BRUSSELS | Xinhua | A forum on green industry cooperation between China, the European Union (EU), and Africa has underscored opportunities for technological collaboration and sustainable practices, particularly the use of bamboo as an alternative to plastic. The forum, co-hosted on Thursday by the Chinese Mission to the EU and …
Read More »The truth behind coffee farmer registration
What Ugandans need to know before jumping onto coffee COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | Uganda is at a critical point where the lack of clear and credible communication from the government is fuelling public distrust. Too many citizens feel excluded from key decisions, leading to confusion, incomplete information, and dangerous …
Read More »Uganda must bear pressure of EU directives on coffee for market’s sake
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Time is running out first for Uganda to put in place compliance measures with the new European Union regulations against deforestation during coffee production. The EU Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) direct that imports (of about 600 commodities) should bear fruit that they have not been produced …
Read More »British PM recalibrates ties with EU, seeking more consensus
PARIS | Xinhua | Though described by European leaders as a “friend and partner,” Keir Starmer, who assumed the British premiership in July, has given no indication of reversing Brexit or rejoining the European single market. However, eight years after Brexit strained Britain’s relations with the EU, Starmer’s choice of …
Read More »EU opposes death sentence for M23 rebel leaders
Rutshuru, DRC | THE INDEPENDENT | The European Union has opposed a death sentence handed to some of the 26 leaders of the M23/Congo River (Fleavu) Alliance rebels, describing it as a contravention of the rule of law. A military court sitting in Gombe-Kinshasa on August 8, handed a death sentence …
Read More »Uganda in race to meet new EU coffee export rules
150 days left to comply with new tough EU regulations on farmers who cut forests to grow coffee Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | With about 150 days left before the European Union (EU) market begins implementing its tough ban on import of ‘deforestation-related products,’ Ugandan farmers, exporters, and regulators are …
Read More »Spire wins EU Human Rights Award 2024
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ugandan academic, cartoonist, and human rights defender, Jimmy Spire Ssentongo is the recipient of the 2024 EU Human Rights Defenders Award. Dr. Spire Ssentongo was recognized for having used social media to highlight issues of accountability. The Award, which is now in its 13th …
Read More »EU passes labour law
But Chinese exporters will seek to bypass the law by shifting operations and even channelling exports through third countries ANALYSIS | FELIX THOMPSON | EU legislation aimed at banning goods made with forced labour is set to impact China’s solar industry, yet experts warn Chinese firms will likely reroute their supply …
Read More »EU skills African scientists in geo-science and mapping to build continent’s capacity
Wakiso, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Twenty-five geo-scientists from eleven African countries have been trained in geo-scientific survey techniques and mapping in order to strengthen their countries’ capacity to locate and exploit mineral wealth. The four-week training was conducted in Entebbe and Kabale, with the Uganda Geological Survey Department and experts …
Read More »EU backs AU’s initiative for in-continent vaccine production
AU has prioritized vaccine manufacturing for up to 22 diseases NEWS ANALYSIS | RONALD MUSOKE | The European Union intends to support its partner, the African Union, in its ambitious goal of producing 60% of vaccines on the continent for African citizens by 2040, according to Jutta Urpilainen, the European Commissioner …
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