Declining influence of American power

Despite the US opposition, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies have agreed to cut oil production by more than expected. Experts said that this move by OPEC confirms the declining influence of American power in the world order and this move will increase the distance between OPEC member countries and the US.

Experts say that the Biden administration, in the face of inflation, will have to face more political pressure before the upcoming mid-term elections, and the energy prices will increase and will affect the economic situation of Europe. It is estimated that this decision will further weaken the European countries that are supporting American power economically and socially. For this reason, recently, the differences between the European countries on whether to accept the decision of America or not have started to be clearly seen on the surface.

OPEC and its allies have decided to cut oil production by two million barrels a day, which equates to 2 per cent of global oil supplies. After this decision of OPEC, the price of oil has increased in the world market.

Deputy Secretary General of the Digital-Real Economy Integration Forum, said that in the background of the US shifting its strategic focus from the Middle East to the Asia Pacific region, Middle Eastern countries no longer need to rely on the US for geopolitical protection as before.

He also said that American policies are becoming increasingly self-centered and that they are building economic development on the foundations of the collapse of the other countries. Analysts have also said that, although there were many countries around the dominance of American national power in the past, in today’s environment where the world order is shaky, American power is declining due to economic problems such as weak international foreign policy and inflation.

Image:financial times

European Parliamentary Delegation in Kathmandu

The European parliamentary delegation has arrived on a two-day visit to Nepal.

A four-member team led by Evelyn Regner, Vice President of the European Parliament, has arrived in Nepal to inquire about the progress in the implementation of the federal democratic system here since the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal 2072.

According to the office of the European delegation in Nepal, the visit will contribute to the expansion and enhancement of cooperation between Nepal and the European Union.

The delegation of European parliamentarians will interact with the political leaders, government and civil society on matters of cooperation.

The delegation also said that they will discuss climate change, gender issues and social inclusion with stakeholders.

Ukraine crisis could lead to collapse of EU: Alexis Tsipras

The Former prime minister and current leader of the opposition in Greece, Alexis Tsipras has said that the EU has been the second biggest loser apart from Ukraine in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Addressing the press conference he said, “The US is not losing, neither economically nor geostrategically. But the European Union is the one that has lost its position both economically and geostrategically in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

He added, “Economically, Russia is not losing either. The ruble has become one of the strongest currencies now.”

While expressing his solidarity with the people of Ukraine he said that EU must do everything to put an end to the war.Tsipras claimed that apart from innocent civilians the “biggest loser” is the European Union, which is in “turmoil,” and “clearly lacks leadership, vision, strategy.”

He also said that the EU need to re-evaluate the sanctions. He asked,“ Were the measures correct or are we shooting ourselves in the foot ?”
“Unless the EU defends its own interests it will face existential problems, he added.”

EU approved one billion euros financial aid to Ukraine

The European Union has approved one billion euros infinancial aid to Ukraine.

EU finance ministers have approved one billion euros in economic aid to help Ukraine meet its immediate needs.The amount was approved as the first installment of the nine-billion-euro aid pledged to Kiev last May.

The Czech finance minister Zbynek Stanjura said the assistance would help Ukraine meet its needs and ensure the operation of critical infrastructure.

Discussions between Minister Ale and European Ambassador Deprez to lift Nepal’s air embargo

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale and European Ambassador Nona Deprez have discussed the issue of lifting the air embargo imposed on Nepal from the EU security list. During the discussion, Minister Ale urged to lift the air embargo imposed on Nepal.

Reminding that Nepal’s aviation sector is now safer than in the past and Nepal is above average with a score of 70.1 percent in terms of safety implementation under the eight categories prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization, Minister Ale urged to lift the air embargo.

Eight years ago, the EU blacklisted Nepal’s international aviation and banned flights to European countries, citing poor security in Nepal’s aviation sector. However, even after the ICAO lifted the ban on Nepal, Nepali pilots have not been allowed to fly, demanding more qualifications and training to meet international standards. Meanwhile, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Pradip Kumar Adhikari said that Nepal has provided training and qualifications for pilots.

Currently in Nepal, Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air and Himalayan Airlines are awaiting EU approval for international flights.

Leaders of the G7 countries to hold talks with Ukrainian President

Leaders of the world’s seven major nations(G7 Countries) are set to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The leaders of G7 countries will discuss possible assistance to Ukraine. According to the spokesperson of the German government, talks would be held on Sunday.

It is reported that Germany, which is currently chairing the G7 will coordinate the meeting. This will be the third virtual meeting, held within a year.The main focus of the meeting will be on the Ukraine crisis and President Zelensky of Ukraine will brief the current situation and needs of the country.

G7 leaders have been in favor of aiding Ukraine and pressuring Russia to end its aggression.