Starving the War Machine

Photo by Harold Mendoza on Unsplash

Photo by Harold Mendoza on Unsplash Nearly a year into Donald Trump’s presidency, the United States is adopting a noticeably different approach to the war in Ukraine, combining economic leverage, military aid, and strategic diplomacy to hasten the collapse of Russia’s capacity to sustain its aggression. Trump’s faith in the effectiveness of tariffs, a key…

German Business in Russia: Profit Over Principles

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash As Ukraine enters the fourth year of defending itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion, more than 1,400 German companies still operate in the aggressor state, a situation that raises uncomfortable questions about Europe’s moral and strategic coherence. A recent investigation by Bild Zeitung (12 October) revealed that German companies such…

Danger Posed by Octopus Farming

Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash

Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash A new report warns of the disastrous implications for the marine environment, animal welfare, and food security of octopus farming and the expansion of carnivorous aquaculture.  It claims the world’s first octopus farm proposed by Spanish company Nueva Pescanova, could require up to 28,000 tonnes of wild-caught fish in…

Burhan’s Islamist Allies Stymie Sudan Peace Prospects 

Photo by ali khodaverdi on Unsplash

Photo by ali khodaverdi on Unsplash The leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan faces what Africa Intelligence calls a “politically toxic” situation, as he relies upon the 20,000 fighters of Islamist militia the Al-Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade to deliver territories such as Khartoum. Yet to try and win even a morsel…

Markets The Place to Meet

Photo by Lorenzo Gerosa on Unsplash

Photo by Lorenzo Gerosa on Unsplash This Saturday, 11 October, the weekly Stockel Market will host the launch of a heart-warming initiative called “Solo & Saveurs / Solo & Smaak”. The campaign shines a light on people living alone – showing that solo living doesn’t mean missing out on the joy of fresh, local and delicious…

SUDAN: France 24 Investigation Confirms Chemical Use by the SAF

The FRANCE 24 Observers team verified videos and photos documenting chemical weapons attacks by the Sudanese army. They were filmed in September 2024 at the al-Jaili oil refinery north of Khartoum, occupied at the time by the Rapid Support Forces militia. © Observers Leading French broadcaster France 24’s investigation into chemical weapon use in Sudan has confirmed…

Acquiring Belgian Nationality

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Photo by Stephanie LeBlanc on Unsplash Ever wondered about acquiring Belgian nationality? If so, an upcoming event could be just for you. A webinar entitled How to Acquire Belgian Nationality will enable you to get explanations, practical tips, and answers to your key questions. It has been organised by the Expatriate Welcome Desk and takes…

Tackling Housing Crisis a Priority

Photo by Siân Wynn-Jones on Unsplash

Photo by Siân Wynn-Jones on Unsplash Europe will hit its climate goals only if its smallest construction firms can fully contribute. That is the get tough message from policymakers, social partners and market actors. It came as the European Builders Confederation (EBC) capped its 35th anniversary celebrations at the European Economic and Social Committee with a…

EU Approves New Geographical Indicators

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Photo by Roberta Sorge on Unsplash The European Commission has approved the addition of Olive taggiasche liguri and Carne Salada del Trentino from Italy to the register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and Tharsys from Spain as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Olive taggiasche liguri are table olives and olive paste made from olives…