EUROPE

The COVID-19 pandemic had already dampened the steady economic upswing in Africa. Then came the war in Ukraine, which has led to sharp increases in food and energy prices, imposing severe challenges on African countries as the living conditions of the people worsen across the continent. At the same time, EU’s efforts to partner with African countries have increased significantly …

Kwasi Kwarteng became the first casualty of the crisis of public confidence plaguing the new British government on Friday when he was sacked as chancellor of the exchequer 38 days after his appointment by Prime Minister Liz Truss. “You have asked me to stand aside as your Chancellor. I have accepted,” the first Black finance minister in British history said …

European employers can ban workers from wearing any visible sign of their political, philosophical or religious beliefs, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Thursday. According to the EU’s top court, the ban “may be justified by the employer’s need to present itself in a neutral manner to customers or to prevent social conflicts.” The ECJ said such a …

David Alaba has once again been voted “Sportsman of the Year” in Austria. It’s the third time in his career (after 2013 and 2014) that the professional footballer would be bestowed with the honour. The winner is chosen in a poll conducted by the members of the Austrian Sports Journalists Association. Alaba is the eighth athlete to be named Austria’s …

Prime Minister Liz Truss did not waste time to appoint her cabinet after taking over at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday. The new Conservative British leader named a 31-member cabinet that surprisingly includes three ministers of African origin. These are Kwasi Kwarteng, Chancellor of the Exchequer (finance minister), James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and …

Russia's war of aggression caused a sudden grain blockade that threatens food security worldwide. Despite the signing of the grain agreement between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by Turkey and the US, concerns remain high.

The video of an Italian man kneeling over an African in broad daylight in the Italian city of Civitanova Marche, located in the Province of Macerata, which has been widely circulated on news websites and social media since Friday, is so saddening. The video, which shows how the victim, a 39-year-old Nigerian, Alika Ogorchukwu, was being beaten to death by …

Women At The Well Of Living Waters, an empowering community of women headquartered in London, holds its global convention in the southwestern German city of Esslingen on 5-7 August. The 3-day event, tagged W@LWGERMANY2022, provides a forum for women from all walks of life to share their experiences and network. Among the activities that will take place at the conference …

President Muhammadu Buhari met with a selected number of Nigerians living in Portugal, on Wednesday night in Lisbon, and he reiterated the commitment of his administration to support citizens living outside Nigeria. Buhari called on Nigerians in the diaspora to always contribute their quota to the development of the nation. ‘‘In every field of human endeavour, be it the creative …

An international conference sponsored by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and the Initiative of Black People in Germany brings together activists and scholars in Berlin By Femi Awoniyi* People of African descent have historically been part of European societies. Indeed, their roots on the continent date back centuries, even if this fact is barely acknowledged in modern history books. “Black Europe: …

People of African descent have been part of European societies for decades and even centuries. Scholars, journalists and activists will gather in Berlin on 10-12 June to interrogate the history of organisation in Black communities in Europe. The international conference, entitled Black Europe: The Beginnings of Black Self-Organization in Europe, will examine the question of when, where and how Black …

After years of planning and a little over 12 months of building and refurbishment work, The Africa Centre – an establishment that celebrates contemporary African culture and heritage – is finally ready to welcome its patrons and supporters to its new home in Southwark, London on 9 June. “It will continue to act as a bold and transformative bridge between …

Every year, the member states of the European Union celebrate Europe Day. This day commemorates the signing of Robert Schumann’s declaration of 9 May 1950, which is considered the birth certificate of what is now the European Union. Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, Member of the European Parliament, writes on how she commemorated the Day in Germany this year and why the …

Members of the European Parliament voted on Thursday 5 May 2022 in Strasbourg to support women and girls, victims of the war in Ukraine. According to intelligence reports, the Russian army is increasingly using rape, sexual harassment and torture as weapons of war against civilians in Ukraine. 90% of Ukrainian refugees are women and girls. Dr. Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, MEP, Greens/EFA …

Text of the television address of the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz on the anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, 8 May 2022 in which he addresses the fears of Germans on ongoing war in Ukraine ———- Dear fellow citizens! 77 years ago today, the Second World War ended in …

According to German press reports, Chancellor Olaf Scholz will address the nation again in a televised speech on Sunday (8 May). He’s expected to talk about the war in Ukraine and the end of the Second World War. On 8 May 1945, 77 years ago, Germany was liberated from the Nazi regime by Allied troops. The speech is to be …

“Please do not buy or consume these products. They are illegal and, because of the child-friendly packaging, they can pose a risk of accidental consumption."

Here’s the speech delivered by Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, member of the European Parliament, at a public demonstration against the war in Ukraine, which took place in the southeastern German city of Erlangen on Saturday, 26 March. The Malian-born European parliamentarian makes a strong case for African students displaced by the war who are currently seeking refuge in the EU ——– …

Black founders in Europe disproportionately lack access to the networks and capital needed to grow their businesses. In 2020, with less than 0.5% of venture capital (VC) funding going to Black-led startups

"There is still a feeling that everything that's local is primitive"