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Ukraine to give revised peace plans to US as Kyiv readies for more talks with its coalition partners

Ukraine to give revised peace plans to US as Kyiv readies for more talks with its coalition partners

Ukrainian officials are expected to present new peace proposals to U.S. negotiators Wednesday

U.S. Seeks International Partnerships to Counter China's Dominance in Critical Minerals

U.S. Seeks International Partnerships to Counter China's Dominance in Critical Minerals

The United States is actively pursuing international partnerships to reduce its reliance on China for critical minerals, which are essential for various high-tech and defense applications. Over the years, China has established a stronghold over the global supply chain of these minerals, including rare earth elements. In response, the U.S. is working to develop domestic mining capabilities and forge alliances with countries like Australia, Japan, and several others in Asia and Africa. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and enhance national security. The Trump administration has been instrumental in these initiatives, signing multiple bilateral agreements to secure critical mineral supplies.

French lawmakers narrowly approve health care budget, suspending Macron's flagship pension reform

French lawmakers narrowly approve health care budget, suspending Macron's flagship pension reform

France’s lower house of parliament has narrowly approved a key health care budget bill, offering the minority government some relief from political turmoil

OECD Focuses on Female Empowerment to Transform African Agriculture

OECD Focuses on Female Empowerment to Transform African Agriculture

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is emphasizing the importance of leveraging female human capital to transform agriculture in Africa. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support sustainable industrialization, regional integration, and innovation across the continent. The AGM Women Summit 2025, scheduled to take place in Paris, aims to highlight the strategic role of women in agriculture by addressing structural barriers such as limited access to financing, training, and land. The summit will bring together policymakers, financial partners, investors, and women entrepreneurs to discuss and commit to initiatives that support women-led agricultural projects, enhance skills, and improve land access.

Top EU official warns the US against interfering in Europe's affairs

Top EU official warns the US against interfering in Europe's affairs

A top European Union official has warned the United States against interfering in European affairs

France calls new U.S. security doctrine 'brutal clarification'

France calls new U.S. security doctrine 'brutal clarification'

PARIS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Europe must accelerate its rearmament in response to a stark shift in U.S. military doctrine, a French government official said on Tuesday, calling Washington's new security strategy "an extremely brutal clarification" of its ideological posture. The U.S.

Greenland Grants 30-Year Mining Permit for EU-Backed Graphite Project

Greenland Grants 30-Year Mining Permit for EU-Backed Graphite Project

Greenland has approved a 30-year mining permit for the Amitsoq graphite deposit, managed by GreenRoc Mining. This project, supported by the European Raw Materials Alliance, aims to produce graphite, a critical mineral for energy transition technologies like electric vehicle batteries. The Amitsoq mine, located in southern Greenland, is expected to produce 80,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate annually. This development is part of Greenland's efforts to attract responsible investments while addressing environmental and social concerns. The project has been designated as a Strategic Project by the European Union, highlighting its importance in securing raw materials for Europe.

China's Export Growth in November Highlights Trade Surplus Amid US Shipment Decline

China's Export Growth in November Highlights Trade Surplus Amid US Shipment Decline

China's exports experienced a rebound in November, growing by 5.9% compared to the previous year, despite a significant 29% drop in shipments to the United States. This growth comes after an unexpected contraction in October. The overall trade surplus for China in the first 11 months of the year reached a record high of $1.08 trillion, surpassing the previous year's total. The increase in exports is attributed to a rise in shipments to regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the European Union. This development follows a trade truce between the United States and China, where the US reduced tariffs and China agreed to halt export controls on rare earths. Despite the positive export figures, China's factory activity continued to contract for the eighth consecutive month, indicating ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector.

EU leader warns of US interference in Europe's affairs as Russia praises Trump's security vision

EU leader warns of US interference in Europe's affairs as Russia praises Trump's security vision

A top European Union official has warned the United States against interfering in European affairs

2025 Marks Second Hottest Year on Record, Intensifying Climate Concerns

2025 Marks Second Hottest Year on Record, Intensifying Climate Concerns

The year 2025 is on track to be the second hottest year since records began, with mean temperatures reaching 1.48°C above preindustrial levels. This follows 2024, the hottest year recorded, and ties with 2023. The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service attributes this trend to ongoing fossil fuel emissions and extreme weather events. The year witnessed significant climate-related disasters, including heatwaves in Europe causing 16,500 additional deaths and Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, which resulted in over 80 fatalities and $8.8 billion in damages. The report highlights the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events as global temperatures rise.

White supremacy notion threatens South Africa's sovereignty, president says

White supremacy notion threatens South Africa's sovereignty, president says

By Tim Cocks JOHANNESBURG, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Ideas of white racial superiority are a threat to South Africa's post-apartheid unity, its sovereignty and its diplomatic relations, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday, calling for global efforts to debunk false stories about white persecution.

Congo Imposes New Export Conditions on Cobalt, Affecting Global Supply

Congo Imposes New Export Conditions on Cobalt, Affecting Global Supply

The Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced new export conditions for cobalt, a critical mineral used in electric vehicle batteries. According to a government circular, exporters are now required to pre-pay a 10% royalty within 48 hours and secure a compliance certificate. This move follows the replacement of a months-long export ban with a quota system in October, aimed at increasing state revenues and tightening oversight. Congo, which produces over 70% of the world's cobalt, has not seen any shipments since the ban was lifted, as producers work to meet the new compliance rules. The circular, issued by the mines and finance ministries, outlines procedures including mandatory quota verification and the issuance of a Quota Verification Certificate by the Authority for the Regulation and Control of Strategic Mineral Substances' Markets (ARECOMS). Exporters must also obtain a 'liberatory receipt' before customs clearance, with all shipments undergoing physical inspections and multi-agency oversight.