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The European Union is preparing to stockpile critical raw materials as part of a broader strategy to safeguard its economy and infrastructure against rising geopolitical risks. According to a draft document from the European Commission, reported by a prominent media outlet, the move is aimed at reducing the bloc’s vulnerability to disruptions in global supply chains, particularly those linked to minerals essential for energy production and defense. The draft document warns that the EU is facing a “complex and deteriorating risk landscape,” citing escalating geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, the intensifying impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and an increase in hybrid and cyber threats. In response, the European…

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to seize what he described as a “once-in-a-decade opportunity” to close the $4 trillion financing gap that threatens the ability of developing countries to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaking at the opening session of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla, Spain, Guterres stressed the urgent need for global cooperation to address the shortfall and deliver a fairer, more sustainable future. The conference, held amid record-breaking June temperatures in Sevilla, has drawn participation from nearly 60 heads of state and government, representatives from over 150 nations,…

Türkiye has evacuated more than 50,000 people from regions affected by widespread forest fires, with the western province of Izmir experiencing the most significant impact, the country’s disaster management agency confirmed on Monday. According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), fires have broken out across multiple provinces, including Izmir, Bilecik, Hatay, Sakarya, and Manisa. The scale of the fires has forced the relocation of residents from 41 different settlements to temporary safe zones established by authorities. The evacuations are part of a large-scale emergency response as officials work to contain the rapidly spreading blazes. Türkiye’s Minister of Agriculture and…

At least 45 people have died across Pakistan as heavy monsoon rains and flash floods devastated several regions, according to disaster management officials on Sunday. The relentless downpours, which began earlier this week, have caused widespread destruction, with the worst impacts seen in areas already struggling with poverty and inadequate infrastructure. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, has been the most severely affected. Authorities confirmed that 21 people, including 10 children, lost their lives in the province. In the Swat Valley, a popular tourist destination, at least 14 people were killed when flash floods swept away families gathered near a riverbank. Rescue operations are ongoing, but access…

German lawmakers have approved a measure to suspend family reunifications for many migrants, marking a significant shift in the country’s migration policy. The decision, taken by the Bundestag, reflects a tougher stance on immigration by the new government, which has pledged to tighten border controls and regulate migration more strictly. The legislation, passed on Friday, halts family reunifications for individuals granted “subsidiary protection” for a period of two years. Subsidiary protection is granted to people who do not qualify for full asylum but cannot safely return to their home countries due to risks such as war or inhumane treatment. The move…

NATO leaders have agreed to a substantial increase in defense spending, marking a major policy shift aimed at strengthening the alliance’s ability to address rising security threats. The decision came at the conclusion of a brief but closely watched summit in The Hague on Wednesday, where member states pledged to boost annual defense-related expenditures to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. The new target significantly raises the bar for defense investment among the 32-member alliance and reflects growing concerns over global security challenges. The commitment aligns with long-standing calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for greater financial…

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in The Hague on Tuesday, where the two leaders discussed a range of regional, global, and bilateral issues, according to official statements. During the meeting, President Erdogan welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, which was reportedly brokered through diplomatic efforts led by President Trump. Erdogan emphasized the need for the ceasefire to serve as a foundation for lasting peace in the region. He also called for urgent steps to resolve the Gaza crisis and encouraged renewed dialogue aimed at de-escalating tensions over Ukraine.…

More than 80,000 residents have been evacuated from flood-affected areas in China’s southwestern Guizhou province following days of continuous heavy rainfall and rising river levels. Local authorities confirmed that as of Tuesday afternoon, mass evacuation efforts were underway in the counties of Rongjiang and Congjiang as floodwaters continued to rise. In Rongjiang county, approximately 48,900 people have been relocated to temporary shelters after torrential rains caused significant flooding. The county, located along the Duliu River, recorded water levels exceeding warning thresholds by 6.68 meters as of Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Authorities have raised the flood control emergency response to Level I, the…

The 2025 Global Liveability Index, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, has named Copenhagen, Denmark, as the world’s most liveable city. The annual report evaluates 173 cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, using 30 indicators to produce an overall score out of 100. Copenhagen earned an impressive score of 98, achieving perfect results in stability, education, and infrastructure. The Danish capital, known for its efficient public transport, low crime rates, and high-quality public services, rose to first place after finishing second in both 2023 and 2024. The report highlights Copenhagen’s strong governance, reliable healthcare system, and accessible education…

Torrential rains unleashed by Typhoon Wutip have caused devastating floods in Huaiji County, Guangdong Province in China, submerging homes, washing away roads, and leaving tens of thousands of residents without power in what is being described as the worst flooding the region has experienced in a century. The heavy downpour, which began earlier this week, intensified on Wednesday morning as water levels at the Huaiji hydrometric station reached 55.22 meters surpassing the danger threshold by 5.22 meters. This reading marks the highest flood level ever recorded since the station was established, according to China Central Television (CCTV). The extreme weather has…