ODIHR Prepares for Local Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina

SummaryBritish lenders are responding to concerns from the Bank of England (BoE) regarding liquidity risks in the growing market for synthetic risk transfers (SRTs), where investors assume credit risk from banks for regular payments. The BoE has expressed worries about banks misclassifying financing tied to credit-linked notes, leading to potential undercapitalization of risks. With a June 11 deadline for responses, the BoE's intervention may affect financing costs and capital requirements for all banks involved in...

The global turmoil stemming from the Trump administration is strengthening the EU's commitment to sign a defence and security pact with the UK, enabling British arms companies to engage in joint procurement. This agreement, set to be finalized at a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, aims to enhance European defence capabilities amidst rising tensions and re-armament discussions following Trump's NATO threats and Russian overtures. While addressing broader geopolitical issues, the pact's...

This article discusses the EU's upcoming foreign ministers' meeting addressing Ukraine, the Middle East, and relations with African states and the Western Balkans, followed by the first EU-Palestine high-level dialogue. The EU plans to unveil a €1.6bn financial support package for Palestine, though concerns exist about how much will reach Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts, with conditions set for fiscal reforms. Additionally, the European services workers union urges the EU to implement a digital services tax...

SummaryArctic sea ice has reached record lows for the fourth consecutive month, with the lowest maximum extent recorded at 14.4 million square kilometers on March 20, 2025, according to Copernicus. The Arctic is warming at a rate up to four times that of the rest of the planet, prompting increased military and commercial vessel activity, particularly from Russia, as some regions may become ice-free by the summer within a decade. This decline in sea ice...

Sinéad Burke, a top graduate in primary school teaching, now leads Tilting the Lens, an accessibility consultancy, after facing challenges in a non-inclusive classroom due to her achondroplasia. In Ireland, only 41% of disabled individuals are employed, highlighting a significant gap compared to the general population, with a lack of ambition and representation cited as contributing factors. Despite government initiatives to promote disability employment, barriers like loss of benefits and inadequate support hinder progress, further...

The UK government has suspended import tariffs on 89 products for two years, aiming to alleviate pressure on British businesses following the US's imposition of blanket tariffs. This initiative is projected to save businesses at least £17 million annually and includes a £20 billion increase in government-backed financing for exporters, allowing small firms access to loans of up to £2 million. Amid uncertainty regarding future US trade negotiations, Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized the UK's commitment...