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The Ancient Embroidery Tradition That Turns Clothing Into Works of Art

The Ancient Embroidery Tradition That Turns Clothing Into Works of Art

Balochi needlework, known as Balòči gòd dòči, is a distinctive handicraft created by the Baloch people, an ethnic group native to the Balochistan r...

European Commission Reports Significant Drop in Illegal Border Crossings and Asylum Applications in EU

European Commission Reports Significant Drop in Illegal Border Crossings and Asylum Applications in EU

The European Commission has released its second Annual Migration Management Cycle report, indicating a substantial improvement in the migratory situation across the European Union. The report highlights that illegal border crossings have decreased by over one-third in the first half of 2026, building on a more than 50% reduction in the preceding two years. This positive trend is attributed to new migration rules, assertive migration diplomacy, and advanced border management systems. The report also notes a significant decrease in secondary movements and asylum applications, while the rate of returns continues to rise. Furthermore, the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum is progressing, with the new Eurodac system operational in all Member States and most countries conducting screenings of irregular migrants and operationalizing border procedures. Member States have also reported adequate reception capacities and are working to reduce backlogs in asylum application processing and expedite ret...

Turkey outlines plans for 'paradigm shift' in energy use ahead of climate summit

Turkey outlines plans for 'paradigm shift' in energy use ahead of climate summit

The Turkish energy minister has laid out plans for his country to wean itself away from coal and other fossil fuels as it prepares to host the COP31 climate change summit

EU offers Serbia fresh hope for membership talks and says more countries could join soon

EU offers Serbia fresh hope for membership talks and says more countries could join soon

The European Union has offered Serbia fresh hope for membership talks if a new student-led government strengthens democracy

Swedish Coast Guard and Police Monitor Mediterranean Border Amidst Decreasing Migrant Flows

Swedish Coast Guard and Police Monitor Mediterranean Border Amidst Decreasing Migrant Flows

The Swedish Coast Guard and Police are once again deployed to Lampedusa, Italy, to monitor the EU's external border in the central Mediterranean as part of Frontex Operation Italy. This assignment, which began on September 30 and will run until April 14, 2027, involves two identical rigid inflatable boats and a total of nineteen personnel from the Swedish Coast Guard and nine from the Swedish Police Authority. Their duties include border surveillance, search and rescue operations, escorting migrants ashore, and preventing drug smuggling and illegal fishing. Daniel Björklind, Head of Field Officer on Lampedusa for the Swedish Coast Guard, noted that they frequently encounter migrants in various types of boats, often worn out and emaciated from their journey, and assist them to safe harbor on Lampedusa where they receive care and registration. Frontex data indicates a significant decrease in migrant arrivals in the central Mediterranean, with approximately 22,500 registered from January to September 2026, a ...

New wave of bomb hoaxes hits dozens of flights across Europe

New wave of bomb hoaxes hits dozens of flights across Europe

(Corrects number of flights affected in Madrid in paragraph 16; Spanish police had originally said two Air Europa departures and four inbound Iberia flights were affected) ROME/WARSAW/EVREUX, France, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Hoax bomb threats disrupted dozens of passenger flights across Europe on Thursday,

European Union Supports Armenia's Biometric Passports, Advancing Visa-Free Travel Dialogue

European Union Supports Armenia's Biometric Passports, Advancing Visa-Free Travel Dialogue

Armenians are moving closer to visa-free travel to the European Union, a development supported by the EU. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced that with EU assistance, Armenian citizens will now be able to obtain new biometric passports. These passports are designed to expedite border checks and simplify travel procedures. The EU-Armenia visa liberalization dialogue commenced in September 2024. In November 2025, the European Commission provided Armenia with a Visa Liberalization Action Plan, which outlines the necessary reforms and requirements Armenia must fulfill to achieve visa-free travel for short stays within the EU. Armenia officially launched its new biometric passport and national ID card system on November 1.

UN Refugee Agency Warns 90 Million Displaced People at Risk from Climate Threats Ahead of COP31

UN Refugee Agency Warns 90 Million Displaced People at Risk from Climate Threats Ahead of COP31

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has issued a stark warning that nearly 90 million forcibly displaced people are living in countries increasingly exposed to climate-related droughts, floods, and extreme heat. This announcement comes ahead of the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey. According to the UNHCR report, approximately three-quarters of the world's forcibly displaced individuals reside in nations like Afghanistan and Bangladesh, which face severe climate-related risks. Anton Leis Garcia, UNHCR's assistant high commissioner for operations, emphasized that 'climate adaptation in fragile and displacement-affected areas is a matter of survival' and called for increased climate financing to reach the most vulnerable communities. The report highlights the interconnectedness of conflict, displacement, and climate change, noting that climate change is also impeding the sustainable return of displaced people to their homes. In East Africa, severe flooding, potentially exacerbated by a supersized El Niño, co...

EU Addresses Global Displacement Crisis at UN General Assembly, Reaffirms Commitment to Refugee Protection

EU Addresses Global Displacement Crisis at UN General Assembly, Reaffirms Commitment to Refugee Protection

The European Union, represented by H.E. Ambassador Hedda Samson, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, delivered a statement at the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly Third Committee Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The EU expressed deep alarm over persistently high levels of forced displacement and statelessness worldwide, reaffirming its commitment to protecting individuals in need of international protection in accordance with international law. The statement emphasized the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, protecting humanitarian space, ensuring accountability for violations, facilitating humanitarian access, and safeguarding humanitarian and medical personnel. The EU also voiced concerns about the growing challenges faced by refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and host communities.

Take Five: Tech wreck and roll

Take Five: Tech wreck and roll

Nov 6 (Reuters) - Traders on the world's financial markets go into next week hoping the storm engulfing tech stocks blows itself out and for no new escalation in the Iran war that sends oil prices surging again.

EU Urges CTBT Ratification Amid Rising Nuclear Test Risks and Russian Withdrawal

EU Urges CTBT Ratification Amid Rising Nuclear Test Risks and Russian Withdrawal

The European Union (EU) has issued a general statement at the UN General Assembly's 1st Committee, emphasizing the critical need for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) to enter into force. The EU highlighted that the risk of a return to nuclear weapons testing has never been greater, citing North Korea's six nuclear tests and Russia's revocation of its CTBT ratification. The EU calls on Russia to reverse this decision and respect the Treaty's objectives. Despite being signed by 188 states and ratified by 179, the CTBT has not yet entered into force, preventing the use of crucial on-site inspections for verification. The EU urges the nine remaining Annex II States to sign and ratify the CTBT without delay.

Italian Prime Minister Meloni Warns of Mounting Threats to Civilian Infrastructure Across Europe

Italian Prime Minister Meloni Warns of Mounting Threats to Civilian Infrastructure Across Europe

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a warning on Friday regarding increasing threats to civilian infrastructure, citing a series of cyberattacks and bomb alerts across Europe. Speaking in Verona, Meloni highlighted incidents such as hackers manipulating refrigeration systems in French supermarkets, causing food spoilage and fires, and similar disruptions in Belgium, Sweden, and Ireland. She also mentioned attacks on refrigeration equipment at French blood service facilities, though monitoring systems prevented material loss. Additionally, European aviation authorities have faced multiple bomb threats, including several involving flights in Italy. Meloni emphasized that while it's unclear if these incidents are connected, they collectively indicate that civilian infrastructures are currently under attack, raising significant concerns about the security of essential services.