EU

Launched by the EU Council in the midst of the Covid-19 emergency, Operation Irini is the eleventh CSDP military mission[1], 17 years after the first EU “boots on the ground” in Macedonia. Irini's main task is to enforce the arms embargo on Libya, which was imposed by the UN since 2011 but unfortunately has never been effectively  implemented as yet, thereby contributing to the peace process in the country.

The March 31st Presidential elections in Ukraine matter for Ukraine, its region and the EU. While the majority of experts deem it impossible for a winner to be declared in the first round and, thus, expect a second one in April, the March contest will be a first important step in the crucial process to determine the direction the country will take. So, while we should not hold our breath on election day, we should definitely keep a close eye on the contest and its outcome.

European support on SMEs working on cybersecurity and digital privacy and available funds or programmes

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed by the European Union and Japan on July 17^th2018 in Tokyo, represents the most significant development in the context of global economic-commercial relations in recent years. It is an agreement that guarantees benefits to Italy and, at the same time, provides an important message in a historical global context characterized by renewed commercial tensions and protectionist tendencies.

According to a survey carried out by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) 90% of Europeans are not interested in buying ivory products and 65% is in favour of banning the trade within the European Union (EU).