Franco-Japanese cooperation on nuclear energy has been strengthened with the signing of a joint declaration by the French Energy Transition and Japanese Economy Ministers. This declaration emphasizes research and development, decommissioning and the promotion of decarbonized energy.

Japanese Prime Minister pledges to help Mozambique against jihadist insurgency and promises financial assistance to fight terrorism. Japan, the world's largest importer of liquefied natural gas, is looking to deepen its relationship with Maputo, particularly in the energy sector.

The United Nations is short of $24 million to fund the rescue of an abandoned oil tanker off the coast of Yemen that risks causing an oil spill in the Red Sea. Despite this, the operation is expected to start before the end of May thanks to existing donations and internal UN funding mechanisms.

Turkey reaches an agreement with Gazprom to defer payment for some of its natural gas imports after a price spike last year to improve its current account balance.

Iran seizes a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, the second incident in a week, and the United States calls on Iran to immediately release the seized vessel in this strategic maritime zone.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is visiting East Africa to build partnerships in clean energy, particularly with Kenya, a pioneer in renewable energy, while he will seek to strengthen economic and political relations with the region.

The financial prosecutor's office opens a preliminary investigation into the French company Cifal for corruption of foreign public officials. François Fillon is called to testify about his links with Moscow as part of an investigation into foreign interference.

Spain is opening an investigation into the possible arrival of Russian oil on its territory via third countries and is calling for a joint European response to strengthen the traceability of fuel imports. Experts suspect that Russia continues to export oil to the EU via third countries.

Russia has taken steps to protect its assets by signing a decree that temporarily places the Russian assets of two foreign energy companies under its control. This decision is seen as a response to unspecified actions contrary to international law.

The European Union and Norway announce a plan to develop carbon capture infrastructure and renewable hydrogen production at a summit in Ostend.

The United Kingdom and the Netherlands will launch a new submarine power cable project, LionLink, connected with offshore wind farms to power 1.8 million homes across the UK. The project will be operational in the early 2030s.

Increased Russian cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Europe are causing concern among politicians and cybersecurity experts. A look at the latest warnings issued by several European countries, as well as the measures taken to protect endangered energy infrastructures.

Russian spy ships have been spotted mapping energy and telecommunications infrastructure in northern waters. Nordic broadcasters have tracked messages from these ships to Russian naval bases, suggesting an information-gathering operation potentially for acts of sabotage.

The UN is holding a virtual donor conference on May 4 to raise the missing $29 million for the crucial operation to rescue an abandoned oil tanker off the coast of war-torn Yemen. The operation to prevent an oil spill in the Red Sea has a total cost of $148 million.

The EU is preparing for a possible interruption of natural gas supplies from Russia in 2023, but is ready with contingency plans. The Commission stresses the need for the EU to prepare for the energy transition and not to become too dependent on a single supplier.

Andrew Light emphasizes at the G7 Ministers' meeting the importance of new gas investments and critical mineral security to reduce dependence on China. G7 leaders adopted an agreement recognizing a role for gas.

Emmanuel Macron will participate in the 2nd North Sea Summit to accelerate the deployment of offshore renewable energy. France will join seven other European countries in making the North Sea the "green powerhouse of Europe".

The EU is seeking a deal with the U.S. on critical materials for the energy transition, following a similar deal with Japan, while concerns about Biden's IRA subsidies continue to grow among the U.S.'s economically close partner countries.

Sinopec becomes the first Asian shareholder in Qatar's North Field East project, the world's largest gas field, by acquiring a 5% stake. The project aims to increase Qatar's annual liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and strengthens relations between China and the Gulf country.

Russia is beginning to export fuel to Iran by rail to circumvent Western sanctions. Although bottlenecks are encountered along the road, rail transport represents a promising new avenue for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

Hungary and Russia agreed to amend contracts for the expansion of a nuclear power plant, as well as to sign two agreements on gas and oil during the visit of the Hungarian foreign minister to Moscow. The controversial project is 80% financed by a Russian loan of 10 billion euros.

ICJ rejects Venezuela's objections in a territorial dispute with Guyana over the Essequibo. The court may now proceed to hearings on the merits of the case.

The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines remains mysterious, according to the Swedish prosecutor who is leading the investigation, with the assumption that a state is responsible. The attack remains linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, although those responsible are not yet known despite ongoing investigations in several countries in the region.

Oil prices are holding steady despite OPEC+ production cuts, with concerns about global economic growth limiting the surprise effect. Analysts are awaiting the release of U.S. commercial inventories for the week ended March 31.

IAEA Director Rafael Grossi travels to Russia to secure the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which has been fired upon several times. Russia says it is ready to work on the implementation of Mr. Grossi's proposals to ensure the safety of operations.