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Category: Europe-Asia

  • EU unveils €1.1bn transport infrastructure fund to boost connectivity

    EU unveils €1.1bn transport infrastructure fund to boost connectivity

    BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Commission has launched a €1.1 billion call for proposals to modernise and expand transport infrastructure across Europe under the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

    The funding package, announced under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), is the final transport infrastructure call under the European Union’s 2021–2027 long-term budget framework.

    According to the Commission, the initiative will support major transport projects aimed at advancing high-speed rail development, strengthening maritime connectivity and improving military mobility across the bloc.

    The programme also prioritises rail transport, the decarbonisation of maritime operations and the removal of bottlenecks affecting military mobility.

    In addition, funding will support the electrification of road freight transport and airport ground operations, deployment of charging infrastructure in ports and the digitalisation of road transport systems.

    The Commission said the programme aligns with the EU’s industrial maritime and ports strategies, as well as its industrial action plan for the automotive sector.

    Ukraine and Moldova have also been included in the funding scheme, reflecting their growing transport integration with the European Union.

    The CEF serves as the EU’s flagship instrument for financing and implementing transport infrastructure projects under the TEN-T policy.

    The Commission said projects selected under the 2026 call would contribute to the development of smarter, more efficient and sustainable transport networks while enhancing interoperability and resilience across Europe.

    Applications for the funding programme will close on October 6, 2026.

    The Commission noted that the investment is expected to strengthen connectivity, support economic growth and accelerate the transition to greener transport systems across the continent.

  • BREAKING: UK Prime Minister Starmer announces resignation amid Labour pressure

    BREAKING: UK Prime Minister Starmer announces resignation amid Labour pressure

    LONDON, United Kingdom (NPA) — British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister, bringing an end to a turbulent period of mounting political pressure within the ruling party.

    In an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he had informed King Charles III of his decision and would remain in office until a new Labour leader and Prime Minister emerge through a leadership contest expected to conclude before Parliament resumes in September.

    The outgoing Prime Minister thanked his family, Cabinet colleagues, party members and supporters for their backing over the past six years, saying every decision he had taken was guided by the national interest.

    “Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first,” Starmer said as he announced his departure.

    Starmer highlighted several achievements of his administration, including securing trade agreements beneficial to the United Kingdom, strengthening support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, rebuilding Britain’s relationships with international allies and introducing measures to enhance online safety for children.

    His resignation follows weeks of growing unrest within the Labour Party and increasing calls from lawmakers for a change in leadership after a series of electoral setbacks. Political pressure intensified following the recent by-election victory of Andy Burnham, who is widely regarded as a leading contender to succeed Starmer.

    Under the timetable outlined by Starmer, nominations for the Labour leadership contest are expected to open in July, with a new party leader and Prime Minister in place by September.

    Starmer, who led Labour to a historic general election victory in 2024, said he would do everything possible to ensure an orderly transfer of power and support his successor during the transition.

  • Speculation grows over Starmer’s possible Monday resignation

    Speculation grows over Starmer’s possible Monday resignation

    LONDON, United Kingdom (NPA) — Pressure is mounting on British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer amid growing speculation that he could announce his resignation as Labour Party leader and Prime Minister this week following his party’s poor electoral performance and escalating internal dissent.

    Reports in several British media outlets suggest Starmer is facing increasing pressure from Labour MPs to step aside and allow a leadership transition, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emerging as a leading contender to succeed him.

    The speculation intensified after Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the Prime Minister was spending the weekend reflecting on the “political realities” confronting his government and party.

    However, Downing Street has not confirmed any plans for Starmer to resign, and the Prime Minister has repeatedly insisted that he intends to remain in office despite mounting calls for his departure. Government sources have also maintained that Starmer remains focused on his responsibilities as Prime Minister.

    Media reports indicate that more than 100 Labour MPs have either publicly or privately expressed concerns about Starmer’s leadership, while senior party figures continue to debate the future direction of the government.

    Should Starmer decide to step down, Labour would be expected to begin the process of selecting a new leader, potentially ushering in a significant political transition in the United Kingdom.

    For now, Starmer’s future remains uncertain, with political observers closely watching developments over the next 24 hours for any indication of his next move.

  • Zelenskyy urges long‑term support to sustain Ukraine as Europe’s strongest army

    Zelenskyy urges long‑term support to sustain Ukraine as Europe’s strongest army

    KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for long-term international support and funding for Ukraine’s military, arguing that the country’s armed forces have become Europe’s most effective defence against large-scale aggression.

    Addressing the 35th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), a coalition of more than 50 countries coordinating military and security assistance for Ukraine, Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian army had demonstrated its ability to deter and resist sustained military aggression.

    According to him, preserving that capability after the war would be essential to Europe’s future security architecture.

    “Today, the Ukrainian army is effectively the main army in Europe that can deter and resist large-scale aggression over a long period of time. And after this war, this must remain the case,” Zelenskyy said.

    “The existence of such an army should help prevent any future aggressive moves by Putin. That is why we need to start thinking now about how to provide the funding the Ukrainian army will need in the years ahead.”

    He argued that a stronger and more secure Europe would depend on long-term cooperation with Ukraine and continued support for its military capabilities.

    “If we want Europe to have the strongest army, one that can truly respond to any threat, this is only possible with long-term cooperation with Ukraine and long-term support for the Ukrainian army. This is a realistic new security architecture for Europe,” he added.

    Zelenskyy also highlighted what he described as urgent military requirements, including unmanned ground vehicles and long-range artillery ammunition.

    He disclosed that he had raised both issues with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, stressing that current production levels and funding commitments were insufficient to meet Ukraine’s operational needs.

    “Right now, there is not enough of either. We need both urgently. The funding being allocated for this is not enough. The quantities Europe is producing are not enough. What the Ukrainian army is receiving is not enough,” he said.

    The Ukrainian leader maintained that Europe possesses the industrial capacity to increase production and supply if the necessary political decisions are made.

    Zelenskyy also called for stronger anti-ballistic missile defence systems to counter what he described as Russia’s continued reliance on missile attacks.

    “We all see that Putin is now relying on one last thing: constant missile attacks. He has ballistic missiles. So we need anti-ballistic capabilities,” he said.

    While noting that Ukraine has achieved an interception rate of more than 90 per cent against drone attacks and has strengthened its ability to defend against cruise missiles, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Russian ballistic missiles remain a significant challenge.

    “We’ve done a lot to defend against drones, and our interception rate is above 90 per cent. That is a serious achievement. We are also defending against cruise missiles. But Russian ballistic missiles remain a problem, and we need an answer to that problem,” he said.

    He urged members of the anti-ballistic coalition supporting Ukraine to accelerate efforts to deliver more effective air defence systems.

    “Our anti-ballistic coalition must demonstrate full capability and deliver real results. By this winter, we should already see concrete outcomes from our joint work on anti-ballistic defence,” Zelenskyy said.

  • BREAKING: European Parliament backs tougher deportation rules for illegal migrants

    BREAKING: European Parliament backs tougher deportation rules for illegal migrants

    STRASBOURG, France (NPA) — The European Parliament has voted in favour of a sweeping overhaul of the European Union’s migration return system, backing new measures aimed at increasing the deportation of illegal migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected.

    The proposed legislation, known as the Return Directive, was approved by 418 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), while 218 voted against it.

    The reform seeks to address the EU’s low deportation rate, with officials estimating that only about 20 per cent of migrants issued return orders are currently removed from the bloc.

    Under the proposed rules, migrants subject to deportation orders will be required to actively cooperate with authorities by providing identification documents, relevant information, and remaining available throughout the return process.

    Failure to cooperate could result in detention and other enforcement measures.

    One of the most significant provisions of the legislation allows detention periods of up to 30 months in cases where authorities require additional time to facilitate deportation procedures.

    The directive also introduces the mutual recognition of return decisions across EU member states, enabling deportation orders issued in one country to be enforced more easily throughout the bloc.

    Supporters say the measure will prevent individuals from avoiding deportation by moving from one EU country to another after receiving a return order.

    The legislation further provides for the establishment of so-called “return hubs” in third countries through agreements that comply with international human rights obligations.

    Under the arrangement, migrants awaiting deportation could be transferred to designated non-EU countries before being returned to their countries of origin.

    The proposal also shortens voluntary departure periods, allowing authorities to accelerate removals in cases involving non-compliance or security concerns.

    Additional provisions grant law enforcement agencies broader investigative powers, including searches and seizures aimed at obtaining evidence necessary for deportation proceedings.

    The directive also provides for longer re-entry bans of up to 10 years and imposes stricter restrictions on individuals classified as security threats who attempt to re-enter the European Union after deportation.

    The legislation must still be approved by the Council of the European Union before it can enter into force.

    Supporters of the reform argue that the measures are necessary to restore public confidence in the EU’s migration system and ensure that immigration rules are effectively enforced.

    Among those welcoming the vote was Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers, Vice Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, who described the outcome as a major step toward tougher migration enforcement across Europe.

    “Mass deportations from Europe will soon become reality,” Weimers said following the vote.

    The proposal has, however, drawn criticism from some lawmakers, migrant rights advocates, and humanitarian organisations, who argue that extended detention periods and third-country return arrangements could raise legal and human rights concerns.

    Migration remains one of the most contentious political issues within the European Union, with member states divided over how best to manage irregular migration, asylum applications, border security, and migrant integration.

    If adopted by the Council, the revised Return Directive would represent one of the most significant changes to the EU’s migration enforcement framework in recent years, potentially reshaping how member states handle deportations and illegal migration across the bloc.

  • EU imposes new sanctions on Russia targeting energy, military, and human rights violations

    EU imposes new sanctions on Russia targeting energy, military, and human rights violations

    BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Union has unveiled a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, intensifying pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its continued violations of international law.

    The new package released on Monday targets 34 individuals and 47 entities, focusing on Russia’s military-industrial complex, energy revenues, propaganda networks, and human rights abuses. The measures are designed to curb Russia’s ability to finance its war, disrupt its shadow oil fleet, and expose systemic repression within the country.

    EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said the sanctions “strike at the heart of Russia’s military-industrial complex, its shadow fleet, and the networks that fuel Moscow’s hybrid attacks against Europe,” adding that Western sanctions have already cost Russia an estimated €1–1.3 trillion.

    The listings include manufacturers and suppliers of drones and military equipment such as JSC Lavochkin Research and Production Association, LLC Rustakt, and Chinese firms Shenzhen Minghuaxin and Xinxiang Richful Lubricant Additive Company.

    The EU also sanctioned entities linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, including companies in Russia, Türkiye, the UAE, Azerbaijan, Liberia, and Hong Kong, accused of helping Moscow evade oil export restrictions.

    In addition, the EU targeted Russian propagandists and institutions spreading disinformation, including Anatoly Kuzichev, Maria Volkonskaya, and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, as well as individuals implicated in the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

    The Council also renewed sanctions related to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, extending them until June 23, 2027.

    “These measures shrink Russia’s room for manoeuvre,” Kallas said. “Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia’s war economy.”

  • Meloni blasts Italian opposition over failure to present united front ahead of the European Council

    Meloni blasts Italian opposition over failure to present united front ahead of the European Council

    ROME, Italy (NPA) — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticised opposition parties for their inability to forge a common position on key national issues, arguing that their divisions cast doubt on their ability to govern the country effectively.

    Meloni made the remarks on Thursday following a vote in the Chamber of Deputies on resolutions tied to the government’s communications ahead of the forthcoming European Council meeting.

    According to the Prime Minister, while the ruling coalition presented a single, unified resolution, opposition parties submitted separate motions reflecting their individual positions.

    “This morning in the Chamber, resolutions were being voted on regarding the Government’s communications ahead of the upcoming European Council. The majority presented a unified text. The opposition, on the other hand, put forward a different resolution for each individual party,” Meloni said.

    Describing the development as revealing, she argued that her government had consistently demonstrated the ability to build consensus and articulate a coherent national position, while opposition parties had failed to do the same.

    “It’s a rather telling snapshot: when it comes to outlining a common line for Italy, our government always manages to find a synthesis. The so-called ‘broad field’ does not,” she said.

    “If they can’t even agree on a parliamentary resolution, it’s hard to imagine how they could put together a budget law and govern a nation together.”

    Meloni said her administration would continue to respond to changing global realities with what she described as pragmatic and effective policies aimed at safeguarding Italy’s interests at home and abroad.

    “We will continue to interpret the changes in the international landscape and promote pragmatic and effective solutions, defending Italian interests,” she stated.

    The Prime Minister further mocked the opposition alliance, describing it as a fragmented coalition lacking a common vision.

    “Meanwhile, the broad field, reduced to a puzzle with pieces from different boxes, manages to divide itself even when it should unite,” she said.

    The latest remarks come amid continuing political tensions between Meloni’s right-wing governing coalition and opposition parties led by the centre-left Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement. While opposition groups have frequently criticised the government’s positions on economic policy, migration, constitutional reforms, and Italy’s role within the European Union, they have often struggled to present a united alternative platform, exposing ideological differences within their ranks.

    Meloni also appeared to take aim at the tone of political discourse adopted by some of her critics in a separate statement. “There are those who do politics with insults and vulgarity. And those who respond with their own story,” she said.

    The debate over Italy’s direction within Europe, economic reforms, immigration policy, and institutional changes is expected to remain at the centre of political discussions as the country prepares for key domestic and European political battles in the months ahead.

  • EU Council endorses negotiating position on European business wallets

    EU Council endorses negotiating position on European business wallets

    BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The Council of the European Union has formally adopted its negotiating stance on the creation of European business wallets (EBWs), a digital identity solution designed to streamline and secure business interactions across the bloc.

    The initiative, built on the eIDAS2 framework, will allow companies to digitalise operations that currently require in‑person processing. By offering a harmonised European solution, EBWs will enable secure cross‑border communication and document exchange, reducing administrative burdens and strengthening the single market.

    Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus, Nicodemos Damianou, hailed the agreement as “a key building block of Europe’s digital future” and central to the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap. He stressed that the Council is on track to reach a political agreement by the end of 2026, in line with commitments made at the March 2026 European Council.

    With EBWs, companies will be able to verify identities digitally, create and share trusted documents such as licenses and permits, sign and seal documents electronically, delegate legal authority, and communicate securely with businesses or public administrations.

    The Council’s position introduces several safeguards and clarifications: EBWs will complement rather than replace national systems; digital actions will be legally recognised but subject to national requirements; powers of attorney remain unaffected; and stricter authorisation thresholds for EBW providers have been set to enhance cybersecurity. National supervisory bodies will now have up to 60 days to review provider applications, with streamlined timelines for clarity.

    Having reached a general approach, the Council will now begin negotiations with the European Parliament under the ordinary legislative procedure once Parliament adopts its position.

  • EBOLA: AU–EU leaders strengthen cooperation on health, humanitarian response

    EBOLA: AU–EU leaders strengthen cooperation on health, humanitarian response

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, today received H.E. Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, at AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    The meeting underscored the enduring strength of the AU–EU strategic partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to solidarity and a shared vision for peace, resilience, and sustainable development.

    Discussions focused on joint efforts to address health and humanitarian emergencies, including the ongoing Ebola outbreak, as well as broader peace and security challenges across the continent. The AU Chairperson emphasised the importance of strengthening Africa’s health security architecture, advancing health sovereignty, and enhancing continental capacities in vaccine production, preparedness, and response.

    He also highlighted the humanitarian implications of the situation in eastern DRC, stressing the need for ceasefire efforts, humanitarian access, and support for affected communities.

    Commissioner Lahbib reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to work closely with the AU and institutions such as the Africa CDC to bolster preparedness and support Africa‑led responses. She also underscored the importance of deepening cooperation on humanitarian diplomacy and international humanitarian law.

    The talks further touched on the impact of conflicts beyond Africa, particularly in the Middle East, and their implications for the continent. Both sides agreed to build on the outcomes of the AU–EU Summit in Luanda, anchoring their partnership in shared priorities for peace, stability, and sustainable development.

  • EU unveils €641 million investment package to boost Moldova’s economy

    EU unveils €641 million investment package to boost Moldova’s economy

    BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Union has announced investment plans and project initiatives worth up to €641 million aimed at strengthening Moldova’s economy, improving infrastructure and accelerating the country’s integration into European markets.

    The announcement was made by the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, during the EU-Moldova Investment Conference.

    According to the European Commission, the package brings together funding from international financial institutions, private sector partners and public stakeholders to support key sectors including energy, digital infrastructure, education and sustainable agriculture.

    The initiative is designed to enhance Moldova’s economic resilience, expand access to finance, modernise infrastructure and deepen integration into European value chains.

    A major component of the package includes up to €433 million mobilised through a combination of European Union grants, guarantees and loans in partnership with leading international financial institutions.

    Under the arrangement, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) will support energy-efficiency projects in public buildings and residential housing, while the European Investment Bank (EIB) will finance the modernisation of school infrastructure across Moldova.

    The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will support the development of digital infrastructure and services, strengthen strategic investment frameworks and enhance private-sector competitiveness and innovation.

    The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) and the Green for Growth Fund (GGF) will help expand access to finance for businesses and households.

    In addition, eight private-sector projects worth up to €208 million in planned investments were selected under the EU’s Call for Expressions of Interest for private investments in Moldova.

    Letters of Intent were signed in the presence of Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and Commissioner Kos.

    The selected projects include investments in private equity, data centres, technology innovation, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, logistics, water infrastructure and agricultural exports.

    Among the companies involved are INVL, TET, Micro Nano Tech, Balkan Pharmaceuticals, KB Container, Danube Logistics, BOSAQ and VED-MAR AGRO.

    The EU said the investments are expected to support Moldova’s economic transformation, improve connectivity, strengthen industrial capacity and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens.

    Looking ahead, the European Union and Moldova are expected to hold their second EU-Moldova Summit on June 22, where both sides will reaffirm their strategic partnership and commitment to Moldova’s European integration ambitions.

    The investment package forms part of the EU’s broader Growth Plan for Moldova, a €1.9 billion programme proposed in October 2024 to support reforms, economic growth and development between 2025 and 2027.

    According to the European Commission, Moldova has already received €504 million under the Growth Plan, making it the largest financial support package ever provided by the EU to the country.

    EU officials said they will continue working closely with the Moldovan government, international financial institutions and private-sector partners to ensure the successful implementation of the announced projects and deliver tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.