Ukraine and Moldova officially begin the first phase of EU membership negotiations in Luxembourg, a symbolic step following their 2022 candidate status. This move, initially blocked by Hungary, signifies progress on rule of law and democracy reforms.
Ukraine and Moldova officially start the first phase of EU membership negotiations in Luxembourg. This symbolic step follows their candidate status granted in 2022 and overcomes previous blockages, marking a significant moment amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Prosecutors are seeking arrest warrants for three former senior officials of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus for allegedly forcing over 50,000 members to join the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) between 2021 and 2023, aiming to influence election primaries.
Ukraine plans to increase military wages by one-third to 30,000 hryvnias and offer fixed-term contracts to boost recruitment. President Zelenskyy also aims to recruit more foreign volunteers. Meanwhile, Russia's Putin claims Ukrainian drone strikes aim to sow confusion and damage the economy, though he admits some economic damage.
The EU has agreed to open membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, a significant step following Hungary's decision to drop its veto. Talks begin June 15, focusing on rule of law criteria. Leaders hailed the move as strategic, while Ukraine and Moldova expressed readiness to proceed.
The BJP-led NDA is reportedly seeking support from opposition MPs to strengthen its numbers in the Lok Sabha. Sources suggest that the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) faction might see some of its nine Lok Sabha MPs defect, potentially merging with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena to avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws.
Phil Mickelson's membership at The Farms Golf Club in California has been revoked following allegations of inappropriate contact with a female employee. The club stated they conducted an investigation and took decisive action, confirming he is no longer a member.
The European Union will officially begin accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova next week, with talks set to launch in Luxembourg on Monday. This follows an agreement by EU ambassadors to recommence negotiations, overcoming previous opposition from Hungary.
Phil Mickelson's membership at The Farms Golf Club in San Diego has been terminated due to alleged nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact with a female employee before a golf game in the spring.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has suspended Russia's membership after it failed to comply with a ruling to relinquish control of chess bodies in Ukrainian regions. Russian adult players can compete under a neutral flag, while juniors can play under the Russian flag.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine's proposed associate membership in the EU would grant Kyiv participation in Council of EU and Council of Ministers meetings, along with a non-voting European Commissioner status. Germany seeks a lasting peace for Ukraine, considering its own security interests.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) Council has temporarily suspended the Russian Chess Federation's membership, a decision that will not affect the participation of eligible Russian players in international competitions. This follows a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) fining the federation for including new territories.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has suspended the membership of the Russian Chess Federation (RCF) due to its activities in the "new regions." FIDE stated that the RCF failed to comply with the requirements of the International Sports Court (CAS). Russian chess players will still be able to compete under a neutral status.
Armenia intends to remain in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for as long as possible, according to Sergey Melkonyan, a researcher at the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia. However, he suggests the country will eventually need to choose between the EAEU and the European Union.
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Bangladesh and Russia strengthen cooperation with the near-complete Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, discuss BRICS membership for Bangladesh, and address the Rohingya refugee crisis, with Russia urging a bilateral resolution without external interference.
EU leaders gather in Montenegro to accelerate Western Balkans enlargement, citing geopolitical imperatives amid Russian and Chinese influence, with Montenegro leading candidate nations.
K Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP president, resigns due to strategic differences with central leadership, expected to launch a new party
EU leaders gather in Tivat to reaffirm commitment to western Balkan enlargement, focusing on integration into the single market, despite internal EU divisions and geopolitical pressures from Russia and China.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg disregards Donald Trump's view on Ukraine's NATO membership, claiming Stoltenberg assured Ukraine of its future inclusion. Lavrov also suggested it's easier for Europeans to accept Ukraine into NATO than the EU, fearing the latter's collapse.
European Council President Antonio Costa urged speeding up the EU membership process for six Western Balkan countries, calling enlargement a key geopolitical investment. Leaders will discuss improving methodology at an upcoming summit, aiming to boost trust and avoid frustration, though Costa stressed it won't be easier.
France and Germany propose gradual integration for EU candidate countries, offering partial single market access and observer status to maintain motivation amid slow accession processes, especially for Western Balkan nations.
Montenegro, a small Balkan nation, is pushing for EU membership by 2028, aiming to be the bloc's 28th member. Despite opening all negotiating chapters, significant reforms in rule of law and anti-corruption are still required, with all 27 current EU states needing to ratify its accession.
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