Latest news with #EUDelegation
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
WTO reform prospects clouded by investment deal block, sources say
GENEVA, July 23 (Reuters) - The World Trade Organisation suffered a setback at its General Council meeting in Geneva on Wednesday after a small group of countries again blocked an initiative designed to boost foreign investment, two sources told Reuters. The Investment Facilitation for Development, which aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles to encourage foreign direct investment, particularly in developing and least-developed countries, was blocked by India, South Africa and Turkey, they said, asking to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter. The WTO requires full consensus from all 166 members for a measure to be included in its formal rulebook. The measure has been formally backed by 127 members. Trade sources described the latest block as a "disturbing" signal, as WTO members weigh sweeping reforms to revitalise the global trade body, which has been challenged by a wave of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Proponents of reforms are pushing for changes to the consensus-based decision-making process in particular to stop countries from blocking measures and bogging down initiatives. India, South Africa and Turkey were not immediately available for comment. "The integration of the IFD into the WTO framework is a litmus test for members' willingness to turn reform discussions into practical action," a trade delegate told Reuters, describing it as disappointing. The EU delegation told members that the IFD did not hurt anyone's interest and that blocking it would "endanger" the multilateral trade system, according to a statement seen by Reuters. India and South Africa previously opposed the inclusion of the measure at high-level meetings, including the 2025 ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi, where it failed to gain consensus. Keith Rockwell, a trade analyst at the Hinrich Foundation and former WTO communications director, told Reuters that India's continued obstruction of the IFD agreement is partly a tactic to gain leverage on food security negotiations. "It signals very difficult times ahead for reform in other areas," he added.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Russian attack damages building near EU delegation in Kyiv
A building near the European Union Delegation to Ukraine was damaged in the capital as a result of a Russian attack on the night of 9-10 June Source: EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda Quote: "Hundreds of Shahed drones & missiles. Another sleepless night. Fires across Kyiv. A building next to the EU Delegation was badly damaged." In the foreground on the left is EU Delegation building, across from it is business centre in Kyiv, which was damaged by the Russian attack. Photo: Mathernová on X (Twitter) Details: She added that despite this, "people go to work in the morning. Russia will not break them." "Air defence saves lives. Endless thanks to defenders & rescuers." Background: On the night of 9-10 June, Russia launched 322 aerial attack assets against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force successfully shot down 284 of them. In Kyiv, the attack injured four people, damaged residential buildings, a business centre, warehouses and a railway, destroyed cars and caused approximately 10 fires – some of which are still being extinguished. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged the international community not to hesitate with new, powerful sanctions against Russia following the large-scale air strikes. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Egypt Independent
24-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Egypt & Germany launch new phase of migration, employment coop.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Migration and Egyptians Abroad Nabil Habashi announced the start of a new phase in Egypt's cooperation with Germany to support youth employment and safe labor mobility. This comes after the first steering committee meeting for phase two of the Egyptian–German Center for Jobs, Migration, and Reintegration, held in Cairo. The meeting was co-chaired by Habashi and Holger Illge from the German Embassy, with participation from the EU Delegation and GIZ. The new phase will expand job placement and training programs for Egyptians seeking work in Germany. Discussions included setting a broader action plan, improving access to the center's services nationwide, and increasing cooperation with German institutions in need of skilled workers. The center, established under Presidential Decree No. 51 of 2020, will continue to offer job matching, training, and preparation for Egyptian workers in both Egypt and Germany. The project aims to support safe migration and provide practical pathways to employment. (MENA)
Middle East
22-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// Egypt & Germany launch new phase of migration, employment coop.
CAIRO, May 22 (MENA) – Deputy Foreign Minister for Migration and Egyptians Abroad Nabil Habashi announced the start of a new phase in Egypt's cooperation with Germany to support youth employment and safe labor mobility. This comes after the first steering committee meeting for phase two of the Egyptian–German Center for Jobs, Migration, and Reintegration, held in Cairo. The meeting was co-chaired by Habashi and Holger Illge from the German Embassy, with participation from the EU Delegation and GIZ. The new phase will expand job placement and training programs for Egyptians seeking work in Germany. Discussions included setting a broader action plan, improving access to the center's services nationwide, and increasing cooperation with German institutions in need of skilled workers. The center, established under Presidential Decree No. 51 of 2020, will continue to offer job matching, training, and preparation for Egyptian workers in both Egypt and Germany. The project aims to support safe migration and provide practical pathways to employment. (MENA) H A T/R E E
Russia Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Israeli troops fire ‘warning shots' at foreign diplomats (VIDEOS)
Israeli soldiers fired shots near a group of foreign diplomats visiting the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, prompting representatives from over 20 countries and accompanying journalists to scramble for cover, according to videos from the scene. The tour, organized by the Palestinian Authority, included delegates from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, Mexico, Egypt, and others. No injuries were reported, but video footage showed diplomats fleeing in panic as gunfire erupted around 2pm local time. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the delegation had deviated from its pre-approved route and entered an unauthorized area, which they described as an 'active combat zone.' Israeli forces opened fire towards an EU delegation on an approved visit to #Jenin in the #WestBank earlier IDF said they were approaching an area they weren't allowed to be, so 'warning shots' were fired AT EUROPEAN DIPLOMATS. 'According to an initial inquiry, the delegation deviated from the approved route and entered an area where they were not authorized to be. IDF soldiers operating in the area fired warning shots to distance them,' the IDF said, expressing regret for the 'inconvenience caused.' Israeli occupation soldiers open fire on a diplomatic delegation during their visit to Jenin refugee camp. The Palestinian Authority's foreign ministry described the shooting as a violation of international law, asserting that the delegation was on an official mission to assess humanitarian conditions amid growing international criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The israelis shoot at an int'l delegation visiting Jenin: the targeted group includes EU envoys; but.. but.. aren't they your allies @EU_Commission International leaders swiftly condemned the incident. France and Italy summoned Israeli ambassadors for explanations. Ireland's deputy prime minister called the event 'completely unacceptable,' while Canada demanded a full investigation. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also labeled the act of firing near diplomats 'unacceptable' and called for accountability. The Egyptian foreign ministry said the incident 'violates all diplomatic norms,' while Türkiye's foreign ministry 'strongly condemned' the firing of warning shots at its diplomats. The Israeli military launched a major operation in the West Bank in January, dubbed 'Iron Wall,' with forces taking control of Jenin and installing metal gates at the entrances to the refugee camp. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated at the time that the goal was to 'eradicate terrorism' in the area, amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant later said that IDF troops would remain in the area indefinitely, declaring that 'the Jenin refugee camp will not be what it was.'
