Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
Join IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos at CEPS on Tuesday, September 8, for the launch of a new IMF Departmental Paper, "Bridging Borders: Making the Most of EU Accession."
Commissioner Kos will give opening remarks and Managing Director Georgieva will present the paper, followed by a moderated conversation with CEPS Chief Executive Officer Karel Lannoo on how to make EU enlargement work for both new and existing members and how to maximize the economic potential of an enlarged Union.
EU enlargement is an opportunity not only to accelerate growth and raise living standards in candidate countries, but also to strengthen the enlarged Union’s economy.
The paper estimates that, under the right conditions, GDP per capita in the Western Balkans and Moldova could increase by around a third within a decade of joining the Union. Realizing this potential will require three mutually reinforcing policy levers. Domestic structural reforms anchored in the EU acquis, deeper integration into the Single Market, and effective use of EU funding each contribute broadly to the overall gains. Together, these measures can raise productivity and incomes in new Member States, supported by stronger institutions, better governance, and a more dynamic private sector.
The benefits, however, need not stop at the EU’s future members. Enlargement can also generate gains for existing Member States by expanding markets and investment opportunities, and deeper integration into the Single Market can help unlock further potential across the enlarged Union.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Sudan
South Sudan
Central African Republic
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon
Yemen
Ukraine/Russia
Ukraine/Humanitarian
Ebola/Democratic Republic of the Congo
Afghanistan
Venezuela
Clean Air Report
International Literacy Day
Sudan
Moving to Sudan, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, is continuing his visit to Khartoum. Today, he joined his Quintet colleagues (which, as you know, comprises the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, the European Union, and, of course, ourselves). They met in Khartoum. This is a good offices mission for the Quintet to listen to Sudanese stakeholders’ assessment of the current political and security situation and share reflections on efforts to advance an inclusive political track towards peace in Sudan.
The Quintet envoys held a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed by engagements with UN agencies. They are also set to engage with political and civilian forces next, followed by other engagements.
As we mentioned, Mr. Haavisto arrived in Khartoum last Friday. Since then, he held a series of constructive meetings with the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, the Prime Minister, as well as the Foreign Minister and senior Government officials; he also met with civil society and other political leaders.
In his discussions over the weekend, Mr. Haavisto focused on practical measures to advance de-escalation and the protection of civilians. He also discussed the release and exchange of detainees, further stressing the importance of ensuring a single national examination process for all Sudanese school children.
Mr. Haavisto also called for an inclusive political process alongside tangible steps to reduce violence, stressing that a negotiated settlement remains the only viable path towards a comprehensive ceasefire and a sustainable resolution of the conflict.
Mr. Haavisto will stay in Sudan until the end of the week. We will keep you posted on his activities.
South Sudan
Just heading south to South Sudan, our peacekeeping colleagues there are supporting the deployment of a court in the Bentiu camp for internally displaced persons, in collaboration with the Unity State Government and the country’s judicial and justice authorities.
Consistent with Security Council resolution 2820 (2026), which mandates UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) to support national and local authorities investigating and prosecuting violations and abuses, the Mission is supporting the court, which began operations yesterday and will run through 26 September. The Court will hear cases relating to sexual and gender-based violence, drugs and gang violence, in response to concerns and requests from the community for stronger justice and rule of law mechanisms, particularly affecting children and youth.
The deployment aims to bring the formal justice system directly to residents of the camp. It builds on the re-establishment of the Judiciary in Unity State in May, after 13 years of absence, and on seven mobile courts deployed across the state since 2024 with support from our peacekeeping colleagues.
Central African Republic
And in nearby Central African Republic, our peacekeeping colleagues there from MINUSCA (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic) report encouraging signs of a gradual return to normal life in Am-Dafock, near the border with Sudan, following the attack by armed groups on 30 June, as you will recall. That attack left 29 people dead, including members of the Central African Armed Forces and Gendarmerie, injured civilians and peacekeepers, and displaced more than 17,000 human beings.
More than 5,000 people have now returned to their homes. MINUSCA has reinforced its military presence and increased patrols in the town and surrounding areas, alongside the deployment of the Central African Armed Forces, to help protect civilians.
The Mission has also supported dialogue with local communities, facilitated visits by national authorities, supplied clean drinking water and helped deliver humanitarian assistance. The peacekeepers stress that the reopening of the market is a positive development, but the situation remains fragile, and security and stabilization efforts must continue.
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-09-08
Closing remarks by Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the Closing of the 80th Session of the General Assembly.
Closing remarks by Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the Closing of the 80th Session of the General Assembly.
Closing remarks by Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the Closing of the 80th Session of the General Assembly.
Annalena Baerbock stated, “If we are not capable of freeing this Organization from overlapping structures and mandates, as well as a heavy bureaucratic mentality, it will erode over time.”
She also said, “The headwinds during the 80th session have been strong, and indeed, they may become stronger in the 81st session. So, dear President Rahman, I wish you strength as you take on this responsibility, with all your experience, and I wish you success as you pick up the mantle and carry forward the process to select the next Secretary-General.”
She concluded, “Our peoples, everywhere, expect us to do better, because they need our world to be better. Better, together.”
Khalilur Rahman, president-elect of the 81st session of the General Assembly, took the oath of office in accordance with Assembly resolution 70/305.
Informal comments to the media by Khalilur Rahman, incoming President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. He delivered brief remarks, detailing his vision for the 81st session of the General Assembly.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)
As crime rates plummet throughout the country, the FBI, under Director Patel’s leadership has worked over the past 18 months to employ emerging AI technology to triage tips and keep Americans safe.
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