Europe needs an agreement with Ukraine to counter Russian influence. The US and Russia’s proposal ignores Ukraine and Europe. The US’s lack of clarity on its goals and Trump’s priority of ending the war complicate the situation. Russia seeks economic benefits at Ukraine and Europe’s expense. Putin aims to weaken the relationships between the US, Ukraine, and Europe, seeking submission.
The global response to tuberculosis remains vulnerable, with 1.25 million deaths in 2023 and a $16.3 billion funding gap for 2027. The US proposes to cut its funding by 55% for 2026, which could increase 10.7 million additional cases and 2.2 million additional deaths by 2030, despite national efforts.
During more than a decade, the European Commission has used Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to push for fiscal reforms in the EU, although a recent analysis reveals changes in fiscal priorities without reflecting real progress. Attention has shifted from labor and consumption taxes to capital taxation and tax administration. Only 14% of these recommendations have been fully implemented.
In an interview during the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, Egyptian Minister Rania Al-Mashat discussed Egypt’s National Economic Development Strategy, focused on transforming the country’s economy through macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, international cooperation, and concessionary financing for the private sector, mobilizing over $15 billion in four years for growth projects.
In this episode, Norm Eisen, ACDS president, presents the fourth edition of the Democracy Playbook, offering practical strategies to reverse democratic backsliding and strengthen democracy through the defense of the rule of law, election protection, and the fight against corruption. The new edition is based on the growing knowledge that democracies can make U-turns when facing autocratic pressure.
