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EU unity crucial as bloc prepares for 2028-2034 budget, President Costa says

VALLETTA, Malta (NPA) — European Council President António CostaEU unity crucial as bloc prepares for 2028-2034 budget, President Costa says

VALLETTA, Malta (NPA) — European Council President António Costa has stressed the importance of unity among European Union member states as the bloc prepares to negotiate its next long-term budget for 2028 to 2034.

Costa made the remarks following a meeting with Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, in Valletta on September 10, 2026, as part of his consultations with European leaders ahead of key decisions facing the EU.

He said engaging directly with EU leaders in their home countries was important for understanding different perspectives and building consensus within the European Council.

“It is very important for me to engage directly with all European leaders regularly, including their home country, and to listen to and understand all perspectives. This will help the European Council to achieve unity. Because unity cannot be taken for granted, we build it every day, at every meeting.”

Costa said the EU was preparing for a major budget decision that would determine the bloc’s ability to respond to its priorities between 2028 and 2034.

“We will need it again for a decision that will define what Europe is able to do between 2028 and 2034: on our next long-term budget.”

According to Costa, the geopolitical environment facing Europe has fundamentally changed since the previous long-term budget was negotiated in 2020, requiring a different approach to the structure and allocation of EU resources.

“We are now operating in a fundamentally different geopolitical environment from the one we faced when we last negotiated the budget in 2020. This new reality calls for a new approach to our budget, with a new structure and a new way of allocating our resources.”

He said the next budget must be capable of funding strategic priorities such as competitiveness, defence, security and strategic resilience.

“At the same time, the next budget should ensure funding for our cohesion and agriculture policies. They pull our regions upwards and support growth and jobs locally. In a nutshell, they have a direct impact on the prosperity of our citizens.”

Costa said reaching an agreement before the end of 2026 would be important to ensure continuity of funding for farmers, fishermen, students, researchers and businesses.

“Reaching agreement by the end of the year is key. Because we need to ensure that funding keeps flowing without interruption. For our farmers and fishermen, for our students and researchers, for our businesses.”

He outlined the proposed timeline as: “agree in 2026, legislate and prepare in 2027, deliver in 2028.”

EU budget requires new revenue sources

Costa described the size of the next EU budget as a critical issue, noting that the bloc, like national governments, must finance its priorities within limited resources.

He said most EU funding comes from national contributions by member states, which he argued must remain within reasonable limits.

“Therefore, we need new European revenues, the so-called new own resources, in order to reduce the pressure on national budgets. This will be a key component of an overall agreement.”

Costa discusses Mediterranean, Middle East

Beyond the long-term budget, Costa said he and Abela discussed issues expected to feature prominently at the upcoming European Council meeting, including developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

He said the developments had implications for Europe’s peace and stability, migration flows and energy security.

“We need to remain engaged in the region and I am grateful for your active role in this regard, dear Robert. The European Union will continue to work, including with regional and global partners, on the path towards a long-lasting peace, based on the two-state solution.”

Costa said recent geopolitical developments had demonstrated the need for Europe to accelerate efforts towards greater strategic autonomy.

“The geopolitical developments of recent years have shown us one thing clearly: Europe needs to accelerate its path towards greater strategic autonomy. And we are on the right track.”

He, however, stressed that greater European autonomy depended fundamentally on unity among member states.

“The most important condition for greater European autonomy is our own unity.”

Costa said strengthening unity was the main purpose of his meeting with Abela and would remain central to his consultations with other European leaders in the coming weeks.

“And that was the main purpose of today’s meeting with the Prime Minister Robert Abela, and of the talks I will continue to have with European leaders in the next weeks – to foster unity.”

He thanked Abela for the meeting and expressed confidence in continued cooperation ahead of the next European Council meeting.

“Dear Robert, I look forward to our work together at the next European Council.” has stressed the importance of unity among European Union member states as the bloc prepares to negotiate its next long-term budget for 2028 to 2034.

Costa made the remarks following a meeting with Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, in Valletta on September 10, 2026, as part of his consultations with European leaders ahead of key decisions facing the EU.

He said engaging directly with EU leaders in their home countries was important for understanding different perspectives and building consensus within the European Council.

“It is very important for me to engage directly with all European leaders regularly, including their home country, and to listen to and understand all perspectives. This will help the European Council to achieve unity. Because unity cannot be taken for granted, we build it every day, at every meeting.”

Costa said the EU was preparing for a major budget decision that would determine the bloc’s ability to respond to its priorities between 2028 and 2034.

“We will need it again for a decision that will define what Europe is able to do between 2028 and 2034: on our next long-term budget.”

According to Costa, the geopolitical environment facing Europe has fundamentally changed since the previous long-term budget was negotiated in 2020, requiring a different approach to the structure and allocation of EU resources.

“We are now operating in a fundamentally different geopolitical environment from the one we faced when we last negotiated the budget in 2020. This new reality calls for a new approach to our budget, with a new structure and a new way of allocating our resources.”

He said the next budget must be capable of funding strategic priorities such as competitiveness, defence, security and strategic resilience.

“At the same time, the next budget should ensure funding for our cohesion and agriculture policies. They pull our regions upwards and support growth and jobs locally. In a nutshell, they have a direct impact on the prosperity of our citizens.”

Costa said reaching an agreement before the end of 2026 would be important to ensure continuity of funding for farmers, fishermen, students, researchers and businesses.

“Reaching agreement by the end of the year is key. Because we need to ensure that funding keeps flowing without interruption. For our farmers and fishermen, for our students and researchers, for our businesses.”

He outlined the proposed timeline as: “agree in 2026, legislate and prepare in 2027, deliver in 2028.”

EU budget requires new revenue sources

Costa described the size of the next EU budget as a critical issue, noting that the bloc, like national governments, must finance its priorities within limited resources.

He said most EU funding comes from national contributions by member states, which he argued must remain within reasonable limits.

“Therefore, we need new European revenues, the so-called new own resources, in order to reduce the pressure on national budgets. This will be a key component of an overall agreement.”

Costa discusses Mediterranean, Middle East

Beyond the long-term budget, Costa said he and Abela discussed issues expected to feature prominently at the upcoming European Council meeting, including developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

He said the developments had implications for Europe’s peace and stability, migration flows and energy security.

“We need to remain engaged in the region and I am grateful for your active role in this regard, dear Robert. The European Union will continue to work, including with regional and global partners, on the path towards a long-lasting peace, based on the two-state solution.”

Costa said recent geopolitical developments had demonstrated the need for Europe to accelerate efforts towards greater strategic autonomy.

“The geopolitical developments of recent years have shown us one thing clearly: Europe needs to accelerate its path towards greater strategic autonomy. And we are on the right track.”

He, however, stressed that greater European autonomy depended fundamentally on unity among member states.

“The most important condition for greater European autonomy is our own unity.”

Costa said strengthening unity was the main purpose of his meeting with Abela and would remain central to his consultations with other European leaders in the coming weeks.

“And that was the main purpose of today’s meeting with the Prime Minister Robert Abela, and of the talks I will continue to have with European leaders in the next weeks – to foster unity.”

He thanked Abela for the meeting and expressed confidence in continued cooperation ahead of the next European Council meeting.

“Dear Robert, I look forward to our work together at the next European Council.”

September 10, 2026
Nigeria condemns Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has condemned the September 7, 2026, attack on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Houthi militia in Yemen, describing the renewed hostilities as a threat to regional security and stability.

Nigeria’s position was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, who said the attack resulted in injuries to scores of civilians and damage to public infrastructure.

“Nigeria regards the fresh hostilities as a serious threat not only to the security and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia, but also to regional stability in the Middle East,” Adeniyi said.

He said Nigeria was calling on all parties to uphold international law, exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions capable of escalating the situation, endangering civilian lives, undermining regional security and further disrupting the flow of much-needed global energy supplies.

“Nigeria stands in solidarity with the government and people of Saudi Arabia at this difficult time, and prays for speedy recovery for those injured in the attack,” he said.

Adeniyi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting peace and reconciliation frameworks aimed at promoting regional and international peace, security and stability, while advancing shared prosperity and development for all.

The ministry said Nigeria would continue to support efforts that contribute to peaceful resolution of conflicts and the protection of civilians amid growing tensions in the Middle East.

-NAN

September 10, 2026
Iran, US escalate tanker attacks in biggest shipping assault since war began

JERUSALEM, Israel (NPA) — Iran and the United States have carried out their largest declared wave of retaliatory attacks on commercial shipping since the six-month-old war began, with Tehran claiming strikes on 10 vessels after the U.S. military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers.

The escalation has intensified concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important energy corridors, sending oil prices higher and pushing Brent crude above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.

At least one seafarer was reported killed and another missing following the attacks, while several vessels were reported damaged or set ablaze in waters around the Gulf.

According to Reuters, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had attacked two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers by U.S. forces.

The U.S. military’s Central Command said it destroyed the five Iranian tankers overnight, releasing video footage showing vessels ablaze before sinking.

Washington said the attacks were carried out in response to what it described as two Iranian ballistic-missile attacks against a U.S. Navy warship over the preceding two days. The U.S. military said no American personnel were injured.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington’s policy of targeting Iranian tankers in response to attacks against American naval assets.

“Iran continues to try to hit U.S. naval ships, and for every time they do that or try to do that, they’re going to lose tankers,” Rubio said during a visit to Colombia, according to Reuters.

Iran, meanwhile, warned that it would significantly intensify its response to any further attacks.

The Revolutionary Guards said that if Iran came under attacks against two or three targets, it would respond by striking 20 targets. The IRGC also said it would soon release maps showing a new and much larger maritime exclusion zone extending towards the Arabian Gulf from Iran’s coast near Chabahar, close to the Pakistani border.

The latest attacks have reportedly affected shipping lanes and vessels operating near several countries bordering the Gulf.

A seafarer aboard the oil-products tanker Hercules Star was killed while the vessel was at anchor off Dubai, while another crew member was reported missing, according to the vessel’s charterer, Peninsula. Maritime security sources said the ship may have been hit by a drone.

The British maritime security agency, UKMTO, also reported that a vessel in the vicinity was listing and possibly taking on water after being struck by a projectile. Reuters said it could not immediately establish whether the report referred to the Hercules Star.

In Iraqi waters, two port officials said the tanker New Andros, carrying about two million barrels of fuel oil, caught fire after being struck by a drone. None of its 22 crew members was reported injured.

UKMTO said it had received reports of several merchant vessels being struck by disabling fire in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman, on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz. The agency said it was unable to immediately confirm the number of casualties or determine the environmental impact.

Iran also threatened oil tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports, according to a statement carried by Iranian state media. A maritime security source separately reported damage to a liquefied natural gas tanker at the Emirati port of Khor Fakkan.

The escalation has raised fresh concerns about the flow of global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil normally passes.

Iran has largely restricted transit through the strait since the war began, while Washington has responded with a blockade of Iranian ports. The United States says it has been able to guide a number of tankers through the waterway, although independent monitors have said it has become increasingly difficult to determine the actual volume of oil leaving the region.

Preliminary tracking data showed only six ships crossing the strait with their transponders switched on during the previous 24 hours, according to the Reuters report.

The shipping crisis has been compounded by a separate escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen.

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen’s populated territory, have threatened Saudi shipping, while a Saudi-backed government based in the south has launched a multi-pronged offensive against Houthi-held areas.

On Tuesday, the Houthis launched attacks on four Saudi cities, causing major fires at oil installations that were reportedly visible from space. Saudi authorities said 73 people were wounded and released footage showing damaged homes and injured people receiving treatment in hospitals.

A Pakistani source said Saudi Arabia had carried out retaliatory strikes against Yemen. The Houthis claimed that dozens of people had been killed in Saudi airstrikes, although Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the reported death toll.

The combined developments have added further uncertainty to global energy markets and heightened fears that continued attacks on shipping could disrupt oil and gas supplies beyond the immediate conflict zone.

The latest escalation underscores the growing international consequences of the conflict, as attacks on commercial vessels threaten not only regional maritime security but also the stability of global energy markets.

Newpost Africa reports that with the Strait of Hormuz already under severe restrictions and fighting spreading across new fronts, governments and maritime authorities face mounting pressure to keep vital shipping lanes open while preventing the conflict from escalating further and driving oil prices—once below $100—sharply upward.

September 9, 2026
Brent crude rises above $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict intensifies

SINGAPORE, Singapore (NPA) — Brent crude oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel for the first time since July 24, as intensifying conflict in the Middle East raises concerns about disruptions to oil supplies from the region.

Brent crude futures climbed as high as $100.19 a barrel on Wednesday before easing to $99.93, up $2.01 or 2.05 per cent, by 0802 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also rose $1.49, or 1.60 per cent, to $94.52 a barrel.

Brent has gained about 25 per cent since early August, as hopes for a permanent resolution to the six-month-old U.S.-Iran conflict continue to fade.

Since the war began on February 28, Brent has climbed as high as $126.41 a barrel, a level reached on April 30.

The latest escalation has heightened concerns over oil supplies, following attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi energy facilities that set oil installations ablaze and raised fears of a wider regional conflict.

The attacks have also raised concerns about crude shipments through the Red Sea, which has served as an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz, where oil flows have been severely curtailed since the start of the conflict.

Hamad Hussain, senior climate and commodities economist at Capital Economics, said market participants appeared to be pricing in a longer Middle East conflict and the possibility that the latest military escalation could disrupt regional oil flows.

He identified the impact of attacks on oil tankers on ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman as a key risk, noting that such transfers had helped supply global markets and limit price increases.

Several major banks, including Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and HSBC, have raised their crude oil price forecasts in recent days.

According to Rystad Energy Chief Economist Claudio Galimberti, between 8 million and 9 million barrels per day (bpd) had flowed through the Strait of Hormuz in the week before fighting resumed on August 30, twice the volume recorded the previous week. More recently, flows had fallen below 2 million bpd.

Jeffrey Currie, co-chairman at Abaxx Markets, said the increase in energy prices should not be viewed as a temporary development, describing it as a structural rise linked to heightened security risks.

Meanwhile, non-OPEC producers, including the United States, Canada and Guyana, have increased output. However, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said last month that it expected global oil supply to fall by 4.3 million bpd, or about 4 per cent, this year.

September 9, 2026
JUST IN: Zelenskyy hails military intelligence on Ukraine’s Intelligence Day

KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the country’s military intelligence personnel for their contributions to Ukraine’s defence amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Zelenskyy made the commendation on Monday in a statement marking Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Day.

The president said the country’s intelligence community had strengthened Ukraine’s defence by providing critical intelligence and conducting operations aimed at preventing Russia from achieving its military objectives.

He said personnel of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, alongside other members of the country’s Defence Forces, had played key roles in defending Kyiv, liberating Snake Island and carrying out hundreds of defensive operations both within Ukraine and behind enemy lines.

“Today is Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Day. We thank everyone who is truly strengthening Ukraine’s defence in this war, providing our country with the intelligence it needs, and carrying out operations that prevent Russia from achieving its goals,” Zelenskyy said.

He commended intelligence personnel for their strength and professionalism and acknowledged their contributions to Ukraine’s security and independence.

Zelenskyy also honoured intelligence officers who had been killed while carrying out combat missions, saying their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

“And we will remember all our intelligence officers who were killed while carrying out combat missions. We honour the memory of every fallen hero,” he said.

The president thanked serving intelligence officers who had continued the missions of fallen colleagues and remained committed to protecting Ukraine.

“And I thank everyone who has continued the mission of their fallen brothers and sisters-in-arms and works every day for Ukraine’s security and independence,” he said.

Zelenskyy concluded his message by paying tribute to Ukraine’s military intelligence and the country.

“Glory to Ukraine’s military intelligence!

“Glory to Ukraine!”

September 7, 2026
CENTCOM disables three Iranian oil tankers after Iran targets two U.S. warships

TAMPA, United States (NPA) — The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says its forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers on Sept. 5 after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles toward two U.S. Navy warships operating in regional waters.

According to CENTCOM, a U.S. aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple attacks, with no American personnel harmed.

Following the attacks, CENTCOM said its forces permanently disabled the IRGC-linked crude oil carriers M/T Downy, off the coast of Kharg Island, and M/T Stark 1, near Jask.

It said American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo, also known as the “Noxen,” in the Gulf of Oman.

According to the command, the Kylo was struck at multiple critical locations after its crew was directed to abandon the vessel, rendering it inoperable.

CENTCOM said the three tankers were part of what it described as a multibillion-dollar shadow network used to fund the IRGC and its regional proxies.

The command warned that it would continue to target Iran’s oil fleet if American forces came under attack.

“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander.

“We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet,” he added.

The latest strikes come amid an ongoing escalation between the United States and Iran, with CENTCOM reporting recent operations against Iranian military and IRGC targets.

On Sept. 1, CENTCOM said U.S. forces had conducted strikes against IRGC targets including air defence sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications facilities.

September 6, 2026
US moves to cut Banque Misr UAE off from American financial system over alleged Iran links

WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — The United States Department of the Treasury has proposed new measures that could cut Banque Misr UAE off from correspondent banking access to the American financial system over allegations that the bank processed billions of dollars for companies linked to Iranian shadow banking networks.

The action, announced on Friday under the newly launched Operation Economic Outcast, also includes sanctions against Reza Mohammad Taeedi, the manager of Bank Melli’s Dubai branch, and Hong Kong-based Kameng Trading Limited.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures were part of Washington’s efforts to sever what it described as the remaining financial lifelines available to the Iranian government.

“Treasury promised to sever every economic lifeline Tehran has left and finally end the threat of the Iranian regime,” Bessent said.

“We also warned that Iran’s enablers cannot continue to enjoy access to the US dollar and the global financial system.”

According to the Treasury Department, Banque Misr UAE processed approximately $1.8 billion between January 2024 and June 2026 for 103 companies that US authorities believe could be connected to Iranian shadow banking networks.

The Treasury alleged that some of the bank’s customers included apparent front companies used to evade US sanctions and facilitate financial transactions linked to Iranian state institutions.

Iran has been subjected to extensive US economic sanctions for years, forcing the country to rely on complex financial networks operating across multiple jurisdictions to conduct international transactions.

Washington alleges that some of these networks are used to launder money, facilitate oil transactions, procure weapons and provide financial support to Iranian-backed groups across the Middle East.

FinCEN has now issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking declaring Banque Misr UAE a financial institution of “primary money laundering concern.”

Under the proposed rule, US financial institutions would be prohibited from opening or maintaining correspondent accounts for, or on behalf of, Banque Misr UAE.

American financial institutions would also be required to take steps to prevent transactions involving Banque Misr UAE from being processed through foreign correspondent banking accounts connected to the United States.

The Treasury clarified that the proposed action applies specifically to Banque Misr UAE and does not extend to Banque Misr operations in other countries.

The public will have 30 days to submit comments after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register.

Meanwhile, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Taeedi, the general manager of Bank Melli’s Dubai branch.

US authorities alleged that Bank Melli had facilitated billions of dollars in transactions involving accounts controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its Qods Force.

The Treasury also sanctioned Kameng Trading Limited, a Hong Kong-based company accused of helping sanctioned Iranian financial entities gain access to the international financial system.

The company was allegedly used by the sanctioned Pedram Pirouzan Exchange House, also known as Opal Exchange, to facilitate money laundering transactions for Iran.

The latest actions form part of Operation Economic Outcast, which Treasury Secretary Bessent announced on August 24.

The operation is aimed at identifying and targeting financial networks, intermediaries and businesses that US authorities believe help Iran evade sanctions, move oil revenues and access international financial markets.

The Treasury warned that foreign financial institutions and companies could face increased sanctions risks, including possible secondary sanctions, for knowingly facilitating significant transactions involving designated Iranian individuals or entities.

The US government said the latest measures were intended to increase pressure on Iran’s financial networks and restrict the ability of sanctioned entities to access the US dollar and the global financial system.

August 31, 2026
Trump awards Congressional Space Medal of Honor to Artemis II astronauts

HOUSTON, United States (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the four astronauts of NASA’s Artemis II mission — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — in recognition of their record-breaking lunar voyage and service to humanity.

The medals were presented on August 28, 2026, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The Congressional Space Medal of Honor, established in 1969, is the highest United States distinction awarded to astronauts for exceptional bravery and outstanding contributions to the nation’s space programme.

The latest presentation marked the first time the medal had been awarded since 2023, bringing the total number of recipients to 34.

Artemis II crew

Reid Wiseman, a United States Navy captain and veteran astronaut, served as commander of the Artemis II mission. Wiseman previously flew to the International Space Station in 2014 and was responsible for overseeing mission operations and crew safety.

Victor Glover served as the mission’s pilot. A United States Navy test pilot, Glover became the first African American astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station during an extended mission in 2020.

Christina Koch, a mission specialist and engineer, previously set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman after spending 328 days in space between 2019 and 2020.

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen also served as a mission specialist, becoming the first Canadian to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

Record-breaking lunar journey

The Artemis II mission was launched on April 1, 2026, aboard NASA’s Space Launch System rocket.

The four astronauts travelled aboard the Orion spacecraft, nicknamed Integrity, on a historic journey that marked humanity’s first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in more than five decades.

During the 10-day mission, the spacecraft travelled as far as 252,756 miles from Earth, surpassing the distance record previously associated with the Apollo 13 mission in 1970.

The Artemis II crew travelled a total of 695,081 miles, including a lunar flyby, before safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.

President Trump described the astronauts as “fearless explorers” and also praised the NASA engineers, scientists and other personnel involved in making the mission possible.

The US President further announced plans for the creation of a United States Space Academy, modelled after military institutions including West Point and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, to train future generations of space professionals.

The Artemis II mission is expected to serve as a major step towards future human exploration of the Moon, including the planned Artemis III mission and a future lunar landing programme.

The award places Wiseman, Glover, Koch and Hansen among the astronauts whose contributions have helped shape the history of space exploration.

August 31, 2026
ISWAP: UN warns Da’esh remains global threat despite counter-terrorism gains

UNITED NATIONS, New York (NPA) — The United Nations has warned that the Islamic State terrorist group, also known as Da’esh, continues to pose a significant threat to international peace and security despite sustained military and counter-terrorism operations that have weakened its leadership and disrupted its operations in several regions.

The warning was delivered on Wednesday during a briefing to the United Nations Security Council on the 23rd report of the UN Secretary-General on the threat posed by Da’esh, with the organisation urging countries to strengthen international cooperation as the extremist group adapts to new security realities and emerging technologies.

Presenting the report on behalf of Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, Alexandre Zouev, the Chief of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Oguljeren Niyazberdiyeva, said Da’esh remains resilient despite sustained international pressure.

She noted that while counter-terrorism operations have disrupted the group’s senior leadership and reduced its ability to centrally direct attacks, the organisation has evolved into a more decentralised network with affiliates that continue to share a common ideology and operational objectives.

According to the UN, Da’esh has continued to exploit fragile security environments and protracted armed conflicts to expand its influence, recruit new members and launch attacks.

The report identified Africa as one of the regions facing the most severe terrorist threat, particularly the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, where Da’esh affiliates have continued to strengthen their operational capabilities and extend their reach.

The United Nations specifically identified the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as the most active Da’esh affiliate globally, warning that the group has demonstrated an increasing ability to acquire and deploy commercial drone technology in its operations.

The report also highlighted continued security concerns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique, where Da’esh-linked groups have remained resilient despite sustained military operations, continuing attacks while expanding recruitment and areas of activity.

Turning to the Middle East, the UN observed that Syria’s evolving political and security landscape continues to reshape the terrorist threat.

The report expressed concern over the closure of Al Hawl Camp in February, saying the whereabouts of thousands of former camp residents remain unknown, raising fresh security concerns.

The organisation reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of affected individuals in accordance with international law.

In neighbouring Iraq, however, the report noted that sustained counter-terrorism pressure has significantly degraded Da’esh’s operational capabilities.

The UN cautioned that preserving those gains would require strong institutions, effective justice systems, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, as well as policies that address the conditions capable of fuelling the group’s resurgence.

The report also warned that ISIL-Khorasan remains one of Da’esh’s most capable affiliates in South Asia.

According to the UN, the group has both the intent and capability to support or inspire attacks beyond Afghanistan while exploiting local instability to recruit members and sustain its activities.

Against the backdrop of the evolving threat, the United Nations outlined three priority areas requiring urgent international attention.

First, it stressed that no country can successfully confront terrorism in isolation, calling for stronger international cooperation through intelligence sharing, improved border management, criminal justice collaboration, financial investigations and coordinated cross-border responses.

Secondly, the organisation expressed concern over the growing exploitation of emerging technologies by terrorist groups.

The report warned that Da’esh and its affiliates are increasingly using artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, digital platforms, virtual assets and unmanned aerial systems to support their operations.

It urged governments to strengthen governance frameworks and international cooperation, including partnerships with the private sector, while responsibly harnessing the same technologies to improve counter-terrorism efforts.

The United Nations further emphasised that all counter-terrorism measures must remain firmly anchored in international law, including international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law.

According to the organisation, respect for these legal standards is not only an international obligation but also essential to ensuring that counter-terrorism efforts remain effective, credible and sustainable.

The briefing also highlighted ongoing efforts under the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, through which UN entities continue to provide coordinated technical assistance and strengthen cooperation in response to the priorities of Member States.

The UN noted that 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted as the international framework for preventing and combating terrorism.

To commemorate the milestone, the Office of Counter-Terrorism organised Counter-Terrorism Week at UN Headquarters between June 26 and July 2, bringing together more than 1,000 participants, including government representatives, UN agencies, regional organisations, civil society groups, victims and survivors of terrorism, youth representatives and private sector stakeholders.

The event also coincided with the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, during which Member States reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive, balanced and integrated approach to combating terrorism.

Looking ahead, the United Nations warned that the threat posed by Da’esh will continue to evolve and called for sustained international cooperation, stronger preventive measures and responses rooted in the rule of law.

“The threat posed by Da’esh will continue to evolve. Our collective response must evolve with it,” Niyazberdiyeva told the Security Council, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting Member States through coordinated assistance, multilateral cooperation and full respect for international law.

August 5, 2026
JUST IN: EU releases €1.4bn from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Union has released €1.4 billion in proceeds generated from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine, reinforcing its commitment to helping Kyiv withstand Russia’s ongoing invasion.

The European Commission announced on Monday that the funds represent the fifth transfer of windfall profits earned from the interest on cash balances originating from frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) held by Central Securities Depositories (CSDs).

According to the Commission, the latest disbursement covers revenues generated during the first half of 2026 and follows a previous tranche released in March 2026.

The Commission said immobilised Russian assets have so far generated a total of €8 billion in windfall profits since EU sanctions were imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the latest transfer demonstrates the bloc’s determination to hold Russia financially accountable for the destruction caused by the war.

“Russia must pay for the destruction it has caused. We are using the proceeds from the immobilised Russian assets to make sure it does. We are making a further €1.4 billion available to Ukraine. This will support Ukraine’s continued resistance against Russia’s illegal war,” von der Leyen said.

The European Commission explained that while the Russian Central Bank assets remain frozen under EU sanctions, the interest generated on the cash balances does not belong to Russia.

Following proposals by the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, the Council of the European Union authorised the use of the net profits to support Ukraine.

Under the arrangement, 95 per cent of the funds will be channelled through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism (ULCM), while the remaining 5 per cent will be allocated through the European Peace Facility (EPF).

The Commission said the ULCM provides non-repayable financial support to help Ukraine service macro-financial assistance loans provided by the European Union and other G7 partners under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans initiative.

The ERA programme provides Ukraine with a total financing package of €45 billion, while the European Peace Facility supports the country’s urgent military and defence requirements.

The latest disbursement forms part of a broader package of restrictive measures adopted by the European Union in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As part of those sanctions, the assets of the Central Bank of Russia held within the European Union were immobilised, preventing transactions involving the assets and reserves of the Russian central bank and affiliated entities.

The restrictions have resulted in significant cash balances accumulating within European financial institutions, generating extraordinary revenues through interest.

In February 2024, the Council of the European Union ruled that Central Securities Depositories holding more than €1 million in immobilised Russian central bank assets must retain the resulting cash balances and refrain from disposing of the net revenues generated.

Subsequent legal acts adopted in May 2024 authorised the use of those profits to support Ukraine.

The European Union further strengthened the sanctions framework in December 2025 by adopting legislation permanently prohibiting the transfer of immobilised Russian Central Bank assets back to Russia.

The Commission said the latest payment underscores the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine politically, financially and militarily for as long as necessary.

August 5, 2026