EU starts accession negotiations with Ukraine in Luxembourg

Informal moments at the G7 summit

The G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains not only addressed major global challenges such as trade, security and international conflicts. Open microphones captured the more relaxed side of world leaders.

Donald Trump arrived late to a work table on the global economy and trade tensions with China. Jokingly, he exclaimed:

“I am the boss!”

The laughter among the leaders did not wait long.

Another episode attracted attention: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed that she had stopped smoking since May 1. The news sparked congratulations and jokes among his counterparts, who even asked about methods to quit the habit.

The relaxed atmosphere allowed for conversations about sports. The soccer World Cup that will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada was mentioned, as well as the Champions League. Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer and Trump himself participated in the talks.

One of the most talked-about moments was Trump’s cryptic reference to Greenland during a private conversation. In addition, diplomatic gift exchanges took place: a German soccer jersey and personalized bicycles, which added a symbolic and light tone to a high-level political summit.

Positive progress in the fight against Ebola

A 16-month-old baby and his mother managed to overcome Ebola in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Both left the Rwampara Treatment Center, near Bunia, along with five other people who also defeated the disease. It is one of the few encouraging developments during the current outbreak.

The mother said she took her son to the medical center at the end of May. The little boy had bleeding from the mouth and nose, as well as difficulty moving. Specialists confirmed through a PCR test that he was infected with the Ebola virus and received timely treatment.

Figures and challenges of the outbreak

The Congolese Ministry of Health reports 837 confirmed cases, including 196 deaths. Since the outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, at least 49 people have recovered. However, authorities warn that the real number of infections could be higher.

The situation keeps international health organizations on alert. The director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that this outbreak could become the worst on record if it is not contained. The Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant, has no vaccine or approved treatment.

The fight against the disease is complicated by violence and displacement in the province of Ituri, where the majority of cases are concentrated. Thousands of people have fled their homes due to the conflict, making contact tracing and medical care difficult in remote communities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kazan on Wednesday. The meeting is part of a summit that seeks to consolidate commercial, economic and strategic relations between Russia and the regional bloc.

The meeting coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations. During the dialogue, new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment and industry were analyzed. Putin affirmed that the exchange will make it possible to promote beneficial agreements for both parties and reinforce the participation of companies from the countries involved.

Trade and strategy at the center of the dialogue

Moscow considers ASEAN a key partner in the face of changes on the international scene. The summit seeks to expand a relationship that, according to the Kremlin, is strategic to counter Western isolation. The leaders of the Asian bloc, for their part, see Russia as an ally to diversify their economic ties.

The meeting in Kazan reflects Putin’s efforts to strengthen alliances outside Europe. The cooperation covers sectors such as energy, technology and food security. Although no specific agreements were announced, both parties committed to maintaining dialogue in the coming months.