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The global barometer of government communications — archived

Insight Brief

12 May 2026

Insight Brief — 2026-05-12

  1. Western sanctions are hitting Russia and Iran at the same time — the UK, US, and EU all running parallel pressure campaigns.
  2. The EU is finalising agreements at unusual speed — from a Critical Medicines Act to a €15M Bosnia defence package, six landmark deals in two weeks.
  3. Heads of government are doing diplomacy traditionally handled by ministers — Macron in Kenya, Carney calling four counterparts, Costa at the European Political Community.
  4. Digital cooperation deals are spreading bilaterally across the G20 — Japan alone has signed four in two weeks.
  5. India, Australia, and Brazil are speaking to the world mostly through security and defence agencies.
  6. Ukrainian children are emerging as the rallying frame for Western anti-Russia sanctions — the EU, UK, and Canada all citing them this week.
  7. EU enlargement to the Western Balkans is moving on multiple tracks — Italy, the Council, and German diplomacy all engaged.
  8. Space security is forming as the next multilateral venue — 10 nations meeting in Colorado on offensive capabilities.
  9. Russia is staying engaged with India even as the West tightens sanctions — Lavrov in New Delhi tomorrow for ministerial talks.