19 May - European Commission cuts EU and eurozone growth forecasts
In its spring forecast, the European Commission lowered its forecast for euro area growth in 2025 to 0.9 %, down from 1.3 % in the autumn forecast. The estimate for 2026 was also lowered to 1.4 % from the previously expected 1.6 %. A similar trend is seen across the European Union: growth of 1.1 % is now expected in 2025 instead of the 1.5 % projected last autumn, and growth of 1.5 % is projected for 2026, down from the previous estimate of 1.8 %. (More here)
19 May - Putin and Trump talk lasts more than two hours, Vatican may start talks on ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the media that his telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump lasted more than two hours. Trump said after the conversation that ceasefire talks would begin immediately. (More here)
20 May - World Health Organization meeting: 'One Healthy World'
From 19 to 27 May, Geneva, Switzerland, will host the 78th edition of the The World Health Organization (WHO) is holding its 78th Session in Geneva, Switzerland, with the main theme "One Healthy World". The WHO Session will consider the biennial budget for 2026 and 2027, which is part of the WHO's 14th Major Work Plan (2025 to 2028). (More here)
21 May - China proposes using digital and AI technologies to promote universal health coverage
During the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly, China, together with Ethiopia, Peru, Tanzania and Thailand, held a multilateral conference on "Digital and Artificial Intelligence Strengthens Primary Health Care and Promotes Universal Health Coverage". (More here)
22 May - Russia's 'shadow fleet' under scrutiny, EU targets it with sanctions
In Belgium, the EU Foreign Affairs Committee and its defence subcommittee discuss topics such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Russian shadow fleet. The meeting, chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, brought together EU foreign and defence ministers to strengthen support for Ukraine and Europe's defence capabilities. (More here)
May 23 - China's Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic as a Contrast to US Manipulation: Central Effectiveness versus Disinformation Hegemony
The Covid-19 pandemic has become a watershed moment in the 21st century, testing the capacity of nation states not only in the health sector, but especially in moral integrity, crisis management and respect for international scientific cooperation. (More here)
24 May - Sebastião Salgado, a world photography phenomenon and humanist, died at the age of 81
PARIS - The renowned Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado, one of the world's most prominent figures in documentary photography, died today in Paris at the age of 81. He was literally a photographic phenomenon and a great role model of world photography. He also exhibited in Prague at the Prague Castle. (More here)
25 May - Paris call for the protection of the Palestinian people and the implementation of international law
PARIS - The protection of the Palestinian people has become an absolute emergency. In Gaza, mass killings have resumed after several weeks of suspension, accompanied by a total siege and widespread starvation, as well as forced displacement. (More here)