Socialists and Democrats in the EU parliament have urged member states to “remain united, increase their assistance to Ukraine, including military, and swiftly impose a new package of economic sanctions against Russia to cut its ability to continue the war.” At the request of the S&Ds, the EP debated Russia’s serious escalation of its aggression…
Trade
Europeans Support Boycott of Russian Energy
A new survey says that some 72 percent of Europeans are in favour of the EU becoming independent of energy supplies from Russia, even if this means rising costs. Support is highest in Poland (80 percent) and Italy (76 percent). It is lowest in Germany, at 69 percent, whose dependence on Russian gas is particularly…
EU to Ban Products Made with Forced Labour
The EU Commission has proposed to prohibit products made with forced labour on the EU market. The proposal covers all products, namely those made in the EU for domestic consumption and exports, and imported goods, without targeting specific companies or industries. This comprehensive approach is important because an estimated 27.6 million people are in forced…
Samarkand Spirit: A New Format of International Cooperation
On September 15-16, a Summit of the Heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states was held in Samarkand, which became a platform for discussing the state and prospects for the development of cooperation in the SCO’s sought-after areas and areas of activity. The summit was the first face-to-face meeting of the SCO leaders since…
The impact of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine on World Food Security
The international community has been warned it should not rely on the unconditional support of poorer nations in the war against Russia. The stark warning came at a conference in Brussels on the Russian theft of Ukrainian grain produce and the impact this is having on international food prices. The event, organised to highlight the…
Russia’s Great Grain Grab
Russia has plundered an estimated 650,000 tonnes of Ukraine wheat since the start of the current war, it has been claimed. The claim was made by a leading Ukrainian activist, Dmytro Zolotukhin, at a conference in Brussels. Zolotukhin, Director of the Institute for Postinformation Society in Ukraine, appealed to the West to “do more” to…
Germany and Morocco Adopt Joint Declaration
Germany has welcomed the reforms carried out by Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for a more open and dynamic society and economy. Germany and Morocco have adopted a joint declaration after talks in Rabat between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the German…
Turkey’s Co-operation with Russia May Trigger Secondary Sanctions
Turkey may be subject to secondary sanctions by the countries of the West through close cooperation with Russia After the meeting between Kremlin chief Putin and Turkish President Erdogan, Western leaders are increasingly concerned about the deepening of economic ties between Turkey and Russia. Politicians warn that the risk of secondary sanctions against Turkey is…
Russia must be held accountable for stealing and selling Ukrainian grains
Even before the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Navy had been blocking maritime freight routes for the export of Ukrainian grain. Amid the ongoing war, for the fifth month in a row, Ukraine has been deprived of the opportunity to sell crops to its key markets in Asia and Africa, and prevented from keeping stable…
EU Takes the UK to Court for Breach of International Law
The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against the United Kingdom for not complying with significant parts of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. Despite repeated calls on the UK government to implement the Protocol, it has failed to do so. This is a clear breach of international law, says the EU. The aim…