International

• Friday, December 6th 2024 - 10:55 UTC

  Mercosur-EU FTA ratification imminent

  

  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.

• Friday, December 6th 2024 - 10:15 UTC

  Falklands, Ramboll’s professional services framework contractor renewed for five years

  

  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, (*).

• Friday, December 6th 2024 - 10:00 UTC

  Relief in Brazil, EU negotiators agree to delay anti-deforestation bill until end of 2025

  

  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.

• Friday, December 6th 2024 - 09:25 UTC

  Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust appoints first chief operating officer

  

  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.

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 10:55 UTC

  Mercosur-EU deal at stake at Montevideo Summit starting Thursday

  

  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.

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 09:54 UTC

  Chile: “Israel” street renamed in condemnation of ongoing events in Middle East

  

  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.

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 09:46 UTC

  French PM loses vote of no confidence for the first time since 1962

  

  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.

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 09:32 UTC

  Western military pressure has been unable to stop Houthis attacks along the Red Sea, IISS report

  

  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.

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 06:05 UTC

  Shipping sectors benefit from the Red Sea blockade, boosting demand for ships and higher fares

  

  But the Red Sea shipping scenario with the Houthis attacks, and to a smaller extent, the drought in Panama – have had as can be expected in such situations, some sectors that can benefit. That is why most shipping sectors have experienced the strongest growth in ton-miles registered this year since 2010, helping prop up rates to highly profitable levels

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 01:41 UTC

  Innovations in digital payments: Trends for the upcoming 2025

  

  Digital payments have evolved rapidly over the last decade, reshaping how we transact, save, and invest. As we approach 2025, new innovations promise to further enhance the digital payments experience.