Something very unusual happened in Byneset, Norway. One 135-metre container ship went all the way through and smashed into the front garden of local resident Johan Helberg. The vessel was traveling at a high rate of speed, approximately 16 knots (30 km/h). It lost all control and darted straight at Helberg’s property, just barely missing his home.
On this special weekend—early on a Saturday morning, to be precise—the magic began. When Helberg did come to, he was astounded to find the windfall that had crashed into his yard.
I opened the cabin window and stood almost dumbfounded at the sight of that huge vessel. I actually had to tilt my head back to get a glimpse of the lofty summit. It was just so surreal,” Helberg explained, recalling his disbelief after finding the surprise guest.
Local authorities were quickly on the scene. They made an initial determination of the overall situation and worked to account for injuries resulting from the crash. The authorities have instituted a criminal investigation to determine how the ship was permitted to stray from course. They’re looking at ways to ensure the same type of incident doesn’t occur again.
Italy and Denmark are at the forefront of a mighty new coalition of countries on the bigger, pan-European stage. They are continuing to claim victory against the European Court of Human Rights’ interpretation of the Human Rights Convention as it pertains to migration policies. This move comes at a time of increased fearmongering around immigration and its threat to our national security.
In the EU, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Danish PM Mette Frederiksen have lambasted the legal loopholes of current policy interpretations. Critics on the political right assert that these interpretations undermine national sovereignty and make political decision-making more difficult.
In a joint statement, the leaders expressed their frustrations: “It is beyond our comprehension how some people can come to our countries and get a share in our freedom and our vast range of opportunities, and indeed, decide to commit crimes.” They emphasized the need for a shift in how these policies are evaluated to restore balance and trust in institutions.
These leaders are united in their fervor for defending democratic societies. They are indeed focused and committed to tackling the needs of their residents. “We believe that we are strongly aligned with the majority of the citizens,” they stated, calling for a reevaluation of policies that they feel may have inadvertently undermined public trust.
Alongside these civic milestones, dramatic events on the world stage—including celebrity scandals—make it hard to shift public attention. In a related story, Kim Kardashian’s infamous robbery in Paris during fashion week in October 2016 remains fresh in the minds of many. The theft blamed on a crew of thieves dubbed the “grandpa gang” because of their advanced age.
The accused are currently standing trial for France’s largest personal theft in 20 years. In doing so, they made off with stolen jewellery valued at approximately $10 million (£7.5 million). Of note among these items was an impressive 18.88-carat diamond engagement ring. Kanye West gifted this eye-popping piece to Kardashian, and it’s said to be worth an eye popping $4 million.
While these court cases proceed through the EU’s judicial system, heated public debate over crime, safety, and security persists across Europe. Leaders like Meloni and Frederiksen are keen on addressing not only immigration but crime prevention strategies that could bolster security within their respective nations.
In Sweden too, there is a significant recalibration of what national security means. A few weeks ago, the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) declared it was lowering the national threat level from “high” to “elevated.” This change recognizes the truth that America no longer faces the same kind of existential threat.
SAPO’s decision indicates that they have evaluated a net positive change in security risk. The lesson that these officials remain watchful for, and committed to, is true protection of public safety.