Author: Sebastian Pieper

A 38-member delegation of Panamanian business leaders has arrived in National Harbor, Maryland. This marks Panama’s first-ever participation in the SelectUSA Investment Summit. The event runs from May 3 to May 6. The Embassy of the United States in Panama confirmed the delegation’s presence on Monday. Organizers say this is the largest delegation from the region relative to its population. The summit serves as a key platform connecting international companies with U.S. economic and government actors. Historic Participation Reflects Strong Bilateral Ties SelectUSA brings together foreign companies, economic development agencies, and U.S. authorities. The goal is to promote investment projects…

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will land in Panama City this Tuesday, May 6, accompanied by his wife Michal Herzog. This marks the first official visit of an Israeli head of state to the Central American nation. The trip aims to strengthen cooperation and friendship between two countries considered strategic allies. Herzog will meet with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and members of his cabinet during the stay. The meeting follows their previous conversation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Both leaders agreed there to continue pushing bilateral ties forward. Panama currently holds a significant role as a member…

The European Broadcasting Union and the Latin American Information Alliance signed a landmark agreement in Geneva on Wednesday. The deal connects two continents through real-time news sharing. It marks a significant step toward global media cooperation. This partnership links the EBU’s Eurovision News Exchange with a network of 21 television stations from the Latin American Information Alliance. Both organizations will now share live signals, video material, and breaking news coverage. Journalists on both sides of the Atlantic gain unprecedented access to each other’s content. Historic Agreement Bridges Two Continents The accord took effect on May 1, 2026. It operates on…

Panama has fallen 12 positions in the latest global press freedom index. The country now ranks 65th worldwide, down from 53rd in 2024. Reporters Without Borders released the report on World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3. The ranking places Panama behind regional neighbors like Costa Rica at position 38 and the Dominican Republic at 44. This decline comes after the country showed improvement in 2024. The report paints a concerning picture for journalists working in the Central American nation. Journalists Face Judicial Pressure and Self-Censorship Panamanian reporters who investigate corruption cases face significant pressure. Those who maintain…

A specialized NASA aircraft has landed in Panama to begin a weeklong scientific mission. The flying laboratory will analyze tropical ecosystems until May 9. This marks a major collaboration between the U.S. space agency and local research institutions. The mission operates under the AVUELO experiment, a joint initiative with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. The project combines airborne radar technology with field measurements in terrestrial and coastal environments. Scientists aim to generate critical data about Panama’s natural wealth, from forest canopies to coastal wetlands. Flying Laboratory Equipped With Advanced Sensors The aircraft functions as a high-tech laboratory in the sky.…

Panama’s National Assembly of Panama has approved a new law targeting the illegal closure of public roads and natural spaces. The legislation passed in a third debate on the final day of the legislative session. It aims to protect access to beaches, rivers, and recreational areas.For years, communities across multiple regions have watched traditional pathways disappear. Gates, fences, and even makeshift toll booths now block what was once free passage. The practice has sparked tensions and hurt local tourism. The new law modifies the Penal Code of Panama by adding Articles 229-A and 229-B. These sections specifically criminalize the arbitrary…

A Panamanian television crew left Tocumen International Airport on Monday. They are heading to Seattle, United States. Their mission involves covering the unveiling of a special Copa Airlines aircraft. This plane will carry Panama’s National Soccer Team to its second FIFA World Cup appearance. The aircraft’s design comes from a competition that attracted over 700 entries last November. Two young Panamanians created the winning concept. One of them, Ernesto De León, shared his excitement before boarding the flight to Seattle. “I feel very happy, very emotional. As a Panamanian, I feel proud to see the national team in the World…

Panama will offer free entry to most of its protected areas on Saturday, May 9. The initiative coincides with the Global Big Day, an international bird watching event. Participants can explore national parks and reserves for the entire day. The measure comes from Resolution DM-0175-2026. It applies for 24 hours across all sites within the National System of Protected Areas. Officials said the goal is to boost biodiversity conservation and encourage public participation. The Ministry of Environment confirmed the policy this week. Free Entry Rules for Bird Watchers Visitors must show proof of registration to get free access. That means…

The new United States Ambassador to Panama has delivered a stark warning about Chinese technology companies. Kevin Marino Cabrera, 35, made the comments in an exclusive interview. He specifically called out firms like Huawei as unreliable. Cabrera arrived in Panama on April 28, 2025, to assume his diplomatic post. Before this role, he served as a Miami-Dade County commissioner and a West Kendall Community Council member. He studied political science with a specialization in international relations. Cabrera is a Republican who worked on Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. The ambassador did not mince words when discussing cybersecurity concerns. “Companies like Huawei…

Panama has introduced a specific criminal offense for exhibitionism for the first time in its legal history. The National Assembly approved Law 521, which President José Raúl Mulino has now promulgated. The legislation amends the Penal Code of Panama to target lewd public behavior. Under the new law, individuals face one to two years in prison for exposing their genitals with lascivious intent. The penalty also applies to those who perform sexual acts in public spaces or areas accessible to the public. Officials confirmed the law took effect on April 28, 2026, following its publication in the Official Gazette. Penalties…