Photo by Eelco Böhtlingk on Unsplash A conference held in Estonia has heard that low-carbon hydrogen is a key component of the energy transition and can make it happen. But, the event was also told, it needs infrastructure and financing to develop its potential. Discussing and identifying strategic actions for the development of sustainable infrastructure…
Year: 2024
Speculation About Nuclear Weapons Unfounded
Photo by Stephen Cobb on Unsplash Recently, the British newspaper The Times suggested that Ukraine could develop a nuclear weapon if the United States were to reduce or cut military aid significantly. This statement has raised concerns and prompted a swift and definitive response from Ukrainian officials. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically…
EP Hearings for Teresa Ribera Trigger Dispute
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash In her bid to become Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Commissioner-Designate Teresa Ribera’s fielded difficult questions from MEPs in the European Parliament. Her appearance has now led to a furious row between the two biggest groups in the parliament. The Socialists claim that the EPP’s…
Taiwan’s Commitment to Climate Action
Photo by You-Chen Hsu on Unsplash Climate change has greatly affected countries around the world. As a member of the international community, Taiwan also faces serious challenges in this area. In recent years, we have witnessed the most severe drought in a century, intense rainfall, and devastating typhoons, writes Peng Chi-ming. President Lai Ching-te is…
Trump Is Back
Irishman Pat Cox, a former President of the European Parliament, has two words for it: “Buckle up.” That is his short, sharp and sweet reaction to Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S election, one which has confounded many, including pollsters who got their predictions badly wrong. The result was confirmed on Sunday when Arizona, the…
Chemical Weapons Today
Photo by Mick Henson on Unsplash. As we commemorate armistice day, and the end of hostilities in World War One, let us remember that Chemicals were first weaponised for warfare in 1914 and killed thousands of foot soldiers in an agonising death. Today, 110 years later the use of chemicals by mafia states to kill…
Is Immigration Tearing Europe Apart?
Photo by Melany Rochester on Unsplash When historians look back on pivotal moments that reshaped Europe, they may well choose 2015-16. Not Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, nor the way Covid laid bare our economic weaknesses, but when immigration started to tear Europe apart, writes Giles Merritt. Far-right populists have succeeded in inflaming voters across the…
Russia’s Growing Influence in Africa
Photo by Alex Radelich on Unsplash Russia’s increasing presence in Africa marks an important shift in global geopolitical dynamics. Unlike the Soviet Union, which had a more ideological approach, today’s Russia operates as an oligarchic, authoritarian state, with a focus on securing political, economic, and military ties on the African continent. While Russia’s strategy may…
Parliament Hearing for Ekaterina Zaharieva
Photo by Drew Hays on Unsplash MEPs have quizzed the Bulgarian candidate for the Startups, Research and Innovation portfolio in Ursula von der Leyen’s EU Commission. Ekaterina Zaharieva faced deputies on the the Industry, Research and Energy Committee on Tuesday. In her introductory remarks, Commissioner-designate Zaharieva expressed her desire to place Research and Innovation (R&I)…
Historic Win in US Elections for Republicans
Photo by Jigar Panchal on Unsplash EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has warmly congratulated Donald Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States of America. But others have cautioned that his win now presents a profound challenge to world stability. Following Trump’s bigger than expected victory, von der Leyen said…