
The fifth and intended final meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on plastic pollution in Busan, South Korea, concluded with negotiators unable to reach a deal on a new global treaty to curb plastic pollution. The failure of this fifth session of the INC, or INC-5, to deliver on its mandate highlights the persistent challenges of reaching a consensus to solve the growing issue of global plastics pollution.

The South American Common Market (Mercosur) and the European Union announced Friday in Montevideo the final signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both blocs, thus creating the largest and most populated commerce zone worldwide. The understanding was reached after 25 years of negotiations and despite France's reluctance.

Momentum is building up in Montevideo as the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen seems to herald the imminent signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) as Brussels needs to halt China's commercial expansion in the region while Donald Trump's return to the White House looms over.

Following a competitive international tender process, the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has announced that the contract for its professional services framework has been awarded to Ramboll, (*).

The implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation bill has been postponed until the end of 2025, following a provisional political agreement this week, between the European Parliament and the European Council.

The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust (FMHT) has announced the appointment of Elena Lewendon as its first Chief Operating Officer, marking a pivotal moment in the charity’s history. Lewendon, currently CEO of The Apsley Paper Trail, will assume her new role on January 1, 2025.

The Southern Common Market (Mercosur) hopes to clinch the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) during the two-day regional bloc's Summit starting Thursday in Montevideo with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the main guest.

The City Hall of Ñuñoa, one of the municipalities within the Santiago Metropolitan Region, approved a street name change as a response to ongoing international conflicts: the street República de Israel will be renamed in solidarity with Palestine and condemnation of Tel Aviv's military actions in the Gaza Strip against local people. The decision was approved by 7 votes to 1 during Wednesday's council meeting, after a consultation with the neighbors.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been forced to resign after losing a vote of no confidence Wednesday prompted by budget disputes. However, he will likely stay as a caretaker PM until President Emmanuel Macron finds a replacement. Barnier's appointment took Macron nearly two months after July’s parliamentary election. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes, far exceeding the minimum 288 needed. The political standoff has unsettled financial markets, with borrowing costs rising sharply amid fears of prolonged instability.

The Houthis are growing in strength and trade through the Red Sea is declining despite ongoing international military pressure on the rebel group, a study has warned. The report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said missions such as Operation Prosperity Guardian, Operation Poseidon Archer and EUNAVFOR Aspides had made little impact.