Category: World

If you choose to buy a sustainable product at the supermarket, or invest in a sustainable portfolio at your bank, how far does that sustainability reach? Does the product’s “sustainable” label account for the environmental and labour costs where the raw materials were extracted? Does the portfolio include renewable energy in countries where the investment […]

UK exposes and sanctions three GRU units and 18 of their military intelligence officers, responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin’s orders.    GRU units exposed for their involvement in the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre, the targeting of Yulia Skripal and cyber operations in support of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.   Action by UK […]

Today at the United Nations, U.S. Department of State Director for Korean and Mongolian Affairs Seth Bailey briefed UN member states on the first Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) report, which focuses on unlawful military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.  Director Bailey detailed evidence of North Korea’s arms and materiel transfers to Russia, Russia’s transfer of military technology to North Korea, and Russia’s training of North Korean troops in Russia.  Director […]

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 […]

  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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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: 🌐 […]

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 […]

Batteries are one of the biggest speed bumps on the road to mass electric vehicle (EV) adoption. But what if they could not only last longer, but also repair themselves? That is the vision driving researchers such as Johannes Ziegler and Liu Sufu, who are working to make this a reality. EV sales in Europe […]