Croatia Unveils First Grid-Scale Battery Storage and Virtual Power Plant: With Partial €16.8m JV With EBRD

ŠIBENIK, Oct. 22, 2025 — In a landmark move for Croatia’s energy sector, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a €16.8 million equity investment in the country’s first grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) and virtual power plant (VPP). The project, developed by IE‑Energy Projekt, will deliver up to 60 megawatts […]

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Ensuring a stable start for Europe’s new carbon market for buildings and road transport

The new emissions trading system for road transport and buildings (ETS 2) is a key element in the policy mix to decarbonise the economy in a technology-neutral and competitiveness-friendly manner, as set out in the Competitiveness Compass.  While the current framework already includes strong safeguards to ensure a smooth launch of the system and to […]

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Beyond Borders: Expanding Financial Inclusion Through e-Commerce | Blog

In the evolving landscape of Africa’s digital economy, cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has emerged as a transformative force, particularly for rural women entrepreneurs. For women cross-border traders, many of whom engage in agriculture, CBEC and simplified trade procedures offer an opportunity to expand beyond local markets, boost their incomes, and create a financial footprint that can […]

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New forum builds on Sevilla pledges to tackle global debt crisis

The Sevilla Forum on Debt will promote fairer lending, faster restructuring and long-term reform of the post-war financial system. Hosted by Spain and supported by the United Nations, the forum is designed to keep global attention on the debt crisis while converting firm commitments made at June’s Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) […]

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King Charles and Queen Camilla Begin Historic Vatican Visit to Meet Pope Leo XIV and Foster Faith, Peace, and Reconciliation

ROME, Oct. 22, 2025 — In a landmark moment for Christian unity, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Rome on Wednesday to begin a two-day state visit to the Vatican, where they will meet Pope Leo XIV for the first time since his election in May. The visit, held during the Catholic Church’s […]

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Ukraine and Sweden Sign Historic 150 Units Fighter Jet Deal Ahead of EU Summit

LINKÖPING, Sweden, Oct. 22, 2025 — On the eve of the European Union summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a letter of intent for the sale of 100 to 150 Gripen E multirole fighter jets to Ukraine. The agreement, announced during Zelenskyy’s visit to Saab’s headquarters in Linköping, sets […]

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CPJ Urges Madagascar to Investigate Attacks on Journalists Covering Political Turmoil

ANTANANARIVO, Oct. 22, 2025 — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Madagascar’s interim leadership to investigate two shootings and two assaults targeting journalists covering the country’s escalating political crisis. The incidents occurred during nationwide protests over water and electricity shortages, which culminated in a military coup and the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina. […]

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Three Women Die in Iran’s Qarchak Prison Due to Alleged Medical Neglect

TEHRAN, Oct. 21, 2025 — Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned the Iranian government following the deaths of three women in Qarchak prison, citing a pattern of medical negligence and rights violations. The organization claims that the women—Soudabeh Asadi, Jamile Azizi, and Somayeh Rashidi—died between September 16 and 25 after being denied timely and adequate […]

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Galway Disability Services Expanded with Two New Residential Centres

GALWAY, Oct. 22, 2025 — Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, joined by Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, visited Galway today to officially open two new residential centres and engage with a range of disability-focused organisations. The visit highlights the government’s investment in inclusive care and support for disabled people, backed by a […]

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UN UNCTAD 16 Discusses Effects and Impacts of Tariffs on Developing Nations and Global Trade

GENEVA, Oct. 21, 2025 — The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) convened its 16th session this week, bringing together representatives from 195 member states to assess the impact of rising protectionism—particularly U.S. tariffs—on developing economies and the global trade system. Tariffs and Debt: A Dual Crisis In her opening remarks, Rebeca Grynspan, […]

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