International Relations NewsFeed

Denmark Funds Ukraine's Defense Production Expansion

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen signed a Letter of Intent, committing Denmark to export Ukrainian military technologies and establish production facilities abroad. The initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine's Defense Forces with the help of Denmark, which has already allocated 500 million DKK for launching Ukraine's defense production on its territory.

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/4010183-danish-model-of-defense-industry-support-can-become-ukraines-competitive-advantage-ambassador.html

EU Ambassador Seeks Free Elections in Bangladesh

The European Union's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, has expressed hope for the restoration of democratic order and a free, fair, and credible national election in Bangladesh. The UN Human Rights High Commissioner, Volker Turk, has urged the interim government under Yunus to make meaningful advances on reforms to create an environment for inclusive elections. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also called for inclusive elections, emphasizing the need to consider the voices of women, youth, and minority communities.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/elections-in-bangladesh-will-be-held-early-next-year-yunus-tells-rubio/

EU Delegation Visits Kafr Malik After Attacks

Laila Ghannam, governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, accused Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, of giving full political cover to settler militias. A European Union delegation, led by Alexandre Stutzmann, visited damaged homes and burned vehicles in Kafr Malik, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people from a humanitarian perspective. The visit coincides with a surge in attacks by Israeli illegal settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, which have increased by 30% this year, according to Israeli data.

https://en.tempo.co/read/2023337/eu-diplomats-visit-palestines-west-bank-following-deadly-israeli-settlers-attack

France Leads Coalition for Global Plane Ticket Tax Hike

A coalition of countries, including France, Kenya and Barbados, is pushing for a global tax on plane tickets, including business-class travel and private jets, to raise funds for climate adaptation. The aim is to increase revenue for poorer countries and support "resilient investments" in the aviation sector. Greenpeace welcomes this move, calling it an "important step" towards making polluters pay. The proposed tax could generate up to €187 billion ($220 billion) if applied globally, with the funds going towards helping vulnerable developing countries adapt to climate change.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1325724-rich-flyers-may-foot-climate-bill-under-new-tax-push-by-80-nation-group

G7 Condemns Threats Against IAEA's Rafael Grossi

The G7 top diplomats condemned threats against Rafael Grossi, head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, after a hardline Iranian newspaper called for his execution as an Israeli agent. The IAEA's Board of Governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost 20 years on June 12. Israel is believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with nuclear weapons and is fighting against Iran to prevent it from developing its own nuclear arsenal, despite being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/g7-urges-talks-to-resume-for-deal-on-iran-nuclear-program/article69758195.ece

G7 Ministers Meet Amid Middle East Crisis Escalation

G7 foreign ministers and the EU's high representative met in The Hague on June 25, discussing recent events in the Middle East. Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders and civilians, before Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory. A ceasefire was reached on June 24, ending 12 days of fighting.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/g7-fms-call-for-resumption-of-negotiations-on-irans-nuclear-program/

Guterres Urges Ceasefire in Ukraine with Shmyhal

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the UN's commitment to supporting Ukraine's government on humanitarian issues and reconstruction efforts during a conversation with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. He stressed the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, which would be a crucial step towards achieving a just and sustainable peace that aligns with the UN Charter and international law.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/982646-un-pledges-support-for-ukraine-s-reconstruction

Indonesia's Christians Face Intolerance and Government Inaction

Amnesty International Indonesia's Executive Director, Usman Hamid, has criticized the Indonesian government for failing to protect citizens from discrimination, citing the recent disbandment of a Christian student retreat in Cidahu, West Java. The incident, which involved hundreds of residents destroying facilities at a residential home believed to be used as a place of worship, highlights the need for stronger law enforcement and policies to address intolerance. Usman notes that the lack of action against perpetrators and the continued use of discriminatory rhetoric demonstrate a culture of impunity in Indonesia.

https://en.tempo.co/read/2023137/ylbhi-amnesty-international-express-concern-over-disbandment-of-christian-student-retreat-in-sukabumi

Indonesia's Prabowo Reaffirms Open Economy Stance

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed the country's commitment to an open economy and active foreign policy, emphasizing its non-aligned status and sovereignty. This stance is in line with Indonesia's positive economic outlook, driven by key sectors, despite global headwinds.

https://en.antaranews.com/news/363245/indonesias-2026-economic-policy-to-focus-on-resilience-minister