Europass: 20 years of helping people learn and work in Europe

  For 20 years, Europass has been helping millions of people in Europe to plan their learning and career – empowering them to document their skills, enhancing their mobility and connecting them with education and job opportunities. That’s right, today we celebrate 20 years of Europass.  Created back in 2005, Europass helps with creating CVs, […]

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Spain and Brazil push global action to tax the super-rich and curb inequality

Presented during the UN’s 4th International Conference on Financing for Development – taking place this week in Sevilla, Spain – the proposal highlights a growing problem: the richest individuals often contribute less to public finances than ordinary taxpayers, thanks to lower effective tax rates and legal loopholes. “Our countries need more and more public revenues […]

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U.S. Senate Passes President Trump “One Big Beautiful Bill”

Washington, D.C. – The United States Senate has passed a wide-ranging legislative package strongly backed by President Donald Trump, marking a significant step in advancing his administration’s domestic agenda. Commonly referred to by supporters as “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the legislation—officially titled the American Prosperity and Security Act—includes sweeping reforms across immigration, taxation, infrastructure, and […]

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Some Irish Schools Relying on Bottle Recycling Funds Due to Soaring Running Costs, Association Warns

Primary schools in Ireland are increasingly relying on proceeds from the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to meet basic operational costs, according to the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA). Introduced in February 2024 to improve the Republic’s recycling rates, the DRS has quickly become a financial lifeline for many schools. CPSMA General Secretary Seamus Mulconry […]

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Nigeria: Farmers Struggle as Armed Violence Disrupts Agriculture in Kwara’s Southern District

Farmers in Kwara State’s southern senatorial district are increasingly threatened by insecurity, as armed groups and herders disrupt agricultural activities across seven local government areas. Communities face dual threats: criminal gangs conducting roadside ambushes and kidnappings for ransom, and armed herders who graze cattle on farmlands, often attacking farmers who resist. The region is a […]

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Rights Group Condemns Erosion of Freedoms in Hong Kong Due to Chinese Pressure

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned the dismantling of civil liberties in Hong Kong since the introduction of China’s National Security Law on June 30, 2020. In a statement released Sunday, the organization criticized Beijing’s continued pressure on the region, warning of a profound deterioration in political and civil freedoms. “In just five years, the […]

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EBRD Grants €25 Million Loan to PBZ Leasing to Support Croatian MSMEs and Green Investment

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has extended a €25 million loan to PBZ Leasing for on-lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Croatia. The facility is designed to improve access to finance for the private sector, with 30% earmarked for green assets, including energy-efficient technologies and equipment. The initiative supports […]

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin Begins Four-Day Visit to Japan

Tokyo, 1 July 2025 – Taoiseach Micheál Martin begins a four-day official visit to Japan today, focusing on strengthening Ireland–Japan bilateral relations, trade, and cultural cooperation. During his time in Tokyo, the Taoiseach will meet with Prime Minister Ishiba to advance the 2022 Joint Leaders’ Statement and discuss shared global priorities. He will also officially […]

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Minister Donohoe Confirms Ongoing Role for Home Building Finance Ireland Following Statutory Review

Dublin – 30 June 2025 – Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has confirmed the continued necessity of Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) following the publication of its third statutory review under Section 24 of the HBFI Act. The review assessed HBFI’s relevance in today’s market conditions and its effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate to support […]

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Human rights can be a ‘strong lever for progress’ in climate change, says UN rights chief

Speaking at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, High Commissioner Volker Türk asked Member States whether enough was being done to protect people from the escalating impacts of climate change. “Are we taking the steps needed to protect people from climate chaos, safeguard their futures and manage natural resources in ways that respect human rights […]

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