The World Bank has reported that conflicts and related fatalities have tripled since the early 2000s, leading to extreme poverty and food insecurity in fragile regions. As of this year, 421 million people live on less than $3 a day due to conflict or instability, with this number expected to reach 435 million by 2030. The bank's report highlights that half of countries facing conflict have been in such conditions for over 15 years, and notes that timely interventions can be more cost-effective than responding after violence erupts. Economies like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have mineral resources that could support clean tech growth, but economic stagnation has been the norm in these regions due to conflict and instability.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/06/28/world-bank-421-million-living-in-extreme-poverty-globally-as-conflicts-more-than-tripled-since-2000/182006Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luigi Di Maio, met with his Uruguayan counterpart, Ernesto Abbate, to discuss the Mercosur trade agreement. Italy is seeking guarantees or compensation for potential imbalances in the deal, while also emphasizing its priority on Latin America in foreign policy. The meeting highlighted strong bilateral relations between the two countries, which will be further strengthened through an upcoming conference in October.
https://en.mercopress.com/2025/06/28/italy-favors-eu-mercosur-fta-provided-europe-s-agriculture-s-interests-are-protected#commentsThe European Union and Asian trading blocs, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, are exploring a framework that would establish global trade rules, building on the World Trade Organization's (WTO) effective principles such as the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle. To improve upon WTO rules, Asian and European leaders should focus on addressing subsidies and state-owned firm conduct. A common carbon-tariff framework with the US could incentivize countries to adhere to the Paris Agreement, while a more resilient international finance system would promote responsible behavior and diversify risk management instruments.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/29/opinion/world/can-asia-and-europe-rescue-the-global-economy/2139950The European Union's concern over Hungary's democratic backsliding has been voiced by several member states, including Spain, Germany, and France. In May, 20 countries issued a joint declaration criticizing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government for its crackdown on fundamental rights. The EU Commission is being urged to take action to prevent further erosion of democracy in Hungary.
https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-accuse-brussels-complicity-viktor-orban-budapest-pride-ban/Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that his country aims to maintain trade with both the European Union and China, as it seeks to avoid being squeezed into either bloc. This stance is reflected in BYD's decision to establish a research and development laboratory in Hungary following its investment in an electric car factory in southern Hungary. The move comes after years of warming political relations between Orban's government and Beijing, which began when he came to power in 2010.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2025/06/28/byd-to-invest-94-million-in-new-hungary-plantIn Budapest, hundreds of people gathered for a Pride march despite Hungary's ban on the event. The protest was attended by European lawmakers and economics student Marcell Szanto, who expressed solidarity with the cause. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called on Hungarian authorities to reverse the ban, while 33 other EU countries supported the march. French MEPs urged the EU to take tougher measures against Hungary's government over its crackdown on civil rights. The event was met with protests from far-right groups, but Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony thanked Orban for "advertising for a more tolerant society".
https://www.firstpost.com/world/record-breaking-budapest-pride-defies-government-ban-amid-lgbtq-crackdown-13901389.htmlIndia has restricted imports of certain goods from Bangladesh through Nhava Sheva seaport, citing concerns over the country's growing ties with Pakistan and China. The move comes after Bangladesh's interim government head Muhammad Yunus made controversial comments in China, which drew strong reactions from Indian politicians. India had previously imposed similar restrictions on imports from Bangladesh in April and May, including a ban on readymade garments and processed food items. The decision is part of efforts to address concerns over minority attacks in Bangladesh, where Hindus have faced violence.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/india-bans-imports-of-certain-jute-other-items-from-bangladesh-via-land-8779707India has rejected a supplemental award issued by the so-called "Court of Arbitration" concerning the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, citing that the body's constitution is a serious breach of the Indus Waters Treaty. India had placed the treaty in abeyance following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and its actions are not subject to examination by this illegally constituted arbitral body.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/india-calls-court-of-arbitration-on-indus-waters-treaty-illegal-rejects-its-ruling-on-jk-dam-projects-13901193.htmlIndonesian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President Prabowo Subianto have expressed hope that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran can pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East. They welcomed the ceasefire, which ended 12 days of mutual air strikes, and emphasized the importance of achieving peace not only between Iran and Israel but also throughout the region. The two leaders stated that a two-state solution is key to ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where they condemned Israel's actions as potentially leading to genocide against its people. Indonesia and Malaysia are proposing a global collective effort to promote peaceful solutions to conflicts, while consistently supporting Palestine's independence.
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