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EU plus

Stories in this section cover the EU-27 countries plus the UK, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra and the Balkan Countries (Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia).

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Luhansk the first Ukrainian region fully occupied by Russia

Luhansk the first Ukrainian region fully occupied by Russia

A Russia-appointed official in Ukraine’s occupied Luhansk region was quoted by AP on Monday saying that Moscow’s forces have overrun all of it, one of four regions Russia annexed from Ukraine in September 2022. If confirmed, it would make Luhansk the first Ukrainian region fully occupied by Russia after more than three years of war with international peace efforts led by the US failing to make progress on halting the fighting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively rejected a ceasefire and hasn’t budged from his demands, which include Moscow’s control over the four illegally annexed regions. 
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Denmark takes over EU Presidency with a focus on Security, Migration and Enlargement

Denmark takes over EU Presidency with a focus on Security, Migration and Enlargement

On July 1, Denmark takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time. Under the motto ‘A Strong Europe in a Changing World’, the Danish Presidency said its programme of work will ensure that the EU takes responsibility for its own security, while also strengthening its competitiveness. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that priority will be given to boosting defence capabilities in Europe amid Russia's war in Ukraine and US threats to Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory. Pushing countries to keep promises to boost defence spending and bolstering Europe's "dangerous" security will top Denmark’s agenda as it takes over the rotating presidency on Tuesday, according to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

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EU issues statement on South Ossetia

EU issues statement on South Ossetia

The statement issued refers to "attempts from within South Ossetia, both in action and through statements", to prevent the European Union's Monitoring Mission's work and restrict its mandate, and says this is deplorable and must stop.
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30th anniversary of fall of the Berlin Wall

30th anniversary of fall of the Berlin Wall

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among the prominent personalities who on Saturday (9 November) attended a ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. At the ceremony, Merkel warned against taking democracy for granted,
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International Community tells Tskhinvali to immediately open crossing points as tensions continue in South Ossetia conflict zone

International Community tells Tskhinvali to immediately open crossing points as tensions continue in South Ossetia conflict zone

Tskhinvali has closed the crossing points since early September, preventing Georgians and others living in territory under its control to cross over to Tbilisi administered areas. A women was reported to have died last month because she could not be taken for medical treatment in Tbilisi.
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Iran ups the stakes in nuclear stand-off

Iran ups the stakes in nuclear stand-off

Iran's president announced on Tuesday (5 November) that Tehran will begin injecting uranium gas into 1,044 centrifuges, the latest step away from its nuclear deal with world powers since President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord over a year ago.
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The role of parliamentary diplomacy in international relations

The role of parliamentary diplomacy in international relations

In the second in the series, The Hague Conversations on Conflict, Simon Lunn former Secretary General of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly spoke on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in international relations, and particularly in the prevention, mediation and resolution of conflict