The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) recently announced its commitment to support Suriname in improving spatial planning and environmental management. This initiative aims to address the country's pressing challenges in urban development, resource management, and environmental sustainability.

The European Commission announced a pivotal Growth Plan for Moldova with €1.8 billion, designed to accelerate the country's socio-economic development and support its EU accession ambitions.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently approved a significant financing package aimed at enhancing irrigation access in rural Nepal. This initiative is set to transform agricultural practices in the Rautahat and Sarlahi districts of Madhesh Province, where farmers have long struggled with inconsistent water supply.

On October 2, 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the approval of a $162 million loan aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive tourism development in Himachal Pradesh, India.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved two policy-based loans totalling $400 million to support the Government of Uzbekistan’s initiatives to enhance the country’s financial markets and develop a sustainable, market-led power sector.

A new “Clean Industrial Deal” within the first 100 days of the mandate to support the competitiveness of European businesses without compromising sustainability ambitions. Additionally, increased research spending, a new European Competitiveness Fund, Union of Savings and Investments, AI Factories, public procurement favoring European products, initiation of new IPCEIs, less bureaucracy, and risk absorption measures for venture capital. These are some of the main policy directions in economic development and competitiveness that will guide the new EU Commission over the next 5 years.

Launched on June 28, 2024, the Futural Open Call offers €1.2 million to support the development and implementation of innovative Smart Solutions, empowering rural communities across Europe to address key challenges and unlock their full potential.

The tenth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation will need to build on the legacy of Horizon 2020, as well as Horizon Europe, by expanding participation in calls, improving monitoring and evaluation of results, and promoting greater dissemination of research funded by European funds. 

Despite the many challenges facing the EU economy, EU investment in top-notch, cooperative doctoral research is not only being maintained, but is taking centre stage as a means to ensure the bloc's capacity to innovate in a competitive academic environment.

The history of the European Union, if anything, can be written in chapters - a winding road replete with growth, retraction, adversity and triumph. However, with some exceptions, the past two decades have perhaps been the most stable and peaceful period the continent has ever known.