The new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, in force since June, has failed to ease tensions, with Italy and Germany clashing over responsibility for asylum seekers and NGO rescue vessels.
Today, Kazakhstan is holding a historic nationwide vote, as citizens elect deputies to the country’s new Qurultay, the unicameral Parliament established under Kazakhstan’s recently adopted Constitution.
Pakistan's economic stability, not just military strength, is key to its strategic autonomy, with external financing and energy dependence limiting its foreign-policy options.
This Sunday, 23 August 2026, millions of Kazakhstanis will walk into polling stations to take part in one of the most consequential moments in their nation’s modern history: the first-ever election to the Qurultay (Құрылтай), Kazakhstan’s newly established single-chamber parliament.
At a glance
From 12 to 15 October 2026, King Philippe of the Belgians will pay his first-ever State visit to Kazakhstan, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. It will be the first time in history that a Belgian sovereign travels on an official visit to the Central Asian country, since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.
• Iran says Hormuz will remain closed.
• Tehran demands an end to US oil sanctions.
• The June interim deal has collapsed.
• Iran signals a more offensive posture.
The 'Mustaqillik Generation' is leveraging tech hubs like IT Park to export digital services globally, with startups like TheCarGo serving US clients from Tashkent, marking a shift from silk to software on the new Silk Road.
The Trump administration is considering tougher economic measures against Iran, including sanctions on Chinese oil refiners and banks. Washington aims to cut Tehran's revenue and supply networks, but broader measures could deepen tensions with Beijing.
Around 2.4 billion people worldwide could benefit from rehabilitation, according to WHO. Yet more than half of those needing services in low- and middle-income countries do not receive them, highlighting a growing global health access gap.
The US has recorded 2,566 confirmed measles cases in 2026, the highest annual total in more than 35 years. With 93% of cases involving unvaccinated people or unknown vaccination status, declining MMR vaccination rates are raising renewed public health concerns.
The U.S. travel industry warns that expanding the visa bond program could discourage international visitors and hurt the economy. The program allows bonds of up to $20,000 for certain applicants, while overseas travel to the U.S. has already fallen 4.3% this year.
The United States is preparing to pressure dozens of countries to choose between competing AI frameworks led by Washington and Beijing. The move aims to limit China's access to critical minerals, AI technologies and semiconductor supply chains.
The 8th Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad on 1 June 2026 saw both sides reaffirm commitments on trade, migration, and climate, but human rights and economic fragility remain hurdles.
Ukraine has offered Russia a truce on attacks against civilian targets in the Black Sea as strikes disrupt shipping and grain exports. With Ukrainian grain shipments down sharply, growing insecurity is raising concerns over regional trade and global food supplies.
Kyrgyzstan is entering a new chapter in its international engagement. Following its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, the country is preparing to play a more visible role on the global stage. In an interview with EUReflect, Ambassador Aidit Erkin, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, discussed Kyrgyzstan's priorities at the UN, regional cooperation in Central Asia, and the enduring importance of the Kyrgyz nomadic heritage.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply amid continuing hostilities. Only eight vessels were tracked on Tuesday, far below normal levels, while activity through Bab al-Mandab increased as operators adjusted to growing regional security risks.
