Finland and Sweden one step closer to NATO membership as Turkey agrees

Published

4 years ago

June 29, 2022

Finland and Sweden are one step closer to NATO membership after Turkey officially agrees to support their nominations

Turkey has officially agreed to support Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership applications, paving the way for the two Nordic nations to join the strategic alliance.

Lifting its veto, Turkey has now ended a weeks-long debate which has tested Western unity over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Finland’s President says the breakthrough comes after the three nations signed a joint memorandum to extend support against threats to each other’s security.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says the memorandum addresses Turkey’s concerns.

FILE PHOTO: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a news conference on the eve of a NATO summit, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in Brussels, Belgium March 23, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

“I am pleased to announce that we now have an agreement that paves the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO,” he told reporters at the NATO summit in Madrid.

“Turkey, Finland and Sweden have signed a memorandum that addresses Turkey’s concerns, including around arms exports and the fight against terrorism,”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

This all happened just hours before a NATO summit began in Madrid, with leaders hoping to display unity in the face of Russian aggression.

Finland and Sweden’s application to join the nuclear-armed alliance is the biggest shift in European security in decades.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the leaders of the G7 nations on Monday, pressing them for more heavy weaponry and help to end the war before winter sets in.

It comes as Russia defaults on debt for the first time in a century.

Australia issues evacuation advisory for diplomats and citizens in the Middle East

Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.

Published

13 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.

Families of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon have been ordered to evacuate as tensions in the region continue to rise. The government is prioritising the safety of its personnel and their families.

All other Australians have been urged to leave while commercial flights and other travel options are still available. Authorities are emphasising the importance of acting quickly before options become limited.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned that the security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable and volatile.

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News

Trump signals possible action on Iran nuclear threat

Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.

Published

13 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as the US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.

President Donald Trump laid out a strong warning to Iran during his State of the Union address. He labelled Tehran as the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism and signalled that the U.S. might take action if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions.

Trump emphasised that Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, along with its backing of militant groups, pose serious threats to regional stability.

This comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear developments and the stalled diplomatic efforts to curb them.

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News

Qantas announces 8,500 jobs and frequent flyer changes

Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion

Published

14 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Ahron Young

Qantas announces 8500 new jobs and frequent flyer program revamp after record half-year profit of $1.46 billion

In Short:
– Qantas reported a $1.46 billion half-year profit, planning to create 8,500 jobs by 2030.
– Frequent Flyer program changes include earning status credits on the ground and rolling over excess credits.

The Qantas Group reported a record half-year profit of $1.46 billion for the first half of the 2026 financial year, an increase of $71 million compared to the previous period. The airline plans to create 8,500 jobs by 2030 and re-establish a cabin crew base in Singapore, along with new initiatives for frequent flyers.Statutory profit after tax rose to $925 million, allowing shareholders to receive a fully franked dividend of 19.8 cents per share.

The current underlying profit surpasses the record set in 2023 under former CEO Alan Joyce. Chief executive Vanessa Hudson highlighted a commitment to customer, employee, and shareholder satisfaction while emphasizing ongoing investments in fleet renewal.

As Qantas adds new aircraft to its fleet, it anticipates the creation of jobs, including 3,500 additional cabin crew and 1,000 pilots.

A new Jetstar cabin crew base will open in Perth later this year, generating 90 roles, while Singapore is expected to accommodate 400 cabin crew members.

Qantas CEo Vanessa Hudson.

Frequent Flyer Changes

Qantas will implement significant changes to its Frequent Flyer program. Members can now earn status credits on the ground through credit cards and program partners.

They will also have the option to rollover up to 50% of excess status credits from one year to the next.

Hudson stated the overhaul aims to enhance flexibility and recognition for members amid a changing loyalty landscape.