Eurotopics.net

In the wiretapping scandal that shook Greece in 2022, a court has sentenced four businessmen associated with spyware manufacturer Intellexa to prison on Thursday. The Predator spyware was used for illegal wiretapping operations against politicians, journalists, military personnel and entrepreneurs. The national press is now pushing for further clarification of the case.

US President Donald Trump has praised his government's policies in his State of the Union address. He declared that the US border was secure, the economy was booming and America's enemies were afraid, speaking of a new "golden age for America". Commentators take a closer look at his speech and criticise a lack of clarity on foreign policy.

Against the backdrop of a massive US military build-up, indirect talks between the US and Iran are set to resume in Geneva today, with Oman acting as mediator. While Tehran wants the negotiations to be limited to its nuclear programme and the lifting of sanctions, the US is insisting on agreements that include Iran's missile programme. Commentators focus on Donald Trump's strategy.

A debate about what to do with Hungary is underway after it blocked both new sanctions against Russia and an aid loan for Ukraine. EU Council President António Costa has stressed that no EU member state should be allowed to undermine the credibility of EU decisions, and several MEPs have called for its voting rights to be withdrawn.