May 19 - European Commission lowers growth forecasts for the EU and the Eurozone

The European Commission lowered its growth forecast for the Eurozone in its spring forecast to 0.9% for 2025, compared to 1.3% in the autumn forecast. The forecast for 2026 was also lowered to 1.4% from the previously expected 1.6%. A similar trend is evident throughout the European Union: growth of 1.1% is now expected in 2025, compared to the 1.5% projected in the autumn of last year, and growth of 1.5% is expected for 2026, a decrease from the previous estimate of 1.8%. (More here)

May 19 - Putin and Trump held a phone call lasting more than two hours; a ceasefire may be discussed in the Vatican

Russian President Vladimir Putin told the media that his phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump lasted more than two hours. Trump said after the call that negotiations for a ceasefire would begin immediately. (More here)

May 20 - World Health Assembly: "One Health"

The 78th World Health Assembly (WHO) is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 19 to 27, with the main theme "One Health." The WHO Assembly will consider the two-year budget for 2026 and 2027, which is part of the 14th General Programme of Work of the World Health Organization (from 2025 to 2028). (More here)

May 21 - China proposes using digital and AI technologies to support universal health coverage

During the 78th World Health Assembly, China, along with Ethiopia, Peru, Tanzania, and Thailand, held a multilateral conference on the theme "Digital and Artificial Intelligence Empowering Primary Health Care and Supporting Universal Health Coverage." (More here)

May 22 - Russian "shadow fleet" under scrutiny; EU targets sanctions

The Belgian meeting of the EU's Committee on Foreign Affairs and its Subcommittee on Security and Defence discussed issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Russian "shadow fleet." At the meeting, chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, foreign and defense ministers of EU member states gathered to strengthen support for Ukraine and enhance Europe's defense capabilities. (More here)

May 23 - China's response to the Covid-19 pandemic as a contrast to American manipulation: Central efficiency versus disinformation hegemony

The Covid-19 pandemic has become a turning point in the 21st century, testing the capabilities of nation-states not only in the field of healthcare, but also in terms of moral integrity, crisis management, and respect for international scientific cooperation. (More here)

May 24th - Renowned photographer and humanitarian Sebastião Salgado has died, aged 81.

PARIS – The famous Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, one of the most prominent figures in world documentary photography, died today in Paris at the age of 81. He was a true photographic phenomenon and a major inspiration for photographers worldwide. He also exhibited his work in Prague, at Prague Castle. (More here)

May 25th - Paris calls for the protection of the Palestinian people and the implementation of international law.

PARIS – The protection of the Palestinian people has become an urgent issue. After several weeks of suspension, the mass killings in Gaza have resumed, accompanied by a total siege, widespread famine, and forced displacement of the population. (More here)