EU allocates €100m-worth of ETS allowances to help airlines buy Sustainable Aviation Fuels

On 12 September 2025, the Commission adopted a Decision on the allocation of EU ETS emission allowances to airlines for the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in 2024. This follows calculations by Member States’ authorities for commercial airlines, and marks a key step in implementing the additional support mechanism under the EU Emissions Trading […]

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📰 Ireland: Minister O’Donovan Launches Creative Careers Initiative at RDS Education Events

DUBLIN — Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, today welcomed the launch of the Creative Calling: Careers for the Curious initiative at the Higher Options and WorldSkills Ireland events at the RDS. The initiative, part of a new pilot programme under the Creative Youth Plan 2023–2027, aims to connect 16–18-year-olds with career […]

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📰 Nvidia CEO Expresses Disappointment Over Reported China AI Chip Ban

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has voiced disappointment following reports that China has imposed a ban on the company’s artificial intelligence chips. The move, if confirmed, could significantly impact Nvidia’s access to one of its largest markets. Speaking in response to the report, Huang said he was “disappointed,” but did not elaborate further on the potential […]

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📰 Irish and Finnish Ministers Deepen EU Cooperation Ahead of 2026 Presidency

DUBLIN — Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, hosted Finnish Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, Joakim Strand, at Iveagh House on 17 September for a bilateral meeting focused on EU policy, security, and regional cooperation. The meeting built on discussions held during Minister Byrne’s visit to Helsinki in […]

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📰 President Trump Arrives in the UK, Meets Royals and Attends Military Parade

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in the United Kingdom earlier today for an official visit marked by ceremonial engagements and diplomatic meetings. Upon arrival, the presidential couple was welcomed by Prince William and Princess Catherine. The visit included a formal audience with King Charles III, underscoring the continued diplomatic ties between […]

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📰 Ryanair to Cut Fleet and Routes in Response to Austria’s Aviation Tax

Ryanair has announced the removal of three aircraft from its Austrian operations and the cancellation of three routes, citing the financial strain imposed by Austria’s aviation tax. The airline stated that the tax—levied on departing flights based on distance—has significantly increased operating costs, particularly for low-cost carriers. Ryanair warned that the measure undermines affordability and […]

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📰 U.S. Judge Raises Legal Concerns Over West African Deportations

WASHINGTON — A federal judge has questioned the legality of recent deportations carried out by the Trump administration, involving Nigerian and Gambian migrants sent to Ghana. The move has sparked legal scrutiny and human rights concerns. Judge Tanya Chutkan, presiding in Washington, D.C., convened an emergency hearing after attorneys for the deportees alleged that their […]

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📰 Mass Protests in Ankara Ahead of Key Opposition Party Ruling

Thousands gathered in Ankara on Sunday to protest a looming court decision that could reshape Türkiye’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The court is set to rule Monday on whether to annul the party’s 2023 congress and remove its current leader, Özgür Özel, amid allegations of procedural irregularities. Özel, addressing demonstrators, accused […]

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📰 Human Rights Watch Urges Global Action on Cluster Munitions Ban

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on governments worldwide to reinforce the international ban on cluster munitions, following the release of the Cluster Munition Coalition’s (CMC) 2025 annual report. The organization urged states still using or producing these weapons to join the Convention on Cluster Munitions without delay. Mark Hiznay, HRW’s associate director for crisis, […]

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African Continental Brief: Business, Politics, Security and Human Rights — September 17, 2025

Business & Macro 🇿🇦 South Africa–US Trade Talks Set for UNGA South Africa’s Trade Minister Parks Tau is scheduled to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the UN General Assembly in New York this month. The dialogue aims to address ongoing disputes over tariffs and trade preferences between the two nations. 🇸🇳 Senegal’s Eurobonds […]

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