The EU is set to open the next accession negotiation cluster for Ukraine (and Moldova) on Tuesday, July 14, after member states agree to request the two countries’ negotiating positions for Cluster 6, “External Relations.”
The OPCW Executive Council has reinstated Syria’s suspended rights and privileges at the chemical weapons watchdog, citing a “significant change in circumstances” since the fall of the Assad regime and pointing to concrete steps by Syria’s new authorities to cooperate with the Technical Secretariat on verification and destruction of remaining chemical weapons remnants.
The issue of abductions, forced religious conversions and forced marriages of minor Christian girls in Pakistan will be taken up again in the European Parliament, where lawmakers are set to hold a conference and follow it with an urgency resolution and a vote in mid-July.
An Indian-origin businessman, Gaurav Srivastava, is accused of pretending to be a CIA officer to gain the trust of senior Indonesian officials—including President Prabowo Subianto—and help push through multibillion-dollar defence deals. The allegations are based on civil lawsuits filed by his former business partner and reported by OCCRP.
Italy has confirmed it will not help finance the purchase of U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine through NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto reiterating the decision—“no from the beginning, and it is still a no”—while the government instead focuses on other ways to support Kyiv and manage defense spending.
Ukraine is pushing to evolve from relying on outside military support to actively producing, coordinating, and shaping the security guarantees it will need in the event of a ceasefire or peace deal—by strengthening its defense institutions and aligning partners around a long-term security model rather than short-term aid.
The Dutch government is looking to give airlines power to fine passengers who disrupt flights and also to allow European airlines to share “blacklists” of repeat offenders, so disruptive travellers can be barred more widely rather than booked onto another carrier after being banned by just one airline.
Turkey has rejected a European Parliament resolution on Cyprus, saying it is “invalid and baseless,” and accusing EU institutions of taking a biased stance in the long-running dispute. Ankara said the text contains “baseless and preposterous allegations” against the Turkish Armed Forces and expressed support for a separate Turkish Cypriot response.
Politicians in Northern Ireland condemned a bonfire display in Moygashel, County Tyrone, after a replica of a mosque was put on top of the pyre during anti-migrant protests. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the display is being treated as a hate-motivated criminal offence, and a 56-year-old man was arrested. Justice Minister Naomi Long called the effigy a “nauseating spectacle of hatred,” while Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described it as a “sickening and cowardly act of intimidation.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky said China reacted “very clearly and very harshly” to Russian talk about using nuclear weapons, telling Russia—reportedly in an ultimatum—that there cannot even be “thoughts” of nuclear use in response to strikes by Ukraine’s forces. He added that European partners also reported Beijing’s stance had become noticeably tougher.
The US has conducted new strikes on Iran after former President Trump declared the ceasefire over, escalating tensions and raising fears of wider regional conflict and humanitarian impact.
Nigel Farage’s election campaign faces an unconventional challenger in Count Binface, a satirical candidate, turning the race into a mix of serious political ambition and humorous protest.
South Korea and ASEAN leaders discussed advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership, focusing on practical cooperation, peace promotion, and addressing regional challenges like digital economy and security.
Former UOW governance officer Alyssa White has testified at an ICAC inquiry into alleged misconduct. Her testimony aims to clarify events and uphold principles of integrity and accountability in university administration.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers faces accusations of betrayal after approving the sale of Tasmania’s largest farm to a foreign firm for carbon farming. Critics argue it undermines local agriculture and the social contract.
Isaac Thompson, an alleged Mongols associate, was arrested in Darwin after escaping from hospital custody. The incident, the third of its kind recently, has sparked a review of security protocols for high-risk prisoners.
Queensland unions have strongly criticized Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie over a new construction code, threatening legal action. The dispute raises concerns about labor relations and the timely delivery of 2032 Olympic venues.
US strikes on Iran intensify amid Trump’s warnings of further escalation. The crisis highlights the fragility of regional stability and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to protect civilians and prevent wider conflict.
An FBI investigation into alleged corruption within the Argentine Football Association has created controversy ahead of the World Cup, raising concerns about governance and integrity in the sport.
The U.S. is considering tariffs on pharmaceuticals and copper to strengthen domestic manufacturing and secure critical supply chains.
The U.S. and Iran continue technical talks as Israel maintains military readiness, underscoring ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic efforts.
On the third day of the preliminary hearing for Charlie Kirk’s assassination, prosecutors presented video evidence while the defense challenged its reliability, as the court determines probable cause for trial.
While Donald Trump yelled at NATO leaders in public, private meetings revealed a more conciliatory and conversational tone, highlighting the contrast between his public persona and private diplomatic efforts.
Donald Trump’s behavior at the NATO summit shifted from aggressive criticism to expressions of "tremendous love," dominating the final hours and highlighting his unpredictable diplomatic style.