The war in Gaza has entered its third year. After much disappointment, hope has been rekindled with US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The international community has expressed a strong determination to seize this opportunity to end the conflict, even though the process is expected to face many challenges.
Emerging security challenges are not only exposing vulnerabilities in Europe’s defence system but also testing the region’s unity, as military capabilities, budgets and security priorities differ significantly among member states.
The rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has created a historic turning point for the world economy but also opened a fierce war against cybercrime. Ensuring cyber security has become a common challenge for all humanity.
The budget allocated to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is severely short by trillions of US dollars, sounding an alarm about the risk that many countries will miss the 2030 targets set in their SDG commitments.
Around 16,500 people have lost their lives due to unusual heatwaves in Europe this summer. In total, 181,000 people in the continent have died for the same reason over the past three years. These heartbreaking figures once again show that climate change is causing unpredictable impacts and immeasurable consequences for humans and the Earth.
The fragmentation and division of the global economy due to trade barriers, protectionism, or conflicts of interest are a major risk to sustainable development.
The 2025 State of the Union address delivered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reflects the European Union’s aspiration for strategic autonomy, aiming to build a strong and self-reliant bloc.
Spain has intensified pressure on Israel, including an arms embargo against Tel Aviv, as Madrid affirms its recognition of the State of Palestine and describes the prolonged, bloody conflict in the Gaza Strip as genocide. Analysts view this as a “low note” in relations between the European and Middle Eastern nations.
In early September, millions of children around the world joyfully began the new school year. However, not all children are able to enjoy this happiness and fundamental right. More than 270 million children and teenagers are burdened with livelihoods threatened by conflict, violence, and poverty.
Within efforts to stabilise border situations and address social challenges linked to immigration, many countries have introduced various measures. Among them, some Western nations have adopted the practice of relocating migrants to third countries. However, this policy has faced opposition due to the risks it entails.
France and Germany have just held a joint cabinet meeting, with signals of an end to the frosty years in their bilateral ties. Following the promising handshakes, however, much remains to be done to bridge differences and jointly strengthen and shape a new future for Europe.
The massive 50% tariff imposed by the US on certain imports from India, which took effect in August 27, has caused considerable disruptions in bilateral relations. For India, while affirming that it will not bow down to the US’s new tariff measures, a diplomatic solution is seen as necessary for the benefit of both sides and all concerned parties.
The international community has voiced deep concern over Israel’s recently approved the E1 settlement plan in the West Bank, warning that the decision poses a serious threat to the prospects of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung will visit Japan and hold talks with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, before travelling to the US to attend the RoK–US Summit on August 25.
The key issue to resolve for peace in Gaza
