Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine created renewed momentum for EU enlargement. As the European Parliament highlights, enlargement is a key driver for long-term stability, security and economic development. Economic output per person has increased over the past two decades across the Western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. However, convergence with the EU remains low. Without stronger reform and investment, full convergence and integration could be delayed by several decades. Foreign direct investment as a share of gross national product is generally higher in the enlargement countries examined than in the EU, but not consistently directed to sectors that support long-term growth. Trade integration with the EU has deepened significantly, supported by existing agreements. The EU remains the main trade partner for the enlargement countries examined, and has benefited from these relations, including agricultural trade with Ukraine. Trade patterns across countries and sectors remain uneven, and exposure to other global actors, particularly China, has increased in some cases. Enlargement countries perform well in terms of digital infrastructure. However, significant gaps remain in regulatory frameworks and innovation capacity, which is critical to adopting artificial intelligence. Progress in aligning with the EU acquis and deeper integration into the EU market and programmes could support increased trade and investment, while contributing to faster economic convergence. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Several coalition options are possible in Reykjavík City Council following Saturday’s municipal election, but in practice no majority appears possible without the Independence Party’s nine council seats.

A witness who observed a disturbing incident in the old cemetery in Reykjanesbær this morning, where a man reportedly set himself on fire during a mental health crisis, says police pressured him into deleting a video he recorded of the event.

Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore delayed a vote on stricter regulations just one day after meeting with an Uber lobbyist, and his approved motion for a review committee used language nearly identical to Uber's official statements.

Short-term rentals should be considered a formal business, financial planner Kelly Ho said, not a casual arrangement. This is not the same as family staying overnight.

Three Toronto police officers were charged while on vacation in Barcelona, a Toronto Police Service spokesperson said. Toronto police did not provide details about the allegations, saying only that they are serious.

India called out a “lack of understanding” after the Dutch PM reportedly raised issues of press freedom and minorities during Modi’s visit Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia and Belarus have launched a joint nuclear drill focused on concealed deployment and long-distance maneuvering, Minsk has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Firms have been hit by soaring energy prices and supply chain disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, the outlet has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Washington no longer confronts Beijing from a position of unquestioned domination Read Full Article at RT.com

The US Treasury has once again renewed a sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil Read Full Article at RT.com

Yury Ushakov said that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are set to discuss all the most important issues in a friendly and sincere manner

Yury Ushakov said that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping will sign a Joint Statement on further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction

As the agency specified, several countries had previously requested the waiver

Advances in import substitution and development have reduced the urgent need for domestic software by a factor of four in recent years, the Russian prime minister noted

The Central Bank also purchased yuan on the domestic market in the amount of 1.2 bln rubles with settlements on May 14

Footage filmed at Afg Mobile Repair in Woolwich shows a man behind the counter speaking to an researcher posing as a family member of a migrant in France.

Royal expert Tom Sykes, who was in Switzerland for her speech outside the United Nations, has claimed: 'The hypocrisy is breathtaking. It is a boastful image. It is a vain image. It is tone-deaf.'

Gandalf had lived with his companion, named Ryan after the actor Gosling, in Basted Millpond near Borough Green for two years.

The claim is one of several made by Florian Tardif in 'Un Couple (Presque) Parfait - An (Almost) Perfect Couple', which shot straight to the top of France's bestseller list.

Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) on Monday (May 18) announced the suspension of an ongoing assessment of the proposed consolidation between telco operators M1 and Simba, over the latter's alleged unauthorised use of radio frequency bands.The authority said that the bands are used to provide mobile services, adding that such action is a breach of the Telecommunications Act and also a breach of the conditions of Simba's facilities-based operations licence.The four mobile network operators here are M1, Singtel, StarHub Mobile and Simba Telecom. What are radio frequency bands?Radio frequencies are a part of the electromagnetic spectrum used for wireless communication and signal transmission.Its usage includes: radio, aircraft navigation, marine radio, television broadcasting, mobile networks and even satellite systems.In a consultation paper issued by IMDA in 2014, as part of its proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Regulations, it described radio frequency spectrum as a «scarce resource», requiring management and regulation to ensure efficient allocation and optimal use.

A 9-year-old boy was taken to hospital after an accident at a pedestrian crossing in Choa Chu Kang.It happened at about 2.15pm along Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1 near Keat Hong Shopping Centre. Map showing where the accident, involving a 9-year-old pedestrian and a car, happened on Monday (May 18). GRAPHIC: Google Maps, Instagram/SGFollowsAll A video of the accident posted on sgfollowsall's Instagram page shows a boy, wearing what appears to be a school uniform, sitting on the road a few metres away from the pedestrian crossing.His left leg appears to be injured.Meanwhile, a light-coloured car is seen stopped at the pedestrian crossing.Several passers-by, including a Tower Transit bus captain, are seen gathered around the boy and two of them help carry him to the pavement.

A 14-year-old boy is assisting with police investigations for alleged harassment and use of criminal force following a dispute among a group of teenagers at Orchard Gateway at about 6.45pm on Saturday (May 16).Videos posted on social media show two police fast response cars, an emergency response team vehicle, and at least three special operations command at the scene.Several police officers exiting the emergency response team vehicle are seen entering the said building with their submachine guns drawn.Chinese daily Shin Min Daily News reported that a large group of teenagers were seen arguing at the scene and that one of the teenagers is believed to have called the police out of concern for his safety.In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police said no one was injured in the incident, adding that the 14-year-old is assisting with ongoing investigations for intentional harassment and the use of criminal force.[[nid:736030]]editor@asiaone.com 

Three Toronto police officers were charged while on vacation in Barcelona, a Toronto Police Service spokesperson said. Toronto police did not provide details about the allegations, saying only that they are serious.

A plan known as «destination stewardship» is aiming to improve managing human use in the Bow Valley. It would formalize communication between all levels of government and different agencies in the region.

A chilling CCTV video shows Twisha Sharma ascending to her terrace shortly before her death in Bhopal. Her husband, Samarth Singh, is absconding, with a reward offered. The case has taken a turn as the mother-in-law, a retired judge, claims Twisha had psychiatric issues and substance abuse problems, contradicting dowry harassment allegations.

Noida woman Twisha Sharma was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal, with her mother-in-law alleging psychiatric issues and drug use. Twisha's family claims dowry harassment and murder, refusing the body and demanding a second post-mortem. Police are investigating and have announced a reward for her absconding husband.

As war spreads and old institutions stall, Beijing is emerging as the key venue for crisis diplomacy and great-power talks Read Full Article at RT.com

Former Zelensky chief of staff Andrey Yermak has been freed after posting multimillion-dollar bail in a money laundering case Read Full Article at RT.com