live Post-conflict reconstruction efforts set to be highlighted at Azerbaijan's Pavilion on fifth day of WUF13
The pneultimate day of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku will see Azerbaijan's Pavilion highlight post-construction efforts in Garabagh ...
Thousands of protesters clashed with police outside an EU mission building in Sofia on Saturday, opposing Bulgaria's planned adoption of the euro in 2024.
In Sofia on Saturday, several thousand demonstrators gathered outside the European Union mission building to voice their opposition to Bulgaria's plans to join the eurozone next year. The protesters, largely supporters of the ultra-nationalist Revival party, threw red paint, firecrackers, and Molotov cocktails at the building, which caused a fire at the entrance. Police responded, leading to minor injuries for about 10 officers and the detention of six protesters.
The government condemned the incident, stating that attacks on EU buildings contradict the principles of the rule of law.
The protests initially began in front of Bulgaria's central bank, where effigies of EU officials, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, were burned. Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of the Revival party, emphasized that the protest was aimed at preserving Bulgaria's financial independence and preventing the loss of the Bulgarian lev.
Bulgaria’s newly formed government has reiterated its intention to adopt the euro in 2024, a move that has sparked mixed reactions among the public. Some Bulgarians are concerned that the transition may lead to higher living costs, citing similar concerns raised in Croatia following its adoption of the euro in 2023.
United Nations World Urban Forum 13 continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 May with sessions and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in urban development. Organisers say there are nearly 3 billion people globally who face some form of housing inadequacy.
Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to resume daily passenger train services on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku route from 26 May, 2026, marking a major step in restoring regional rail connectivity after services were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Day four of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku brings a packed agenda on sustainable cities and the global housing crisis, with sessions on green housing, smart cities, public spaces and urban rights taking place on Wednesday (20 May) at Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
At least 21 people have been killed and thousands evacuated after torrential rain triggered flooding, landslides and transport disruption across southern and central China, with authorities warning that more heavy rainfall is expected along the Yangtze River.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Moscow could retaliate against Baltic states if Ukraine launches military drones from that region. Latvia, the United States and Ukraine responded strongly during a UN Security Council meeting.
The United States has removed Francesca Albanese, a United Nations expert on the Palestinian territories, from its sanctions list, according to the U.S. Treasury Department website.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday, showing close political alignment even though key economic deals were not finalised.
Britain has struck a major trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expected to be worth around £3.7 billion ($4.96 billion) a year in the long run.
FormeFormer Cuban President Raúl Castro has been indicted in the United States, according to a senior Trump administration official. The move marks a significant escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Cuba’s communist leadership.
The red carpet had barely been rolled up after Donald Trump’s departure before Beijing was laying it out again. Vladimir Putin arrived in the Chinese capital on Wednesday for talks with Xi Jinping, just days after Trump’s own high-profile visit.
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