US Vice President JD Vance told European leaders they face “no more urgent challenge” than mass migration, as he handed Washington's allies a brutal dressing down for what he portrayed as a culture of censorship and elitism, at a key defence summit on Friday.
Mr Vance told the Munich Security Conference that “no voter” in Europe had gone to the ballot box to “open the floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants”. He described an incident in which more than 30 people were injured by a car driven by an Afghan asylum seeker in the southern German city a day earlier, as one of the “horrors wrought” by Europe's liberal policies.
“It’s a terrible story, but it’s one we’ve heard way too many times in Europe,” Mr Vance told the conference.
Touching only briefly on the keenly anticipated issue of US President Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine, Mr Vance said the US “believes we can come to a reasonable settlement” between Kyiv and Moscow, as he repeated Washington's urgings for Europe to spend more on defence.
But he devoted most of his speech to telling Europe that its biggest danger was not from Russia or China but from abandoning the values of the “Cold War winners”.
“What I worry about is the threat from within. The retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America,” said Mr Vance, who is a champion of declining communities in the US.
He gave examples such as prosecutions of religious activists and the annulment of the Romanian presidential election in December due to allegations of Russian-funded interference and disinformation.
Watch: US and Europe clash on first day of Munich Security Conference
“There is no security if you are afraid of the voices, the opinions and the conscience that guide your very own people,” said the Vice President.
“The crisis this continent faces right now – the crisis we all face together – is one of our own making. If you’re running in fear of your own voters, there is nothing America can do for you.”
Ukraine funding
Mr Vance was expected to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for face-to-face talks later on Friday. The Ukrainian leader has expressed concerns about US proposals to end the Russia-Ukraine war, saying his country must be included in talks.
A peace agreement could end up being just “a pause, without the real security guarantees”, Mr Zelenskyy said on Friday. “I don't want to give him a pause and be the person in history who helped Putin to occupy my country.”
The US Vice President appeared to mock European efforts to appease Mr Trump with pledges to spend more on defence.
Minutes before Mr Vance spoke, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conceded that EU states had “outsourced” their security in recent years and should spend more on their militaries. She declined to name a figure such as Mr Trump’s proposal of putting 5 per cent of gross domestic product into defence.
Ms von der Leyen also said it was time to move mountains to accelerate the accession of Ukraine into EU. She claimed that a collapse of Ukraine would rebound on the US as well.
“A failed Ukraine would weaken Europe, but it would also weaken the United States,” she said. “It would intensify the challenges in the Indo-Pacific.” She called for Europe as well Ukraine to have a seat at the negotiating table as President Trump’s talks process with Vladimir Putin gets under way, as the third anniversary of the war that began on February 24, 2022 looms.
Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned that Europe and the US were on the brink of a departure point, warning that diplomacy was not a “cage fight” for Germany.
“It is clear that the American administration holds a world view that is very different from our own,” he said. “One that shows no regard for established rules for partnerships that have grown over a long time and for a trust that has been built over time.
“We cannot change that, we have to accept it. We will deal with it, but I'm convinced that it is not in the interest of the international community for this world view to become the dominant paradigm. The absence of rules must not become the guiding principle of a new world order.
“That is why, in any scenario, our support for Ukraine must continue, both from Europeans and Americans. Despite all the turmoil, I believe in the international community. Diplomacy is not a fight, not a cage fight.”
In the US, Congressman Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said Mr Vance's "hollow reiteration of the ‘might makes right’ rhetoric weakens our standing in the world and our national security and defence."
“His ham-fisted attempt to gaslight those fighting for democracy in the face of blatant Russian aggression and Putin’s bloodthirsty desire to break [Nato] and fracture the 50-plus nation coalition that has come to Ukraine’s defence as it fights for survival was an appalling display of cynicism and cowardice," Mr Smith said.
The Munich conference began days after Mr Trump held talks with Mr Putin on seeking an end to the three-year war in Ukraine, sparking fears they will cut a deal that disadvantages Kyiv and Europe.
Amid tectonic shifts in US policy towards Europe, Nato members were told on Wednesday by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that the US will “no longer tolerate” Europe being dependent on American military might. He also called it unrealistic for Ukraine to join Nato or reclaim all of its internationally recognised territory.
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a call with Mr Zelenskyy on Friday that he was “unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine”, Downing Street said. He also “reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to Nato”.
Mr Zelenskyy has avoided openly criticising Mr Trump, but has used a round of calls with fellow European leaders to stress that “no negotiations with Putin can begin without a united position” between Ukraine, Europe and the US. On Friday he reported a Russian drone strike on the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, saying radiation levels were normal but that Moscow “is definitely not preparing for negotiations”. Russia has denied any claims it attacked Chernobyl.
Concern has been expressed in Europe that Mr Trump's team is already making key concessions to Russia. “We shouldn’t take anything off the table before the negotiations have even started, because it plays to Russia’s court,” said the EU's foreign affairs commissioner, Kaja Kallas.
Mr Hegseth fired back that he was merely “recognising some realities that exist on the ground”. He said neither Russia nor Ukraine will “get everything that they want” in negotiations to end the war.
Munich Security Conference – in pictures
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Our House, Louise Candlish,
Simon & Schuster
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:
Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')
Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate
Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL
Al Nasr 2
(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)
Shabab Al Ahli 1
(Jaber 13)
School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
Results
5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: Panadol, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
6.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m, Winner: Mayehaab, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh85,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Monoski, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Eastern World, Royston Ffrench, Charlie Appleby
7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Madkal, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
8.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Taneen, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
Elvis
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The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm
Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh317,671
On sale: now
How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
THE%20SPECS
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Kanye%20West
%3Cp%3EYe%20%E2%80%94%20the%20rapper%20formerly%20known%20as%20Kanye%20West%20%E2%80%94%20has%20seen%20his%20net%20worth%20fall%20to%20%24400%20million%20in%20recent%20weeks.%20That%E2%80%99s%20a%20precipitous%20drop%20from%20Bloomberg%E2%80%99s%20estimates%20of%20%246.8%20billion%20at%20the%20end%20of%202021.%3Cbr%3EYe%E2%80%99s%20wealth%20plunged%20after%20business%20partners%2C%20including%20Adidas%2C%20severed%20ties%20with%20him%20on%20the%20back%20of%20anti-Semitic%20remarks%20earlier%20this%20year.%3Cbr%3EWest%E2%80%99s%20present%20net%20worth%20derives%20from%20cash%2C%20his%20music%2C%20real%20estate%20and%20a%20stake%20in%20former%20wife%20Kim%20Kardashian%E2%80%99s%20shapewear%20firm%2C%20Skims.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
Company%20profile
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Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
Stormy seas
Weather warnings show that Storm Eunice is soon to make landfall. The videographer and I are scrambling to return to the other side of the Channel before it does. As we race to the port of Calais, I see miles of wire fencing topped with barbed wire all around it, a silent ‘Keep Out’ sign for those who, unlike us, aren’t lucky enough to have the right to move freely and safely across borders.
We set sail on a giant ferry whose length dwarfs the dinghies migrants use by nearly a 100 times. Despite the windy rain lashing at the portholes, we arrive safely in Dover; grateful but acutely aware of the miserable conditions the people we’ve left behind are in and of the privilege of choice.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Freezer tips
- Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
- If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
- Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
Company%20profile
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