Hungary takes over E.U. Council, testing bloc's unity in shift to right
Hungary's presidency could be muted but still affect European integration and the ability to present a united front globally.
Czechia
The nation formerly known as Czechoslovakia was established in 1918 at the end of World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During the German occupation of World War II, Bohemia, Moravia and the Slovak Republic were set up. At the end of the war, Czechoslovakia was re-established. It became a Soviet satellite state in 1948, but held free elections after the 1989 anti-communist revolution. In 1993, two independent successors, the Czech and Slovak republics, were created.
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U.N. revives Palestinians' bid for membership with vote on new rights
The 143-9 vote with 25 abstentions urges the U.N. Security Council to favorably reconsider the Palestinians' request.
Global vows to millions of migrants and refugees still largely unfulfilled
Most of the world's 8 billion inhabitants prefer to stay within their nation of birth, but almost 1-in-20 have left that behind.
E.U. raises €7.4 billion for anti-virus effort
World leaders joined forces for the launch of a European Union-led global pledging "marathon" that delivered promises of €7.4 billion for COVID-19 research.
IAEA cites progress in nuclear and radiation safety since Fukushima
Japan strengthened inspections as part of efforts to improve regulation in the wake of the Fukushima Daichi accident.
Trump's refugee and humanitarian aid faulted for 'cruel practices'
Refugees International gave the Trump administration's U.S. practices a 'failing grade' for a second year in a row.
Europe's first legally binding treaty on violence against women turns 5
The treaty, which took effect in 2014, builds on efforts to protect women and girls from violence since the 1990s. Some nations say they oppose it based on sovereignty concerns.
Queen reminds Trump of the importance of multilateral virtues
At a carefully staged visit, the British monarch touting the multilateral institutions that Britain and the U.S. helped to create after World War II — to prevent a third one.
Populism and trade wars corrode international cooperation
The Trump administration's broadsides against international cooperation embolden nations with poor human rights records and encourage attacks on journalists, experts said.
World's first global migration pact approved to 'prevent suffering'
The non-binding deal tries to solve some of the polarizing but age-old issues surrounding people crossing borders.
U.N. review puts spotlight on China's treatment of ethnic minorities
A routine examination by the U.N. Human Rights Council looked at Chinese crackdowns on Uyghurs and Tibetans.
Trump urged to cease news media attacks that could trigger violence
Experts warned the Trump administration's vitriolic language and combative actions against journalists are purposely meant to undermine the mission of U.S.-based news organizations.
Threats to press and repressive leaders pose danger to democracy
Reporters Without Borders said hatred for the press was "steadily more visible” in 2018 among 180 countries it monitors each year and political leaders' hostility towards news media is no longer limited to authoritarian countries.