munich security conference

France is ditching Microsoft Windows for Linux, a significant step in Europe's push for digital sovereignty and reduced reliance on American tech giants. This move, aimed at regaining control over data and digital infrastructure, aligns with broader EU efforts to lessen dependence on foreign technology. The initiative begins with government digital agencies, signaling a strategic shift in national digital policy.

Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion urges Europe to reduce its reliance on external powers like the US and invest more in its own technological capabilities. He highlights decades of underinvestment and structural gaps, emphasizing the need for greater venture capital and institutional investors to foster innovation and reverse technological decline.

European companies are warning the EU against a rapid reduction in reliance on US technology providers, citing operational difficulties and high costs. Businesses argue that achieving "tech sovereignty" quickly is challenging without impacting their global competitiveness and that comparable European alternatives are currently limited.

Expanding on the EU's strategic priorities, she added, "And on top of trade, we are creating partnerships on security and defence, 10 so far, including India and Australia this year alone."

China on Sunday announced a “significant drop” in coronavirus cases, as the WHO team scrambled to assist Beijing in containing the spread of the virus that has claimed 1,665 lives so far. The confirmed cases jumped to 68,500. Of the new deaths, 139 were in Hubei, two in Sichuan, and one in Hunan.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of the munich security conference and discussed bilateral relationship ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to India this month. "..Allowed us to take stock of the relationship as we look forward to @realDonaldTrump 's visit," Jaishankar tweeted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the munich security conference and appreciated her willingness in taking the 'India-Bangladesh Maitri' forward. EAM Jaishankar also met Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. India hosts the WHOSEAR, the top health body's South East Asia Region's headquarters.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the US and Europe to jointly rebuild trans-Atlantic trust amidst rising global rivalries, warning against isolationism. He emphasized a "new trans-Atlantic partnership," distancing Europe from US "culture wars" and advocating for free trade. Merz highlighted Europe's increased defense spending and commitment to a stronger European pillar within NATO, signaling a shift towards greater shared responsibility.

US Vice President JD Vance was booed at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas attributing the reaction to "European pride" amid growing transatlantic tensions. Kallas cited recent US criticism of the EU, including Vance's questioning of shared democratic visions and comments on disinformation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held discussions with European Union ambassadors on India-EU ties and global issues. He expressed gratitude for their efforts in strengthening bilateral relations. EAM S Jaishankar was delighted to host the EU Ambassadors in New Delhi and shared insights from the munich security conference.

The External Affairs Minister had earlier met Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Marko Djuric on the sidelines of the conference on Saturday. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Greetings to FM @markodjuric, the government and people of Serbia on their Statehood Day. Appreciate our long-standing partnership."

Estonian official Kaja Kallas sharply responded to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks on free speech. Kallas highlighted Estonia's high ranking in a freedom of speech index, contrasting it with the US's lower position, suggesting a lecture from the US was 'interesting'.