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Excitement in Niger Delta as NDDC’s longest bridge awaits inauguration

Stakeholders are excited over the 1.2km Kaa-Ataba road and bridge project completed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers State.

The bridge, described as the longest in the Niger Delta and one of the longest in the country, was completed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Dr Samuel Ogbuku leading the NDDC’s management and board.

While the main bridge measures about 1.2km, the dual-lane roads leading to it, including two other bridges, are said to measure 2km.

Stakeholders said the bridge is particularly significant because it connects many communities hitherto separated by waterways and difficult terrain, creating easier access between the Ogoni and Andoni areas of the state.

The bridge, located in Kaa, Khana Local Government Area of the state, was said to be ready and could be inaugurated by President Tinubu as part of activities heralding the presidential election campaign inauguration scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Residents of Ataba and other surrounding communities were particularly excited about the planned inauguration because the bridge ended their years of heavy reliance on boats to access other mainland communities, along with the dangers of pirate attacks and boat accidents.

It was gathered that the bridge was also expected to provide additional access to Bonny Island, complementing the Bonny-Bodo Road, which President Tinubu’s administration also completed.

It was also learnt that the bridge would improve agriculture and commerce by enabling movement of farm products and other goods from the riverine areas to the metropolis, thereby reducing the cost of living.

Residents were also excited that the bridge would make it easier to get to hospitals, schools, and worship centres.

Community leaders and stakeholders in Ataba Kingdom, who spoke about the major infrastructure, hailed Tinubu and the NDDC for constructing the bridge.

They described it as a historic intervention that had ended decades of isolation and hardship in the riverine communities.

They commended Tinubu and the NDDC Board and Management for delivering the infrastructure, which they said had fulfilled a longstanding aspiration of the people.

The Head Chief of Ogogo Village, Chief John Ekwang, said residents were overwhelmed with joy over the bridge, which he described as the longest in the Niger Delta.

Ekwang recalled that for decades, Ataba and neighbouring communities depended on wooden boats to access mainland markets, schools and hospitals, exposing residents to danger and causing loss of life, farm produce and economic opportunities.

He said: ‘For many years, we cried for this bridge. Our children risked their lives crossing the river to go to school. Our women lost their fish and farm produce because there was no road. Today, NDDC has wiped our tears. This is the first time government has truly remembered us.

He assured the commission of the community’s support and cooperation, pledging to mobilise youths to protect the infrastructure against vandalism.

The Chairman of the Ataba Elders Forum, Mr ThankGod Egart, said the bridge would improve the socio-economic fortunes of Andoni people by reducing transportation costs, boosting trade and enhancing security.

‘We have buried people waiting for boats. We have lost perishable goods. With this bridge, our children can now go to school and return safely. Our fish will reach Port Harcourt and Bori fresh. We thank President Bola Tinubu and the NDDC Board and Management for giving us this hope,’ Egart said.

A trader, Mr George Okop, said the project had renewed hope for people engaged in the fishing business, as it would eliminate the need for expensive ice and costly boat transportation to preserve and convey their products.

A school teacher from Ataba, Mrs Sarah Johnson, said travelling from the community to Port Harcourt had been difficult, with residents sometimes waiting for about two hours to secure boat transportation across the river to Kaa.

She thanked the NDDC for constructing the bridge, expressing optimism that it would end transportation difficulties and improve residents’ livelihoods.

It was gathered that the President planned to personally inaugurate the project as part of the activities marking the presidential campaign rally scheduled for Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Economic reforms worsened poverty, favoured the rich – Peterside

Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Atedo Peterside, has insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms have benefited wealthy Nigerians while worsening the financial conditions of low-income households.

He spoke while appearing on Arise News TV.

According to him, the administration’s fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms have produced contrasting outcomes for different income groups.

Peterside stated that while wealthy Nigerians with investments in financial markets have recorded improved returns, ordinary workers continue to struggle with rising living costs and declining purchasing power.

‘The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer,’ Peterside said.

The economist said that the success of the government’s economic reforms should be assessed not only through macroeconomic indicators but also through their impact on household welfare.

Peterside explained that Nigerians with substantial investments in the stock market are more likely to have benefited from the reforms than workers who depend primarily on salaries.

‘If you ask a rich man, he’ll tell you it’s working because he is getting richer. In fact, if you ask a very rich man, he’ll tell you the reforms are fantastic,’ he said.

He said his own investment income had increased but maintained that improvements in the financial circumstances of wealthy Nigerians did not necessarily reflect the broader economic reality.

‘My concern is for the 140, 130 million Nigerians who are poor, who are getting poorer effectively,’ Peterside said.

He attributed the widening economic disparity partly to the government’s failure to introduce adequate social protection measures alongside its reforms.

He said approximately 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory recorded poverty rates below 50%, with many of those states concentrated in the Southwest.

He identified the Northwest, Northeast, North Central and South-South as regions experiencing particularly high poverty levels.

Peterside argued that policymakers who spend most of their time in relatively prosperous cities such as Lagos and Abuja may underestimate the severity of hardship in other parts of the country.

He maintained that the effectiveness of economic reforms ultimately depends on whether they improve living standards across income groups and regions.

Meta, TikTok, X to face mandatory illegal online activity reports in Kenya

Social media firms, including Meta, TikTok and X, will be required to file reports on illegal activities on their platforms with the Kenyan government, as part of proposed changes aimed at holding tech giants accountable under domestic laws.

A new proposal by the ICT ministry seeks to introduce a requirement for content-sharing apps and other online platforms operating in the country to report activities such as sexual exploitation, cyberbullying and impersonation to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

This brings social media giants under tighter scrutiny as the government seeks to hold platforms serving Kenyan users accountable under local laws, even when their operators are foreign-based.

‘Insert a new section 85C in the principal Act to provide for the regulation of digital platforms. The proposed section requires a provider to… report unlawful activity and the remedial steps taken, and comply with the relevant laws of Kenya,’ reads the Kenya Information and Communication Amendment Bill 2026.

‘The proposed section is intended to protect users in Kenya, enhance online safety and ensure that providers delivering services to users in Kenya are accountable under Kenyan law.’

The Bill defines a digital platform as ‘an online environment that facilitates interactions, transactions and content sharing among users,’ while a provider is a person who operates such a platform.

The proposed new section in the Kenya Information and Communications Act will require platform operators to notify the CA of their particulars and the services offered.

The regulator would be required to maintain a register of digital platforms used by Kenyans, receive and facilitate the resolution of user complaints, and monitor compliance among platform providers.

Providers like Meta, which owns WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, would be required to ensure the availability and safety of their platforms and publish the policies and terms governing their use.

‘The proposed section requires a provider to ensure the availability and safety of its service, publish the policies, terms and conditions governing the use of its service, establish a complaint redress mechanism,’ the Bill states.

Some illegal online activities under Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act include cyberbullying and harassment, offences that attract fines of up to Sh20 million or imprisonment.

Most social media platforms also prohibit sexual exploitation, human trafficking, abuse of children and adults, harassment, and doxing – publishing someone’s private information online without their consent.

Other activities that could fall under the regime include digital piracy involving the unauthorised sharing of copyrighted films, electronic newspapers, music, software and subscription codes, as well as identity theft, impersonation, cyber fraud, phishing campaigns and the sharing of terrorist or extremist content.

Some platforms, including TikTok, already publish periodic transparency reports detailing the number of videos removed and accounts suspended for violating their terms of service.

The proposed law would, however, create a statutory obligation to report such activity and the remedial action taken to the CA.

Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, China’s TikTok and X, owned by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, are among the most widely used social media platforms in Kenya.

The government has previously considered requiring social media companies to establish local offices to improve oversight of their operations, although this requirement is absent from the latest Bill.

Google, the owner of YouTube, and Microsoft, which owns LinkedIn, have physical offices in Nairobi.

In 2023, TikTok agreed to establish a Nairobi office following pressure from Parliament over concerns about explicit content on the platform.

Kenya’s Sh1.7trn PPP bet must not become another hidden debt

The Treasury’s directive that all major public projects must first be considered for Public-Private Partnership financing is understandable.

With the Budget Policy Statement showing 50 percent of ordinary revenue going to debt service in FY 2026/27, fiscal space is closed.

But Treasury’s own disclosures should give us pause. It recently revealed a Sh158.8 billion exposure in termination payments for road and solar PPPs. These are what taxpayers will pay if these projects collapse.

We have been here before. Under the Roads Annuity Programme launched to deliver 10,000km, only three roads totalling 172km were completed. Parliament heard the 91km Ngong-Kiserian-Isinya road will cost Sh28 billion under annuity versus Sh7-8 billion under conventional contracting.

The cost escalation – over 300 percent – is interest, profit and maintenance baked into the yearly payment.

The Roads PS told Parliament in April 2025 the annuity model has been abandoned as too expensive.

Yet we are now asked to embrace 51 projects valued Sh1.7 trillion under PPPs, with the Sh160 billion Rironi-Mau Summit toll road as flagship.

PPPs are not free. Kenyans pay through tolls and tariffs. Rironi-Mau Summit is already facing resistance because motorists already pay Road Maintenance Levy on fuel and will now pay again at the toll station.

We are not avoiding debt; we are deferring it to the toll station.

Unlike public debt which Parliament scrutinises monthly, PPP liabilities are hidden as contingent liabilities – off-balance sheet until they explode.

If these 51 projects must proceed, three safeguards are non-negotiable:

First, publish Value-for-Money tests before signing. Show that a Sh160 billion toll road is cheaper than government building it at Sh80 billion.

Second, publish all contingent liabilities in the Budget Policy Statement. Parliament cannot oversight Sh158.8 billion in hidden penalties it cannot see.

Third, ensure real public participation. The Adani-JKIA case proved Kenyans will not accept 30-year concessions negotiated behind closed doors that affect matatu fares and cost of living.

We need infrastructure, but not expensive shortcuts disguised as smart financing. If a road costs three times more under PPP, that is not innovation. It is fiscal illusion.

PSG breaks Champions League record with four goals against Villarreal

French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have set a new UEFA Champions League record after scoring four goals in just 17 minutes during their away match against Spanish side Villarreal in the competition’s fourth round.

PSG found the net through João Neves in the ninth minute, Désiré Doué in the 12th, Senny Mayulu in the 13th and Fabián Ruiz in the 17th.

The previous record dated back to November 2011, when a team scored four goals against Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb within a 20-minute period.

PSG’s remarkable attacking display means the French club has now set a new benchmark for the fastest four-goal haul in the competition’s history.

PRESS RELEASE – EUROPEAN COMMISSION

2026 Enlargement Package shows that reform commitment delivers progress towards EU membership

Today, the European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package, taking stock of progress made by the enlargement partners over the past year and setting out reform priorities for the way forward.

Enlargement is one of the EU’s most consequential policies anchoring peace, stability and prosperity across the continent. Firmly built on the principle of merits, a credible enlargement policy is increasingly an investment in Europe’s collective security.

This year’s package demonstrates that sustained reforms efforts translate into concrete progress to EU membership, as evidenced by Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine. The four countries have advanced their accession negotiations, with clusters opening and chapters being provisionally closed at an unprecedented pace. This year the Commission has presented the financial package for Montenegro’s accession and the work on the accession treaty is well underway. Taking this work forward, and as announced by President von der Leyen in her 2026 State of the Union address, the Commission is presenting today indicative roadmaps for these four most-advanced negotiating countries, setting out concrete milestones for the year ahead.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said: ‘The significant progress achieved by some candidates over the last year allows us to turn the promise of enlargement into reality. We are now proposing a set of indicative roadmaps for the most advanced negotiating countries – Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova. A clear path for the year ahead and a firm anchor for the upcoming negotiations. Step by step, we are building a more complete, stronger Union.’

The reports show that the pace of reforms, particularly in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, alongside political choices on security and defence, as well as progress towards economic convergence, directly shapes the speed of the accession process for each partner. Reforms, investments and the gradual integration of enlargement partners are already strengthening the Union’s capacity to protect its interests, reduce vulnerabilities and create new opportunities. To maximise these benefits ahead of accession, the Commission is also presenting today a common framework for gradual integration to further deepen integration in strategic sectors, such as energy, transport, digital and defence. This will make gradual integration more structured and coherent.

As enlargement partners advance on their reform paths, the EU must be ready to welcome them and match the pace of their progress. With the recent Communication ‘Preparing for a wider Union’, the Commission has laid the groundwork for ensuring that a larger Union is also stronger, more resilient and more effective.

Main conclusions

Montenegro has made remarkable progress toward EU accession, having provisionally closed 21 chapters to date. Subject to Member States’ agreement, Montenegro could provisionally close the remaining chapters by the end of this year. The ongoing work on Montenegro’s accession treaty, alongside the adoption of Council Conclusions on the financial package for the country’s EU accession, confirms that Montenegro is close to the final stage of its accession process. Sustained reform efforts and broad political consensus remain essential for the country’s EU future.

Albania continues to make progress towards EU accession. During the reporting period, it opened the last remaining cluster, met the interim benchmarks on the rule of law chapters, paving the way for the provisional closure of four chapters. Continued efforts are now needed across all remaining chapters. Reaching Albania’s ambitious but achievable objective of concluding accession negotiations by 2027 requires maintaining reform momentum and fostering inclusive political dialogue. Keeping up the momentum will require swift delivery on high-quality EU-related reforms. At the same time, the reporting period saw the country’s largest civic mobilisation since its democratic transition. EU accession is a whole-of-society approach that requires constructive dialogue.

Moldova has continued to make steady progress on its EU accession path, having opened four clusters over the past year. The Commission’s assessment remains that Moldova has met the conditions required to open all remaining clusters. Moldova has intensified the alignment of its legislation with the EU acquis across all chapters and made further progress on key rule of law reforms. It has also made very substantial progress towards meeting the interim benchmarks under the fundamentals cluster. It is now important that Moldova continues to maintain the current pace of reforms to allow the country to pursue its ambitious but achievable objective of closing accession negotiations by early 2028.

Ukraine remains committed to its EU accession path despite the challenges caused by Russia’s war of aggression, having opened four clusters over the past year. The Commission’s assessment remains that Ukraine has met the conditions required to open all remaining clusters. Ukraine has continued to advance on key sectoral reforms. Its institutional framework for combating corruption remains effective, with specialised anti-corruption institutions continuing to operate overall independently and effectively. The focus should now be on meeting the interim benchmarks under the rule of law, as well as delivering on the roadmaps concerning the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration reform, and on the action plan on national minorities. It is important that Ukraine continues to accelerate the pace of reforms, to put the country in a position to meet its ambitious objective to close accession negotiations by the end of 2028.

Serbia did not make any substantive progress in accession negotiations. The reporting period was marked by increasing societal polarisation, including in the pre-electoral context. While Serbia advanced the work on the alignment with EU acquis and technical standards, negative trends related to the fundamentals of the accession process ran counter to the authorities’ declared objective of EU accession and the values underpinning Serbia’s EU path. Alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) remained low. Serbia also needs to implement all obligations stemming from the EU-facilitated Dialogue, which remains an integral part of its European perspective. The recent parliamentary elections in Serbia provided the newly elected government with a strong mandate for reforms. Progress towards EU accession will depend on the incoming government’s efforts to reverse the negative trends, prioritise the fundamentals, including democratic criteria, the judiciary and fundamental rights. It will need to restore respectful democratic dialogue, demonstrate a clear and unambiguous commitment to EU values, including as regards alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy and efforts towards reconciliation, good-neighbourly relations and normalisation.

North Macedonia continued work on the opening benchmarks for the fundamentals cluster. This includes the adoption of the roadmap for public administration reform and continued work on the roadmap for the rule of law, alongside the accompanying action plan on minorities. North Macedonia has yet to adopt the necessary constitutional amendments, which it committed to undertake. Further efforts are needed to reinforce the rule of law. The country made significant progress in implementing reforms under its Reform Agenda, making it one of the top performers under the Reform and Growth Facility. Intensified efforts to adopt the necessary constitutional changes and address opening benchmarks remain essential to move the accession process forward.

Bosnia and Herzegovina continued to publicly declare its commitment to EU integration as a strategic goal, while increasingly disengaging from its EU path. Political posturing, divisive rhetoric and anti-EU narratives increased ahead of the general elections. Following the elections, Bosnia and Herzegovina should swiftly proceed with setting up of all executive and legislative bodies and demonstrate a renewed commitment to delivering on EU reforms. Bosnia and Herzegovina also needs to urgently proceed with the necessary steps to fully benefit from the Reform Agenda adopted under the Reform and Growth Facility.

Kosovo saw its EU-related reform process stall amid a prolonged institutional crisis, which was alleviated by a political agreement on the election of the President. While some progress was recorded in the area of serious and organised crime, and full alignment with the CFSP, concerning developments were noted as regards the functioning of the judiciary and the respect for fundamental rights. Following the transfer of local governance in northern Kosovo, the Commission lifted its measures against Kosovo, re-engaging through the Stabilisation and Association Process Dialogue and resuming the delivery of financial assistance. While the support for European path remains strong, Kosovo needs to step up with the reform process and implement all obligations stemming from the EU-facilitated Dialogue, which remains an integral part of Kosovo’s European perspective. The Commission stands ready to prepare an Opinion on Kosovo’s membership application if requested by the Council.

Trkiye remains a candidate country and a key partner for the EU. The EU has continued to advance relations with Trkiye in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner, engaging in areas of mutual interest. However, legal actions brought against elected officials, opposition figures and civil society have intensified, raising growing concerns about Trkiye’s adherence to core democratic principles. The gap between Trkiye’s declared objective of joining the EU and its backsliding on the fundamental political criteria for EU accession has widened further. The underlying factors that led to the standstill in the accession negotiations in 2018 remain unaddressed.

Georgia’s EU accession process remains de facto halted, and the Commission’s assessment of Georgia as a candidate country in name only remains valid. Georgia continues to fall short of the nine steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation for candidate status, as the ruling party has continued to undermine democratic principles, the rule of law, fundamental rights and civic space, while enabling further state capture. Unless Georgian authorities change course and recommit to the fundamental principles underpinning EU accession, Georgia will continue to miss out on the benefits of candidate status and the pre-accession process. The EU’s longstanding support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unwavering, as does its support for the European aspirations of the Georgian people.

Clear roadmaps towards EU accession

In the light of the progress achieved by Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine, the Commission presented today indicative roadmaps with concrete milestones and targets for the year ahead. Building on past experiences, in particular from the 2004 and 2013 enlargements, they will help organise the next stages of preparation in a more structured and transparent manner, supporting the work of both candidate countries and EU institutions and Member States. The Commission may adjust the roadmaps, depending on progress made in meeting the required conditions, and will update them regularly, based on the progress made. The Commission stands ready to put forward similar roadmaps for other candidate countries once they have reached a similar level of advancement, pace and engagement in the accession negotiations.

Getting ready for membership through gradual integration

The Commission’s recent Communication ‘Preparing for a wider Union’, highlights the need to reinforce the gradual integration of accession partners as they advance towards EU membership. To this end, the Commission presented today a mapping of existing instruments providing a basis for identifying opportunities to deepen integration in strategic sectors, including energy, transport, digital and defence. Upon conditions, the reinforced gradual integration will further boost growth, competitiveness and security, while remaining an integral part of the accession process. The mapping aims to ensure greater coherence, predictability and reversibility, allowing for a more structured integration that brings clear benefits for enlargement partners and the EU. Over the next six months, the Commission will launch dialogues on gradual integration with the enlargement partners to take stock of existing measures and their financing and identify more tailored opportunities for each partner.

Next steps

It is now for the Council to consider today’s recommendations of the Commission and take decisions on the steps ahead in the enlargement process.

Background

Enlargement is a merit-based process, based on the objective progress of each enlargement country. The EU supports the strengthening of institutions, democratic governance and public administration reforms across these countries.

In the recent Communication ‘Preparing for a wider Union’, the Commission presented the pre-enlargement policy reviews, as well as the policy orientations and actions needed to prepare the Union for future enlargements. It showed that preparing the EU institutions, adapting the Union’s policies to new realities, and ensuring that the EU budget reflects our shared ambitions. The Communication also outlined that future accession treaties should also contain safeguards to ensure that key commitments made during negotiations continue to be upheld after membership.

Gradual integration enables enlargement countries to prepare for membership through earlier participation in EU policies. Partners can benefit from broader access to EU programmes and agencies, connectivity, as well as participate in expert groups and committees, even before accession. Furthermore, initiatives like the pound 6 billion Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the pound 1.9 billion Moldova Growth Plan, and the pound 50 billion Ukraine Facility, allow for wider single market integration and establish stronger connection with the EU, such as through gradual integration and the participation in SEPA and “Roam Like at Home”.

Each enlargement has made our Union stronger. When ten countries joined the EU in 2004, it marked the Union’s largest ever expansion. In the two decades since, newcomers have seen living standards double, unemployment fall by nearly half, life expectancy rise from 75 to 79 years, poverty and social exclusion drop sharply, and 6 million new jobs created. For the existing members, trade has multiplied more than fivefold ever since, while 20 million jobs have also been created. For the EU as a whole, the Single Market gained 74 million new consumers at the time, and the EU economy has expanded by 27% despite global crises.

For more information

2026 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy

Factsheet on the EU accession process

Factsheet on the accession negotiations state of play

Factsheet on gradual integration

Communication ‘Preparing for a wider Europe’

Website on the EU Enlargement Forum 2026

For detailed findings and recommendations

Montenegro: Report; Factsheet

Albania: Report; Factsheet

Moldova: Report; Factsheet

Ukraine: Report; Factsheet

Serbia: Report; Factsheet

North Macedonia: Report; Factsheet

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Report; Factsheet

Kosovo: Report; Factsheet

Trkiye: Report; Factsheet

Georgia: Report; Factsheet

Quote(s)

The significant progress achieved by some candidates over the last year allows us to turn the promise of enlargement into reality. We are now proposing a set of indicative roadmaps for the most advanced negotiating countries – Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova. A clear path for the year ahead and a firm anchor for the upcoming negotiations. Step by step, we are building a more complete, stronger Union.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Enlargement is not just about making the European Union bigger but about making us safer and stronger. Many candidate countries already contribute to our security. They provide military expertise in drone warfare and modern battlefield technologies. Some candidate countries support EU operations in the Western Balkans and beyond. They strengthen the security of our energy supplies and help counter foreign information manipulation. Every time a country has joined the European Union it has benefitted our continent. Enlargement is a direct investment in Europe’s security.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

We have seen remarkable progress by those countries most advanced in the accession process. Today, we are merely a short time away from completing the process of Montenegro’s integration into the EU. An enlarged Union also becomes tangible with the other three frontrunners, as Albania, Moldova and Ukraine could join the European Union in the coming years if they sustain the reform efforts. It is also essential that EU Member States continue supporting enlargement.

Commission unveils 2027 work programme for a stronger and sovereign Europe and reports on simplification efforts

Today, the Commission adopted its 2027 work programme, setting out its main legislative and non-legislative initiatives for the year ahead. It is accompanied by the 2026 annual progress report on simplification, implementation and enforcement, taking stock of progress towards simpler EU rules and more effective results on the ground. At a time of major changes, the European Union is redefining itself to build a more independent, secure and prosperous Europe.

President Ursula von der Leyen said: ‘We are equipping Europe for the challenges to come. Our 2027 work programme sets out ambitious policies to strengthen our Union’s footprint. From deepening the Single Market to expanding our global partnerships. With strategic, streamlined policies, we will keep building a strong, independent Europe. A Europe that delivers for its citizens and businesses.’

In 2027, the Commission will focus on delivering, implementing and enforcing on our ambitious policies. It will continue to implement the One Europe, One Market roadmap to boost competitiveness, deepen the Single Market and cut red tape and barriers to growth across Europe. The work programme also sets out how the Commission will strengthen our unique social model, reduce strategic dependencies, strengthen the EU’s defence, support Ukraine, expand global partnerships and protect democracy and citizens. New initiatives will be clear, agile and fit for purpose.

Delivering on Europe’s priorities also means ensuring that its rules work in practice, without imposing unnecessary burdens. The Annual Report sets out the progress made in clearing the path to a simpler, more competitive Europe.

Robust analysis of evidence and active engagement with a wide range of stakeholders are essential for effective legislation. During implementation dialogues, College members have engaged directly with over 1,500 stakeholders – including industry representatives, civil society, social partners, business associations and public authorities at all levels.

In parallel, the enforcement of EU legislation has increased in pace. The Commission launched 874 infringement procedures, the highest number in ten years; referred 61 cases to the Court of Justice and requested financial sanctions in 25 cases. The Commission closed 499 infringement procedures as Member States complied with EU law. It will continue to speed up enforcement, across all areas, including with a focus on the Single Market.

Key deliverables of the 2027 work programme

Promoting sustainable prosperity and competitiveness: The Commission will take coordinated action to address high energy prices, strengthen its economy and further eliminate barriers to the Single Market. The Commission will create a European Corporation on Critical Raw Materials. It will table proposals to complete the Savings and Investments Union, including the venture capital framework reform and the Bank competitiveness and simplification package. It will tap the potential of Artificial Intelligence by proposing a blueprint for AI in health, transport, agri-food, manufacturing and defence and space. To ensure that technologies serve both people and our competitiveness, the Commission will propose a digital transformation package.

Supporting people, strengthening our societies and social model: The Commission will continue work to reinforce and will restate commitment to the enduring principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. It will build on the EU’s Affordable Housing Plan to increase access to affordable housing through a housing simplification package. The Commission will propose European university alliances 2.0 to improve the quality of higher education. The European Care Deal will promote affordable, quality care. We will work towards preparing our systems for changing demographic realities.

Introducing a new era for defence and security: The Commission will continue investing in defence. It remains committed to supporting Ukraine and will continue to implement the EU-Ukraine Defence industrial pact to enhance cooperation between the industries of the EU and Ukraine. A new European Instrument for Strategic Enablers will boost Europe’s defence capabilities at scale. The new European Security Emergency Protocol will help enable the EU to quickly respond to evolving security threats to Europe. In addition, the Commission will increase the security of the external border by proposing a European emergency response framework and modernising the Schengen visa framework. The Commission will also further assess the impact of its data retention rules.

Sustaining our quality of life: The Commission will keep working on adapting to and mitigating climate change. It will propose a European Water Initiative to help better manage our vital water resources, present a European Heatwave Plan to improve cross-sectoral action; and consider reinforcing capacities and capabilities required for the EU to address future crises. The Commission will also launch a Climate Insurance Alliance to address the climate insurance gap and improve risk management everywhere. The review of the nature protection Directives will allow us to assess whether changes to the legal framework are needed to continue to function effectively. To ensure effectiveness in view of climate neutrality objective and to move away from fossil fuels, we will review the CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

Protecting democracy and upholding values: Seventy years after the signature of the Treaty of Rome, the Commission will gather the brightest minds from across the EU in a new Congress of Europe to help shape a shared vision for Europe’s future. We will step up our work under the European Democracy Shield, including by coming forward with a Recommendation on Safety in politics to safeguard inclusive democratic participation. The Commission will also follow up on the European Citizens’ Initiative on conversion practices with a Recommendation calling on Member States to ban them.

Leveraging our power and partnerships abroad: The EU will continue building trusted partnerships to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen supply chains. It will deepen strategic cooperation with key partners, such as Canada, and cement our trade and economic ties abroad, notably with Indonesia, India, Australia, the Philippines and Thailand. The EU will build new tools against economic risks abroad with a diversification instrument and a deterrence pact. The EU will continue to support the rules-based international order, of which the International Criminal Court is a fundamental part. It will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine and contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East, Syria, Lebanon and the Red Sea while continue promoting freedom of navigation and maritime security through the straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.

Delivering together and preparing our Union for the future: The Commission renews its calls on co-legislators to reach a political agreement on the next 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework by the end of the year, with the aim of being ready to start implementing it from the 1st January 2028. In parallel, the Commission will enhance the protection of taxpayer’s money with the review of the Anti-Fraud Architecture, including the upcoming revision of the legislation for OLAF, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the protection of EU financial interests.

A focus on results and simpler rules

Since the start of its mandate, the Commission has proposed 12 omnibus packages, alongside other simplification initiatives, with the potential to generate over pound 22 billion in annual savings, nearly 60% of its mandate target. The priority now is to ensure that European businesses and citizens feel this impact. In this regard, securing swift and ambitious agreements from the co-legislators on pending proposals remains key.

The Commission has also stepped up its effort to help Member States apply EU rules more consistently through transposition roadmaps, implementation strategies, practical guidance and targeted technical assistance. And to prevent unnecessary national requirements from adding back the burdens removed at EU level, the Commission is working with Member States on a new Pact against gold-plating.

In addition, the Commission will continue the simplification drive, by tabling further simplification proposals such as the bank competitiveness and simplification package. The post-2030 framework will achieve simplification, while ensuring that to deliver on decarbonisation objectives.

Background

Every year, the Commission adopts a work programme setting out the list of actions it will take in the following year. The work programme informs the public and co-legislators of political commitments to present new initiatives, including simplification proposals, withdraw pending proposals and review existing EU legislation. The work programme is the result of close cooperation with the European Parliament, Member States and the EU consultative bodies.

For more information

2027 Commission work programme

2026 Overview Report

Questions and answers on the 2027 Commission work programme

Questions and answers on the 2026 Overview Report

Factsheet on the 2027 Commission work programme

Factsheet on the 2026 Overview Report

Quote(s)

We are equipping Europe for the challenges to come. Our 2027 work programme sets out ambitious policies to strengthen our Union’s footprint. From deepening the Single Market to expanding our global partnerships. With strategic, streamlined policies, we will keep building a strong, independent Europe. A Europe that delivers for its citizens and businesses.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Europe’s independence hinges on our ability to forge our own path in responding to the defining challenges of our time. We have already put in place much of the framework needed to become stronger and better prepared to act. We must now continue to focus on our strategic priorities, and translate this agenda into concrete results on the ground. This work programme will guide our efforts to this effect over the coming year, in full cooperation with the co-legislators.

Maroš Šefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

The Commission keeps turning simplification into concrete action. Our 12 omnibus and other measures have laid out savings of up to EUR 22.3 billion per year – almost 60% of our target for this mandate. In 2027, we will go further in tackling unnecessary burdens and addressing implementation gaps in areas such as transport, housing and digital, and accelerating permitting. We will work with the Parliament, the Council and Member States to reduce costs, tackle gold plating and build a more coherent Single Market. We continue calling for the ambition of our proposals to be maintained. Our goal is clear: less red tape and complexity for citizens, and more scope for businesses to invest, innovate and grow.

Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification

Commission seeks feedback on advertising repositories under the Digital Services Act

Today, the European Commission is calling for evidence to gather feedback on upcoming technical guidelines concerning advertising repositories under the Digital Services Act (DSA). These enable that information about ads is available to the public and easy to access.

Once adopted, the guidelines will aim to ensure that the advertising repositories provided by very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) are effective.

The Commission invites responses from a range of experts, including researchers, civil society organisations, journalists, providers of VLOPs/VLOSEs, and representatives from the advertising industry. These responses will help to shape the guidelines.

Advertising repositories enable researchers, civil society, journalists and national authorities to detect risks related to online advertising, including online scams, disinformation campaigns, misleading commercial practices and the promotion of illegal products and services, among others. Advertising repositories also support effective supervision and enforcement of the DSA.

Turkey must reaffirm its commitment to the Cyprus talks, notes a EU Commission enlargement report

A European Commission report on Turkey highlights Turkey’s refusal to cooperate with the Republic of Cyprus and its insistence on a two-state solution, whilst the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, at the same time notes the importance the European Union attaches to the resumption and progress of talks aimed at resolving the Cyprus issue. It is important for Turkey to reaffirm its commitment to the talks, Brussels notes, and calls for the avoidance of unilateral actions that increase tensions and hinder the resumption of talks.

The European Commission’s 2026 Report on Turkey, published today, Wednesday, as part of the enlargement package, states that Turkey ‘continued to refuse to recognise and cooperate with the Republic of Cyprus, including on security-related issues, and to veto its application to join or chair various international organisations’. Furthermore, it notes that Turkey ‘continued to refuse to recognise the Republic of Cyprus and repeatedly advocated a two-state solution in Cyprus, contrary to the resolutions of the UN Security Council’.

Presenting the Enlargement Package to MEPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) on Wednesday, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos noted that there is “a deterioration in the rule of law, fundamental rights and democracy. These developments widen the gap between Trkiye’s declared goal of joining the EU and its continued backsliding on the fundamental accession criteria. That is why accession negotiations have been at a standstill since 2018.”

At the same time, she noted that “we see intensified cooperation between the EU and Trkiye in areas of mutual interest, such as regional security, trade, climate action and migration, which brings benefits to both sides,” adding that “the EU has a strategic interest in developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with the country, reflecting today’s new realities in Europe.”

On the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, the Commissioner warned that tensions “could create difficulties,” stressing: “We expect Trkiye to respect international law, good neighbourly relations and the sovereignty of EU Member States.” She added that “the European Union attaches particular importance to the resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks as a means of further strengthening EU-Trkiye cooperation. We fully support the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to resume formal talks.”

In its report, the Commission stresses that, despite repeated calls by the European Council and the Commission, Turkey “has yet to fulfil its obligations” under the Declaration of 21 September 2005 and the Council Conclusions, including those of December 2006 and December 2015. It adds that Ankara “also failed to fulfil its obligation to ensure the full and non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement and did not remove all obstacles to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on direct transport links with the Republic of Cyprus.”

On the latest developments, the report states that “in July 2026, Trkiye signed with the so-called, internationally non-recognised ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (‘TRNC’) a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of an undersea natural gas pipeline without the authorization and consent of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. It also continues to insist on its plans for an electricity interconnector with the so-called, internationally non-recognised, ‘TRNC’ in the areas where the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control.”

Turkish military exercises in the maritime zones of Cyprus, and flights of Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles in the flight information region and national airspace of Cyprus, continued. Turkey further upgraded its military drone base in Lefkoniko and its naval base in Bogazi, in areas where the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control. It also temporarily increased its military presence, including by deploying F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems, in the context of the Iran war. Harassment of Cypriot fishing vessels and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by Turkey continued to be reported.

It is noted in the report that Turkey again criticised the UN Security Council’s decision to renew the mandate of UNFICYP for one year, until 31 January 2027, “without the consent of the Turkish Cypriot community.” On Varosha, the report says Trkiye “did not reverse its actions to open the entire fenced-off area of Varosha, thereby further entrenching the fait accompli on the ground,” and that the restrictions imposed in 2022 on UNFICYP within the fenced-off area remain, “violating UNSC resolution 789 (1992).” The Commission calls on Turkey to reverse “immediately” the unilateral actions announced on 20 July 2021 and all steps taken since October 2020 that run contrary to the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

The EU, according to the report, “remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN framework.” On 13 July 2026, the Commission appointed Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as its Special Representative for Cyprus, who “will support UN-led reunification efforts and facilitate renewed negotiations on Cyprus settlement.”

The report adds that “it is important that Trkiye reaffirms its commitment to the UN-led settlement talks on Cyprus in line with the relevant UNSC Resolutions, including their external aspects. No unilateral actions should be taken that could raise tensions on the island and prevent the resumption of talks.” The Council extended until 30 November 2026 the framework for restrictive measures over unauthorised drilling, with the annex empty. The report notes that Turkey has not carried out unauthorised drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean since the beginning of 2021.

On the Aegean, the report says that since 2023 bilateral relations between Turkey and Greece “have overall improved,” with no unauthorised drilling activities. It adds, however, that flights over Greek islands have resumed and that violations of Greece’s national airspace and territorial waters “have risen significantly.” By Presidential Decree of 15 August 2026, Turkey declared two marine parks in the northeastern Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean, which “extend predominantly beyond Turkish territorial waters into the high seas.” More flights of Turkish military jets over Greek islands, “including inhabited ones,” were reported, including in September 2026. Incidents of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by Turkish fishing vessels show a “noticeable increase” compared with the previous reporting period.

Turkey, the report notes, “continued to systematically issue unauthorised general navigational warnings (NAVTEX) and making demilitarisation claims regarding Eastern Aegean islands assigned to Greece under international treaties, thereby implicitly disputing Greek sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.” It also continues to object to Greece’s establishment of three marine parks entirely within Greek territorial waters and, very recently, to spatial planning frameworks for tourism, renewables, industry and supply chain. The inclusion of the doctrine of “Blue Homeland” (Mavi Vatan) in Turkish school textbooks is, according to the report, “a cause of concern and risks affecting the ongoing dialogue and regional cooperation.” It states that the 1995 declaration of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, on a casus belli in case of unilateral extension of Greek territorial waters, still holds. Trkiye is expected to make “an unequivocal commitment to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and the peaceful settlement of disputes having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice.”

In the Eastern Mediterranean, the report devotes considerable space to Libya. In October 2026, the Benghazi-based House of Representatives ratified the 2019 Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas, which, according to the Commission, “infringes the sovereign rights of third states, and does not comply with the Law of the Sea.” In a joint statement, the Presidents of the Commission and the European Council reiterated the EU’s position that the agreement is “null and void and cannot produce any legal consequences for third states.”

The report notes that “sustainable de-escalation has yet to be achieved,” as the ratification shows. In February 2026, Libya’s National Oil Corporation granted an exploration license to Turkey’s state-owned TPAO. The report also says the EU’s efforts to implement the UN arms embargo on Libya “continued to be challenged by Trkiye’s scepticism towards Operation EUNAVFOR MED Irini.” On the Great Sea Interconnector, an EU Project of Common Interest, Trkiye “continued to impede survey activities,” while the observer status of Turkish grid operator TEIAS at ENTSO-E was not renewed in June 2026.

On foreign and security policy, the Commission notes that Turkey “remained open to substantive exchanges with the EU,” but “made no effort to improve its alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP), despite its stated strategic goal of joining the EU.” Its alignment rate with statements by the High Representative and Council decisions on sanctions was “very low,” at 4% as of 1 September 2026, up from 3% in 2025.

Turkey did not align with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia but “partially cooperated” to prevent their circumvention through its territory. Exports of EU-origin Common High Priority List items to Russia fell by 86% in 2025 compared with 2023, but remain higher than pre-war volumes. Turkey has also “emerged as a major trading hub for oil products, providing substantial revenues to Russia,” while the Commission calls for urgent further efforts to prevent circumvention and to address risks linked to Russia’s “Shadow Fleet.” A European official who briefed the press said that “the circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia remains important. Trkiye has made some progress, but should make more progress.”

The report also states that Turkey “continued to seek involvement in CSDP and EU defence initiatives” while “simultaneously maintaining its policy of excluding one EU Member State from cooperation with NATO.” It adds that Trkiye’s “narrow interpretation of the EU-NATO cooperation framework continued to pose an obstacle” to enhancing key aspects of a genuine and sustainable relationship between the two organisations. The same chapter records the signing, on 7 August 2026, of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Trkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. It also records the US President’s announcement, on the margins of the NATO Summit in Ankara in July, of the lifting of CAATSA sanctions and readiness to consider F-35 sales to Trkiye, linked to a possible sale of the Russian S-400 system to a third country.

On the Middle East, Turkey aligned with the EU’s position on the need for a diplomatic solution to the war in Iran and for restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and takes part in the Global Coalition for the implementation of the two-state solution. Its position on Hamas, which Ankara considers a “legitimate political interlocutor,” “cannot be reconciled” with the EU’s, which lists Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Relations with Israel “continued to deteriorate,” with Turkey having issued arrest warrants for dozens of Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister. The normalisation process with Armenia “progressed” during the reporting period.

On the domestic front, the report speaks of “a serious cause for concern” regarding the functioning of democratic institutions, with continuing “democratic backsliding.” It refers to the continued detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, whose trial began on 9 March 2026 and whose indictment carries a sentence of up to 2,430 years in prison. It also refers to the annulment by an appellate court, in May 2026, of the CHP’s congresses, and to the suspension or arrest of 22 CHP mayors since 1 September 2025, bringing the total to 49 since the last local elections.

Turkey remains at “an early stage of preparation” in the area of the rule of law and fundamental rights, and “backsliding continued.” The report says the reporting period provided “further evidence of the control exercised by the executive over the judiciary.” The Grand Chamber of the ECtHR described the continued detention of Osman Kavala as a “flagrant denial of justice.” On press freedom, the report says that in October 2026 the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) seized Halk TV, appointed trustees and took the channel off the air. It adds that 74 journalists and media workers were arrested, imprisoned or remained in pre-trial detention between September 2025 and September 2026, compared with 51 in the same period of 2024-2025.

On migration, the 2016 EU-Turkey Statement “has continued to yield results and has remained the key framework for cooperation on migration,” according to the Commission. Turkey hosts 2.3 million refugees and the EU has mobilised EUR 12.5 billion since 2011. The Commission asks Turkey to fully implement the March 2016 Statement, resume returns from the Greek islands and implement all provisions of the Readmission Agreement in relation to all Member States. On visas, Turkey “continues to apply a discriminatory visa policy against nationals of Cyprus” and made no progress on the six unfulfilled benchmarks of the visa liberalisation roadmap.

On the economy, Turkey was the EU’s fifth largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching “a record high of over EUR 218 billion.” The Commission assesses the country as “well advanced in establishing a functioning market economy,” having made “some progress.” Inflation remains high, at around 31% year-on-year since the end of 2025, and the central bank’s independence is not yet entrenched.

Kenya Power loses fight against Sh16m award to man who lost arm in electrocution

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has failed to overturn a Sh16 million compensation award to a man who lost his right arm after stepping on a live electricity wire while herding cattle 11 years ago.

The Court of Appeal upheld the compensation awarded to Dancun Animantu, ruling that the power utility was entirely responsible for the accident and could not shift blame to the victim, who was only 16 at the time.

In the judgment, the appellate judges dismissed KPLC’s attempt to have the award reduced, saying there was no justification to interfere with the High Court’s decision.

The judges observed that no amount of money could restore Animantu to the condition he was in before the accident, noting that he could never buy another arm to replace the one he lost.

‘No amount of money could ever restore the respondent to his previous condition. He can never purchase another arm to replace the one he lost,’ the judges said.

They added that, given the extent of his injuries and the permanent disability he continues to live with, there could be no question of unjust enrichment or excessive compensation.

‘Considering the foregoing, we are not persuaded that the learned Judge considered any extraneous material or failed to consider relevant material in arriving at his decision. We may also add that given the respondent’s condition after the injuries, there cannot be an issue of unjust enrichment or overcompensation,’ the court ruled.

The case dates back to October 30, 2015, when Animantu was herding livestock in the Kilemi/Kautine area of Antubetwe Location, Igembe North, Meru County.

Court documents showed that the teenager tripped and fell onto a live high-voltage electricity wire that was lying loosely on the ground in the grazing area.

He was electrocuted and lost consciousness. When he regained consciousness, he was at Maua Methodist Hospital, where he would spend the next four months receiving treatment.

Doctors were forced to amputate his right forearm below the elbow, while he also sustained extensive third- and fourth-degree burns to his armpit, shin, ankle and foot.

Animantu, then a Class Four pupil at Ndoleli Primary School, was forced to abandon his education because he was right-handed and could no longer write.

He also continues to experience pain and weakness in his left leg, making it difficult for him to walk long distances.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal said Animantu had given a detailed and consistent account of how the accident happened, which was corroborated by medical evidence from both his doctors and KPLC’s own medical expert, Maina Ruga.

‘We have re-evaluated the evidence adduced by the parties. It is clear to us that the respondent did not merely rely on his pleadings. The respondent offered detailed, coherent, oral testimony under oath,’ the judges said.

They noted that Dr Ruga confirmed that the injuries were consistent with high-voltage electrocution.

The court faulted the power utility firm for failing to demonstrate how its electricity wire ended up on an open grazing field, observing that the company had a statutory duty under Section 52 of the Energy Act to inspect, supervise and safely maintain its power infrastructure.

It also dismissed KPLC’s argument that Animantu was partly responsible for the accident because he was grazing cattle near electricity infrastructure.

‘The respondent was a 16-year-old minor minding his own business, doing routine rural chores. An ordinary young boy herding cattle cannot be expected to anticipate or foresee a deadly, invisible electrical trap lying in the foliage on the ground,’ the judges said.

The court further observed that KPLC had not produced evidence showing that Animantu was playing with the wires, trespassing or deliberately exposing himself to danger.

‘We were not, for instance, told that the respondent was playing around with the wires when he was electrocuted,’ the judges said.

They consequently rejected the utility’s argument that liability should be apportioned at 30 per cent against the company and 70 per cent against Animantu.

‘We find no basis or justification to interfere with the learned Judge’s finding on the 100 per cent liability against the appellant,’ the court ruled.

Animantu had sued KPLC in October 2018, seeking compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and the cost of a functional artificial limb.

Medical evidence presented during the trial placed his permanent disability at 70 per cent.

An orthopaedic technologist, John Muchoki, told the court that Animantu required an advanced myoelectric prosthesis manufactured by German firm Ottobock to help restore some functionality.

The device was estimated to cost Sh8 million, with maintenance expenses of Sh100,000 every five years.

Dr Muchoki explained that cheaper artificial limbs costing between Sh1 million and Sh2.5 million offered limited functionality and would not adequately meet Animantu’s needs.

He maintained that the recommended prosthesis was not merely for cosmetic purposes but would help the young man regain some independence in his daily activities.

KPLC, however, disputed the projected medical expenses, arguing that the proposed award was excessive. It urged the court to limit compensation to about Sh2.12 million, comprising Sh1.5 million in general damages and Sh620,000 in special damages.

The utility also challenged the evidence supporting the cost of future medical treatment and argued that the victim had failed to provide photographs of the accident scene or a police report.

But the appellate judges dismissed these arguments, saying the medical evidence sufficiently established the cause and severity of the injuries.

The High Court had, in March 2021, found KPLC 100 per cent liable for the accident and awarded Animantu Sh15,979,424, together with interest.

The award covered general damages, special damages, and future medical expenses.

Azerbaijan, Belarus sign agreement on emergency response cooperation [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Emergency Situations, Colonel-General Kamaladdin Heydarov, met with a Belarusian delegation led by the Minister of Emergency Situations, Major-General of the Internal Service Vadim Sinyavski, who is visiting Azerbaijan to attend the 21st Men’s and 12th Women’s World Fire and Rescue Sports Championships in Baku.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, Heydarov thanked the guests for taking part in the world championships and highlighted the importance of hosting such a prestigious international sporting event in Azerbaijan. He epressed confidence that the competition would strengthen professional ties among rescuers from member countries of the International Sport Federation of Firefighters and Rescuers and promote the development of fire and rescue sports.

Noting the consistently epanding high-level relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus, Heydarov said that the emergency management agencies of the two countries had established a long-standing and effective cooperation framework. He emphasized the importance of regular contacts and echanges of eperience in preventing emergencies and dealing with their consequences.

The Azerbaijani minister epressed confidence that Sinyavski’s visit and the signing of a regulation on cooperation and information echange between the two countries’ emergency ministries would contribute significantly to epanding the echange of operational information and epertise in emergency response.

For his part, Sinyavski praised the high standard of organization of the World Fire and Rescue Sports Championships in Baku.

He also highlighted the mutual benefits of cooperation between the relevant emergency management agencies of Azerbaijan and Belarus amid the rapid development of bilateral ties. The minister pointed out that visits at various levels, meetings and signed agreements had made a significant contribution to strengthening relations. Sinyavski epressed confidence that the talks held during the current visit and the newly signed document would pave the way for further epanding cooperation between the two ministries.

The meeting also featured an etensive echange of views on issues of mutual interest.

Following the talks, the two ministers signed a regulation on cooperation and information echange between the Crisis Management Center of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Republican Center for Emergency Management and Response of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Belarus.

Later, Sinyavski presented Heydarov with the “For Promoting Life Safety” badge in recognition of his significant contribution to improving the protection of the population and territories against natural and man-made emergencies, as well as strengthening cooperation with Belarus’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Dmitry Krymov’s ‘Bloody Mary’ captivates Baku audiences at BIAF [PHOTOS]

The Israeli theatre company Gesher, based in Tel Aviv, presented its production of ‘Bloody Mary’ at the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre as part of the Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF). Directed by Dmitry Krymov, one of the most influential theatre directors of his generation, the production was staged for Baku audiences on November 1 and 2.

The visit of the renowned Israeli theatre company was one of the highlights of the festival programme, which brought together diverse artistic traditions, theatrical languages and contemporary interpretations of world classics.

‘Bloody Mary’ premiered in June 2026. Inspired by Friedrich Schiller’s famous tragedy ‘Mary Stuart,’ the production goes far beyond a conventional stage adaptation or literal interpretation of the literary work. Krymov creates an independent theatrical universe in which fragments of the classical narrative intertwine with contemporary reality, personal and collective memory, grotesque imagery and absurdity.

The action begins in an emergency department, where people from different eras and worlds encounter one another. Among them are two actresses preparing to portray Mary Stuart. As the story unfolds, the boundaries between reality and theatrical space gradually disappear, giving the familiar themes of power, jealousy, rivalry and eecution an unepected contemporary dimension.

At the heart of the production are two queens: Elizabeth, portrayed by Israel (Sasha) Demidov, and Mary Stuart, played by Evgenia Dodina. Rather than conventional historical representations, the characters emerge as symbolic, grotesque and almost circus-like figures. Yet beneath their masks and theatrical performances, deeply human emotions and personal struggles gradually come to the surface.

Comedy and tragedy coeist throughout the production, while black humour meets confessional sincerity and theatrical illusion unepectedly transforms into an intensely vivid reality.

In addition to Demidov and Dodina, the cast includes Polina Pakhomova, Nikita Goldman, Nikita Oleinikov, Ruth Senderovich, Itay Tarkhanov and Boris Repetur.

During a meeting with journalists, the leading actors discussed their eperience of working on the production, Krymov’s distinctive directing style and their participation in BIAF.

Israel (Sasha) Demidov, who portrays Queen Elizabeth, described his collaboration with the director as a unique creative eperience.

‘Working with Dmitry Krymov is, I think, like eperiencing magic. Magic in terms of his method, energy and ability to transform material. He radiates a special personal energy that a good actor immediately senses. Creative ideas begin to emerge from it, and interesting concepts and unepected solutions are born,’ the actor said.

According to Demidov, the production involves numerous challenges and unusual artistic demands, but these very difficulties serve as a springboard for discovering new forms of theatrical epression.

One aspect that particularly attracted journalists’ attention was Krymov’s decision to cast a man in the role of a female character. Asked about this choice, Demidov said that he was already familiar with this kind of theatrical eperience.

‘I am actually a specialist in women’s roles. I once played Desdemona, as well as an actor performing female roles. It is very interesting. But I want everyone to know that I am a man,’ Demidov remarked with humour.

Speaking about Baku, the actor said that he was already familiar with the Azerbaijani capital. A year earlier, he had visited the city with the production of ‘Anna Karenina,’ in which he played Karenin.

‘Baku is some kind of oasis, a free space where I see many different and interesting energies and an incredibly rich and comple spirit,’ he said, also highlighting the importance of the international festival.

Evgenia Dodina, who plays Mary Stuart, emphasized that the most fascinating aspect of the production was the opportunity to work with Krymov’s distinctive artistic vision.

‘The most interesting part of this production for me was working with Dmitry Krymov. I always have some idea of how everything will begin, but I have absolutely no idea how it will end. Because this is true authorial theatre in the fullest sense of the word,’ the actress said.

According to Dodina, Krymov does not simply transfer a classical work to the stage. Instead, he enters into a dialogue with it, sometimes even challenging it through a fierce artistic confrontation.

‘He takes classical material and does not simply illustrate it. He enters into a dialogue with it, sometimes even a passionate argument. He always incorporates the reality surrounding us into his productions, filtering it through his own artistic vision. The creative journey he takes us on is incredibly captivating,’ Dodina noted.

The actress also revealed that ‘Bloody Mary’ was her first collaboration with Dmitry Krymov, epressing hope that they would work together again in the future.

Asked about her onstage interaction with Demidov, who portrays Queen Elizabeth, Dodina stressed that theatre has no conventional limitations when it comes to casting and character roles.

‘This is theatre, and anything is possible in theatre. I have played children, animals and men. I could probably even play an alien if I knew what they were like. Theatre has no limits,’ she said.

She added that the production’s artistic compleity lies in Krymov’s ability to bring seemingly incompatible elements together and transform them into a unified theatrical world.

The artists’ impressions of the Azerbaijani capital formed another important part of the meeting with journalists.

For Evgenia Dodina, the visit marked her first encounter with Baku. Despite her busy touring schedule, she managed to eplore parts of the city and form her own impressions.

‘I have a feeling of grandeur. Everything here is epansive, including people’s mentality. It is very beautiful, the people are pleasant and polite, and there is wonderful energy. That is the impression I have,’ she said.

Speaking about the atmosphere of BIAF, Dodina described it as festive, noting that the city itself seemed to reflect the spirit of the festival.

The actress also discussed the emotions she hoped audiences would take away from ‘Bloody Mary.’

In her view, the production does not offer ready-made answers, as every audience member enters the theatre with their own eperiences, concerns and questions.

‘I would like everyone to find an answer to whatever is troubling them. The production touches on many different themes, and everyone can discover something of their own in it. I would like people to leave the theatre and smile or eclaim, ‘A-ah!” Dodina said.

Journalists also asked about her consistently positive outlook on life. The actress acknowledged that maintaining an optimistic attitude is largely a conscious personal choice.

‘There is no other way; otherwise, we would sink into darkness. Everyone makes their own choice in life,’ she replied with a smile.

Commenting on the Baku audience, Dodina observed that its reactions differed noticeably from those of theatre-goers in Tel Aviv.

‘The audience is wonderful. It is very different from the audience in Tel Aviv. What makes people laugh in Tel Aviv is met with silence here, while things that are met with silence there make people laugh here. The reactions are different, and things resonate differently,’ she eplained.

The performances of ‘Bloody Mary’ offered Baku audiences more than an opportunity to discover a new production by Israel’s Gesher Theatre. They also demonstrated how classical literature can serve as a starting point for eploring contemporary realities.

Rather than offering a definitive interpretation of Schiller’s tragedy, Dmitry Krymov presents a multilayered theatrical eploration of human nature, power, rivalry and memory. In this artistic world, absurdity becomes a means of understanding reality, masks reveal personal identities, and laughter provides a way of approaching tragedy.

The encounter with Baku audiences demonstrated that a theatrical eperience does not end when the curtain falls. It continues through audience reactions, questions and individual interpretations.

Perhaps this is one of the defining characteristics of Krymov’s theatre: its ability to leave room for a personal and ongoing dialogue between the stage and the audience.