Four Key Takeaways From The ‘PartyGate’ Investigation Into Boris Johnson’s Downing Street

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologised after a report exposed failings of leadership and behaviour in Downing Street during pandemic lockdowns that was “not appropriate”. While the report was significantly shorter than had been initially expected, four takeaway points merit attention. 1. Not a full report – but significant findings The document, published on January 31, is not […]
Humiliated in Ankara, EU Chief To Fight For Women’s Rights

The European Union’s first female chief executive vowed on Monday to fight for women’s rights after she was denied a chair during a meeting in Ankara with Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan two weeks ago. Speaking to the European Parliament, a visibly angry Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the April 6 episode – where […]
EU Plans To Crack Down On Racism

The European Commission pledged on Friday to take tougher action against member states failing to fully implement EU anti-racism laws, in a move reflecting global outrage at police violence against African Americans in the United States. Launching its first anti-racism action plan, the Commission said the initiative allows so-called infringement actions, a process that can […]
Polish President Duda Wins Election, New Battles With EU Loom

Polish President Andrzej Duda has won five more years in power on a deeply conservative platform after a closely fought election that is likely to deepen the country’s isolation in the European Union. Nearly final results from Sunday’s presidential election put him on more than 51%, giving him an unassailable lead over Warsaw mayor Rafal […]
EU Becoming Safer, Better-Off And Healthier – But Less Gender-Equal

Crime, violence, poverty, ill-health and air pollution have all declined in the European Union over the last five years – but gender inequality has worsened and efforts to fight climate change have achieved little. A report from the EU statistics office, Eurostat, measured progress towards 17 “Sustainable Development Goals” between 2014 and 2019. On most, […]
EU Calls For Security Meeting Over Kenya-Somalia Tensions

The European Union has asked Kenya and Ethiopia to organise a security summit on cross-border cooperation following tensions on the Kenya-Somalia border. Mandera County in Kenya, which is near the border, has been tense for more than a week now following clashes between Jubbaland forces and those loyal to the Federal Government of Somalia. The […]
Benin Orders EU Ambassador To Leave

The West African nation has reportedly moved to expel the EU ambassador, on accusations of interfering in domestic affairs. Benin has faced a crisis after a new election law excluded opposition parties. Benin ordered EU ambassador Oliver Nette to leave the country on Wednesday, diplomatic sources told AFP news agency. The Beninese government accused the […]
EU Commits U.S.$34 Million To Tackling Sexual Gender Based Violence

Government is set to receive U.S.$34 million from the European Union (EU) in an initiative meant to help create a violence-free, gender-responsive and inclusive society. European External Action Service deputy secretary-general, Christian Leffler announced this at the Spotlight Initiative country programme launch this week. “Gender-based violence is not inevitable but is literally man-made. The solution […]
May Vows To Carry On As Brexit’s Hardliners Try To Topple Her

British Prime Minister Theresa May is defying demands to quit as she battles to keep control of her fractious government long enough to deliver a Brexit deal that’s drawn ire from across the political spectrum. Facing a revolt over her proposed exit agreement with the European Union, May said she would stay in office because […]
Nigeria To Benefit From €2.6 Billion European Union Funds For Growth

Nigeria is among some African countries to benefit from the €2.6 billion European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD).The EFSD will contain two ‘blending’ facilities/ platforms, which will provide grants to improve the conditions under which public institutions and the private sector working with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) can borrow for investment purposes. Minister, Deputy Head […]