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CRICKET-BAN/WIS LEAD-All-round effort sees West Indies clinch opening T20 victory against Bangladesh

A blistering, unbroken 83-run partnership between captain Shai Hope and Rovman Powell, along with a decent bowling performance, helped to power the West Indies to a 16-run victory over Bangladesh in a pulsating first T20I here on Monday.

The late onslaught, which saw the visitors plunder 51 runs from the final three overs, completely shifted the momentum of the game and ultimately proved the difference, as the visitors posted 165-3 and then restricted the host to 149.

For much of their innings, the West Indies, who won the toss, were stifled by a disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack, led by the miserly left-arm spin of Nasum Ahmed, who conceded just 15 runs from his four overs.

After openers Brandon King with 33 and Alick Athanaze with 34 provided a steady start, the innings stalled in the middle overs with the quick dismissals of openers and Sherfane Rutherford, who continues to find the going tough after scoring a first-ball duck.

At 82 for 3 in the 13th over, the West Indies were struggling to post a competitive total. However, Hope and Powell, playing in his 100th T20I, chose the perfect moment to explode.

Hope, who finished unbeaten on 46 from 28 balls, began the fightback by taking down leg-spinner Rishad Hossain for two sixes.

But it was Powell who provided the final, devastating flourish. After finally finding the middle of his bat with a 102-meter six off Mustafizur Rahman, he unleashed hell on Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the final over, smashing three consecutive sixes to finish on 44 not out from 28 deliveries.

For Player of the Match Powell, the innings was well needed, and he was pleased he could have done it in his 100th match.

‘At the end of the innings, I was really pleased. It was difficult for me to start on the wicket; at one point, I was about 7 off 20 deliveries. But I just kept believing that if I could get a good shot, a good boundary, I would turn it around. We just needed to go as deep as possible.’

Chasing 166, Bangladesh’s reply was immediately derailed by a catastrophic power play, which left them in a spot of bother.

After Jayden Seales took care of opener Tanzid Hassan for 15, Akeal Hosein then removed captain Litton Das for 5 and Saif Hassan for 8, within his first couple of overs.

When Jason Holder clipped Shamim Hossain’s off-bail in the fifth over, the hosts were in tatters at 42 for 4.

The slide continued as the middle order failed to build any substantial partnerships. Wickets fell at regular intervals to Holder 3-33 and the impressive Seales 3-31, reducing Bangladesh to 117 for 7.

A late flurry from tailender Tanzim Hasan, 33 and Nasum Ahmed, 20, provided a flicker of hope, but Holder’s dismissal of Tanzim in the 16th over effectively sealed the game.

The innings concluded bizarrely when Taskin Ahmed, after hitting a six, was dismissed hit-wicket in the final over, summing up a frustrating day for the hosts.

The victory gives the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second T20I set to be played at the same venue on Wednesday.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 27/10/2025 UNTIL 1200 28/10/2025

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1016hPa (hectopascal)

Slack pressure gradient is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but at times increased cloud will be present.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon

West to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, locally Variable

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northeast to Southeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, locally Variable

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

West to Northwest 3, offshore Northwest to Northeast

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Northeast to Southeast

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, locally Variable

Smooth to Slight

UPDATE-GUYANA-EXPLOSION-Police release video of suspect in deadly explosion

The Guyana police Monday released a video showing a man placing a bag at a gas station following an explosion that left one person dead and several others injured on Sunday night.

‘Preliminary investigations revealed that earlier in the evening, a male of mixed ethnicity, believed to be a Spanish speaking foreign national, was seen at the location with two bulky black plastic garbage bags,’ the police said in a statement.

Police release video showing main suspect with plastic bag (Guyana Police video)

‘He reportedly attempted to dispose of the bags in a garbage bin at the station but was prevented from doing so by an attendant. The individual subsequently left the area, heading south along King Street to the western side of the fuel station.

‘At approximately 19:36hrs, a powerful explosion was heard on the southwestern side of the compound, near the section where bottled cooking gas is stored. The blast caused extensive damage to the building, several parked vehicles and nearby properties,’ the police statement said.

It said that at the time of the explosion, a vehicle was in the compound with driver Jenica Hooper, 27 years, a teacher of Breeda Street, Werk-en-Rust; her mother, Yvonne Jonas, 71 years, a pensioner; her nieces, Soraya Bourne, six years and Seddia McIntosh, 12 years, a student; along with her nephew, Reshard Lord, seven years, a pupil.

‘They were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where Soraya Bourne was pronounced dead on arrival. The other victims were treated for injuries and remain in stable condition.’

The police said that the explosion also damaged four other motor vehicles and caused minor structural damage to a nearby building.

The police said that criminal investigators have ‘processed the scene and collected several items of evidential value, including fragments of black plastic bags and adhesive tape, which have been sent for forensic analysis. CCTV footage has been obtained and is being reviewed to assist investigators’.

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, has extend deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of young Soraya Bourne during this time of immense grief.

President Irfaan Ali, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, said in a statement said he had been ‘briefed on the identification of an individual of interest, and I have instructed that images of this person be circulated widely so that the public may assist the Guyana Police Force by sharing any information that could aid the investigation.

‘I have directed that a full-scale investigation be launched immediately and that every available resource and investigative tool be utilised to determine the precise cause and circumstances of this incident,’ Ali said.

Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, said ‘my heart goes out to the Bourne family during this unimaginably painful time’.

In May, 2025 two loud explosions simultaneously occurred at the Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a nearby Guyana Power and Light substation on Mandela Avenue. At that time, two Spanish-speaking persons had been identified as the suspects.

HAITI-WEATHER-Haitians urged to remain vigilant as powerful hurricane blamed for four deaths

Haitian authorities were on Monday urging people to remain vigilant as Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm could bring life-threatening flash flooding and landslides in southwestern Haiti this week.

So far the authorities say four people have been killed and 15 others injured since last Tuesday and the Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) as well as the General Directorate of Civil Protection and the Permanent Secretariat for Risk Management are maintaining a red alert for the South and Grand’Anse departments. The South-East, Nippes, West, and central plateau departments are also on orange alert.

Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring an additional eight to 16 inches of rainfall to southern Hispaniola through Wednesday, with possible local maximum totals of 40 inches.

The Haitian authorities say catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and landslides are expected in southwestern Haiti and southern parts of the Dominican Republic through midweek.

In Haiti, significant infrastructure damage and community isolation are likely with tropical storm conditions expected late Tuesday and Wednesday along Haiti’s western coast.

The Departmental Directorate of Civil Protection is calling on the population to remain vigilant during this period, urging them not to cross any watercourses under any circumstances, not to tie up animals where the water could carry them away and not to stand on hills and bridges to observe flowing water.

‘Store your important documents in a safe place to prevent them from getting wet. Remember to keep an eye on people in need of assistance so that they can move if necessary. Remain calm and listen to Civil Protection messages from reliable sources,’ the Department said.

It said that the commune of Saut-d’Eau remains completely cut off from communications networks due to the control exercised by armed gangs, while Savanette has been isolated for more than three days following a telephone service outage.

In Thomassique, the power supply remains severely disrupted: several small and medium-sized businesses dependent on solar energy have been forced to suspend their operations, exacerbating the crisis in essential services.

Schools remain closed in the South-East, Sud, and Grand’Anse departments, as a precautionary measure.

The authorities said that 342 shelters have already been opened in the Southeast, South, and Grand’Anse departments.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that a tropical watch remains in effect for Haiti and Melissa is moving toward the west near three miles per hour (mph).

‘ A slow turn toward the northwest and north is expected today and tonight, followed by a northeastward acceleration beginning on Tuesday and continuing through at least Thursday. On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to move near or over Jamaica tonight and Tuesday, across southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and across the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday,’ it said.

Melissa has maximum sustained winds are near 160 mph with higher gusts and some additional strengthening is forecast today, with fluctuations in intensity likely before Melissa makes landfall on Jamaica early Tuesday.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (C)

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 27/10/2025 UNTIL 1800 28/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1014hPa (hectopascal)

Slack pressure gradient is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but at times increased cloud will be present.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, locally Variable

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northeast to Southeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

West to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, locally Variable

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Night

West to Northwest 3, offshore Northwest to Northeast

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Northeast to Southeast

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, locally Variable

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Sligh

Private sector propels tourism with first-ever destination drive

Sri Lanka’s private sector has come forward to propel the country’s first-ever and self-funded and curated destination marketing campaign to boost tourist arrivals amidst frustration over the delay in initiatives by State agencies.

Named ‘Truly Sri Lanka,’ the digital destination campaign is being championed by The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), the apex body representing the country’s formal hotel sector, and its members, in partnership with Nations Trust Bank American Express (NTB AMEX).

THASL President M. Shanthikumar described the private sector initiative as a milestone in promoting Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings to emerging markets.

Initially targeting emerging markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman) and East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore), the campaign will run for three months and continue periodically over the next three years, encompassing other attractive markets.

These six countries collectively have generated nearly 44,000 tourists in the first nine months of this year with Malaysia generating a high of 17,471 tourists, Singapore 10,817 tourists and Oman a low of 2,103 tourists. However nationals of these countries travel in large numbers to competing destinations.

All inquiries will be directed to the dedicated website ‘Truly Sri Lanka,’ where potential travellers can explore partner hotels, access direct links to official websites, and make bookings seamlessly. Members who contributed to this campaign will have direct access to the ‘Truly Sri Lanka’ website. At present, over 60 members of THASL have invested in the initiative, whilst NTB AMEX has committed to support the initiative for three years.

The campaign, curated by industry specialist eMarketingEye, will be expanded to cover other markets.

Shanthikumar said representing international and local hotel brands, boutique resorts, wellness retreats, wildlife lodges, and themed properties, THASL plays a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. Nearly 70% of Sri Lanka’s total tourism workforce is employed in hotels, while the collective investment in land and buildings exceeds $ 15 billion. Hotels also generate the highest earnings within the industry and remain the largest contributors to Government revenue through taxes, levies, and fees.

In addition to their economic contribution, hotels across Sri Lanka play a vital role in uplifting local communities through indirect and induced impact, creating employment opportunities and supporting small-scale suppliers such as farmers, fishermen, and artisans. Many THASL members also carry out meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that often go unnoticed, reinforcing the sector’s deep-rooted commitment to national development.

‘THASL’s decades-long involvement in tourism has given it a clear understanding of the importance of sustained global awareness campaigns. We are deeply committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our industry and preserving the beauty of Sri Lanka for future generations,’ Shanthikumar added.

While recognising that such campaigns may not yield immediate returns, THASL believes they are crucial for maintaining momentum amid changing global dynamics.

With tourist arrivals increasing but cumulative earnings showing a visible decline by August 2025, Shanthikumar said THASL saw an urgent need to reposition Sri Lanka before further economic downturns in tourism earnings could occur, as well as to complement and give impetus to the forthcoming integrated destination campaign planned by the authorities.

‘THASL remains a non-political organisation dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen tourism’s sustainability and competitiveness. The Association will continue lobbying the Government for policy and regulatory reforms and for expediting integrated promotional initiatives that benefit the industry as a whole,’ Shanthikumar said. ‘We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and contribution of THASL members toward this initiative, as through campaigns like ‘Truly Sri Lanka,’ we reaffirm our collective commitment to positioning our nation as one of the world’s most desirable destinations.’

Impacted by successive changes in Governments and officials, the broader tourism industry has been waiting for years for Sri Lanka Tourism to kick off a proper global destination campaign. There was hope for quicker decision making under the new National People’s Party (NPP) administration, but the industry hadn’t seen the desired progress.

A subcommittee chaired by THASL Vice President Eksath Wijerathne, who is the Browns Hotels and Resorts CEO, spearheaded the development of the campaign within just three months. Given the rising costs and effectiveness of digital outreach, THASL opted for a digital-first strategy, selecting eMarketingEye, a professional digital marketing company, to design and roll out the campaign across all key digital platforms, including social media.

Wijerathne said year-to-date, tourist arrivals were at 1.7 million, whilst Sri Lanka’s target for 2025 was 3 million tourists. ‘Via the private sector digital marketing campaign, we are making an effort to enhance awareness and trigger prospective visitors, thereby getting closer to the target,’ he added.

eMarketingEye Founder and CEO Rajitha Dahanayake described the campaign as ‘truly need of the hour’ and said it will boost the ‘value proposition’ Sri Lanka offers to tourists.

NTB PLC Consumer Banking Executive Vice President Sheahan Daniel said NTB AMEX support underscores strong private sector collaboration for national tourism promotion. He also said NTB over a year ago separately managed to secure a placement for Sri Lanka destination promotion in the global AMEX website, which too was a big boost.

Sri Lanka welcomed 1.73 million tourists in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 16.2% increase from the previous year’s cumulative total for the same period. On the other hand, earnings from tourism amounted to $ 2.47 billion, up by only 5%. The goal by 2030 is 5 million tourist arrivals and $ 10 billion in earnings.

UNITED NATIONS-RIGHTS-Antigua diplomat to address UN launch of report on arbitrary detention

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, will address the launch of the United Nations Report of the Independent International Panel on Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations.

The event will take place on Tuesday at the UN headquarters and is being held during International Law Week, which is co-hosted by Antigua and Barbuda and Canada, with Australia, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands as co-sponsors.

Sir Ronald Sanders

The Panel’s Report is the first comprehensive legal study of arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations, the seizure of foreign nationals by a state to pressure another state. The practice violates international law, erodes trust between states. The Report sets out legal analysis and concrete recommendations to strengthen prevention, protection, and accountability.

Sir Ronald, who is also Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), will underscore his country’s early endorsement of the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations and the particular vulnerabilities of small states with limited consular networks.

He will emphasize that ‘the seizure of people to bend the will of states is not diplomacy; it is coercion in daylight’.

Cyprus-UK FMs commit to advance bilateral ties and strategic dialogue

Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and the UK committed on Monday to advance the strategic dialogue and further strengthen bilateral relations.

According to a post by Cyprus’ Foreign Ministry, Minister Constantinos Kombos had a constructive first telephone call with UK’s recently appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper. According to the post, Kombos warmly congratulated Cooper on her appointment and wished her every success.

“The mutual commitment to advancing the Strategic Dialogue and further strengthening Cyprus- UK relations was confirmed, also in view of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union,” the post reads.

Foreign Minister Kombos also updated his counterpart on the latest developments with regard to the Cyprus Issue, while they exchanged views on the developments in Middle East.

Foreign Minister @CKombos had a constructive first telephone call with @YvetteCooperMP, recently appointed UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, warmly congratulating her on her appointment and wishing her every success.

Lankan banking and finance sector reaffirms commitment to sustainable growth

The Global Sustainable Finance Conference (GSFC) 2025, held on 25-26 September 2025 in Karlsruhe, Germany, provided a pivotal platform for advancing the global dialogue on sustainable finance and inclusive economic growth.

It emphasised the crucial role of technology finance in closing the global technology gap and enabling economies to leapfrog toward high value-added growth. The event convened international leaders, regulators, and financial sector professionals to share insights and strategies for aligning finance with sustainability goals.

Representing Sri Lanka at the conference was a distinguished delegation from the country’s leading banking and financial institutions.

People’s Bank, one of the largest state-owned banks in Sri Lanka, was represented by Deputy General Manager – Commercial Credit Thushari Hewawasam, Deputy General Manager – Risk Management P.G.A.C. Perera, and Assistant General Manager – Retail Banking W.N.T. Perera. Sanasa Development Bank PLC, a licenced specialised commercial bank focused on community and cooperative banking, was represented by Executive Director/CEO Kapila Ariyaratne. People’s Leasing and Finance PLC, a Government-majority-owned non-banking financial institution offering leasing and financing solutions, was represented by CEO/GM Sanjeewa Bandaranayake and Chairman Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon.

First Capital Holdings PLC, a listed full-service investment institution, operating as a primary dealer, corporate finance advisor, wealth manager and stockbroker, participated with Managing Director/CEO Dilshan Wirasekara, Janashakthi Group Managing Director/Group CEO Ramesh Schaffter, and Vice President- Corporate Finance Sashi Schaffter.

Alliance Finance Company PLC, a pioneering non-banking financial institution providing a range of financing and investment solutions, was represented by Romani de Silva. Their collective participation underscored Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to shaping a sustainable financial ecosystem in line with global standards.

For Sri Lanka, this year’s conference was particularly significant as the country continues to deepen its post-crisis recovery through sustainable financial practices. The conference reaffirmed that the financial sector’s role is pivotal in steering the country toward a green and socially responsible economy, emphasising that sustainable finance is no longer optional but fundamental to economic stability and resilience.

The conference provided a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the world’s most comprehensive Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI), a globally recognised framework developed by the European Organisation for Sustainable Development (EOSD).

The SSCI framework empowers value-driven financial institutions to profitably drive the creation of a new sustainable economy, offering the tools and metrics to embed sustainability into their strategies, governance, and risk management systems.

The holistic approach to sustainable banking and finance showcased at GSFC 2025 inspired the Sri Lankan participants to further strengthen national efforts in implementing sustainable finance practices. Discussions at the conference demonstrated how the SSCI framework could enable the Central Banks in developing countries to introduce true and holistic sustainability in their financial sectors, which would lead to the achievement of national and global Sustainable Development Goals. This will unlock new and sustainability-centric business opportunities for banks and non-bank financial institutions and stimulate the economy in an unprecedented manner.

A key area of focus at GSFC 2025 was how financial institutions can operationalise sustainability principles to support national priorities such as all-encompassing risk management, financial inclusion, and green credit flows whilst emphasising the essential need to drive high value addition. These efforts are essential for revitalising key economic sectors while addressing pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, and ensuring financial stability in a sustainable manner.

Another priority theme was strengthening and modernising the MSME sector to also improve value addition. MSMEs now contribute over 52% of Sri Lanka’s GDP and employ approximately 45% of the workforce. This underscores the need to improve access to finance, encourage formalisation, boost digital skills, foster innovation, value addition and support women-led and rural MSMEs as part of a green, inclusive recovery.

Importantly, state-owned banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) were well represented at this year’s GSFC 2025, demonstrating the government’s resolve to embed sustainability into public financial management. Their active engagement reflects a growing national consensus that sustainable finance is key to building a resilient, low-carbon economy.

As a result of their participation, Sanasa Development Bank PLC and First Capital Holdings PLC have formally enrolled in the SSCI process, pledging to implement the standards and advance sustainability within their organisations. People’s Leasing and Finance PLC had already commenced the onboarding process last year, reflecting growing momentum within the financial services industry. These developments mark significant progress in aligning Sri Lanka’s financial system with global standards of sustainability and responsible banking.

At the conference, Alliance Finance Company PLC was also honoured with the SSCI Version 2.0 Certification Level 3, being the first South Asian Financial Institution to achieve this level of sustainability certification underscoring its exemplary performance in sustainability integration. AFC has played a vital role in motivating the Sri Lankan delegation to participate in the GSFC 2025, thereby strengthening the nation’s representation on the global stage.

The Sri Lankan delegation, now formed as a Core Group, established to spearhead the implementation of the SSCI in the country, remains inspired by the holistic approach to sustainable banking and finance showcased in Germany.

The group is committed to playing a pivotal role in driving Sri Lanka’s green and socially sustainable economic recovery. Furthermore, the EOSD’s RISE program is expected to provide Sri Lanka with access to advanced cutting-edge technical expertise and facilitate the mobilisation and deployment of financial resources needed to accelerate sustainable economic transformation. Such a transformation will create new employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, diversify the economy, and strengthen the country’s resilience while advancing the key milestones outlined in the CBSL’s Roadmap for Sustainable Finance in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan delegation’s collective presence at GSFC 2025 underscores the country’s growing commitment to sustainable finance and its determination to align with international standards. Their participation, guided by visionary leadership and reinforced by the support of both state-owned and private sector financial institutions, reflects a shared ambition to build a greener, fairer, and more inclusive economy for future generations.

PRESS RELEASE – EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Commission makes pound 13.8 million available for cross-border journalism partnerships and pluralism

The European Commission has made a total of pound 13.8 million available for cross-border journalism collaboration and media pluralism through the sixth annual call for proposals, under the Creative Europe programme.

Part of the funding comes via a call to fund journalism collaborations and support news media partnerships across borders. It aims to boost the resilience of the European news media sector as it faces multiple challenges, including the financial sustainability of professional journalism. The available budget for this call is pound 6.9 million, with a maximum of pound 2 million per two-year project.

The second dimension of the call supports media pluralism and is open to organisations that can act as intermediaries to set up and distribute funding to local and regional media, community media, investigative journalism, or media specialised in public interest news. The available budget for this call is pound 6.9 million, with a maximum of pound 2.5 million per two-year project.

With readers shifting to online news sources, traditional media struggle, jeopardising many smaller, independent media organisations. Support is thus needed for them to improve their position, adapt their methods, continue providing a first-hand source of original reporting to citizens, help keep decision-makers accountable and ultimately contribute to a more diverse and independent media sector.

Both calls remain open until 4 February 2026.

Building societal resilience, supporting media literacy and independent journalism is part of the Commission’s wider effort to empower Europeans to make informed decisions and to participate actively in democratic processes. It will also be a central part of the upcoming European Democracy Shield, as announced in the 2025 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen.

Commission signs UN Convention to step up the fight against cybercrime

The European Commission has signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime on behalf of the EU in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

The fight against cybercrime is a priority for the EU. Cybercrime knows no borders; it can create disruption of essential services, financial losses for individuals and businesses, and it can compromise personal and sensitive information.

The convention enhances the EU’s ability to fight cybercrime together with international partners. It enables international cooperation with and between those 115 UN Member States that are not parties to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. It thus fills an important gap in combating crimes with global reach.

It sets global standards to prevent and combat cybercrime and steps up international cooperation in this area, while ensuring that fundamental rights are effectively safeguarded. It criminalises harmful acts, including child sexual abuse, online fraud and ransomware attacks. It includes measures for the extradition of suspects and the exchange of electronic evidence, as well as for the criminalisation of cyber-related offences. It also supports law enforcement cooperation and strengthens capacity building across the globe.

Between 2019 and 2024, the European Commission negotiated the convention on behalf of the EU and its Member States. On 24 December 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted the final text. Following a proposal by the Commission, the Council authorised the EU to sign the convention on 13 October 2025.

Following the signature, the Council will discuss and decide on the conclusion of the convention, which would also require the consent of the European Parliament. Member States would sign and ratify it in accordance with their national procedures. The convention will enter into force once it is ratified by 40 countries.

Commissioner Dombrovskis in Romania for high-level economic discussions

Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, is in Bucharest for a two-day visit to discuss Romania’s fiscal and economic developments, the implementation of the country’s recovery and resilience plan, and key EU policy priorities. During the visit, the Commissioner will engage with Romanian authorities, the National Bank, and members of the Parliament.

Today, Commissioner Dombrovskis will visit a project funded by Romania’s recovery and resilience plan together with Drago? Pîslaru, Romania’s Minister of Investments and European Projects. The Commissioner will then hold a meeting with Mugur Isarescu, Governor of the National Bank, together with its board members.

Tomorrow, Commissioner Dombrovskis will meet Nicusor Dan, President of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, Prime Minister, and Alexandru Nazare, Minister of Finance. The meeting will be followed by a joint press conference with participation of Commissioner Dombrovskis and Prime Minister Bolojan. The visit will conclude with the Commissioner exchanging views with members of the Romanian Parliament in the joint meeting of committees on budget and EU affairs.