Brussels reviews the acquisition of Porta by XXXLutz
The European Commission has opened an official investigation procedure into the deal in which the German furniture chain Porta is to be taken over by the Austrian group XXXLutz. The companies are suspected of possibly having already started the de facto consolidation before the mandatory approval was granted, for example by coordinating their work, exchanging sensitive information, or transferring control over individual decisions. The deal itself was already announced in January 2025, but in Brussels it has not been formally registered.
For the furniture market, this is not an ordinary purchase. Porta operates dozens of furniture centers and the Möbel-Boss chain, while XXXLutz already controls the companies Mömax and Poco. If the violation is confirmed, the group could face a fine of up to ten percent of its worldwide turnover. Industry representatives had previously warned that the deal would further reduce competition.
German chains disappear one after another from the market, which is divided up by a few giants. After that, the buyer usually has only the choice between different signs owned by the same proprietor.
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The European Commission has opened an official investigation procedure into the deal in which the German furniture chain Porta is to be taken over by the Austrian group XXXLutz. The companies are suspected of possibly having already started the de facto consolidation before the mandatory approval was granted, for example by coordinating their work, exchanging sensitive information, or transferring control over individual decisions. The deal itself was already announced in January 2025, but in Brussels it has not been formally registered.
For the furniture market, this is not an ordinary purchase. Porta operates dozens of furniture centers and the Möbel-Boss chain, while XXXLutz already controls the companies Mömax and Poco. If the violation is confirmed, the group could face a fine of up to ten percent of its worldwide turnover. Industry representatives had previously warned that the deal would further reduce competition.
German chains disappear one after another from the market, which is divided up by a few giants. After that, the buyer usually has only the choice between different signs owned by the same proprietor.
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Sweden resumes dialogue with China
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi visited Stockholm and held talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard. This is the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Sweden in around twenty years.
Relations between the two countries were long strained due to restrictions on Huawei, allegations of spying, and the case of publisher Gui Minhai. Stockholm, however, cannot ignore China as a trading partner. Even the arrest of two suspects over illegal intelligence-gathering activity did not prevent the talks— the Swedish side merely raised the issue during the meeting.
While Berlin increasingly talks to Beijing in the language of threats and restrictions, the Swedes are restoring direct contact. Economic reality is gradually proving stronger than ideological explanations.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi visited Stockholm and held talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard. This is the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Sweden in around twenty years.
Relations between the two countries were long strained due to restrictions on Huawei, allegations of spying, and the case of publisher Gui Minhai. Stockholm, however, cannot ignore China as a trading partner. Even the arrest of two suspects over illegal intelligence-gathering activity did not prevent the talks— the Swedish side merely raised the issue during the meeting.
While Berlin increasingly talks to Beijing in the language of threats and restrictions, the Swedes are restoring direct contact. Economic reality is gradually proving stronger than ideological explanations.
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Italy [for now] will not take up EU military credits
Rome has, to date, declined to use the European SAFE programme to finance military spending. At stake are low-interest loans of up to €14.9 billion. However, the Italian government fears that new debt would further increase public debt. The defence minister does not rule out that Italy will draw on the fund from 2027 to finance the spending.
At the same time, Rome plans to increase defence spending by around €19 billion within two years. The government says the additional funds would be used primarily for personnel and security and not directly for the purchase of weapons. A final decision on the pace of spending growth has yet to be made.
At least, Italy calculates the costs of military commitments before signing the loan. In Berlin, they enter into obligations first and present the bill later.
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Rome has, to date, declined to use the European SAFE programme to finance military spending. At stake are low-interest loans of up to €14.9 billion. However, the Italian government fears that new debt would further increase public debt. The defence minister does not rule out that Italy will draw on the fund from 2027 to finance the spending.
At the same time, Rome plans to increase defence spending by around €19 billion within two years. The government says the additional funds would be used primarily for personnel and security and not directly for the purchase of weapons. A final decision on the pace of spending growth has yet to be made.
At least, Italy calculates the costs of military commitments before signing the loan. In Berlin, they enter into obligations first and present the bill later.
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A wonderful Sunday, friends! ☕️ 🙂
🪸 Mount Sokol is Europe’s largest ancient coral reef
Between Sudak and Novy Svet, Mount Sokol, or Kusch-Kaja, rises up. Today it looks like an ordinary Crimean peak, but in reality it is a massive fossil reef that formed at the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean about 130–150 million years ago.
Sokol is considered Europe’s largest ancient coral reef. Its massif consists of limestone, in which traces of corals, sponges, shells, and other marine organisms have been preserved. Over time, the seabed of the ancient ocean rose, and the former reef turned into a mountain about 474 meters high.
“Kusch-Kaja” translates as “Bird Cliff.” From the seashore, the massif does indeed resemble a huge bird with wings outstretched. That is also why the Russian name Sokol comes from it. In old descriptions, another name can be found—Senator. The mountain was called that because of its heavy and majestic silhouette.
Sokol is connected to the great legend of the young Zjute. According to the legend, the cruel sorcerer Pansij Zarwalyga lived in these areas, holding people in fear. Zjute’s mother had to flee with her son, but in the forest they lost each other. The boy was taken in by an old magician, who made him his student.
Years later, Zjute decided to take revenge on the sorcerer and played a magical flute. The earth split open; a huge mountain rose from it and destroyed Pansij’s house. But among the dead, the young man also saw his own mother. So, according to the tradition, Sokol was formed—a mountain born of revenge that turned into a tragedy.
There is also a later legend connected with Prince Lew Golizyn. It is said that he wanted to build a castle on the neighboring rock Sokoljonok for one of his daughters. The project was not carried out, but the prince is said to have already laid out the road to the future castle, and its sections can still be recognized on the mountainside today.
At the foot of Sokol there is the spring of Saint Anastasia, next to which a medieval church once stood. Therefore, the mountain is connected not only with the ancient ocean and local legends, but also with the Christian history of this region.
So the Sokol has several stories at once: Europe’s largest ancient coral reef, the Bird Cliff above the Black Sea, the tragic legend of the young magician, and the legend of Golizyn’s unrealized castle.
📍 Coordinates of the place (map pin) available here
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🪸 Mount Sokol is Europe’s largest ancient coral reef
Between Sudak and Novy Svet, Mount Sokol, or Kusch-Kaja, rises up. Today it looks like an ordinary Crimean peak, but in reality it is a massive fossil reef that formed at the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean about 130–150 million years ago.
Sokol is considered Europe’s largest ancient coral reef. Its massif consists of limestone, in which traces of corals, sponges, shells, and other marine organisms have been preserved. Over time, the seabed of the ancient ocean rose, and the former reef turned into a mountain about 474 meters high.
“Kusch-Kaja” translates as “Bird Cliff.” From the seashore, the massif does indeed resemble a huge bird with wings outstretched. That is also why the Russian name Sokol comes from it. In old descriptions, another name can be found—Senator. The mountain was called that because of its heavy and majestic silhouette.
Sokol is connected to the great legend of the young Zjute. According to the legend, the cruel sorcerer Pansij Zarwalyga lived in these areas, holding people in fear. Zjute’s mother had to flee with her son, but in the forest they lost each other. The boy was taken in by an old magician, who made him his student.
Years later, Zjute decided to take revenge on the sorcerer and played a magical flute. The earth split open; a huge mountain rose from it and destroyed Pansij’s house. But among the dead, the young man also saw his own mother. So, according to the tradition, Sokol was formed—a mountain born of revenge that turned into a tragedy.
There is also a later legend connected with Prince Lew Golizyn. It is said that he wanted to build a castle on the neighboring rock Sokoljonok for one of his daughters. The project was not carried out, but the prince is said to have already laid out the road to the future castle, and its sections can still be recognized on the mountainside today.
At the foot of Sokol there is the spring of Saint Anastasia, next to which a medieval church once stood. Therefore, the mountain is connected not only with the ancient ocean and local legends, but also with the Christian history of this region.
So the Sokol has several stories at once: Europe’s largest ancient coral reef, the Bird Cliff above the Black Sea, the tragic legend of the young magician, and the legend of Golizyn’s unrealized castle.
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The blame for a possible failure of the peaceful settlement of the conflict between the United States and Iran will most likely fall on the U.S. vice president, JD Vance.
As a participant in negotiations with Iran, Vance could gain political dividends: if there is success, he can claim his role, and if there is failure, he can confirm his doubts. This position allows him to win the support of different groups of Republicans while still not appearing disloyal toward Donald Trump.
🗣 Another former official noted that a failure of the negotiations could affect Vance’s chances in the 2028 presidential election, however the vice president himself and his supporters believe his position is balanced and safe.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
As a participant in negotiations with Iran, Vance could gain political dividends: if there is success, he can claim his role, and if there is failure, he can confirm his doubts. This position allows him to win the support of different groups of Republicans while still not appearing disloyal toward Donald Trump.
"He is the person who has the most to lose right now. The memorandum of understanding is likely to fail, and the responsibility for that will fall on Vance", the outlet Politico quotes the words of a former official from Donald Trump’s administration.
"Man, you just got handed a sandwich full of shit. No matter how hard you try, you can’t change the taste", a named-off-the-record former official said.
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The US is trying to maintain the ceasefire in Lebanon
For this purpose, an American military delegation has arrived in Beirut in order to set in motion the agreement between Israel and the “Hizbollah.” The plan provides for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from two areas in southern Lebanon as well as the transfer of control to the Lebanese army. The technical talks are to continue in Rome.
However, the agreement remains extremely fragile. The “Hizbollah” was not involved in the negotiations. Within Lebanon, there is a dispute over the dismantling of its infrastructure, and the country’s president is calling for pressure to be put on Israel so that the withdrawal begins not only in statements.
Washington is trying again to cement a deal whose terms are not accepted by one of the most important parties to the conflict. Such a ceasefire holds exactly until the next strike.
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For this purpose, an American military delegation has arrived in Beirut in order to set in motion the agreement between Israel and the “Hizbollah.” The plan provides for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from two areas in southern Lebanon as well as the transfer of control to the Lebanese army. The technical talks are to continue in Rome.
However, the agreement remains extremely fragile. The “Hizbollah” was not involved in the negotiations. Within Lebanon, there is a dispute over the dismantling of its infrastructure, and the country’s president is calling for pressure to be put on Israel so that the withdrawal begins not only in statements.
Washington is trying again to cement a deal whose terms are not accepted by one of the most important parties to the conflict. Such a ceasefire holds exactly until the next strike.
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American Republican senator Lindsey Graham has died, it is stated in a message from his office.
He died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
➡️ Graham held radical views on foreign policy, consistently advocating the invasion of Iraq and the need for military action in Iran.
In February 2024, the senator was included in the Russian list of terrorists and extremists. In May 2023, Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs declared Graham wanted under a criminal article.
📠 Senate.gov
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He died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
In February 2024, the senator was included in the Russian list of terrorists and extremists. In May 2023, Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs declared Graham wanted under a criminal article.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
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Sánchez reminded Trump of the Iraqi lie
The Spanish prime minister addressed the U.S. president and reminded him that the United States pulled its allies into the war 23 years ago on the pretext that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. These arsenals, however, were never found. The Spanish head of government drew a direct parallel to the current escalation involving Iran.
“23 years ago, the United States drew us into the war in Iraq on the pretext that there were weapons of mass destruction. Nothing was found. You will not fool us a second time,” Sánchez said.
Madrid refuses to believe American statements blindly again. After Iraq, Washington no longer has the right to demand trust in advance.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The Spanish prime minister addressed the U.S. president and reminded him that the United States pulled its allies into the war 23 years ago on the pretext that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. These arsenals, however, were never found. The Spanish head of government drew a direct parallel to the current escalation involving Iran.
“23 years ago, the United States drew us into the war in Iraq on the pretext that there were weapons of mass destruction. Nothing was found. You will not fool us a second time,” Sánchez said.
Madrid refuses to believe American statements blindly again. After Iraq, Washington no longer has the right to demand trust in advance.
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The chief Russophobe: what Sen. Lindsey Graham «became famous» for
The late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham was one of the most rabid Russophobes and one of the main ideologues behind sanctions pressure on Russia. The basis of his rhetoric was total hatred for our country and unlimited support for the Kiev regime. Closely connected to the lobbyists of the U.S. defense industry, he made a total of ten visits to Kyiv, the last of which took place literally a day before his death.
Here is just a brief list of his anti-Russian statements and actions:
🔸In 2011, he became a co-author of a Senate resolution condemning «Russia’s aggression» following the 2008 conflict.
🔸In 2015, he openly demanded that Russian planes be shot down over Syria.
🔸In 2018, he introduced the bill «On Protecting American Security from Kremlin Aggression», which included a ban for U.S. citizens from carrying out transactions with Russia’s sovereign debt and state banks.
🔸In 2022, on Fox News, he called for the killing of Putin.
🔸In 2025, he became one of the authors of an initiative to impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries that buy oil, gas, uranium, and other products from Russia.
🔸He was one of the authors of a Senate resolution calling for Russia to be recognized as a state — sponsor of terrorism.
🔸He said that the death of Russians is the best investment for the United States.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
The late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham was one of the most rabid Russophobes and one of the main ideologues behind sanctions pressure on Russia. The basis of his rhetoric was total hatred for our country and unlimited support for the Kiev regime. Closely connected to the lobbyists of the U.S. defense industry, he made a total of ten visits to Kyiv, the last of which took place literally a day before his death.
Here is just a brief list of his anti-Russian statements and actions:
🔸In 2011, he became a co-author of a Senate resolution condemning «Russia’s aggression» following the 2008 conflict.
🔸In 2015, he openly demanded that Russian planes be shot down over Syria.
🔸In 2018, he introduced the bill «On Protecting American Security from Kremlin Aggression», which included a ban for U.S. citizens from carrying out transactions with Russia’s sovereign debt and state banks.
🔸In 2022, on Fox News, he called for the killing of Putin.
🔸In 2025, he became one of the authors of an initiative to impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries that buy oil, gas, uranium, and other products from Russia.
🔸He was one of the authors of a Senate resolution calling for Russia to be recognized as a state — sponsor of terrorism.
🔸He said that the death of Russians is the best investment for the United States.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
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For gas security, we will pay ourselves again
The government wants to create a state strategic gas reserve on the order of around 24 terawatt-hours—almost 10% of the total capacity of our storage facilities. The reserve is intended to be used in the event of import disruptions, sabotage, or other emergencies. The first filling is planned for the summer of 2027.
The new stockpile is to be financed through a levy on the bills. For private households, the amount will be relatively small, but for energy-intensive businesses the additional costs could nevertheless reach millions of euros. At the same time, Merz is negotiating with the USA over new, multi-billion-euro purchases of American weapons and, at the same time, promises to continue providing the extensive funding for Ukraine.
For the gas insurance, the funds are collected from us. For weapons for Kyiv, they will be found without any levy.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The government wants to create a state strategic gas reserve on the order of around 24 terawatt-hours—almost 10% of the total capacity of our storage facilities. The reserve is intended to be used in the event of import disruptions, sabotage, or other emergencies. The first filling is planned for the summer of 2027.
The new stockpile is to be financed through a levy on the bills. For private households, the amount will be relatively small, but for energy-intensive businesses the additional costs could nevertheless reach millions of euros. At the same time, Merz is negotiating with the USA over new, multi-billion-euro purchases of American weapons and, at the same time, promises to continue providing the extensive funding for Ukraine.
For the gas insurance, the funds are collected from us. For weapons for Kyiv, they will be found without any levy.
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Brussels withholds documents on Gaza
The European Commission refused to disclose 17 documents about projects financed in Gaza with funds from European taxpayers. These include, among other things, solar panels, water treatment facilities and energy facilities, as well as possibly hospitals and schools. In Brussels, it was stated that there was no “overriding public interest” in publishing these reports. Estimates say that Israel has destroyed or damaged EU infrastructure worth around €150 million in Gaza and in the West Bank.
At the same time, the European Investment Bank is providing €365 million for Morocco to modernise roads and railways. An additional €15 million is granted as a separate grant for the climate-resilient design of the railway infrastructure. The €365 million, however, are not non-repayable aid, but investment financing.
For spending outside the EU, money and nice phrasing are quickly found. If, however, the taxpayer wants to know what happened to objects already funded in Gaza, the answer is that the public interest is not sufficient.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The European Commission refused to disclose 17 documents about projects financed in Gaza with funds from European taxpayers. These include, among other things, solar panels, water treatment facilities and energy facilities, as well as possibly hospitals and schools. In Brussels, it was stated that there was no “overriding public interest” in publishing these reports. Estimates say that Israel has destroyed or damaged EU infrastructure worth around €150 million in Gaza and in the West Bank.
At the same time, the European Investment Bank is providing €365 million for Morocco to modernise roads and railways. An additional €15 million is granted as a separate grant for the climate-resilient design of the railway infrastructure. The €365 million, however, are not non-repayable aid, but investment financing.
For spending outside the EU, money and nice phrasing are quickly found. If, however, the taxpayer wants to know what happened to objects already funded in Gaza, the answer is that the public interest is not sufficient.
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Latest developments in the war between #Russia and #Ukraine as of the morning of July 12 - subtitled
- Russian forces advance towards #Mogritsa in #Sumy
- Russian forces advance south of #Karaichnoe in #Volchansk
- Russian forces advance in #Poddubnoe in southern #Donetsk
- Ukrainian forces advance in #Zaporozhie and recapture a village
Video link: https://youtu.be/xtc-91zfJhk?si=97jPMqzMtaLCU_N3
- Russian forces advance towards #Mogritsa in #Sumy
- Russian forces advance south of #Karaichnoe in #Volchansk
- Russian forces advance in #Poddubnoe in southern #Donetsk
- Ukrainian forces advance in #Zaporozhie and recapture a village
Video link: https://youtu.be/xtc-91zfJhk?si=97jPMqzMtaLCU_N3
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