Jordan launches 35m euro programme to boost industrial competitiveness, support SMEs
AMMAN — The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply on Sunday launched the "Leadership in Industry" programme, a 35 million euro initiative funded by the German government and implemented through the Industrial Development and Support Fund (IDSF) to strengthen the competitiveness of Jordan's industr»»»
Access Asia - How far will Japan go to preserve the 2,600-year-old male imperial bloodline?
Japan's imperial family is running out of male heirs, and a debate over how to preserve the hereditary lineage that has continued unbroken for centuries is dividing the nation. Meanwhile, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wrapped up their two-week trip to Europe, and Japan took note that their ro»»»
The week in pictures: Earthquakes in Venezuela, Starmer's resignation and extreme heat in France
The resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer less than two years after his election victory, extreme heat grips France, fans fete the World Cup and twin earthquakes ravage Venezuela: FRANCE 24 looks back at some of the week's most striking images. »»»
Albania's "Flamingo revolution": Trump-linked luxury resort plan triggers mass protests
Protests in Albania entered their fifth week on Saturday, with demonstrations that began in May over a planned luxury resort project linked to the Trump family. Since then, the movement has expanded into a broader criticism of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government, with protesters raising wide»»»
More than 1,300 excess deaths linked to record-breaking Europe heatwave, WHO says
More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded in connection with Europe's record-breaking heatwave since June 21, according to the World Health Organization on Sunday. Earlier that day, health officials in France reported that there had been around 1,000 more deaths than expected in the cou»»»
New Caledonia polls close in French territory's first provincial elections since 2019
Voting in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia closed on Sunday, with a turnout of 54.42 per cent, as citizens participated in the archipelago's first provincial elections since 2019. The results of the election, initially planned for 2024, will determine the balance of power in»»»
Thousands Rally in Sofia as First Anti-Government Protest Targets PM Rumen Radev
The first public protest against the government of Prime Minister Rumen Radev took place Saturday evening in front of the Council of Ministers building, with demonstrators demanding the cabinet's resignation and chanting "Resign!" and "This is not Moscow!" Hundreds of people gathered in the area ca»»»
'What are they waiting for?': Frustration grows at govt reponse as Venezuela quake death toll rises
Frustration mounted in Venezuela's state of La Guaira on Saturday as rescuers and civilians used shovels, heavy equipment, ropes and bare hands to look for survivors of the devastating twin earthquakes that killed at least 1,430 people. Many citizens have been critical of what they s»»»
Iran targets Gulf states in response to US strikes, testing fragile ceasefire
Despite a fragile ceasefire, tensions between the United States and Iran remain high, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce. Tehran says it has carried out a third consecutive day of retaliatory strikes against US military sites in the Middle East, while Washington has warned t»»»
Heatwave shatters records across Europe, disrupts transport and strains hospitals
An intense heatwave that scorched western Europe this week spread into central and eastern parts of the continent on Saturday, bringing record temperatures from Denmark to Switzerland and Germany. The extreme heat disrupted transport, strained hospitals and renewed concerns over the growing impact »»»
Bulgaria's Direct Arms Exports to Ukraine Jump More Than 12-Fold in One Year
Bulgaria's direct exports of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine surged dramatically in 2024, reaching 156,365,717 euros, according to an official response from the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry to Bulgarian media BGNES. Compared with the previous year, when direct deliveries amounted»»»
Bulgaria Eyes Stronger U.S. Partnership in Defense, Energy, and High-Tech Industries
Bulgaria is looking to deepen its strategic partnership with the United States, particularly in the fields of defense, energy, innovation, and advanced technologies, Deputy Economy Minister Krasimir Yakimov said during the third regional economic conference organized by the American Chamber of Comm»»»
Europol: Bulgaria Used as Key Transit Hub on Turkey-EU Migrant Smuggling RouteOpinions
Europol has identified Bulgaria as a key transit country along a migrant smuggling route running from Turkey toward Western Europe, according to a new report released today. The analysis outlines how criminal networks operating in the region used Bulgaria as part of a broader cross-border trafficki»»»
US strikes Iran again as Tehran hits Bahrain and Kuwait
The US military launched a second wave of airstrikes against Iran on Saturday on President Donald Trump's orders after Tehran struck Bahrain and Kuwait, escalating tensions that threatened a fragile interim deal. The attack on Kuwait was the first since the accord, as a US-led maritime body expande»»»
Netanyahu hails Lebanon deal as Hezbollah rejects agreement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday hailed a US-brokered agreement with Lebanon as a blow to Iran and Hezbollah, while the militant group's leader, Naim Qassem, rejected the framework as "null and void". The opposing stances underscored the uncertainty surrounding a deal intended »»»
Strong export growth to EU, Syria, Asia in first third of 2026 — DoS
AMMAN — The Department of Statistics (DoS) has released the latest foreign trade data for the first third of 2026, showing notable shifts in Jordan’s export and import performance compared with the same period in 2025.Jordanian exports to Syria rose by 37 per cent to JD100 million, while imports fr»»»
Audit Bureau, IMA host AWj 2026 Conference on modernising public financial management
AMMAN — The Audit Bureau and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), Amman Chapter, on Saturday organised the “AWj 2026” conference.The event brought together a group of leaders, experts and professionals in the fields of finance, accounting and auditing.In the opening remarks, Audit Bureau »»»
Spotlight - Understanding the 'point men': Iran-US peace talks
Following the latest round of US-Iran peace talks, we assess the difficulties of diplomacy and the key characters at play. France 24's Gavin Lee spoke to Marvi Memon who served as a federal minister in the Pakistani govenrment from 2015 to 2018. Produced by Gavin Lee, Alessandro Xenos, »»»
Europe heatwave swamps hospitals, halts parties
As Europe's most severe heatwave on record continues, hospitals are admitting growing numbers of patients and emergency departments remain under intense pressure. Jim Cédric Hansen, Vice-President of the International Commission on Disaster Medicine in Rouen, explains why the human body struggles t»»»
Germany braces for record temperatures as heatwave moves east
France, Britain, Switzerland and Germany all experienced record heat in June and the weather system could test more records as it rolls across Germany towards Poland Saturday. Germany reached a new record of 41.3°C Friday near the city of Saarbruecken close to the French border while dozens»»»
‘Vespa is a way of life’: Thousands ride through Rome as Italy’s iconic scooter turns 80
Thousands of Vespa enthusiasts rode through Rome on Saturday as Italy celebrated the 80th anniversary of its iconic scooter. Created in the aftermath of World War II, the Vespa has evolved from an affordable means of transport into a global symbol of Italian design, lifestyle and cinematic glamour.»»»
Budapest pride continues despite heat
This Saturday marks Budapest's first official Pride march since longtime LGBTQ rights opponent Viktor Orbán left office as prime minister. Thousands of people are expected to take part despite soaring temperatures. While this year's parade has been fully authorised, tensions remain. France 24 corre»»»
Djokovic inspired by Serena as he targets history at Wimbledon
London: Novak Djokovic is taking inspiration from Serena Williams' sensational comeback as he sets his sights on a record-breaking triumph at Wimbledon. Williams has returned to tennis at the age of 44 and will play her first singles match in four years when she faces Maya Joint in the Wimbledon fi»»»
Romania-Moldova unification push exposes the EU’s border problem
On June 24, Romania’s Chamber of Deputies quietly approved a controversial bill proposing the country’s unification with neighboring Moldova. For decades, Romanian nationalists have championed the slogan “Basarabia e România” – ”Bessarabia is Romania” – a phrase emblazoned on walls across Bucharest»»»
Central African Republic declares cholera outbreak after 24 deaths
BANGUI: The Central African Republic has declared a cholera outbreak after confirming 24 deaths and 197 cases near the capital Bangui, according to the health minister. “The Ministry of Health... has today, June 26, 2026, confirmed a cholera outbreak in the health districts of Bimbo and Mbaiki,” so»»»
‘I can’t describe how disappointed and saddened we are’: Saudi players dismayed by World Cup exit
HOUSTON: Before the team buses had arrived at the NRG Stadium on Friday night, local media had billed Houston as Saudi Arabia’s “home away from home,” a city with deep economic, educational and cultural ties to the Kingdom. Yet by full-time, as the white-shirted Saudis lay prostrate after crashing »»»
Russia Will Not Leave Russia Flag Ban at Romania Competition Unanswered – MFA Spox
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will not leave the Romanian government's decision to ban the use of Russian state symbols by the rhythmic gymnastics team at the World Challenge Cup in the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca unanswered, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday. "Russ»»»
Australia to double fine for flouting teen social media ban
Sydney: Australia will double the financial penalty on platforms flouting its world-leading social media ban for under-16s to stem widespread evasion of the restrictions, the government said on Saturday. New legislation will lift the maximum fine to Aus$99 million ($68 million) for systemic breache»»»
GCC Secretary General condemns Iranian attacks against Bahrain
Riyadh: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has condemned in the strongest terms Iran's treacherous drone attacks against Bahrain. The Iranian regime's continuous targeting of civilian facilities and critical infrastructure, amid ongoing international and regio»»»
UAE, Lebanese Presidents discuss bilateral ties and regional developments in phone call
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Joseph Aoun, President of the Lebanese Republic, spoke by telephone today to discuss bilateral relations and ways to further strengthen cooperation in support of both countries’ interests and the prosperity and wellbei»»»
Israel agrees to withdrawal from 2 areas in Lebanon – Ya Libnan
Share: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as State Department Counselor Daniel Holler, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh sign a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, at the State Department in Washington, D.C., U.S.,»»»
Australia to double fine for flouting teen social media ban
SYDNEY: Australia will double the financial penalty on platforms flouting its world-leading social media ban for under-16s to stem widespread evasion of the restrictions, the government said on Saturday. New legislation will lift the maximum fine to Aus$99 million ($68 million) for systemic breache»»»
When the histroic heatwave will finally break in Hungary
A nationwide third-level heat alert came into force on Saturday, as Hungary remains gripped by an extraordinary heatwave. The chief medical officer warned that the prolonged extreme temperatures pose serious health risks, particularly to the elderly, young children, pregnant women, those with chron»»»
Agriculture Minister Abrovski: EUR 170 M to Compensate Farmers for Higher Fertilizer and Fuel Costs
Bulgaria has earmarked EUR 170 million in its budget to compensate farmers for higher fertilizer and fuel costs resulting from the conflict with Iran, Agriculture and Food Minister Plamen Abrovski said on Saturday. The aid scheme will cover up to 70% of the increase in fertilizer and fuel prices. A»»»
Baniyas take lead in round 5 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
ABU DHABI: The fifth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Gi division) got underway on Friday at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi with athletes representing top clubs and academies from across the UAE. The opening day featured competitions in the U-18, Adults and Masters div»»»
Turkiye arrests surge ahead of NATO summit
ISTANBUL: The number of people jailed pending trial on terrorism-related charges in Turkiye rose to 178 ahead of a NATO summit in the capital Ankara, state media reported on Saturday, citing the prosecutor’s office. The detentions followed a series of anti-terror raids this week in the run-up to th»»»
Germany gripped by record temperatures as European heatwave moves east
BERLIN/MILAN: Germany and Italy endured sweltering conditions on Saturday as a heatwave linked to dozens of deaths in Western Europe spread eastwards after temperatures broke records above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Britain, France, Switzerland and Germany have all experienced rec»»»
Looking for a better job? Philippine Consulate in Dubai offers free career coaching, wellness checks
Dubai: Overseas Filipinos hoping to improve their career prospects can get free advice from human resources professionals at a community outreach programme organised by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai tomorrow, June 28. The initiative, titled “Sagip: A Community Outreach Programme,” will »»»
UK to expand refugee sponsorship schemes
LONDON: The UK interior ministry has announced it will create new legal routes for asylum seekers, including allowing community organizations to sponsor refugees based on a similar system in Canada. The system will come into place later this year, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said late Friday, wi»»»
Ukraine strikes industrial facility in Russia’s Volgograd as Russian drone attack kills 1
KYIV: Ukraine struck a major industrial facility in the Russian city of Volgograd, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday, while a Russian drone attack killed a man in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region overnight. Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian militar»»»
Djibouti Embassy commemorates its 49th anniversary of independence
The Embassy of Djibouti in Riyadh hosted an official reception at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Djibouti. Djibouti gained independence on June 27, 1977, ending over a century of French colonial rule. The cere»»»
Photos: Over 10,000 Vespas take over Rome as iconic scooter turns 80
Rome: More than 10,000 Vespas putt-putt-putted around the Colosseum and past the Roman Forum on Saturday, marking the 80th anniversary of the iconic scooter. Enthusiasts came from all over. Vespa-borne visitors converged on the Eternal City's cobblestone streets to celebrate a brand they likewise v»»»
One in three businesses in Kyrgyzstan led by a woman - | 24.KG
Support for women’s entrepreneurship is one of the key priorities of state economic policy in Kyrgyzstan, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Benazir Nurlanova said at the Women’s Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held in Bishkek. According to the press service of the Ministry of E»»»
Israel and Lebanon ink a framework agreement as a first step towards peace – Ya Libnan
Share: Nada Hamadeh Moawad, the Lebanese ambassador to the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Israel and Lebanon’s ambassadors to the U.S. Friday to announce a framework agreement that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Le»»»
Kyrgyzstan seeks public health cooperation with XUAR - | 24.KG
Deputy Minister of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic Bakytbek Kadyraliev participated in the Xinjiang Silk Road Health Forum. According to the Ministry of Health’s press center, Bakytbek Kadyraliev delivered a report. «Today, our task is to build a system in which every patient, regardless of where the»»»
Hezbollah Won’t Allow Implementation of Framework Agreement with ‘Israel’: MP
Member of Hezbollah’s Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc MP Hasan Fadlallah voiced the Lebanese resistance group’s sweeping rejection of the so-called framework agreement between the political authority in Lebanon and the Israeli enemy, warning it violates the constitution and threatens the f»»»
Filipinos prepare to showcase talent at inaugural Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh
MANILA: The Philippines is preparing to showcase its gaming talent at the Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh later this year, after Filipino players qualified to compete for at least two titles in the inaugural competition. Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural ENC in November. The cup is set to become a»»»
UAE welcomes Lebanon-Israel framework agreement and backs regional stability
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has welcomed the announcement by Lebanon and Israel of a trilateral framework agreement brokered and supported by the United States, saying it hopes the development will help create conditions for greater regional stability. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised»»»
Arab union chief calls for global AI framework to protect media rights
PRAUGE: The Arab States Broadcasting Union, representing the Arab Group, has stressed the need for a unified international position in negotiations with global technology and artificial intelligence companies in order to protect the rights of media organizations and ensure a fair partnership in the»»»
Kingdom reaffirms support for Sudan’s unity, political solution
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting stability in Sudan, securing a ceasefire, and preserving the country’s territorial integrity and state institutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The remarks were made during a UN Security Council session on Sudan by t»»»