Sat. Feb 8th, 2025

NEWS & BACKGROUND

Statement of ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane following the issuance of US Executive Order seeking to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court

UN and Member States condemn US Executive Order imposing sanctions on the ICC

The Internation Criminal Court and many international leaders condemn the issuance by the US of an Executive Order seeking to impose sanctions on ICC officials and harm its independent and impartial judicial work. The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world, in all Situations before it: “We call on our 125 States Parties, civil society and all nations of the world to stand united for justice and fundamental human rights”.

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ai, artificial intelligence, sci-fi, technology, futuristic, computing, robot, internet, science fiction, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence

Background on the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris

This international Summit will bring together almost 100 countries and over a thousand private sector and civil society representatives from across the world, invited on an inclusive basis in recognition of their commitment to the action promoted by the Summit and their desire to contribute actively to debate.

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NEWS TICKER

BUSINESS

EU Commission clears acquisition of FCA FC by SFSE and BBVA

The EU Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Argentina-based FCA Compania Financiera S.A. by France-based Stellantis Financial Services Europe and Spain-based Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria. The transaction mainly concerns financial services in the automotive sector in Argentina.

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EU Commission clears creation of joint venture by Yunex, VVP and Ascendi

The EU Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Yunex GmbH of Germany, Via Verde Portugal – Gestão de Sistemas Electrónicos de Cobrança, S.A. and Ascendi O&M, S.A. both of Portugal. The transaction relates primarily to the market for the granting of toll motorway concessions and distribution of on-board equipment.

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EU Commission clears acquisition of Viterra Assets by LDC

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of several Dutch, Hungarian and Polish subsidiaries of Viterra Limited by Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. of the Netherlands. The transaction relates primarily to the origination, processing and marketing of oilseeds and their derived products.

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IMF staff mission concludes visit to Lithuania

The Lithuanian economy has shown notable resilience against a series of unprecedented shocks. Following subdued growth in 2023, the economy gained momentum in 2024 and is expected to expand further in 2025. However, weaker than expected external demand in key eurozone trade partners and uncertainty in major economies could pose downside risks to the growth outlook.

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taxes, tax office, usa, america, flag, banner, tax return, form, income tax return, income tax, wealth, finance, tax evasion, money, accounting, income, invoice, taxes, taxes, taxes, taxes, taxes, tax return, income

EU Commissioner Hoekstra outlines EU taxation priorities for the next five years

EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra fielded questions from MEPs of the tax matters subcommittee, outlining the Commission’s taxation priorities for the next five years: “The US and the EU have always shared the same interest in curbing profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions. It’s in our common interest. We believe global tax problems require global solutions and remain committed to the obligations which we undertook in the OECD over the last years”.

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DIGITIZATION

ai, artificial intelligence, sci-fi, technology, futuristic, computing, robot, internet, science fiction, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence

Background on the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris

This international Summit will bring together almost 100 countries and over a thousand private sector and civil society representatives from across the world, invited on an inclusive basis in recognition of their commitment to the action promoted by the Summit and their desire to contribute actively to debate.

Read More »
quantum computer, entanglement, lines, abstract, superposition, algorithm, quantum error correction, quantum supremacy, simulator, quantum field theory, chromodynamics, gravity

Algorithmic invasions: How information warfare threatens NATO’s eastern flank – NATO Review

In 2024, NATO updated its approach to address the increasing sophistication of information threats as a component of hybrid warfare, such as the use of AI and deepfake technologies by adversaries to erode public trust and destabilise societies. The adoption of the Approach to Counter Information Threats introduced data-driven tools like the enhanced Information Environment Assessment (IEA), designed to analyse large datasets in real time and enable proactive responses to hostile narratives.

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artificial intelligence, network, programming

AI system definition: EU Commission publishes guidelines to facilitate first AI Act’s rules

The guidelines defining Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems explain the practical application of the legal concept, as anchored in the AI Act. By issuing guidelines on the AI system definition, the Commission aims to assist providers and other relevant persons in determining whether a software system constitutes an AI system to facilitate the effective application of the rules. 

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SECURITY

Statement of ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane following the issuance of US Executive Order seeking to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court

UN and Member States condemn US Executive Order imposing sanctions on the ICC

The Internation Criminal Court and many international leaders condemn the issuance by the US of an Executive Order seeking to impose sanctions on ICC officials and harm its independent and impartial judicial work. The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world, in all Situations before it: “We call on our 125 States Parties, civil society and all nations of the world to stand united for justice and fundamental human rights”.

Read More »
quantum computer, entanglement, lines, abstract, superposition, algorithm, quantum error correction, quantum supremacy, simulator, quantum field theory, chromodynamics, gravity

Algorithmic invasions: How information warfare threatens NATO’s eastern flank – NATO Review

In 2024, NATO updated its approach to address the increasing sophistication of information threats as a component of hybrid warfare, such as the use of AI and deepfake technologies by adversaries to erode public trust and destabilise societies. The adoption of the Approach to Counter Information Threats introduced data-driven tools like the enhanced Information Environment Assessment (IEA), designed to analyse large datasets in real time and enable proactive responses to hostile narratives.

Read More »
taxes, tax office, usa, america, flag, banner, tax return, form, income tax return, income tax, wealth, finance, tax evasion, money, accounting, income, invoice, taxes, taxes, taxes, taxes, taxes, tax return, income

EU Commissioner Hoekstra outlines EU taxation priorities for the next five years

EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra fielded questions from MEPs of the tax matters subcommittee, outlining the Commission’s taxation priorities for the next five years: “The US and the EU have always shared the same interest in curbing profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions. It’s in our common interest. We believe global tax problems require global solutions and remain committed to the obligations which we undertook in the OECD over the last years”.

Read More »

China on US and EU relations: Spokesperson Lin Jian’s regular press Conference on February 5, 2025

“With changes unseen in a century rapidly unfolding, and the world turning into a less stable and certain place, risks of division, fragmentation and disorder are looming large. Against this backdrop, China-EU relations have more strategic significance and global influence. China attaches great importance to its ties with the EU and views the EU as its comprehensive strategic partner and an important and independent pole in the multipolar world” – Lin Jian, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson.

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The European Union calls for Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, as defined by the World Health Organization. It is estimated that 190,000 girls in 17 European countries are at risk of being mutilated while 600,000 women are living with the consequences of FGM in Europe. Every year, at least 20,000 women and girls are coming to Europe from FGM-risk countries as asylum seekers.

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EU Ambassadors’ Conference: Speeches by EU Commission Members (updated)

At the EU’s annual Ambassadors’ Conference, EU Commissioners highlighted the interconnected nature of the world through trade, integrated supply chains, capital flows, and digital communication. Having published the speeches of António Costa and Ursula von Leyen, Insight EU now publishes the remarks of EU Commissioners Dubravka Šuica, Hadja Lahbib, Maroš Šefčovič, and Jozef Síkela.

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SUSTAINABILITY

IAEA Conference on Resilience of Nuclear Installations: Call for papers:

“The conference will explore strategies and methodologies to assess and enhance the resilience of nuclear installations to external event scenarios, ensuring they can withstand and adapt to the increasing challenges posed, among others, by climate change,” said Anna Bradford, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Installation Safety.

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The European Union calls for Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, as defined by the World Health Organization. It is estimated that 190,000 girls in 17 European countries are at risk of being mutilated while 600,000 women are living with the consequences of FGM in Europe. Every year, at least 20,000 women and girls are coming to Europe from FGM-risk countries as asylum seekers.

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EU AGENDA