Imagine an investment officer at a development finance institution (DFI) reviewing a follow-on proposal from a financial inclusion fund they backed five years ago. The first fund invested in a range of Series B-stage financial services providers (FSP). But now, as they consider a second investment into a second fund, they realize something’s missing: outcomes […]
Continue Reading
On July 9, 2025, the UK Government unveiled a strategic partnership with Google Cloud and DeepMind to overhaul outdated public sector technology, enhance service delivery, and unlock up to £45 billion in efficiency savings. Announced by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, the initiative forms a central pillar of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at building […]
Continue Reading
Rail freight across Europe is experiencing a significant downturn, losing market share to road transport even as overall freight volumes continue to grow. According to a recent analysis by SCI Verkehr, the sector’s modal share dropped to just 16.4% in 2023, marking a decline of nearly 2.5 percentage points in recent years. 📉 Key Challenges […]
Continue Reading
The Commission has presented its proposal for an ambitious and dynamic long-term EU budget, the so-called Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will run for seven years, starting in 2028. Almost €2 trillion, or 1.26% of the average EU’s gross national income between 2028 and 2034, will support Europe’s ambition to be independent, safe, prosperous and […]
Continue Reading
Togo Holds Elections Amid Youth-Led ProtestsTogo’s local elections took place under tense conditions as youth-led protests intensified against President Faure Gnassingbé’s rule. Demonstrators in Lomé timed rallies to coincide with the vote, demanding the president step down following a controversial constitutional revision. At least seven protestors have been killed in recent weeks amid heavy-handed crackdowns […]
Continue Reading
The U.S. Senate narrowly approved a $9 billion rescissions package backed by President Donald Trump, targeting previously allocated funding for foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The measure passed 51–48, with Vice President JD Vance casting a tie-breaking vote during earlier procedural stages. 💰 Key Funding Cuts 🛑 Republican Divisions and […]
Continue Reading
On July 17, 2025, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD began a multi-country visit to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, aimed at deepening Ireland’s development cooperation and diplomatic engagement across Southern Africa. 🌍 Strengthening Bilateral and Development Partnerships In Zambia and Zimbabwe, Minister Richmond will: Key site visits include: 🌐 […]
Continue Reading
But now, parts of the land have been restored. Crops are beginning to flourish and bees are buzzing around once again. The people responsible for this change are a hodgepodge group – former taxi drivers and miners, people who barely finished secondary school and some with higher education degrees. The unifying factor? Most have youth […]
Continue Reading
On July 17, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed the Kensington Treaty, a landmark bilateral agreement aimed at strengthening ties across defense, trade, and migration. The treaty marks the most significant UK-Germany accord since World War II and reflects a broader European effort to bolster security amid rising threats […]
Continue ReadingRegistrations have opened for our 2025 Covenant of Mayors Ceremony. Happening on 16 October, our annual Ceremony will bring together hundreds of European mayors and regional leaders alongside high-level representatives of the European Commission in the European Parliament. Organised back-to-back with the European Week of Regions and Cities and part of the EU Close to […]
Continue Reading
