ISSUES AT STAKE: • Every year around €2.5 trillion, roughly 15 % of the combined GDP of the EU's 27 Member States, is spent on public procurement. The perceived failure of current EU public procurement rules to deliver on the economic potential of this part of the economy lead to a need for review. Findings show competition in public procurement did not increase from 2011 to 2021, a period which comprises the last review of the rules, which date to 2014. Successful public procurement could be leveraged to provide investment in the EU economy, thus playing its part in the drive to improve its competitiveness as a whole and the strategic autonomy of the Union. • The review will be expected to simplify the current rules. The notion of 'simplification' has two potential aspects, namely removal of complexity present in the procurement framework legislation itself, and simplification of the interaction between that framework and sectoral legislation. • The previous revision of the EU's public procurement rules strengthened the power of public authorities to award contracts on non-price criteria. To increase the take-up of procurement on such strategic bases, it will be necessary to improve the legal framework to give greater clarity as to the conditions for such awards. • One aspect of the strategic approach to procurement which has gained significant political traction recently is the encouragement of procurement of goods and services made in the EU – the 'European preference'. This is fully in line with recent efforts to develop the EU's autonomy in strategically important sectors. Complex interrelationships exist between these drivers. Some are in inherent contradiction, while others are necessarily complementary. For example, development of non-price award criteria by means of increased legal certainty implies developing additional, more detailed legal rules. This is prima facie opposed to the simplification agenda, if simplification is to be understood just as reducing the number of rules. Similarly, any 'European preference' will need legal delineation, which, depending on how it is executed, may run counter to any notion of simplification. Developing secure legal criteria for non-price awards will impact positively on the competitiveness gain from EU public procurement, if those rules cater for increased innovative tenders. While an EU preference could support local industries, it could also limit contracting authorities' (CAs) choice of international tenderer, with a possible negative impact on competitiveness. Resolving these trade-offs will be at the heart of the political deal to be struck on this reform. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

This study maps EU allocations and instruments supporting natural disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery under the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and compares them with the European Commission’s proposals for the 2028–2034 MFF. It highlights key structural and budgetary differences, including changes affecting climate and biodiversity mainstreaming, and identifies limits to comparability. The study provides Members of the European Parliament with a clear analytical basis for scrutiny of the post-2027 EU budget. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Alexander Kharchenko noted that «Iran will not accept this painful blow and will actively use drones and ballistic missiles»

Despite Trump’s recent statements regarding possible negotiations, Israel itself remains skeptical about the possibility of concluding an acceptable agreement with the Iranian leadership

According to the source, Washington does not believe that Kiev is capable of agreeing on the «key issue,» referring to Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbass

The US doesn’t think it necessary to warn Europe when making decisions on military operations, Fabien Mandon said

The State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and the Atomic Energy Agency of Uzbekistan signed a roadmap for cooperation in the nuclear and related fields

The former glamour model, 47, appeared on the sofa earlier this month (16 March) to set a few things straight in a tell-all chat.

FDH Bank Plc has recognised outstanding netball players for their exceptional performances in the FDH Premier Netball League, marking the end of a competitive season that started in August last year. The awards ceremony, held on March 22 at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) Sports Complex, celebrated players and officials who stood out […] The post FDH Bank Rewards Top Netball Stars as Blue Eagles Dominate Season Awards appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

A major conservation effort by the Government of Malawi, supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), is close to transforming life for communities around Kasungu National Park. With more than 133 kilometres of protective fencing now in place, human-wildlife conflict is reducing across much of the park’s perimeter. The project, backed by MWK […] The post Kasungu fence nears completion, bringing hope to border communities appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri is set to step onto the global stage as a key speaker at a high-level forum on health communication leadership, hosted by the USC Center on Communication Leadership and Policy. The international forum will convene senior fellows from across Africa—Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa—creating a […] The post Honourable Ben Phiri Takes Local Health Messaging to Global Stage appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

A powerful proposal from Parliament has ignited a sweeping push to overhaul Malawi’s mining sector, with lawmakers demanding higher fees, tougher fines, and a shift to charging foreign investors in United States dollars. The Parliamentary Cluster Committee on Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Climate Change says the current system is failing the country—leaving Malawi with […] The post Parliament Proposes Higher Mining Fees and Dollar Payments for Foreign Investors to Boost Malawi’s Revenue and Forex appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Oil traders placed $580 million in bets minutes before US president Donald Trump’s post about “productive” talks with Iran, the FT has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Russian space company Bureau 1440 has successfully launched the first batch of 16 satellites for its Rassvet internet network Read Full Article at RT.com

The Belgian authorities have deployed troops to protect Jewish sites, following an attack on a synagogue Read Full Article at RT.com

India has said the vessels, carrying more than 92,000 tons of LPG, are expected to arrive this week Read Full Article at RT.com

The US president is not just choosing between continuing the pressure or stopping the war – he is looking for a usable victory Read Full Article at RT.com

Former congressman David Rivera, accused of secretly lobbying for Nicolás Maduro’s government in Venezuela, climbed Miami politics alongside Marco Rubio.

As DEFRA introduces ever stricter rukes for traditional wood burners, those seeking a statement fire without the side portion of eco guilt are turning to a centuries-old alternative.

Search and rescue teams from Landsbjörg responded to numerous callouts yesterday due to severe weather, though the night itself was relatively calm.

Rachel Reeves is expected to make clear that any bailout will be targeted rather than universal as she responds to the Middle East crisis.

MAFS star Mel Schilling has died aged 54.

The archives of Bob Monkhouse's handwritten joke books were brought in for repair by the late comic's adopted daughter Abigail Williams and his old writing partner Colin Edmond.

Rachel Reeves is expected to make clear that any bailout will be targeted rather than universal as she responds to the Middle East crisis.

While Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack seem closer than ever, I am hearing Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are under strain.

For veteran Tony Wade and his wife Sue retirement was their chance to move to quiet Cambridgeshire and soak up the delights of the British countryside.

Claimed to plump out wrinkles, strengthen muscles and ease sore joints, collagen is heavily marketed as a miracle solution to many of the effects of ageing.

Krystyna Allen, 81, (pictured) left her vehicle in the car park in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, for 11 minutes before moving it because the pay machines did not work.

Despite Harry's 2024 documentary Polo being a ratings flop, the Sussexes are reportedly executive producing a scripted TV show about 'the Sport of Kings'.

This past weekend, the Cotswold Set has been positively buzzing with concern and intrigue following hints that the six-year marriage of a local couple may have hit troubled waters.

Kris Marshall quit paradise because he wanted to see more of his children - but now he's finding the West Country just as distracting as the Caribbean. 'I surf, sail, swim, do triathlons,' says the actor.

US military officials are looking into the possibility of using airborne troops to capture Iran’s Kharg island, the NYT has reported Read Full Article at RT.com

Floods have killed at least 81 people in Kenya as heavy rains continue and displace thousands of families Read Full Article at RT.com

A chef of two decades at a zi char restaurant in Singapore was rewarded for his long service with a gift he'd always wanted — a Rolex watch.In a social media post published on Monday (March 24), Kelly Jie Seafood — formerly known as TPY Mellben Seafood — shared how its head chef, who has been with the restaurant since its beginnings in 2006, has stood by them through every chapter of their journey.«20 years, not just of work, but of loyalty, trust and heart. Not just as our head chef, but as our mum’s closest partner, carrying the kitchen through the toughest days and quietly holding everything together behind the scenes,» the post read.The restaurant added that it had bought the watch for its head chef as it was something he had always wanted but was reluctant to buy for himself.«We got him something he has always wanted but never brought himself to buy — a Rolex. A small gift for something that can never truly be measured,» it said.When presented with the gift, the man appeared surprised and joked about its authenticity before opening the box.«Is it really mine? Don't prank me,» he said, still in disbelief.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will visit Hainan and Hong Kong from March 25 to 28, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a press release on Tuesday (March 24).In Hainan, he will deliver a keynote speech at the Opening Plenary of the 2026 Bo'ao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference. The theme for this year's conference is «Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation». PM Wong will also attend a welcome dinner hosted by the Hainan government and BFA secretariat for leaders attending the conference.And the prime minister will also have bilateral meetings with National People's Congress chairman Zhao Leji and Communist Party of China Hainan Provincial Committee secretary Feng Fei.In Hong Kong, PM Wong will meet and have lunch with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) chief executive John Lee.He will also meet HK political and business leaders. To gain a better understanding of Hong Kong's economic and development trajectory, and explore new opportunities for collaboration, PM Wong will visit key sites in the Northern Metropolis, said the PMO.