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Proposal for expanded EU "space services" agency also suggests doubling budget over seven years

La présidente de la Commission européenne suggère aux dirigeants européens de s'inspirer du calme des chevaux pour surmonter les multiples crises

The post Von der Leyen rend hommage à la force « incroyable » des chevaux allemands appeared first on Euractiv FR.

Life expectancies at birth reveal significant disparities in death rates. Some of the lowest life expectancies at birth, around 55 years, are seen in sub-Saharan African countries, such as Nigeria, Chad, and South Sudan. Credit: Shutterstock

By Joseph Chamie
PORTLAND, USA, Apr 7 2026 (IPS)

As stated in Hamlet, “Thou know’st ’tis common; all that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity.” Although death is inevitable for all living beings, human mortality, which is expected to reach approximately 64 million individual deaths worldwide in 2026, is not evenly distributed across populations.

While mortality is a common fate for all humans, the timing, causes, and circumstances of death vary greatly across and within countries. This discrepancy often leads to a gap in death rates between privileged and marginalized groups.

Inequalities in human mortality are evident worldwide. Premature death is particularly prevalent in low-income regions due to limited access to healthcare, poverty, and conflict. This results in a world where some individuals pass away at young ages while others enjoy a long life.

From the first year of life, significant differences in the likelihood of death among human populations become apparent. Countries such as Iceland, Japan, and Finland have some of the lowest infant mortality rates, with less than 2 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. In contrast, nations like Niger, Somalia, and Nigeria have some of the highest rates, with more than 62 infant deaths per 1,000 births, which is 30 times higher than the lowest rates (Figure 1).

Source: United Nations.

The disparities in infant mortality rates are also evident in maternal mortality rates. In 2023, some of the highest maternal mortality rates are found in sub-Saharan African countries, such as South Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria, with more than 1,000 maternal deaths per 100,000 births. In contrast, countries like Norway, Poland, and Iceland have rates of less than 3 maternal deaths per 100,000 births.

Similarly, life expectancies at birth in 2025 reveal significant disparities in death rates. Some of the lowest life expectancies at birth, around 55 years, are seen in sub-Saharan African countries, such as Nigeria, Chad, and South Sudan. Conversely, countries like Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland have relatively high life expectancies at birth, approximately 30 years greater at about 85 years (Figure 2).

Source: United Nations.

Disparities in death rates persist when comparing life expectancies at age 65. In 2025, life expectancy at age 65 is around 12 years in Nigeria, Chad, and Togo, while it is approximately 23 years in Japan, France, and Australia.

Mortality variations exist not only among countries but also within countries. For instance, in 2022, life expectancy at birth in the United States varied from highs of about 80 years in Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Jersey to lows of approximately 73 years in Kentucky, Mississippi, and West Virgina (Figure 3).

Source: U.S. National Vital Statistics System.

Differences in life expectancy at birth exist among the major ethnic groups in the United States. In 2021, life expectancies at birth for these groups varied considerably, approximately 84 years for Asians, 78 for Latinos, 77 for Whites, 72 for Blacks, and 64 for Native Indians.

Furthermore, differences in life expectancy at birth also exist based on income and education. Generally, individuals from working-class backgrounds and those with lower levels of education can expect to live shorter lives compared to wealthier and more educated individuals.

For example, in the United States, working-class individuals can expect to die at least 7 years earlier than their wealthy counterparts. Higher education is also linked to higher income, lifestyle improvements, increased access to health-care, and longer life spans.

In addition to deaths caused by illness, disease, accidents, violence, conflict, and war, voluntary human death is becoming a significant global issue.

Inequalities in human mortality exist both among nations and within them, spanning various social and economic dimensions. While death is a natural part of life, the distribution of human deaths is unequal, with some individuals passing away at a young age while others enjoy a long life

Medically assisted death, also known as death with dignity, voluntary assisted dying, or medical aid in dying (MAID), is a topic of debate in many countries. This practice can involve assisted suicide, where the individual takes the lethal medication themselves, or euthanasia, where a doctor administers the medication.

While MAID is not legal in most countries, it is permitted in a growing number of countries under certain circumstances. Definitions and eligibility for medically assisted death vary across countries and states or provinces within countries.

Although laws vary in scope from place to place, jurisdictions that allow medically assisted death generally permit mentally competent, terminally ill, or suffering adults to end their lives with medical assistance. To qualify for voluntary assisted dying, individuals must meet certain criteria, which often include having a terminal or incurable illness with a short-term prognosis, being of sound judgment, voluntarily deciding to end their life, repeatedly expressing their desire to die, and self-administering the lethal dose.

Approximately twenty countries and various states or provinces within countries permit medically assisted death. These places include Austria, parts of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and parts of the United States. In a number of other countries, including France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, and Great Britain, legislators are considering bills on laws or rules on medically assisted death.

Among those who choose to take a lethal dose of medication, some key concerns for many of them include the loss of autonomy, control, bodily functions, and dignity; minimizing severe pain and intense emotional distress; inability to engage in enjoyable or meaningful life activities; reduced quality of life; fear of becoming a burden on family and caregivers; anxiety over future suffering; and avoidance of financial implications of treatment.

Additionally, some of the most common medical conditions in euthanasia requests include cancer in a terminal phase, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, constant suffering, and advanced cardiovascular disorders.

Those opposed to medically assisted death offer several arguments against it. They believe it creates the potential for abuse; leads to a slippery slope towards involuntary euthanasia; normalizes death as a solution; and undermines medical ethics and the sanctity of life.

They also argue that assisted suicide poses risks to vulnerable populations by influencing societal attitudes and policies towards older adults, the seriously ill, and the disabled. They believe it could lead to placing pressure on those considered a societal burden, jeopardizing funding and provision of palliative care. Additionally, there are concerns about ensuring that individuals’ decisions to end their lives are genuinely voluntary.

In summary, inequalities in human mortality exist both among nations and within them, spanning various social and economic dimensions. While death is a natural part of life, the distribution of human deaths is unequal, with some individuals passing away at a young age while others enjoy a long life.

The unequal distribution of resources often leads to a mortality gap between privileged and marginalized groups. Premature death is particularly prevalent in low-income regions, primarily due to factors such as limited access to healthcare, poverty, and conflict. Additionally, the contentious issue of voluntary human death, also known as medically assisted death, is receiving global attention. There are strong arguments both in favor of and against this policy, with around twenty countries allowing it under specific circumstances.

Joseph Chamie is a consulting demographer, a former director of the United Nations Population Division, and author of many publications on population issues.

European leaders should channel the calmness of horses to survive multiple crises, Commission chief suggests

Die aktuelle Situation rund um die Energieversorgung und die Energiepreise schätzt Claudia Kemfert, Energieökonomin und Leiterin der Abteilung Energie, Verkehr, Umwelt im Deutschen Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW Berlin), wie folgt ein:

Die Aussage des Chefs der Internationalen Energieagentur, wonach die Welt noch nie eine Unterbrechung der Energieversorgung im derzeitigen Ausmaß erlebt habe, klingt drastisch, stimmt aber. Wir erleben gerade die schwerste fossile Energiekrise unserer Zeit. Es handelt sich um einen multiplen Schock aus steigenden Öl-, Gas- und Nahrungsmittelpreisen, der die Verwundbarkeit unseres Systems schonungslos offenlegt. Wenn zentrale Lieferwege ausfallen und Fördermengen einbrechen, gerät die Weltwirtschaft ins Wanken.

Das ist kein einmaliger Ausnahmefall, sondern typisch für ein fossiles Energiesystem, das auf geopolitischen Abhängigkeiten basiert. Diese Krisen sind systemimmanent – ein energiepolitischer Kurzschluss, bei dem immer wieder versucht wird, das fossile System zu stabilisieren, statt es zu überwinden. Strategische Reserven können den Druck kurzfristig etwas lindern, lösen aber nicht das Problem. Solange wir an Öl und Gas festhalten, bleiben wir erpressbar und anfällig für massive Preisschocks.

Gerade bei steigenden Spritpreisen zeigt sich: Pauschale Tankrabatte sind eine teure Scheinlösung. Sie verpuffen oft und entlasten nicht gezielt. Besser sind direkte Entlastungen wie ein Klimageld, mehr Markttransparenz und eine stärkere Kontrolle überhöht­er Preise. Kurzfristig helfen Tempolimit, mehr Homeoffice und ein günstiger öffentlicher Verkehr, um die Nachfrage zu senken und Preise zu stabilisieren.

Die einzige nachhaltige Antwort auf diese Krise ist klar: Raus aus fossilen Abhängigkeiten. Erneuerbare Energien sind der beste Schutzschild – sie müssen nicht importiert werden, sind ausreichend vorhanden und taugen nicht als Erpressungsmittel. Wer jetzt weiter auf fossile Lösungen setzt, verschärft die Krise und verspielt die Zukunft.

MEPs' written question asks the Commission about dependence on Nvidia chips for AI gigafactories project

Including: Green budget, EIB interview, David Miliband on aid, railways and research

Magnus Brunner avertit que le conflit au Moyen-Orient « soulève des inquiétudes dans le domaine de la sécurité »

The post L’UE presse ses membres de se préparer aux risques sécuritaires venant du Moyen-Orient appeared first on Euractiv FR.

La jeune fille était tellement bouleversée par cet incident qu'elle ne l'a pas signalé à ses parents.

By Katsuhiro Asagiri
TOKYO, Japan, Apr 7 2026 (IPS)

As tensions surrounding Iran deepen and uncertainty spreads across global energy markets, Japan is once again confronting a structural weakness: its heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

For decades, Japan has relied on crude imports from a region repeatedly shaken by war, confrontation and instability. With the stability of the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters once again under threat, Tokyo is accelerating efforts to diversify both supply sources and transport routes. In that process, Kazakhstan has emerged as an increasingly important partner.

Yet the strengthening relationship between Japan and Kazakhstan is not limited to oil, uranium or logistics. It also has a deeper historical and ethical dimension. Both countries carry the memory of nuclear suffering and have sought to transform that memory into a foundation for dialogue, cooperation and advocacy for peace.

Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue” (CA+JAD) Credit: Primi Minister’s Office of Japan

Japan’s growing interest in Central Asia was not triggered directly by the current Iran crisis. In December 2025, Japan hosted the “Central Asia plus Japan” summit in Tokyo and adopted the Tokyo Declaration. There, strengthening critical mineral supply chains and diversifying transport routes were set out as strategic priorities.

That framework has since taken on even greater urgency.

One important element is the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the so-called Middle Corridor. Connecting Central Asia and Europe without passing through Russia, this route has drawn attention as a new transport channel for energy and strategic goods. In an era shaped by war, sanctions, shipping disruptions and intensifying rivalry among major powers, such corridors have become increasingly important for Japan.

Kazakhstan stands at the center of this calculation.

Middle Corridor. Credit: TITR

Japanese energy interests are already present in the Caspian region. INPEX, a Japanese company, holds stakes in major oil projects including Kazakhstan’s Kashagan field and Azerbaijan’s ACG field. Crude from these fields could serve as an alternative supply source to Middle Eastern oil for Japan. In addition, routes through the Caspian and Mediterranean can avoid the Strait of Hormuz, although that means longer transport times and higher shipping costs.

Karipbek Kuyukov(2nd from left) and Dmitriy Vesselov(2nd from right). Credit: Katsuhiro Asagiri

This reflects a shift in Japanese thinking. Diversification is no longer simply about finding new supplier countries. It is also about reducing the vulnerabilities embedded in the geography of trade itself.

Even so, energy alone cannot fully explain the distinctiveness of Japan-Kazakhstan ties.

What gives this relationship unusual depth is their shared historical experience of nuclear suffering. Kazakhstan endured the grave consequences of 456 nuclear tests conducted at the Semipalatinsk test site during the Soviet era. Japan remains the only country ever attacked with atomic bombs in wartime, and Hiroshima and Nagasaki continue to stand as enduring symbols of the catastrophic human cost of nuclear weapons.

The two histories are different. But the ethical language that emerged from them has much in common.

The remains of the Prefectural Industry Promotion Building, after the dropping of the atomic bomb, in Hiroshima, Japan. This site was later preserved as a monument. Credit: UN Photo/DB

Over the years, Kazakhstan has worked with civil society actors, including the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and hibakusha, the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to draw attention to the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and nuclear testing. Through conferences, exhibitions and testimony, these experiences have continued to be made visible in international discourse. That is especially significant at a time when nuclear debates are often narrowed to deterrence theory and geopolitical rivalry.

What matters here is the “dialogue” dimension of Kazakhstan’s diplomacy.

A Group photo of participants of the regional conference on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and nuclear-free-zone in Central Asia held on August 29, 2023. Credit: Jibek Joly TV Channel

Through the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana since 2003, Kazakhstan has sought to position itself not merely as a supplier of resources or a transit country, but as a hub for dialogue across political, religious and civilizational divides. This initiative has become part of the country’s diplomatic identity, grounded in denuclearization, mediation and coexistence.

For Japan, this adds another layer to Kazakhstan’s significance. Kazakhstan is not only a country with oil, uranium and transport routes. It is also a state that has sought to transform its own history of suffering into diplomacy centered on peace, trust and human security.

7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Group Photo by Secretariate of the 7th Congress

This approach resonates with the realities of today’s world, where multiple crises overlap.

Credit: akorda.kz

As Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has warned, nuclear risks are rising again. At the same time, energy insecurity, supply-chain fragility and geopolitical fragmentation are all intensifying. These are no longer separate policy issues. They are now deeply intertwined.

In this context, the relationship between Japan and Kazakhstan carries a broader lesson.

Cooperation between states does not have to be shaped only by economic and strategic interests. It can also incorporate shared memory, moral purpose and a commitment to dialogue. In practical terms, that means cooperation on energy and transport. Politically, it means contributing to a more stable and diversified regional order. Humanitarianly, it means sustaining the argument that security must not be separated from its human consequences.

Of course, this relationship is not free from limits or contradictions. Alternative routes are costly. State behavior is still heavily shaped by strategic calculation. Dialogue alone cannot neutralize the pressures of war.

Even so, in an international environment marked by fragmentation, coercion and renewed nuclear anxiety, the growing closeness between Japan and Kazakhstan means more than a tactical adjustment. It is also an attempt to connect realism with responsibility.

That is why this relationship deserves attention.

At a time when many countries are retreating into narrower and more inward-looking definitions of national interest, Japan and Kazakhstan are seeking to build a partnership that links resource security and diplomacy, memory and strategy, and national resilience with the search for peace.

Credit: UN photo

This article is brought to you by INPS Japan in collaboration with Soka Gakkai International in consultative status with UN ECOSOC.

IPS UN Bureau

 

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Excerpt:

With instability around Iran exposing Japan’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil, Tokyo is deepening ties with Kazakhstan in search of more resilient supply chains, alternative energy routes and renewed cooperation on nuclear disarmament.

Geopolitical shocks can empty shelves of everyday essentials. FMCG makers navigate constant disruption to keep trusted products available, affordable and sustainable across the EU. Policymakers should publish evidence and assess full value-chain impacts before changing supply rules.

Magnus Brunner warns that Middle East conflict 'raises concerns in the area of security'

Euroscepticisme partagé, jeux d'influence et repositionnement géopolitique dans les Balkans occidentaux, sans oublier un généreux prêt de 500 millions d'euros... C'est l'amour fou entre la Hongrie de Viktor Orbán et les nationalistes macédoniens du VMRO-DPMNE, revenus au pouvoir à Skopje en 2024.

- Articles / Politique Macédoine, Macédoine du Nord, Orban Balkans, Politique, Courrier des Balkans

Euroscepticisme partagé, jeux d'influence et repositionnement géopolitique dans les Balkans occidentaux, sans oublier un généreux prêt de 500 millions d'euros... C'est l'amour fou entre la Hongrie de Viktor Orbán et les nationalistes macédoniens du VMRO-DPMNE, revenus au pouvoir à Skopje en 2024.

- Articles / Politique Macédoine, Macédoine du Nord, Orban Balkans, Politique, Courrier des Balkans

Promotrice de CHISAM, Amamat Ouédraogo nous ouvre aujourd'hui les portes de sa cuisine pour partager l'une de ses recettes fétiches : les lasagnes. Un plat d'origine italienne, certes, mais revisité avec l'âme chaleureuse de nos tables africaines. Entre couches de pâtes généreuses, sauce bolognaise parfumée et béchamel onctueuse, Amamat nous invite à un voyage culinaire accessible à toutes les mains, même les moins aguerries. Sortez vos plats à gratin, la leçon commence.

Lefaso.net

Heiner Janus and Daniel Esser argue that the rush to devise a strategy for Iran is bound to run into bureaucratic pathologies that drive failures in intelligence and foreign aid alike: manufactured urgency and institutional whitewashing.

Heiner Janus and Daniel Esser argue that the rush to devise a strategy for Iran is bound to run into bureaucratic pathologies that drive failures in intelligence and foreign aid alike: manufactured urgency and institutional whitewashing.

« Nous demandons une réévaluation de nos relations et une renégociation du statut selon les conditions prévues pour 2026 », a déclaré le député Chrisis Pantelides

The post Chypre souhaite renégocier le contrôle des bases militaires britanniques sur son sol appeared first on Euractiv FR.

In today's edition: Diesel, crisis response, OECD director