Agreement between the EU and Great Britain to prevent tensions in Northern Ireland

In the spring, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the new 'Windsor Framework', which replaces the former Northern Ireland Protocol. Photo: UK Prime Minister. Source: Flickr.

Of: Amanda Rossling

Britain and the EU agree a framework for Northern Ireland and Ireland, after lengthy discussions on the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol - which was signed when the UK left the EU. The framework will simplify trade in the UK and be a means of avoiding tensions between Northern Ireland and Ireland. 

May 12, 2023, Development magazine explains

Australia to vote on constitutional amendment for indigenous peoples: "Now we have the chance"

Soon, Australia will vote on increased political influence for the country's indigenous people. But according to opinion polls, a narrow majority is in favor of the constitutional amendment. Pictured: Australia's three flags – the country's national flag (left), Aboriginal flag (centre) and Torres Strait Islander flag (right). Photo: Photo: Leonard J Matthews. Source: Flickr.

Of: Signe Andersson

The indigenous peoples in Australia the most disadvantaged group is i the country and experiences, among other things, discrimination in work, healthcare and the legal system. A referendum is to be held later this year in which the population will vote for or against securing the Aboriginal and Tof the Orressund Islanders political influence in parliament. 

April 25, 2023, FUF-correspondents, Development magazine explains

The deforestation of the Amazon breaks a new record

The Amazon rainforest is important for animals, plants and people - yet the deforestation of the rainforest continues at an ever faster pace. Photo: David Riano Cortés. Source: Pexels.

Of: Cecilia Bergh

The Amazon is the largest and most species-rich rainforest in the world. It is vital for animal and plant species, but also for humans. Despite that, the deforestation of the Amazon continues and in February the devastation hit a new record.

March 22, 2023, Development magazine explains

Climate organizations critical of trade agreements between the EU and Mercosur

One of Sweden's priorities during the EU presidency is to finalize a free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries in South America. But there is concern among climate and human rights organizations that increased trade between the parties will mean more devastation of the Amazon and increased risk of violations of indigenous peoples' rights. Photo: Tom Fish. Source: Pexels.

Of: Ida Eriksson Vanemo

The EU is in the final phase of a free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur- the countries of South America, after almost 23 years of negotiations. The agreement means reduced tariffs on trade between the countries, but several environmental and human rights organizations have criticized the agreement and believe that it could lead to increased devastation of the Amazon. 

March 21, 2023, Development magazine explains

The government wants climate compensation abroad - to reach Sweden's climate goals

In the autumn's government declaration, climate compensation abroad was singled out as a priority in Sweden's climate work. But several experts are critical of this, and believe that it risks shifting the focus from efforts to reduce emissions. Photo: Goethe Institute.

Of: Ellinor Berglund

Sweden's government invests hundreds of millions in climate compensation, i.e. emission reductions abroad. This means that part of Sweden's climate goals may be met in countries such as Ghana, Nepal and the Dominican Republic. But several researchers and experts are critical, both in terms of climate benefit and ethics.   

March 17, 2023, Development magazine explains

This is how Orbán's government has restricted press freedom in Hungary

During Viktor Orbán's 13 years in power in Hungary, press and media freedom in the country has been severely restricted. This has provoked reactions and received criticism from the EU. In the picture, Viktor Orbán speaks before his EU parliamentary group, EPP, in 2014. Photo: European People's Party. Source: Flickr.

Of: Nora Nattorp

Viktor Orbán regained the position of Prime Minister of Hungary in 2010. Since then, he has implemented major political changes affecting the democratic rights of the population. Journalists in the country are wiretapped and critical voices are silenced - despite the fact that freedom of speech and the press is part of the country's constitution.  

March 16, 2023, Development magazine explains

Millions of stateless people in the world - do not get access to basic rights

Stateless children are particularly vulnerable in society. They often lack access to the most basic rights such as birth registration, education, healthcare, social security and housing. Photo: Unknown. Source: Hippopx.

Of: Sandra Duru

Roughly ten million people around the world are estimated to be stateless. Sweden has joined several international conventions to prevent statelessness, but despite that there were approximately 27 stateless persons or persons of unknown nationality in Sweden in 000, according to UNHCR. The Council of Europe's former commissioner for human rights has criticized Sweden for giving stateless persons little chance of obtaining citizenship in Sweden. 

March 9, 2023, Development magazine explains

Everything you need to know about the new foreign espionage laws

In November, the Riksdag voted through the new laws on foreign espionage – something that has met with strong criticism from both the media industry and former whistleblowers. Photo: Johannes Jansson. Source: Wikimedia commons.

Of: Vilma Ellemark

On January 1, the controversial foreign espionage laws came into force in Sweden. Critics fear that the laws make it more difficult for journalists and whistleblowers to report on wrongdoing in international collaborations. But how can espionage laws restrict the media? And why were the laws voted through despite the criticism? The development magazine explains what you need to know about the law changes.

January 13, 2023, Development magazine explains

You should know this ahead of Sweden's EU presidency

On 1 January 2023, Sweden takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union. The development magazine helps you figure out what that means. Photo: Christian Lue. Source: Unsplash.

Of: Elianne Kjellman

From 1 January 2023 and six months ahead, the Swedish government takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Some are hopeful and believe that the influential task will mean increased support for Ukraine, while others fear that it will be destructive to the EU's climate policy. The development magazine explains how the presidency works, and some things you should know to keep up with the debate on the subject. 

December 22, 2022, Development magazine explains

Lula da Silva's win could be a new but difficult direction for Brazil

Brazil's new president, Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, has promised to stop the deforestation of the Amazon and fight poverty in the country. But he faces extensive challenges during his presidency. Photo: Alexander Bonilla. Source: Flickr.

Of: Liljan Daoud

On October 30, the Brazilian election results showed that the country is moving in a new direction with the presidential candidate Squid Da Silva at the head. But att change direction for the country after four years under right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaros rule may be more difficult than expected a new economic reality.

December 8, 2022, Development magazine explains