About: Asia

Human Rights in Kazakhstan – The road ahead

In June 2021, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree “On further measures of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of human rights”, which he said represents an important step in the political modernisation of the Central Asian country....

Delta variant spread upsets EU plans for return to relative normality

Moscow and Indonesia recorded their worst daily coronavirus death toll due to the highly contagious coronavirus Delta variant, while various EU countries envisaged new restrictions, likely to upset their plans for a return to relative normality this summer.

Asia-Pacific closes in on world’s biggest trade deal

Fifteen Asia-Pacific economies are set to conclude talks on Sunday (15 November) and sign what could become the world’s largest free trade agreement, covering nearly a third of the global population and about 30% of its global gross domestic product.

Ambassador: EU eyes larger security role in Pacific

The EU wants a greater security role in the Pacific and will have no problem working with China in a region where Beijing has boosted its influence in recent years, the EU"s ambassador for the Pacific announced.

EU-Asia put aside differences to show united front vs Trump

Faced with Donald Trump's unilateralism, leaders of more than 50 European and Asian countries put aside their differences on Friday (19 October) and upheld multilateral cooperation on all fronts during a summit in Brussels. 

Mogherini’s Asia trip set to deepen EU security role

During a roundtrip of Asia this week, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini will seek support to preserve the Iran nuclear deal, as well as exploring security cooperation in order to expand engagement and up the EU's role in global security, writes Fraser Cameron.

They talk of war but it’s their own citizens these ‘strong’ men fear most

In the current geopolitical context, European support for those fighting for human dignity is more important than ever, writes Shada Islam.

Mass killing of elephants: Will the EU go on turning a blind eye?

Every year, 30,000 elephants are killed for their tusks according to Fondation Franz Weber, a Swiss-based NGO campaigning against the ivory trade for over 40 years, writes Willy Fautre.

I use cash, and I’m not a criminal

Politicians left and right have begun calling for a ban on large-denomination banknotes and restrictions on cash payments as a means of fighting crime, money laundering and terrorism. Their argument is flawed, writes Guillaume Lepecq.

Another tough year ahead for the EU

If the EU can overcome its many internal problems in 2016, especially the refugee and UK issues, then it will be able to make a greater impact in the external field, writes Fraser Cameron.

Commission plays ‘pivot to Asia’ trade card

European Commissioner Cecilia Malmström will today (14 October) present the new forward-looking trade and investment strategy - turning its focus to Asia, EURACTIV has learned.

How developing countries are paying a high price for the global mineral boom

A 200ft deep pit gapes where three years ago stood a mountain. Fields where small farmers planted rice and grew fruit are now an industrial site.

A new political impetus for the fight against malaria

Past successes should not hide what remains to be done towards complete eradication of malaria, write Maurice Ponga and Cristian Dan Preda.

Donor darlings are political, not scientific

The €55 billion a year of European money going to development is politically motivated rather than scientifically. Formal colonies, trade partners and media-favorites become ‘donor darlings’. Some poor countries are bearing the brunt, writes Kasper C. Goethals.

ISDS clause: a gateway to future trade deals

SPECIAL REPORT: Trade officials negotiating the ISDS arbitration clause within the EU-US trade agreement have half an eye on their next deals, since the wording is likely to shape other key trade treaties on the table.

Belgium outranks Germany on innovation, study finds

The innovative strength of the German economy has slipped in 2014, according to a recent study by the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), meanwhile confirming that Switzerland remains the most innovative economy in the world. EURACTIV Germany reports.

First analysis: EU states energy saving plans ‘not credible’

Energy efficiency action plans sent to Brussels by EU member states are so lacking in credibility that infringement proceedings should be taken out against 13 of them, according to the first major analysis of compliance efforts with a new European Union law.