EU Elections: The Aftermath Athens, 11 June 2024 In recent years, there has been a significant rise of far-right parties in Europe, shaking up the political landscape and causing a shift in the EU elections. But what has led to this rise of the far right in Europe? By Angelos Tsigkopoulos: Publisher, The Decision Maker magazine and Founder & CEO, Diorasis Group Rise of the Far Right in Europe The EU enlargement after the collapse of the USSR and Yugoslavia has been a risky strategy. The collapsed Communist economies would require EU funding, putting extra stress on the pockets of EU citizens. In the long-term, this could naturally lead to protests against such policies, providing an opening for populism and far-right ideologies to gain traction. Additionally, the EU's potential intention to engage in war with Russia has faced strong opposition from EU citizens. This has been reflected in the voting patterns, with parties opposed to a conflict with Russia gaining support. For example, in France, Emmanuel Macron's stance on sending troops to Ukraine to fight against Russia has resulted in a decrease in his popularity, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen gaining ground. Major Issues Pushing Voters to the Far Right Cultural reforms and security have also been key issues driving voters towards far-right parties. In Greece, for instance, controversial topics such as same-sex marriage and the Tempi railway accident have impacted the ruling party's popularity. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' Nea Dimokratia party saw a decrease of approximately 5% in comparison to the 2019 EU elections, indicating a shift towards the far right. The results of the EU elections hold significant implications for the west and its relationship with the east. The rise of far-right parties in countries such as Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary, Denmark, and Portugal suggests a shift in the political landscape. This could potentially impact international relations and threaten world peace. The Way Forward In a short article/summary of mine, following the Fourth International Forum on Energy Security for the Future, held at the Yacht Club in Monaco in 2019, I stressed the necessity to carefully manage the energy relations between the West and Russia. I pointed out as the Founder and CEO of Diorasis Group that business competition rather than sanctions on Russia would give International Relations a chance of avoiding any military conflict. I stressed the necessity of Greece stepping up due to its geopolitical importance for the area, by drilling for the newly-discovered resources of gas and oil. Energy Security for The Future; 4th Annual Energy Security Forum, 31 May 2019 | Monaco, Monte Carlo In light of these developments, it is crucial for policymakers to carefully navigate the changing political landscape in Europe. Instead of resorting to sanctions or military conflicts, a focus on healthy business competition could provide a more sustainable approach to international relations. Countries like Greece, with their strategic geopolitical position, could play a pivotal role in managing energy resources and promoting stability in the region. As the dust settles on the EU elections and the aftermath becomes clearer, it is essential for leaders to address the concerns of their citizens and work towards fostering unity and cooperation. Only through dialogue and collaboration can Europe overcome the challenges posed by the rise of the far right and build a prosperous and peaceful future for all. In conclusion, the results of the EU elections and the rise of the far right in Europe signal a significant shift in the political landscape. It is important for leaders to address the grievances of their citizens and work towards inclusive policies that promote unity and stability in the region. In other words, it is time for an EU restructuring.

ECB Cuts Interest Rates by 25 bps in an Attempt to Send Inflation to 2%. London, 06 June 2024 As anticipated, the European Central Bank (ECB) reduced the three main interest rates by 25 basis points in June, ending a nine-month period of steady rates following an increase in inflation of more than 2.5 percentage points since September 2023. The rate for the deposit facility was reduced to 3.75%, the rate for the major refinancing operations to 4.25%, and the rate for marginal lending to 4.5%. Domestic pricing pressures are still high, meanwhile, suggesting that inflationary pressures will persist. The Council wants to maintain a data-dependent approach while keeping policy rates sufficiently tight in order to address this. The most recent staff predictions from the Eurosystem for headline and core inflation for 2024 and 2025 have been updated. Employees now project headline inflation to average 2.5% in 2024, 2.2% in 2025, and 1.9% in 2026. The staff projects an average inflation rate of 2.8% in 2024, 2.2% in 2025, and 2.0% in 2026, excluding energy and food. It is anticipated that economic growth will accelerate to 1.4% in 2025, 0.9% in 2024, and 1.6% in 2026. Stats The interest rate benchmark The most recent figure for the Euro Area was 4.25 percent. From 1998 to 2024, the interest rate in the Euro Area averaged 1.82 percent; it peaked at 4.75 percent in October 2000 and fell to a record-low of 0 percent in March 2016. Actual numbers, historical data, forecasts, charts, statistics, economic calendars, and news are all provided for the Euro Area Interest Rate on this page. The most recent update to the Euro Area Interest Rate statistics, historical chart, projections, and release timetable was made in June 2024. Forecast The interest rate benchmark The most recent figure for the Euro Area was 4.25 percent. Analysts and Trading Economics global macro models predict that by the end of this quarter, the interest rate in the Euro Area will be 4.25 percent. Our econometric models predict that the long-term trend of the Euro Area Interest Rate will be approximately 2.50 percent in 2025 and 2.25 percent in 2026. (Source: Trading Economics)

UK Stocks Higher Leaving Behind Two Days of Losses London, 05 June 2024 Following two days of losses due to weaker-than-expected US labour data that stoked expectations of a September rate decrease by the Federal Reserve, the FTSE 100 increased on Wednesday. The US data indicated a sharp decline in job openings—the lowest level in more than three years—which may indicate a cooling labour market. A possible 25 basis point rate cut by the European Central Bank, which was holding a meeting on Thursday, also gave investors hope. Following its quarterly results, WH Smith saw a gain of more than 3% in individual stocks. After releasing its half-year results, Paragon Banking saw the biggest gainer on the FTSE 250, rising 9.1%. In contrast, upon the release of its preliminary full-year results, B&M suffered a decline of more than 3%. (Source: Trading Economics)

European Stocks Down London, Tuesday, 04 June 2024 The ECB's monetary policy decision later this week is highly anticipated by investors. Tuesday's European equities markets saw a decrease, failing to cling onto gains from the previous trading session and reflecting a generally cautious outlook. Investors are anticipating the ECB's monetary policy decision later this week, thus market sentiment was affected by the US ISM Manufacturing PMI, which came in lower than predicted. (Source: Trading Economics)

Foreign Investment Slowdown Sends German Real Estate in Crisis London, 23 May 2024 Are you considering investing in German real estate but are hesitant due to recent reports of a foreign investment slowdown? If so, you're not alone. The German real estate market has been facing challenges as high interest rates and economic uncertainties have deterred foreign investors from making purchases. According to a recent survey by BNP Paribas Real Estate, only 35% of commercial property transactions in the first quarter of this year were made by foreign buyers, marking a significant decline from previous years. Causes of the Decline One of the key factors contributing to the slowdown in foreign investment in German real estate is high inflation and fears of a possible recession in the country. Despite an initial uptick in GDP in the first quarter of this year, analysts remain cautious about the structural challenges that may hinder further growth. In 2023, Germany's GDP contracted by 0.3%, making it the worst-performing major economy globally. The energy crisis in Europe, exacerbated by the country's reliance on Russian fuel, has also played a role in the decline. Challenges in the Market Experts believe that Germany's lack of proper utilization of technological advancements and its focus on low-productivity industries are factors contributing to the current crisis in the real estate market. The construction sector, in particular, is facing high costs and pricing challenges, leading to a decrease in demand for new properties. A recent study by the IFO institute found that over half of the enterprises in the German residential building sector reported a lack of orders in April, indicating a slowdown in construction activities. Comparison with Other European Countries How does Germany's real estate market compare to other European countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia? While each country has its unique challenges and opportunities, Germany's current issues highlight the need for careful consideration before making any investment decisions. Despite the downturn in foreign investment, Germany's real estate market remains stable compared to some of its European counterparts. Where to Invest Now? For potential real estate investors looking to capitalize on the current market conditions, there are still opportunities to be found in Germany. While caution is advised due to the ongoing challenges, strategic investments in major cities with strong economic fundamentals and growth potential could yield favourable returns in the long run. Researching local market trends and partnering with experienced professionals can help navigate the uncertainties of the German real estate market. In conclusion, the slowdown in foreign investment in German real estate may be a cause for concern, but it also presents opportunities for savvy investors willing to navigate the current challenges. By staying informed, evaluating market conditions, and seeking expert advice, investors can make well-informed decisions to weather the storm and capitalize on the growth potential of the German real estate market. Invest wisely, and reap the benefits of the German real estate market! (Research and edit by The Decision Maker - Real Estate editors. Angelos Tsigkopoulos contributed to the research for this article)

South Korea Holds Rates at 3.5% for 11th Consecutive Time. London, 23 May 2024 As was largely anticipated, the Bank of Korea (BoK) kept its base rate at 3.5% during the meeting in May 2024. This was the eleventh meeting in a row with unchanged borrowing prices, highlighting the BoK's continued commitment to stability in the face of a resilient and strong economy that isn't showing any signs of slowing down. Even if it is falling off gradually, inflation is still higher than the Bank's target of 2%. The economy of the nation expanded 3.4% in Q1 of 2024, which was the fastest growth since Q4 of 2021. As a result, growth projections were revised upward from 2.1% to 2.5%. In addition, a notable development occurred in April 2024: the annual inflation rate decreased to 2.9%, its lowest level in three months, but staying above the BoK's target threshold. Stats The South Korean benchmark interest rate was last observed as 3.50 percent. From 1999 to 2024, South Korea's interest rate averaged 2.90 percent; it peaked at 5.25 percent in October 2000 and fell to a record low of 0.50 percent in May 2020. The current values, historical data, prediction, chart, statistics, economic calendar, and news for the South Korea interest rate are all provided on this page. The most recent update to the South Korea Interest Rate statistics, historical chart, projections, and release timetable was made in May 2024. Forecast The South Korean benchmark interest rate was last observed as 3.50 percent. By the conclusion of this quarter, analysts and Trading Economics global macro models predict that South Korea's interest rate will be 3.50 percent. The Trading Economics econometric models predict that the South Korea Interest Rate will trend at 2.25 percent in 2025 over the long run. (Source: Trading Economics)

Sunak Announced General Elections on 4 July. London, 23 May 2024 In a surprise announcement made on a sunny afternoon outside Downing Street, Chancellor Rishi Sunak declared that a general election would be taking place on July 4th, according to the BBC. This news comes after months of speculation and anticipation from citizens across the nation. Pic by Wikipedia Sunak Expresses Pride in Government Accomplishments During his announcement, Sunak expressed pride in the accomplishments of his government, highlighting their efforts in areas such as education and NHS funding. He proclaimed that the UK has made significant strides under their leadership and that it was time for the people to have their say in the future direction of the country. Keir Starmer's Reaction to the Announcement In response to the news, Labour leader Keir Starmer described the upcoming election as the "moment the country's been waiting for." He emphasized that the UK has "so much pride and potential to unlock" and that with "patience and determination," the nation can overcome any challenge that lies ahead. What Does This Election Mean for the UK? The announcement of a general election on July 4th raises a number of important questions about the future of the UK. Citizens will have the opportunity to cast their vote and have a say in the country's leadership. This election will determine the direction in which the UK will head in the coming years and could have far-reaching implications for policy and governance. The announcement of a general election on July 4th by Rishi Sunak has sparked excitement and anticipation among citizens. With both Sunak and Starmer expressing confidence in the nation's potential, it is clear that this election will be a pivotal moment in the UK's history. As the country prepares to head to the polls, one thing is certain - the future of the UK hangs in the balance. (Edit by The Decision Maker - International Relations editors. Angelos Tsigkopoulos contributed to this article)

Mexican Peso at 1-Month High Against The US Dollar. London, 20 May 2024 May saw the Mexican peso rise beyond 16.6 to the US dollar, hitting a high point in more than a month as investors took in statistics on inflation and recent hawkish comments from Bank of Mexico policymakers. Irene Espinosa, the deputy governor of Banxico, said that the central bank will probably keep interest rates at their current high of 11% and won't delay the beginning of its rate-cutting cycle as long as inflation is still a concern. A move of this kind would maintain the central bank's April hold on Mexico's benchmark borrowing costs, which kept them near their all-time high of 11.25%. In April, headline inflation increased to 4.65%, significantly higher than the 4.42% recorded in March and above the 4.63% market estimate. Core inflation, while still high, decreased slightly to 4.37%, below the 4.40% forecast. Stats On Monday, May 20, the USDMXN dropped from 16.6061 in the previous trading session by 0.0243, or 0.15%, to 16.5818. In the past, the Mexican Peso peaked in April 2020 at a value of 25.78. The most recent update to the Mexican Peso data, projections, and historical chart was made on May 20, 2024. Forecast On Monday, May 20, the USDMXN dropped from 16.6061 in the previous trading session by 0.0243, or 0.15%, to 16.5818. By the conclusion of this quarter, Trading Economics global macro models and analysts anticipate that the Mexican Peso will trade at 16.86. In the future, we predict that it will trade at 17.29 in a year. (Source: Trading Economics)

Mokhber as Interim President After Raisi’s Death in a Helicopter Crash. London, 20 May 2024 The Decision Maker discussed with a local source Iran's future after the death of President Raisi. According to the nation's constitution, Mokhber, who held the position of first vice president under Ebrahim Raisi, will become the presidency until the next round of elections. With the blessing of the Supreme Leader, Mohammad Mokhber will assume the role of acting president for a 50-day period, according to confirmation from Iran's powerful decision-making body, the Guardian Council. When the president in office passes away, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's approval transfers the presidency to the first vice president, according to Tahaz Nazif, a spokesman for the Guardian Council, a 12-member screening committee established by the constitution. Nazif stated that all matters in such cases are codified in the country's law, alluding to Khamenei's words on Sunday that "no disruption" will occur in the functioning of the country following the helicopter crash that killed Raisi and his accompanying party in northwest Iran. "It's true that the president and other servants perished in this accident, but as the Leader stated, the level of service to our noble people will not be disrupted, and the constitution contains provisions for situations like these," he continued. The first vice president, in this case Muhammad Mokhber, will take over as the new president for the next fifty days in accordance with Article 131 of the Iranian Constitution. A council made up of the speaker of the house of representatives, the head of the judiciary, and the first vice president will arrange for fresh presidential elections to be held within this period. According to Nazif, "the first vice president practically assumes the powers of the president in such situations, and the administration of the country is entrusted to him with the approval of the Supreme Leader." He stated that the new president has been made aware of the essential topics, and that his 50-day interim presidency started yesterday, Sunday. A representative for the Guardian Council stated that the council will talk about the incoming government's term, given that the Raisi government's term was set to expire the following year. Mokhber was the leader of the Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order (EIKO), a prominent organisation run by the office of the Supreme Leader. Raisi selected Mokhber as his first deputy in the 2021 presidential race. His most notable job, which elevated him to prominence in the nation's political circles, was his high-profile role at the EIKO from 2007 to 2021. Though there's still no word on who would run as a conservative in the upcoming elections, Mokhber and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf are two names that are being mentioned. (Research and edit by The Decision Maker International Relations editors. Angelos Tsigkopoulos contributed to this article)

European Stocks Lower on Monday. London, 13 may 2024 Monday's closing price of European equities was little lower. The Stoxx 50 and the Stoxx 600 fell below the flatline as investors awaited the publication of this week's important US inflation data, first-quarter GDP, and employment figures for the Euro Area. In a Nutshell Auto stocks increased by 1.4%, while companies related to construction and commodities witnessed a 0.9% fall. Following rumours that U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump would obstruct offshore wind development if re-elected, Orsted shares plummeted by about 4%. Conversely, Maersk's stock increased by more than 7% even though its CEO expressed worries that trade disruptions would continue into the following year. The stock of Siemens Energy held steady following the German behemoth's increase of its 2024 outlook. (Source: Trading Economics)

Israel Vs Palestine: What is The History Behind This Conflict? London, 7 May 2024 The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex and long-standing dispute that has deep historical roots. It dates back to the late 19th century when Zionist individuals and groups began pushing for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This region, which was under Ottoman rule at the time, holds significant religious and cultural importance for both Jews and Muslims, leading to conflicting claims over the land. The Balfour Declaration and Zionist Immigration One of the key turning points in the conflict was the British government's issuance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917. This declaration expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, sparking a wave of Jewish immigration to the region. As more Jewish immigrants arrived, tensions between the Jewish and Arab populations in Palestine escalated. The Creation of Israel and Arab-Israeli Wars In 1948, following the atrocities of World War II and the Holocaust, the United Nations adopted a partition plan that called for the creation of separate Jewish and Arab states in Palestine. The state of Israel was established in May 1948, leading to a war between Israel and its Arab neighbours. This conflict marked the beginning of a series of Arab-Israeli wars that would shape the region's geopolitical landscape for decades to come. Occupation and Settlements In the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. The ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, along with the expansion of Israeli settlements in these areas, has been a major point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The construction of settlements is considered illegal under international law and has been a major obstacle to peace negotiations. Peace Process and Roadblocks Over the years, numerous peace initiatives have been proposed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the Oslo Accords in the 1990s and the more recent peace efforts led by the United States. However, negotiations have often broken down due to disagreements over key issues such as borders, security, refugees, and the status of Jerusalem. The lack of progress in the peace process has only served to deepen the animosity between the two sides. Human Rights Concerns The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has also raised serious human rights concerns, with both sides accusing each other of human rights abuses. Palestinians have raised concerns about Israeli military operations, settlements, and restrictions on movement, while Israelis have cited security threats and acts of violence perpetrated by Palestinian militant groups. In conclusion, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply entrenched and multi-faceted dispute that has defied resolution for decades. The historical background of the conflict, along with issues such as occupation, settlements, and human rights abuses, continue to fuel tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. For lasting peace to be achieved, both sides will need to make difficult compromises and work towards a just and lasting solution to the conflict. (Research and edit by The Decision Maker International Relations editors. Angelos Tsigkopoulos contributed to this article)

US Fed to Keep Policy Rate Between 5.25% - 5.50% Due to Inflationary Pressures And a Tight Labour Market. London, 1 May 2024 After two days of policy meetings, the US Federal Reserve is expected to keep its policy rate between 5.25% and 5.50%. This is because persistent inflationary pressures and a tight labour market point to a stall in the process of bringing inflation back to this year's target of 2%. News Update Investors are anxious to hear Chair Jerome Powell's thoughts in order to determine whether or not the current inflationary developments will affect the likelihood of interest rate decreases in the near future. Investors are now laying almost even odds on a 25 basis point drop at the September meeting, reflecting a shift in expectations. Furthermore, the likelihood that there would be no rate decreases from the current range has increased to almost one in four, which is a significant change from almost zero odds as recently as April. Stats The US benchmark interest rate was 5.50 percent as of the most recent record. From 1971 to 2024, the interest rate in the US was 5.42 percent on average; it peaked in March 1980 at 20.00 percent and fell to a record low of 0.25 percent in December of 2008. The most recent reported number for the US Federal Funds Rate is available on this page, along with earlier releases, historical highs and lows, a short- and long-term prognosis, an economic calendar, survey consensus, and news. The most recent update to the United States Fed Funds Interest Rate statistics, historical chart, projections, and release timetable was made in May 2024. Forecast The US benchmark interest rate was 5.50 percent as of the most recent record. The global macro models and analysts at Trading Economics predict that by the end of this quarter, the interest rate in the United States will be 5.50 percent. The Trading Economics econometric models predict that, over the long run, the US Federal Funds Interest Rate will tend towards 4.25 percent in 2025 and 3.25 percent in 2026. (Source: Trading Economics)