Despite strong political commitments to gender equality at EU and national level, women still remain politically under-represented at all levels of political power. In the European Parliament, as well as in national parliaments, governments and local assemblies, their share most often is under the symbolic 40 % mark. Moreover, after successive electoral cycles in which women's share in representative assemblies had increased, this trend has slowed down or come to a halt. Progress has also been uneven among Member States, with women remaining markedly under-represented in some Member States. Gender-balanced political representation is not only important for women and female politicians but also for political parties themselves and the rest of society. It increases trust in the political system and strengthens economic and political governance. The EU has committed to achieving gender balance in political representation and participation in the EU; however, except for the European elections, its powers in the area remain limited mainly to soft action. It can support the specific actions to be taken by the EU institutions, national governments, political parties, civil society and the media, by issuing recommendations, facilitating the exchange of good practice or funding projects. There is substantial evidence of the obstacles to women's political participation and the means to overcome it. This picture is nevertheless not static, as new challenges emerge, particularly from mounting opposition to gender equality, as well as from digital technologies, most recently artificial intelligence, which can both empower women and discourage them. This updates a March 2024 briefing by Ionel Zamfir. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Malawi Law Society has sharply criticised the conduct of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) over its decision to clear officials linked to the controversial planned purchase of the Amaryllis Hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF). In a strongly worded statement, the legal body says the move by Acting ACB Director General Gabriel […] The post Amaryllis Scandal Explodes: Malawi Law Society Rips Into ACB Probe appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

FDH Bank plc has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting civil servants through Civil Servant’s Loan facility, designed to help government employees maintain financial stability amid economic challenges. The Bank’s Head of Personal and Business Banking, Daniel Pinto Khamula said in a statement that FDH Bank plc has recorded increased demand for the facility as civil […] The post FDH Bank plc boosts access to civil servant’s loan appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL), a consortium of four oil marketing companies namely Puma, Total, Petroda, and Vivo Energy, has handed over an ICT laboratory and a library block worth K150 million to Katole Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Thekelani, Thyolo aimed at promoting quality education in the country. The development is expected to improve […] The post PIL donates K150 million ICT lab and library to Katole CDSS appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Twelve-month inflation measured 5.2 percent, unchanged between months.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has provided CBC News with new details about the $10,000 fine it issued to a Loblaw-owned Superstore last month for promoting imported food as Canadian. The federal food regulator said the mislabelled product was a Loblaw-owned brand: President's Choice broccoli slaw. 

The province is revamping how the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) works, slashing the amount that eligible students can get in the form of grants. Here's what you need to know.

Rahul Gandhi shared a light-hearted anecdote about resolving a sibling dispute with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, attributing Wayanad's «magic» to their reconciliation. He recounted how a planned trip to the constituency, which he previously represented, led to Priyanka speaking to him again after a period of silence, highlighting the special connection he feels with the region.

The Supreme Court heard a plea challenging a gas crematorium at Isha Yoga Center, previously dismissed by the Madras High Court. The CJI called Isha's service «pious work» and suggested mediation for alternate land. Both parties agreed to negotiate an amicable settlement, with a retired judge appointed as mediator.

PM Modi's meeting with the star cast comes as various stakeholders in the Indian and Israeli entertainment industries have been seeking collaborative projects and possibilities of utilising each other's strengths in various aspects of the creative space. Last year, amid government efforts to make India a global film production hub, an Indian film festival kicked off in Israel with the screening of filmmaker Kiran Rao's acclaimed feature «Laapataa Ladies».​

South Africa’s finance minister has said about $15.7 billion has been allocated for army deployment and to intensify law enforcement Read Full Article at RT.com

A record 129 journalists were killed worldwide in 2025, with Israel responsible for two-thirds of the deaths, according to a CPJ report Read Full Article at RT.com

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the cruelty and inhumanity exhibited by Vladimir Zelensky’s government

«Supplying weapons to a country at war is a violation of international law, and selling weapons for this purpose is illegal,» a member of the Finnish national-conservative party «Freedom Alliance» said

Currency funds increased by $1.2 bln in the ruble equivalent

The growth rate of the debts under mortgage loans of households slowed down to 0.9% in January 2026 and totaled $311.7 bln, the Bank of Russia added

By 2035, volumes are projected to increase to 10-12 mln TEU

Brothers Aman, 36, and Gavin Deshi, 33, won the 38th iteration of the UK's official fish and chip competition.

Alvi Choudhury, 26, was working from home in Southampton at the house he shares with his parents when officers arrested him and held him in custody for 10 hours.

Piers Morgan has weighed in on the BAFTAs controvery surrounding Tourette's sufferer John Davidson - hitting out at critic Jamie Foxx. 

Child murderer Ian Huntley has been attacked in his prison cell.

A sound system blasts out a ­hideous recording of howling wolves as a terrified lamb tries to jump a steel barrier to escape a slaughterman who is about to slit its throat in an English abattoir.

Moscow has returned the bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers and received remains of 35 Russian troops Read Full Article at RT.com

 Iran doesn’t find it appropriate to deal with a “genocidal regime,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Zimbabwe’s government has backed out of a five-year health deal with the US, citing unequal exchange of biological data Read Full Article at RT.com

Currently, more than 10,000 foreign volunteers from 75 countries serve in the Ukrainian Ground Forces

Naftogaz CEO Sergey Koretsky specified that the 90 mln cubic meter shipment was carried out in partnership with Lithuania’s state-owned energy holding Ignitis

According to Admiral Ali Shamkhani, the foreign minister and head of the Iranian delegation at the talks with the United States in Geneva «has sufficient support and authority to sign this agreement»

The police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of 16-year-old Nurul Ashwiny Abdullah and 19-year-old Chloe Lim Jia Xuan.In a news release on Thursday (Feb 26) evening, the police said Nurul Ashwiny and Chloe Lim were last seen at about 6am on Feb 13, in the vicinity of Defu Avenue 1 in Hougang. Defu Avenue 1 is flanked by flatted factories on both sides of the road. Those along Defu Lane 7 and 9 are currently being demolished. IMAGE: Google Maps Checks by AsiaOne indicate that the road is flanked by flatted factories on both sides.Anyone with information is urged to contact the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.All information will be kept strictly confidential, said the police.

But the GOP’s edge on immigration has narrowed as Trump’s mass deportations face backlash.