The NATO Summit, taking place on 7-8 July 2026, will be hosted by Türkiye at Ankara's Beştepe Presidential Compound. This marks the second time that Türkiye hosts a NATO Summit, following Istanbul in 2004. The summit is expected to be a key moment for demonstrating Allied unity amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and calls for Europe to assume a stronger role in its security. Agenda items will likely include defence planning, spending targets, burden-sharing, and support for Ukraine. The summit will consist of a formal leaders' meeting and a parallel defence industry forum. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Migrant smugglers play a pivotal role in irregular border crossings into the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). The UK has experienced a significant rise in small boat crossings across the English Channel since 2020, prompting the British government to develop measures to address this new form of irregular migration. However, the UK's withdrawal from the EU (Brexit) in 2020 has complicated efforts to manage these crossings. The UK no longer has access to EU migration and asylum databases nor can it return asylum seekers to other EU countries without mutual agreement. While the EU has seen a decline in asylum applications between 2023 and 2025, the UK has not experienced a comparable decrease. The increase in small boat arrivals is attributed to several factors, including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened border controls, and the commercialisation of the small boat route. These crossings have become the primary recorded method of irregular entry since 2020, accounting for 89 % of detected arrivals by 2025. This has sparked intense public and political debate and prompted calls for stricter measures. The UK government has introduced various measures to combat migrant smuggling, ranging from closer cooperation with some of the most affected EU countries, in particular France and Belgium, to funding for enhanced border controls and law enforcement cooperation. It has also launched initiatives such as the controversial Rwanda scheme. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable, with critics arguing that they do not address the root causes of migration and may even exacerbate the risks for migrants. The situation highlights the complex challenges of managing irregular migration in the post-Brexit era while seeking comprehensive and humane solutions that address both the immediate and underlying causes, including through access to more legal pathways into the EU and the UK. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Labelling is intended to help consumers make informed choices about the food and beverages they consume. In the EU, food information is primarily governed by Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. Yet alcoholic beverages remain partly exempt from standard labelling requirements, despite alcohol being linked to more than 200 health conditions and causing 656 deaths daily across the EU, which also has some of the world's highest consumption levels, with 77 % of adults consuming alcohol. Alcohol is also a major factor in injuries, road deaths, and premature mortality. Despite these risks, EU labelling rules remain limited. Ingredient lists and full nutrition declarations are mandatory only for wine. Other alcoholic beverages – above 1.2 % alcohol – are exempt. Some information, such as alcohol strength and certain allergens, must be displayed, but broader transparency is often voluntary or provided digitally. Recent reforms for wine require ingredient and nutrition information, partly via QR codes, signalling a shift toward greater disclosure. The World Health Organization advocates mandatory, standardised health warnings, including cancer risk information, to improve consumer awareness and reduce harmful consumption. Evidence suggests such labels can influence behaviour, though impacts vary depending on design and context. Calorie labelling is generally supported by consumers but shows mixed effects on purchasing and consumption. National approaches differ, with only a few EU countries mandating health warnings. Ireland is set to become the first country in the EU to require cancer warnings on labels from September 2028. Industry-led self-regulation has improved information availability, particularly for beer and spirits, but remains inconsistent. Overall, clearer labelling – combined with broader policy measures – can play a meaningful role in reducing alcohol-related harm, but stronger, harmonised EU action is still needed. This is an update of a briefing originally published in May 2025. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the EU has had a profound impact on fisheries relations in the North-East Atlantic. One of the most significant changes is the gradual transfer of EU fishing rights to the UK. This transfer is outlined in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which spanned the five years from 2021 to 2025, and is considered to represent 25 % of the value of the former EU27 landings from UK waters. We compare the fishing opportunities available to the EU in 2025 and 2026 — the first two years in which the transfer of fishing quotas was fully completed — with the theoretical quotas that would apply if the transfer of quotas had not taken place. In terms of volume, the pelagic species of herring and mackerel are most affected. In terms of value, demersal species, such as sole and Norway lobster, account for significant EU losses. As each Member State has a specific share of each stock, the loss of quota affects them to varying degrees. The transfer affects 13 Member States, but just seven bear almost the entire burden. A special case is north-east Atlantic mackerel, which is shared with several third countries. Since Brexit, the EU is no longer part of a quota-sharing agreement for this species. The sum of the fishing quotas set by all parties exceeds the scientifically recommended level, which is causing the stock to decline. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The World Health Organization (WHO) has had a central role in numerous health advances, including eradicating smallpox, driving the near‑eradication of polio, expanding childhood immunisation worldwide, and leading responses to global health threats such as HIV/AIDS and COVID‑19. Despite this, the United Nations (UN) specialised agency has faced persistent challenges, shortcomings and criticisms over decades. The agency has been limited by volatile, insufficient and distorted funding. Its complex governance and limited authority, compounded by political pressure, also compromise the agency's ability to carry out its mandate effectively. In addition, misinformation and disinformation have been obstructing the WHO's action. To address its systemic weaknesses and increase its capacity to overcome evolving challenges, the WHO launched its Transformation Agenda – an ambitious organisational change plan – in 2017. Although the WHO has successfully implemented many actions under its Transformation Agenda, owing to persistent structural weaknesses and newly arising challenges, the agency is still at a critical juncture. The second half of the 2020s is especially difficult for the agency. Following the United States' (US) withdrawal from the WHO, which was initiated in January 2025 and precipitated a sudden US$1.3 billion shortfall, 25 % staff reductions, loss of expertise and programme suspensions, historical vulnerabilities are now amplified to unprecedented levels. Moreover, declining investments in development assistance, including its health component, further intensify the financial pressure. The EU and the WHO enjoy a long-lasting strategic partnership. The EU supports the WHO's Transformation Agenda and contributes to a wide range of WHO programmes, focusing on areas such as UHC, strengthening health systems worldwide, health security, antimicrobial resistance, and enhancing laboratory capacities in Africa. Through its resolutions, the European Parliament has repeatedly expressed its strong support for the agency and called on the Commission and the EU Member States to comply with different WHO measures, initiatives and guidelines. Parliament supports the EU in seeking official observer status at the WHO. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

[FrontPageAfrica] Vice President Jeremiah Koung has announced President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's intention to seek a second term in the 2039 Presidential and Legislative Elections and said he will serve as the president's campaign manager.

[GroundUp] «I keep asking myself, 'Where is Ubuntu?»' says landlord

[allAfrica] Mombasa, Kenya -- The blue economy is a vital source of jobs, food security, and economic opportunity across Africa and the Western Indian Ocean region. Yet, by the admission of those driving its development, the region is still only beginning to tap into what its oceans, lakes, and rivers can truly offer.

India is set to develop its own design standards for future bullet train projects, aiming for 350 kmph speeds. Preparations are underway for seven new corridors spanning 4,000 km. This initiative will incorporate advanced design and construction practices, ensuring safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for high-speed rail operations across the nation.

Tamil Nadu's former chief minister MK Stalin remains non-committal on contesting a byelection to re-enter the assembly. Speculation links him to the Trichy East seat, vacated by his successor incumbent chief minister C Joseph Vijay. This comes as several other constituencies also face byelections due to AIADMK MLA resignations, potentially shifting allegiances to Vijay's TVK party.

The Election Commission is set to adjudicate a Trinamool Congress split, examining factional leadership claims and party constitution validity. Proceedings will involve assessing legislative and organizational strength, with a focus on adherence to party aims. The EC may freeze the symbol if an immediate poll looms, but no such urgency exists currently. Past disputes highlight the majority test as a decisive factor.

Yerevan may gain trade and access, but its outreach to Ankara risks pulling the South Caucasus into a deeper East-West clash Read Full Article at RT.com

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak downplayed the Ram Mandir donation controversy, questioning why funds for the Babri Masjid aren't scrutinized. He accused opposition parties of appeasement politics and attacking Sanatan culture to win Muslim votes. Pathak also alleged illegal activities and terror funding in madrasas. An FIR has been lodged against eight individuals in the Ram Temple donation case, with an SIT investigating the matter.

In a remarkable trend, India is witnessing a reversal from the age-old migration pattern of moving from rural areas to urban centers. Young professionals, particularly from the millennial and Gen Z cohorts, are increasingly selecting rural and remote areas for their work. This digital nomad movement, spurred by remote work capabilities and a craving for a serene lifestyle, is transforming India's economic dynamics, even amidst infrastructure limitations.

Speculation arose after Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray were seen on the same flight. Despite political differences, BJP MLC Pratap Lad downplayed the encounter, emphasizing cordial relations and noting Thackeray's attendance at his daughter's wedding. Lad also expressed surprise at Thackeray using a commercial flight, while denying BJP involvement in recent Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP defections.

Dr David Bull also warned that Reform is 'way bigger than Nigel' as he warned about the stress of leading a major political party.

As Mohammed Fahir Amaaz appeared at court to be sentenced for punching Lydia Ward in the face, breaking her nose, she accused him of showing 'not one ounce' of remorse.

China has backed setting up an economic corridor in a meeting between President Xi and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Read Full Article at RT.com

Indian UN Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni has said those bombing schools should be held accountable Read Full Article at RT.com

TEHRAN – Four Iranian female students attended the Open International Geography Olympiad (OpenGeo) 2026, winning four medals, including a silver medal and three bronze medals for the first time.

TEHRAN – The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has announced readiness to send rescue forces to assist people impacted by the earthquake in Venezuela.

TEHRAN – Ongoing conservation efforts and favorable ecological conditions have led to an increase in the population of flamingo chicks in Shadegan Wetland, southwestern Khuzestan Province.

TEHRAN – The head of the Welfare Organization, Mohammad-Javad Hosseini, and the World Health Organization representative, Jean Jabbour, at a capacity-building session have discussed the urgent actions needed for health and social systems to adapt to meet the requirements of a significantly older population.

Le président de la République a accordé une longue interview au magazine Jeune Afrique. Dans n'importe quelle démocratie, un tel exercice mérite que l'on s'y arrête. Lorsqu'un chef de l'État dresse son propre bilan, expose sa vision du pays et répond aux critiques, il offre aux citoyens une matière précieuse pour juger de son action. Et puisqu'il est question du Gabon, il nous est difficile de passer à côté d'une telle séquence de communication sans la commenter. Après tout, c'est de notre (...) - LIBRE PROPOS / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

Ce mercredi 24 juin 2026 à Lébamba, la salle de la mairie a accueilli une importante consultation publique consacrée au projet de construction du pont de la Louétsi par la société Mika Service, sous la présidence du préfet du département de la Louétsi-Wano Euloge Pafait Mombo Moukaga et du maire de la commune Julien Missengue Pendi. Très attendue par les populations, cette rencontre a permis aux habitants de s'informer sur les contours du projet et d'exprimer leurs préoccupations. Les (...) - SOCIETE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

Sur instruction du Ministre de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche scientifique, Porte-parole du Gouvernement, le Pr Charles Edgar Mombo, une réunion technique consacrée au projet d'implantation d'un bureau d'AfricaRice Center au Gabon s'est tenue ce jeudi 25 juin 2026 au Cabinet du Ministre. La rencontre, présidée par le Directeur de Cabinet Félicien Moukagni, représentant le Ministre empêché, et facilitée par le Dr Yonnelle Déa Moukoumbi, a permis d'échanger avec les (...) - AGRICULTURE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

Malawi’s Smallholder Revolving Fertiliser Fund (SRFF) has been plunged into full‑blown chaos after government dramatically axed its newly‑appointed chief executive Paul Taulo, following weeks of controversy, online outrage and questions over his credibility. Taulo, who had barely warmed the CEO’s chair after taking the job last month, found himself at the centre of a social‑media […] The post Govt ousts Taulo as Itaye takes over SRFF appeared first on Malawi News | Breaking News, Politics, Business & Sports | Nyasa Times.

The Polish government advised: 'When leaving the UK, it is worth considering whether you are eligible for Jobseeker's Allowance.

Staff at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, reportedly had to stand in their way to stop them leaving the zoo with the man.

The broadcaster, 62, announced on Friday that he was taking a break from his BBC Radio 2 show to undergo 'further tests' following a 'routine check-up.'

Justice minister Jake Richards has pledged to look into the 'serious' case. USAF Captain Jacob Wulfson was accused of drugging and strangling Sarah Steele before the alleged sex attack.

As Mohammed Fahir Amaaz appeared at court to be sentenced for punching Lydia Ward in the face, breaking her nose, she accused him of showing 'not one ounce' of remorse.

Like most women suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, Claire Smith, 37, was no stranger to agonising stomach cramps, bloating and fatigue.