USDA Foreign Agricultural Service,update

 

World Agricultural Production Monthly report on crop acreage, yield and production in major countries worldwide. Sources include reporting from FAS’s worldwide offices, official statistics of foreign governments,  and analysis of economic data and satellite imagery. The report reflects official USDA estimates released in the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE).  Current Report Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

Cotton: World Markets and Trade

This monthly report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in cotton.

• Current Report
• Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

Grain: World Markets and Trade

This monthly report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in grains. Covers wheat, rice and coarse grains (corn, barley, sorghum, oats and rye).

• Current Report
• Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

Oilseeds: World Markets and Trade

This monthly report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in oilseeds. Covers oilseeds (copra, cottonseed, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower seed), meal (copra, cottonseed, fish, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower seed) and oil (coconut, cottonseed, olive, palm, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean and sunflower seed).

• Current Report
• Past Reports (USDA Economics, Statistics and Market Information System)

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest

 

Press material Wednesday 9 March 2022

● Council of the EU   09/03/2022 16:48 | Press release | EU imposes restrictive measures on 160 individuals as a consequence of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine   The Council decided today to impose restrictive measures on an additional 160 individuals in respect of the ongoing unjustified and unprovoked Russian military aggression against Ukraine and of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. "We are adding today to our sanctions list further key individuals and their family members who have a significant economic role in supporting Putin’s regime, and benefit financially from the system. They are now subject to asset freeze and travel bans. Our message is clear: Those who enable the invasion of Ukraine pay a price for their actions." Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy The listed individuals and entity include: - 14 oligarchs and prominent businesspeople involved in key economic sectors providing a substantial source of revenue to the Russian Federation - notably in the metallurgical, agriculture, pharmaceutical, telecom and digital industries -, as well as their family members. Today's decision complements the listings of oligarchs involved in the oil, gas, banking, media and transport sectors, decided by the Council on 23 and 28 February 2022; - 146 members of the Russian Federation Council, who ratified the government decisions of the ‘Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the Russian Federation and the Donetsk People's Republic’ and the ‘Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the Russian Federation and the Luhansk People’s Republic’. Altogether, EU restrictive measures now apply to a total of 862 individuals and 53 entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. Together with the sectoral measures targeting Belarus and Russia also adopted by the Council today, these new listings close loopholes and consolidate existing measures as agreed by the EU to respond to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, as well as the involvement of Belarus in this aggression. The European Union demands that Russia immediately ceases its military actions, unconditionally withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders. The European Council calls on Russia and Russia-backed armed formations to respect international humanitarian law and stop their systematic information manipulation, including disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks. The use of force and coercion to change borders has no place in the 21st century. Tensions and conflict should be resolved exclusively through dialogue and diplomacy. The EU will continue cooperating closely with neighbours and reiterates its unwavering support for, and commitment to, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and of the Republic of Moldova. It will continue strong coordination with partners and allies, within the UN, OSCE, NATO and the G7. The relevant legal acts, including the names of the listed individuals and entity, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. Official Journal of the EU, 9 March 2022 Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine: EU agrees new sectoral measures targeting Belarus and Russia, press release 9 March 2022 EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine European Council conclusions, 24 February 2022 Ukraine: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of the Russian Federation, press release 24 February 2022

Press material Wednesday 9 March 2022

● Council of the EU   09/03/2022 17:57 | Press release | Presidency press release - Member states united in supporting Ukraine and strengthening the EU’s telecommunications and cybersecurity resilience   The informal meeting of European Ministers in charge of telecommunications and digital affairs took place in Paris and Nevers, on 8 and 9 March.

The informal meeting of European Ministers in charge of telecommunications and digital affairs took place in Paris and Nevers, on 8 and 9 March.


On the occasion of this meeting the ministers reaffirmed:
The European Union’s solidarity with Ukraine

As part of the ongoing talks initiated with Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on 3 March 2022, the Ministers discussed the IT and telecommunications aid to be provided to Ukraine. The primary aim is to allow government authorities to continue their work, namely through the provision of IT equipment necessary for the continued normal functioning of the Ukrainian government, and to keep the country’s telecommunications services operational. The French presidency of the Council of the European Union will coordinate the efforts between Member States.

The Ministers called on private-sector companies in a position to provide such equipment to do so, and to coordinate closely with their governments.

In line with the declarations made on 4 March 2022 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Ministers also pledged to be ready, should new measures be considered.
Efforts to step up the fight against disinformation

Combatting disinformation, which is already one of the objectives of the draft Digital Services Act, is an especially pressing issue in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. Online platforms, particularly social media companies, have a decisive role to play in this area.

In a unanimously adopted political declaration, the 27 Ministers called on tech companies to take additional voluntary measures to combat online disinformation and information manipulation (see link to declaration).
The importance of increasing the resilience of Europe’s telecommunications networks and cybersecurity

The Ministers noted that the telecommunications sector is one of the most advanced in terms of cyber threat preparedness, but still called on the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) to identify the gamut of risks threatening European communications networks and infrastructure and to formulate recommendations on how to strengthen their resilience.

The recent increase in cyber threat levels, worsened by the situation in Ukraine and the risk of cyber incidents within the EU, have led the Ministers to call for bolstering and accelerating the pace of European cooperation in the area of cybersecurity.

Discussions between participants helped to reassert the need to swiftly adopt and implement the revised Network and Information Security (NIS2) Directive, so as to guarantee a high common level of security of essential network and information systems.

The Ministers also requested that Member States’ cybersecurity authorities step up their cooperation at operational level and called on the European Commission to firm up the Cyber Resilience Act announced by President von der Leyen. Additionally, they approved the creation of a cybersecurity emergency response fund.

The 27 Ministers adopted a bold political declaration intended to boost the EU’s cybersecurity capabilities with details on each of these initiatives (see link to declaration).

The crisis we are all experiencing together means that we must move faster to realise our cybersecurity agenda and increase the overall resilience of our systems and networks. It is foundational to our sovereignty, security and strategic autonomy. The remarkable contributions of Member States, the Commission and an array of institutional stakeholders during our meeting in Nevers shows our determination to improve cybersecurity at EU level. Our discussions helped us to chart a course for further strengthening the EU’s resilience in the medium term. The commitments made today also demonstrate the Union’s ability to rapidly respond to a crisis and EU partners’ solidarity towards Ukraine, including in the digital and telecommunications realms.”— Cédric O, Minister of State for Digital Affairs and Electronic Communications

Documents destinés à la presse mercredi 9 mars 2022   ● Conseil de l'UE   09/03/2022 17:06 | Communiqué de presse | Relations UE - Royaume-Uni: le Conseil adopte son mandat sur les propositions visant à assurer la continuité de l'approvisionnement en médicaments   Les ambassadeurs auprès de l'UE se sont mis d'accord aujourd'hui sur le mandat concernant les propositions de directive et de règlement visant à assurer la continuité de l'approvisionnement en médicaments de l'Irlande du Nord, ainsi que de Chypre, de l'Irlande et de Malte. Sur base de cette position, un accord devra maintenant être trouvé avec le Parlement Européen afin que cette directive puisse entrer en vigueur dans les plus brefs délais. La directive a pour but de préserver l'approvisionnement ininterrompu en médicaments à usage humain en Irlande du Nord après le retrait du Royaume-Uni, dans le cadre du protocole sur l'Irlande et l'Irlande du Nord. Elle permettra aussi, à titre exceptionnel et pour une période de transition de trois ans, la mise sur le marché en Irlande, à Malte et à Chypre des médicaments provenant du Royaume-Uni sous couvert de dérogations à l'obligation que les titulaires d’autorisations soient établis dans l'Union européenne. Le règlement est étroitement lié à la directive et a pour but d'assurer l'approvisionnement en médicaments expérimentaux de ces mêmes marchés. Contexte Avec ces propositions, l'Union européenne entend faciliter la mise en œuvre du protocole sur l'Irlande et l'Irlande du Nord sur le terrain, conformément aux mesures pour l'Irlande du Nord présentées par la Commission le 13 octobre 2021. Relations entre l'UE et le Royaume-Uni: la Commission tient sa promesse d'assurer la continuité de l'approvisionnement en médicaments de l'Irlande du Nord, ainsi que de Chypre, de l'Irlande et de Malte (Commission Européenne, communiqué de presse) Meetings Wednesday 9 March 2022   ● European Council   09/03/2022 15:20 | MEETING | Background brief - Informal meeting of heads of state or government of 10-11 March 2022, Versailles   Background brief - Informal meeting of heads of state or government of 10-11 March 2022, Versailles

General Secretariat of the Council: Think Tank reports on the invasion of Ukraine

 

Providing their first assessments of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, think tanks report on the united response of the Western bloc and the unfolding hu… Library blog Wednesday 9 March 2022   ● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank reports on the invasion of Ukraine   Providing their first assessments of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, think tanks report on the united response of the Western bloc and the unfolding humanitarian crisis; assess the policy and security implications for the EU and the impact for the Middle East, North Africa, Serbia, and India; and analyse the strategic goals of Moscow, the involvement of Belarus and the impact of economic sanctions. Think Tank reports on the invasion of Ukraine 10 March 2022   Think Tank Review   gsclibrary This is a non-exhaustive collection of Think Tank reports on the invasion of Ukraine, covering the period from February 2022 onwards, which is regularly updated:   Providing their first assessments of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, think tanks report on the united response of the Western bloc and the unfolding humanitarian crisis; assess the policy and security implications for the EU and the impact for the Middle East, North Africa, Serbia, and India; and analyse the strategic goals of Moscow, the involvement of Belarus and the impact of economic sanctions. CENTER FOR SECURITY STUDIES (CSS) Russian Analytical Digest No. 278: Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: First Assessments and Geopolitical Implications This issue collects first assessments of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022. INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP War in Europe: responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine This paper considers how Russia’s assault on Ukraine threatens to become the largest European conflict in decades. A vigorous but judicious Western and global response is critical to limit the damage. UTRIKESPOLITISKA INSTITUTET (SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS) Some preliminary thoughts on the policy implications of the Russian aggression Thursday 24 February 2022 is, and will be understood as, a watershed in European and global modern history. This article considers various implications of the full-scale military attack on and aggression against a neighbouring state of almost 45 million inhabitants by the world’s leading nuclear weapon power – and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. UTRIKESPOLITISKA INSTITUTET (SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS) Russia's “soft annexation” of Belarus during its invasion of Ukraine This article examines how Russia has for all intents and purposes also taken control of Belarus militarily, as a side-line to its unprecedented military build-up on the land borders of Ukraine and its invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES The Ukraine crisis: an interim analysis According to this analysis, it is already clear that with the invasion of Ukraine, Putin has upset the world order that has existed since the Second World War. The Western bloc has already begun to realign and is presenting a unified and forceful stance vis-à-vis Moscow. Israel can no longer avoid taking a clear stand and siding fully with the countries opposing Russia. BARCELONA CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Oriente Medio y el Norte de África ante la guerra en Ucrania: vasos comunicantes Middle East and North Africa is, after Europe, the region that will feel the impact of the war in Ukraine most acutely, mainly in terms of energy and grain prices. The article analyses other, deeper, connections such as the diplomatic battle, the negotiation over Iran's nuclear programme and its impact on conflict dynamics across the region. ITALIAN INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL STUDIES The Ukraine War and the Risk of a New Foreign Fighters Wave The author of this article reports on some concerns following Zelensky's plea for foreigners to join the fight against Russia and his promise to give them arms on their arrival. The article recalls the war in Donbas and the great influx of foreign fighters and the risk that this happens again. CENTAR ZA EVROPSKE POLITIKE (EUROPEAN POLICY CENTRE)  Ukraine and Russia are at war. What does that mean for the future of EU-Serbia relations? The authors reflect on how the current situation in Ukraine will effect Serbian politics with regard to the EU, considering their close ties to Russia. ITALIAN INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL STUDIES Putin’s invasion of Ukraine: A wake-up call also for the MENA region? This brief approaches the different reactions of the MENA countries to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, reporting a general caution from these countries to condemn Russia's actions except from Foreign Minister Lapid. The author gives a brief overview of the impact of the war in the MENA region.               FRIENDS OF EUROPE Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: getting the right Western strategy in place This article states that it is time to move beyond disbelief and develop a coherent Western strategy to face Russia's aggression. It considers whether this will be the opportunity to create more integrated European units with neighbours like France, the Benelux, Poland and Italy, and even with the post-Brexit UK. INSTITUTO ESPAÑOL DE ESTUDIOS ESTRATÉGICOS (IEEE) Efectos de la guerra de Ucrania en las Repúblicas Bálticas Before the Ukrainian war, the threat of Russia was mainly understood as a matter of political or economic dimensions in the three Baltic republics. For the author, from now on, this threat is more related to an essential military dimension. This article highlights the increasing reinforcement of this military dimension in the Baltic republics and Scandinavia, which is done in order to guarantee a solid defence from the allies of the region. REAL INSTITUTO ELCANO Ucrania en busca de refugio digital Government stability and international order are in danger in Ukraine, but also the protection of its people and its national security. The control of the technological infrastructure plays an essential role in this, according to the author. This is why it is important to analyse Ukraine's ability to respond to a possible hostage of its digital infrastructure by Russia, and the optimal scenarios in which Ukraine could count on to protect its data and especially in collaboration with other countries. CENTRUM STOSUNKÓW MIĘDZYNARODOWYCH (CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS) "Russian invasion of Ukraine. Deciphering where India stands" This article considers New Delhi's position vis-à-vis the war and India’s pro-Russian tilt which is a function of its "time tested" friendship with Moscow as well as of geopolitical necessity. However, it is argued that India has a great scope in resolving the impasse in order to avoid being seen as guilty of complicity. CENTRUM STOSUNKÓW MIĘDZYNARODOWYCH (CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS) War in Europe. Ukraine fights for the West Contrary to Kremlin’s expectations, the West is united in its response to the war in Ukraine. The paper argues that this ability to take tough measures towards Moscow is crucial since at stake is nothing less than the very survival of Ukraine and the freedom of the entire Central and Eastern Europe. Possible scenarios for Ukraine and global strategic consequences are also outlined. STIFTUNG WISSENSCHAFT UND POLITIK NATO-Russia Tensions: Putin Orders Invasion of Ukraine This paper examines Moscow’s strategic goals with the invasion of Ukraine and the need to avoid further escalation, taking into account the security agreements between Russia and NATO and the current European security order. STIFTUNG WISSENSCHAFT UND POLITIK Moskau bedroht die Balance im hohen Norden Russia’s attack on Ukraine is not based on legitimate security interests but a rejection of the European security order. According to the authors Russia’s demand for more consideration for its own security interest have achieved the exact opposite. Russia's pressure has the paradoxical effect of bringing Finland and Sweden closer to NATO. BERTELSMANN STIFTUNG SWIFT exclusion is fine, sanctioning the Russian Central Bank is better The article analyses the economic sanctions posed on Russia by the EU. BERTELSMANN STIFTUNG What are the economic implications for the Russian and European economies? The Russian war against Ukraine This article gives an overview of the implications the economic sanctions on Russia have for the European and Russian economies. INSTITUT FRANCAIS DES RELATIONS INTERNATIONALES Guerre en Ukraine : leçon de grammaire stratégique This paper examines Russia’s objectives in launching a high-intensity war against Ukraine, which are clearly not limited to Donbass. Nor are they aimed at the acquisition of new territories. In all likelihood, it concludes that this is a large-scale campaign for regime change aimed at installing a power in Kiev that will guarantee it obedience and security. INSTITUT FRANCAIS DES RELATIONS INTERNATIONALES Le choc de la réalité : La coalition feu tricolore dans la crise russo-ukrainienne This analysis considers that the Russian-Ukrainian crisis puts to the test the cohesion of the new traffic light coalition, the authority of Chancellor Scholz and the ambition to adapt the post-Merkel German foreign policy. CLINGENDAEL - THE NETHERLANDS INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  Phoenix or Icarus? CRU Policy Brief European strategic autonomy in light of Ukraine With all eyes on the next Russian move in Ukraine, the notion of European strategic autonomy is experiencing a revival. This paper considers the concept, concluding that broad use of the term ‘EU strategic autonomy’, as is in vogue, risks giving populism and nationalism an unnecessary impulse. CLINGENDAEL - THE NETHERLANDS INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  Tsar-struck : How Vladimir Putin uses the history of the Russian Empire On February 24, Vladimir Putin shocked the world by starting a war in Ukraine. In the run-up to the Russian invasion, Putin delivered far-reaching speeches and wrote an article to legitimise his actions – packed with intense rhetoric on imperial as well as Soviet history. This article considers how Putin has consistently instrumentalised history to achieve his policy goals since the day he became president. THE HAGUE CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES Real and Imagined Challenges to Strategic Stability Strategic stability has come under pressure from a shifting military and political environment: the number of major strategic actors has increased; missile defence has evolved; and the battlefield has expanded. Nuclear arsenals are being increased and diversified. Yet, the author argues that warnings that we have entered into a new arms race should be viewed with caution and, contrary to what other analysts have suggested, technological advancements are not fundamentally undermining strategic stability. CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Changes Everything Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have profound consequences for the stability of the region and for the future of European security, not to mention the immense human suffering. In this article, Carnegie Europe’s scholars give their assessment about how the military attack will fundamentally change the post-Cold War era. DGAP - GERMAN COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS If Russia uses migration as a weapon, Europeans should respond in kind Around 442,000 people have so far fled Ukraine – not just to the EU, but also to neighbors like Moldova. This is a humanitarian issue, and should not be conflated with “migrant instrumentalization” (MI), whereby a state pushes people across a border to coerce the EU to change position. Yet Russia is likely to employ MI in this way, especially if it moves deep into Western Ukraine. Drawing on an in-depth study, this policy brief shows how the EU can meet this specific threat. London School of Economics and Political Science The Long Shadow of the Soviet Union: Demystifying Putin's Rhetoric Towards Ukraine  This paper provides a contextualised analysis of the Kremlin’s rhetoric regarding Ukraine since 2014. Examining the content and accuracy of Russian complaints about NATO enlargement, the article examines other motivations Putin may have for considering an attack on Ukraine, in particular 'nationalist irredentism'.  RUSSIAN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL The end of diplomacy? Seven Glimpses of the New Normal The author outlines events leading up to the current situation in Ukraine.  CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES The Kremlin Playbook 3: Keeping the Faith This study aims to expose a new front of Russian malign influence in Europe and Eurasia: the instrumentalization of values, traditions, and religious beliefs to exploit or sow divisions among Western societies. INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  Quo Vadis, Belarus? The February 2022 edition of the IRMO Brief, authored by Zoran Meter, deals with the situation in Belarus after the presidential election in 2020 to present day. The author also analyses how Belarusian support to Russia will facilitate Russian ambitions in Ukraine.    This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council. The Council Library reading room is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12.00 to 15.00. The Info Desk remains open online from Monday to Friday.

"δρόμος ΤΗΣ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΡΑΣ":Κοπή πίτας και Βιβλιομπαζάρ

 

Κυριακή 13/3 20:00 Κοπή πίτας Σάββατο 12/3 & Κυριακή 13/3 11:00 - 21:00 Βιβλιομπαζάρ οικονομικής ενίσχυσης του Δρόμου Αγαπητές φίλες και φίλοι του Δρόμου, ► Την Κυριακή 13 Μαρτίου, στις 20.00, στο κτίριο 11δ (Ρεθύμνου 11 & Ιουλιανού, Πεδίο του Άρεως) θα γίνει η κοπή της πίτας, της εφημερίδας δρόμος. ► Παράλληλα όλο το Σαββατοκύριακο 12-13 Μαρτίου, από τις 11:00 μέχρι τις 21:00, στο χώρο πραγματοποιείται  μπαζάρ βιβλίου με σκοπό την οικονομική ενίσχυση του Δρόμου.. ► Στο μπαζάρ θα υπάρχου βιβλία από τους εκδοτικούς οίκους Άγρας, Α/συνεχεια, Εκδόσεις των Συναδέλφων, Καλειδοσκόπιο, ΚΨΜ, Λογότυπο και Στοχαστής. ► Επίσης θα υπάρχουν και πολλά μεταχειρισμένα βιβλία όλων των θεματολογιών. Σας περιμένουμε! Η συντακτική επιτροπή του Δρόμου