May 12 - Europe must be capable of defending itself, says the Czech President

The Czech President, Petr Pavel, opened the conference in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle, where he emphasized the need for a strong and self-sufficient Europe. Pavel also stressed the need for debates on increasing defense budgets: However, he said that effective use of resources remains key. (More here)

May 13 - The New York Times: European consumers are starting to boycott American goods

The New York Times recently reported that an increasing number of European consumers are choosing to boycott American goods, regardless of price, which is also becoming a long-term structural shift. Tesla sales in Europe plummeted by 81% in April, and Tesla owners in Sweden are putting stickers on their cars with the words "shame." In Germany and Italy, apps have emerged that scan food, groceries, and clothing, identify American products, and directly recommend European alternatives. (More here)

May 14 - Gold could reach $4500 per ounce. What could cool the market?

The gold market has had its best quarter in 39 years. However, according to available analyses, the journey of this precious metal upwards may not be over – on the contrary. There are scenarios that could push the price of gold to a level of $4500 per ounce within the next year. (More here)

May 15 - Xi and Boric: China and Chile want to jointly defend the interests of the Global South and deepen strategic partnership

The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, met with the Chilean President, Gabriel Boric, in Beijing on Wednesday, as part of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum. The meeting took place in a year when both countries are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. (More here)

May 16 - Fragile Libyan peace is being tested again, new clashes shake Tripoli

UN – At the beginning of the week, clashes broke out in several neighborhoods of the Libyan capital, reportedly triggered by the killing of a prominent militia leader. The fighting, which involved heavy weapons in densely populated areas, forced hundreds of families to flee and put a significant strain on local hospitals. (More here)

May 16 - Russia and Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul ended without progress, Russia presented unacceptable demands

The first direct negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations since March 2022 took place in Istanbul. The meeting, mediated by Turkey, lasted just under two hours and ended without any breakthroughs, according to Reuters and AFP, citing the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ukrainian diplomats confirmed to Reuters that the talks had ended, while the Russian state news agency TASS spoke of a pause with the possibility of continuation. (More here)

May 17 - Michelangelo Buonarroti: A solitary genius obsessed with the pursuit of perfect beauty

550 years ago, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, one of the most prominent figures of the High Italian Renaissance, was born. Few artists have left such a significant mark on the history of art. He is renowned as a unique sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. He considered himself primarily a sculptor, and even before he was thirty, he had already carved two of the most famous sculptures in the history of art from marble: the Pietà and the David. (More here)

May 18 - Europe Votes: Key Presidential Elections in Romania and Poland

Presidential elections are being held in Romania and Poland, which could significantly influence the direction of these countries and the European Union. Romania is holding a second round of repeated elections, while Poland is holding the first round. The elections reflect the tension between a pro-European orientation and growing populism, addressing issues of national identity, security, and foreign influence. (More here)

gnews.cz-jav