There are growing calls for reforms at the UN Security Council including granting Africa a permanent seat. Africa remains the only region without representation at this powerful table, despite the continent's massive membership in the United Nations.

Ukraine has Europe's largest gas storage capacity, while the EU needs more storage to reduce price volatility. But to go forward, the EU must underwrite the risk against Russian attacks on infrastructure.

Three years ago, Beijing imposed a set of new laws on Hong Kong that dissolved many civil liberties. "We've lost our freedom and all forms of protests are now criminalized," a former Hong Kong legislator told DW.

Talking Europe discusses European security with Gitanas Nausėda, the president of Lithuania. Ahead of next month's NATO summit in Vilnius, Nausėda urges a collective response to likely Wagner troop movements in Belarus. He also highlights the deployment of a permanent "full-fledged German brigade" in Lithuania and promotes a gradual approach towards European strategic autonomy.

Strategic ties between European countries and the Philippines are set to grow as leaders recognize the importance of countering China's rising military activity near Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The situation arose when Russia vetoed a nine-month extension and failed to gain support for an alternative six-month plan. The UN-brokered lifeline expired Monday.

As the United Nations Security Council convenes, global food insecurity takes center stage with a looming crisis threatening vulnerable populations.

Armed militias are fighting against Ethiopia's National Defense Forces in the Amhara region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared a state of emergency, and experts warn that the national peace process is in jeopardy.

EU countries neighboring Belarus are ramping up border security, citing threats posed by Wagner mercenaries. That leaves Minsk more isolated, but ordinary Belarusians are impacted too.

Chinese shopping app Temu has taken the world by storm, luring customers with rock-bottom prices for goods sent directly from China. But is the app a security risk? Do bargain hunters even care? DW takes a closer look.

Enlargement of the European Union was one of the priorities outlined by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union speech on September 13th, and it is likely to become an ever more pressing issue over the next few years. After the speech, Talking Europe sat down with the EU Commissioner in charge of neighbourhood and enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi. He is a distinguished Hungarian diplomat and lawyer. He served as Hungary's ambassador to the EU, and has held prominent positions at the Hungarian ministry of justice and ministry of foreign affairs.

Three West African countries ruled by military juntas have signed a mutual defense pact. Mali and Burkina Faso had previously promised to come to Niger's aid in the event of an attack.