This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €1.5 billion Spanish scheme to support farmers affected by a series of adverse meteorological events in the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura between 10 November 2025 and 9 February 2026. The Spanish scheme […]Commission approves €1.5 billion Spanish State aid scheme to support farmers affected by 2025-2026 floods in Andalusia and Extremadura
May 12, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €1.5 billion Spanish scheme to support farmers affected by a series of adverse meteorological events in the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura between 10 November 2025 and 9 February 2026. The Spanish scheme […]Cities need real support to deliver Europe’s ambitions
May 12, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee. The European Economic and Social Committee says Europe’s cities are central to economic growth, social cohesion and the green and digital transitions. In its response to the European Commission’s proposed EU Agenda for Cities, the EESC welcomes the overall vision but […]Commission unconditionally approves Suzano’s acquisition of Kimberly-Clark IFP
May 12, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has unconditionally approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Suzano S.A. (‘Suzano‘) of Kimberly Clark IFP NewCo B.V. (‘Kimberly-Clark IFP‘). The Commission concluded that the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the European Economic Area (‘EEA’). Suzano […]Bahrain and US float Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz
May 8, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Bahrain and the United States have circulated a draft Security Council resolution calling for Iran to cease attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, their ambassadors outlined to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday. The text is supported by Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the […]As housing insecurity grows, global leaders push for action
May 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. “Housing is the gateway to all other rights” said actor and humanitarian Richard Gere, who has joined UN efforts to combat homelessness. With nearly three billion people lacking access to adequate housing worldwide, the global housing crisis has become one of the most urgent human rights challenges, […]Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly: inaugural plenary session 12-14 May
May 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. African and European parliamentarians will meet in Eswatini from 12 to 14 May to discuss possible ways to cooperate on security, youth policy and critical raw materials. The opening ceremony will take place on 12 May at 10.00 at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention […]MEPs back fairer and clearer rules on social benefits for EU mobile workers
May 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. The updated rules seek to ensure access to social security for EU workers who live or work in another EU country, while distributing obligations fairly among member states. Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee has endorsed the provisional agreement with EU governments on updated […]AI Act: deal on simplification measures, ban on “nudifier” apps
May 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. The agreement between EU co-legislators aims to make it easier for providers to comply with the AI Act, while maintaining its main provisions and risk-based approach. Early Thursday morning, Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional deal on amending certain rules within the EU’s […]UN leads call to prepare ‘for when digital systems fail’
May 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. It can be annoying when the wifi signal is cut, but what about if everything digital we rely on were to crash suddenly – from satellites to life-support systems in hospitals? That’s the nightmare scenario that the UN is trying to avoid, in a call to all […]Global demining work strained by rising conflicts and shrinking aid
May 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Demining experts from around the world have been sharing their collective shock at the widespread and growing threat from unexploded ordnance, the new head of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) said this week. “They’re telling me, ‘Never in my career have I ever seen so many conflicts,’” […]Rule of law: Parliament demands stronger action as threats persist
May 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. MEPs warn that persistent rule of law gaps weaken democratic safeguards in the EU and that Commission recommendations are not being followed up. The text, adopted in plenary with 387 votes in favour, 191 against and 46 abstentions on Wednesday, examines the Commission’s 2025 […]The Security of the Baltic Sea and Baltic States Depends on Poland’s Pursuit of Long-Range Missiles
May 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by one of our passionate readers, Mr. Andrew Gardner, a strategic and international business consultant. The opinions expressed within reflect only the writer’s views and not necessarily The European Sting’s position on the issue. Projecting a sign of strength in the Baltic Sea, Polish Minister of National Defence […]Middle East crisis puts aid, food, fuel further out of reach for millions already struggling – UN agencies
May 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. As the Middle East crisis continues the humanitarian fallout is worsening, with aid route disruptions and food and fuel price hikes wrecking the lives and the rights of the most vulnerable people worldwide, UN agencies warned on Friday. Heightened insecurity and instability around key Gulf routes, including […]Rape must be defined based on the absence of consent in all EU countries
April 30, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Parliament wants the Commission to propose legislation establishing a common definition of rape based on freely given, informed, and revocable consent. In a report adopted on Tuesday with 447 votes for, 160 against, and 43 abstentions, MEPs call on member states that still rely […]First EU rules to protect cats and dogs from abuses
April 30, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. AdobeStock_antoine-photograph The bill adopted on Tuesday seeks to stop abusive practices, curb cruel business methods and protect the health of cats and dogs. By 558 votes in favour, 35 against, and with 52 abstentions, MEPs gave their final green light to the first ever […]Mali: Guterres calls for international solutions to curb spread of violent extremism in the Sahel
April 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. here are reports of continuing clashes in Mali on Sunday, a day after a series of coordinated attacks across the landlocked African nation against Government forces by extremists and northern separatist rebels. Gunfire and explosions were reported in the capital Bamako on Saturday and around a large […]EU to strengthen regional dimension of research and innovation
April 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions signed a new Joint Action Plan to enhance the role of cities and regions in research and innovation (R&I). Under the Joint Action Plan, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions will collaborate […]EP President Metsola to EU leaders: “Europe cannot face a new era with an old budget”
April 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. At the European Council, President Metsola addressed three main topics: the situation in the Middle East, the ‘One Europe One Market’ Roadmap and the Multiannual Financial Framework. Speaking to EU leaders, Parliament President Metsola focused on three topics: The situation in the Middle East […]Autism Spectrum Disorders in Global Health: The Role of Medical Students in Awareness, Early Diagnosis, and Inclusive Care
April 23, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Cecilia Petio, a medical student at Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (UniBo) . She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily […]World News in Brief: Tackling the AI digital divide, deadly migration journeys, Lucy Hale named new WFP Goodwill Ambassador
April 22, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. UN-led efforts are continuing to ensure that all countries can benefit and regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it increasingly shapes our economies, societies and daily lives. The UN’s Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance is one of the key initiatives on AI. It brings together all 193 United […]World News in Brief: AI diagnostics, humanitarian deal for DR Congo, rights abuse allegations in Belarus, Ukraine children bear heaviest burden
April 21, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. New data shows that nearly three in four countries in Europe now use Artificial Intelligence in their health services to make a diagnosis. According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) joint report with the European Union, 74% of countries in the bloc use AI tools in medical […]Gender, geography and powerbroking in play in race for next UN chief
April 20, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. The choice of the tenth UN Secretary-General, who will take office in January 2027, could shape global diplomacy, the response to crises across the world and the direction of the multilateral system for the next decade. Why it matters The major questions going into the process which is […]Why lower fertility does not have to mean economic decline
April 20, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Why lower fertility does not have to mean economic declineWorld News in Brief: Myanmar amnesty, rising needs in Afghanistan, another power loss at Ukraine nuclear plant
April 20, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Authorities in Myanmar released the country’s ousted president from prison on Friday, along with some 4,000 other people, as part of an amnesty to mark the traditional New Year festival. President Win Myint had been in jail since February 2021 when the military overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected […]‘Now is the moment to invest’: Syria needs global backing, says UN expert
April 15, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Syria has made “remarkable progress” on transitional justice within the past year, raising hopes for accountability and recovery after more than a decade of civil conflict. While the determination of Syrians to rebuild their country following the overthrow of the Assad regime in December 2024 has been widely […]Improved protection for workers against their exposure to chemicals
April 15, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Wednesday, the Employment and Social Affairs committee adopted its position on new provisions improving EU standards to protect workers from exposure to dangerous substances. With 45 votes in favour, no votes against, and 10 abstentions, Employment and Social Affairs Committee MEPs approved the […]Commission consults Member States on proposal for a Temporary Crisis Framework
April 15, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission is gathering the views of Member States on a draft proposal for a State aid Temporary Crisis Framework to support the EU economy in the context of the Middle East crisis, as announced on 13 April 2026 by President Ursula von […]‘Time for diplomacy over escalation’ in Middle East war: Guterres
April 15, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. As the war in the Middle East continues, the United Nations Secretary-General issued a passionate call for “serious negotiations” between the US and Iran to resume, warning that respect for international law “is being trampled” underfoot. Addressing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York outside the Security […]Deeper EU capital markets need stronger supervision and integration
March 24, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee. In an opinion adopted at its March plenary session, the EESC calls for more ambitious reforms to integrate Europe’s capital markets and reinforce EU-level supervision, warning that persistent fragmentation is holding back investment, competitiveness and growth. Supporting the European Commission’s proposals […]War in the Middle East: Cultural treasures damaged, with more at risk
March 24, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with United Nations. Since the outbreak of war on 28 February, several unique sites of cultural significance have been damaged in Iran, Israel and Lebanon, alongside immense suffering, displacement and death. In Iran, these sites include Golestan Palace, Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan, Masjed-e Jame mosque (also in Isfahan) and buildings located near Prehistoric Sites […]EU road deaths drop by 3% in 2025
March 24, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission has released preliminary figures on road fatalities for 2025, reporting around 19,400 deaths. This represents a 3% decrease from 2024, meaning that 580 fewer people died on European roads. Given the increase in vehicles on EU roads and kilometres driven, […]Commission approves French State aid scheme for production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen
March 23, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a French scheme to support the production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in line with the objectives of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the Clean Industrial Deal. The scheme will also contribute to the […]Czech and Slovak Mid-Caps to get €400 million financing boost under EIB accord with UniCredit subsidiary
March 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. Mid-Cap companies in Czechia and Slovakia will be eligible for as much as €400 million in favourable loans as a result of a guarantee from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to a local subsidiary of UniCredit SpA. The EIB is providing a €200 million guarantee to […]
