US "shrinks" UN funds - Organization to cut 25% of global peacekeeping force, 15% of budget
The United Nations will begin scaling back its peacekeeping forces and operations, forcing thousands of soldiers to withdraw from dangerous areas around the world. The cuts come as a result of recent cuts in UN funding from the United States, the organization's largest donor.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that about 25% of the peacekeeping force would be cut in the coming months. He said the UN was forced to make the decision as Washington makes changes to reflect US President Donald Trump's "America First" policy. It is expected that 13,000 to 14,000 military and police troops, out of more than 50,000 peacekeepers deployed in nine global missions, will return to their home countries.
The UN plans to cut its peacekeeping budget by about 15% for the next fiscal year, affecting important and long-term missions. Currently, peacekeeping missions are active in countries such as Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus and Kosovo. Each member state of the organization has a legal obligation to contribute financially to peacekeeping.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed that with a budget representing “a very small share of global military spending, around half a percent, the institution’s peacekeeping remains one of the most effective and low-cost means of building international peace and security.”
At the start of his second term in January, President Trump ordered a review of the functioning of the UN and other international organizations, which led to the cutting of US funding from the cultural agency UNESCO, the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council.
The United States has stated that it will contribute $680 million to nine peacekeeping missions, a significant decrease from $1 billion in the same period last year.
The US Dollar Strengthens Again – The Franc and the Pound Weaken!
The US dollar has again registered a slight increase in value this morning compared to the day before, being bought today at 82.6 lek and being sold at 83.7......
Government, 1.2 billion lek for compensation to owners - 435 citizens gain the right to purchase land
The Council of Ministers approved the financial compensation of owners of private real estate for taxable areas occupied by legalized constructions in the......
German Parliament rejects fast-track citizenship law - The proposal was supported by the government and the largest opposition party
The Bundestag voted to repeal a law that allowed the acquisition of German citizenship through an accelerated procedure, a measure adopted by the previous......
Rama: We have combined cyber defense with artificial intelligence
During his speech at the third NATO Cyber Defense Conference taking place in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama said: "We must have the best security defense......
Kosovo, 198 businesses benefit from the grant scheme - Agreement worth 9 million euros signed with KIESA
The Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency (KIESA) has signed agreements worth 8.9 million euros with 198 enterprises benefiting from the grant......
Wealth Distribution in Europe - Which Countries Have the Most Billionaires?
Economic inequality continues to be one of the biggest challenges around the world, including on the European continent. According to data from “Our World in......
"Not only military power, but also digital" - NATO Conference in Tirana, Rutte: We will create the Integrated Cyber Center in Belgium
On November 9-10, Albania will host the 3rd NATO Cyber Defense Conference, where leaders, experts and senior representatives from Alliance member and......
QTU celebrates 20th anniversary as the first shopping center in Albania
An important anniversary, filled with activities and memories, all about the community QTU, the first shopping mall in Albania, celebrates its 20th......
