Merz pension reforms hit resistance after German election defeats
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s humiliating run of regional election defeats has reignited a bitter fight over his unpopular pension reform, with his Social Democratic coalition partners pushing back against plans that could make Germans work longer, national media have reported.Merz’s Christian»»»
Seoul says Zelensky breached its trust by bragging about POW transfer
Vladimir Zelensky put his personal interests first when he breached an agreement with Seoul not to disclose the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war captured in Russia, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has said. Zelensky touted the arrangement during his speech to the UN General Assemb»»»
Ministerial Meeting of Group of 77 + China: Nafti reaffirms Tunisia’s commitment to more equitable form of multilateralism
TUNIS, Sept. 25, 2026 (TAP) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti participated on Friday in New York in the 50th Ministerial Meeting of Group of 77 + China, held under the theme "The Global South and the...»»»
India’s forex reserves drop by $14.88 billion
New Delhi: India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $14.881 billion to stand at $765.901 billion, according to the latest figures released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This was the second consecutive week when the country's forex reserves had declined. The previous week, they fell by 4.92 b»»»
Mecca Defense Agreement military chiefs meet in Riyadh to advance collective defense
Riyadh, Sept. 25 (SANA) Chiefs of army staff from the signatory states of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement—Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan—convened in Riyadh on Friday to operationalize joint military coordination, enhance defense integration, and reinforce mutual deterrence. According to a Sa»»»
Nafti participates in 50th Ministerial Meeting of Group of 77 + China
TUNIS, Sept. 25, 2026 (TAP) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti participated on Friday in New York in the 50th Ministerial Meeting of Group of 77 + China, held under the theme "The Global South and the...»»»
‘I hope France wakes up’: Young Catholics flood the streets for Pope Leo's Paris visit
Armed with paper fortune-tellers and pop worship songs, young French Catholics from the Anuncio movement fanned out into the crowds awaiting Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Paris on Friday, hoping to bring strangers closer to God in one of Europe's most secular countries. A group gathers aro»»»
Qatar takes part in 50th G77 and China Foreign Ministers' Meeting
New York: The State of Qatar took part in the 50th annual meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the Group of 77 and China in New York on Friday. HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi represented the State of Qatar at the meeting. The meeting»»»
Qatar participates in GCC-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York
New York: The State of Qatar participated Friday in the meeting of foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Republic of India. HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi represented the State of Qatar at the meeting. The meeting was held on the sidel»»»
Qatar, Tunisia discuss bilateral cooperation in New York talks
New York: The State of Qatar and the Republic of Tunisia have held talks focused on boosting bilateral cooperation. HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti in New York on Friday. T»»»
Qatar, Global Fund discuss cooperation on health initiatives
New York: The State of Qatar and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) discussed ways to strengthen cooperation during talks in New York. HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad met with HE Peter Sands, the fund's executive»»»
Qatar and Norway Discuss Cooperation on Development and Humanitarian Action
New York: Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad met with Minister of International Development of the Kingdom of Norway HE Asmund Aukrust. The meeting took place on Friday on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The two »»»
Qatar, Global Fund discuss cooperation on health initiatives
NEW YORK: The State of Qatar and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) discussed ways to strengthen cooperation during talks in New York. Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad met with Peter Sands, the fund's executive di»»»
Qatar and UN discuss humanitarian cooperation on sidelines of General Assembly
New York: HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad held talks with HE UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher. The meeting took place on Friday on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations»»»
Qatar urges global solidarity on pandemic preparedness at UN high-level meeting
New York: The State of Qatar has called for greater international solidarity and equitable access to vaccines and treatments to strengthen preparedness for future pandemics and health emergencies. HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad made the remarks at a »»»
Over 1,300 young Muslims explore faith, identity, and leadership as QF’s Second QIYADA conference opens
Doha, Qatar, 25 September 2026: Faith, identity, leadership, and the challenges of today’s ever-shifting world have been explored by over 1,300 young Muslims from across Qatar alongside scholars, educators, thought leaders, and other inspiring voices, as the second edition of Qatar Foundation’s QIY»»»
US Supreme Court allows Trump to use controversial voter 'verification' system
The US Supreme Court on Friday ruled the Trump administration can use a controversial new federal database that would ostensibly verify voter citizenship in November’s elections. Critics argue the administration is exaggerating the threat of non-citizen voters – an extreme rarity in US el»»»
Millions in US northeast brace for powerful storm
Nor’easter threatens flooding, power outages and travel chaos across region New York: More than 40 million people in the northeastern United States braced Friday for heavy rain and strong winds as an unusually powerful storm for the season was forecast to crash into the region. New York, Boston and»»»
Erdoğan reaffirms backing for Syrian sovereignty, addresses regional security
Ankara, Sept. 25 (SANA) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has renewed his country’s steadfast support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasizing that strengthening Syrian state institutions and counter-terrorism capabilities directly benefits regional stability. In »»»
Ivan Hristanov Kicks Off Presidential Campaign in Gotse Delchev on Friday
Presidential candidate Ivan Hristanov and his running mate Stoyanka Cherkezova kicked off their campaign here on Friday. Hristanov and Cherkezova were put forward by a nomination committee. At the event, Hristanov said that Bulgaria needs a presidential institution that is close to the people and i»»»
EU vows to pursue €120 million fine on X after US backs Musk's court challenge
The European Union on Friday said it will pursue a €120 million fine against the X social network after the US Justice Department said it supported the efforts of X owner Elon Musk to have the case annulled. The bloc fined the platform in 2025 for breaching EU online transparency rules, notably wit»»»
EU-backed SONEDE programme saves 5 million cubic metres of water
Tunis, September 25, 2026 (TAP) – The SONEDE Performance Improvement Programme, co-financed by the European Union, has saved 5 million cubic metres of water so far, around one-third of its target of 15 million cubic metres by 2029.Launched in 2021...»»»
UAE delegation discusses Gaza, Sudan and global cooperation at UN
GCC-ASEAN ties, Sudan truce and Gaza peace plan top UAE agenda in New York New York: The UAE delegation participated in several key, high-level meetings on the second day of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81). Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, addressed »»»
New legal texts to accelerate Ben Guerdane free trade and logistics zone project
TUNIS, Sept. 25, 2026 (TAP) - Several legal texts dedicated to the Ben Guerdane commercial and logistics free trade zone are currently being drafted to offer greater operational flexibility and accelerate the realisation of the project, Minister of...»»»
Donald Trump courts Xi Jinping during high-profile White House visit
President Donald Trump rolled out an unusually lavish welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping, praising their personal friendship throughout a White House state dinner and other ceremonial events. While both leaders said they held frank discussions behind closed doors, the visit produced no major »»»
Arab League, US discuss latest developments in Sudan, Libya
New York: Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Nabil Fahmy met Friday with Senior Advisor to the US President for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos to discuss developments in Sudan and Libya. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 81st session of the UN»»»
Vucic: I will resign as president on Sunday evening
NEW YORK - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says he will resign from his post in the evening of Sunday, September 27. "Sunday will be a busy day, I will resign on Sunday evening, I think around 8 pm," Vucic told reporters in New York on Thursday evening, adding that he would also provide an expla»»»
Suspect in 2022 Paris murder of Argentine rugby star Aramburu begs forgiveness
Loik Le Priol, one of the main suspects in the 2022 murder of Argentine rugby player Federico Martin Aramburu, asked forgiveness from the victim's family in a Paris court on Friday. Verdicts in the trial of four suspects – including Le Priol and Romain Bouvier, who both have links to France’s »»»
France: Pope Leo XIV keeps visit focused on faith over politics
Pope Leo XIV has declined a state dinner, the Legion of Honour and a private meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, keeping his four-day France visit centred on its apostolic mission despite official talks at the Élysée. While the Vatican cited scheduling reasons, some observers see a desire to em»»»
President Addresses Reports of Bulgaria Signing UN Statement on Ukraine
In a Facebook post published on Friday, President Iliana Iotova addressed media reports that she had signed a joint statement on Ukraine following an expanded UN Security Council meeting on the issue on Wednesday. Iotova reported that she did not sign the statement. The president wrote: "[The state»»»
Naturopath Barbara O’Neill questioned in Qatar, allowed to leave
Australian health educator recounts late-night questioning before joining husband in Dubai Dubai: Australian naturopath and health educator Barbara O’Neill has said she was questioned by authorities in Qatar before being allowed to continue her travels and return to Dubai. O’Neill, who has an inter»»»
Trump made ‘final decision’ to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles, Zelensky says
President Donald Trump told President Volodymyr Zelensky that he had made a "final decision" to grant Kyiv the licence to produce Patriot air defence missiles, the Ukrainian leader said Friday. The assurance came during the last meeting between the two leaders, Zelensky said, capping a period of un»»»
Talking Europe - 'Moldova is the best performer in my class': EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos
The EU has gone through seven waves of enlargement since 1973, but there has not been one since Croatia joined in 2013. Indeed, there are not likely to be any new members in the club before 2028 – some 15 years after Croatia entered. But 2026 undeniably has momentum, and is on track to be a record »»»
Talking Europe - Climate breakdown: Is the EU adapting to the new normal? Europe's summer of disasters
It has been called Europe's disaster year. 2026 has seen more than 30,000 excess deaths linked to heatwaves, along with mega wildfires, nuclear power plants having to shut down, gas plants under pressure, droughts reducing hydropower generation from rivers and wild fluctuations in electricity price»»»
Hungary-Ukraine thaw? Budapest signs major declaration
Hungary has joined a major international declaration expressing solidarity with Ukraine and calling on Russia to accept a ceasefire and enter meaningful peace negotiations. The move comes after a turbulent period in Hungary-Ukraine relations and shortly after Budapest and Kyiv became embroiled in a»»»
The Radev Cabinet Targets 3% Budget Deficit by 2027Opinions
The Bulgarian government has set a target of keeping the budget deficit at no more than 3% by 2027, alongside restoring a sustainable financial system and maintaining predictable tax policy, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said at a conference organized by the Ministry of Finance and the European Stabil»»»
Economy Minister Discusses INSAIT’s Expansion and AI, Robotics Development
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexandar Poulev met with the management of the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) – Prof. Martin Vechev, the institute’s founder and scientific director, and Executive Director Eng.»»»
Saudi Arabia’s Bet on Trump Leaves Riyadh Exposed as Regional War Escalates
Saudi Arabia is facing mounting security and economic pressures as the conflict in the Middle East threatens its oil infrastructure and shipping routes, while its longtime security partner, the United States, appears increasingly unwilling or unable to provide the protection Riyadh has historically»»»
Culture Can Build Bridges Despite Political And Economic Divisions - Putin
Culture can build bridges across any disagreements, even amid sanctions and restrictions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the 12th St. Petersburg International Forum of United Cultures. “Culture is capable of building bridges between people through any contradictions. It serves as an essen»»»
RAKTA doubles accessible taxis with wheelchair lifts and smart cameras
Fleet grows from two to four vehicles with enhanced safety features. Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has doubled its dedicated taxi fleet for People of Determination and senior citizens from two to four vehicles, expanding access to specialised transport services across t»»»
Water security serves as strategic priority for GCC states: GCC Chief
New York: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi underscored that water security constitutes a strategic priority for GCC member states, transcending environmental concerns to intersect directly with human security, economic prosperity, food security, and e»»»
When does an expat stop being an expat? Why people are putting down roots in Abu Dhabi
A job may bring you to a city, but everyday life can turn a temporary move into home For millions of people, moving abroad begins with a job offer. Deciding to stay and build a life in a new city is a rather more complicated decision. A new role, a better salary or the chance to accelerate a career»»»
Where Is the Middle East Heading After America’s Final Withdrawal?
The Economist magazine stated in an editorial that the United States appears to be stuck in the Middle East, with no easy way out. However, the current war may signal something completely different: a moment of American withdrawal from the region, meaning that Washington is finally abandoning its d»»»
Iran offers Trump deal before US elections
Iran has offered the US a new deal aimed at ending the months-long conflict before the midterm election in November, directly challenging President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran is deliberately waiting until after the election to reach an agreement. Trump claimed in a speech at the UN on Tuesday»»»
Italy’s Crosetto and France’s Macron deny claims of Russian drone threat
Senior officials in Italy and France have denied claims that their governments were warned about possible Russian drone attacks launched from containers carried by merchant ships in the Mediterranean Sea. The disinformation was published on Thursday by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, which cited an»»»
451,000 heat deaths: Scientists warn of El Niño’s potentially devastating toll
About 239,000 of those deaths are projected to occur between September and February alone Dubai: More than 451,000 additional heat-related deaths could occur worldwide by February as an unusually powerful El Niño drives temperatures higher across much of the planet, according to new projections fro»»»
Arabic coffee, local dates and Emirati cuisine: Abu Dhabi reshapes hotel stays
Framework covers eight stages of the guest journey, from pre-arrival to departure Abu Dhabi: Hotels and hotel apartments across Abu Dhabi will be expected to weave Emirati culture, customs and traditions more closely into the visitor experience under a new set of hospitality standards that will be »»»
Parliament Approves Temporary Zero Excise Duty on Natural Gas, LPG for Motor Fuel
Parliament has given final approval to a zero excise duty rate on natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used as motor fuel for the period from October 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. The amendments to the Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses Act were adopted at first and second reading in a sing»»»
How Bulgaria become a global leader in battery storage and what it means for the country's energy market
BusinessBulgariaBulgaria's battery boom: From zero to global leaderMihail Ivanov in SofiaIn under two years, Bulgaria has become one of the world's most battery-intensive energy markets. Can the surge last — and what will it mean for conventional power generators? https://p.dw.com/p/5NGvRPowerhouse»»»
UN crime congress opens in Abu Dhabi with new Declaration to steer global fight on organized crime, cyber threats and AI misuse
UN crime congress in Abu Dhabi sets five-year roadmap under new Declaration Abu Dhabi is set to welcome the world tomorrow as the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice commences at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, running from 26 September to 1 October. Up to 5,000 delegates,»»»