To support Spain and France in their struggle against the wildfires, the European Commission brought its emergency response system into action, providing specialized vehicles to both countries, as well as sending additional firefighter brigades. But the system is overwhelmed and is reaching its limit.

On Monday the European Commission’s spokesperson told the media that the current wildfires are out of EU’s capacity. The emergency mentioned has already driven out more than 300,000 people out of their homes and devastated more than 120,000 hectares of forests in Spain and France (80,000 in the former, 42,000 in the latter). The fires currently remain out of control, which might cause further damage and evacuations.

Although officials in the Commission state that its system is working, they acknowledge that it is being pushed to its limits as the number and scale of emergencies is rising every year. As such, the emergency response mechanism being outpaced by those same natural disasters is becoming a problem.

As a result, EU plans to expand its fleet of various firefighting vehicles, including specialized trucks, planes and helicopters. This will enable better and faster response to future disasters, especially firefighter. But officials insist that the root of the problem lies in climate change, as it is responsible for lengthening of wildfire seasons as well as expanding their scale.

As such, the Commission argues that not only should the bloc invest in firefighting equipment, but it also has to take measures to prevent the emergence of such natural disasters. The main idea behind this is that mitigation would cost less than a fleet of equipment which will have to be enlarged with each year.

In the meantime the wildfires in Spain and France continue, as do the multinational efforts to help those countries. Numerous additional equipment and personnel were deployed to aid the local specialists.

Held from July 17 to 20, the conference brought together representatives from more than 100 countries and international organizations, alongside scientists, policymakers and business leaders. More than 1,100 companies presented over 3,000 exhibits, reflecting the expanding scale of China’s AI ecosystem. Yet the significance of the Shanghai meeting extended beyond technological demonstrations. Its central message concerned access, governance and the right of developing countries to participate meaningfully in the AI revolution.

President Xi Jinping placed openness at the heart of this vision. He called for a just and equitable global AI governance system, greater international cooperation and wider access to technological innovation. China also announced plans to expand training, exchanges and cooperation centres with ASEAN, the African Union, the Arab League, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

For the Global South, this approach addresses a practical problem. Many developing countries understand the transformative potential of AI, yet remain constrained by the high cost of advanced models, limited computing infrastructure, inadequate technical capacity and dependence on foreign platforms. Without affordable access, AI could deepen the development gap rather than reduce it.

China’s open-source AI ecosystem offers an important response. Open models allow universities, start-ups, public institutions and local developers to examine, adapt and deploy technology according to their own requirements. A Pakistani university can build an educational application in local languages. An African health authority can adapt a model for disease monitoring. A Southeast Asian agricultural institution can use AI to improve crop forecasting without surrendering complete control over its data and operations.

This is why the Western description of Chinese open-source AI as a potential “trap” deserves closer examination. A trap presupposes the existence of viable alternatives. For much of the Global South, no Western alternative currently offers a comparable combination of affordability, accessibility and adaptability. Proprietary systems may provide impressive capabilities, but access is frequently governed by commercial subscriptions, centralized application interfaces, export restrictions and corporate decisions made far from the societies affected by them.

The real choice facing many developing countries is therefore between accessible technology and technological exclusion. Presenting affordable Chinese models as inherently threatening while treating expensive closed systems as politically neutral reveals a clear double standard.

Security concerns still require serious attention. No country should adopt critical AI infrastructure without examining cybersecurity, data protection, model behavior and supply-chain risks. These principles should apply equally to Chinese, American, European and other systems. Technology should be evaluated through evidence, testing and transparent standards rather than geopolitical origin.

Open-source models provide a stronger foundation for such scrutiny. Independent researchers and security specialists can inspect their code, architecture or model components. Vulnerabilities can be identified, debated and corrected across a wider technical community. Closed models require users to trust the assurances of the company controlling the system while offering limited visibility into how it was trained, modified or governed.

Openness alone cannot guarantee security. Malicious code can be published openly, and model weights do not automatically reveal every risk embedded in training data or deployment infrastructure. Effective protection requires continuous auditing, secure hosting, data localization where appropriate, transparent documentation and independent evaluation. Even so, claims about hidden manipulation are more testable in open systems than in proprietary platforms protected by commercial secrecy.

Western policymakers should therefore apply the same questions to their own AI industry. Who controls the model? Who determines access? Where is user data processed? Can a country inspect the system it depends upon? Can prices or conditions change unilaterally? Can access be withdrawn during a political dispute?

If dependence on Chinese open-source technology is automatically described as a trap, dependence on closed, profit-driven Western platforms must also be examined. When a small group of corporations controls foundational models, computing infrastructure, technical standards and global data flows, the result risks becoming a form of technological colonialism. Developing countries become permanent consumers of intelligence produced elsewhere, paying for access while contributing data and receiving limited influence over governance.

China’s proposition is more attractive because it can support technological agency. Open-source access enables countries to build domestic skills, train engineers, create local applications and gradually develop their own AI ecosystems. This shifts cooperation from the sale of finished products towards shared capacity-building.

China must also respond constructively to legitimate concerns. It can strengthen confidence by supporting third-party security assessments, multilingual technical documentation, open safety benchmarks and international research partnerships. Developing countries should avoid replacing one form of dependence with another by investing in local computing infrastructure, sovereign data governance and domestic talent.

The creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, supported initially by 29 countries including Pakistan, gives Shanghai’s vision an institutional direction. Its credibility will depend on whether it provides developing countries with a genuine voice in setting standards, assessing risks and distributing the benefits of innovation.

AI governance cannot become the exclusive privilege of countries that reached the technological frontier first. Nor should security become a justification for preserving commercial dominance or restricting access to knowledge. The Global South requires partnerships that expand its choices, capabilities and decision-making authority.

Shanghai has placed the essential issue before the international community. The future of AI will be judged by more than the sophistication of its models. It will be judged by who can access them, who can understand them, who can shape their rules and whose development they ultimately serve. China’s open-source approach offers developing countries something increasingly valuable: the opportunity to become participants in the AI future rather than customers standing outside it.

In an exclusive interview with Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan His Excellency Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir shared his views on the growing partnership between Tajikistan and Pakistan, expanding trade and tourism, deep-rooted cultural and linguistic ties, the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon and H.E. Rustam Emomali, digital transformation, and the future of bilateral relations.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: Excellency, what is your assessment of the current state of relations between Tajikistan and Pakistan?

Excellency: Relations between Tajikistan and Pakistan are improving with each passing day. We are expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors, and the momentum is clearly positive.

Pakistan serves as a gateway for all Central Asian states, and we are working diligently to ensure that every country in the region can benefit from this strategic access. Bilateral trade is expected to grow significantly, and the leadership of both countries is committed to increasing trade volume to US$500 million or even more within the next one to two years.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: What is the current level of bilateral trade between the two brotherly countries?

Excellency: Despite the prevailing regional challenges, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Tajikistan has already reached approximately US$65–70 million by the middle of this year.

We remain optimistic about the future. As peace and stability continue to improve across the region, trade will increase not only between Pakistan and Tajikistan but also between Pakistan and the entire Central Asian region.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: What are the benefits of cultural collaboration between the two countries?

Excellency: I would like to say that over the past century, we lost many of the cultural links that once connected our peoples.

If you look at Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, they are like one picture that has been divided into three pieces. Until these three pieces come together again, we cannot fully appreciate the richness of our shared culture.

We must work hard to restore these historical and cultural connections because doing so will benefit all three nations.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: What are your views on the Persian language and its connection with Urdu?

Excellency: It is very easy for us to communicate in Urdu because nearly 80 percent of Urdu has its roots in Persian. Even many Arabic words used in Urdu entered the language through Persian.

The meanings of many Urdu words are immediately familiar to me because we use the same vocabulary in Tajik. Even the pronunciation of Tajik Persian closely resembles Urdu.

Pakistan’s music also shares remarkable similarities with Tajik music, as well as the traditional music of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Afghanistan. Taking all these historical and cultural links into account, I believe that we are one people. In many ways, even our cultural DNA is the same.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: Excellency, President Emomali Rahmon is widely regarded as a great friend of Pakistan. How would you describe his leadership?

Excellency: My nation and I consider ourselves fortunate to have such a leader. Under President Emomali Rahmon’s leadership, the Tajik people have regained their national identity and cultural pride, earning respect and recognition around the world.

His vision led to the establishment of global initiatives on water issues. More than 30 years ago, he warned the international community that the world would eventually face water scarcity.

He also introduced a ten-year initiative focused on glacier preservation. Today, countries around the world are increasingly recognizing the significance and foresight of these initiatives.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: What is your assessment of the role of H.E. Rustam Emomali in transforming Dushanbe?

Excellency: Under his leadership, Dushanbe has become one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. If you compare the city today with what it looked like fifteen years ago, the transformation is extraordinary.

His initiatives have particularly focused on young people, especially through the promotion of football. His contributions helped elevate the importance of the sport internationally, culminating in the United Nations proclaiming 25 May as World Football Day.

Rustam Emomali serves as a true inspiration for the younger generation.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: What role can tourism play in strengthening relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan?

Excellency: I am delighted to say that Pakistani interest in visiting Central Asia has grown tremendously.

Several neighboring countries have already launched direct flights from Pakistan, and we are also taking steps in that direction. Today, approximately 1,300 to 1,600 Pakistani tourists visit Tajikistan every month, reflecting the growing people-to-people connection between our countries.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: How do you view President Emomali Rahmon’s efforts in digitalization and artificial intelligence?

Excellency: The initiatives undertaken by President Emomali Rahmon benefit not only the people of Tajikistan but also the broader region.

On digitalization and artificial intelligence, President Rahmon presented an ambitious agenda at the United Nations, which received international appreciation and endorsement.

Tajikistan is making significant progress in AI and digital transformation under his leadership. At the same time, I am pleased to see Pakistan also expanding its investments in artificial intelligence and digitalization, creating new opportunities for cooperation.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: Where do you see Pakistan-Tajikistan relations over the next decade?

Excellency: I envision a future where you can have breakfast in Islamabad, enjoy lunch in Tajikistan, and return home by evening.

Our political, economic, and cultural relations will continue to deepen. The bonds between our countries will become so close that future generations will look back at today’s level of connectivity as part of history.

Muhammad Ali Pasha: Excellency, thank you very much for your valuable time.

- What was your overall impression about 4th Shusha Global Media Forum?

- The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum was a remarkable demonstration of Azerbaijan's growing role in shaping global discussions on media, technology, and international cooperation. At a time when artificial intelligence and disinformation are transforming the global information landscape, Azerbaijan has created an influential platform where governments, journalists, policymakers, academics, and technology leaders can collectively explore practical solutions.

The theme, "The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust," could not have been more timely. Under the visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Government of Azerbaijan has successfully positioned the forum as a globally respected venue for dialogue on ethical journalism, digital resilience, and responsible media.

- President Ilham Aliyev delivered the opening address. What message do you believe resonated most strongly?

- President Ilham Aliyev's address was both visionary and inspiring. His message extended beyond media policy; it reflected Azerbaijan's broader vision for peace, development, and international cooperation.

What impressed me most was his emphasis that Shusha itself represents truth, resilience, and reconstruction. Delegates who visited the city witnessed firsthand how a region once devastated by conflict has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and intellectual center. This transformation is not only physical—it represents the determination of Azerbaijan to restore its cultural heritage while promoting stability and peaceful coexistence.

President Aliyev also reaffirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to a just and lasting peace in the South Caucasus based on international law and mutual respect. Equally significant was his emphasis on the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, highlighting Azerbaijan's increasing contribution to regional connectivity between Europe and Asia.

His message consistently promoted dialogue instead of confrontation, cooperation instead of division, and facts instead of misinformation.

- How has Shusha evolved as an international media platform?

- The evolution has been extraordinary. Over the past four years, the Shusha Global Media Forum has developed into one of the most important international platforms dedicated to the future of journalism and digital communication. This year's participation of nearly 160 delegates from 53 countries clearly demonstrates the forum's growing international recognition.

The Government of Azerbaijan deserves considerable appreciation for institutionalizing this annual dialogue. Rather than being merely a conference, the forum has become a platform where governments, international organizations, technology companies, researchers, and media professionals openly exchange ideas on challenges created by artificial intelligence, disinformation, cybersecurity, and declining public trust.

- One of the important discussions focused on children and the digital world. Why do you think this topic received so much attention?

- I believe this was one of the forum's most forward-looking discussions. Artificial intelligence and social media are rapidly changing the way children access information and interact online. Issues such as cyberbullying, algorithm-driven manipulation, misinformation, and psychological well-being require global attention.

The forum demonstrated Azerbaijan's willingness to actively contribute to international discussions on digital ethics, online safety, and responsible innovation. The balanced approach presented—protecting young people while encouraging technological progress—was particularly encouraging.

- Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity were central themes throughout the forum. What were the major takeaways?

- The discussions were exceptionally practical. Experts from Azerbaijan's cybersecurity institutions, international AI specialists, and representatives from major global technology companies examined challenges including deepfakes, data protection, platform accountability, digital literacy, and cybersecurity resilience.

Being an AI and software expert, I was particularly encouraged to learn about Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to modernize its cybersecurity legislation. This demonstrates the government's proactive approach toward building a secure digital environment while encouraging innovation.

The presence of leading technology companies also reflected Azerbaijan's commitment to inclusive dialogue where governments, regulators, industry, and researchers work together rather than separately.

- The forum also witnessed the announcement of a new D-8 media cooperation initiative. How significant is this development?

- It is a very significant achievement. The presentation of the strategy of the D-8 Media Excellence Center, led by Secretary General Sohail Mahmood together with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, marks an important step toward strengthening cooperation among member states.

The proposed Media Centre of Excellence has the potential to become an important institution for professional training, media research, innovation, capacity building, and countering disinformation. Such initiatives demonstrate that the Shusha Forum is producing practical outcomes rather than simply facilitating discussions.

- Finally, how would you describe Azerbaijan's contribution to global media dialogue under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership?

- Azerbaijan has successfully positioned itself as a constructive contributor to international discussions on media responsibility, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and peacebuilding.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the country has transformed Shusha into far more than a reconstructed city—it has become an international symbol of resilience, dialogue, and cooperation. The Government of Azerbaijan deserves recognition for creating a platform where global challenges are discussed openly and responsibly.

The Shusha Global Media Forum reflects Azerbaijan's commitment to promoting responsible journalism, strengthening international partnerships, encouraging technological innovation, and rebuilding public trust in the digital age.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global communication, forums like Shusha will become increasingly important. Azerbaijan has demonstrated both the vision and the determination to contribute meaningfully to building a more transparent, secure, and trustworthy global information environment.

- Thank you very much for sharing your valuable insights.

- It has been my pleasure. I sincerely congratulate President Ilham Aliyev, the Government of Azerbaijan, and everyone involved in organizing the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum for successfully creating a world-class platform that encourages constructive dialogue, international cooperation, and responsible media practices. I am confident that the forum will continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of global journalism and digital communication.

The President described the new Ministry of Justice building as a symbol of the state’s policy and principles of justice, law and national sovereignty, noting that investments in judicial institutions are an integral part of the state’s long-term policy for governance. His comments suggest that physical infrastructure is being supported by institutional reform of the justice sector to ensure it is more effective and credible.

Digital Transformation

A key theme of the President’s speech was the ongoing digitalization of public legal services. The Government of Tajikistan is speeding up the implementation of electronic government systems, databases for legal information, electronic notarial services, and modernization of civil registration procedures.

These activities should increase transparency, cut down on bureaucratic inefficiencies, and increase public access to government services and decrease opportunities for corruption. Digital governance is becoming a part of the administrative reform trend in Central Asia, and Tajikistan seems set to join the movement of its justice sector.

Strengthening Legal Institutions

President Rahmon said that, beyond administrative tasks, the Ministry of Justice has a responsibility. He called it one of the main pillars of the protection of constitutional rights, the protection of legality and the protection of social justice.

The speech also underscored the historical foundations of Tajik law, tracing back to the ancient statehood and legal heritage of Tajikistan, and connecting it with the current legal reforms. The President mentioned “Cyrus the Great” as a historical figure in the field of justice, and the work of UNESCO on the project of the Cyrus Cylinder proposed by Tajikistan, linking national identity to the current legal development.

Professionalism of the Justice System

Along the way, a key theme of the speech has been the need to enhance the professionalism of the justice system. The President made the following instructions to the officials of the Ministries: Need to improve the quality of legal and regulatory documentation; Strengthening staff training; Solving the problem of lack of specialists in international law and the regulation of public associations.

He also highlighted the need to enhance the level of Foreign Languages proficiency of lawyers as Tajikistan’s participation in international legal mechanisms and interaction with international institutions increases.

Awareness and Trust

Raising legal awareness among citizens was also the other major priority that was mentioned during the meeting. President Rahmon ordered greater public education on law through outreach activities and mobile seminars to clarify to citizens their rights and obligations in the field of law.

Enhancing people’s understanding of the law is deemed as critical to build public trust in state institutions and to foster law respect.

Reforming the Penal System

The President also ordered a comprehensive review of the country’s criminal enforcement system. Special focus was given to enhance self-government, staff selection, psychological health of staff and inmates, and the prevention of prohibited items entering correctional facilities and the strict enforcement of the law.

Also, officials were ordered to ensure that Tajikistan’s recently adopted Amnesty Law, which was signed to mark the country’s 35th Independence Day, would be implemented equitably. President Rahmon reiterated that the implementation of the law must not be affected by corruption, highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Broader Governance Objectives

The speech shows that the legal reform in Tajikistan is not limited to the judicial administration. They are part of a national approach to institutional modernization, digital governance, administrative efficiency and sustainable state-building.

The government plans to establish a more responsive and modern legal system, through investments in infrastructure, digital public services, legal education, professional development, and anti-corruption, to serve economic development, offer attractive investment opportunities, and bolster trust in the state’s institutions.

While Tajikistan ramps up the implementation of its long-term development program, the justice sector is becoming one of the main pillars in support of the Tajik state’s vision of a modern, rule-of-law, and ICT-driven nation. As Tajikistan accelerates implementation of the long-term development plan, the justice sector is increasingly becoming one of the key pillars for the implementation of the Tajik state’s vision of a modern, rule-of-law, and digitally connected nation.

Details

Tokayev noted that the current conflict remains difficult to understand and differs from other regional confrontations. He said that while the causes of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia were clear and deeply rooted in history, the situation surrounding Russia and Ukraine appears fundamentally different.

“The nature of this conflict is not entirely clear to many people, including ourselves. For example, there was a conflict, including a frozen conflict, between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The essence and origins of that conflict were completely clear to us—they went deep into history. But here, it is very difficult to understand,” he said.

Tokayev also suggested that the time may have come to consider freezing the conflict and returning to what he called the “Istanbul Formula 2.0.” According to him, the previous round of negotiations had produced substantial progress.

In response, Vladimir Putin said that he would brief Tokayev on the current state of affairs regarding this issue.

Meeting in Omsk

On 25 July, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Omsk to participate in the 22nd Kazakhstan–Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum.

As part of the visit, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia are holding bilateral talks to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as current international issues.

Earlier, Peskov Did Not Rule Out Discussing the CPC

On the eve of the meeting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that one of the topics of the Tokayev–Putin talks could be attacks on the infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC).

According to Peskov, strikes on the CPC affect not only Russia’s interests but also those of Kazakhstan and the United States, as American companies are among the consortium’s shareholders.

Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov announced these results during an expanded government meeting. The various sectors showed varying performance: industry grew by 2.7%, construction by 6.7%, transport and communications by 10.4%, trade by 8.5%, agriculture by 2%, and services by 8.4%. Overall production volume for the period exceeded the same period last year by 10.4%.

This performance indicates that some non-oil sectors are beginning to gain notable momentum. Retail trade increased by 10.1%, foreign trade by 7.5%, and capital investments rose by 4.3% to reach 18.6 billion manats, in line with the 2026 Socio-Economic Development Program. During this period, 309 thousand square meters of housing and facilities were commissioned across various regions.

However, the backbone of this economic performance remains the oil and gas sector. The state company Türkmennebit exceeded its oil production plan by 108.3%, with gasoline production surpassing targets by 16%, diesel by 11.4%, and liquefied gas by 18.5%. Natural gas production reached 107.6% of the plan. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has emphasized that diversifying natural gas exports to global markets remains a strategic priority, with focus on developing the Galkynysh field and modernizing infrastructure.

Despite this stability, structural challenges are evident. Heavy reliance on the energy sector, even with diversification efforts, makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global gas prices. Growth in non-oil sectors, particularly agriculture at only 2%, remains modest. This raises the fundamental question: How can Turkmenistan transform its stable growth into more comprehensive and diversified development?

In my view, the 6.3% growth is a significant achievement given the complex geopolitical conditions. However, sustaining this momentum will depend on the success of diversification efforts. Turkmenistan possesses vast gas reserves, but true economic resilience requires greater investment in processing industries, modern agriculture, and tourism, alongside strengthening the private sector and attracting foreign investment in non-energy fields.

I expect Turkmenistan’s economic growth to continue between 6% and 6.5% during 2026–2027, supported by rising global energy prices and the completion of projects such as the Serhetabat–Herat gas pipeline within the TAPI project. Nevertheless, if the pace of diversification does not accelerate, the economy may face difficulties in absorbing future external shocks.

In conclusion, Turkmenistan today enjoys tangible economic stability and a strong foundation of natural resources. But the real challenge is not merely maintaining current growth rates, but building a more diversified, resilient economy capable of creating sustainable jobs for future generations. The opportunity is greater today than ever before, especially with the shift toward international partnerships and investment in non-oil sectors. The key question facing decision-makers in Ashgabat is whether this stability will evolve into a comprehensive developmental leap, or whether the economy will remain dependent on a single resource. The coming years will be decisive in shaping Turkmenistan’s economic future.

From Russian Pipelines to Global Markets

The headline number is striking: Russia's share of EU gas consumption has fallen from 45% in 2021 to just 12% today, a drop from 152 billion cubic metres of imports to only 36 bcm. Brussels has since built a formal exit ramp: the Commission's roadmap to end EU dependency on Russian energy was followed by Council and Parliament agreement on a stepwise phase-out law, finalized in January 2026. Yet a handful of member states are still quietly buying Russian gas, and the 2027 full-ban deadline looks harder to hit than officials admit — as an emergency meeting in February 2026 over a Hungary-Slovakia-Ukraine transit standoff made clear.

What replaced Russian pipeline gas is not a diversified basket so much as a new single point of dependence: the United States has become Europe's largest single source of LNG, prompting analysts to ask whether Europe solved its dependency problem or simply relocated it.

The Middle East Shock and the Return of Emergency Coordination

Just as the Russian gas question seemed to stabilize, a new front opened. Since spring 2026, EU energy ministers and the Commission have been meeting repeatedly through the Energy Union Task Force and the Oil Coordination Group to monitor disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict, including contingency planning for a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The response has been the kind of coordinated stockpile action Europe hasn't needed since the 1970s oil shocks: IEA members released more than 400 million barrels from emergency oil stocks in March 2026, the largest coordinated release on record, with EU countries contributing roughly 20%.

By July, the picture had calmed but not resolved. The Energy Union Task Force concluded on 10 July 2026 that there is no immediate supply concern for the coming winter, with gas storage filling targets still on track, while jet fuel supply remained stable despite the regional tensions. The cost of that stability has been steep: the Commission's own figures show an additional €50 billion in fossil fuel spending since March 2026 alone, driving the April 2026 launch of the AccelerateEU energy package to shield consumers from price spikes.

Policy Response: Diversification, Storage, and a Cyber-Hardened Grid

Brussels' answer has been to widen the definition of energy security itself. The Commission's 2026 work programme, branded "Europe's Independence Moment," bundles an Electrification Strategy, a Heating and Cooling initiative, and a dedicated Energy Security Package, alongside longer-term Energy Union targets beyond 2030. In parallel, the EU's legislative pipeline includes a full revision of the security-of-supply framework for gas and electricity, explicitly designed to address physical and cyber threats to energy infrastructure alongside climate-related risks, following a public call for evidence closed in October 2025.

There are signs the strategy is bearing fruit on the demand side: EU energy imports fell 11.1% in 2025 compared with 2024, with the import bill dropping to €336.7 billion — down more than half from the €693.4 billion peak in 2022. Even so, the Commission notes that 57% of the energy consumed in the EU is still imported fossil fuel, a reminder that diversification has changed the sourcing of vulnerability more than it has eliminated it.

A brief theoretical note

Academic energy-security scholarship offers a useful lens for reading these developments. For two decades, the field's default framework has been the so-called "four As" — availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability — first formalized in a 2007 APERC report and echoed in the IEA's own definition of energy security as "uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price." Europe's post-2022 record maps onto this framework fairly well: availability was defended through storage and LNG diversification, affordability through emergency subsidy packages, and acceptability through the political consensus around phasing out Russian supply.

But a widely cited critique argues the four-As model is incomplete. Cherp and Jewell contend that energy security is fundamentally an instance of security in general, and that any serious concept must answer three questions — security for whom, for which values, and from what threats — which the four-As framework never explicitly poses. They propose reframing energy security as the "low vulnerability of vital energy systems," a definition that treats vulnerability as a product of both exposure to risk and the resilience of the system to absorb shocks. Read through that lens, Europe's 2026 predicament looks less like a solved problem and more like a shift in the referent object of insecurity — from Russian pipelines to Gulf shipping lanes, LNG terminals, and the cyber-physical infrastructure now targeted by the EU's forthcoming security-of-supply revision.

Conclusion

Europe's energy security in 2026 is best described as resilience without closure. Formal Russian dependency has collapsed, emergency coordination mechanisms have proven they can function under real stress, and the policy architecture — from AccelerateEU to the pending Energy Security Package — is more comprehensive than at any point since the 1970s. But the underlying exposure has not disappeared; it has migrated to new suppliers, new chokepoints, and new categories of threat, including cyberattacks on grid infrastructure. Whether the EU can hit its 2027 deadline for a full Russian energy ban, and whether its new dependencies prove more durable than the old ones, will be the real test of whether "independence" turns out to be a policy achievement or a rebranding exercise.

The foundational shift that economic leaders must internalize is the redefinition of the corporate ecosystem itself. Traditional business models treat the natural world as an infinite supplier of inputs and an infinite sink for waste. This linear approach is colliding with the physical limits of the planet, manifesting in supply chain shocks, commodity price spikes, and physical asset destruction from extreme weather events. For the modern enterprise, the natural environment must be recognized as the primary stakeholder upon which all others depend. Supply chains are not abstract logistical networks; they are biological food webs that hinge on soil fertility, water availability, and pollinator health. When a drought cripples a major agricultural region or rising sea levels threaten coastal industrial zones, the impact is not an externality; it is a direct hit to revenue and capital. Consequently, sophisticated institutional investors are no longer viewing environmental risk through an ethical lens but through a fiduciary one. The integration of physical climate risk into asset pricing and credit ratings has become a non-negotiable component of financial due diligence, compelling businesses to treat ecological resilience as a core pillar of their risk management frameworks.

To achieve genuine growth in this volatile context, corporations must aggressively decouple their revenue trajectories from physical extraction. The era of chasing volume through increased resource throughput is over, supplanted by an era of value creation through efficiency and service-oriented models. This is where the transition to a circular economic framework becomes a distinct competitive advantage. The conventional "take-make-waste" model is structurally vulnerable to input cost inflation and regulatory penalties; conversely, a circular model that designs out waste, keeps materials in use, and regenerates natural systems creates a defensive moat against market volatility. The ascendance of Product-as-a-Service models fundamentally realigns incentives. When a manufacturer sells the output of a product rather than the product itself, the financial imperative shifts from maximizing unit sales to maximizing durability, repairability, and energy efficiency. This lowers the cost basis over the long term while simultaneously reducing the demand for virgin raw materials, insulating the enterprise from the escalating volatility of commodity markets.

The regulatory landscape is rapidly codifying this transition, transforming voluntary corporate social responsibility into mandatory financial compliance. The implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive in Europe, alongside emissions trading systems and border carbon adjustment mechanisms globally, has effectively priced ecological degradation. For the discerning executive, however, this regulatory evolution represents less of a compliance burden and more of a strategic opportunity for market differentiation. Companies that proactively invest in decarbonization and resource efficiency are not merely avoiding penalties; they are positioning themselves for preferential access to capital, lower borrowing costs, and enhanced brand equity. Investors increasingly allocate capital to entities that demonstrate robust environmental governance because these entities exhibit superior operational resilience. Therefore, the reporting of environmental profit and loss is becoming as routine and scrutinized as traditional financial statements, and organizations that master this discipline first will command a premium in the eyes of institutional capital.

Beyond risk mitigation, the imperative for ecological investment is fundamentally a growth catalyst driven by technological innovation. The current era is witnessing the confluence of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced materials science, unlocking solutions previously economically unviable. Artificial intelligence applied to ecological intelligence offers predictive capabilities that revolutionize supply chain management. Machine learning algorithms can now forecast crop yields, water scarcity, and weather disruptions with sufficient lead time to allow for dynamic sourcing adjustments, preserving profit margins in the face of climatic shocks. Simultaneously, the emergence of bio-manufacturing, wherein microorganisms are engineered to produce novel materials and chemicals, offers a pathway out of fossil fuel dependency while promising superior performance and lower cost curves as scale increases. Companies that treat these green technologies as core R&D priorities are not engaging in virtue signaling; they are building the intellectual property portfolio that will define the industrial landscape of the next quarter-century.

The financial case for regenerative practices, particularly in sectors tied to agricultural raw materials, is becoming increasingly irrefutable. Moving beyond the net zero framework, which merely seeks to halt further damage, the concept of net positive or regenerative business is gaining traction among forward-thinking portfolio managers. By investing in regenerative agriculture, corporations secure supply chains against topsoil degradation while generating additional revenue streams through carbon sequestration credits and biodiversity offsets. This creates a virtuous cycle where environmental restoration becomes a profit center. Furthermore, healthy ecosystems provide critical natural infrastructure services such as flood protection, water filtration, and pollination that would otherwise require immense capital expenditure to replicate artificially. The economic valuation of these ecosystem services is now sophisticated enough to be incorporated into investment appraisals, ensuring capital is deployed toward projects that generate the highest total return across both financial and natural capital accounts.

Organizational culture further reinforces this strategic pivot. The workforce of the current era, increasingly composed of professionals who prioritize purpose alongside paycheck, demands that employers demonstrate tangible environmental commitments. Companies that fail to integrate ecological principles face a growing talent deficit, unable to attract the high-caliber innovators necessary for growth. Conversely, enterprises that embed environmental performance into employee incentives, performance reviews, and executive compensation create a cultural architecture where sustainability is the operational standard. Establishing internal carbon pricing, where business units are charged for energy consumption and rewarded for efficiency gains, democratizes environmental responsibility across the organization. This gamification of sustainability turns every department into a laboratory for cost-saving innovation, driving organic growth from within while cultivating a workforce deeply engaged in the company's long-term viability.

Finally, the corporate sector cannot achieve these ambitions in isolation. The scale of the ecological crisis demands collaboration that transcends traditional competitive rivalry. Industry-wide coalitions where competitors share infrastructure, logistics networks, and research to reduce collective emissions are proving most impactful. Shared electric fleets, collaborative investments in renewable energy parks, and joint funding for ecosystem restoration projects lower cost barriers for all participants while amplifying positive environmental impact. The enterprises that understand this dynamic recognize that their survival is contingent upon the health of the broader economic and biological systems. In conclusion, the financial calculus of the twenty-first century is unequivocal. The economy is not distinct from the natural world; it is a subsidiary of the biosphere. Growth that degrades environmental foundations is not growth at all but liquidation of future assets. By decoupling revenue from extraction, leveraging technological innovation, adapting to regulatory evolution, and fostering collaboration, enterprises can achieve robust growth while replenishing the natural capital upon which all commerce depends. The bottom line and the biosphere are converging, and in that convergence lies the only sustainable path to long-term prosperity.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the recent agreements and high-level meetings among the Presidents of the Central Asian states have provided a strong impetus to the development of educational transfer, scientific cooperation, joint innovation projects, and the modernization of systems for training highly qualified specialists.

It should be emphasized that geopolitical stability, economic prosperity, and sustainable development in Central Asia are directly dependent upon the quality of good-neighborly relations among the countries of the region. Since 2016, the incorporation of the principle of "Good Neighbourliness as a Foreign Policy Priority" into the foreign policy doctrine of the Republic of Uzbekistan has elevated cooperation with neighboring brotherly states to an entirely new strategic level.

For centuries, the peoples of Central Asia have been united by a common history, shared cultural heritage, religious traditions, and spiritual values. Today, in the era of globalization and the digital economy, these nations are advancing regional integration to a qualitatively new stage. The principal driving force behind this transformation is intellectual capital, embodied primarily in cooperation in the fields of higher education, science, and innovation.

Prior to 2016, relations among neighboring countries experienced a period of relative stagnation, with numerous long-standing issues remaining unresolved. However, thanks to the far-sighted foreign policy, effective diplomacy, and strategic leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, historical barriers were overcome, opening a new chapter in regional cooperation. This breakthrough created a stable foundation for the significant expansion of educational, scientific, and cultural exchanges throughout Central Asia.

A compelling example of this transformation can be found in the rapidly developing partnership between Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The declarations on strategic partnership, friendship, and good-neighborly relations, together with numerous intergovernmental agreements signed during official visits of the two countries' leaders, have established a comprehensive legal framework comprising more than 200 bilateral legal and regulatory instruments.

Whereas bilateral trade amounted to only USD 150–200 million in 2016, by 2025–2026 it had exceeded USD 1 billion, reflecting the remarkable intensification of economic cooperation. The establishment of the Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Development Fund has enabled the financing of dozens of industrial, logistics, and agricultural projects. Assembly plants producing automobiles under Uzbek brands have been launched in Kyrgyzstan, while joint ventures in textile manufacturing and the production of construction materials have also been established.

Furthermore, the commencement of the active construction phase of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway is expected to fundamentally reshape the transport and logistics architecture of the entire Central Asian region, creating new opportunities for regional connectivity and economic integration.

During the same period, cooperation between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic underwent profound transformation. Since 2016, universities of the two countries have significantly expanded direct institutional cooperation, resulting in numerous bilateral academic initiatives.

Among the most significant achievements has been the establishment of the Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, which has evolved into one of the principal platforms for strengthening academic cooperation, promoting joint research, and expanding university partnerships between the two countries.

Over the past several years, Uzbekistan’s higher education system has evolved into one of the principal drivers of regional integration and is increasingly emerging as a leading educational and scientific hub of Central Asia.

Today, 3,020 students from the countries of Central Asia are enrolled in higher education institutions across Uzbekistan, reflecting the growing confidence of neighboring nations in the quality and international competitiveness of Uzbek higher education. This student community includes 1,554 citizens of Turkmenistan, 646 from Kazakhstan, 436 from Tajikistan, and 384 from Kyrgyzstan. Beyond acquiring professional knowledge and competencies, these students contribute to the formation of a common educational space through the exchange of academic, cultural, and intellectual experiences.

In order to provide practical support for regional integration, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has introduced a system of state-funded scholarships for citizens of Central Asian countries. Under this initiative, 20 fully funded scholarships are allocated annually to each neighboring state, enabling talented young people to pursue higher education in Uzbekistan.

This initiative has become one of the most effective instruments of educational diplomacy, strengthening mutual trust, expanding people-to-people contacts, and fostering long-term humanitarian cooperation throughout the region.

A notable example of deepening academic integration is the establishment of the branch campus of Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University in the city of Chirchiq. During the initial stage of its operation alone, the branch enrolled 350 students, demonstrating the growing demand for cross-border educational opportunities.

As a reciprocal step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation, the National Research University “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers” established its branch at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University in Almaty. The branch currently educates 16 students in the fields of transboundary water resources management and agricultural innovation, drawing upon Uzbekistan's scientific schools, educational methodologies, and technological expertise.

Language and cultural cooperation has also become an important dimension of regional integration. Centers of Uzbek language and culture have been restored and expanded at higher education institutions in Osh and Jalal-Abad, while departments of Kyrgyz language and literature have resumed and broadened their activities at universities in Tashkent and Andijan.

These initiatives not only promote linguistic and cultural exchange but also contribute to strengthening mutual understanding, preserving shared historical heritage, and educating younger generations in the spirit of friendship, tolerance, and good-neighborly relations.

The expansion of academic cooperation has demonstrated that universities today perform a role far beyond their traditional educational mission. They increasingly serve as platforms for scientific diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, and regional cooperation, making a substantial contribution to sustainable development and long-term stability across Central Asia.

The powerful momentum of educational integration that has emerged across Central Asia has gradually expanded beyond the region, reaching the South Caucasus and, in particular, the Republic of Azerbaijan. Contemporary Uzbek–Azerbaijani cooperation in higher education, science, and culture stands as a vivid example of the growing strategic partnership between the two fraternal nations.

At present, 44 new bilateral agreements and memoranda of cooperation between higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have been prepared for implementation, laying a solid foundation for the further expansion of academic and scientific collaboration.

Currently, 51 Azerbaijani students are pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan, while 31 Uzbek students are enrolled at leading universities in Baku and Ganja. Although these figures may appear modest, they reflect the emergence of sustainable mechanisms for academic exchange and increasing educational mobility between the two countries.

Academic mobility has become one of the defining features of bilateral cooperation. In 2024, five students from Tashkent State Pedagogical University completed a period of study at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and Baku Slavic University, gaining valuable exposure to Azerbaijan's educational system, teaching methodologies, and academic environment.

During the same year, 15 students representing Termez State University, universities in Tashkent, and higher education institutions specializing in arts and culture participated in scientific conferences and international academic forums held in Azerbaijan, thereby strengthening scholarly communication and expanding professional networks between young researchers.

Reciprocal academic exchanges have also intensified. Eleven Azerbaijani professors and scholars visited Uzbekistan, delivering lectures in philology, psychology, and management for students and academic staff of Uzbek universities. These visits have significantly contributed to strengthening scientific dialogue and promoting the exchange of academic expertise.

A particularly promising area of cooperation is the joint initiative between the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology and the Baku Higher Oil School to develop innovative joint degree programmes in Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering. The project is expected to combine the scientific and technological capacities of both countries while preparing highly qualified professionals capable of meeting the demands of modern industry and the global energy sector.

Cooperation between the Alisher Navoi Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature and the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan has likewise continued to develop dynamically. Their partnership encompasses joint research projects, scholarly publications, academic conferences, and collaborative initiatives in the humanities, linguistics, and literary studies.

Humanitarian cooperation has also acquired a strong institutional dimension. Since 2019, the Muhammad Fuzuli Azerbaijani Center for Culture, Education and Research in Tashkent has become an important intellectual platform for students, researchers, and academics interested in Azerbaijani language, literature, history, and culture.

Similarly, the Alisher Navoi Research Center, established within the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, has become a significant venue for collaborative research on Turkic literature, comparative philology, and shared cultural heritage.

Regular literary evenings dedicated to the works of Alisher Navoi and Muhammad Fuzuli have further strengthened cultural dialogue, inspiring young people in both countries to explore the rich literary traditions of the Turkic world and reinforcing a shared sense of historical and cultural identity.

These initiatives demonstrate that educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan has evolved beyond conventional academic exchange. It has become a strategic instrument of cultural diplomacy, scientific partnership, and intellectual integration, contributing to the long-term development of both countries and to broader regional cooperation.

Another significant dimension of Uzbek–Azerbaijani cooperation has been the establishment of specialized academic and cultural centers dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the shared intellectual heritage of the Turkic world.

The Kara Karayev Center, established at the Uzbekistan State Institute of Arts and Culture, introduces students to the rich musical legacy of the distinguished Azerbaijani composer while fostering professional cooperation in the field of performing arts.

Likewise, the Khurshidbanu Natavan Center, opened at Termez State University, has become a symbol of Uzbekistan's profound respect for Azerbaijani cultural heritage and a tangible manifestation of the growing humanitarian partnership between the two countries.

A landmark event took place on 13 September 2024, when a new Center for Uzbek Language and Culture was officially inaugurated in the city of Ganja. The center is expected to play an important role in promoting the Uzbek language, literature, history, and national traditions among Azerbaijani students and scholars while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Collectively, these educational, scientific, and cultural initiatives have gradually evolved into one of the fundamental pillars of cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), contributing to the formation of a common intellectual and educational space across the Turkic world.

Regular dialogue among the ministries responsible for education and science within the Organization of Turkic States has further accelerated this process. In particular, the visits of Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to Tashkent, together with discussions involving Nagif Hamzayev, Member of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, have elevated to the policy agenda the establishment of a comprehensive system for teaching the Uzbek language to international learners, modeled on Türkiye's internationally recognized TÖMER framework.

The implementation of such an initiative would substantially expand opportunities for foreign students to study the Uzbek language while simultaneously strengthening Uzbekistan's educational diplomacy and enhancing the country's cultural influence throughout the broader Turkic region. Beyond language instruction, the project could become an effective mechanism for promoting Uzbekistan's higher education system, national heritage, and academic potential on the international stage.

More importantly, the Turkic states are today becoming increasingly integrated not only in political and economic terms but also as a unified scientific and intellectual community. Shared historical memory, common cultural values, and mutual aspirations for innovation are gradually giving rise to a common educational ecosystem capable of generating new knowledge, technologies, and human capital.

Only a few years ago, the concept of a "common intellectual home" existed primarily as a strategic vision. Today, however, this vision is becoming a tangible reality within university classrooms, research laboratories, joint scientific projects, and international academic exchanges. Students, researchers, and faculty members have emerged as the principal architects of this transformation, strengthening academic cooperation through everyday collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The students who are currently studying in neighboring countries within an atmosphere of mutual trust, friendship, and respect will become tomorrow's scientists, engineers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. They will jointly address such strategic challenges as regional economic security, transboundary water governance, environmental sustainability, food security, technological modernization, and scientific advancement.

From this perspective, educational integration in Central Asia should not be regarded merely as another dimension of humanitarian cooperation. Rather, it represents a long-term strategic investment in the formation of a single competitive intellectual space, capable of enhancing regional resilience, promoting sustainable development, and increasing the global competitiveness of Central Asia in the twenty-first century.

Ultimately, the future of regional integration will depend not only on infrastructure projects, trade agreements, or political dialogue, but also on the ability of the countries of Central Asia and the broader Turkic world to cultivate a new generation of highly educated, globally competitive professionals united by common values, shared responsibility, and a collective vision for regional prosperity. In this regard, cooperation in higher education, science, and innovation should be viewed as one of the most effective strategic instruments for ensuring lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development across the region.

Fazliddin MUMINOV,

Head of Department

Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Your Excellency, Kazakhstan is increasingly attracting international visitors thanks to its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. In your view, what makes Kazakhstan a truly unique destination? Why would you encourage travelers from around the world to visit Kazakhstan, and what experiences can they find there that they might not discover elsewhere?

Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin: There are really many different reasons to visit Kazakhstan because Kazakhstan is part of the larger region of Central Asia and is the biggest Central Asian country. It has a very unique historical background and a very interesting historical development.

We share many common values and historical backgrounds with other Central Asian countries. Responding to your question, every ambassador would say that his or her country is the most important and the most unique to visit. It is really, really difficult to compete with many other destinations because many countries are equally important, interesting, and unique to visit.

But what I may say about my country is that the first and biggest reason is our history. It is a unique history.

We were nomads. We traveled from place to place, and we managed to preserve this huge territory that we have today. This vast territory also means that we are a very diverse nation.

We have a very diverse population and a very diverse geographic landscape, ranging from deserts to mountains, from lakes to seas, and from forests to plains.

The second reason is our nature. Again, because of our country’s vast territory and diverse geography, we have very unique natural zones.

There are forests, mountains, and even landscapes that are used as filming locations for movies about extraterrestrial worlds—places that seem almost otherworldly. Tourists come there to enjoy nature and appreciate its extraordinary diversity.

For example, visitors can travel from Eastern Kazakhstan, with its forests, mountains, and crystal-clear rivers, all the way across the country to Western Kazakhstan, where they encounter deserts, canyons, and the Caspian Sea. It is a fascinating combination of landscapes that often look almost extraterrestrial.

If you travel to the north, you will mainly see vast plains. You can drive for hours, even days, or travel by train across the country while looking out over endless stretches of great plains. In the south, nature is equally diverse. So, nature is certainly one of Kazakhstan’s greatest attractions.

The second important aspect is history. As I mentioned earlier, we were nomads, and that shaped the way our nation developed. Historically, we were part of the great Golden Horde.

Derya Soysal: You organized the major Golden Horde Conference this year.

Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin: Yes. This conference was devoted to identifying and better understanding our historical background. For many reasons, whether political or ideological, history has sometimes not been presented in a fully objective and accurate way.

This conference, together with the work of our historians, scientists, and academics, is about understanding our past so that we can better understand our future—where we come from, where we are today, and where we should go.

Kazakhstan has always been a crossroads of civilizations and trade routes. People traveled across the Eurasian continent—from China to Europe, and from South Asia to Russia in the north—and Kazakhstan served as a natural crossroads.

This is another unique and fascinating feature of my country: our rich history as a nomadic civilization and as a meeting point for peoples, cultures, and civilizations moving across the continent.

This history is even reflected in the way we look. You have visited Kazakhstan many times, as well as other Central Asian countries, and you can easily recognize when someone comes from Central Asia rather than South Asia or another region.

This is because of the fusion of numerous peoples and tribes that migrated centuries ago, settled there, mixed with the local population, and contributed to our genetic heritage, our appearance, and our identity.

This is part of Kazakhstan’s uniqueness.

The third interesting feature of Kazakhstan is the fusion of its natural environment—its landscapes and geographic diversity—with its modern development.

Kazakhstan, Almaty Region, Photo credit: Derya SOYSAL

We have rapidly growing cities, developed industries, and endless plains where enormous quantities of wheat are grown. Once again, it is this remarkable fusion.

You can spend time in natural resorts, enjoying mountains, deserts, canyons, or forests, and then arrive in a modern city with skyscrapers, museums, theatres, opera houses, ballet performances, and many other cultural attractions. Kazakhstan is a modern and developed state.

The only challenge is that Kazakhstan is so large that one week is simply not enough. I would recommend that tourists spend at least two weeks in Kazakhstan—10 to 15 days—so that they can travel across the country and enjoy its unique geographic diversity, its cities, its countryside, and its national parks. So, do enjoy it.

Unfortunately, there is currently no direct flight. Most travelers fly from Amsterdam via Frankfurt or Istanbul before continuing to Kazakhstan. We are working together with the Dutch government and the Dutch authorities to restore direct flights. I believe this is partly connected to broader transport policies.

If passenger numbers continue to increase, I am confident that direct flights will eventually return because interest in Kazakhstan among Europeans is growing significantly.

Many people do not realize that part of Kazakhstan is geographically located in Europe.

Derya Soysal: In fact, Kazakhstan’s European territory is larger than several European countries, including Hungary, Portugal, Austria, and Greece. Kazakhstan is also a member of UEFA, and the national football team played against Belgium last year.

Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin: Sport is another interesting feature of Kazakhstan. We offer many different opportunities for sports. We play football and ice hockey. Although we are not among the world’s leading ice hockey nations, we are perhaps among the top ten. We have mountains, skating facilities, and excellent conditions for winter sports.

We also have strong traditions in martial arts such as boxing, karate, taekwondo, as well as powerlifting, gymnastics, and many other disciplines.

Kazakhstan is a modern country built upon a rich historical foundation, with ambitious goals and a clear vision for the future.

Finally, speaking to my Dutch friends, I would like to say that I am very pleased to have this interview because many people in Europe have heard of Kazakhstan but know very little about it. They often have stereotypes.

When I meet students here, I always ask them: “What do you know about Kazakhstan? What stereotypes do you have?” Some immediately mention Borat. Others mention different things, or simply think of countries ending in “-stan.”

Derya Soysal: They confuse Kazakhstan with Afghanistan or Pakistan. That’s why it can be confusing. Perhaps we should also say Kazak Eli.

Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin: Yes. Again, when people come to Kazakhstan, they immediately realize how different the country is from what they expected.

Some of my friends who visited Kazakhstan—even well-educated people—asked me what gifts they should bring to thank the families who would host them or provide them with food.

I asked them, “Why would you need to bring anything?” Kazakhstan has modern roads, transportation, hotels, and a full hospitality industry. Everything visitors need is available.

What we need now is more tourists and more information so that people can truly discover my country.

Derya Soysal: I also think we should mention that, thanks to Kazakh music and its growing international audience, many people have discovered Kazakhstan through singers who have become very famous.

Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin: Yes. You may have heard of Dimash, for example. He is extremely popular not only in Kazakhstan, but also in China.

In the 21st century, I think Dimash is one of the most important singers in the world. He is a very interesting phenomenon. Just as Korea has K-pop, Kazakhstan also has an artist who has attracted worldwide attention.

Derya Soysal: Mr. Ambassador, Kazakhstan has recently undertaken important constitutional reforms, and I had the opportunity to be in the country during the referendum held on March 15. Could you share with us the main changes introduced by the new Constitution and explain how these reforms will shape Kazakhstan’s future?

In particular, the reforms include new institutional developments, such as the strengthening of representative mechanisms and the revival of the Qurultay, a concept deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the Turkic peoples. Could you elaborate on the significance of the Qurultay and explain how these constitutional changes will contribute to greater transparency, public participation, and more effective governance in Kazakhstan?

Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin: Yes, it is a very important question because it concerns our future.

You are absolutely right. On March 15, there was a national referendum, and the people expressed their will to amend the Constitution and adopt a new constitutional framework. As of July 1, the new Constitution entered into force.

Accordingly, the previous Parliament has completed its mandate, and new parliamentary elections will be held on August 23. We are currently preparing for those elections.

This reform is extremely important for the further development of our statehood, our democratic institutions, and the protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and other fundamental rights.

The constitutional reform was designed to accelerate these processes.

With all due respect to the previous Parliament, which ceased its activities only a few weeks ago, the reform is intended to modernize our political system, reduce bureaucracy, and make political decision-making more effective.

Kazakhstan is increasingly embracing the concept of a “Listening State”—a state that listens to its citizens and places people at the center of public policy and national development.

We are working to strengthen individual rights and freedoms while also ensuring strong social protection. We place great emphasis on social inclusion, support for persons with disabilities, improving gender balance, and implementing many other democratic and political reforms.

The idea is that the new unicameral parliamentary system will be more flexible, dynamic, and capable of responding more efficiently to the country’s evolving needs.

Previously, the Senate represented Kazakhstan’s regions and defended their interests. Kazakhstan remains a unitary state with a professional Parliament based on the separation of powers: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary. Each of these branches is currently undergoing its own reforms.

As a result, Parliament will become more dynamic, more professional, and more results-oriented, further strengthening democratic legislative work.

Another important constitutional innovation is the introduction of the office of Vice President. Its purpose is to ensure institutional continuity within the executive branch.

The Vice President will provide strong support to the President in carrying out his or her duties, particularly by representing Kazakhstan at important international events, conferences, and multilateral organizations such as the United Nations.

The office also guarantees continuity of state authority. If the President is temporarily unable to perform his or her duties, authority will pass to the Vice President before continuing according to the constitutional order.

The Constitution also clarifies a number of other issues, including dual citizenship. The constitutional provisions clearly reaffirm Kazakhstan’s position regarding citizenship and establish the relevant legal framework.

There are many additional amendments, all aimed at improving our constitutional system. Our previous Constitution was adopted in 1995 and served the country well for nearly thirty years. Today, however, Kazakhstan has reached a new stage of development and requires more modern instruments to achieve its strategic objectives in state-building and nation-building.

Derya Soysal: Mr. Ambassador, the Netherlands is one of Kazakhstan’s most important economic partners. Why should Dutch investors choose Kazakhstan, and what opportunities does your country offer for businesses looking to invest and grow in Kazakhstan?

Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin: That is a very important question.

It is quite remarkable that the Netherlands are Kazakhstan’s largest foreign investors.

I often meet with my Dutch colleagues from the business community, entrepreneurs, and representatives of different industries. I tell them that although the Netherlands is more than sixty times smaller than Kazakhstan in terms of territory, the populations of our countries are relatively similar: around 20.5 million in the Netherlands and approximately 20 million in Kazakhstan.

So why has the Netherlands become one of Kazakhstan’s leading investors?

It is because of the Dutch way of thinking, their entrepreneurial spirit, and their very effective approach to doing business internationally.

Our objective is to create the best possible investment environment for Dutch companies and encourage more businesses to establish themselves in Kazakhstan.

Trade, economic cooperation, and investment are at the heart of our partnership.

Many Dutch companies already export products to Kazakhstan, whether beer, industrial equipment, or technologies for the poultry and dairy industries.

However, we encourage them not only to export but also to establish production facilities directly in Kazakhstan. Instead of shipping spare parts or finished products, they can build factories, localize production, and manufacture locally. This strategy has already proven successful.

A good example is shipbuilding on the Caspian Sea, where companies can establish shipyards to build vessels for emergency services, the oil industry, passenger transport, and other multipurpose uses instead of importing every vessel from abroad.

Dutch entrepreneurs who invest in Kazakhstan receive comprehensive support from the moment they express interest until the day they begin operating.

They benefit from legal assistance, logistical support, preferential tax regimes, special economic zones, modern infrastructure, utilities, and many other government services designed to facilitate investment.

As a result, investors can feel secure, welcome, and confident that Kazakhstan is a reliable long-term partner.

I believe this creates a genuine win-win situation for both Dutch companies and the people of Kazakhstan.

Let us continue bringing Kazakhstan and Europe closer together and welcome more Dutch investment in education, science, medicine, and many other sectors.

Since the President of Kazakhstan visited Brussels, Kazakhstan has clearly demonstrated its desire to strengthen cooperation with the European Union and with all EU Member States, including the Netherlands.

I am confident that, in the future, we will see even stronger partnerships that will build lasting bridges between our countries.

Derya Soysal: Kazakhstan will definitely become the bridge between Asia and Europe.

After a clash reportedly between local Palestinians and Israeli settlers in West Bank, Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to "accelerate the legalization of existing farms and the establishment of new ones".

Netanyahu also ordered the Israeli Military to "firm measures against terrorism" which include leveling the home of the “terrorist” who allegedly undertook the attack which happened near the village of Tell, and carrying out missions in other villages that in his opinion “serve as centers of terrorism".

While the precise information for the preceding event is not available at the moment, it is reported that what likely happened is that when Israeli settlers from Havat Gilad entered the village of Tell located in the West Bank. Local Palestinian population likely opposed he settlers, leading to a clash. According to Palestinian health ministry, 4 Palestinians were killed and the same number injured, while Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service reported 1 Israeli killed.

Aside from human casualties, damage was done to the eastern part of Tell, according to Palestinian WAFA news agency. Reportedly, the settlers set fire to a local shop, several other buildings and land where the locals grow their crops. IDF maintains the position that Israelis were only hiking in the area while a Palestinian stole a weapon from a security officer and opened fire.

A footage of the incident appeared in the social media. In it a group of IDF soldiers can be seen approaching several Palestinians, seemingly disarming one of them. What follows is the sound of gunfire.

The West Bank remains under Israeli occupation since 1967. Since the start of war in Gaza in October 2023, territory experiences a surge in violence, with continuing attempts by Israel to conduct settlements, which are time and again condemned by the United Nations.

Despite US preparing new tariffs for EU as the established ones will be over soon, Brussels fined Google for €890 million for allegedly unfair treatment of app developers and promoting itself via its services during search.

On Thursday the European Commission announced that Google will receive a fine of €890 million. The decision is in line with EU’s Big Tech rulebook, which sets out what tech corporations that have a strong hold over critical digital markets can and cannot do.

The main offense in Commission’s view comes from Google’s search engine allegedly favoring its own services in most cases, which is not accidental. This means that when, for example, searching for a hotel, the search engine would suggest the user to look at Google Hotels service, rather than other similar search results, which come from competitors. The fine for this amounts to €460 million.

The remaining sum of the fine comes from accusations by app developers. According to them, Google does not tell its users how they can leave it’s ecosystem. It does not inform users of other options, such as alternative marketplaces or payment systems which can be used.

Aside from the fine, European Commission also asked the corporation for compliance, meaning that Google will have to stop discrimination against third party sources and allow developers more freedom for direct communication with users. The company has 60 days to comply, otherwise up to 5% of its worldwide turnover will have to be paid on a periodic basis.

This event might become a new highlight in tensions between EU and US. As the previously imposed tariffs will expire this week, Washington prepares a set of new ones, while negotiations with Brussels are underway.

US President Donald Trump has sharply escalated his rhetoric toward Iran, warning of retaliation against key infrastructure if attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran continue.

In a public statement, Trump said that any Iranian strike on vessels in the vital waterway would trigger a US response targeting infrastructure such as bridges or power plants. He added that such strikes could include locations in or near Tehran, marking a significant intensification of threats as the conflict deepens.

The warning comes as US military operations against Iran have entered their eleventh consecutive day, following the collapse of a preliminary ceasefire agreement. Fighting has increasingly centered around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global transit route for oil and gas shipments, raising concerns about wider economic consequences.

Trump linked his stance to recent Iranian actions targeting ships in the region and emphasized that the US would respond proportionally to each incident. His remarks were made shortly before attending a ceremony honoring American service members killed in attacks attributed to Iran.

The escalation comes amid growing domestic and international scrutiny. While the president has defended the military campaign despite rising costs and concerns over public opinion, critics warn that targeting civilian infrastructure could violate international law and further destabilize the region.

Overall, the situation signals a dangerous new phase in the confrontation, with both sides appearing entrenched and the risk of broader regional conflict continuing to rise.

The Joint Declaration on a Strategic Agenda signed by Ilham Aliyev and Chancellor Friedrich Merz reflects this shift. Germany increasingly sees Azerbaijan as a country positioned at the intersection of several European priorities: energy diversification, access to Central Asia, the development of the Middle Corridor and the future security architecture of the South Caucasus.

Energy remains the most immediate point of convergence. Europe’s efforts to reduce strategic dependence on individual suppliers have increased Azerbaijan’s value as an alternative source and transit partner. But Berlin’s interest is increasingly broader than Azerbaijani oil and gas. Discussions on renewable energy and hydrogen suggest that Germany is looking at Azerbaijan not only as part of its current energy security, but potentially as part of Europe’s longer-term energy transition.

Connectivity may eventually become even more important. Azerbaijan’s geographical position gives Germany and the wider EU access to a transport route linking Europe to Central Asia without relying exclusively on traditional northern corridors. The Middle Corridor therefore carries both commercial and geopolitical significance. For Berlin, cooperation with Baku is increasingly connected to Germany’s wider strategy towards Central Asia and the diversification of Eurasian supply chains.

This also explains why the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process matters to Germany beyond diplomacy. A stable South Caucasus would make regional infrastructure safer, facilitate cross-border trade and increase the commercial viability of east–west transport routes. Peace is therefore becoming not only a political objective for Europe, but also an economic prerequisite for its connectivity ambitions.

Garabagh adds another dimension to this changing relationship. With Azerbaijan having restored its sovereignty over the territory, the focus has shifted from conflict towards reconstruction, infrastructure and economic reintegration. The scale of rebuilding in Garabagh and East Zangezur creates potential opportunities for European expertise and investment, including in renewable energy, transport, urban development and technology. For Germany, engagement with Azerbaijan therefore increasingly concerns not only regional stability, but also the economic transformation taking place after decades of conflict.

Ukraine introduced a wider European security dimension to the Berlin discussions. Azerbaijan’s position is particularly relevant because Baku has consistently supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity while maintaining working relations with Russia. At a time when direct political channels between Moscow and much of Europe remain severely constrained, Azerbaijan’s ability to communicate with different sides gives it a distinctive diplomatic position.

The discussion surrounding reported German–Russian contacts in Baku illustrated this point. Azerbaijan is not positioning itself as a formal mediator in the war, but its readiness to support dialogue aimed at ending the conflict demonstrates the broader role Baku can potentially play as a platform for communication. This is particularly significant for Germany, whose foreign policy remains heavily shaped by the war in Ukraine and the search for a sustainable European security order.

For Azerbaijan, stronger relations with Germany offer a different strategic advantage. Berlin is Europe’s largest economy and one of the EU’s most influential political centres. Closer cooperation gives Baku greater access to German investment and technology while strengthening its position in the broader dialogue with the European Union.

The visit therefore demonstrated that Azerbaijan is increasingly being viewed through a wider European strategic lens. Energy initially brought the two countries closer, but today the relationship encompasses connectivity, the post-conflict transformation of Garabagh, peace in the South Caucasus and wider questions of European security, including Ukraine.

For Germany, Azerbaijan is gradually becoming more than an energy supplier. For Azerbaijan, Germany is more than an important European economic partner. Their growing engagement reflects a broader geopolitical reality: as Europe searches for diversified energy sources, new transport corridors and reliable partners beyond its immediate borders, the strategic importance of the South Caucasus is increasing — and Azerbaijan occupies a central position in that transformation.

Anastasiya Lavrina, research fellow at the Institute for Development and Diplomacy at ADA University, political analyst (Baku, Azerbaijan)

Dozens of people were injured after clashes with police during protests in Bologna, Italy. People are demanding justice for a man reportedly killed by police using excessive force.

Protests began after death of Abderrahim Fakir during detainment by police who were called by locals after witnessing strange his behavior. Reportedly he was kicking garage doors and “behaving erratically”. Though the police tried to calm him down, it did not work and they resorted to using pepper spray.

Soon a video appeared throughout social media. In it Fakir is lying down and cries for the policemen, who are sitting on him, to stop. At the same time another person who is not law enforcement is seen pinning his legs, while emergency workers stand by. After several minutes Fakir stops moving. When policemen realize this, he is already unconscious, with emergency workers moving in.

The video sparked outrage, with people pointing out that Fakir was clearly unarmed. The victim’s family calls what happened a murder and demands justice. Prosecutors have already opened an investigation into the case. Bologna’s mayor Matteo Lepore described the situation as shocking and called for a demonstration.

While the demonstration held on Monday intended to be peaceful, a group of people have split off from the protest to clash with the police. Aside from this confrontation 2 cars were burned. Tens of injured were reported from both sides.

Participants of the demonstration, including officials have condemned this behavior, urging people to remain peaceful and not fight violence with violence. Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni said that while it is important to find the truth surrounding the death of Abderrahim Fakir, there is no justification of violence toward law enforcement that happened.

The collapse of the United States Iran ceasefire demonstrates a fundamental reality of international politics. Peace agreements cannot survive when they fail to address the underlying causes of conflict. What appeared to be a diplomatic breakthrough was, in reality, only a temporary suspension of hostilities between two states whose strategic objectives remain fundamentally incompatible. Rather than creating conditions for lasting peace, the agreement merely delayed renewed confrontation while allowing all parties to regroup politically and militarily. The return to conflict illustrates that ceasefires built on ambiguity, mistrust, and exclusion are inherently fragile.

One of the principal reasons for the breakdown was the absence of clarity regarding the Strait of Hormuz. As one of the world's most strategically important maritime corridors, the strait carries nearly one fifth of global oil supplies. Both Washington and Tehran interpreted provisions concerning maritime security according to their own strategic interests. Iran continued to regard the waterway as a critical source of geopolitical leverage, whereas the United States maintained that freedom of navigation remained a non-negotiable principle. The ceasefire failed to establish enforceable monitoring mechanisms or an independent dispute resolution framework capable of managing disagreements before they escalated. Consequently, every maritime incident became an opportunity for renewed military confrontation.

Equally significant was the deep political mistrust that has shaped United States Iran relations for decades. Diplomatic agreements require a minimum level of confidence that commitments will be respected. Instead, both governments viewed the ceasefire primarily as a tactical instrument rather than a genuine pathway toward reconciliation. Washington sought to contain Iran's regional influence without fundamentally altering its pressure campaign, while Tehran regarded the agreement as an opportunity to secure temporary economic relief without abandoning its strategic deterrence capabilities. Since neither side was prepared to compromise on its long term security objectives, the agreement lacked the political foundation necessary for sustainability.

Iran's domestic political environment further complicated implementation. Internal divisions between pragmatic policymakers seeking diplomatic engagement and hardline factions advocating resistance limited Tehran's negotiating flexibility. In highly polarized political systems, any concession to external rivals risks being portrayed as national weakness. This domestic competition reduced the government's ability to maintain consistent policy, allowing internal political calculations to undermine diplomatic commitments. Consequently, external negotiations became intertwined with internal power struggles, making the ceasefire increasingly vulnerable.

However, responsibility for the collapse cannot be attributed solely to Iran. The United States also bears considerable responsibility. American policy has often combined diplomatic engagement with military deterrence and extensive economic sanctions. This dual approach generates contradictory incentives. While negotiations encourage cooperation, continued military pressure reinforces perceptions that diplomacy merely serves as a temporary instrument rather than a genuine effort to resolve disputes. Such inconsistency weakens trust and encourages reciprocal escalation instead of confidence building.

Another structural weakness was the exclusion of key regional stakeholders. Lasting Middle Eastern security cannot be achieved through bilateral agreements that ignore broader regional dynamics. Israel's security concerns, Iran's relationships with regional proxy groups, and the strategic interests of Gulf Arab states remained outside the framework of the ceasefire. As military operations continued elsewhere in the region, events beyond the direct control of Washington and Tehran repeatedly threatened the agreement. A ceasefire involving only two actors was therefore insufficient for a conflict involving numerous interconnected regional players.

The renewed confrontation has produced consequences extending far beyond the battlefield. Humanitarian conditions have deteriorated as civilian populations face displacement, infrastructure destruction, and growing insecurity. Continued military operations place additional pressure on already fragile healthcare systems and public services while increasing regional refugee movements. Beyond the immediate humanitarian costs, prolonged instability risks creating long-term political radicalization and undermining prospects for future reconciliation.

The economic implications are equally significant. Heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz create uncertainty in global energy markets, increasing oil prices and transportation costs. Since energy markets are closely interconnected with global inflation, disruptions in Gulf shipping routes can generate worldwide economic consequences, particularly for energy importing developing countries. Rising fuel prices also contribute to higher production costs, inflationary pressures, and slower economic growth across international markets.

The collapse of the ceasefire also raises important questions regarding international diplomacy. Effective peace agreements require clearly defined obligations, credible verification mechanisms, inclusive participation, and enforceable guarantees. Ambiguous provisions leave excessive room for competing interpretations, while the absence of independent monitoring reduces accountability. Furthermore, excluding major regional stakeholders allows external events to derail even well intentioned agreements. Sustainable diplomacy therefore demands institutional mechanisms capable of managing crises before they escalate into armed conflict.

From an international law perspective, repeated military escalation by all parties further weakens respect for the principles of sovereignty, proportionality, and civilian protection established under the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law. Regardless of political objectives, attacks that endanger civilian populations or critical infrastructure increase humanitarian suffering while diminishing the credibility of international legal institutions. Diplomatic solutions become increasingly difficult when military force replaces legal and political dialogue.

To prevent similar failures, future negotiations must adopt a more comprehensive approach. First, ceasefire agreements should include precise legal language supported by independent international monitoring mechanisms capable of investigating alleged violations. Second, regional stakeholders, including Gulf states and other affected parties, should participate in negotiations to ensure that broader security concerns are addressed. Third, confidence building measures such as humanitarian cooperation, prisoner exchanges, maritime communication channels, and phased sanctions relief should precede more ambitious political negotiations. Finally, sustained diplomatic engagement through neutral mediators and multilateral institutions should replace reliance on coercive strategies that reinforce mutual suspicion.

Ultimately, the collapse of the United States Iran ceasefire demonstrates that diplomacy cannot succeed when it merely postpones conflict rather than resolving its underlying causes. Strategic rivalry, ideological hostility, regional competition, and institutional mistrust remained unaddressed throughout the agreement, making renewed confrontation increasingly likely. Lasting peace in the Middle East requires more than temporary pauses in violence. It demands inclusive diplomacy, mutual accountability, respect for international law, and sustained political commitment from all parties. Without addressing these structural challenges, future ceasefires risk becoming little more than brief intermissions in an enduring cycle of conflict rather than genuine foundations for regional stability.

Andy Burnham who became the new prime minister of UK, in a speech outside Downing Street promised to restore the political stability and to resolve the cost-of-living crisis from which a lot of families suffer.

Burnham replaced Keir Starmer and has become the 7th prime minister of UK in a decade. He promised to introduce a 10-year plan with the goal of restoring the country which, according to him, needs a "circuit-breaker" after a long time of political instability and economic decline.

After outlining his priorities in the internal politics, Burnham moved to foreign affairs. Here, he focused mainly on the ongoing Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing that despite a political change in the UK, the support for Ukraine will continue. He added that later on Monday he will call President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to assure him of unwavering British support to his country. Afterwards he planned to make a call with US President Donald Trump.

Andy Burnham already attracted some criticism from his opponents. Firstly, he is the first Labour leader, who became PM without participating in some form of debate, running without opposition. Secondly, some of his critics point out that this way he could avoid answering questions about his unsuccessful policies in the past and how he plans to find the funding for his plans as a new Prime Minister.

His predecessor Keir Starmer made a farewell speech earlier on Monday. In it he said that UK has become a better place after his 2 years as a PM. His resignation was accepted by king Charles III in a formal procedure, after which the king met his successor and asked him to form a new government.

Now Burnham has to form a new government. So far the biggest mystery surrounds the question of who will be the new chancellor, as Rachel Reeves is the incumbent, though many think that she will be one of the first replaced as she is a strong supporter of Keir Starmer.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its final tonight, Sunday 19 July at 21:00 CEST (15:00 ET), when Spain face reigning champions Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, branded during the tournament as New York New Jersey Stadium. It is the first time these two footballing giants meet in a World Cup final, and only the second time Spain reach the final since their 2010 triumph in South Africa. Argentina, meanwhile, are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962. FIFA's live win probability model gives Spain a clear edge at almost 42 percent, with Argentina at just under 27 percent and a draw at around 32 percent, though after a month of upsets and stoppage time drama, few Argentine fans will pay much attention to the odds.

Spain's Road to the Final

Luis de la Fuente's side arrive in New Jersey unbeaten and, until recently, uncrossed. Spain topped Group H with wins over Saudi Arabia (4-0) and Uruguay (1-0) and a draw against Cape Verde, then swept aside Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32. A stoppage-time winner ended Portugal's tournament in the Round of 16 and, most likely, Cristiano Ronaldo's international career. In the quarter-finals, they edged past Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles, and then, in Tuesday's semi-final at Dallas Stadium, produced arguably the most complete performance of the tournament. Spain suffocated France 2-0. Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the box, and Pedro Porro added the second in the 58th, playing a give and go with Dani Olmo. It was Spain's sixth clean sheet in seven matches and the third summer in a row that they have knocked France out of a major tournament semi-final, after Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League. Around veterans Rodri and Pedri, the nineteen-year-old Yamal has been the tournament's most talked about creator, while the defensive discipline of Robin Le Normand and Marc Cucurella has given the side its foundation.

Argentina's Road to the Final

Lionel Scaloni's Argentina have arrived here the hard way. After a perfect group stage in Group J, La Albiceleste needed extra time to see off Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32, another extra-time win against Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16, and a 3-1 quarter-final win over Switzerland in Kansas City, sealed by a 112th-minute Julián Álvarez strike. Wednesday's semi-final against England in Atlanta followed the same script. Anthony Gordon put England 1-0 up in the 55th minute, and Thomas Tuchel's side looked to be closing in on their first final since 1966. Then, in the 85th minute, Enzo Fernández equalised with a strike from outside the box. In the second minute of stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner. Lionel Messi assisted both goals. It was the fourth consecutive knockout match Argentina had survived by the thinnest of margins. At 39, Messi is playing in what is expected to be his last major tournament, sits on 21 career World Cup goals, and enters the final on eight goals for the competition, the same as Kylian Mbappé.

The Third-Place Play-off: France 4-6 England, and a Historic Record

Before the two finalists took to their pre-match walkthroughs on Saturday, France and England produced one of the most extraordinary third-place matches in World Cup history at Miami Stadium. England, still processing their semi-final collapse against Argentina, raced into a 4-0 half-time lead through Declan Rice in the 3rd minute, Ezri Konsa in the 18th, and a first-half brace from Bukayo Saka. France then delivered one of the great World Cup comebacks that came up just short. Kylian Mbappé pulled one back in the 48th minute, assisted Bradley Barcola for a second in the 54th, and then scored again in the 66th to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals, moving one clear of Messi. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute. Ousmane Dembélé pulled another back in the 96th minute, before Jude Bellingham sealed the 6-4 result deep in stoppage time. Ten goals in one match, the highest tally in a World Cup game since Hungary's 10-1 defeat of El Salvador in 1982, and the highest ever in a third-place match. England claim their first World Cup bronze medal, their best finish since winning it all in 1966.

The Stakes Tonight

For Spain, a second star on the shirt would crown a generational rebuild that has already delivered two European Championships (2012, 2024) and confirm the arrival of Yamal as the face of the sport for the next decade. For Argentina, a second consecutive title would end sixty-four years of waiting for anyone to repeat as world champions, and would give Lionel Messi the perfect farewell to major international football.

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President of China Xi Jingping and his Kazakhstan colleague Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed more than 70 commercial agreements during the World AI Conference held in Shanghai.

Xi Jingping praised what he called “a new level” in relations between China and Kazakhstan, as more than 70 different agreements were signed. Moreover, these deals are valued at around $13bn(€11.4bn). Aside from this, Chinese leader also noted, that there is room for cooperation in the sphere of AI.

It is estimated, that trade between countries is valued at $49 billion (€42.8bn), while Kazakhstan received cumulative Chinese investment exceeding $30 billion (€26.2bn). As China is the largest trade partner of Kazakhstan, it is not surprising that almost 9000 Chinese companies operate in the country.

From his side, Tokayev assured that his country is eager to attract more Chinese investors and ensure necessary legal protection for their investments and provide them with infrastructure and workers.

One of the highlights among the signed commercial agreements is the one to build battery manufacturing plant – the first on in Central Asia – with Chinese company CATL as the main partner.

The crucial importance of Kazakhstan for China lies in its geographic position. 85% of rail freight between China and Europe in 2025 passed through Kazakhstan. Tokayev emphasized this logistical advantage. As the country is located at a major crossroad, connected to a number of other regions through ports, airports and rail, the potential looks promising.

The future partnership between Beijing and Astana will be organized by a 2027–2030 trade and economic cooperation roadmap, also signed during Shanghai World AI Conference.

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Demonstrations began in major cities of Ukraine after news came that Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular Minister of Defense praised for his effectiveness, resigned.

On Thursday morning many Ukrainians took to the streets to protest the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov just 6 months after he was appointed the Minister of Defense. For many, this decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zenlenskyy seems controversial at least, while some view it as ungrounded and detrimental to country’s defense against ongoing Russian aggression.

During a media briefing, originally held for Fedorov to give a report about his results as a Minister, he gave sharp comments regarding the Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, as well as other remarks regarding reforms and ongoing problems of Ukrainian Forces. He accused Syrskyi of obstructing many of the planned military reforms. He also shared with the journalists how the decision to dismiss him, telling them that Zelenskyy chose the C-in-C over him, and that Fedorov himself accepted this decision.

The argument between Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and military leadership hasn’t been a secret for a long time. It is often understood that higher-ups in the Ukrainian military remain conservative and are slow to take and use the innovations introduced by Ministry of Defense.

Ukrainians gathered in major cities across the country, with the biggest protests happening in Kyiv close to Zelenskyy’s office. People wrote words of support to Fedorov on cardboards, along with other slogans slamming Zelenskyy and Syrskyi. Reportedly people are planning to continue protesting until President’s decision is reversed.

Previously the 35 year old Fedorov served as Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation, introducing Diya – a digital platform which allowed Ukrainians to use a lot of government services without going to offices and making appointments. Since the start of Russian full-scale invasion he used his position to support Ukrainian defense with cutting edge technologies such as drones. Many link Ukraine’s recent successes such as stalling Russian advance with Fedorov and his team.

The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum brought together nearly 160 media leaders, experts, and officials from 53 countries. The event explored how journalism can fight misinformation, the reconstruction of Karabakh after occupation, the peace process with Armenia, decolonialism, Azerbaijan's foreign policy, US-Azerbaijan relations, EU-Azerbaijan relations, the assistance of Turkic countries in the reconstruction of Karabakh, dialogue, coexistence, artificial intelligence, disinformation, the importance of the Zangezur Corridor, cooperation between Muslim countries, Azerbaijan’s remarkable development, and its recognition as a middle power.

Journalists from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Euronews, Uzbekistan, the United States, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Romania, and many other countries were able to ask the President questions on themes such as decolonization, bilateral relations, the visit of Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa to Baku, and the importance of artificial intelligence today.

The title of the forum is particularly important when one considers that Azerbaijan won the Karabakh war despite what it sees as extensive disinformation spread by international media. Azerbaijan won the war on the battlefield but continues to face disinformation, notably because of Armenian lobbying. During the conflict and even today, many Western media outlets, particularly French ones, damage Azerbaijan’s reputation and spread disinformation. Through this forum, Azerbaijan demonstrates to the world that its President is capable of answering all questions from international media openly and without prior knowledge of the questions. It is also worth recalling that Presidential Assistant Hikmet Hajiyev answered questions from all journalists throughout the three days of the forum, including those of the journalists from EUReporter and EUReflect.

Armenian lobbying has managed to convince many Europeans, public opinion, and French decision-makers that Armenia was right, while Armenia occupied 20% of internationally recognized Azerbaijani territories.

The choice of holding the forum in Karabakh, and particularly in Shusha, is not insignificant. Journalists from around the world were able to see buildings that had been burned and destroyed during the Armenian occupation and before the departure of the Armenians, as well as how the Azerbaijani government managed to rebuild the region within five years. During the forum, the President stated that when lands return to their owners, the region truly develops and prospers. During visits to various cities of Karabakh, two moments particularly attracted my attention:

1. (1) The visit to the Khojaly Genocide Memorial.

2. (2) The visit to the Victory Park in Khankendi.

(1) The Khojaly Tragedy

The Khojaly tragedy is one of the darkest pages of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. On the night of 25–26 February 1992, the city of Khojaly was wiped off the map.

The visit to the Khojaly Genocide Memorial was of particular importance because, according to Azerbaijani accounts, the Armenian forces advancing on Khojaly, with the support of fully equipped military vehicles, carried out a genocidal massacre against the Azerbaijani population. As a result of the Khojaly genocide, 613 people were killed, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people. A total of 1,275 people were taken captive, and the fate of 150 individuals remains unknown. These figures have been cited in numerous academic studies, including those of Mustafayeva, N. (2013), the French expert J. M. Brun (2023), and Gasimov, D. D. (2010).

Human Rights Watch states in a report:

“A large part of the population, accompanied by about a dozen retreating fighters, fled the town as Armenian troops approached.”

The Khojaly massacre is described by Human Rights Watch as:

“the largest massacre of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

According to Azerbaijani sources, as a result of Armenia’s occupation policy launched more than twenty-five years ago, 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory was occupied. More than 20,000 Azerbaijani citizens were killed, over 50,000 were wounded, taken captive, or disabled, and more than one million citizens were forcibly displaced from their homes. Hundreds of settlements, around 6,000 industrial and agricultural enterprises, more than 4,000 cultural institutions, nearly 700 schools, as well as museums and libraries, were destroyed. The damage inflicted on the Azerbaijani economy exceeded 22 billion US dollars.

(2) The Visit to Victory Park in Khankendi

The Zəfər Parkı (Victory Park) in Khankendi was inaugurated on 24 December 2025. It commemorates the victory of the 44-Day War with impressive structures. A staircase of 44 steps leads from the central square of the park to the triumphal arch, with each step representing one day of the conflict.

This symbolizes the strength of the Azerbaijani armed forces and the fact that they succeeded in recovering the occupied territories in only 44 days. It clearly demonstrates the strength of the Azerbaijani army and that, if it had wished, it could have directly attacked Armenia. However, its objective was solely to recover its occupied territories and not to make claims on Armenian lands.

The forum also highlighted two other important points.

Azerbaijan’s Desire to Establish Peace with Armenia

“Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed a peace agreement at the White House in the presence of President Trump.”

“More than 40,000 tons of different cargo have been transported to Armenia from Russia, from Kazakhstan, and from other destinations.”

“Especially now, when many countries are suffering from limited access to fuel, Armenia has a reliable source in Azerbaijan.”

These statements were made by the Azerbaijani President during the question-and-answer session.

An Implicit Message: Decolonization and the Fight Against Colonial Empires

The Congolese journalist Cedrick Aundu (Voice of Congo) asked Azerbaijani President H.E. Ilham Aliyev:

“What is your view on how independent media can challenge colonial and neo-colonial narratives?”

The President replied that truly independent media constitute a powerful voice capable of overcoming the political and economic influences and controls that can weigh on oppressed nations and peoples. He also emphasized that Azerbaijan suffered during Russian and Soviet domination and that only after gaining independence did it prosper and become ready to emerge as a middle power.

Furthermore, during the gala dinner, the Azerbaijani government invited dancers from French Polynesia to perform and showcase their culture. The colonization of French Polynesia began in May 1842 with the establishment of a protectorate over Tahiti. French Polynesia was re-inscribed on the United Nations list of territories to be decolonized on 17 May 2013. France did not accept this re-inscription and has systematically boycotted meetings of the UN Committee of 24, unlike sessions dedicated to New Caledonia.

Is this a clear message directed at France and other colonial powers? These same powers often accuse and criticize Azerbaijan, damaging its image during the Karabakh conflict, while Baku strongly criticizes what it describes as Paris’s “neo-colonial” policies and actively supports independence movements.

Conclusion

The Shusha Global Media Forum therefore served not only as a platform for discussing journalism and media practices, but also as a venue through which Azerbaijan showcased its reconstruction efforts, articulated its geopolitical vision, defended its interpretation of recent history, and promoted its broader message regarding sovereignty, peace, and decolonization.

Bibliography

Brun, J. M. (2023). IV. La récente occupation du Karabakh. Hors collection, 111-153.

Gasimov, D. D. (2010). Le conflit arméno-azerbaïdjanais: l'impuissance ou l'indifférence de la communauté internationale?. Guerres mondiales et conflits contemporains, 240(4), 101-111.

Human Rights Watch. (1993). Human Rights Watch World Report 1993. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/legacy/reports/1993/WR93/Hsw-07.htm#P315_106925 [hrw.org]

Mustafayeva, N. (2013). Hocalı Katliamının Bir Genosit Olduğuna Dair Uluslararası Hukuki Deliller. Fırat Üniversitesi Orta Doğu Araştırmaları Dergisi, 9(2), 105-111.

The United States has resumed daytime airstrikes on Iran, marking a new escalation in the ongoing conflict centered around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
According to information from US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including missile systems and coastal defenses, aimingto reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial vessels passing through the waterway. The renewed hostilities come after a series of attacks on shipping in the strait, which Washington attributes to Iran.

The situation has deteriorated rapidly following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement which were also linked to negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Both sides accuse each other of violating the deal, and diplomatic efforts have largely stalled.
Iran has responded by launching strikes against U.S. positions in the Gulf region and warning that it could block the key energy export route. Tehran has also threatened broader disruption to oil and gas flows, raising concerns about global supply and price stability.
At the center of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of the world’s oil passes. Recent hostilities, including reported attacks on commercial ships and the temporary closure of the waterway — have already shaken international markets and heightened fears of a wider regional conflict in which more countries would be dragged.

U.S. leadership has indicated that further military action is possible if Iran does not return to negotiations, while Iran insists it will not engage in talks under pressure. As tensions continue to rise, the risk of prolonged confrontation and its global economic consequences remains high.

Ambassador G. Barış Tantekin opened the event by framing July 15 as a "defining moment" for the Republic of Türkiye. Emphasizing the nation's commitment to democracy, he highlighted that Türkiye has emerged more resilient and stable a decade later.

Ambassador Tantekin noted that while Türkiye maintains absolute resolve in its fight against terrorism, the threat posed by the outlawed Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) extends beyond national borders. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation with international partners and NATO allies to combat such global networks.

Distinguishing July 15 from Historical Patterns

A central theme of the panel was the uniqueness of the 2016 events compared to Türkiye’s history of military interventions. Professor Dr. Murat Yeşiltaş provided a historical anatomy of the failed coup, noting that previous interventions were typically characterized by military cohesion and successful efforts to impose military tutelage.

"July 15, 2016, broke this historical pattern," Professor Yeşiltaş explained. He pointed to three fundamental differences. First, total State Capture: unlike past attempts aimed at replacing a government, the objective of the rogue faction was to capture the entire state apparatus; Second, the Nature of the Organization: FETÖ operated as a secretive, messianic cult that bypassed the military chain of command, answering instead to civilian handlers; and the last, Societal Resistance: perhaps most importantly, the event triggered unprecedented elite and societal cohesion. Ordinary citizens, political parties, and the media united in defense of democratic institutions, shifting the custody of democracy firmly back into the hands of the people.

Defending the Sovereign Will

Dr. Ravza Kavakçı Kan offered a personal account of the night, describing the terror of witnessing the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye being bombed. She detailed the "Transformers-like" adaptability of the cult, which allowed them to infiltrate state institutions over several decades.

Reflecting on the public reaction, Dr. Kavakçı Kan described the courage of ordinary citizens—men, women, and teenagers—who faced down tanks to protect their country. She underscored the significance of the Parliament remaining in session despite the bombardment, framing it as the ultimate triumph of a nation’s sovereign will over violence.

A Mutiny Against the State

Associate Professor Dr. Murat Aslan provided a technical military perspective, arguing that the term "mutiny" is more precise than "coup attempt" in describing the events.

"In a traditional coup, the military acts as a cohesive institution," Dr. Aslan noted. "On July 15, a rogue faction subverted the constitutional chain of command."

He highlighted the systematic nature of FETÖ’s infiltration, noting that their operatives were strategically placed not only in the military but across the judiciary, law enforcement, and civil service. Dr. Aslan emphasized that the group utilized a unique, indoctrinated belief system that enabled members to rationalize illegal and violent acts as serving a "higher purpose."

A Decade of Reflection

Ten years later, the forum served as a reminder of the raw emotions and the significant lessons learned. The event underscored a shared consensus among the speakers: July 15 was a turning point that ended the era of military tutelage and solidified a collective democratic consciousness in Türkiye. As the panel concluded, the focus remained on the resilience of the people and the ongoing commitment to protecting the nation's democratic future.

"The forum is exceptionally well organized," Gordon said. "It is an outstanding platform because it brings together an extraordinary number of leading journalists from countries around the world."

Beyond discussing the role of international media, the conversation turned to the relationship between Ukraine and Azerbaijan—a partnership Gordon believes has been strengthened by shared historical experiences and mutual understanding.

In his view, Azerbaijan's restoration of its territorial integrity has become an important example for Ukraine as it continues its own struggle to reclaim territories occupied by Russia.

"Azerbaijan has shown Ukraine that it is possible to restore territories that were once occupied," he said. "The country accomplished this brilliantly, and Ukrainians applaud Azerbaijan for that achievement."

While acknowledging that Ukraine's path remains difficult, Gordon expressed confidence that his country will ultimately achieve the same objective.

"I believe Ukraine will also succeed," he noted. "We are working every day toward the return of our temporarily occupied territories, and I am convinced that the world will one day applaud Ukraine as well."

The interview also focused on Azerbaijan's support for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Gordon expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance and political solidarity shown by the Azerbaijani people, describing it as deeply meaningful for millions of Ukrainians.

"On behalf of millions of Ukrainians, I would like to thank Azerbaijan for the tremendous support it has provided to Ukraine and its people," he said.

He also singled out President Ilham Aliyev, praising his understanding of Ukraine's situation and his continued support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"I am especially grateful to President Ilham Aliyev," Gordon said. "He understands very well what Ukraine is going through and continues to do a great deal to support our country. Just as Azerbaijan once restored its own occupied territories, Ukraine is determined to restore all of ours."

Concluding the interview, Gordon reaffirmed his confidence in the future of bilateral relations between Kyiv and Baku, emphasizing that cooperation between the two countries extends beyond diplomacy and reflects a shared commitment to sovereignty, resilience, and international law.

"Long live Ukraine, and long live Ukraine–Azerbaijan relations," he concluded.

As discussions at the 4th Global Media Forum highlighted the growing role of journalism in an increasingly interconnected world, Gordon's remarks served as a reminder that media platforms are not only spaces for exchanging ideas, but also for strengthening international partnerships and giving voice to shared aspirations for peace, security, and freedom.

Interview conducted by Derya Soysal for EUReflect Media during the 4th Global Media Forum in Shusha, Azerbaijan.

The US war against Iran escalated yet another time after commercial shipping came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz with fears arising over new hostilities which would cause chaos for the global economy.

Previously the United Arab Emirates said that two of their oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles while going through the waterway. As a result of the attack, one crewman was killed while eight others were injured while a fire broke out on both ships. UAE’s Ministry of Defense called this a breach of international law and said that it reserves the right to take the necessary measures to protect the country’s interests.

An exchange of strikes began between US and Iran. US Central Command reported that it carried out an operation in the south of Iran which took 5 hours, targeting a wide range of targets. At the same time Iran said that it attacked a vessel belonging to the US as well as US military sites in Bahrein and Kuwait. 4 Iranian missiles crossed into the airspace of Jordan and were intercepted, as was reported by the country’s authorities.

This happens before the new US blockade of the Strait will take place, as was previously announced by President Trump. According to him, the blockade will block ships traveling to and from Iranian ports, while letting all of the other ships to pass. He also said that USA would become the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait” and proposed imposing a 20% charge on commercial cargo passing through.

While ships still navigate through the waterway, fears arise of new unpredictable developments that could again cause a rise in oil prices and, as a consequence, prices of other products worldwide.

This Monday the 13th of July, an interview with the ambassador of China to Belgium, His Excellency Fei Shengchao was held at Press Club in the heart of the European quarter of Brussels. The presentation was an occasion to highlight the 105th anniversary of the leadership of China by the Communist Party and thus the ambassador shared a recollection of modern China success story and all the challenges they overcame through the century. He stated the similarities between the EU and China and that China also believes in democracy and freedom of the press. The conversation was then oriented towards the possibilities of economic partnerships between the EU and China and the existing threshold restraining closer cooperations.

The speech moderated by Catherine Feore, Brussels editor of EU Reporter, was then followed by a Q&A with the public.

The first finalist of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be decided tonight. France, finalists in the last two tournaments, and Spain, the reigning European champions, take the field to determine who advances to the final. But this match is far more than a semifinal — it is a reckoning between the two nations that have shaped world football more than any other over the past two decades.

The Two Nations That Defined Modern Football

France and Spain have jointly shaped the direction of world football since the early 2000s. Spain's two European Championships and one World Cup between 2008 and 2012 turned "tiki-taka" possession football into a global coaching standard, permanently altering how the game is taught around the world. France, meanwhile, with World Cup titles in 1998 and 2018, a multicultural squad and an unbroken production line of stars from Zidane to Mbappe, is regarded as the most consistent footballing power of the last quarter century. Beyond their national teams, both countries also built the modern game through La Liga and Ligue 1's global pipelines for young talent.

A Rivalry That Extends Beyond the Pitch: Even Politicians Are Watching

This rivalry has spilled well beyond the football world and into politics. Ahead of the tournament, former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, an ex-leader of the center-right People's Party, criticized the number of players of immigrant background on the French national team, sparking a political controversy between the two countries. The remarks drew wide attention, and current Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was also drawn into the dispute. That a single semifinal can prompt a former head of government to weigh in — and a sitting one to respond — is perhaps the clearest sign of just how far the France-Spain rivalry reaches beyond 90 minutes on the field.

The Road to Tonight

France topped their group before eliminating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco to reach a third consecutive World Cup semifinal. Les Bleus have scored 16 goals on their way here, led up front by Kylian Mbappe (8 goals) and Ousmane Dembele (5 goals).

Spain topped their own group and knocked out Austria, Portugal and Belgium to reach the final four, conceding just a single goal across the tournament — a testament to their defensive discipline. Young star Lamine Yamal and captain Rodri remain La Roja's most decisive figures.

Likely Lineups

🔵🔴 France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe

🔴🟡 Spain: Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal

History Favors Spain

Recent head-to-head statistics show a clear edge for Spain over France:

• Spain has won 7 of the last 10 meetings, with 1 draw and 2 losses.

• Spain won 4 of the last 6 matches, and 3 of the last 4.

• The two sides also met at this same stage — the semifinal — at UEFA EURO 2024, where Spain came out on top en route to the title.

• France, however, holds one wild memory of its own: in one of their recent meetings, France lost a thrilling 5-4 encounter.

• Lamine Yamal has scored 3 goals in his two career appearances against France.

What's at Stake

The winner advances to the final on Sunday, July 19, where they will face the winner of the England-Argentina semifinal for the World Cup title.

Shusha, the historic city, has hosted top journalists, policy makers, technology experts and media professionals from all over the world for the fourth consecutive year. Shusha is now a unique place of peace, reconstruction and national revival, which survived for decades with the scars of conflict. Under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, it has undergone a transformation that has been recognized internationally and has demonstrated Azerbaijan’s resolve to not only rebuild structures, but to rebuild culture and humanity as well.

A Visionary Message from President Ilham Aliyev

In his opening speech, President Ilham Aliyev underlined that Shusha is itself a symbol of the power of truth, resistance and reconstruction. He underlined the city’s unique rehabilitation from devastation to a prosperous cultural and intellectual hub, setting an example of Azerbaijan’s unyielding dedication to peace, development and cooperation with the international community.

President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s stance on a just and lasting peace in the South Caucasus, in accordance to international law and mutual respect and regional stability. He also highlighted the increasing strategic value of Azerbaijan’s Middle Corridor, which plays a vital role as a reliable link between Europe and Asia in the new geopolitical context.

His speech was an expression of Azerbaijan’s inclusive approach of spreading dialogue rather than division, cooperation rather than confrontation, and facts rather than misinformation.

Shusha: A Global Platform for Responsible Media

With its steady development, the Shusha Global Media Forum has become one of the most important international events in the region, dedicated to the future of journalism and digital communication, which is the consistent efforts of the Government of Azerbaijan. Nearly 160 participants from 53 countries gathered this year to join in a discussion that included participation by governments, media, academia, technology companies, and international institutions to consider the issues raised in the era of AI, misinformation and a loss of public trust.

Foreign Policy Affairs Department Assistant to the President and Head of the Department Hikmet Hajiyev said that Shusha is a good place for conducting discussions as it has a rich cultural and literary tradition, and has a long history of activities in the fields of journalism and intellectualism. He stressed the need for trust to be rebuilt, highlighting that this will depend on responsible journalism, effective international collaboration, and a multi-faceted approach to combating disinformation and hate speech and fostering positive dialogue between countries.

Prioritizing the Well-Being of Future Generations

The discussion on safeguarding children and young people in the digital age was one of the most progressive discussions held during the forum. The participants discussed how cyberbullying, manipulative online algorithms, and new technologies involving artificial intelligence affect the children and teenagers in their care, and the importance of finding a balance between innovation and safety, individual freedoms, and parent responsibility.

The dialogue highlighted Azerbaijan’s active participation in global initiatives and discussions on online safety and digital ethics, showing the government’s commitment to contributing to a meaningful dialogue on future issues that have international implications.

AI, Cybersecurity and Digital Trust

The forum covered a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity, platform responsibility, and artificial intelligence. The experts of the State Cybersecurity Agency of Azerbaijan, AI experts from around the world and representatives of major IT infrastructure platforms discussed issues related to combating deepfakes, the protection of personal data, increasing digital literacy and strengthening the accountability of platform.

The Government of Azerbaijan also shared the work in progress on the modernization of cybersecurity legislation, that would provide enhancement of digital information environment security and resilience. International technology companies’ involvement in the event showed Azerbaijan’s readiness for inclusive and multi-stakeholder dialogue to solve the emerging technological challenges.

Expanding International Media Cooperation

The forum of “Shusha” was also used to consolidate cooperation among the international community. The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation presented a detailed media cooperation plan during the event, which was presented by the D-8 Organization’s Secretary General Sohail Mahmood and the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev. The initiative’s plans involve putting in place a Media Centre of Excellence for the capacity building of media practitioners, research, innovation and countering disinformation in member countries.

It is contributing to Azerbaijan’s active cooperation in the field of media development and cooperation within the region.

A Symbol of Peace, Progress and Global Dialogue

The ongoing success of the Shusha Global Media Forum is further demonstration to Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a responsible member of the international community to tackle complex information challenges. In the era of President Ilham Aliyev and the thorough work of the Government of Azerbaijan in reconstruction, diplomacy, and engagement with the international community, Shusha has become an esteemed platform for titanic debates on key global problems related to media, artificial intelligence, cyber security and peace in a constructive manner.

The forum is also symbolic of Azerbaijan’s vision of creating practical international cooperation that will contribute to responsible journalism and enhance citizens’ trust, technological innovation and peaceful dialogue among countries.

The country’s efforts to build platforms like the Shusha Global Media Forum underscore Azerbaijan’s dedication to positive contributions to a more transparent, secure, and trustworthy global media landscape as AI transforms the information landscape.

When asked what message he would like to send to Europeans as the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Ambassador Puzder stressed that recent achievements demonstrate the strength and resilience of the transatlantic alliance.

"If you look at the last 30 or 60 days," he said, "the United States and the European Union have entered into the largest trade agreement in the history of the world to stabilize the largest trade relationship in the world."

According to the Ambassador, the agreement represents a significant milestone in reinforcing economic ties between Washington and Brussels while providing greater certainty for businesses and investors on both sides of the Atlantic.

Beyond trade, Ambassador Puzder highlighted the growing strategic cooperation on critical resources. He pointed to the recently concluded Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals, which is intended to strengthen the resilience of both economies by securing access to essential raw materials and reducing dependence on external actors.

"We can ring-fence our economy on critical minerals and not be coerced by China, which currently has significant control over critical minerals," he explained.

The Ambassador also emphasized a new initiative known as XCeliga, describing it as a framework for cooperation between the United States, the European Union, and other like-minded partners. The initiative focuses on strengthening collaboration in strategic industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, resilient supply chains, critical minerals, and emerging artificial intelligence technologies.

Taken together, Ambassador Puzder said, these initiatives illustrate that the transatlantic partnership continues to deepen despite public narratives suggesting otherwise.

"While you hear a lot of press about this is happening or that's happening, the reality is we had a great G7 meeting, we had a great NATO meeting, and we entered into three very significant agreements that bring Europe and the United States closer together, not further apart," he stated.

His remarks reflect the growing importance of U.S.–EU cooperation in addressing today's geopolitical and economic challenges. As global competition intensifies and technological innovation reshapes international markets, both partners are increasingly investing in coordinated policies aimed at strengthening economic security, technological leadership, and resilient supply chains.

The celebration of America's 250th anniversary therefore served not only as a commemoration of the nation's history but also as an opportunity to reaffirm the enduring strategic partnership between the United States and Europe. Ambassador Puzder's message was clear: despite challenges, the relationship remains robust and continues to evolve through concrete agreements that advance shared prosperity and collective security.

Interview conducted by EUReflect Media during the Brussels Liberty Network Summer Reception in Brussels.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) – which is a non-governmental organization concerned with charity and humanitarian medical care – in a statement condemned systematic targeting of Ukrainian medical facilities by Russia in its ongoing invasion.

In its statement MSF reports that between April 2022 and December 2025 more than 20 attacks on on medical charity facilities happened. Aside from the facilities themselves, MSF states that their personnel is also targeted. These action look like a part of a “deliberate strategy to destroy the healthcare system and collectively punish the population”. Organization warns that these attacks are to consistent to look accidental, creating a pattern which itself speaks of their deliberate intent.

Data from World Health Organization (WHO) shows that from the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and until the end of 2025, 2,815 attacks on healthcare were documented. A major part of these attacks involved heavy weaponry, while 2,319 attacks impacted facilities, though WHO does not name the who committed the attacks. Information from the UN agency counts the casualties as 224 deaths with 902 injured.

Ministry of Health of Ukraine provides its data, according to which during the same period 2,500 medical facilities were damage by Russian attacks with 327 of them completely destroyed.

MSF states, that such tendency denies medical care for several groups of people at the same time deteriorating the quality of remaining medical services. The organization called for UN Security council investigation on the matter and called on both sides of the war to respect the international humanitarian law.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final week with a semi-final line-up that would satisfy any football purist. Tomorrow, 14 July at 21:00 CEST, France face Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Twenty-four hours later, on Wednesday, 15 July at 21:00 CEST, England meet reigning champions Argentina at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Both matches kick off at 15:00 Eastern Time, in the afternoon heat of the American summer, with both venues equipped with retractable roofs. The three co- hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States, were all eliminated in the Round of 16, leaving four European and South American heavyweights to fight it out for a place in the final on Sunday, 19 July.

France vs Spain

The first semi-final brings together the two teams currently sitting at the top of FIFA's live rankings. France, the 2018 world champions, arrive in Arlington after one of the most convincing runs in the tournament. Didier Deschamps's side won all three of their Group I matches, beating Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0 and Norway 4-1, before dispatching Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging past Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16. In the quarter-final, goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé sealed a 2-0 victory over Morocco in Boston. France have not trailed in a single match at this World Cup and have outscored their opponents 14 to 2, a defensive record that speaks as much to the discipline of Deschamps's back line as to the firepower of Mbappé, who is currently level with Lionel Messi at the top of the tournament's scoring chart on eight goals.

Spain arrive on a run that few teams in world football can match. Luis de la Fuente's side have not lost a competitive international match in more than a year and have not conceded a goal since the start of the tournament until the quarter-final. Spain topped Group H with wins over Saudi Arabia (4-0) and Uruguay (1-0) and a draw against Cape Verde, then swept aside Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32. In the Round of 16, a stoppage- time winner ended Portugal's tournament and, most likely, Cristiano Ronaldo's international career. In Los Angeles, the Spanish edged past Belgium 2-1 to reach the last four. Around the veteran spine of Rodri, Pedri and Nico Williams, the nineteen-year- old Lamine Yamal has again been decisive, adding to a reputation built on his performances in Euro 2024 and the last Nations League.

The two sides have met eleven times in modern era competition, with Spain holding a slight edge overall. The three most recent meetings capture the current rhythm of the rivalry perfectly. In October 2021, France won the UEFA Nations League Final in Milan 2-1, with Mbappé scoring the decisive goal. In July 2024, Spain took revenge in the Euro 2024 semi-final in Munich, winning 2-1 on their way to lifting the trophy. In June 2025, the two sides produced a nine-goal Nations League semi-final in Stuttgart that ended 5- 4 for Spain, with Yamal scoring twice. FIFA's live win probability model gives France a slight edge for Tuesday, at just under 41 percent, with Spain at 30 percent and a draw at 29 percent. The reality, as the last three meetings suggest, is that this fixture rarely produces anything less than drama.

England vs Argentina

The second semi-final is loaded with history. England reach the last four for the fourth time in their history and for the second time in three tournaments, still chasing their first World Cup title since 1966. Thomas Tuchel's side came through Group L with wins over Croatia (4-2) and Panama (2-0) and a scoreless draw against Ghana, then beat DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 and Mexico 3-2 in the Round of 16. Against Norway in the Miami quarter-final, Jude Bellingham scored a brace to overturn a Norwegian lead and secure a 2-1 win after extra time, in a heavyweight midfield duel with Martin Ødegaard and a striker battle featuring Erling Haaland. Around Bellingham, Tuchel has built his tournament on the composure of Declan Rice, the width of Bukayo Saka, and a back line marshalled by Marc Guéhi and John Stones.

Argentina, the reigning champions, remain the team no one wants to face. Lionel Scaloni's side won all three Group J matches, before edging Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time in the Round of 32 and Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. In the quarter-final in Kansas City, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring against Switzerland, Julián Álvarez sealed the win with a 112th-minute strike, and Lautaro Martínez added a third for a 3-1 result. Lionel Messi, at thirty-nine, is playing in what is expected to be his final major tournament, is currently the tournament's joint top scorer on eight goals, and is one match away from a second consecutive World Cup final. Argentina are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.

The occasion carries a weight that goes beyond either squad. It is the first competitive meeting between Argentina and England since a friendly in November 2005, and only the fifth World Cup meeting in history between the two nations, with the head-to-head record tied at two wins each. From Sir Geoff Hurst's 1966 quarter-final to Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" in 1986, from David Beckham's red card in 1998 to his penalty in 2002, the fixture carries almost as much folklore as any in international football. Most strikingly, this will be the first time in his career that Lionel Messi faces the England national team. Despite more than two hundred matches for Argentina and more than a hundred and twenty goals, he was not part of the 2005 friendly, and the two sides have not crossed paths since. "Matches against the big national teams are always special, and I've never played against England before," Messi said after the win against Switzerland. "So it will be a unique game." FIFA's model puts England at just under 37 percent, Argentina at just under 32 percent, and a draw at almost the same figure.

The Final

The winners of both semi-finals will travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday, 19 July, kick-off 21:00 CEST (15:00 ET). The venue is MetLife Stadium, branded during the tournament as New York New Jersey Stadium, situated just eight kilometres west of New York City. The stadium is normally home to the New York Giants and New York Jets of the National Football League, and had 1,740 seats removed to comply with FIFA requirements, bringing capacity to roughly 82,500 for the final. The two losing semi-finalists will meet the day before, on Saturday, 18 July, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for the third-place play-off.

For Argentina, this is a shot at back-to-back titles for the first time in more than sixty years. For France, it is a chance to claim a third World Cup and confirm a decade of dominance. For Spain, a first title since 2010 would crown a generational rebuild. For England, it would end sixty years of waiting.

Two matches, four contenders, one trophy.

The primary catalyst for this financial inclusion revolution has been the proliferation of mobile phones and internet access across the developing world. According to the Global Findex Digital Connectivity Tracker 2025, 86 percent of adults worldwide now own a mobile phone, including 68 percent who own smartphones, while in low- and middle-income economies, 84 percent of adults own personal mobile phones. Critically, approximately 900 million adults without financial accounts nevertheless possess mobile phones, including 530 million with smartphones, representing an enormous opportunity for digital financial inclusion since the infrastructure is already in many people's hands. Internet use has also expanded dramatically, with 67 percent of adults in low- and middle-income economies using the internet in the past three months, and 92 percent of smartphone owners accessing the internet primarily through their devices. This connectivity revolution has created the foundation upon which digital financial services can be built, enabling millions to leapfrog traditional banking infrastructure and access financial services directly through their mobile devices.

Mobile money has emerged as the most transformative financial innovation for emerging markets, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where it has become the dominant form of financial access, outnumbering traditional deposit accounts by more than two to one. The IMF's Financial Access Survey 2025 reveals that digital transactions in Emerging Market and Developing Economies more than quadrupled between 2017 and 2024, with adoption accelerating sharply after 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic drove behavioral shifts across regions. GSMA's State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2025 documents that registered mobile money accounts reached 2.3 billion globally in 2025, growing by 268 million new accounts, while monthly active accounts rose 15 percent to 593 million, marking the strongest growth since 2021. Global mobile money transactions surpassed $2 trillion in 2025, doubling in value in just four years, with the industry taking twenty years to reach its first trillion dollars in annual transaction value but only four years to double that figure. Juniper Research projects that the total number of mobile money users in emerging markets will exceed 1.2 billion in 2025, up from 980 million in 2020, equating to just under 30 percent of all mobile phone users across emerging markets. Major operators are driving this growth at significant scale, with MTN MoMo processing more than half a trillion dollars in 2025, Safaricom's M-Pesa generating revenue of 161.1 billion Kenyan shillings from 37.1 million users, and Orange Money seeing transaction values more than double from $50 billion in 2021 to $178 billion in 2024.

Digital financial services are not just about opening accounts but fundamentally changing how people save, pay, and borrow, with perhaps the most striking development being the surge in formal savings. In 2024, 40 percent of adults in developing economies saved in a financial account, marking a 16-percentage-point increase since 2021, representing the fastest growth in over a decade. Mobile money accounts are significantly contributing to this trend, with 10 percent of adults in developing economies now using a mobile-money account to save, a 5-percentage-point increase from 2021. The World Bank documented cases in Malawi where people living in thatched huts with no electricity purchased used phones specifically to open mobile money accounts to save money, having previously lost their cash savings to floods, illustrating how digital savings accounts provide not just convenience but essential security for vulnerable populations. Digital payments have become the most widely used financial service, with 61 percent of adults across low- and middle-income economies making or receiving a digital payment in 2024, representing a 27-percentage-point increase since 2014, while digital merchant payments grew to 42 percent of all adults in 2024, more than doubling in some economies. However, significant gaps remain, with only 42 percent of adults in low- and middle-income countries paying merchants digitally in 2024, leaving almost six in ten transactions in cash, and the picture is even starker in South Asia at 15 percent and Sub-Saharan Africa at 20 percent.

The economic potential of digital financial inclusion is substantial, with McKinsey estimating that widespread digital finance adoption could add up to 6 percent to GDP in emerging economies, with countries that have the lowest current levels of financial inclusion standing to gain the most. Nigeria could see GDP increases of up to 12.4 percent, India up to 11.8 percent, and Ethiopia up to 9.9 percent, while the potential extends to an estimated 95 million new jobs across emerging economies, with two-thirds of these being full-time salaried or wage-paying positions. Academic research confirms these findings, demonstrating that increased access to digital financial services correlates strongly with improvements in GDP per capita, employment generation, and entrepreneurial activity, with FinTech having a significantly positive impact on economic growth, particularly in G20 plus emerging economies. Digital financial services are also helping to narrow the gender gap in account ownership, with 77 percent of women now having financial accounts compared to 81 percent of men, and women's account ownership in low- and middle-income countries nearly doubling from 37 percent in 2011 to 73 percent in 2024. However, the gender gap in account ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa remains 12 percentage points, three times the global average, and in South Asia, women are 15 percentage points less likely than men to use digital payments, highlighting persistent disparities that require targeted interventions.

Despite the remarkable progress, significant challenges remain that threaten to limit the transformative potential of digital financial inclusion. An estimated 300 million accounts sit idle, with formal finance still failing to meet users' needs, and globally only about one in four registered mobile money accounts are active on a 30-day basis, meaning nearly 75 percent of registered accounts remain inactive every month. The most common reason for not having an account is lack of money, cited by 59 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa for mobile money accounts, while high fees and transaction costs, distance to financial institutions, lack of necessary documentation, low digital literacy, and cost of devices and high data costs all serve as barriers to adoption and active usage. Cybersecurity risks pose another major threat, with fraud attempts rising at an alarming rate of 180 percent annually in some contexts, identity fraud affecting 90 percent of mobile money providers, and losses to online theft reaching an estimated $883 million in Kenya in 2023. Infrastructure limitations persist, with only 58 percent of developing regions having stable internet connectivity, and the cost of devices remaining the biggest barrier to smartphone ownership, while nearly one-quarter of mobile phone owners in low- and middle-income economies have SIM cards registered in someone else's name, posing a barrier to accessing certain digital services.

However, Digital Public Infrastructure including digital identity systems, fast payment systems, and data-sharing frameworks is emerging as a critical enabler, with the Asian Development Bank estimating it can reduce administrative costs by up to 50 percent, improve service delivery by 30 to 40 percent, and expand financial inclusion by up to 60 percent in low- and middle-income countries, providing a path forward through interoperable systems and robust regulatory frameworks that balance oversight with operational flexibility. The path forward requires moving from access to agency, ensuring that people not only have accounts but use them meaningfully to build savings, access credit, manage risk, and invest in their futures, with sustained commitment from governments, regulators, financial institutions, and technology providers working together to build the digital public infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and financial literacy programs that will enable everyone to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

In my view, this decision deserves careful assessment. It could mark the beginning of a genuine transformation in climate governance, or it could become another ambitious legal commitment that proves difficult to implement in practice.

Approved by Parliament in May 2026 and scheduled to enter into force in January 2027, the law establishes a unified legal framework for climate governance. It covers greenhouse gas emissions reduction, climate adaptation, climate finance mechanisms, scientific research, and technology transfer. It also aims to strengthen Kyrgyzstan's ability to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The true significance of this legislation lies not only in being the first of its kind in Central Asia but also in its timing. Kyrgyzstan is experiencing accelerated glacier melting, temperatures rising faster than the global average, and the degradation of nearly 70% of its pastures. These are not merely environmental concerns; they represent direct threats to water security, food security, and long-term economic and social stability.

However, climate legislation should not be judged by the quality of its legal text alone. Its real value lies in its ability to reshape public policy, direct investment, and build institutions capable of implementation, monitoring, and accountability.

What is particularly noteworthy is that Kyrgyzstan has chosen to establish a climate legislative framework before securing all the financial resources likely required for its implementation. This reflects an emerging understanding that strong institutions and sound legislation can precede financing—and may even serve as a catalyst for attracting climate finance and sustainable investment rather than simply resulting from them.

Strategically, the law also enhances Kyrgyzstan's prospects of attracting international climate finance. It sends a clear signal to institutions such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Green Climate Fund that the country is committed to building a transparent and predictable regulatory framework. In a region where states increasingly compete for influence and investment, climate policy could become an important diplomatic and economic asset alongside energy and transport. Countries with clear legislation and stable regulatory environments are generally better positioned to attract green investment.

The law also contributes to establishing a modern climate governance system through emissions monitoring, climate risk assessment, and the integration of climate objectives into broader economic and development policies.

Nevertheless, the law's success will ultimately depend on what happens after it enters into force. The real challenge is not passing legislation but translating it into practical policies and projects. Kyrgyzstan will need to strengthen its institutions, mobilize adequate financial resources, and create an environment that encourages private-sector participation in the green economy. If it succeeds, the law could become the foundation of genuine transformation rather than merely a symbolic legislative achievement.

I believe this legislation has the potential to become more than a national milestone. If Kyrgyzstan successfully implements it through clear action plans, measurable performance indicators, and transparent reporting, it could encourage Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan to adopt similar legal frameworks. Competition in Central Asia would then extend beyond traditional trade routes and energy corridors to include leadership in the green transition and the ability to attract international climate finance and sustainable investment.

Ultimately, the law itself is not the victory—it is the opportunity. The difference between success and failure will be determined by implementation, not legislation alone. Kyrgyzstan now has the legal framework; the remaining question is whether it possesses the political commitment and institutional capacity to translate it into tangible results. The year 2027 will provide the first real test. It will reveal whether this law becomes a turning point for climate governance in Central Asia or remains an ambitious piece of legislation that never moves beyond paper.

The Prime Minister of Iceland, Kristrún Frostadóttir, who attended the NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Ankara, rapidly became one of the most widely discussed figures of the summit, owing both to the public attention generated by her appearances and to her informal engagements during the visit. Holding the distinction of being the youngest prime minister in Icelandic history, the 36-year-old leader attracted considerable attention from the Turkish public through her understated demeanor and approachable manner. This heightened interest was subsequently reflected in her social media presence, with her follower count surpassing 225,000 in the aftermath of the summit.

Attention Drawn by Her Conduct at the Presidential Complex

Frostadóttir's evident interest in her surroundings upon arriving at the reception held at the Presidential Complex quickly attracted widespread attention on social media. The natural, unaffected manner in which the young leader observed the details around her resonated positively with online audiences. This response can be attributed to a demeanor that preserved a sense of authenticity despite the formality of the occasion; rather than appearing as a calculated display, her conduct was perceived as a genuine expression of curiosity, which contributed to a favorable public perception.

Visit to Ankara Castle Resonated with Local Tradespeople

Departing from strict diplomatic protocol, Frostadóttir visited Ankara Castle, where she engaged with local tradespeople and was welcomed with a traditional regional dance. Local artisans, including a coppersmith who greeted her with a folk dance, expressed their appreciation for the gesture, and the visit was met with considerable approval among Turkish social media users. Her willingness to step outside the confines of a rigid diplomatic itinerary and engage directly with the public has been identified as a key factor reinforcing her image as an accessible and relatable leader.

Maturity at a Young Age and a Compelling Public Presence

Having transitioned from a career in economics to national leadership and become her country's youngest prime minister within a relatively short span of time, Frostadóttir's trajectory reflects considerable determination and strategic acumen. Her ability to stand out among more experienced heads of state at an international summit was achieved through a composed, self-assured, yet unassuming manner. Furthermore, her capacity to balance an intensive political schedule with family life as a mother of two has positioned her as an inspiring role model, particularly among young women and younger generations.

Social Media Following Increased Substantially

Prior to the summit, the Icelandic Prime Minister's Instagram account had approximately 19,000 followers; following the summit, this figure rose sharply, surpassing 225,000. Turkish users engaged extensively with her posts, leaving numerous favorable comments that characterized her as an inspiring, resolute, and charismatic example of leadership for younger generations. Taken together, these developments suggest that Frostadóttir's rise in public visibility was not merely the product of a fleeting viral moment, but rather the outcome of a consistent, warm, and self-assured public presence.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, who is the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of Ukraine since February 2024 in a post in his Telegram channel said that it is too early to say that the turning point has occurred in Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In his post Syrskyi pointed out that although the Ukrainian defenders managed to significantly slow down the advance of the Russians, the enemy should not be underestimated.

He said that Moscow did not abandon its plans to completely occupy the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, at the same time aiming to expand their operations in the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Another of aggressor’s plans is the one to established what it calls a “buffer zone” in the northern territories of Ukraine bordering Russia (Kharkiv, Sumy and Chernihiv regions).

This happens in the backdrop of mutual aerial attacks both sides are conducting against each other with different weaponry such as rockets and drones. In recent weeks Russia attacked Ukrainian cities away from the frontline several times, including ruinous attacks on the capital city of Kyiv, causing numerous civilian deaths and injuries as well as damaging local infrastructure.

In response to these attacks Ukraine launched an aerial campaign of its own, targeting Russian energy industry. Almost every oil refinery as well as numerous depots, terminals etc. was attacked by drones and rockets, causing a fuel crisis in Russia. This urged Moscow to introduce limits for consumers, as well as on oil export, at the same time trying to make up for it by importing fuel.

At the recent NATO summit in Ankara President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky asked the Alliance members for more military aid to his country, including critical missiles for Patriot anti air defence systems, without which Kyiv and other cities remain defenceless against Russian ballistic missiles.

The matchup brings together two of Europe's most technically gifted sides, both arriving in impressive form after navigating the knockout stages with confidence. Spain has continued to showcase the possession-based style that has defined its recent resurgence, combining disciplined defending with a dynamic attacking approach led by a new generation of talent. Belgium, meanwhile, has relied on its blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars to remain one of the tournament's strongest contenders.

Spain advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16, while Belgium produced one of the most convincing performances of the knockout stage with a 4-1 victory over the United States. Those results have set the stage for a meeting expected to be decided by fine tactical margins and individual brilliance.

The quarter-final carries significance beyond progression. Spain is seeking a return to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since its triumphant 2010 campaign, while Belgium continues its pursuit of the nation's first World Cup title after years of consistently competing among football's elite.

For Spain, controlling possession and dictating the tempo will be essential against a Belgian side capable of punishing opponents quickly in transition. Belgium's experienced core offers composure in high-pressure moments, while Spain's youthful squad has demonstrated maturity throughout the tournament.

France's victory over Morocco has already confirmed one semi-final pairing awaits the winner. The French side produced an efficient display to eliminate Morocco 2-0, reinforcing its status as one of the tournament favourites and setting up the prospect of another blockbuster European showdown in the next round.

With both teams separated by little on paper, Friday's contest promises to be one of the defining matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. A single moment of quality, a tactical adjustment, or an individual performance could ultimately determine which nation continues its pursuit of football's biggest prize and which sees its World Cup campaign come to an end.

Over the past four years, the joint project between the University of Arizona and Kozybayev University has become one of the most successful examples of a strategic partnership between a Kazakhstani university and a leading U.S. research institution. Notably, while the University of Arizona operates approximately 10 "Microcampuses" worldwide, Dr. Garimella selected the nascent campus at Kozybayev University for his first official visit.

Academic Excellence and Growth

Currently, 1,249 students are enrolled in joint educational programs with the University of Arizona, including 359 students in dual-degree tracks. In the upcoming academic year, the student body is expected to reach approximately 1,700, with over 500 students pursuing dual-degree qualifications. The student cohort is diverse, representing nearly every region of Kazakhstan, as well as China, the United States, Russia, and Mongolia.

The two institutions currently implement 16 educational programs, six of which are dual-degree. In 2026, enrollment began for a new dual-degree program in "Business and Management" and a joint program in "Marketing and Market Analytics." Plans for the next five years include the launch of new programs in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Plant Science and Technology, and Water Resource Management.

This year marks the first graduation class from these joint programs, totaling 132 graduates, 31 of whom will receive diplomas from both universities.

Beyond the Classroom: Scientific Innovation

Over the past two years, the partnership has evolved well beyond education. A portfolio of joint international scientific projects, valued at approximately KZT 4 billion, is currently underway.

A centerpiece of this collaboration is the project, "Development and Implementation of High-Tech Solutions for Monitoring, Purification, and Rational Use of Water Resources in the North Kazakhstan Region," with a total funding of KZT 3 billion. This initiative includes the creation of modern research infrastructure, the opening of six scientific laboratories (two of which are currently undergoing international accreditation), and the training of world-class researchers.

Under the National Treasures Genomics Project, Kozybayev University, in partnership with the University of Arizona’s Institute of Genomics, is conducting research on genomic selection for wheat and rice, the preservation of the Caspian seal and Greig’s tulip gene pools, and the development of DNA sequencing technologies. The university has established the first School of Genomics and Bioinformatics in Central Asia. Now in its second year, the school operates in partnership with the Islamic Organization for Food Security, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia), and the University of Leeds (UK). To date, 24 young researchers from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Saudi Arabia have completed training, with a core focus on applying genomic technologies to agriculture.

Another key initiative involves the development of sulfur polymers and new materials, led by Professor Jeffrey Pyun of the University of Arizona. This project will establish Kazakhstan’s first specialized laboratory for sulfur polymerization and develop technologies for producing high-value plastics, fertilizers, and other advanced materials.

High-Level Dialogue

During the visit, President Garimella is scheduled to hold meetings with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region, the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, and other heads of state bodies.

The agenda will focus on the further development of the strategic partnership, the expansion of dual-degree programs, the implementation of joint research, the development of research-intensive universities, professional training, and the commercialization of scientific developments. Special attention will be paid to joint projects in agrigenomics, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, water management, and advanced materials. Furthermore, the delegation will discuss the implementation of a joint project on applying modern genomic technologies to rice breeding in the Kyzylorda region.

In Petropavl, Dr. Garimella will inspect the academic and laboratory facilities at Kozybayev University and participate in the commencement ceremony for the first graduates of the dual-degree programs.

This visit is expected to provide a new impetus for Kazakh-American cooperation in education, science, and innovation, contributing to the realization of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s national agenda to develop world-class research universities.

Over the past four years, the joint project between the University of Arizona and Kozybayev University has become one of the most successful examples of a strategic partnership between a Kazakhstani university and a leading U.S. research institution. Notably, while the University of Arizona operates approximately 10 "Microcampuses" worldwide, Dr. Garimella selected the nascent campus at Kozybayev University for his first official visit.

Academic Excellence and Growth

Currently, 1,249 students are enrolled in joint educational programs with the University of Arizona, including 359 students in dual-degree tracks. In the upcoming academic year, the student body is expected to reach approximately 1,700, with over 500 students pursuing dual-degree qualifications. The student cohort is diverse, representing nearly every region of Kazakhstan, as well as China, the United States, Russia, and Mongolia.

The two institutions currently implement 16 educational programs, six of which are dual-degree. In 2026, enrollment began for a new dual-degree program in "Business and Management" and a joint program in "Marketing and Market Analytics." Plans for the next five years include the launch of new programs in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Plant Science and Technology, and Water Resource Management.

This year marks the first graduation class from these joint programs, totaling 132 graduates, 31 of whom will receive diplomas from both universities.

Beyond the Classroom: Scientific Innovation

Over the past two years, the partnership has evolved well beyond education. A portfolio of joint international scientific projects, valued at approximately KZT 4 billion, is currently underway.

A centerpiece of this collaboration is the project, "Development and Implementation of High-Tech Solutions for Monitoring, Purification, and Rational Use of Water Resources in the North Kazakhstan Region," with a total funding of KZT 3 billion. This initiative includes the creation of modern research infrastructure, the opening of six scientific laboratories (two of which are currently undergoing international accreditation), and the training of world-class researchers.

Under the National Treasures Genomics Project, Kozybayev University, in partnership with the University of Arizona’s Institute of Genomics, is conducting research on genomic selection for wheat and rice, the preservation of the Caspian seal and Greig’s tulip gene pools, and the development of DNA sequencing technologies. The university has established the first School of Genomics and Bioinformatics in Central Asia. Now in its second year, the school operates in partnership with the Islamic Organization for Food Security, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia), and the University of Leeds (UK). To date, 24 young researchers from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Saudi Arabia have completed training, with a core focus on applying genomic technologies to agriculture.

Another key initiative involves the development of sulfur polymers and new materials, led by Professor Jeffrey Pyun of the University of Arizona. This project will establish Kazakhstan’s first specialized laboratory for sulfur polymerization and develop technologies for producing high-value plastics, fertilizers, and other advanced materials.

High-Level Dialogue

During the visit, President Garimella is scheduled to hold meetings with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Akim of the North Kazakhstan Region, the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, and other heads of state bodies.

The agenda will focus on the further development of the strategic partnership, the expansion of dual-degree programs, the implementation of joint research, the development of research-intensive universities, professional training, and the commercialization of scientific developments. Special attention will be paid to joint projects in agrigenomics, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, water management, and advanced materials. Furthermore, the delegation will discuss the implementation of a joint project on applying modern genomic technologies to rice breeding in the Kyzylorda region.

In Petropavl, Dr. Garimella will inspect the academic and laboratory facilities at Kozybayev University and participate in the commencement ceremony for the first graduates of the dual-degree programs.

This visit is expected to provide a new impetus for Kazakh-American cooperation in education, science, and innovation, contributing to the realization of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s national agenda to develop world-class research universities.


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ASTANA — Kazakhstan is taking a bold step in its economic transformation, positioning higher education as the primary catalyst for scientific and technological advancement. Central to this strategy—a vision set forth by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in 2021—is the aggressive integration of world-class universities into the national academic landscape to create elite educational and research hubs within the republic.

Overseeing this ambitious agenda is the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, led by Minister Sayasat Nurbek. Under his leadership, the Ministry is spearheading a "transborder education" model, systematically importing global pedagogical standards and research methodologies directly into Kazakhstan’s academic institutions.

The success of this strategy reached a new milestone this week as Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with University of Arizona President Dr. Suresh Garimella to discuss the next phase of their cooperation. Minister Sayasat Nurbek, a key architect of Kazakhstan’s "smart" internationalization policy, underscored that this partnership has evolved into a benchmark for how academia can directly address the needs of the national economy.

From Academic Exchange to Economic Impact

The strategic partnership between Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona has transcended traditional student exchanges. It has become a vibrant platform for innovation, currently focused on five strategic pillars:

Agrigenomics & Smart Agriculture: Developing high-yield crop varieties and resource-efficient farming technologies.

Water Security: Pioneering research into water monitoring, purification, and sustainable management.

Green Chemistry & Advanced Materials: Transforming industrial sulfur into high-value polymers, sorbents, fertilizers, and optical materials.

Inclusive Education: Scaling international best practices in pedagogy and teacher training.

Sustainable Tourism: Creating specialized labs and academic programs to foster local economic development.

Investing in Human Capital

Under Minister Nurbek’s guidance, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education has prioritized measurable outcomes. The partnership has already catalyzed approximately KZT 3.5 billion (€7.3 million) in private investment into research programs, while over 500 Kazakh educators have been upskilled according to global standards.

This weekend marks a significant milestone: the graduation of the first 131 students from the University of Arizona program in Kazakhstan. With all graduates having already secured employment or offers from prestigious international universities, the success of the model is self-evident. It serves as a clear validation of the Ministry’s policy: treating higher education not as a silo, but as a driver of sustainable growth and high-tech job creation.

Kazakhstan as an Emerging Educational Hub

In recent years, Kazakhstan has aggressively integrated into the global academic space. Through the proactive efforts of Sayasat Nurbek, the country has cultivated a flexible ecosystem where international partners benefit from institutional support, while students gain access to global-standard diplomas without leaving their home country.

For international observers, Kazakhstan’s experience offers a compelling case study in "academic leapfrogging." By attracting top-tier global institutions to modernize its national system, Kazakhstan is not only curbing the "brain drain" of its most talented youth but is also positioning itself as a rising educational powerhouse in Central Asia. As President Garimella noted, the current partnership model has proven its efficacy and is now poised for further scaling—setting a new international standard for academic cooperation.

Two Russian diplomats were expelled from Italy after evidence surfaced of them spying. They gathered information regarding military aid that Italy provided to Ukraine.

Their expulsion happened after investigation by Italian police. It was found that two Italian ex intelligence agents shared the information on the aid that the country provided to Ukraine, which fights the Russian invasion for the 5th year now.

Italian police investigation concluded that one of the former intelligence officer received payment from Russians for disclosing to them information they were interested in. It was obtained through 6 sources, 4 of which were from personnel currently serving. Two days after the intelligence agents’ arrest, it was decided that two military attaches from the Russian embassy will be expelled from Italy.

Local media report that it is likely that the information the Russian were looking for was data on French-Italian SAMP/T air defence system which is set to be sent to Ukraine in 2026 as well as Aster missiles already in Ukraine.

La Stampa newspaper which quoted the recordings of suspect’s phone conversations says that over the period of 12 years he provided Moscow with “thousands” items of information. Defence Minister of Italy Guido Crosetto said that this affair is just the tip of the iceberg of Russian hybrid warfare underway in Europe since the start of full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Diplomats were given 3 days to leave the country. Italian PM Antonio Tajani in a post in X said that Russia continues to attack the West and Italy in particular with hybrid tactics. He emphasized that the actions of those diplomats are unacceptable to Italy.

Russian media report that the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged to give an “appropriate response” to Italian actions.

The discussion came at a particularly significant moment in Kazakhstan–EU relations, following the recent official visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Brussels and the entry into force of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution on 1 July 2026. The event featured keynote remarks from Roman Vassilenko, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium, the European Union and NATO, and Audronė Perkauskienė, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Among the distinguished guests were Jean Spinette, Mayor of Saint-Gilles; Luc Devigne, Chief Adviser at the European External Action Service; and Marilyn Josefson, Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the European Council, whose presence underscored the growing strategic relevance of Kazakhstan–EU relations.

From Reliable Partners to Strategic Partners

Opening the event, Ambassador Roman Vassilenko highlighted the remarkable progress achieved over the past decade since the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA).

“The meetings between President Tokayev, President António Costa and President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed what many of us have been witnessing for some time: Kazakhstan and the European Union are no longer simply reliable partners – we are becoming genuinely strategic partners,” Ambassador Vassilenko stated.

He emphasized that this partnership extends far beyond economic ties, encompassing transport connectivity, energy security, critical raw materials, digital transformation, innovation, education, and people-to-people contacts. According to the Ambassador, today’s geopolitical realities require “dependable partners and resilient connections.”

Ambassador Vassilenko also pointed to the concrete results achieved during President Tokayev’s recent visit to Brussels, including more than thirty commercial agreements worth over 12 billion US dollars, progress on visa facilitation, and the signing of the Horizontal Aviation Agreement.

Constitutional Reform and a New Social Contract

A central theme of the evening was Kazakhstan’s constitutional transformation. Ambassador Vassilenko described the country’s new Constitution as a landmark in Kazakhstan’s political modernization.

“For Kazakhstan, this is not simply constitutional reform – it is a new social contract between the state and its citizens,” he said. “And for our international partners, it provides something equally important: greater predictability, stronger institutions and an even more reliable foundation for long-term cooperation.”

This message was echoed by Audronė Perkauskienė, who congratulated Kazakhstan on what she described as two major achievements: the entry into force of the new Constitution and President Tokayev’s successful visit to Brussels.

“The new Constitution will bring a new prosperous future and, as Ambassador Vassilenko rightly said, a new social contract for the people of Kazakhstan,” she noted.

A Strategic Dialogue

Throughout the discussion, Perkauskienė highlighted the unprecedented intensity of high-level contacts between Kazakhstan and the European Union. She recalled that since April 2025, President Tokayev and European Council President António Costa have met four times, while other senior EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative Kaja Kallas, have also maintained close engagement with Kazakhstan.

“This is not for granted,” she observed. “It is never the case that we have such an intense relationship between the EU, its member states, and Kazakhstan.”

She stressed that relations are built on shared commitments to multilateralism, international law, regional stability, and constructive diplomacy. The EU, she noted, views Kazakhstan as a strategic partner and values the country’s balanced and independent foreign policy.

The Middle Corridor, Energy and Connectivity

One of the recurring themes of the evening was connectivity. Both speakers underlined the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, commonly known as the Middle Corridor.

Ambassador Vassilenko emphasized that what was once considered an alternative route has become increasingly essential for Eurasian trade and connectivity. Kazakhstan, together with European and international partners, continues to invest heavily in railways, ports, and digital infrastructure.

Perkauskienė similarly stressed that connectivity is about more than transport.

“Every new railway, every new port, every new flight, every new simplified visa procedure brings our societies a little closer together,” she said, highlighting the role of mobility and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations.

While energy remains a cornerstone of cooperation, the discussion also focused on diversification. Perkauskienė argued that future cooperation should increasingly encompass sectors such as agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, research, education, and culture.

“The EU needs Kazakhstan, and Kazakhstan needs the EU,” she concluded, emphasizing the mutual nature of the relationship and the broad range of opportunities that lie ahead.

Building Awareness of Kazakhstan in Europe

During the question-and-answer session, Jean Spinette, Mayor of Saint-Gilles, stressed the importance of increasing public awareness of Kazakhstan in Europe. He noted that despite Kazakhstan’s geopolitical significance and vast size, many Europeans still know little about the country.

“I don't understand how it is possible to forget this part of the world,” he remarked, calling for more cultural initiatives, academic exchanges, publications, and educational projects that can bring Kazakhstan closer to European audiences.

His remarks resonated strongly with participants and reflected one of the core objectives of the Shanyraq Dialogues: creating spaces where Kazakhstan and Europe can engage in meaningful intellectual and cultural exchange.

CONCLUSION

The evening concluded on an optimistic note. Reflecting on the progress achieved over recent years, Ambassador Vassilenko recalled a Kazakh proverb: “The road is made by walking.”

“We have travelled a considerable distance together,” he said. “But our task now is not simply to celebrate successes, but to turn political momentum into practical outcomes; not simply to sign agreements, but to implement them.”

As Kazakhstan and the European Union enter a new phase of their relationship, the discussions in Brussels demonstrated a shared determination to transform political goodwill into tangible results. Under the symbolic roof of the Shanyraq—a traditional emblem of unity, trust and openness—the message of the evening was clear: the Kazakhstan–EU partnership is stronger than ever, and its most ambitious chapter may still lie ahead

On Tuesday the European Parliament initiated a verification procedure which targets the Europe of Sovereign Nations party (ESN), which unites a number of far-right politicians, including the German Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The decision was supported by a vote with 414 votes for, 224 against and 18 abstentions. The vote was anonymous but it is reported that several of the right wing parties in the European Parliament such as European Conservatives and Reformists and Patriots for Europe voted against the decision, with the other parties voting for it.

Now the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF) will have to investigate if ESN complies with values of the EU. If the investigation proves that it doesn’t comply, ESN’s right to be a political party and funding may be taken from them.

Supporters of the decision point out that behavior and actions of ESN members cannot exist under European values. More specific, a lot of accusations are directed against AfD, members of which are part of the ESN. They are often accused of displaying sympathies towards Nazism and expressing ideas that promote “white” Europe.

In turn ESN issued a statement criticizing the voting result. The party also said that its members should have the right to speak about the concerns of its voters without obstructions such as sanctions which are, in its view, imposed because ESN challenges the political consensus.

Europe of Sovereign Nations was founded in August 2024 by a group of European parties which are often characterized as far-right. It is a separate legal entity from the European Parliament’s ESN political group, which currently consists of 27 MEPs.

In Sudan the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have razed several villages to the ground in Darfur – a region located in the west of the country’ bordering Chad, killing many and displacing even more civilians.

According to the information from survivors as well as the United Nations, RSF have committed a series of attacks which targeted villages located in the Sudanese region of Darfur. This is not the first instance of such attacks. UN accuses RSF of targeting non-Arab ethnic groups.

UN data shows that on Friday, more than 3500 people were displaced from their homes in just 1 village, which is Wadi Fungo located in North Darfur. Currently there is no information regarding the casualties in other such settlements. People who managed to escape the violence and crossed the border with Chad reported destruction of homes and killing of those who didn’t manage to evacuate.

When RSF took the city of El-Fasher from the government forces in 2025, numerous crimes were reported. UN inquiry into the matter concluded that occupation of the city bore the hallmarks of genocide. RSF’s actions in the region target mainly the Zaghawa ethnic group. With the last position held by the government forces falling, the only opposing force left is Joint Forces – a coalition of different armed groups and militias who are allied with Sudanese army. Most of fighters and leaders of Joint Forces belong to the same Zaghawa ethnic group.

The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023. It is estimated that more than 200000 people were killed, with many more injured and displaced. War also caused a famine. One of the most vulnerable groups are the children, millions of whom suffer from hunger.

NATO 3.0 represents the Alliance's new-generation strategic transformation designed to adapt to the evolving global security environment. The Russia–Ukraine War, hybrid threats, cyberattacks, artificial intelligence-enabled defense systems, space security, energy security, and threats to critical infrastructure have compelled NATO to expand its traditional concept of collective defense into a broader, multidimensional security architecture. Within this transformation, Türkiye has emerged as one of the key actors in the NATO 3.0 vision due to its geopolitical location, military capabilities, growing defense industry, and direct proximity to both the Black Sea and the Middle East.

1. NATO 3.0 and the New Security Architecture

NATO 3.0 reflects the Alliance's transition from a traditional security model based primarily on land, sea, and air power to a comprehensive approach that also incorporates cyberspace, outer space, information security, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Under this framework, deterrence is no longer defined solely by military strength but also by technological superiority, economic resilience, defense industrial capacity, and the ability to respond rapidly to emerging crises. Consequently, NATO 3.0 requires Allied nations to increase defense investments while directing these resources toward advanced technologies that will strengthen the Alliance's long-term operational effectiveness and strategic resilience.

2. Türkiye's Strategic Position on NATO's Black Sea and Middle Eastern Flanks

Türkiye occupies a unique strategic position on both NATO's southern and eastern security frontiers. Following the Russia–Ukraine War, the Black Sea has become increasingly critical for European security, maritime trade, energy corridors, and regional deterrence. As one of the NATO members bordering the Black Sea and the state responsible for the Turkish Straits under international law, Türkiye plays an indispensable role in maintaining regional stability and maritime security.

Similarly, Türkiye serves as NATO's forward security actor in the Middle East, where terrorism, irregular migration, proxy conflicts, energy security challenges, and regional instability continue to shape the security environment. Its geographic proximity to Iraq, Syria, Iran, and the Eastern Mediterranean provides Türkiye with unique operational advantages in intelligence gathering, border security, rapid military deployment, and crisis management. Therefore, increasing Türkiye's defense expenditures and directing these investments toward integrated air and missile defense systems, cyber capabilities, autonomous platforms, naval modernization, intelligence infrastructure, and space-based technologies would significantly strengthen NATO's operational effectiveness across both the Black Sea and Middle Eastern regions.

3. Strategic Benefits for Europe and the United States

Strengthening Türkiye's defense capabilities would generate significant strategic benefits not only for Türkiye itself but also for both Europe and the United States. For Europe, a stronger Türkiye would reinforce deterrence against emerging security risks in the Black Sea, contribute to the protection of critical energy corridors and maritime trade routes, enhance counterterrorism efforts, and support the management of irregular migration. A more capable Türkiye on NATO's southeastern flank would improve the Alliance's overall security posture while allowing European allies to allocate their defense resources more efficiently.

From the perspective of the United States, increased Turkish defense spending would contribute to a more balanced distribution of responsibilities within NATO. For many years, Washington has encouraged European allies to assume a greater share of the Alliance's collective defense burden. A militarily stronger Türkiye would enable NATO to distribute operational responsibilities more effectively across its southern and eastern flanks, allowing the United States to allocate greater strategic attention and resources to other global priorities. Furthermore, the continued development of Türkiye's defense industry would diversify NATO's defense supply chains, expand opportunities for joint production and technological cooperation, and improve the Alliance's resilience during periods of geopolitical crisis.

Conclusion

NATO 3.0 represents a comprehensive transformation designed to address the multidimensional security challenges of the twenty-first century. Within this evolving security framework, Türkiye's significance derives not only from its strategic geography but also from its growing capacity to enhance NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities across both the Black Sea and the Middle East. By increasing defense expenditures and investing in advanced technologies, cyber defense, integrated air and missile defense, naval capabilities, autonomous systems, and space technologies, Türkiye can assume a more influential role within the Alliance. Such a development would strengthen NATO's southern and eastern flanks, enhance European security, support a more balanced transatlantic burden-sharing framework, and contribute to a more resilient, technologically advanced, and strategically effective NATO capable of responding to future security challenges.

European members of NATO have moved quickly to reinforce the alliance’s collective defense posture following the United States’ decision to reduce some of the military capabilities it has traditionally committed to NATO operations. According to NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, European allies have managed to replace the vast majority of the capabilities that were withdrawn within just a few weeks. While a limited number of highly specialized capabilities remain difficult to substitute, NATO is actively developing alternative solutions to ensure that the alliance maintains the same level of operational effectiveness. This transition marks a significant milestone in NATO’s evolution, reflecting Europe’s growing willingness to assume greater responsibility for regional security while allowing the United States to adapt its military posture to an increasingly complex global security environment.

Europe Takes Greater Responsibility for Collective Defense

The recent adjustments to NATO’s force structure represent one of the most significant shifts in the alliance’s burden-sharing arrangements in decades. In May, the United States informed its allies that it would reduce the pool of military assets assigned to NATO’s defense plans during times of crisis. The decision prompted immediate concern among European governments, as questions emerged regarding the alliance’s ability to maintain its readiness without relying as heavily on American military resources.

However, the response from European allies has been both rapid and coordinated. Within weeks, many member states increased their commitments by allocating additional personnel, equipment, and operational capabilities to NATO’s defense plans. According to General Grynkewich, nearly all of the gaps created by the U.S. reductions have already been addressed by European allies. In the few areas where equivalent capabilities are not yet available, NATO commanders are identifying alternative operational solutions capable of delivering comparable military effects.

The changes also reflect a broader strategic objective pursued by Washington. American officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of reducing what they describe as an "unhealthy co-dependence" within the alliance. As the United States prepares for the possibility of managing simultaneous security challenges in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and other regions, it seeks to encourage European allies to strengthen their own defense capabilities while preserving NATO’s overall deterrence and readiness.

U.S. Force Reductions Reflect Changing Global Priorities

Although the Pentagon has not publicly released detailed information regarding the reductions, military sources indicate that the changes affect several critical categories of military assets. The number of fighter aircraft available for NATO missions has been reduced significantly, while allocations of reconnaissance drones, aerial refueling aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, destroyers, and other naval assets have also declined.

These reductions should not necessarily be interpreted as a weakening of NATO’s military capabilities. Instead, they reflect a redistribution of American military resources designed to address an increasingly demanding global security landscape. The United States continues to face strategic competition with major powers while simultaneously preparing for the possibility of multiple regional conflicts. As a result, Washington is restructuring its force commitments in order to preserve greater operational flexibility without abandoning its NATO obligations.

European governments have viewed these developments as both a challenge and an opportunity. The necessity of replacing U.S. capabilities has accelerated investments in defense modernization, encouraged closer military cooperation among European allies, and reinforced ongoing efforts to increase defense spending. The process also demonstrates the alliance’s ability to adapt quickly when strategic circumstances change, highlighting NATO’s resilience despite evolving geopolitical realities.

Remaining Challenges and NATO’s Future Direction

Despite the remarkable progress made by European allies, certain highly specialized military capabilities remain difficult to replace. Strategic bomber aircraft represent the most notable example. According to NATO officials familiar with the alliance’s planning process, the United States will now allocate only one strategic bomber to NATO’s defense plans instead of two. Because no European country currently possesses an equivalent long-range strategic bombing capability, this remains one of the few significant capability gaps within the alliance.

NATO leaders are expected to discuss these remaining challenges during the alliance’s summit in Ankara on July 7–8. The meeting is likely to focus on long-term burden sharing, defense planning, capability development, and the future structure of NATO’s collective deterrence strategy. European allies are expected to present additional commitments aimed at strengthening the alliance’s defense posture while ensuring that operational readiness remains unaffected by the changes in U.S. force contributions.

The broader political context also adds significance to these discussions. The alliance continues to operate under increased political pressure amid ongoing debates regarding the future role of the United States in European security. Concerns among several European governments have been amplified by repeated statements from U.S. President Donald Trump questioning America’s long-term commitment to NATO. These uncertainties have encouraged European members to accelerate efforts toward greater strategic autonomy while remaining committed to the principle of collective defense.

Conclusion

The recent rebalancing of NATO’s military responsibilities represents an important turning point in the alliance’s history. Rather than signaling a weakening of transatlantic cooperation, the changes demonstrate NATO’s capacity to evolve in response to shifting strategic realities. European allies have shown that they are increasingly prepared to assume greater responsibility for the defense of the continent, while the United States seeks to allocate its military resources more effectively across multiple global theaters.

Although certain specialized capabilities, particularly strategic bombers, remain difficult to replace in the short term, the alliance has successfully maintained the overall integrity of its defense plans through coordinated action and increased European contributions. As NATO prepares for its upcoming summit in Ankara, the focus will increasingly shift from simply filling capability gaps toward building a more balanced, resilient, and sustainable alliance capable of responding to the complex security challenges of the coming decades.

In his address, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan remains committed to sustainable development goals. As he clearly stated, paramount task is to adapt to current global situation both economically and politically.

“Despite external headwinds, Kazakhstan’s GDP grew by 6.5 percent last year. Our Gross Domestic Product has now exceeded the 300-billion-dollar milestone. Kazakhstan wants to keep it leading role in Central Asia in attracting foreign direct investment. We have accumulated over 150 billion dollars in net FDI. This represents a commanding almost 70 percent of all investments in the region. This economic strength is deeply anchored in our political stability. Through a historic nationwide referendum, we passed our new Constitution which has already be named people`s Constitution. It is very symbolic that we meet today when our major Law lively just entered into force. It happened yesterday. New provisions provide the highest level of protection for investor rights,” the Head of State said

The President emphasized that Kazakhstan established a highly attractive institutional framework for global business. He announced the launch of the National Digital Investment Platform designed to operate on a seamless, one-stop-shop principle.

“Our Investment Board ensures swift decision-making and comprehensive state support. Beyond institutional security, we offer practical, long-term incentives. International entrepreneurs can now fully leverage our unique Altyn Visa program. This initiative delivers enhanced tax advantages and streamlined migration procedures. However, we are not complacent and we cannot rest on our laurels. Huge bulk of work is ahead of us,” Kassym -Jomart Tokayev stated.

The Head of state noted that the world has entered a new era of technological transformation. Artificial intelligence is gaining upper hand and has become one of the primary engines of global progress.

"Integrating AI into our investment promotion strategy serves as a critical priority. It eliminates routine operations and establishes a «smart filter». As a result, investors receive faster, will be receiving more targeted, and more efficient services. According to UNCTAD, AI is projected to reach almost 5 trillion dollars by 2033. That represents a 25-times increase in just 10 years, highlighting the technology’s growing role in the global economy. Kazakhstan intends to move fast in this direction. In my address last year, I set a clear goal to transform Kazakhstan into a fully digital state. To systematically drive this work, we declared 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. As we shape the contours of the future, we prioritize citizens’ digital safety. Kazakhstan’s new Constitution firmly guarantees the right to personal data protection. To reinforce our institutional foundations, we have established the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. The AI Development Council has also been launched,” the President remarked.

Kassym- Jomart Tokayev informed Council members about the measures is underway to accelerate infrastructure development. Specifically, Kazakhstan succeeded to launch two supercomputers powered by cutting-edge technologies.

"These investments are complemented by a modern regulatory framework for the digital age. The recently adopted by the Parliament the Digital Code, the Law on Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Qazaqstan strategy provide a clear roadmap for technological development. These also foster an environment that supports innovation, attracts investment and strengthens international cooperation. Furthermore, we are planning to build Data Center Valley as a cornerstone of our digital economy. This flagship project already serves as a powerful magnet for global capital and tech giants. Industry leaders such as Amazon, G42 and many others have started securing their placement within this ecosystem, " the Head of State declared.

The President underlined that Kazakhstan is consistently investing in human capital. For example, two next-generation schools – Tumo and the Tomorrow School have been opened through the Alem.ai International Center.

"We have also launched advanced laboratories with global partners like Telegram and Presight. Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of Kazakhstan’s education system. Recently, I signed a Decree placing AI at the heart of the modernization of secondary education, positioning it as a tool that empowers teachers rather than replaces them. The Decree promotes personalized learning, strengthens digital infrastructure, advances the regulatory framework, and modernizes educational standards. We are also launching a pilot project that will be scaled nationwide to help bridge the quality gap between urban and rural schools and ensure every child has access to high-quality education in the age of AI. Artificial intelligence is becoming a decisive factor in the effectiveness of public administration. Kazakhstan acts proactively and builds the necessary institutional capacity to lead this transformation. Internationally renowned AI expert, a member of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Dr. Lee Kai-Fu recently conducted a training seminar on artificial intelligence for the senior leadership of government agencies at the alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana. This seminar focused on the strategic application of AI in public administration, including AI-native operating models, AI agents, and the development of Kazakhstan’s national AI stack. Regular executive training programmes for civil servants will support the accelerated adoption of AI technologies and enhance the efficiency of public administration. Moreover, Kazakhstan is establishing first in our region specialized AI university. This landmark institution will become a center of excellence for advanced research, innovation, and the development of highly skilled professionals. By investing in education, talent, and technology, we are laying the foundation for a strong national AI ecosystem," Kassym- Jomart Tokayev noted.

The Head of State also mentioned Smart Cargo that has been introduced in the logistics sector. The platform, which acts as a seamlessly integrated system, enables the digitalization of key transport corridors.

"Significant progress is also underway in the digital transformation of Kazakhstan’s oil and gas industry. We are placing particular emphasis on the development of digital twins for upstream and processing facilities. At the same time, an end-to-end traceability system for oil and petroleum products is being implemented, covering the entire value chain from the wellhead to the point of final sale. AI-powered solutions are being used to predict equipment anomalies, improve operational reliability and optimize production processes across our industrial facilities. At the same time, the Astana International Financial Centre serves as a secure proving ground for innovative artificial intelligence solutions. Through the FinTech Lab regulatory sandbox, the AIFC leverages the solid infrastructure of English law and world-class data protection frameworks. Ultimately, the AIFC ensures clear, transparent rules, complete legal security and the highest standards of data protection, " the President said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev then highlighted several particularly promising areas for investment cooperation: He identified the development of a transparent, technology-driven ecosystem for critical raw materials as one of the priorities put into agenda.

"Critical raw materials are fast emerging as the ultimate strategic resource of the new industrial era. In response to this global paradigm shift, Kazakhstan is systematically redefining its regulatory and operational frameworks to welcome world-class partnership. We have launched the Unified Subsoil Use Platform, automating 22 state services to streamline licensing and compliance monitoring. Over 4.7 million legacy geological paper and magnetic records have been successfully digitized into a unified national repository. Furthermore, we are now using AI to accelerate the conversion of historical geological data into modern, machine-readable formats. Through the initiative to establish the Regional Research Center for Rare Earth Metals in Astana, we are creating a centralized nexus to provide global investors with precision geodata," the Head of State emphasized.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that another important pillar of the long-term development strategy od our country is transport.

"Our ambition is to become a leading regional logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. Thirteen major international transit corridors cross Kazakhstan, positioning our country as a vital link in transcontinental supply chains. Around 85 percent of all China - Europe rail freight passes through Kazakhstan, underscoring our pivotal role in global trade and connectivity. To strengthen this position, we are investing heavily in transport infrastructure, including the construction of thousands of kilometers of new railways and the further development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, widely known as the Middle Corridor. Over the past fifteen years, Kazakhstan has invested more than 35 billion US dollars in transport and logistics infrastructure. At the same time, we recognize that world-class logistics require not only modern infrastructure, but also cutting-edge digital solutions. That is why we take measures to digitalize the entire ecosystem," the President stressed.

The Head of State said that the unified digital platform Smart Cargo has been rolling out since the end the last year serves as a single window for customs, logistics and commercial services.

"The platform integrates all key procedures into a seamless digital environment, significantly reducing administrative burdens and transit times. The first stage of implementation has already digitized transit operations along the China-Uzbekistan route, while border-crossing procedures have been fully converted into electronic format, making cross-border freight movement faster, more transparent and more predictable. As a result, transit through Kazakhstan has become more efficient, cost-effective and reliable for international businesses operating across Eurasia," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The President identified sustainable agricultural growth as the next core priority. According to him, artificial intelligence and advanced automation serve as the cornerstones of the new agricultural revolution.

"They actively drive progress by boosting crop yields, conserving critical water resources, and drastically reducing ecological footprints. Kazakhstan understands this reality. Driven by our digital capabilities in precision planning and predictive forecasting, Kazakhstan has secured historic grain harvests of 27 million tons for two consecutive years. To secure this success, we are fully digitizing national agricultural lands while accelerating use of drones, satellite navigation and automated weather stations. All state support and financial subsidies for farmers will be managed online to streamline administrative workflows. In livestock management, integrated digital platforms have been deployed to eliminate paper bureaucracy and ensure data integrity. Today, more than 200 agricultural enterprises operate as smart farms, utilizing advanced digital solutions and data-driven management. Furthermore, a data-driven traceability system is being implemented to ensure complete transparency from production to consumer," the Head of State noted.

Kassym- Jomart Tokayev believes that Kazakhstan's should set long-term long-term ambition to become a regional hub for high-value agri-food processing.

"Rather than exporting raw commodities alone, we aim to create greater value domestically by developing modern food manufacturing industries, integrating advanced technologies and resilient supply chains. Significant investment opportunities exist across the entire processing ecosystem. We are actively promoting the adoption of AI, robotics and Industry 4.0 solutions throughout food processing facilities. AI-powered quality control, predictive maintenance, automated production lines and intelligent supply chain management will enable manufacturers to improve efficiency, enhance quality and meet the highest international safety standards. At the same time, investments in smart logistics, automated warehouses, cold-chain infrastructure, packaging technologies are supposed to create fully integrated, data-driven agri-food value chains. We invite global investors, food manufacturers, technology companies and AI solution providers to join us in this transformation," the President stated.

The Head of State dwelt separately on the future of Alatau city.

Today, Alatau stands as a high-velocity development zone backed by a unique, world-class legal status. Our advanced legal framework is designed to attract global investments and turn Alatau into a premier business hub.The City is engineered to become our first fully digital center. Here, critical infrastructure, public services and the urban economy are successfully integrated through big data, emerging technologies and smart management models. Driven by the core principle of «Digital by default», every single governance process is designed in a digital-native format from day one. Through the centralized Alatau City Authority digital platform, residents will have access essential public services, streamlined permitting processes and the benefits of our special legal regime. This infrastructure will be entirely integrated with national state systems. Furthermore, the City introduces a pioneering regulatory framework for digital assets, including cryptocurrency exchanges and asset tokenization. We invite capital leaders to leverage our unique jurisdiction as your secure, high-yield launching pad," Kassym -Jomart Tokayev said.

In conclusion, the President emphasized that the development of artificial intelligence and the strengthening of digital sovereignty is pivotal to our long-term economic and national resilience.

"I would like to emphasize the importance of sustained dialogue between the Council and government bodies, bringing together diverse expertise, knowledge and insights to drive effective reforms. We believe that long-term mutually beneficial cooperation between the public and private sector will become instrumental in unlocking the full potential of our digital economy and building a prosperous future for all," the Head of State concluded.

Other speakers at the plenary session included the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, KFICA Board Chairman Erlan Dosymbekov, Vice-President for Sectors and Themes of the Asian Development Bank Fatima Yasmin, Chief Client Officer of Citi David Livingston, Vice President of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Sun Dayun, and Air Liquide CEO for Africa, Middle-East & Central Asia Nicolas Poirot .

https://www.akorda.kz/en/the-president-held-the-38th-plenary-session-of-the-foreign-investors-council-265646

Credit: Akorda.kz