role. The hasty exit ends a brief confrontation with the prime minister and provides a messy start for a transparency body.
Key themes AI drafting Police deployment Custom legislation Emergency bunkers State revenues