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The European Union is moving to restrict the energy and water consumption of data centres, a sector whose rapid growth driven by cloud computing and artificial intelligence has put mounting pressure on electricity grids and water supplies. The proposal signals tighter regulation of tech infrastructure across member states, with debate focusing on how sustainability rules will affect data centre operators and Europe's digital economy.

Switzerland is set to vote on a citizens' initiative that would write permanent military neutrality into the constitution. Supporters argue it would protect the country's long-standing tradition of staying out of foreign conflicts and alliances. Critics, including the government and most major parties, warn it could limit Switzerland's flexibility in foreign policy, especially regarding sanctions against Russia and cooperation with NATO and the European Union.

Montenegrin commentary argues that Brussels is closely monitoring the country's EU accession process and that the rules of the game are clearly defined. Part of the reforms required on the road to European Union membership are affecting the political space, with the EU showing it will not turn a blind eye to how candidates meet its standards.

Discussion in India centres on which candidates the BJP will field from Uttar Pradesh for the Rajya Sabha, with Union minister Smriti Irani among the names being floated. ABP News reports that several figures are under consideration as the party finalises its list, keeping speculation about Irani's potential return to Parliament alive.

Bill Gates says reaching international agreement on artificial intelligence regulation will prove harder than the Cold War-era nuclear arms negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union. He argues AI is developing faster and more diffusely than nuclear technology, making coordinated global rules difficult. His comments come as governments worldwide struggle to agree on oversight of rapidly advancing AI systems.

Euractiv has published an interview arguing that independent musicians are suffering collateral damage from the European Union's tightening rules on waste. The piece suggests environmental regulations aimed at cutting waste are inadvertently burdening the indie music sector, which relies heavily on physical formats and small-scale merchandising. Concerns centre on how compliance costs and restrictions affect small labels and touring artists.

Barrick Mining has reached an agreement with unions at its Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex in Mali, defusing an immediate threat of strike action at the site. The deal eases tensions at one of the company's largest African operations, which has faced repeated disputes with workers and the Malian authorities over operations, staffing and revenue. Details of the terms have not been disclosed.

Lecturers at the University of Edinburgh have started a five-week strike in protest at planned job cuts and cost-saving measures. The industrial action is expected to disrupt teaching for students, with the university and union at odds over how to manage budget pressures. The strike adds to a wave of disputes over redundancies across UK higher education.

The Council of the European Union is raising the question of a payment system made in Europe, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign card networks and payment platforms. The discussion fits into wider EU efforts around digital sovereignty, the digital euro project and strategic autonomy in financial infrastructure. Reactions online mix support for European independence in payments with scepticism about whether a new system can compete with established providers.

Commentary in Internationale Politik Quarterly argues that a showdown between the European Union and China is inevitable. The piece frames growing economic and political friction between Brussels and Beijing as the defining global issue to watch. With trade tensions and strategic rivalry intensifying worldwide, the claim is drawing attention among readers following EU-China relations.

Moldova's Finance Minister has warned that the country must not squander European Union funds earmarked for reforms. The statement underlines pressure on Chisinau to use the support effectively as the country pushes forward with reforms on its path toward closer EU integration, with observers watching how responsibly the money will be managed.

A strike at the University of Oregon looks imminent after the union representing workers said the university failed to put forward an acceptable contract offer. The union announced that bargaining has not produced a deal, setting the stage for a walkout that could disrupt classes and campus operations in Eugene. Details of the outstanding issues were not immediately available.