What the UAE, Philippines have planned for the next Abu Dhabi Dialogue
Dubai: The UAE and the Philippines have begun preparations for the next phase of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), setting out plans for a series of workshops and technical meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation on labour mobility and migrant worker welfare. The roadmap has been discussed during a»»»
Breakthrough: Agreement with Ukraine regulating the rights of Hungarians in Transcarpathia becomes official
Hungary and Ukraine have officially finalised what Prime Minister Péter Magyar has described as a “historic agreement” on the rights of the ethnic Hungarian community living in Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region, marking a major breakthrough in a dispute that has strained bilateral relations for years»»»
EU says to resume membership talks with Ukraine on Monday
BRUSSELS: The European Union will resume membership talks with Ukraine on Monday, the bloc announced, after Hungary lifted the veto imposed by its previous pro-Russian leader. “All member states agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova,” European Council Pres»»»
EU disunity deepens as foreign policy chief Kallas’ job comes under attack
France and Germany are discussing proposals for a radical overhaul of the EU’s 15-year-old diplomatic service and cutting the powers of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, in an attempt to improve the bloc’s response to geopolitical crises, the Financial Times reported on June 11. Paris, Berlin an»»»
What the new Asia-GCC social protection platform means for migrant workers
Dubai: For millions of migrant workers who leave home to build careers in the Gulf, one challenge often follows them across borders, social protection. While many countries have introduced programmes ranging from insurance schemes to worker welfare initiatives, these systems do not always connect w»»»
Heat killed 200,000 people in Europe in just four years: WHO
GENEVA: Extreme heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives across Europe over the past four years, according to the UN World Health Organisation (WHO). The agency warned that heatwaves are becoming an increasingly frequent and deadly public health emergency driven by climate change. “We need a coordi»»»
Heat killed 200,000 people in Europe in just four years: WHO
GENEVA: Extreme heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives across Europe over the past four years, according to the UN World Health Organisation (WHO). The agency warned that heatwaves are becoming an increasingly frequent and deadly public health emergency driven by climate change. “We need a coordi»»»
EU could abolish or weaken External Action Service, FT says
EU member states could seek to curtail the powers of the bloc’s diplomatic service, headed by Kaja Kallas, amid concerns among officials that the body is “dysfunctional,” the Financial Times has reported. The European External Action Service (EEAS) was launched in 2010 as a kind of collective forei»»»
EU Commission must publish Covid vaccine contracts in full, says top court lawyer
The European Commission is set to be forced to publish complete versions of its multi-billion euro contracts to buy Covid-19 vaccines after the lawyer to the EU’s top court urged it to throw out an appeal by the EU executive. In a legal opinion published on Thursday (11 June), the advocate general »»»
South Korea’s Lee, EU leaders reject North Korea nuclear status - UPI.com
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (C) is walking with Ursula von der Leyen (R), president of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, ahead of their summit in Brussels on Wednesday. Photo by Yonhap SEOUL, June 11 (UPI) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung»»»
The EU's enlargement dilemma
The European Union is edging towards the biggest rethink of its enlargement policy in decades as Russia’s war in Ukraine, fears of institutional paralysis and growing frustration in the Western Balkans force European leaders to confront a question once considered largely theoretical: how to expand »»»
Albania suspends Kushner luxury island resort after EU warning
The Albanian government reportedly announced it would suspend a real estate project led by the son-in-law of the US president Jared Kushner and his daughter Ivanka Trump to develop a luxury island resource as the EU warned the project could threaten Albania’s EU accession bid. Albania’s Environmen»»»
Former comptroller Lander in court after arrest tied to ICE protest - UPI.com
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander speaks to a member of the press during an Election Night rally in November 2025 for Zorhan Mandami at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in New York City. Lander appeared in court Wednesday after his arrest in 2025 during a protest. File Photo by Derek French/UPI |»»»
Corporate lobbying in EU hits record €382m amid deregulation wave, new research finds
Cash for lobbying the EU institutions has hit a new record, according to new research by the Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO). In a report released on Thursday (11 June), CEO, a pro-transparency NGO, revealed annual spending of €381.75m for lobbying European institutions, marking a 50 percent inc»»»
Bulgaria pledges to end weapons supplies to Ukraine
Bulgaria’s new government has announced it will halt weapons deliveries to Ukraine, signaling a major policy shift for the NATO and EU member, which has been supplying arms to Kiev since the escalation of the conflict in 2022. The conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield, Bulgarian Defense Mi»»»
Bill to secure EU funds submitted to the Parliament
The government submitted a proposal on Tuesday evening to amend certain laws necessary for accessing EU funds. Bill submitted to secure EU funds The proposal was submitted by Bálint Ruff, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office, with Minister of Justice Márta Görög serving as the rapporteur, the Hu»»»
Ursula von der Leyen expresses solidarity with Romania after new drone incident
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Romania following Friday's incident in the Constanta Port, where a drone crashed and exploded."Solidaritate cu Romania! (Solidarity with Romania)," Ursula von der Leyen said in Romanian, in a post on the X social media pla»»»
Armenian PM Pashinyan Claims Victory Following General Election
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan early Monday claimed victory in the country’s general election, as preliminary results showed his governing Civil Contract party came first with 49.81% of the vote. Pashinyan and the governing Civil Contract party are looking for a strong mandate for a new ge»»»
THIS WEEK: ECB set to hike rates, as capital markets union and climate top the EU agenda
This week’s agenda — at glance The European Central Bank is expected to raise key interest rates The Eurogroup and EU financial ministers meet in Luxembourg EU commission to present 2027 EU budget UN Bonn Climate Change Conference EU transport and telecommunication ministers meet in Luxembourg Info»»»
Protest in Hungary over Magyar’s handling of EU migration pact (VIDEOS)
Protesters marched through central Budapest on Friday, chanting “traitor” as they denounced Prime Minister Peter Magyar over the EU Migration Pact. When Magyar appeared on a balcony of his Tisza party’s headquarters waving a Hungarian flag, the crowd booed and chanted “Dirty Tisza,” demanding his r»»»
Tickets now on sale for Hans Zimmer's 'The Next Level' Doha concert
Doha, Qatar: Tickets are now available for multiple Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer's highly anticipated 'The Next Level' concert in Doha. The grand live concert will take place at the 974 Stadium Precinct on November 6 at 8pm and will feature a breathtaking show with his 19-pie»»»
EU Warns on Bulgaria’s Budget, Urges End to Flat Tax SystemOpinions
The European Commission is preparing to launch an excessive deficit procedure against Bulgaria, according to official Commission documents. Alongside the fiscal warning, Brussels is also urging structural economic changes, including a reassessment of the country’s 10% flat tax system, which it argu»»»
Sea drone explodes in the Romanian port of Constanta, raising fear of Ukraine war spillover
A sea drone exploded Friday near Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta without causing casualties. The incident prompted authorities to evacuate more than 1,000 people amid heightening concerns over the spillover effects of Russia's war in Ukraine just a week after a separate drone incident injured»»»
UN Security Council marks 2 years of Houthi detentions, demands immediate release of 73 UN staff
NEW YORK CITY: The UN Security Council on Friday condemned in the strongest terms the continuing detention of scores of humanitarian workers, UN personnel and civil society representatives by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. It came as the second anniversary of mass arrests in June 2024 approaches with »»»
Hungary officially begins preparations to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office
Hungary has officially launched preparations to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). It is an important step in the country’s relationship with European Union institutions and anti-fraud enforcement mechanisms. According to a statement published by Hungary’s Permanent Representation»»»
EU pledges €50 million to Armenian leader ahead of parliamentary election
The EU is preparing a €50 million ($58 million) support package for Armenia as Brussels moves to shore up Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan days before a critical parliamentary election, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said. The figure, however, accounts for roughly 1% of Armeni»»»
Vucic: Serbia absolutely in favour of Macron-Merz proposal of gradual EU integration
TIVAT - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday a discussion he had attended at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, had been very good, open and sincere, and noted that Serbia was absolutely in favour of a proposal made by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chance»»»
EU leaders gather in Montenegro to consider growing EU to 33 countries - UPI.com
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (C) and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda (L) open the EU-Western Balkans summit on Friday in Tivat, Montenegro. Photo by Boris Pejovic June 5 (UPI) -- French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission Pr»»»
Bulgaria's PM Accuses Past Governments of Masking Deficit with Accounting “Gymnastics”Opinions
Prime Minister Rumen Radev said in Montenegro that the European Commission’s move toward an excessive deficit procedure represents a clear judgment on previous governments that aimed to maintain the 3% deficit target through what he described as “budget gymnastics.” Speaking to reporters during the»»»
Vucic: Serbia is on EU path, that is our strategic goal
TIVAT - Serbia is on the EU path, and that is its strategic goal, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in Tivat, Montenegro, on Friday. Vucic is in Tivat for the EU-Western Balkans Summit. Asked by foreign reporters about his expectations from the summit and whether Serbia was ready to get close»»»
European Union reaches initial agreement on new migration and deportation policy
Doha: The issue of migrants in the European Union has always been one of the most complex issues in election debates, both in public opinion and within European parliaments. Interest in this issue has gradually increased, transforming in recent years into one of the most prominent political files, »»»
Vucic: Important meeting with von der Leyen, Costa, Macron and Merz about Serbia's EU future
TIVAT, - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is attending the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, said on Friday he had had an important meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, French President Emanuel Macron and Ger»»»
Deputy PM Pekanov Says EC Has Issued Numerous Anti-Corruption Recommendations to Bulgaria
The European Commission has issued numerous recommendations urging Bulgaria to take action, particularly in the anti-corruption area, some of which have been incorporated into the Recovery and Resilience Plan as conditions for receiving funding, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov during quick Que»»»
EU pledges aid to Armenia, accuses Russia of economic coercion
The European Union will provide more than €50mn in immediate financial assistance to Armenia and help find alternative markets for Armenian exports after Russia imposed new trade restrictions on the South Caucasus nation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on June 4. Following »»»
Balkan leaders attend EU summit in Montenegro as enlargement gains urgency
TIVAT: Leaders from across the European Union and the Balkans are gathering in Montenegro on Friday to discuss expanding the bloc to include countries in the region, seen as a key area in countering security and economic threats posed by Russia and China. The EU-Western Balkans summit, being held i»»»
Interior Minister Holds Bilateral Meetings on Sidelines of Justice and Home Affairs Council
Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday, his Ministry's press office reported. Meeting with European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, th»»»
Vucic to speak to reporters in Tivat on Thursday evening
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will speak to reporters on Thursday around 6 pm in Tivat, Montenegro, where he will be attending an EU-Western Balkans summit, Tanjug learns. The presidential press office has announced Vucic would be attending the Tivat summit on Thursday and Friday. D»»»
Al Ansari stresses dialogue, diplomacy to reduce tensions
Berlin: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari participated yesterday in Berlin in a dialogue session on current regional challenges and Qatar’s mediation efforts in addressing international crises. The session wa»»»
MoFA spokesperson highlights Qatar’s efforts in addressing international crises
QNA Berlin Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari participated in a dialogue session on current regional challenges and Qatar’s mediation efforts in addressing international crises in Berlin on Wednesday. The s»»»
Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province governor receives Dutch ambassador to Riyadh
Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Kingdom Hans Peter van der Woude in Dammam on Wednesday. During the meeting, they held cordial talks and discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Meanwhile, De»»»
Things to do this weekend in Qatar (June 4-6, 2026)
Doha, Qatar: The mercury has crossed 45°C and a northwesterly wind is on its way, but that is no reason to stay home. This weekend is packed with a variety of indoor events across the country. From shopping offers to winter sports and theatre, there is something to match every interest. Read on to »»»
Ukraine is causing more regime change in the EU than in Russia
Unelected European Commission President ‘Queen’ Ursula von der Leyen was in Lithuania a few days ago to come up with a plan to tackle Ukrainian drones that risk regime changing European allies. The strategy? Blame Russia – the political equivalent of a universal remote to change the channel from on»»»
EU Strikes Migration Deal for More Deportations and Detention Centers Abroad
The European Union has moved forward with a vast overhaul of its migration policy, aiming to ramp up deportations and ink controversial deals to build detention centers abroad, in what rights groups compare to the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies. “The new regulation will spee»»»
EU strikes migration deal for more deportations and detention centers abroad
BRUSSELS: The European Union has moved forward with a vast overhaul of its migration policy, aiming to ramp up deportations and ink controversial deals to build detention centers abroad, in what rights groups compare to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies. “The new regulation»»»
Dacic signs agreement on accession to Frontex Partnership Academies Network
BELGRADE - Serbian Deputy PM and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic signed on Monday in Belgrade an agreement on accession to the Frontex Partnership Academies Network with Executive Director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) Hans Leijtens. "The Agreement will enable the further en»»»
PM Radev: Bulgaria's Maritsa-Iztok Coal Complex Will Operate Until 2038Opinions
Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced that the Maritsa-Iztok Mine complex and the state-owned Maritsa-Iztok 2 thermal power plant will continue operating until 2038, providing a 12-year horizon for Bulgaria’s coal sector as the country navigates the transition toward cleaner energy sources. Speaking»»»
Russian drone struck by Ukrainian air defences crashes into Romanian apartment block in Galati
Details are still emerging, but confusion reigned after what appears to be a Russian Geran-2 drone strike on an apartment building in the Romanian city of Galati early on May 29 after being hit by Ukrainian air defences over the Danube and veering off course into Nato territory. No one was killed, »»»
Migration clash erupts over EU pact in parliament
Prime Minister Péter Magyar and opposition politicians clashed in parliament this week over how long the Tisza government could resist the European Commission’s migration pact. László Toroczkai, leader of the right-wing Mi Hazánk party, told the prime minister that he could continue presenting hims»»»
Péter Magyar pledges to bring home additional EUR billions
Péter Magyar has announced that a further EUR 2 billion in European Union funding is to be unlocked for Hungary, adding to a package worth more than EUR 16 billion that he says was secured during talks in Brussels. Péter Magyar unlocked even more money According to the Hungarian Prime Minister, add»»»