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Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels Hosts Orientation Event for International Students
07 Aug. 09:58The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels hosted an orientation gathering for a delegation of 30 international students representing Asian nations, primarily the People's Republic of China. The young participants visited Belgium under an educational framework designed to familiarize them with the operations of European Union institutions, diplomacy fundamentals, and the functions of diplomatic missions.
As part of the program, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Belgium Sapar Palvanov welcomed the students at the embassy premises, which concurrently serves as Turkmenistan's Official Mission to the European Union. The Ambassador briefed the visitors on the core diplomatic activities of the mission, highlighting the national foreign policy based on permanent neutrality, peace, and good-neighborly relations, alongside key state achievements marking the 35th anniversary of Independence in 2026.
The presentation placed special emphasis on the national motto for 2026, "Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan — Homeland of Swift Akhalteke Horses." The Ambassador detailed the historical and cultural significance of the Akhalteke equine breed as a symbol of national heritage, while introducing the attendees to preparations for major international equestrian and cultural showcases scheduled to take place in the Netherlands in September 2026.
Following the informational briefing, the Ambassador conducted an educational quiz covering the presented material on Turkmen history, foreign policy, and cultural traditions. Active participants received commemorative gifts, while the top-scoring student was awarded a traditional handmade Turkmen carpet as the grand prize.
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Ecological Shift: Golden Jackals Pro Projected to Inhabit 75% of the European Continent
Today in 06:53Once restricted mainly to the Balkans and the Black Sea coastal regions, golden jackals are rapidly expanding their footprint across Europe. According to a landmark study by an international research team published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, these adaptable predators could eventually inhabit up to 75% of the European continent—nearly a sixfold expansion from their historical range. Scientists arrived at these conclusions after monitoring nearly 9,000 sampling sites across multiple European nations.
Recent sightings and acoustic tracking confirm that jackals have established populations in the Czech Republic, the Baltic region, and even Scandinavia. The species thrives in areas with mild winters, mixed agricultural landscapes, and proximity to water sources. Regional climate warming has transformed previously uninhabitable northern areas into suitable habitats, while farming landscapes offer abundant food sources and coverage.
Biologists attribute this unprecedented expansion primarily to the historical decline of wolf populations, which naturally suppress jackal numbers and limit their movement. Smaller than wolves but slightly larger than foxes, jackals feed on small rodents, carrion, plants, and fruits. Their high ecological adaptability allows them to settle efficiently into newly colonized territories without human interference.
However, their entry into Western and Southern Europe, including countries like France and Spain, poses potential ecological consequences. Environmentalists warn that the arrival of jackals could disrupt local ecosystems and threaten endangered ground-nesting steppe birds and smaller wildlife across the Iberian Peninsula.
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