Ghana faces a conflict around gold mining, particularly illegal small-scale mining known as 'galamsey', which causes environmental destruction and health hazards. Despite gold being Ghana's top export and a significant revenue source, galamsey activities have led to toxic pollution, deforestation, and accidents. The government's efforts to combat illegal mining, including a militarised response and legal actions, have been largely ineffective, marred by allegations of corruption and excessive force. The situation has sparked public uproar and demands for government action to address the environmental, economic, and security disaster. Good Governance Africa suggests that corruption is a major obstacle, and the Attorney General has highlighted issues with the legal process. The crisis poses a threat to Ghana's political stability and the well-being of communities in mining districts.

Relations between the European Union and Iran have deteriorated amidst tensions in the Middle East, particularly due to Iran's support for Hamas and the EU's backing of Israel's actions in Gaza. The decline began with the US withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal in 2018 and the EU's failure to maintain the agreement without US leadership. Iran has since moved closer to China and Russia, supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. The death of Jina Mahsa Amini in Iranian police custody and the subsequent crackdown on protests have further strained relations. The EU's efforts to preserve the nuclear deal and establish trade mechanisms have been largely unsuccessful, with European companies withdrawing from Iran. Iran's non-compliance with the nuclear agreement and its strengthening alliances with Russia and China pose challenges to the EU's influence. Iran's potential membership in the BRICS and SCO could further shift the balance of power. The EU must navigate these complexities to engage with Iran on issues like climate cooperation and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine may be partly motivated by a desire to secure key resources such as rare earth metals, which are vital for the transition to renewable energy and are abundant in Ukraine. Most of Ukraine's reserves are in areas occupied by Russia, potentially allowing Russia to expand its resources, eliminate a market competitor, and influence the EU's energy transition. The EU's Renewable Energy Directive and European Green Deal highlight the need for rare earths, and Ukraine was poised to help meet these needs before the invasion. Russia's control over Ukraine's reserves could support its ambition to become a major rare earth producer and strengthen its partnership with China, challenging the EU's position in the global energy supply chain.

Environmental protests in Serbia and Albania, such as the Vjosa River and Jadar movements, have successfully mobilized citizens against extractivism and ecosystem degradation, influencing political outcomes. The Vjosa River protests led to the river being declared a national park, while the Jadar protests resulted in the withdrawal of Rio Tinto's exploration permits. These movements, driven by grassroots initiatives, non-profit organizations, and political actors, reflect a growing awareness and concern for environmental issues. They have also led to the emergence of new political forces advocating for environmental protection and democratic participation. The EU's support for these movements has been mixed, reflecting a struggle to balance environmental concerns with economic interests.

Following recent violence between Hamas and Israel, Europe, particularly Germany, has seen a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and media outlets like Bild have been criticized for promoting stereotypes and anti-immigrant sentiments. Armin Langer, a rabbi and professor, discusses the problematic nature of these stereotypes, the German principle of 'Staatsräson' which supports Israel, and the unequal treatment of antisemitism compared to other forms of racism. He also addresses the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Jewish and Muslim communities in Germany, the importance of dialogue to combat stereotypes, and the need for progressive movements to support peace efforts and NGOs in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The Roma, often perceived as eternal migrants in Europe, have faced centuries of marginalization, violence, and exclusion. Historical narratives shaped by non-Roma have perpetuated stereotypes and prejudices. The Roma's lack of attachment to land, property, and their nomadic lifestyle have contributed to their social categorization and stigmatization. The abolition of Roma slavery in Romania led to significant social changes, including westward migration and continued discrimination. The Roma Holocaust during WWII resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, yet it remains under-recognized. Despite various policy initiatives aimed at improving Roma inclusion, their impact has been limited due to the failure to address the deep-rooted power dynamics and ethnic identity issues. The text calls for a more intersectional and inclusive approach to Roma policies to ensure their full participation and rights as European citizens.

Illegal fishing poses a significant challenge in tracking fish entering the EU market, with one in six fish untraceable. Ghana witnesses the illegal capture and trade of around 100,000 tonnes of small pelagic fish annually, with a substantial portion destined for the European market. Chinese-owned trawlers, often using Ghanaian companies as fronts, contribute to the drastic decline in fish populations, which have decreased by about 80% in the last two decades. Despite measures by the Ghanaian government and potential contributions from the EU, illegal practices like 'saiko' continue, where industrial vessels sell their catch at sea to artisanal fishermen. European vessels, such as the mega trawler Franziska, are also implicated in illegal activities and benefit from fuel tax exemptions, costing European citizens funds that could be invested in sustainable fishing.

Ghana experiences the illegal capture and trade of approximately 100,000 tonnes of small pelagic fish annually, with a significant portion exported to the EU. Stocks have declined by 80% over two decades, risking collapse. Chinese-owned industrial trawlers, using Ghanaian companies as fronts, engage in illegal fishing despite a ban on foreign trawlers. Some possess EU export licences, allowing legal sales in Europe. Artisanal fishers are also involved in 'saiko', a practice where they buy illegal catches at sea. The EU and Ghanaian government have taken steps to combat this, but more is needed. European vessels also participate in illegal fishing, often re-flagging to non-EU countries to bypass regulations.

Bulgaria and Romania are planning two new hydropower plants on the Danube River, aiming to enhance energy sovereignty. The projects, however, face criticism for their potential environmental impact, including threats to biodiversity and the Danube Delta's preservation. Concerns also extend to the safety of Romania's Cernavoda nuclear power plant due to potential water flow reductions. NGOs like Greenpeace Bulgaria and WWF Romania have raised alarms about the lack of comprehensive environmental assessments and the projects' conflicts with other initiatives. The European Union's role in funding and oversight is considered crucial, while some locals view the projects as economically beneficial.

Europe is exploring hyperloop technology as a high-speed, climate-friendly mobility solution, promising travel from Paris to Madrid in 90 minutes with minimal emissions. European companies like Hardt Hyperloop, Zeleros, and Nevomo are advancing the technology, with several test tracks established across the continent. The EU sees hyperloop as aligning with the European Green Deal's sustainability goals and is investing in its development, with regulatory frameworks expected by 2024. Despite the potential, challenges include resource dependence, safety concerns, and competition with existing transport infrastructure.

The Romanian People’s Salvation Cathedral, a project initiated in the 19th century, is nearing completion with a blessing ceremony held on November 25, 2018. The construction, expected to finish in 2024, has faced criticism for its long duration and high costs, with the Romanian state contributing significantly to the funding. The Orthodox Church, which has seen a decline in public trust, is also criticized for its financial dependency on the government despite its own revenue streams. The church's involvement in a divisive referendum over same-sex marriage has further impacted its reputation. The church's future influence may hinge on its ability to reconnect with the populace rather than political leaders.

In Togo, children are dedicated to vodun convents, where they undergo initiation into the West African traditional religion, vodun. Some children are bound to the convent for life, lacking access to formal education and healthcare. The religion, which venerates the god Mawu, categorizes divinities into celestial, sea, and earth. Initiates are trained in worship and rituals, often marked with scars to symbolize their belonging to specific gods. International organizations criticize the practice for violating children's rights to education. The National Federation for Vodun Cults and Traditions in Togo is conducting a census to assess the situation of children in convents, with the Maritime region already surveyed, revealing over 305 children in initiation, some for up to two years.

In 2013, Togolese inventor Afate Gnikou built a 3D printer from recycled electronic waste, inspired by a workshop at Fab Lab in Lome. Togo faces significant economic challenges, with high unemployment and poverty rates. Gnikou's innovation aims to foster technological advancement and environmental sustainability by repurposing e-waste. His 3D printer has gained international recognition and is used to create prototypes for local entrepreneurs. Gnikou now focuses on training others and plans to produce 3D printer materials from recycled plastics, emphasizing the importance of technology and education in Togo.

Romanian protesters successfully pressured the government to withdraw an executive order decriminalizing certain abuses of power. The protests, mainly by the middle class and intellectual urban elite, represent a non-violent resistance model against self-serving government decisions. The Social Democratic Party, supported by rural, undereducated residents, aims to maintain a corrupt political status quo. High-profile politicians, including PSD leader Liviu Dragnea, would have benefited from the order. The National Anti-Corruption Division has prosecuted numerous officials and organizations, with DNA chief Laura Kovesi criticizing the government's attempts to weaken anti-corruption efforts. Despite the withdrawal of the order, protesters demand the resignation of the social democratic government, continuing their fight for Romania's democratic future.

Romanian immigrants, often with minimal qualifications, have become essential caregivers for Italy's growing elderly population due to Europe's aging demographic, rising healthcare costs, and budget cuts. Vasilica Baciu, a Romanian badante, provided intensive care for an elderly Italian woman, reflecting the reliance on informal caregivers by families across Europe. Despite low wages and challenging conditions, these caregivers support their families back home, while facing psychological tolls and societal stigma. The Romanian government's lack of sustainable solutions for the economic and demographic challenges, along with the Italian government's failure to ensure adequate living and working standards, exacerbates the issue. Social activist Silvia Dumitrache advocates for better labor protections and awareness of the caregivers' plight.

The article discusses the impact of a proposed draft law that aims to provide immunity to politicians, which has sparked controversy and criticism. This legislative move is seen as a setback to the efforts of an anti-corruption protest movement that has been advocating for greater accountability and transparency in politics. The article delves into the implications of such a law, how it contrasts with the goals of the anti-corruption activists, and the potential consequences for the political landscape if the law is passed. The journalist may also explore the public's reaction, the arguments from both supporters and opponents of the draft law, and the broader context of corruption within the political system.