Commentary

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stressed the importance of strengthening Canada's relations with European allies, amid trade tensions with the US and the upcoming national election, which are challenges facing the new Canadian President.

The Middle East region has once again become a focal point of tension following a series of reciprocal airstrikes between US military forces and the Houthi faction in Yemen. The Houthis have vowed severe retaliation, interpreting the US airstrikes as support for Israel, warning that such actions will escalate tensions to “more severe and painful levels”. Meanwhile, the US has accused Iran of backing the Yemeni group.

The new policies of US President Donald Trump’s administration of have placed Europe in a dilemma.

Mark Carney, recently elected leader of the ruling Liberal Party, has been sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada. Succeeding Justin Trudeau, as Canada copes with difficulties from its neighbour, the United States, the new Canadian Prime Minister is expected to apply his financial management experience to solve the challenges, bringing a new wind to the North American national economy.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent action to secure the future of the Syrian people on the 14th anniversary of the devastating conflict in this Middle Eastern nation.

President Donald Trump's tariff policy is creating unease not only for trading partners but also for American businesses and consumers.

Only seven countries met the World Health Organisation's (WHO) air quality standards in 2024, while air pollution continues to be a complex issue globally. This highlights the bleak picture of global air quality.

The Republic of Korea (RoK) and the European Union (EU) have completed negotiations on the Digital Trade Agreement (DTA). This is considered a significant step forward in the economic and trade partnership between the two sides and a groundbreaking agreement that fosters a dynamic and favourable business environment, benefiting both citizens and businesses.

Today (March 11) marks five years since the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Five years on, the wounds caused by COVID-19 have gradually healed, but the pressure weighing on the global health system remains as the world confronts many risks of disease outbreaks.

The European Union (EU) prioritises security enhancement to address numerous external challenges, as the United States, its ally across the Atlantic, adjusts its foreign policy and global geopolitical tensions escalate. Significant decisions at the EU's special summit in Brussels reflect the bloc's determination to respond to these challenges.

As financial crimes and online fraud through digital banking applications surge, governments worldwide are stepping up efforts to curb these threats. In many countries, monetary losses from online scams have reached record highs.

Public debt has long been a stumbling block to growth efforts in Africa and many developing countries. In this context, the debt relief initiative recently signed on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting has opened prospects for easing the debt burden that is suffocating many economies.

The deadline for Syria's interim government to transfer power to a new government passed on March 1, yet the process of political transition and reconstruction in this Middle Eastern country remains complex.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners (OPEC+) has announced that it will increase oil production as planned, starting from April 1. This marks the first planned production increase since 2022 and is considered a cautious strategic shift by OPEC+ as it moves toward reversing the 2.2 million barrels per day production cut, which the group had regarded as a safety measure to stabilise oil prices.

The second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza is on the verge of collapse due to disagreements between Israel and Hamas. As a mediator, Egypt has proposed a two-week extension of the first phase of the ceasefire to facilitate negotiations for the second phase.

The recently reached agreement to form a coalition government has broken the political stalemate that lasted nearly five months in Austria. Three parties, including the People's Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the New Austria and Liberal Forum (NEOS), have announced the “common programme” of the new government.

The European Union (EU) and India have just reached a consensus on the target of completing negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two sides in 2025. The decision comes at a time when both the EU and India want to strengthen and move towards upgrading their strategic partnership.

From the tense 61st Munich Security Conference to the emergency summit of European leaders in Paris, a series of rapid political developments have exposed new fractures in the US-EU alliance, which has already faced turbulence following heated trade disputes.

South Africa has highlighted the crucial role of developing countries in addressing global challenges at the opening meeting of a series of conferences within the framework of the chairmanship of the Group of Twenty leading economies (G20).

The trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) is facing strong opposition from France and agricultural groups.

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Colombia recently concluded with a sense of regret, despite some progress being made. Having resumed in Rome, Italy on February 25, the negotiations continue to tackle outstanding tasks in the global effort to halt biodiversity loss.

February 24, 2025, marks three years since the outbreak of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. In contrast to the ongoing stalemate on the battlefield, at the negotiating table, a glimmer of hope for restoring peace to Ukraine has emerged.

The United Nations has called for over 900 million to alleviate the burden of approximately 6 million people, nearly half of Haiti's population, experiencing acute food insecurity.

The German election, taking place on February 23, has attracted special attention from international public opinion. This is not only an opportunity for voters to choose a new government, but also a time for Germany to shape its development future in the coming years, especially as the leading European country besieged by a series of challenges.

Saudi Arabia has expressed its willingness to play a mediating role between the administration of US President Donald Trump and Iran to restore the nuclear agreement between Tehran and the West. This move by Riyadh aims to curb the risk of Tehran pursuing nuclear weapons.

Global campaigns against climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution have made some progress but remain slow. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) called for urgent international action to address the crises facing our blue planet.

The 8th Indian Ocean Conference, themed “A Journey Towards New Horizons of Maritime Partnership”, opened in Muscat, Oman.

Plunged into a conflict that has lasted nearly two years, Sudan faces increasingly serious challenges.

Turkey, a country geographically connecting the continents of Asia and Europe, is actively advancing its Asia-focused strategy. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to several Asian countries from February 10 to 13 marked a solid step in implementing this strategy, with the aim to expand opportunities for integration and development and enhance Ankara's international standing.

As far-right extremism threatens to rise in Europe, governments in many European countries have been striving to build consensus and strengthen unity to protect the traditional values and standards of the continent.