The European Union has cleared the way for Ukraine and Moldova to advance to the next phase of their membership bids, after diplomats said Hungary had signalled it was lifting its long-running veto on Kyiv's progress. "This marks a significant milestone in their European integration path, and sends a strong message of EU unity and determination," Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency, said in a social media post. The bloc formally opened accession talks with Ukraine in June 2024, launching a complex process that…

Ireland would see it as a "big moment" if Iceland votes to resume negotiations on joining the European Union, Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne has said, as Reykjavik moves toward a fresh decision on its stalled membership bid. The Nordic island nation is expected to hold a referendum on 29 August on whether to reopen talks on entering the EU. Iceland first applied for membership in 2009, before the accession process was suspended in 2015 after a change of government. Its current administration, which took…

The White House has asked countries to pay $1 billion for a permanent seat on a new “Board of Peace” chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a draft charter seen by AFP and shared with invitees. The body—initially framed as a vehicle to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction—would be empowered to address conflicts far beyond the Palestinian territory, positioning itself as an alternative to existing multilateral institutions. Under the terms outlined in the charter, member states would be represented by their heads of…

This year's UN General Assembly (UNGA) carries the theme, “Leaving No One Behind.” The event unfolds as the world contends with diverse and daunting challenges—from geopolitical rifts to pressing climate crises. Prime Minister Barre will have a posse of key officials by his side. Among them are Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi, Environment and Climate Change Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, and State Minister Hirsi Jama Ganni. Additionally, Abukar Osman Baale, Somalia's Permanent Representative to the…

Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow has reached out, seeking the support of ex-President George M. Weah in the pursuit of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. In a formal letter, Beysolow emphasized Weah's noteworthy "global standing as a peace ambassador" and highlighted the solid groundwork his administration laid on this matter, deeming it "essential for our campaign." The initiative is poised to garner backing from other influential figures in Liberia, including former President Ellen Johnson…