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« L'homme, quelque porte qu'il ouvre, où qu'il aille, même cloué à sa chaise, finit inéluctablement par tomber sur le passé. »
L'histoire débute ainsi : Numan Numić, apprenant que sa fiancée s'est promise à un autre, entame une cavale meurtrière de 47 jours à travers les paysages vallonnés d'une Yougoslavie rurale. C'est son fils, Semir, qui donne au récit sa voix et sa profondeur. Entravé par l'ombre d'un père dont il ne lui reste que la légende, il tente de reconstituer un passé éclaté (…)

- Livres / Serbie, Littérature, Grand Bazar - Diaporama

Written by Clare Ferguson and Katarzyna Sochacka.

Members debated several Commission and Council statements, including on the European response to extreme weather events, particularly in Portugal, southern Italy, Malta and Greece; building a stronger European defence in an increasingly volatile international environment; as well as urgent action to revive EU competitiveness, deepen the single market and reduce the cost of living, following up on the Draghi report. Debates also covered the rule of law, fundamental rights and the misuse of EU funds in Slovakia, and Spain’s large-scale regularisation policy and its impact on the Schengen Area and EU migration policy. Further debates concerned the presentation of the action plan against cyberbullying, the International Day of Education and the fight against inequalities in access to education, as well as the need to tackle economic inequalities within the EU and globally. Members also adopted a Parliament statement to mark World Cancer Day.

Parliament held several debates on external relations, in particular on the European response to the attacks on the Ukrainian energy system and the resulting humanitarian crisis; the situation in north-east Syria, including violence against civilians and the need to maintain a sustainable ceasefire; the urgent need to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan and achieve lasting peace; and the violence in the Great Lakes Region, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Finally, Members heard a formal address by Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly.

EU-Mercosur Agreement: Bilateral safeguard clause

Members adopted a provisional agreement on a regulation implementing the bilateral safeguard clause for agricultural products incorporated into the trade pillar of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement. The safeguard clause allows the EU to temporarily suspend Mercosur agreement tariff preferences and reinstate most-favoured nation duties under stricter and faster procedures should imports undercut EU prices or represent a danger to EU producers. In the provisional text, Parliament succeeded in lowering the thresholds for triggering a safeguard investigation from 10 % to 5 % and extending the reference period to three years. The Commission may also, upon a request from EU industry, extend monitoring to products or sectors not listed in the regulation.

European Climate Law

Parliament adopted a provisional agreement reached between Parliament and the Council on proposals to amend the European Climate Law, introducing an intermediate climate target for 2040. The amendment would include a binding 90 % net emissions reduction target for 2040, compared to 1990, and a capped potential contribution of international carbon credits towards meeting this target.

Cross-border enforcement of rules on unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain

Late payment, last-minute order cancellations, and unilateral contract changes on the part of large buyers in a different country can considerably harm EU farmers’ businesses. While the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive seeks to protect farmers from such activities, Parliament proposed extending the rules to operators based outside the EU whose commercial activities target the EU internal market. It also suggested establishing alerts on cross-border UTPs. Members adopted a provisional agreement on strengthening the directive. National authorities will be required to act on their own initiative to stop cross-border UTPs, even in the absence of a formal complaint.

Wine sector package

The EU wine sector is facing change, both in growing conditions and drinking habits, leading to a risk of surplus production. Parliament calls for a higher EU co-financing rate for vineyard restructuring. Members adopted a provisional agreement reached with the Council on amending several EU rules governing the sector. The provisional agreement will harmonise labelling, particularly regarding alcohol content and increase EU and national support to promote high-quality European wines outside the EU.

New EU anti-poverty strategy

With a Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) report calling for stronger EU coordination, Members debated the development of the EU’s first-ever anti-poverty strategy, calling for greater effort to eradicate poverty, particularly for children. The report highlights the multidimensional nature of poverty, particularly among children, people with disabilities, older people and those in precarious employment. It also stresses the need to improve minimum income schemes, and the importance of quality jobs, effective social protection and access to public services. Finally, the report calls for adequate funding, including through the 2028–2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF), to support implementation of the strategy, improve coherence across existing initiatives and contribute to the goal of eradicating poverty by 2035.

Protecting workers’ rights

Workplace incidents remain a significant challenge in the EU, particularly in the construction, transport, and manufacturing sectors. Parliament has urged action, particularly on contractor and subcontractor liability, and Members debated and adopted an EMPL committee own-initiative report reiterating this call. The report calls for a comprehensive strategy against labour exploitation, including tackling illegal work, organised crime and abusive business practices such as some subcontracting activities. It highlights the need for effective enforcement through closer cooperation between the European Labour Authority, Europol, national authorities and social partners.

Action plan against cyberbullying

Members held a debate on the cyberbullying action plan, following a Commission statement. Parliament has consistently highlighted the need to protect children online, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, hate speech, child sexual abuse and mental health risks. The Commission’s EU action plan against cyberbullying aims at protecting children, young adults and others at particular risk online. The plan addresses the lack of a common definition of cyberbullying along with proposals for prevention and awareness-raising measures.

EU priorities for the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women

The 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) in March is expected to focus on access to justice for women and girls. Parliament adopted recommendations to the Council on the EU’s priorities for the 70th session. An own-initiative report from the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) urges the Council to lead efforts against the global backlash on gender rights and calls on the EU to defend diversity, equality and inclusion, safeguard the UNCSW‘s mandate, and address funding shortfalls.

Accession of third countries to Hague conventions

Members debated the accession of third countries (in this case Albania and Montenegro) to the Hague conventions (specifically the Hague Judgments Convention). There are various procedures for handling the effects of ratification of an acceding state on existing parties in Hague Conventions. In one scenario, if existing parties do not oppose the accession by submitting a declaration within a set time limit, their agreement to the accession is tacit. However, when the Commission raises no objection to a third country’s accession and does not submit a declaration of opposition, the Council and Parliament cannot give their consent. Parliament’s position is therefore that the Commission must present a proposal for acceptance in such cases, even where not required by the convention itself. Members adopted two resolutions on the matter.

Opening of trilogue negotiations

One decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations from Parliament’s International Trade (INTA) Committee on the negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market was approved without vote.

This ‘at a glance’ note is intended to review some of the highlights of the plenary part-session, and notably to follow up on key dossiers identified by EPRS. It does not aim to be exhaustive. For more detailed information on specific files, please see other EPRS products, notably our ‘EU legislation in progress’ briefings, and the plenary minutes.

Read this ‘at a glance note’ on ‘Plenary round-up – February 2026‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Germany knows the costs of a world governed by power alone.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Depuis douze ans, la MCSC se réunit à la veille de la plus grande conférence sur la sécurité de Munich (MSC) pour aborder des sujets essentiels à la défense.

The post Le cofondateur de la Conférence de Munich affirme que l’Europe devrait créer une plateforme dédiée au renseignement appeared first on Euractiv FR.

Un accord de coalition a finalement été conclu à l'issue d'intenses négociations « à huis clos ». Le gouvernement s'efforcera de redresser les finances désastreuses de la région capitale.

The post Après presque deux ans, Bruxelles a enfin un gouvernement appeared first on Euractiv FR.

Delegations

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

La rupture brutale avec la France qui s'en est suivie donnera lieu à la volonté de Paris de punir le téméraire dirigeant africain qui a osé infliger un affront à de Gaulle.

« L'Inde a un rôle à jouer dans notre sécurité commune, et je suis fier des perspectives qui s'ouvrent pour renforcer nos relations en matière de défense », a déclaré le ministre grec Nikos Dendias.

The post La Grèce envisage une coopération en matière de défense avec l’Inde appeared first on Euractiv FR.

Blessing Muzarabani claims a superb 4-17 as Zimbabwe held their nerve to stun Australia with a thrilling 23-run win in the T20 World Cup.

« Vous pouvez continuer à fumer de la marijuana et reconnaître 70 genres. C'est votre affaire », a rétorqué Robert Fico.

The post Le premier ministre slovaque fustige la menace néerlandaise concernant le financement de l’UE appeared first on Euractiv FR.

Le Vietnam dispose d’un territoire exigu et escarpé stratégiquement situé en Asie du Sud-Est, au carrefour de différentes influences. En découle une histoire dense, marquée par la domination chinoise, puis française, avant que le pays ne devienne l’un des points chauds de la guerre froide et de l’affrontements entre forces communistes et occidentales.

Depuis, le régime vietnamien s’est engagé dans une politique de renouveau qui a permis l’ouverture de l’économie vietnamienne au monde et un développement rapide du niveau de vie, parallèlement à une importante croissance démographique. Le parti-État est désormais confronté à de multiples défis. Le vieillissement de la population le pousse à repenser son modèle de développement. Il s’agit de transformer son économie pour poursuivre sa montée en puissance économique et commerciale. Parallèlement, le Viêtnam doit faire face aux risques climatiques qui pèsent sur son agriculture, un secteur économique central.

L’émergence du pays se traduit également d’un point de vue stratégique et diplomatique. Membre actif de l’ASEAN, le Viêtnam est également au cœur des rivalités sino-américaines en Asie Pacifique. Hanoï doit naviguer entre son imposant voisin, aux revendications territoriales contradictoires aux siennes en mer de Chine, son principal fournisseur et Washington, principale destination de ses exportations, qui cherche à se rapprocher d’Hanoï dans sa rivalité avec Pékin. Face à cela, le Viêtnam développe la «diplomatie du bambou» et cherche à diversifier ses partenaires à l’échelle régionale et internationale pour réduire sa dépendance à l’égard des deux superpuissances.

Comment l’histoire du Viêtnam a-t-elle façonné sa géopolitique contemporaine ? À quels défis Hanoï fait-elle face pour préserver sa croissance économique ? Quel est son rôle sur les scènes régionale et internationale ?

Retour dans cette vidéo en cartes, photos et infographies sur le Viêtnam, émergent incontournable.

L’article Viêtnam : un émergent incontournable ? | Expliquez-moi… est apparu en premier sur IRIS.

Five former UN Secretaries-Generals
 
United Nations Faces Crisis Amid Global Retreat on Rights and Democracy

By Widad Franco
UNITED NATIONS, Feb 13 2026 (IPS)

United Nations member countries will select a new UN secretary-general this year to succeed António Guterres in January 2027. The change in leadership comes at a time when human rights and democracy, as well as the international organizations created to uphold those principles and provide lifesaving assistance, are under unprecedented attack.

So far member countries have formally nominated only two candidates: former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi from Argentina.

The threats to the global human rights system demand a courageous leader at the UN who will put human rights at the heart of its agenda. Yet the selection process gives veto power over any candidate to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States.

But human rights are clearly not a priority for China, Russia, or the United States.

Human Rights Watch and others have long documented attempts by China and Russia to defund and undermine the UN’s human rights pillar. More recently, the United States, which played a key role in creating the UN and its human rights architecture in 1945, has rejected and defunded dozens of UN programs promoting rights and humanitarian assistance.

The Trump administration has also withheld billions of dollars in UN dues, which has been a major factor in the organization’s crippling financial crisis. While Washington recently announced an initial payment toward its arrears, its actions have nonetheless seriously affected the UN’s ability to do its work.

US President Donald Trump has also been trying to sideline the UN by establishing a “Board of Peace,” modeled after the Security Council, with himself as chairman for life. Invited leaders include serial rights abusers from China, Belarus, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia, along with two men—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin—facing International Criminal Court warrants.

The UN needs a leader willing to stand up to major powers and abusive governments to defend victims of abuses and marginalized communities, and aggressively support accountability for serious crimes.

As member states nominate additional candidates, they should put forward a diverse pool, especially women and others with proven track records on human rights, and ensure a competitive and transparent process that places an exceptional individual committed to human rights atop the UN.

Widad Franco is UN Advocate, Human Rights Watch

IPS UN Bureau

 

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Dawn is breaking and the world’s biggest refugee camp stirs to life. Smoke rises from small cooking fires among rows of bamboo and tarpaulin shelters as children line up for food. For 38-year-old Mon Bahar, one of over 1.1 million Rohingya refugees in a sprawling network of camps that make up Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, […]

Les dirigeants convergent vers le plan moins protectionniste de Berlin visant à revitaliser les industries de l'UE.

The post La France cède du terrain dans la querelle avec l’Allemagne sur le « Made in Europe » appeared first on Euractiv FR.

Faire du serbe la langue officielle du Monténégro, légaliser l'usage du drapeau serbe et de la double citoyenneté. Le DNP a claqué la porte du gouvernement et relance les questions identitaires. Probablement sur ordre de Belgrade, afin de parasiter la marche européenne du petit pays.

- Articles / Monténégro, Politique, Questions européennes, Relations régionales, Radio Slobodna Evropa, Après Milo, Monténégro UE

Les législateurs ont accusé le ministère de la Justice de Bondi d'avoir procédé à des expurgations inappropriées dans les dossiers Epstein, ce à quoi elle a répliqué.

Progress on SDG 6 — ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all — remains critically off-track. With none of its eight targets on course to be met by 2030, this commentary argues that the shortfall reflects not merely implementation failures, but a deeper conceptual problem: water governance frameworks rely on a homogeneous, techno-centric understanding of water that ignores its multiple social, cultural, political, and ecological dimensions. We introduce the concept of "waterS" (plural, capitalised) to foreground this multiplicity. Drawing on the Spanish aguas, the term captures the diverse forms, values, and meanings water holds across different communities and contexts — from a measurable substance (H₂O) to a spiritual entity, a living being, or the foundation of social and hydrosocial relations. This stands in contrast to SDG 6's universalist framing, rooted in Western modernist traditions, which reduces water governance to engineering, hygiene, and risk management. Through empirical examples — from peri-urban water use in India, desalination conflicts in Antofagasta, Chile, and infrastructure-led rural water projects in Telangana, India — we demonstrate how standardised technical approaches perpetuate inequities in access, marginalise Indigenous and local governance systems, and reproduce power imbalances in participation and decision-making. We further critique the commodification of water, the limits of market-based governance, and the inadequacy of current monitoring frameworks that rely on aggregate national data while overlooking lived local realities. Looking ahead to the post-2030 agenda and the 2026 UN Water Conference, we propose a paradigm shift toward power-sensitive, pluralistic governance frameworks. Key recommendations include community-led participatory planning, legal recognition of customary water rights, equity-based financial models, citizen-science data collection, and rights-based approaches that centre marginalized groups — especially women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples — in water decision-making.

Progress on SDG 6 — ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all — remains critically off-track. With none of its eight targets on course to be met by 2030, this commentary argues that the shortfall reflects not merely implementation failures, but a deeper conceptual problem: water governance frameworks rely on a homogeneous, techno-centric understanding of water that ignores its multiple social, cultural, political, and ecological dimensions. We introduce the concept of "waterS" (plural, capitalised) to foreground this multiplicity. Drawing on the Spanish aguas, the term captures the diverse forms, values, and meanings water holds across different communities and contexts — from a measurable substance (H₂O) to a spiritual entity, a living being, or the foundation of social and hydrosocial relations. This stands in contrast to SDG 6's universalist framing, rooted in Western modernist traditions, which reduces water governance to engineering, hygiene, and risk management. Through empirical examples — from peri-urban water use in India, desalination conflicts in Antofagasta, Chile, and infrastructure-led rural water projects in Telangana, India — we demonstrate how standardised technical approaches perpetuate inequities in access, marginalise Indigenous and local governance systems, and reproduce power imbalances in participation and decision-making. We further critique the commodification of water, the limits of market-based governance, and the inadequacy of current monitoring frameworks that rely on aggregate national data while overlooking lived local realities. Looking ahead to the post-2030 agenda and the 2026 UN Water Conference, we propose a paradigm shift toward power-sensitive, pluralistic governance frameworks. Key recommendations include community-led participatory planning, legal recognition of customary water rights, equity-based financial models, citizen-science data collection, and rights-based approaches that centre marginalized groups — especially women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples — in water decision-making.