European Union

Red Sea Container Shipping Down 30% Over Attacks

The International Monetary Fund announced on Wednesday that container shipping through the Red Sea has decreased by nearly one-third this year due to ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthis. Container shipping through the Red Sea has dropped by nearly one-third this year as attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels continue, the International Monetary Fund ...

Is It Time to Declare the Arab League Dead?

This is no recent question. But it must be asked at this first major test in the Arab World; it is a concern among Arab peoples who were highly optimistic about the capabilities of this institution in terms of common projects—whether economic, financial, political or otherwise. It is high time to recognize the fact that the structure of ...

Ireland, Spain Urge EU to Increase Pressure on Israel

Spain and Ireland urged the European Union, on Wednesday, to promptly assess whether Israel is fulfilling its human rights obligations in Gaza under an agreement that associates rights with trade relations. Spain and Ireland on Wednesday asked the European Union to "urgently" examine whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations ...

Borrell Worried About Rising West Bank Tensions

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed his worries on Sunday about the mounting tensions in the West Bank, claiming that they obstruct peace in the region. He also emphasized the need for the EU to support the "Arab initiative" to foster Palestinian statehood. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Sunday that the situation in the ...

EU Launches its Military 'Protection' Mission in the Red Sea

The European Union on Monday officially launched a mission to help protect international shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Houthis, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said. "Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners," the European Commission president wrote on X. The Houthis, ...

Gaza: EU to Unlock €50 Million for UNRWA

The European Commission announced it was strengthening aid funding for Palestinians. Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said the EU "will proceed to paying 50 million euros to UNRWA and increase emergency support to the Palestinians by 68 million euros in 2024". UNRWA is the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Its funding from international partners ...

EU Proposes Increased Military Aid for Ukraine

European Union officials revealed on Tuesday an ambitious plan to significantly increase weapons manufacturing and acquisition within the bloc. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on US arms and comes in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. EU officials unveiled on Tuesday an ambitious proposal to massively boost weapons production and ...

Western Plans for a Maritime Aid Corridor to Gaza Gather Pace

The US announced on Friday, March 8, that it would set up a humanitarian corridor from Cyprus to bring aid to the starving Gaza Strip, which is under constant Israeli bombardment. The EU also joined the effort. The United States plans to gather pace on Friday to get aid by sea into Gaza, where the UN has repeatedly warned of famine and Israel has ...

Spain and EU Commemorate Madrid Train Bombings

Spain and the European Union commemorated on Monday the 20th anniversary of the March 11, 2004 Madrid train bombings, which marked the start of mass Islamist attacks in Europe. An official ceremony was presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Spain and the European Union paid homage Monday to the 192 victims of the March 11, 2004 Madrid ...

EU Prepares to Sanction Israeli Settlers

EU countries will impose next Monday sanctions on "violent" Israeli settlers in the West Bank and on Hamas for sexual violence committed on October 7, officials said on Friday, March 15. EU countries have reached a preliminary agreement to impose sanctions on "violent" Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and on Hamas for sexual violence during the ...

EU, Egypt Sign 7.4 Billion Euro Migration and Energy Deal

The European Union and Egypt finalized a financial package on Sunday, worth 7.4 billion euros, intended to aid the debt-ridden North African nation, enhance energy trade with Europe and curb irregular migration. The European Union and Egypt on Sunday signed a 7.4-billion-euro financial package to support the indebted North African country, boost ...

EU Migrant Deal with Lebanon Is Possible, According to an EU Official

EU commissioner Margaritis Schinas said on Friday that the European Union could strike a deal with Lebanon to stem arrivals of migrants, according to local agency Al-Markaziya, quoting Reuters. Schinas talked about this possible agreement during a visit to Cyprus. Officials on the island complained it was being inundated by a surge in arrivals ...