Commentary

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has forecast that the global oil market will remain stable in 2026, with supply expected to stay closely balanced with demand amid moderate macroeconomic risks facing the world economy.

The prospect of Ukraine joining the European Union (EU) by early 2027 is generating significant interest, reflecting Europe’s evolving strategic calculations. Yet a considerable gap persists between strong political commitments and the practical conditions required, making this timeline both a strategic aspiration and a major test for the EU itself.

As Timor Leste officially becomes the 11th member of ASEAN, alongside warm congratulations, a number of concerns have emerged regarding the prospects of integration into the “common home”.

In early December 2025, Syria welcomed several positive signals on its path towards reconstruction and reintegration. From a country devastated by war and isolated diplomatically and economically, Syria is taking steps that demonstrate its determination to pursue stability, while maximising foreign aid and striving to balance relations with major powers and regional countries.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has warned that the European Union’s pursuit of a green agenda and its enforcement of regulations against American technology companies are undermining the transatlantic alliance.

Although lasting only two days, the State visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to India — the world’s most populous nation — drew intense international attention, as it sought to consolidate the Asia–Europe strategic alliance at a time when both countries are under considerable pressure from the West.

The European Union (EU) has recently issued a Joint Communication on its strategic approach to enhancing the economic security of its 27 member states.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) assessed that the world economy in 2025 still maintained its endurance and ability to withstand shocks. Positive indicators from major economies, especially the US and Europe, have added bright colours to the world economic picture.

The “Pact for the Mediterranean: One Sea, One Pact, One Future” has just been officially launched, marking a historic step forward in the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the countries of the southern Mediterranean. The Pact is considered an important foundation for creating a cohesive, peaceful, and prosperous Mediterranean space.

The Gaza peace plan proposed by the US once kindled hopes of ending the conflict that has dragged on for more than two years in the Gaza Strip. Yet, despite the international community’s efforts, the plan is now clouded by suspicion, fuelled by political clashes of interest and a profound lack of trust between the parties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India next week is receiving a lot of attention, in the context of a rapidly shifting world order.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing rapidly and has become a key factor shaping the global technology landscape. As the AI craze intensifies with no sign of slowing down, the tech world is sparking a debate: whether the AI market is becoming overvalued and showing signs of an emerging bubble.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has just published its annual report, advising many countries to act quickly to prevent slowing population growth from seriously damaging their long-term economic prospects. An ageing population also has many complicated social consequences.

Leaders from the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) met in Luanda, Angola, for the 7th EU–AU Summit. The summit focused on strengthening cooperation in economics, trade, security, and sustainable development.

Amid increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, Japan–India relations continue to reaffirm their role as a vital strategic pillar contributing to regional peace. Maintaining close cooperation between Tokyo and New Delhi is regarded as aligning with shared interests, especially as new and intertwined security challenges emerge.

President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea is undertaking his first tour of the Middle East and Africa since taking office. Beyond securing agreements worth hundreds of billions USD, the trip is helping lay a solid foundation for strengthening Seoul’s ties with countries across the Global South.

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has warned that Europe is becoming increasingly vulnerable to shocks such as US tariffs, and is falling behind in future growth drivers such as artificial intelligence (AI). She has proposed a series of bold reforms to help the European Union (EU) maintain its position as one of the world’s leading economic hubs.

With the theme “Building together a resilient, prosperous and secure future”, the fourth European Union (EU)–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum opened in Brussels, Belgium.

Japan's Cabinet has approved a new economic stimulus package worth about 21.3 trillion JPY, or roughly 135 billion USD, to tackle rising inflation. Analysts regard this as a policy for the people, as well as the first test of the credibility of the administration of Japan’s female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, is entering its most difficult stage, with negotiations running late into the night in an effort to overcome obstacles.