Macron Urges Europe to Assert Itself Amid Global Challenges; Kenya to Confront Russia Over Soldier Recruitment; Tech Giants Face Scrutiny
PARIS/NAIROBI/LONDON - In a week marked by international tensions and corporate scrutiny, several major news stories have emerged. French President Emmanuel Macron called on Europe to act as a global power, Kenya vowed to confront Russia over the recruitment of its citizens to fight in Ukraine, and tech giants Apple and Google, along with Meta, faced regulatory pressures.
Speaking to a group of European newspapers, Macron warned that Europe faced a "massive challenge, in a world of disorder." He urged the continent to assert itself on the world stage, stating it was time to start acting like a "power." Macron highlighted the need for Europe to strengthen its economy, defense, security, and democratic systems, according to BBC World.
Meanwhile, Kenya announced it would confront Russia over the reported recruitment of Kenyan citizens to fight in the war in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi called the practice "unacceptable and clandestine" and stated that Nairobi had shut down illegal recruiters. The Kenyan government estimates that around 200 of its nationals have been recruited, according to BBC World. Kenya will urge Moscow to sign a deal banning the conscription of Kenyan soldiers.
In the tech sector, Apple and Google agreed to make changes to their app stores in the UK following an intervention from the UK markets regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA stated the tech giants had committed to not giving preferential treatment to their own apps and would be transparent about how others are approved for sale. This comes seven months after the regulator said Apple and Google had an "effective duopoly" in the UK, according to BBC Technology. The CMA's head Sarah Cardell said the proposed commitments "will boost the UK's app economy."
The European Union also took action against Meta, telling the company it had breached its rules by blocking rival AI firms' chatbots from WhatsApp. The European Commission stated WhatsApp was an "important entry point" for AI chatbots to reach people and claimed Meta was abusing its dominant position by blocking them, according to BBC Technology. A Meta spokesperson told the BBC the EU had "no reason" to intervene.
In business news, BP reported a drop in annual profits and increased its target for cost cutting as the oil giant was hit by the fall in crude prices last year. Profits for 2025 were reported at 7.5 billion, down from 8.9 billion the year before. BP also said it was suspending its share buyback program and cutting spending. The company has recently switched strategy away from investment in renewable energy projects to refocus on oil and gas operations, according to BBC Business.
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