International Press Review for Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Water Recycling Approved for Food Production

The decree published this Tuesday, in parallel with a new law, has given the green light to the use of certain recycled waters as "ingredients in the composition of final food products." These treated waters, whether from raw materials or production processes, can also circulate in the same network as water intended for human consumption. In late January, an initial decree had already laid the groundwork for increasing the recycling of domestic and industrial wastewater after treatment, particularly for cleaning facilities. With the multiplication of drought episodes, water management has become a major concern for many industries.

Source: Le Figaro

Economic Program of the New Popular Front Raises Concerns

Bruno Le Maire, the Minister of Economy, did not mince his words in qualifying the economic program of the New Popular Front (NFP). "It's a total delirium, it's 1981 multiplied by 10, it's the guarantee of downgrading, mass unemployment, and exit from the European Union," he declared. With a deficit of 5.5% of GDP in 2023 and a debt of 3100 billion euros, France's economic situation is already worrying.
Source: Courrier International

Economic Crisis Fueling Global Instability

Economic concerns, like a global tornado, are shaking political scenes worldwide and sometimes degenerating into violence, in poor and rich countries alike. In France, for example, after months of road blockades by angry farmers, the National Rally recorded a spectacular surge in the first round of the early legislative elections, bringing its nationalist and anti-immigration policy to the threshold of power. In Kenya, a heavily indebted country, the outcry against the plan to raise taxes has caused several dozen deaths, and protesters have partially burned down the Parliament on June 18.

Source: Les Echos

Growth, Inflation, Employment: What Awaits the Next Government

According to the latest forecasts from INSEE published on Tuesday, the French economy should grow by 1.1% in 2024, matching the increase observed in 2023. A survey by the Confederation of SMEs reveals that 11% of entrepreneurs would consider ceasing their activity, while 27% would be forced to lay off staff to survive. Voices like that of Michel Picon from the U2P warn against the financial difficulties that this measure would impose on many artisans and small businesses, predicting inevitable layoffs.

Source: La Croix

NATO Summit: The Challenges at the Heart of American Power

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) celebrates its 75th anniversary at a crucial summit in Washington, from July 9 to 11, under the presidency of Joe Biden. This meeting highlights the American predominance within the transatlantic alliance and the strategic challenges that stem from it. The summit aims to strengthen the unity of the 32 allied nations around the defense of Ukraine, with a promise of annual military aid of 40 billion euros. However, the debate persists regarding Ukraine's accession to NATO, which is conditional on the resolution of the conflict with Russia.

Source: Le Telegramme