The International Criminal Court's 125 member states voted to dismiss Prosecutor Karim Khan (56) due to allegations of serious misconduct, including an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior lawyer, which he denies.
The US has imposed tariffs of 10-12.5% on goods from several countries, including China, Japan, and the EU, citing forced labor practices. Experts view these actions as a pretext for President Trump's 'America-first' trade agenda, with another Section 301 investigation ongoing.
Members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York to vote on whether to remove prosecutor Karim Khan, who faces sexual misconduct allegations he denies. The vote culminates a two-year saga, with the case intertwined with the ICC's Gaza war crimes investigation and US sanctions.
The United States imposed new tariffs on 60 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, and EU member states, shortly before a temporary 10% levy expired.
China's significant role in global maritime finance and shipping has led to a carve-out in certain regulations, demonstrating Beijing's economic leverage. An EU official detailed how Chinese financial arrangements and shareholding in vessel companies create a risk of asset loss for borrowers.
The US has imposed tariffs on several countries, including China and EU members, with rates up to 12.5%, citing human rights abuses and distortive trade practices. This action is part of President Trump's "America-first" agenda, alongside an ongoing Section 301 investigation into excess industrial capacity.
The EU's return regulation is nearing adoption, allowing offshore migration processing hubs despite human rights concerns. Countries like Austria, Denmark, and Germany are poised to establish these centers, raising alarms due to past failures in Australia, Israel, and the US. Critics urge strict human rights safeguards before implementation.
International efforts to establish a global surrogacy convention have stalled due to deep divisions among member states, increasing the risk of statelessness and legal limbo for babies born abroad. Experts warn of exploitation and "limping parentage," while campaigners call for a global ban amidst rising demand.
Representatives from CSTO member countries met in Russia to finalize details for the Interaction 2026, Search 2026, and Echelon 2026 military exercises, including logistics and reconnaissance.
NATO's summit in Ankara adopted the "Strategy for Industry-NATO Cooperation," aiming for a new, deeper relationship with industry. This unprecedented document allows NATO to coordinate weapons production across member states from development to testing and orders, despite industrial policy remaining a national prerogative.
A NATO summit in Ankara has committed 70 billion euro for weaponry to Ukraine in 2026 and an equivalent level for 2027. TASS outlines the history of military support, detailing coordination mechanisms, thematic coalitions, and major suppliers like the US, Germany, and the UK.
US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with NATO allies for not supporting the US military operation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. He also stated that the US would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Nato member states launched new defence initiatives at the Ankara summit to enhance weapons development and supply chains, addressing security challenges from Russia and China. A multinational project involving 12 nations will focus on acquiring, storing, and managing defence-critical raw materials.
NATO leaders and partners convene in Ankara, Turkey, July 7-8, to assess progress on defense spending commitments made at the 2025 Hague summit and discuss future objectives amid ongoing conflicts.
Nato leaders convene in Ankara facing pressure from Donald Trump to increase defense spending. Allies aim to present concrete plans and new arms contracts to mollify Trump, who has criticized European "free-riding." A symbolic €70bn in aid for Ukraine is expected, but the summit's success hinges on avoiding "angry outbursts" and reaffirming alliance unity.
NATO member states will sign defense contracts totaling tens of billions of dollars at the summit in Ankara on July 7-8. Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that new contracts with European and North American companies will be announced, alongside investments in key technologies to address current and future security demands.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledged that the alliance cannot fully meet Ukraine's air defense needs due to limitations on interceptors, but assured that efforts are being made to supply equipment, including through the US-led PURL framework.
European Commissioner Piotr Serafin argued that a 'frugal' EU budget might not be cheaper for taxpayers, warning against cuts that could hinder modernization and strategic investments. He spoke at a budget conference in Brussels amidst ongoing negotiations for the 2028-2034 long-term budget.
Ratification of EAEU Customs Code amendments for cross-border e-commerce continues, with implementation delayed from July 1, 2026, due to member states' preparations. The duty-free import threshold is set at 200 euros, with a 5% duty for exceeding it.
EU leaders confront urgent China policy challenges, highlighted by Volkswagen's reported 100,000 job cuts due to Chinese competition. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic met Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Brussels to launch a new trade consultation platform amidst spiraling tensions.
Asean foreign ministers are shifting their Myanmar strategy, moving from collective pressure to bilateral engagement with Naypyidaw. This recalibration acknowledges the five-point consensus's limitations and explores direct talks, potentially including Myanmar's contested government in future discussions.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated Armenia must make a strategic choice between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union, citing risks to EAEU economic security from Yerevan's EU rapprochement and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's evasive statements.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy gave Belarus one week to remove Russian military equipment used in attacks on Ukraine, threatening to do so himself. He also highlighted Belarus's role in supplying Russia's oil refining industry and the Russian army. Meanwhile, EU leaders discussed diplomatic channels with Russia, and Poland's president threatened to revoke an honor for Zelenskyy over renaming a military unit.
Binance's potential rejection for a crypto license in Greece under MiCA has led to speculation about the European Central Bank's informal influence, despite national regulators holding licensing authority. The ECB's stance on stablecoins may be a factor.
