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Council of Europe
Trends
- 1
The Council of the EU is highlighting Europe's push to develop its own payment system, reducing reliance on US-dominated networks like Visa and Mastercard. The initiative, long championed by the European Central Bank, includes plans for a digital euro and greater payment sovereignty. The topic is drawing wide attention as discussions over strategic autonomy and financial independence intensify across the continent.
- 2International NGOs conference tackles climate, women's rights, social rights●Climate risks, violence against women, social rights on the agenda of the international NGOs conference
An international NGOs conference is taking place with climate risks, violence against women and social rights on its agenda. The gathering brings together civil society organisations to discuss pressing global challenges, from the impact of climate change to protecting women from violence and defending social rights. The Council of Europe's conference of international non-governmental organisations is hosting the discussions.
- 3Humanitarian crisis deepens in Ukraine's Oleshky▼Ukraine: The rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Oleshky demands attention and action
The Council of Europe is warning of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, a Ukrainian city in the occupied Kherson region, and is calling for urgent attention and action. The appeal highlights worsening conditions for residents there amid the ongoing war, with access to basic needs reportedly under strain.
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The Council of the European Union is raising the question of a payment system made in Europe, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign card networks and payment platforms. The discussion fits into wider EU efforts around digital sovereignty, the digital euro project and strategic autonomy in financial infrastructure. Reactions online mix support for European independence in payments with scepticism about whether a new system can compete with established providers.
- 5Latvia first to ratify Convention on environmental crime▼"17 September 2026, Latvia became the first Council of Europe member State to ratify the Convention on the Protection of
On 17 September 2026, Latvia became the first Council of Europe member state to ratify the Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law (CETS No. 228). The move is being described as an important step towards strengthening the international criminal-law response to environmental offences, and attention is now on whether other member states will follow with their own ratifications.