Ford has announced plans to cut 4,000 jobs across Europe by the end of 2027, attributing the decision to increased competition, weaker-than-expected electric vehicle (EV) sales, and ongoing economic challenges. The cuts, which represent around 14% of the company’s European workforce, will predominantly affect Germany, where 3,000 positions will be eliminated, along with 800 jobs in the UK.

The company emphasized that the job reductions are part of a broader strategy to improve its competitiveness in the face of a rapidly changing automotive landscape. Discussions with unions are still ongoing, and a final decision on the cuts will be made once talks are concluded.

In addition to job cuts, Ford also plans to reduce working hours for employees at its Cologne plant in Germany, where it manufactures electric vehicles such as the Capri and Explorer. Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice president for transformation and partnerships, explained, “It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe.”

The company cited the global auto industry’s ongoing transition to electrified mobility as a major factor in the restructuring. Ford’s statement acknowledged the particularly challenging environment in Europe, where automakers face stiff competition, economic headwinds, and a mismatch between stringent CO2 regulations and consumer demand for electric vehicles.

To adapt to these pressures, Ford has already cut back on vehicle production, focusing on models that generate the highest profit margins. The company is also adjusting to the new regulatory landscape, where European car manufacturers must sell more electric vehicles to meet stricter carbon dioxide emission limits by 2025. However, consumer interest in EVs has been slower than anticipated, partly due to rising costs and the withdrawal of government incentives for EV purchases in key markets like Germany.

Ford’s move follows similar actions by other automakers. General Motors recently announced 1,000 global job cuts, and Nissan revealed plans to eliminate 9,000 jobs and reduce its global production capacity by 20%. Volkswagen is also reportedly considering the closure of three plants in Germany, which could result in thousands of job losses.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has called for a faster review of the lower CO2 emission limits set for 2026, urging policymakers to reconsider the current pace of the transition to electric vehicles amid market challenges.

Reports emerging from the U.S. and Ukraine have confirmed that North Korean troops have joined Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, marking a significant development in the war. While initially unclear what role these soldiers would fulfill, it is now evident that they are actively engaged in combat.

Initially, the Pentagon estimated that around 11,000 North Korean troops would be deployed, but new reports suggest that the number could be as high as 100,000, though official confirmation from Moscow and Pyongyang is still pending. The North Korean military, despite its size with over 1.28 million active-duty soldiers, lacks recent battlefield experience, which led many to believe the troops would be assigned to non-combat roles. However, evidence now suggests otherwise.

Experts such as Mark Cancian from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) note that the Korean People’s Army (KPA) is well-indoctrinated but suffers from low combat readiness. Still, they warn against dismissing these troops as mere cannon fodder, highlighting that some units, like the elite 11th Corps, are highly trained in infiltration and sabotage. These forces are reputed for their endurance, having withstood rigorous physical and psychological training.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show North Korean soldiers in Russian military uniforms, undergoing additional training in Russia, which suggests that they may be being groomed for special operations in Ukraine. Retired South Korean Lieutenant-General Chun In-bum suggests that these troops could be among the best available to Russia, especially considering Moscow’s ongoing manpower struggles. Russia has been recruiting up to 20,000 soldiers monthly, but casualties are high, with over 1,000 Russian soldiers reported dead or wounded daily.

The role of North Korean soldiers in combat remains unclear, with some experts suggesting they may focus on engineering or construction due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with Russian systems. However, others believe they could be used in front-line combat roles, given their unique training.

The deployment of North Korean troops serves both Pyongyang and Moscow’s interests. For North Korea, the arrangement is lucrative, with South Korean intelligence estimating that Pyongyang receives $2,000 per soldier per month. Additionally, Russia may share military technology with North Korea, a potential boon for the isolated regime.

The situation has raised alarm in South Korea, especially as tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalate. North Korea’s involvement in the war could provide its military with combat experience, potentially enhancing its capabilities. South Korea has voiced concerns over the growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, especially given the agreement between the two countries to assist each other in case of aggression.

This evolving alliance has prompted South Korea to reconsider its stance on military support for Ukraine, with President Yoon Suk Yeol suggesting that South Korea may provide aid for defensive purposes, marking a shift in its long-standing policy of non-intervention in active conflicts.