Mark Rutte has officially taken office as NATO's new secretary general, seeking to strengthen the transatlantic alliance at a crucial juncture. The handover took place on Tuesday at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, where Rutte and his predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg, laid a wreath at the NATO Memorial to the Fallen and performed a ceremonial passing of the gavel. At a special session of the North Atlantic Council, Rutte outlined his three priorities for NATO: maintaining the 32-member coalition's strength and credibility, bolstering support for Ukraine, and strengthening partnerships.
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Category: Policy Updates
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US Proposes Ban on Connected Vehicle Tech Linked to China, Russia
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking prohibiting American companies from importing and selling connected vehicle components with origins from China or Russia. The draft rule targets hardware and software used in vehicles’ connectivity and automated driving systems, preventing or lowering the chance of possible...
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Canada, Japan Discuss Defense Collaboration Opportunities in Indo-Pacific Region
Canadian Minister of National Defence Bill Blair met with Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru on Friday to discuss peacekeeping, training and research opportunities in the Indo-Pacific. In the talks, Blair expressed his country’s commitment to supporting a free, open and inclusive region amid provocations from North Korea, Russia’s growing influence and territorial disputes in...
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60 Nations Endorse Responsible AI Use Blueprint for Military Applications
The United States and 59 other countries have endorsed a document promoting responsible use of artificial intelligence in military applications, including integrating AI-powered technologies in drones, Reuters reported Tuesday. The document, introduced at the Responsible AI in the Military Domain summit in Seoul, serves as a blueprint for action to govern AI uses. It has...
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US Includes Exceptions in Critical Tech Export Controls to Promote International Collaboration
The United States has included exceptions in a new interim final rule introducing worldwide controls on specific items to promote collaboration among its international partners in advancing critical and emerging technologies. The IFR requires submitting license applications for exports, reexports and in-country transfers of quantum computing items, advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, field-effect transistors and additive...
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UK Enters AI Agreement to Uphold Human Rights, Democracy
The United Kingdom has signed an agreement with other members of the Council of Europe to ensure artificial intelligence use upholds human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The agreement, signed by Lord High Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood alongside her counterparts from the 46-nation Council of Europe, aims to...
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UK Blocks Some Arms Sales to Israel Over Human Rights Concerns in Gaza
The British government has suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel after a review determined that the military equipment covered by the permits might be used to commit international humanitarian law violations amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The suspended items, which the Israeli Defense Forces uses, include fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones and products...
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London Seeks Parliament Approval to Put Nuclear-Sharing Arrangments With US on Permanent Footing
The U.K. government has notified its Parliament of proposed revisions to the UK-US Mutual Defence Agreement that include indefinitely extending the nuclear cooperation arrangement between the two countries due to expire at the end of 2024. The proposed extension seeks to amend a provision in Article 5 of the 1958 agreement that subjects the pact...
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US Offers $450M Grant to Help SK hynix Build Memory Packaging Fab in Indiana
The U.S. Department of Commerce and Korean chipmaker SK hynix have reached a preliminary agreement of up to $450 million in proposed federal incentives to support the company’s construction of an advanced packaging and research plant in Indiana. The new building at the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette will house a production line capable...
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Canada Names New Defense Staff Vice Chief; Gen. Jennie Carignan Quoted
The Canadian Armed Forces has named Lt. Gen. Stephen Kelsey as vice chief of the defense staff, succeeding Lt. Gen. Frances Allen. Kelsey took over the command in a Thursday ceremony at National Defence Headquarters Carling. Gen. Jennie Carignan, Canada’s chief of the defense staff, presided over the event attended by military and civilian personnel....