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LINKS Europe hosted "The Hague Conversations on Climate Change, Peace, and Security" and shared information on the process of the Bonn Contact Group

LINKS Europe hosted "The Hague Conversations on Climate Change, Peace, and Security" and shared information on the process of the Bonn Contact Group

On 2 July, LINKS Europe hosted the second The Hague Conversations on Climate Change, Peace and Security at The Hague Humanity Hub, focusing on the integration of peace into the COP29 agenda. During the meeting, Dr Dennis Sammut provided an update on the state of the debate on mainstreaming peace at COP29 and shared information on the process of the Bonn Contact Group on Climate, Peace and Security ahead of COP29. He said that he hoped that the peace-building community in The Hague will become more interested and contribute to the topic, including in the preparations of the three reports that the Bonn Contact Group was preparing on the themes of food security, water scarcity and land contamination from remnants of war.
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Türkiye mediates talks between Somalia and Ethiopia

Türkiye mediates talks between Somalia and Ethiopia

Türkiye mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia on Monday (1 July) to ease diplomatic tensions between the two African neighbours, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie and Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi held a frank and forward-looking discussion on their differences, mediated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The negotiations are the latest effort to mend diplomatic relations between the East African neighbours. Tensions arose after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland in January, which Somalia condemned as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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French political uncertainty and China trade row cast shadow over Europe

French political uncertainty and China trade row cast shadow over Europe

Political uncertainty in France and an EU trade dispute with China are casting a shadow over European corporate earnings, investors say, despite forecasts pointing to better corporate results. According to LSEG I/B/E/S equity research, second-quarter earnings for companies in the pan-European STOXX 600 index are expected to rise by 2%, with revenues up 1.7%. This would be the first quarter of growth since early 2023. Investors had been optimistic about Europe's stock markets as the European Central Bank adopted a looser policy and the economic outlook improved. However, French President Emmanuel Macron's unexpected decision to call a general election has raised doubts.
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Russia claims Ukraine fired drones at three regions

Russia claims Ukraine fired drones at three regions

Russia's air defence systems intercepted 36 drones launched by Ukraine over three regions bordering Ukraine, the Russian defence ministry said on Monday (1 July). Eighteen drones were shot down over the Bryansk region in western Russia, nine in the Kursk region south of Bryansk, and another nine over the Belgorod region further south, the ministry said via the Telegram messaging app.
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Thousands of Yemeni pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia after Houthis seize Yemenia planes

Thousands of Yemeni pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia after Houthis seize Yemenia planes

At least 1,000 Yemeni pilgrims are stranded in Saudi Arabia after the Houthis seized Yemenia Airways flights that were to take them from the kingdom to Houthi-held Sanaa, the Yemeni government said on Saturday (29 June). Last week, the Houthis took control of three Yemenia planes at Sanaa airport, preventing them from returning to Jeddah airport in Saudi Arabia to take Yemeni pilgrims home. The Yemeni government accused the Houthis of "hijacking" the planes and worsening the plight of the Yemeni people.