News
Iran rejects British parliament security allegations as 'baseless'
Iran represents the "most significant physical threat to individuals" in the United Kingdom, with at least 15 attempted murders or kidnappings against British nationals since early 2022, a UK government committee announced on July 10.
Iraq bans Labubu dolls citing child behaviour concerns and “demonic spirits”
Kurdish authorities in Erbil have confiscated 4,000 Labubu dolls and banned their sale in shops due to alleged negative effects on children's behaviour.
Panama claws back financial credibility as EU removes it from high-risk list
Panama scored a key win as the European Parliament approved its removal from the EU’s list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorist financing.
Gabon’s new oil and gas minister launches deepwater exploration drive
Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Gabon’s recently appointed Minister of Oil and Gas, has launched a strong drive to attract investment in deepwater oil and gas exploration.
Macron and Starmer pledge to fight English Channel Kurdish migration gangs
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to intensify cooperation against illegal migration gangs during a summit at Downing Street.
US, Israel, and Qatar make Gaza ceasefire progress in secret meeting, reports claim
An undisclosed White House meeting between Qatari, US and Israeli negotiators to resolve the final area of disagreement after three of four contentious issues were reportedly settled in recent days.
URC2025: Ukraine to spend $50bn on defence in 2025, but needs more outside help
Ukraine will allocate nearly $50bn to defence and security in 2025, amounting to 26% of the country's GDP, but it’s going to need more outside help, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said as the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC25) kicks off.
Orban takes off the gloves ahead of European Commission President von der Leyen no-confidence vote
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was in a feisty mood ahead of a no-confidence vote in European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen slated for July 10.
Romanian opposition to file no-confidence motion against Bolojan government over fiscal package
AUR and fellow far-right parties fall short of the 233 MPs needed for the motion to succeed, but are looking for defectors from the four-party ruling coalition.
US imposes 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, copper from August 1
The United States will introduce 50% tariffs on all goods imported from Brazil starting on August 1, President Donald Trump announced on July 10 on his Truth Social platform. The new measures also include a 50% duty on all copper imports to the US.
Slovakia blocks latest round of EU sanctions against Russia
Slovakia nearly eradicated Russian gas imports during the winter of 2022-23, but imports spiked following the return of the Fico-led government.
Yemeni attack sinks Red Sea cargo ship, 19 crew members missing
A Liberian-flagged cargo ship attacked by Yemen sank in the Red Sea, with only six of 25 people on board rescued.
European Parliament calls for reforms and action on foreign interference in Western Balkans
MEPs warn that democratic backsliding and geopolitical vulnerabilities could stall progress across the region.
Global lenders line up to finance North Macedonia’s €1.9bn high-speed rail project
16 international financial institutions and commercial banks have expressed interest in financing the ambitious Corridor X project.
Ghana launches whistleblower reward to curb gold smuggling after $11.4bn losses
Ghana’s gold sector has long been plagued by illegal mining and illicit exports. Now the government seeks to curb capital flight and meet revenue targets under its economic recovery programme with the IMF.
Uzbekistan hits back at UN opinion on jailed daughter of former president Karimov
The government of Uzbekistan has issued a formal response challenging a UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention opinion on the criminal prosecution of Gulnara Karimova, the imprisoned daughter of ex-president Karimov
Saudi Cabinet approves updated foreign property ownership regulations
Saudi Arabia's Cabinet approved updated regulations allowing non-Saudis to own property in specific areas.
World Bank celebrates 75th year in Turkey
On July 7, 1950, the World Bank approved its first loan to Turkey, namely a $3.9mn facility for a grain storage project, the development bank said in a press release for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of its partnership with the country.
Viktor Orban's eldest daughter confirms reports to relocate to US
Prime Minister Viktor Orban's eldest daughter, Rahel Orban, confirmed reports that her family is preparing to relocate to New York, where she will pursue studies in the autumn.
