“Everyone has the right to not to be tortured in any way; and not to be treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way. – art. 12(1)(d)

📍South Africa 🇿🇦 The final point of the first day of Deputy Prime Minister @sikorskiradek’s visit to South Africa is a meeting with EU Ambassador 🇪🇺 Sandra Kremer @EUinSA. Relations between EU Member States do not end at Europe’s borders — international cooperation has a global dimension🌐 🇿🇦 is the EU’s 🇪🇺 only official strategic partner on the African continent. The 🇪🇺–🇿🇦 summits, including the 8th edition in Cape Town in 2025, demonstrate the scale and significance of these relations and their potential for the future🤝.

Russia occupied just a few square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in May 2026, its slowest advance in three years. At the same time, it launched 8,351 attacks on Ukrainian cities, the highest number since March 2022. At least 274 civilians were killed and 1,763 injured, the highest toll since April 2022 and almost double the figure recorded in May 2025. When Russia cannot advance, it escalates. Ukrainian civilians pay the price.

Russia’s population is being eroded, not least by battlefield losses of more than 1.3 million. To fill the gap: 27,000 foreign recruits from 130 countries, many coerced or deceived to die for Kremlin's imperial delusions. Russia must stop its war of aggression against Ukraine.

History makers! 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 Congratulations @BafanaBafana on reaching the #FIFAWorldCup knockouts for the very first time.

Bafana Bafana: keep the World Cup dream alive! 🇿🇦 ⚽ We stand behind you in tonight’s @FIFAWorldCup! 💪

The 🇿🇦🇪🇺 30th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting kicking off- a key milestone in parliamentary diplomacy between two strategic partners. Looking forward to fruitful and open discussions. @europarl_EN @ep_dipmomacy @EUinSA

1/2📜 This year, 🇿🇦 ‘s Constitution turns 30, a landmark document that enshrines democracy, human dignity, equality, & freedom for all. Adopted in 1996, the Constitution remains the foundation of 🇿🇦’s democratic society & a powerful reminder of the values that unite the nation.

True partnership must be based on shared values, trust and respect, and mutual benefit. My visit has confirmed that the South Africa-EU partnership is exactly that. Thank you to the stellar EU team in Pretoria, driving the unprecedented momentum in our relations! 🇿🇦💪🇪🇺

Strong and independent civil society organisations are a crucial pillar of democracy and human rights. Today, I discussed anti-corruption and GBVF issues with some of our committed and valued South African civil society partners. @EU_EEAS @FHRRights @Section27

Shared challenges need joint solutions. South Africa and the EU are strengthening collaboration on peace, security, and defence issues. It was a pleasure for me to discuss this today with Secretary of Defence, Bareng Mthimkulu. @SANDF_ZA @eu_eeas @CharlesFriesEU

When BMW opened its first factory outside Germany in 1973, it chose South Africa. Today, over 1700 European companies in South Africa sustain 500,000 direct jobs. That’s a reliable win-win partnership for the future. Tag: @EU_EEAS @Trade_EU @EU_Partnerships

Today we took stock of South Africa–EU cooperation: It’s as strong as ever. On peace and security, human rights, trade, investment, energy, minerals, and so much more. Our partnership is one of choice, respect, and mutual benefit that delivers innovative results for the future

Kicking off the 🇪🇺🇿🇦 Joint Cooperation Council - a key milestone in the #EU #SouthAfrica strategic partnership. It is one of the most important partnerships globally, and today we see all that has been delivered in the past year @llombartpatUE @DIRCO_ZA @EUinSA @eu_eeas

Good morning South Africa! 🇿🇦☀️ The European Union values its strategic partnership with South Africa, built on respect, shared values and mutual benefit. I'm excited to be in Pretoria to discuss our deep collaboration across many sectors with @Zwandid @eu_eeas @DIRCO_ZA

Hundreds of vessels have become part of an illegal maritime ecosystem, called Russian Shadow Fleet, designed to reduce the impact of sanctions on Russian energy exports. By using aging tankers and opaque ownership structures, Moscow is sustaining oil exports while increasing environmental and security risks.

Do sanctions against Russia work? Yes. Oil prices may go up, but 🇷🇺’s economy is crumbling: a huge budget deficit, 200,000+ businesses closed, high interest rates. How to turn the tide? Russia must stop its war of aggression.