Author

Alvara Merrick

writer · EUReflect

Contributing writer at EUReflect.

48 stories · page 1 of 2

  • defense

    Why EU–Pakistan Defence Cooperation Matters Now

    The EU's 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan provides the framework for security cooperation, but Pakistan's strategic culture, shaped by the military since 1947, poses both opportunities and limits for partnership.

  • politics

    Trump's NATO Bill: America Is Paying Too Much

    Days before the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, President Trump publicly itemised allied defence spending, labelling US contributions "ridiculous" and warning that Washington's unconditional support for the alliance cannot continue without fairer burden-sharing from European partners.

  • politics

    Turkey–EU: Security Brings Them Together

    Turkey-EU relations are entering a pragmatic rapprochement driven by security cooperation and trade interdependence. Customs Union modernization and visa liberalization remain unresolved, while regional disputes like the Blue Homeland law keep reminding both sides how fragile the relationship is.

  • defense

    Erdoğan Calls for Balanced Burden-Sharing Ahead of Ankara NATO Summit

    As Türkiye prepares to host the 36th NATO Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July, President Erdoğan has pressed for a more balanced distribution of responsibility among allies, arguing Türkiye's defence contributions should not be sidelined by narrow political interests within the alliance.

  • defense

    Germany Rearms: Reshaping Europe's Defence

    Germany is rapidly becoming Europe's leading military power through record defence spending, long-term procurement and an expanding defence industry led by Rheinmetall. Berlin's historic rearmament is reshaping European security, strengthening NATO capabilities while altering the continent's strategic balance.

  • general

    FA Investigates Training Equipment Break-In

    England’s World Cup preparations suffered a setback after training equipment was stolen from transport vehicles in Kansas City. Footballs and boots are among the items feared missing. Police launched an investigation and made two arrests as the FA assesses the impact.

  • conferences events festivals

    Stars Shine at World Cup Opening

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with spectacular opening ceremonies featuring Katy Perry, Future, Tyla, Shakira, and other global stars. The tournament is the largest in history, featuring 48 nations.

  • general

    NASA’s Next Moon Mission

    NASA has announced the crew for Artemis III, a mission originally intended to land astronauts on the Moon. Due to delays involving SpaceX and Blue Origin technologies, the mission will instead test lunar landing procedures in Earth orbit, paving the way for future Moon exploration.

  • general

    Climate Challenge for FIFA 2026

    Climate experts warn that up to a quarter of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be played in very hot conditions. High temperatures and humidity may affect player performance, increase health risks, and challenge organizers despite cooling systems and heat-management measures.

  • general

    Rescue Efforts Continue After Quake

    A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 100. The quake triggered tsunami alerts across the Asia-Pacific region, caused landslides, destroyed buildings, and displaced thousands as rescue operations continue.

  • technology

    America’s Growing AI Backlash

    Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly unpopular among Americans despite its growing use in everyday life and business. Concerns over jobs, privacy, misinformation, and ethics continue to rise, yet massive investments and economic incentives suggest AI’s rapid expansion is unlikely to slow.

  • general

    A Mass for the Margins

    Pope Leo drew 1.2 million faithful to Madrid’s Cibeles Square, delivering a powerful Mass urging Catholics to serve the poor. Declaring that God “identifies with the forsaken,” he called for inclusive cities and respect for migrants during his historic first EU visit outside Italy.

  • general

    France Turns Up the Heat on Israel

    France’s Foreign Minister warns that new sanctions targeting Israeli settlers and their supporters could land within days, as Western nations unite in condemning the surge of violence and illegal settlement expansion across the occupied West Bank.

  • general

    Armenia’s European Moment

    Armenia’s parliamentary election tests PM Pashinyan’s pro-European pivot as his Civil Contract party faces pro-Russian opposition. With peace with Azerbaijan, democratic integrity, and ties to Moscow all on the line, Armenians cast votes that could reshape the country’s future.

  • defense

    Norway Joins Europe’s Emerging Nuclear Architecture

    Norway joined France’s nuclear deterrence programme, signaling Europe’s growing push for strategic autonomy and reduced dependence on the US. The initiative strengthens Europe’s northern and eastern security architecture while raising major geopolitical and legal questions regarding NATO, Russia, and the NPT framework.

  • politics

    Abraham Accords Expansion: Rising Pressure on Turkey and Qatar

    Trump’s push to expand the Abraham Accords by involving Qatar, Turkey, and others alongside Iran negotiations is increasing regional tension. While framed as a peace framework, the strategy risks diplomatic fractures due to conflicting interests over Israel, Iran, and Gaza dynamics.

  • defense

    The New Arms Race: UAVs, AI, and Electronic Warfare Integration

    Türkiye has become a major disruptive force in global UAV warfare with Baykar, TAI, ASELSAN, and Roketsan. The US leads high-end autonomous systems, Israel dominates ISR technologies, Europe focuses on integrated defense networks, and China controls mass production. Drone warfare is shifting toward AI-driven, scalable ecosystems.

  • economy

    ESPRESSODAY: A Kazakhstan-based global coffee chain

    Espressoday is a rapidly growing coffee chain in Kazakhstan with 95+ locations, aiming for global expansion through a strong franchise model and operational infrastructure. It offers a scalable, technology-driven, and training-focused system with a goal of 1,000 branches in 10 years.

  • health

    Green Vitamin: The Rising Wellness Brand from Aktobe

    Green Vitamin, a wheatgrass brand founded in Aktobe, has expanded into the markets of Russia, the UAE, and Belarus. With its rich vitamin, calcium, and natural energy content, the brand continues attracting attention in the global wellness industry.

  • defense

    Europe’s Interest in Türkiye’s Defense Industry

    European countries are increasing their interest in Türkiye’s defense industry. German defense circles are closely monitoring the Yıldırımhan intercontinental ballistic missile project and the Tayfun Blok air defense system, while the Baykar-Leonardo partnership also stands out in Europe.

  • economy

    Belgium and Türkiye: Trade Target Raised to 15 Billion Euros

    Belgium’s 2026 Economic Mission to Türkiye resulted in around 30 agreements in trade, investment, logistics, energy, and digital transformation. The two countries aim to increase their current 9 billion euro trade volume to 15 billion euros.

  • defense

    America’s Troop Withdrawal and Europe’s Anxiety

    The planned withdrawal of US troops from Germany reflects growing tensions within NATO and uncertainty in transatlantic relations. As Washington questions European alignment with US strategic priorities, Germany increasingly seeks military and political autonomy, signaling a shift toward a more competitive Western order.

  • defense

    EA-18G Growler: The Era of Electronic Warfare in U.S. Air Doctrine

    The EA-18G Growler is becoming central to U.S. electronic warfare strategy, increasingly used in real operations. Upgraded jamming systems and AI integration enhance its ability to suppress enemy air defenses, making it a key invisible strike asset in modern air combat.

  • politics

    German Citizenship and the Strategic Adaptability of the Jewish Diaspora

    The growing number of Jewish descendants applying for German citizenship reflects changing global security dynamics, strategic mobility, and pragmatic adaptation. The trend illustrates how historical memory, institutional trust, and geopolitical uncertainty reshape modern concepts of belonging and citizenship.

  • defense

    Historic Record in Global Military Spending

    Global military spending hit a record $2.9 trillion in 2025. Europe led growth through rearmament, Asia-Pacific spending rose amid China tensions, and the Russia-Ukraine war sustained high budgets. Defense competition and strategic uncertainty continue to shape global security dynamics.

  • politics

    China–Uzbekistan Poverty Reduction Cooperation Framework

    China and Uzbekistan are strengthening institutional cooperation on poverty reduction through policy dialogue and pilot projects. China’s experience in rural development supports Uzbekistan’s structural transformation, aiming at sustainable growth and enhanced development capacity.