In 2023, Romania accounted for around 2 % of the EU's net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and had achieved a net emissions reduction of 50.8 % compared with 2005 (Figure 1). The country's total emissions decreased by 30.1 % between 2005 and 2023, while its net carbon removals in the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector increased by 50 %. Emissions from sectors covered by the effort-sharing legislation had risen by 8.4 % since 2005. In 2023, they were more than three times higher than those from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS), which fell by 68.2 % over the same period. Romania has committed to the EU's target of climate neutrality by 2050 (see the trajectory in Figure 1). However, to meet its energy needs, the country still relies mainly on fossil fuels; the deployment of various renewable energy sources for the shift towards a sustainable economy requires further efforts. Romania's recovery and resilience plan dedicates 44 % of investments to the green transition, with a focus on industry decarbonisation, sustainable transport, and building renovation. Romania submitted its final updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in October 2024. In a 2023 survey, 23 % of Romanians, compared with a 46 % EU average, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (40 %), the EU (37 %), and/or business and industry (33 %) to tackle climate change; 18 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The modernisation and expansion of electricity grids lies at the heart of the EU's energy transition and decarbonisation efforts. In the context of the rising share of electricity in final energy consumption, there is increasing demand for grid upgrades to accommodate the new generation capacity and to adapt, in particular, to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Key concerns include ageing infrastructure, investment shortfalls, and regulatory complexities that hinder rapid modernisation of grids and efficient integration of decentralised energy production. Interconnectivity between EU Member States is important to ensure energy security and reliability: the integration of European electricity markets benefits consumers by up to €34 billion every year. To meet the challenge posed by electricity infrastructure modernisation, various innovative solutions, including the adoption of smart grids, digitalisation, and grid enhancement technologies, should be considered. In addition, ways of increasing private and public sector financing should be explored to meet the challenge of the massive investments that are needed in this sector in the coming decades; methodologies and scenarios for anticipating future needs constitute an essential element in ensuring a cost-effective approach to the development of grids. Globally, electricity grids will need to increase by more than 20 % in length by 2030 to meet energy and climate pledges in time and in full, which requires annual average investment in grids to rise to US$600 billion from around US$300 billion today, according to the International Energy Agency. Concerning supply chain risks, the need for resilient and effective grid manufacturing supply chains is recognised by the Net-Zero Industry Act, which designates grid technologies as strategic net-zero technologies. Recognising the critical importance of grids for the EU energy union and economy as a whole, the European Commission came forward with an EU action plan for grids in November 2023, while a new European grids package is expected in the coming months. Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted an own-initiative report on the subject on 13 May 2025. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Lithuania's national climate change management agenda sets emissions reduction targets with a view to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Lithuania accounted for 0.4 % of the EU's net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023 and had reduced its net emissions by 31.5 % since 2005, slightly above the EU average reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. Emissions from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) were more than halved (-57.5 %). For the effort-sharing sectors, Lithuania overachieved its target for the 2013-2020 period and expects to reach its 2030 target. Lithuania's land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is an important carbon sink, absorbing around a third of the country's GHG emissions. In June 2023, Lithuania modified its recovery and resilience plan, adding a REPowerEU chapter. Lithuania submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in July 2023. The European Commission assessed it and made recommendations for the final updated NECP, which was published in October 2024. In a 2023 survey, a third of Lithuanians, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (57 %) and/or business and industry (56 %) to tackle climate change, 50 % see it as a task of the EU, while 37 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

ECON Committee Meeting on 20 May 2025 The Statistical Dialogue is a regular exchange between the Director-General of Eurostat and the ECON Committee, enabling its Members to engage on key statistical issues related to EU economic governance. It is based on Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, which enshrines principles of professional independence and accountability, and was reinforced by Regulation (EU) 2015/759, introducing a formal obligation for regular appearances before Parliament. This is the first Statistical Dialogue of the 10th parliamentary term.. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

SINGAPORE — A cleaner was at work in a primary school when he molested a 10-year-old girl twice in a single day in May 2024. In one of the incidents, he brazenly outraged the child's modesty while her schoolmates were playing nearby. On May 14, the 67-year-old man, whose name has been redacted from court documents, was sentenced to 11 months and two weeks' jail after he pleaded guilty to two molestation charges. Deputy Public Prosecutor Xavier Tan told the court that the victim was standing near the school canteen during recess at around 11.15am on May 6, 2024, when the offender called out to her. He then walked up to the girl, hugged her from the front and moved his body in a lewd manner. The girl did not return the hug, and ran into the canteen when he released her. She was sitting at one of the tables when he approached her again, sat down, and placed his left arm around her back. When a boy approached the victim, the man left, the court heard. At around 11.30am, the girl was heading back to class when the man approached her yet again and tried to kiss her.

Singapore and Changi cannot afford to be complacent, and we must «continue to work hard», said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the groundbreaking ceremony of the mega Terminal 5 (T5)  on Wednesday (May 14). The terminal will also house Changi's first transport hub, with the potential for land, air and sea transportation options. Speaking at the event, PM Wong, who is also the Finance Minister said: «Like Singapore, this improbable nation we have, Changi, too, has defied the odds to thrive and succeed beyond all expectations. »We must make a connection to the world, and we must make sure our air hub stays competitive. That's why, today, we are making another bold move in Changi with this groundbreaking." He shared that an estimated 50 million passengers are expected to travel through T5 each year. With the completion of T5, Changi Airport will be able to handle 140 million passengers yearly, boosting its current capacity of 90 million by more than 55 per cent.  The current 170 city links that Changi has is expected to increase to more than 200 with the completion of the new terminal, PM Wong stated.

Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Singapore and Changi cannot be complacent, says PM Wong during groundbreaking ceremony of Terminal 5 Singapore and Changi cannot afford to be complacent, and we must «continue to work hard», said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the groundbreaking ceremony of the mega Terminal 5 (T5)  on Wednesday (May 14)... » READ MORE 2. Stray cat in Punggol dies from 'deliberate abuse'; NParks investigating

In the wake of a disputed primary election in Mzimba Central, the silence of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda and Director of Elections Elias Chakwera is sounding louder than any official statement. As party members and the public demand answers, neither has stepped forward to explain the chaotic and questionably conducted […] The post Chaos of MCP’s Mzimba Central Primaries: Silence from SG and Director of Elections Fuels Democratic Crisis appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Today, the flags fly high, the politicians speak with affected reverence, and school children sing songs of national pride. It’s Kamuzu Day in Malawi—a public holiday dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the self-proclaimed Ngwazi, the ‘founding father’ of the nation. But I do not celebrate. I cannot. To celebrate […] The post OPINION| Why I Don’t Celebrate Kamuzu Day appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General and Minister of Local Government, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has declared that the ruling party is firmly entrenched in power and heading for continued governance beyond the September 16 elections. Speaking during Kamuzu Day commemorations at Mzuzu Stadium, Chimwendo Banda praised President Lazarus Chakwera for championing unity, development, and the […] The post MCP Is Here to Stay – Visibly Vibrant Chimwendo Tells Opposition Parties Ahead of September 16 Elections appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

With passion and resolve, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera delivered a stirring address during Kamuzu Day celebrations, declaring his mission to restore what Malawi’s founding president, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, built—and what others later dismantled. “Kamuzu built it. Others broke it. Now I am rebuilding it,” Chakwera declared before a packed crowd at Mzuzu Stadium, evoking […] The post Kamuzu Built It, Others Broke It—Now I Am Rebuilding It For a Better Malawi, Says Chakwera at Kamuzu Day Celebrations appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Earlier, Donald Trump said he would give thought to the idea of visiting Turkey

The US used fentanyl for justifying the introduction of baseless trade tariffs on Chinese products, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian stated

«It’s time to put an end to the spiral of sanctions, threats and military rhetoric,» Harald Wilimsky noted

The Government of National Unity has declared a ceasefire after fresh clashes erupted in Tripoli, despite earlier claims of restoring calm Read Full Article at RT.com

International leaders have presented US presidents with gifts ranging from books to paintings to antiques to diamonds, and even animals

By 4:00 p.m., the price had edged up slightly to $3,187.7 per ounce

228,900 foreigners visited Russia for tourism in January-March 2025

According to RSPP, the requirements will not apply to all foreign companies that would like to return to Russia

«The shortened AK-12 is primarily designed for arming assault units,» Kalashnikov Group Chief Designer for Small Arms Sergey Urzhumtsev said

The Burkinabe leader has highlighted deepening bilateral cooperation in education, trade, and defense Read Full Article at RT.com

Caracas has hosted a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II Read Full Article at RT.com

International order is losing meaning – just like multipolarity Read Full Article at RT.com

Sean “Diddy” Combs’s federal sex-trafficking trial and high-profile case continues on Day 3 as Cassie Ventura is expected to take the stand and continue testifying.

Trump attended a meeting with the leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE before traveling to Doha, Qatar, on his trip’s second leg.

Dmitry Peskov stressed that the Kremlin «greatly values partnership relations» with Iran and their development in all spheres

Yury Ushakov did not answer whether he himself is part of the Russian delegation

«There are simply too many statements, we need to see how the situation unfolds,» the official noted

According to Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, over the past five years, the volume of mutual trade has increased 1.5 times

The Defense Ministry of the Government of National Unity called on all parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire and refrain from any statements or actions on the ground that could reignite tensions

[New Times] Developers are putting final touches on Zaria Court, a multi-purpose hospitality complex located at what will eventually become Kigali Sports City, before opening it officially to the public.

[IMF] End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF's Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for discussion and decision.

[New Times] Rwanda plans to expand its rice cultivation area by an additional 2,000 hectares, from 35,167 hectares in 2024 to approximately 37,167 hectares by the end of this year, according to Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB).

The names of the officials representing Moscow will be announced in due time, Dmitry Peskov has said Read Full Article at RT.com