Commentary

The European Union (EU) enters 2026 facing numerous challenges stemming from the multi-layered crises of 2025: internal fractures, the burden of providing financial and military support to Ukraine, and security pressures, among others. With a number of major elections set to take place in 2026 — widely seen as shaping Europe’s geopolitical position — the bloc is placing greater emphasis on strengthening its internal resilience and strategic autonomy.

Amid intensifying strategic competition among major powers, mediator diplomacy has emerged as a notable trend, contributing to the shaping of the international relations landscape.

The United Nations General Assembly has just approved the organisation’s regular budget for 2026, totalling 3.45 billion USD. This modest budget signals an extremely challenging year ahead for the world’s largest multilateral organisation, requiring it to manage resources with great care to cover its expenditures.

In his New Year message, President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung outlined a vision for the development of the Northeast Asian nation, with a pledge of turning 2026 into the first year of a national leap forward.

As the Gaza Strip residents prepare to welcome the New Year, they harbour hopes that peace will become a reality, following the establishment of a ceasefire after more than two years of conflict.

Only seven countries meet the PM2.5 threshold recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), while more than 90% of countries exceed safe levels, according to the World Air Quality Report 2025 released by IQAir.

In 2025, South Asia remained a hotspot of conflict and instability on the global map, marked by confrontations between neighbouring countries, political crises, and the growing imprint of major-power strategic competition.

At the Summit of the Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue (CA+JAD), the Tokyo Declaration was issued, setting out an ambitious roadmap to promote cooperation across multiple fields between one of Asia’s leading economies and a region rich in potential. Japan and the five Central Asian countries agreed to enter a new phase of cooperation, elevating their ties to a broad and multidimensional strategic partnership.

France has officially taken over the chairmanship of the Group of Seven (G7) from Canada. As the country assuming the role of G7 chair in 2026, France is carrying a dual challenge on its shoulders.

In 2025, strategic autonomy has become an urgent requirement for the European Union (EU) across multiple fields, from security and defence to economics, trade, and technology. Amid a world marked by volatility, the EU’s desire to reduce dependence, strengthen internal capacity, and enhance its standing is understandable. However, the path to autonomy is not an easy one, as a gap remains between ambition and actual capability.

In an effort to strengthen the European Union’s (EU) energy self-sufficiency, the European Parliament (EP) has just approved a plan to completely eliminate imports of Russian gas. However, this decision has met with opposition from some member states, who fear that “shutting off” the flow of gas from Russia could trigger a price surge in the energy market, harming the economy.

A consultative workshop to review Africa’s strategic counter-terrorism action plan recently opened in Algeria.

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.