EUReflect — European news and analysis

Politics · Governance And Administration

Trump names Katie Zacharia as next White House press secretary

The conservative commentator and Trump Media communications adviser has been chosen to replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the post at the end of August.

Botakoz Unbayeva

Conferences Events Festivals · International

OSCE Conference Opens in Warsaw to Advance Human Rights and Democracy

The 2026 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference brings together representatives from the 57 OSCE participating States, civil society and experts in Warsaw from 5 to 15 October. Organized by the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship and ODIHR, the conference focuses on human rights, democracy, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and gender equality across the OSCE region.

EUReflect News

Interview · Online Interviews

Business Diplomat: The Example of Istanbul and Galata

İsmail Polat

Interview · Online Interviews

Business Diplomat: When the Investor Becomes a Representative

İsmail Polat

Politics · International Relations

From Aid Paternalism to Productive Investment: Lessons from the EuropAfrica Investment Forum 2026

On 2 October 2026, the EuropAfrica Investment Forum at the European Parliament marked a clear call to end the traditional aid model. Speakers including Louis Michel and DRC Minister Julien Paluku argued that decades of development assistance have failed to transform African economies, which still capture only 3% of the value of their resources. The real priority, they insisted, is industrialisation, local processing of critical minerals, and a shift from grants to investment-support instruments. Shared prosperity, not aid, is presented as the only sustainable answer to migration and the foundation for a genuine Europe-Africa partnership.

Akın Karataş

Economy · Global Economy

Berlin and Beijing Urge Economic Stability Amid Rising EU-China Trade Friction

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Germany to oppose trade protectionism and maintain open markets following talks with German representative Johann Wadephul. While Beijing advocated for dialogue and mutual cooperation to avoid a trade war, Berlin emphasized that stable economic relations require a genuine level playing field and fair competition for European companies. The high-level discussions also touched on global security issues, including Ukraine, Iran, and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Botakoz Unbayeva

Economy · Global Economy

Brussels Issues Trade War Warning to Beijing as EU Deficit Soars to Record Highs

The EU has warned China it will deploy aggressive trade defense measures unless Beijing takes immediate action to reduce a record €359.8 billion trade deficit. Ahead of October talks, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič demanded increased purchases of European goods, relaxed market barriers, and fewer controls on critical minerals. If diplomatic efforts fail, Brussels is prepared to deploy over 200 trade tools - including import safeguards and supply-chain diversification rules - though internal EU divisions over potential Chinese retaliation could complicate enforcement.

Botakoz Unbayeva

Travel · Travel Diplomacy

Bulut Bağcı: "We Reaffirm Our Confidence in Brussels and Belgium"

Global Tourism Forum President and Visit Brussels Ambassador Bulut Bağcı attended an exclusive gathering at the Warwick Brussels Hotel, where he met with former Visit Brussels Ambassadors to exchange views on the city’s growing international profile, its role as a global hub for tourism and business events, and opportunities for future collaboration.

EUReflect News

Travel · Culture Heritage

Malaysia: Culture, Quality and Value

With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, the country is leveraging its multicultural heritage and cost advantages to attract European travellers seeking value without compromising on experience.

Botakoz Unbayeva