Europe : PPPs show "widespread shortcomings and limited benefits" (PRIV)
(Chakravarthi Raghavan, Geneva)
While Public-Private Partnership s (PPPs) have the potential to achieve faster policy implementation and ensur e good maintenance standards, an audit of such projects in the European Union show s "widespread shortcomings and limited benefits", says a Special Report (09/2 018) by the EU Court of Auditors.

Trade : China initiates dispute on US tariffs on steel, aluminium (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Geneva)
China has initiated a dispute at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over duties imposed by the United States on imports of certain steel and aluminium products from China.

United Nations : International community ramps up action on Venezuela crisis (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
One year into the most rece nt series of protests and a humanitarian crisis with no end in sight, internat ional groups have called for action to help protect Venezuelans.

Latin America : Digital media take the lead in reporting in Venezuela (PRIV)
(IPS, Caracas)
On-line media have taken the lead, ahead of the conventional media, in reporting in the tense political and ec onomic climate in Venezuela, where freedom of speech and of information are under siege.

Opinion : How citizen power ignited Seoul's energy innovations (PRIV)
(IPS, Seoul)
In a bid to reduce its nu clear energy dependence, Seoul embarked on a massive energy reduction initiative - shaped by citizen participation - in 2012.