European businesses consider using open-weight Chinese AI systems to strengthen technological sovereignty, as they offer greater operational control when hosted locally, despite introducing new supply-chain dependencies.
Chinese firm Jingye Group is demanding compensation from the UK government for investment losses following the nationalisation of British Steel, stating the move damaged credibility and international investment rules. Jingye has initiated negotiation procedures and reserves the right to international arbitration.
South Korea's defense ministry highlighted the push to retake wartime operational control (OPCON) from the US as a key achievement. The allies are verifying full operational capability (FOC) for the transfer, with a roadmap expected this fall.
South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has identified the establishment of a ROK-led combined defense system and the restoration of wartime operational control (OPCON) as key achievements one year into the Lee Jae-myung administration. Efforts are underway to finalize a roadmap for OPCON transition with the US and enhance the capabilities of combined component commands.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Greece on joint production of naval drones have stalled after Kyiv demanded operational control over how Athens could use the technology. The countries agreed last November that Ukraine would supply components for Magura-type attack drones built at Greek shipyards, with Greek companies manufacturing electronic and optical systems. Greece rejected Ukraine's demand, believing Kyiv set these terms to maintain strategic balance with rival Türkiye, which has opposed Ankara's EU Drone Wall bid.
Repsol has confirmed regaining operational control of its oil assets in Venezuela after reaching an agreement with the Venezuelan government and state oil company PDVSA. The deal includes a mechanism to secure payments through oil shipments and enables the Spanish company to expand output, with plans to triple production within three years. The agreement follows years of operational constraints due to US sanctions and comes as Washington eases restrictions to boost global crude supply. The deal does not include a commitment to settle the nearly $4.55 billion owed to Repsol but guarantees collection of future production.
