The global cocaine market is experiencing a period of record supply, with prices falling and drug quality improving, according to an analysis by German magazine Der Spiegel, cited by European media outlets.
According to the European Drug Agency (EUDA), the average purity of street cocaine in Europe has risen to 80-96% in recent years, while retail prices have fallen. Frankfurt am Main is cited as an example, where, according to experts, a gram costs around €30-50, whereas a few years ago the price was around €100.
One of the key reasons cited is the situation in Colombia. Following the government’s peace agreement with the FARC rebel group in 2016, the area of coca plantations in the country increased by about 73% and is now comparable to the territory of two Berlins, according to Der Spiegel.
Increased competition between cartels and “logistics optimization” have led to larger volumes of purer product entering Europe, shifting the balance between supply and demand. Experts interviewed by Der Spiegel describe this as a “white tsunami,” pointing to the growth in the number of consumers in Europe and the Americas, which is also reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
International organizations emphasize that the expansion of the cocaine market is accompanied by an increase in related risks, from organized crime to serious health consequences, and call on governments to strengthen prevention and addiction treatment programs.
According to estimates by narcologists, long-term cocaine use leads to severe addiction, increased anxiety, depression, and psychosis, raises blood pressure, and sharply increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It causes chronic damage to the nasal septum and lungs (when snorted or smoked), reduces libido, and often leads to social consequences such as job loss, debt, and family conflicts, as well as an increased risk of HIV and hepatitis when injected.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in 2023, at least 25 million people worldwide used cocaine, up from 17 million a decade ago, and the retail turnover of the global cocaine market, according to a study by Global Financial Integrity, was estimated at between $100 billion and $143 billion per year in 2017 and, according to experts, could have doubled since then.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga thanked Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, who is visiting Kyiv, for additional energy support for Ukrainians.
“Special attention was paid to supporting the energy system, especially on the eve of winter. The Russian Federation’s attacks have caused significant damage, so such support is critically important. We are grateful for the additional decisions made by our friends to support our energy stability,” he said at a press conference with his Latvian counterpart Baiba Braže in Kyiv on Thursday.
According to the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the Ukrainian side is grateful for Latvia’s additional contribution of EUR 125,000, which will contribute to the restoration of energy facilities, uninterrupted power supply, and stabilization of the energy system.
Sybiga also expressed gratitude to Latvia for its comprehensive support of Ukraine from the first days of the full-scale invasion, in particular for its annual defense assistance amounting to 0.25% of Latvia’s GDP. In total, its volume has already exceeded 1.6% of Latvia’s GDP.
“This includes weapons, ammunition, training of military personnel, and financial support. We are also grateful to Latvia for joining the PURL and for the recent transfer of 42 PATRIA 6×6 armored personnel carriers,” the foreign minister added.
The minister thanked his colleague for rebuilding critical and civil infrastructure in the Chernihiv region and for providing recreation in Latvia for children from the Ukrainian region. The ministers discussed the implementation of this year’s projects in the Chernihiv region, totaling EUR 5.7 million, as well as prospects and priorities for next year.
“Yesterday, you opened two facilities in Chernihiv that were rebuilt with Latvian funds: the pediatric wing of the Chernihiv Central District Hospital and the Human Rights Protection Center. We greatly appreciate these efforts,” Sibiga said.
Global stainless steel production in January-September this year increased by 3% compared to the same period last year, from 46.623 million tons to 48.020 million tons.
These figures are given in a press release from the International Stainless Steel Association (formerly the International Stainless Steel Forum, ISSF).
According to the information, in the third quarter of 2025, production reached 16.1 million tons, which is 2.3% more than in July-September 2024.
At the same time, stainless steel output in Europe decreased by 4.2% to 4.498 million tons during this period. In the US, production increased by 9.3% to 1.649 million tons.
In Asia (excluding China and South Korea), stainless steel production increased by 1.1% to 10.771 million tons, and in China, it increased by 4.7% to 30.453 million tons.
In other regions (Brazil, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Indonesia), production fell by 5.7% to 649,000 tons.
As reported, global stainless steel production in 2024 increased by 7% compared to 2023, to 62.621 million tons from 58.539 million tons, with production growing in all major regions.
At the same time, stainless steel production in Europe in 2024 increased by 1.5% to 6.088 million tons. In the US, production increased by 6.9% to 1.950 million tons. In Asia (excluding China and South Korea), stainless steel production increased by 6.4% to 7.322 million tons, and in China it grew by 7.5% to 39.441 million tons. In other regions (Brazil, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Indonesia), production increased by 9.2% to 7.820 million tons.
Global stainless steel production in 2023 increased by 4.6% compared to 2022, to 58.444 million tons. Overall, stainless steel production in Europe fell by 6.2% to 5.902 million tons this year, and in the US by 9.6% to 1.824 million tons. Meanwhile, in Asia (excluding China and South Korea), stainless steel production decreased by 7.2% to 6.880 million tons, while in China it increased by 12.6% to 36.676 million tons. Other regions (Brazil, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Indonesia) saw a 5.2% decline in production to 7.163 million tons.
Global stainless steel production in 2022 decreased by 5.2% compared to 2021, to 55.255 million tons. At the same time, production in Europe fell by 12.4% to 6.294 million tons, and in the US by 14.8% to 2.017 million tons. In Asia (excluding China and South Korea), stainless steel production decreased by 4.9% to 7.411 million tons, and in China by 2% to 31.975 million tons. Other regions saw a 9.1% decline in production to 7.557 million tons.
Earlier, the Experts Club information and analytical center released a video dedicated to global steel production and leading producing countries – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VgUU9MEMosE
According to Serbian Economist, Australian company Strickland Metals reported the discovery of rich gold-copper ores in the Šanac area of the Rogozna project in southern Serbia, potentially making this cluster one of the largest gold projects in the Balkans. The news was reported earlier by Australian business media.
According to the company, new drill results from the Šanac prospect indicate strong intervals of continuous gold and copper mineralization. The site is estimated to have a resource of about 165 tons of gold equivalent, and the combined potential of the entire Rogozna project is about 230 tons AuEq. A series of recent holes have shown extended intervals with gold grades well above initial expectations, including tens of meters of high grams-per-tonne equivalent.
A total of seven drill rigs are now active at Rogozna, including three at the equally prospective Gradina prospect, where over 700 meters of continuous gold and zinc mineralization was previously reported.
The Rogozna project is located in the Novi Pazar area, within the Tetian metallogenic belt, which hosts a number of large copper-gold deposits. According to Strickland’s corporate materials, the licensed area covers approximately 184 square kilometers and includes four exploration licenses; the resource is already estimated at millions of ounces of gold equivalent, placing Rogozna among the largest undeveloped gold projects in Europe.
Gold in the Serbian economy: production and reserves are growing
Serbia has been rapidly strengthening its position on the map of European gold mining in recent years. According to international statistical resources, the country’s gold production in 2023 was about 7 tons (7,000 kg), slightly lower than the record 7.29 tons in 2022, but many times higher than the average figures of the early 2000s.
The key industrial player is China’s Zijin Mining, which owns the Serbia Zijin Bor Copper complex and the Čukaru Peki deposit. In 2024, these assets jointly produced about 8 tons of gold as part of copper-gold mining, ensuring Serbia’s status as one of the fastest growing gold mining centers in the region.
In parallel, the National Bank of Serbia is actively building up its gold reserve. According to TradingEconomics and specialized industry surveys, the volume of the country’s official gold reserves has grown to 51 tons in the second-third quarter of 2025, compared to the average of 20-21 tons in the early 2000s.
Gold now accounts for about 17-18% of foreign exchange reserves, and Belgrade has been consistently repatriating the metal from foreign vaults back to the country.
Against the backdrop of growing production and increasing gold reserves, the Rogozna discoveries reinforce Serbia’s role as a promising hub for gold and base metals in Southeast Europe.
As the Rogozna resource base is refined and subsequent feasibility studies are conducted, the project could become one of the key arguments for further strengthening Serbia’s gold balance, but its realization, according to analysts, will require strict adherence to environmental standards and transparent agreements between investors, the state and local communities.
Research and practical stories
Many people notice that when they speak English, they seem to be different. Some become bolder, some more strict, some colder in their emotions. It’s not just intuition: linguists and psychologists have already proven that language and culture “turn on” certain patterns of behavior and emotions.
What exactly happens in your head
When you switch to another language, not only words are activated – cultural patterns, expectations, and manners are also activated. This mechanism is called cultural frame switching. For bilinguals, language acts as a trigger: the English-speaking frame is individualistic, more direct; the native frame is perhaps more reserved or collectivistic. This changes the way a person thinks, evaluates a situation, and expresses themselves.
Emotions in the L2: from distance to freedom
The second aspect is emotional distance. Many studies show that emotional reactions and the vocabulary of feelings differ between L1 and L2: English sometimes allows you to describe and even discuss difficult things more easily or with less involvement. For some, this is a defense – they can talk about painful things without the same internal “burning” feeling. For others, it is the key to more open self-expression.
Practical cases – what it looks like in real life
Does the “character” change forever?
Not really. Studies show that it is more of a change in personality expression than a complete transformation of the self. In other words, you don’t become a different person forever – you just get additional ways of behaving and thinking depending on the language context. And the higher your language competence and habit of using the language in different contexts, the smoother the switch.
Tips on how to use this effect to your advantage
● Practice your “role” consciously. If you want to be more confident at a job interview, practice answering questions in English, and hone your short formulations and strong phrases.
Try therapeutic L2 writing. If it’s hard to talk about emotions, write about them in English – it can give you distance and clarity.
Manage your emotions. If you notice that English makes you sound cold or “fake,” try consciously adding more congratulatory phrases and empathetic expressions to maintain sincerity.
● Develop cultural flexibility. The more you understand the cultural clichés and expectations of the language environment, the better you will be able to “turn on” the necessary traits without losing your core.
Unexpected benefits for language learning
In addition to communicative benefits, switching languages develops psychological flexibility: You learn to look at situations from different angles, adapt more easily to new cultural rules, and take risks because the “other language” gives you permission to behave differently. For an entrepreneur or a teacher, this is a real plus in negotiation or creative tasks.
A brief summary
English is not just a set of structures and words. It is also a tool of self-identification: it encourages you to try other roles, emotional states, and styles of behavior. For many people, it is a chance to find courage, express an opinion without excessive emotional stress, or vice versa – to learn to be direct and decisive. Research confirms that language switching is real and has measurable effects, but it doesn’t erase your “old self” – rather, it adds new tools to your toolbox.
If you want to not only learn English but also use it as a means of transforming your personality, ENGLISH.KH.UA is the place to do it. Here you will be offered not only grammar and vocabulary, but also practice in real-life situations: business negotiations, self-reflection, and communication. By immersing yourself in the language with us, you will get the key to new roles in life – a more confident leader, a more sincere person, a bolder dreamer. Allow yourself to grow, change and express yourself through English – and together we will discover new facets of your self.
References (for those who want to dig deeper)
● Chen, S. X., Benet-Martínez, V., & Bond, M. H. – Two languages, two personalities? Examining language effects on the expression of personality in a bilingual context. PubMed
● Benet-Martínez, V., Leu, J., Lee, F., & Morris, M. – Negotiating Biculturalism: Cultural Frame Switching in Biculturals. SAGE Journals.
● Aneta Pavlenko – Emotions and Multilingualism / Emotion and emotion-laden words in the bilingual lexicon.anetapavlenko.com+1
● Dewaele, J.-M. – research on the perception of self when switching languages (multilinguals feel different…).
(how language learning changes the brain and reduces anxiety)
When we learn English, we don’t just learn new words or grammar rules – we trigger a real brain rewiring that has a powerful therapeutic effect. In this article, we will analyze how language learning changes neural networks, helps you feel in control of your life, and reduces anxiety, and look at practical cases to show how this works in real life.
1. Why learning English can be anti-stressful
1.1 Feeling in control of your life
Many people who start learning a language feel a sense of inner power over the situation: they are learning, progressing, and getting small “victories”. When you can say a new word, make a sentence, or make sense of a simple conversation, it’s the real procrastination equivalent of small achievements every day. And it gives you a sense of control.
This is especially important when other parts of life seem chaotic or uncertain. Language acquisition is one of those aspects where you know you’re moving forward step by step.
1.2 Focus as a way to distract from anxiety
When you study, focus on phonetics, on rules, or on new words, some of the attention that might have been occupied by anxious thoughts is now diverted to productive activities. This “mental focus” works like a mini-meditation: you disconnect from cyclical negative thoughts and work on something constructive instead.
1.3 The social aspect
Learning a language is often connected with communication – online classes, language partners, teachers. This means new social interactions that can be a source of support. Try to imagine the situation: you have an agreement with a conversation partner, you discuss mistakes together, laugh at new words – all this creates a supportive environment in which it is easier to overcome nervousness.
2. What happens to the brain when we learn English
2.1 The brain is a plastic organ
Our brain is an incredibly flexible system. When we learn a new language, it doesn’t just store words in memory: it creates new pathways – neural connections between different areas. This process is called neuroplasticity.
For example, the parts of the brain responsible for memory, matching with audio-sensory signals, tactile and motor coordination (for example, when we write or speak) are all activated and “learn” to work together.
Over time, these connections become stronger, faster, and more efficient. This means that the brain adapts – and this adaptation has not only cognitive but also emotional benefits.
2.2 Regulating emotions
When we integrate a new language, brain areas related to attention, impulse control, planning, and emotional regulation are activated. This means that along with language knowledge, we train the “control muscles”: we teach the brain to focus, restrain impulses (for example, the desire to quit when something doesn’t work out), and analyze our mistakes constructively. As a result, your anxiety level decreases – you worry less about being “unprepared” and feel more stable and supported.
2.3 Long-term cognitive benefits
Studies show that people who regularly learn a second language have improved cognitive flexibility (the ability to switch between tasks), better memory, and abstract thinking. This means that language practice helps not only now, but also supports brain health in the long run. For an anxious person, this is like investing in a “mental reserve” of strength that can help them cope with life’s challenges.
3. How to get started so that studying really works as an anti-stress tool
3.1 Setting small goals
You don’t need to set yourself a super-task right away, such as “I’ll learn 10,000 words in a year.” It is better to start with something easier and more achievable:
● learn 5 new words a day;
● make an audio recording of yourself reading the text and compare it in a week;
Have a 10-minute conversation with a practice partner.
When you achieve such goals, your brain gives you a small “dose of dopamine” – and this increases the feeling of success and control.
3.2 Routine/habit
Create a simple program: for example, 10 minutes of vocabulary review in the morning, 15 minutes of reading or listening to an English podcast in the evening. Regularity is the key. The more often you practice, the more stable the neural connections become, and the better the brain “memorizes the route”.
3.3 Emotional support
Find a language partner or teacher who understands that learning is not just an academic task, but also part of your psycho-emotional health. Ask for support if you feel anxious or frustrated: talk about what exactly is bothering you (e.g., fear of making a mistake) and let your partner know how they can help you (support, explanation, praise).
3.4 Reflection
Keep a diary or simply write down your thoughts on the following topics: “What did I learn today?”, “What was difficult?”, “What inspires me?”. Reflection helps the brain process experience, prioritize, and strengthen neural connections. In addition, it gives you a sense of progress – even if it seems like it’s “still far away.”
4. Practical cases: living stories of learning English as an anti-stress tool
4.1 Olena’s story: a manager with anxiety
Olena is a manager in an IT company and often felt very anxious before speaking at meetings or presentations. She decided to enroll in an English for the corporate environment course. At first, her biggest fear was that she might make a mistake while speaking to clients in English.
Olena started with small steps: 5-minute interactive exercises every morning, a couple of minutes of audio before going to bed. In the beginning, she recorded herself speaking the lines from the textbook, then reviewed the recordings again. In 2-3 months, she noticed that she became more confident: she had her own “comfortable pace” of speaking, and the fear that others would not understand disappeared. In addition, this regular routine gave her a steady progression of achievements: new words every week, and improved pronunciation every month.
Emotionally, it became a real therapy for her: instead of worrying about the upcoming presentation at night, she focused on preparing her English, which gave her more control. At the end of six months, her ability to speak in public had increased and her anxiety had significantly decreased-not because of the pill, but because of her favorite “mental trainer.”
4.2 Igor’s story: a student looking for an escape from stress
Igor is a student who works and studies at the same time. He was chased by deadlines every day, and he began to get absorbed in anxious scenarios: “will I make it in time”, “what if I fail”, “how will I survive this marathon”. To distract himself and change the routine tension, he decided to start learning English through a mobile app.
At first, he just played the exercises – they became his short “reset breaks” during the day. When working between lectures, he would set aside 10 minutes for exercises, scrolling through flashcards with words and listening to short audios. Gradually, he added conversational practice to his routine by chatting with a native speaker (he found partners online).
After three months, Igor noticed that when stress comes, he panics less: instead of worrying about a deadline, he imagines himself practicing English or working with flashcards, and this automatically reduces tension. His productivity at work and school has improved because some of the energy he used to spend on negative scenarios is now spent on learning. And interestingly, he began to understand his resources in a new way: stress was no longer an enemy, but a signal to “train”.
4.3 Maria’s story: calming through language
Maria is a young mother who often experienced anxiety about the future: “will I have enough time”, “will I be able to combine family and work”, “will I make mistakes in my new business”. She had never thought about learning a language before, but one day she realized that it could be more than just a skill, it could be therapy.
She signed up for an online course with live lessons with a teacher. Every day, when the child calmed down, Maria would open the platform and take a short lesson – reading dialogues, repeating phrases, asking questions to the teacher. Gradually, this became her “quiet time”: even when other things were creating chaos, English was the island of calm where she had control.
After six months, Maria noticed that her anxious thoughts were less frequent, and if they did, she was able to find a way to switch gears more quickly. She felt her own value again: “I’m learning a language, I’m developing, I’m not just a mom – I’m a person with my own goals.” And this self-awareness helped her feel more stable in her inner life.
5. Mechanisms that explain the anxiolytic effect of language learning
5.1 The dopamine system and “small achievements”
Every time we learn a new word or use a correct construction, the brain receives a small “reward” in the form of dopamine. It’s not a big euphoria, as with big life events, but it’s enough to keep you motivated and strengthen neural pathways. This “small reward” system is ideal for reducing chronic anxiety, which is often fueled by a shifted balance between fear and anticipation.
5.2 Activation of the prefrontal cortex
When we learn a language, we use the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that is responsible for thinking, planning, and controlling emotions. Regular English exercises train this area, making it more “mature”: this means a better ability to react thoughtfully rather than impulsively, which means less panic when stressors arise.
5.3 Reducing rumination
Rumination is when thoughts dwell on, for example, negativity or fears. Learning a language serves as a kind of “cognitive barrier”: when attention is focused on grammar, vocabulary, or listening, rumination simply has less “space” to unfold. Thus, the brain gets a chance to “rest” from the cycle of negative thoughts.
5.4 Social neurotransmitters
When you communicate with a conversation partner, teacher, or friends in English, social reinforcement systems are activated: oxytocin, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters associated with feelings of safety, support, and belonging. This is not just useful for learning – it is therapeutic.
6. How to make learning anxiolytic – tips
7. Potential challenges and how to deal with them
● Feeling “stuck”
Sometimes progress slows down, and this can cause frustration. At such moments, it is helpful to change your approach: try other formats (games, flashcards, songs), or contact your teacher to develop a new plan.
● Inner critic
Many people are afraid of making mistakes or sounding “imperfect”. It is worth remembering that mistakes are not a failure, but a learning mechanism. The goal is not to “be perfect” but to “grow.”
Difficulties with motivation
If practice seems boring, try to regulate it more clearly: some days focus on grammar, others on listening, and still others on talking to people. This rotation will help keep you interested.
● Limit the time
Many people have very busy schedules. That’s why micro-lessons, mini-exercises, or audio while traveling can be a lifesaver.
8. Conclusion: why English is not just a skill, but a tool for self-development and calming down
Learning English triggers neuroplasticity: the brain creates new connections, becomes more flexible and stronger.
Regular language practice trains the prefrontal cortex, a key area for controlling emotions and impulses.
Achievement of even small goals (a new word, successful pronunciation, communication) gives systemic “rewards” that reduce stress.
The social component of learning – conversations, support from a partner or teacher – brings a sense of belonging and security.
Reflection and daily progress give a sense of control over oneself and one’s development.
● Micro-lessons and flexible formats allow you to fit learning even into a busy schedule and turn it into a resource rather than an additional source of anxiety.
Conclusion.
English can be a powerful anti-stress tool. It doesn’t just open up new career or travel opportunities – it changes your brain, helps you develop internal control, reduce anxiety, and make you feel more confident. Learning a language is not just about knowledge, it’s about transforming yourself: step by step, word by word, you build not only your linguistic competence, but also your psycho-emotional stability.
Learning English with us is not just about grammar or correct pronunciation. It is your little daily ritual of self-care. When you take an online lesson with us, you have a safe space where you can slow down, focus on something new and give your brain a break from disturbing thoughts. Step by step, you will feel more control, more confidence, more inner support. And we at www.english.kh.ua will be there for you – calmly, humanely, with support and faith in your progress – until English becomes your personal anti-stress and source of strength.
