The first EU-Moldova summit was held on 4 July 2025 in Chișinău. At the joint press conference, European Council President António Costa reaffirmed that Moldova’s future is within the EU. He commended Moldova’s reform progress and resilience in the face of multiple crises, underlining the EU’s determination to support the country’s accession process, economic development and security.
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Joint declaration following the first Republic of Moldova – EU Summit
On 4 July 2025, the European Union and Moldova held their first-ever summit in Chișinău. During the summit, leaders adopted a joint declaration outlining a common vision and concrete deliverables for Moldova’s EU path. Source link
The UN chief condemns the Russian strikes on Ukraine, warns against the risk of nuclear security
In a statement Emitted by his spokesperson, António Guterres expressed his alarm in the face of dangerous escalation and the growing bankruptcy of civilians.
He reiterated that attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure is prohibited under international law and have called for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire.
“These strikes disturbed the power supply to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, stressing once again the risks for nuclear security,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
“The secretary general reiterates his call to a complete, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine as the first step towards a fair, complete and lasting peace, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nationsinternational law and relevant United Nations resolutions. »»
Fragile situation
Friday, the air strikes broke the last external connection of the nuclear power plant, forcing the ZNPP to count on emergency diesel generators for more than three hours, according to International Atomic Energy Agency (Aiea).
The food was finally restored, but the incident marked the ninth time that the factory has lost all the electricity out of site since the start of the large -scale invasion in 2022.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the nuclear guard dog, warned that the situation remains extremely fragile.
“What was once practically unimaginable-that a large nuclear power plant would repeatedly lose all its external power connections-has unfortunately become common,” he said.
Nuclear security deterioration
Located in southern Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia factory is the largest nuclear installation in Europe. Although its six reactors have been in cold stop since 2024, they always require electricity to cool the reactor nuclei and the fuel pools spent to prevent overheating and potential radioactive release.
During the power failure, 18 diesel generators were activated to maintain critical cooling functions. The factory has enough diesel on site for at least ten days, with emergency plans in place to obtain other supplies if necessary, IAEA reported.
The ZNPP has become radically more vulnerable since the start of the war. Before the conflict, he had access to ten external power lines; He is now counting on one.
The IAEA teams remain based on the site and continue to monitor the situation closely.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Remarks by President António Costa at the joint press conference following the EU-Moldova summit in Chișinău
The first EU-Moldova summit was held on 4 July 2025 in Chișinău. At the joint press conference, European Council President António Costa reaffirmed that Moldova’s future is within the EU. He commended Moldova’s reform progress and resilience in the face of multiple crises, underlining the EU’s determination to support the country’s accession process, economic development […]
ECCC Governing Board and the Network of National Coordination Centres met in Rome, Italy
During the meetings, members welcomed Natalia Tkachuk from the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center within the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, and Kyrylo Zaporozhets from the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, for a presentation on Cybersecurity in Ukraine – three years of lessons learned.
This session provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement with Ukrainian representatives. The Board expressed its support for Ukraine and its commitment to continuing the dialogue.
The Board also discussed matters related to the governance of the ECCC. Topics included the ongoing implementation of cybersecurity projects co-funded by the ECCC, the development of the cyber community and the establishment of a Strategic Advisory Group, the ECCC’s annual accounts and initial audits, as well as the continued work of the Board’s Working Groups. In addition, an initial discussion was held on the future direction of the ECCC beyond 2027.
Contact for media: communicationeccc [dot] europa [dot] eu (communication[at]eccc[dot]europa[dot]eu)
“ A spirit of unity ”: cooperatives cultivating peace in South Sudan
“Cooperatives are a system that allows southern suddens to improve their livelihoods, but at the same time, also contributes to the economy … This is the only way for South Sudan to leave poverty,” said Louis Bagare Project Manager of food and agricultural cooperatives (Fao) In South Sudan.
He spoke before International Cooperative DayWho is celebrated every July 5, and who emphasizes how cooperatives allow people to provide for their basic needs in contexts where individuals working alone are insufficient.
A path to peace
In South Sudan, the potential of cooperatives extends beyond economic empowerment.
A farmer from South Sudan Till his land.
“Cooperatives are one of the avenues that can bring peace and stability to South Sudan,” said Mr. Bagare.
For more than a decade, South Sudan has been faced with many challenges that come across. After its independence in 2011, a civil war broke out, concluding in 2018 with a peace agreement. But this peace is more fragile that never.
Pillage and inter -municipal violence, mainly perpetrated by young people, continues to be an omnipresent concern for many communities which are already confronted food insecurity and continuous climatic shocks.
In this context, cooperatives provide a glimmer of hope.
“Cooperatives have really changed the state of mind of our people and brought stability to the country,” said Deng William Aachiek, director of rural producers from the Sudan Ministry of South South Agriculture and Food Security.
But what can cooperatives inaugurate lasting peace?
A voluntary and democratic group
Cooperatives are voluntary economic organizations in which members share risk, work and income.
“A cooperative is a democratic social association of people who, as an individual, cannot improve their status of life and social status … But once they meet in a cooperative, they can then increase the level of their lives,” said Oneil Yosia Damia, Director General of Cooperative Development in South Sudan.
A cooperative of southern Sudan farmers has been trained in the production of seeds by FAO.
FaoLouis Bagare believes that this type of democratic approach to governance at the local level will go to the national level and encourage more widespread adhesion to a democratic form of governance through South Sudan.
Income, no firearms
In addition to providing a model of democratic governance, cooperatives also allow economic growth and development, providing communities – especially young people – a viable and lasting alternative to looting.
“When, in particular young people, are engaged in productive activities that generate income, they will not have the point of choosing a firearm to go fight or to fly and loot,” said Bagare.
In South Sudan, communities that form cooperatives often do not have enough individual resources to maintain a sustainable livelihood, a reality that pushes young people to violent looting for survival.
” When [community members] Work together, when they bring together ideas, when they bring together resources, it is much easier for them to overcome their livelihoods, “said Bagare.
Bagare also explained that banks are more ready to invest in groups and that organizations like FAO are more likely to provide support for cooperatives. But in the end, the objective is that it will not be long term.
“The emphasis is placed on the strengthening of their capacity so that they can create lives,” said Bagare.
A historical structure in the youngest country in the world
In South Sudan, there are cooperatives of each shape and size. Massively, these cooperatives are agricultural, but some also produce soap, bread and textiles. The history of South Sudan is populated by examples of this type of work.
“Cooperatives are not something now. This is part of the culture of South Sudan, ”said Bagare.
Mr. Daima referred to “the golden era” of the cooperatives that existed before the civil war in 2011. He said that his office in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety works with diligence to return to that time.
“I want our cooperatives to be as busy as bees. It is the spirit of unity, of unity, ”said Mr. Daima.
Mr. Bagare hopes for a future in South Sudan where cooperatives are part of each economic sector – not just agriculture.
“If we are able to work together, we can become better people tomorrow. But when we continue to fight only, we will continue to destroy ourselves. ”
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Refuge and security Elude to Afghan women from the returned to Iran and Pakistan
Since September 2023, more than 2.43 million undocumented Afghan migrants have returned from Iran and Pakistan.
Women and girls represent approximately half of Pakistan returnees, while their share among those returning from Iran have increased regularly, reaching around 30% in June.
The pace of climbing yields is useful reported THE Humanitarian work groupa consortium of humanitarian actors led by United Nations and the United Nations Reproductive Health Agency (Unfpa).
Border vulnerabilities
Women and girls arrive with little protection or support.
“A tent would be my only protection. I don’t have appropriate clothes or hijabs to wear, no food to eat, no contact number and no parents to stay, “said a woman on the border.
Those who travel without a mahram – A male tutor – Faced with specific risks. Interviews and discussions by the working group have revealed extortion, harassment and threats of violence to border crossings.
“They took 6,000 rupees (about $ 21) and only gave me 2,000 back. Now I don’t know where to go with this money, “a woman told Torkham. In Qala Islam, others have pointed out “ill -treatment and harassment … provoking fear and distress”.
Increased risks of protection
Rapatrians are faced with growing exposure to sexist violence, early and forced marriage, trafficking and transactional sex – exacerbated by a lack of basic resources.
A humanitarian worker from Kandahar said: “A widow with four girls was trying to see if she could sell one or two girls to someone here to have money to survive.”
Humanitarian agencies report a critical shortage of safe spaces and mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPS), in particular to border passages, where many women arrive in distress and disoriented.
Shelter, livelihoods and education
In the provinces, women cite shelter, livelihoods and education of girls as best needs.
“We need a place to stay, a chance to learn and a way to win,” said a repatriated woman from Nangarhar’s province.
Only 10% of households led by women live in permanent shelters and almost four out of ten fear the expulsion. In Herat, 71% of women declared rent disputes and 45% of households led by women lived in inadequate housing.
“Many families lack sufficient financial resources to provide basic foods and necessities,” said a woman in Herat.
Women who previously worked in professions such as sewing or crafts now find it difficult to restart due to a lack of tools, movement restrictions and limited networks.
Ahead
The forced yields that should continue, humanitarian agencies urge on the scale of sex sensitive services, including security spaces, mental health care, support for livelihoods and access to education.
UN women and its partners call for an increase in funding and supported international support to meet urgent and long -term needs of Afghan women and girls.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Speech by President António Costa at the opening ceremony of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
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UN chief ‘appalled’ by worsening Gaza crisis as civilians face displacement, aid blockades
Multiple attacks in recent days have killed and injured scores of Palestinians at sites hosting displaced people and others attempting to access essential supplies, according to a statement from UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Thursday.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the loss of civilian life,” Mr. Dujarric said.
On just one day this week, nearly 30,000 people were forced to flee under new Israeli relocation orders, with no safe place to go and clearly inadequate supplies of shelter, food, medicine or water, he added.
Critical systems shutting down
With no fuel having entered Gaza in over 17 weeks, the UN chief is also “gravely concerned that the last lifelines for survival are being cut off.”
“Without an urgent influx of fuel, incubators will shut down, ambulances will be unable to reach the injured and sick, and water cannot be purified,” Mr. Dujarric said.
“The delivery by the United Nations and partners of what little of our lifesaving humanitarian aid is left in Gaza will also grind to a halt.”
The Secretary-General reiterated his call for safe and sustained humanitarian access so aid can reach people in desperate need.
“The UN has a clear and proven plan, rooted in the humanitarian principles, to get vital assistance to civilians – safely and at scale, wherever they are,” Mr. Dujarric said.
The Secretary-General reiterated his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. He reminded all parties that international humanitarian law must be upheld.
Displacement continues
Displacement remains relentless. On Wednesday, Israeli authorities issued a new evacuation order in parts of Gaza City, affecting some 40,000 people and including a displacement site, a medical point and one of the few neighbourhoods that had remained untouched by such orders since before the March ceasefire.
Since that ceasefire collapsed, over 50 such orders have been issued, now covering 78 per cent of Gaza’s territory.
“Add the Israeli-militarized zones and that percentage jumps to 85 – leaving just 15 per cent where civilians can actually stay,” Mr. Dujarric said, briefing reporters at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
Those areas are overcrowded and severely lacking in services or proper infrastructure.
“Imagine having just over two million people in Manhattan – which is actually slightly bigger – but instead of buildings, the area is strewn with the rubble of demolished and bombed-out structures, without infrastructure or basic support,” the UN Spokesperson said.
“And in Gaza, these remaining areas are also fragmented and unsafe.”
