The 80th session of the UN General Assembly has begun in New York and will last until September 29. It will bring together about a hundred presidents and over 40 prime ministers to discuss global challenges and strengthen international cooperation.
Ireland is providing assistance to Ukraine in the form of vehicles and demining equipment. Two convoys of vehicles have already arrived in Poland for further transfer.
Spain has joined the countries threatening to boycott Eurovision-2026 if Israel is allowed to participate. This is the first country from the "Big Five" to put forward such a condition, which could influence the organizers' decision.
September 16 marks World Barber's Day, established in 2017 by the McAlister brothers from Ireland. Barbershops raise money for charity, supporting UNICEF.
Eurovision organizers have suggested that Israel withdraw from the 2026 contest in Austria or perform under a neutral flag. This is due to boycott threats from several countries over the war in Gaza.
Conor McGregor has withdrawn his candidacy from the Irish presidential election, citing a "fixed" democracy that only allows "establishment-approved candidates. " He did not receive public support from any member of parliament or local councils.
Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ stated that the country might withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. The decision is linked to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the deaths of civilians.
The European Commission is considering introducing age restrictions on social media use for teenagers under 16. This follows Australia's example, where similar rules will come into force in December.
Conor McGregor announced his intention to run for President of Ireland in the 2025 elections. He called on citizens to contact MPs to support his nomination and promised not to sign laws without public review.
President Zelenskyy discussed further support for Ukraine with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. The parties are working on strengthening sanctions against Russia and security guarantees.
Actor Mark Hamill considered moving to London or Ireland after Donald Trump's re-election as US president. His wife convinced him to stay in the country, noting that he should not let Trump drive him out of his own country.
From October 12, the European Union is implementing a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace passport stamping and add biometric registration. This innovation will affect hundreds of millions of tourists and business visitors from outside the EU.
July 2024 was the third hottest month on record globally. The temperature was 0.27°C cooler than the record-breaking July 2023 and 0.23°C cooler than July 2024.
An international coalition, led by Canada and Ukraine, called on Russia to unconditionally return abducted Ukrainian children. 38 countries, the Council of Europe, and the EU signed a joint statement, emphasizing the violation of international law.
France and 14 other states signed a joint statement calling on the world to recognize the Palestinian state. This happened after a conference in New York aimed at reviving the two-state solution.
The UN conference in New York concluded with a call from 17 countries for an end to Hamas's rule in the Gaza Strip. The signatories condemned the attacks by Hamas and Israel, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops and a halt to settlement construction.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize a Palestinian state in September, becoming the first Western member of the UN Security Council to do so. This move came after Great Britain and Canada refused to join the initiative due to their unwillingness to anger the United States.
The Irish media regulator is pressuring the X platform over non-compliance with new age verification rules to protect minors. The company risks a fine of up to 500,000 euros and is challenging the code in court.
The European Commission has sent warning letters to 18 EU member states for failing to notify the full implementation of the Directive on criminalizing the violation of EU restrictive measures. Countries have two months to respond and complete implementation.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
The average duration of working life in the EU in 2024 is 37. 2 years, with notable differences between countries. The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark lead with indicators of over 42 years, while Romania, Italy, and Croatia have the lowest indicators.
American rapper Azealia Banks accused Conor McGregor of sexual harassment, publishing screenshots of alleged intimate photos and threats. In the UK, such actions are considered a criminal offense.
UNN analyzed the cost of studying at ten leading foreign universities where Ukrainians can get higher education. The review includes universities in the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Austria, and Ireland.
Excavations have begun in Ireland at the site of a former mother and baby home, where the remains of hundreds of infants are believed to be located. This investigation will last two years, having uncovered evidence of a mass grave in a disused underground septic tank.
In June 2025, solar energy accounted for 22. 1% of the EU's total electricity, surpassing nuclear energy and fossil fuels. The Netherlands and Greece became record-breakers, while dependence on coal sharply decreased.
In the first quarter of 2025, housing prices in the European Union increased by 5. 7%, and rental prices by 3.2% compared to the same period in 2024. Since 2010, housing prices in the EU have risen by 57.9%, and rental prices by 27.8%.
Ryanair is increasing the maximum dimensions of under-seat carry-on baggage from 40×25×20 cm to 40×30×20 cm, which increases the bag's volume from 20 to 24 liters. These changes will be implemented in the coming weeks and will exceed the minimum dimensions recommended by the EU.
Ryanair has canceled 170 flights, affecting over 30,000 passengers, due to a nationwide air traffic control strike in France. The disruptions affect flights to/from France and over its airspace, impacting routes from the UK to Greece and from Spain to Ireland.
Germany will increase the minimum wage to 13. 90 euros per hour in 2026 and to 14.60 euros in 2027. This will make it the second highest in the EU after Luxembourg.
