France’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) is a subpart of ‘France Relance’, a larger recovery strategy France adopted in 2020, worth €100 billion in total (4.1 % of France’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019). The NRRP had an initial value of €40.9 billion (total costs), while the plan as amended in 2023 is worth €41.9 billion. Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), at the core of the Next Generation EU (NGEU) instrument, France’s RRF grant allocation decreased from €39.4 billion to €37.5 billion, following the June 2022 update. In April 2023, France submitted a request to amend its NRRP – partly in order to take into account the decrease in the EU’s financial contribution, but also to add a new REPowerEU chapter, which comes with an additional grant allocation of €2.3 billion. France also asked to transfer a portion of its share of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to its plan (€504 million). The EU contribution to the French amended plan totals €40.3 billion in grants, with the rest to be covered by national means. France has not requested loans. The RRF resources allocated to France represent 5.3 % of the entire RRF resources for the EU, and 1.6 % of the country’s GDP in 2019 (the RRF representing 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP in 2019). Measures under the plan are to be completed by August 2026. France is the most advanced Member State in terms of progress in NRRP implementation: so far, it has received €34.1 billion (85 % of funds) and has fulfilled 82 % of the milestones and targets. The European Parliament, which was a major advocate of the creation of a common EU recovery instrument, participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on its implementation and scrutinises the European Commission’s work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Sixth edition. The ‘NGEU delivery’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans.
ISSUES AT STAKE • The EU’s 2023 economic security strategy has not proved sufficient to face an increasingly confrontational geopolitical environment. A key priority for the current European Commission is therefore to advance EU policy addressing potential harms coming from Europe’s global economic links, to boost resilience and reduce dependencies. • The next step is to adopt a new doctrine by the end of 2025, switching up a gear from risk identification to risk mitigation, and providing clarity on the strategic and coherent use of the many possible instruments already in the EU toolbox, including guidelines on how and when to deploy them in response to specific risks. The Commission is currently in the crucial phase of identifying gaps, deciding which tools to include, and whether new instruments are needed. • While the new doctrine will be non-legislative, it presents an important opportunity for the European Parliament to shape the debate and articulate its position at an early stage: once adopted by the Commission, the doctrine will link and guide many policies over which the Parliament has legislative powers.
The Secretary-General laments the passing of former President of Nicaragua, and the first woman to be democratically elected as president in the Americas, Violeta Barrios de Chamorro. Her presidency is remembered for bringing an end to the civil war and initiating a period of peace and democratization in Nicaragua. The Secretary-General extends his condolences to her family, the Government and the people of Nicaragua.
***** El Secretario General lamenta el fallecimiento de la expresidenta de Nicaragua, Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, quien fue la primera mujer presidenta elegida democráticamente en las Américas. Su presidencia es recordada por haber puesto fin a la guerra civil e iniciado un período de paz y democratización en Nicaragua. El Secretario General expresa sus condolencias a la familia, al Gobierno y al pueblo de Nicaragua.
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced the appointment of Grayson Murray to serve as Franklin County Commissioner for District 1, filling the vacancy left by the passing of his father, Commissioner Michael Murray.
At just 20 years old, Grayson Murray brings a personal connection to the role, having been inspired by his father’s dedication to public service and commitment to the people of Franklin County. Commissioner Michael Murray was sworn into office November 2024 and served until his passing May 2025.
“Commissioner Michael Murray was a humble, hardworking public servant who made a strong impression in his short time on the Franklin County Commission,” said Governor Ivey. “It is clear the same spirit of service lives on in his son, Grayson. Grayson is driven, capable and ready to continue the work his father began. I am proud to appoint him to carry on that legacy.”
Grayson Murray, who is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Alabama, said he felt a calling to step up after witnessing firsthand his father’s passion for serving others.
“I am honored to be appointed to continue what my dad started,” said Murray. “Dad was very passionate about Franklin County, and I was lucky to have learned that same passion from him. I am looking forward to getting started in this role, and I want to thank everyone for the support that I have received to get to this point.”
We discuss the possible effects of the US administration’s Digital Assets Strategy (DAS), on the US and Europe. If pursued consistently over time, DAS would tend to weaken the Fed’s payments oversight and monetary control mechanisms, with possible adverse consequences including for the dollar’s international role. Europe’s monetary sovereignty is unlikely to be affected. To ensure that it is indeed the case, the EU crypto markets regulation (MiCA) and the euro’s legal tender status may need strengthening. While wholesale CBDCs would benefit the cross-border payment infrastructure, the digital euro in itself would not contribute significantly to protecting Europe’s monetary sovereignty.
On 25 June 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) are jointly organising a public hearing on Housing Rights, Property Rights and Tenant Protections: Addressing Evictions and Homeless.
The exchange will focus on evaluating tenant rights, eviction policies, social housing availability, and homelessness reduction strategies, including EU best practices and policy recommendations.
On 25 June 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) are jointly organising a public hearing on Housing Rights, Property Rights and Tenant Protections: Addressing Evictions and Homeless.
The exchange will focus on evaluating tenant rights, eviction policies, social housing availability, and homelessness reduction strategies, including EU best practices and policy recommendations.
In this hearing, EUDS will delve into the issue of financial networks and strategies operated by malicious state or non-state actors, which undermine democratic processes within the European Union. It is critical to understand the role of illicit financial flows, covert funding, and strategic investments in disinformation campaigns. This hearing will present concrete examples of financial interference and the different entities being used to finance attacks on European democracies.
European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 Jun 2025 Today, the European Commission proposes measures to speed up defence investments and production to make the EU more responsive to today’s security challenges, as outlined in the Commission’s White Paper for European Defence-Readiness 2030.
Priority question for written answer P-002380/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Fernand Kartheiser (NI), Thomas Geisel (NI), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Erik Kaliňák (NI), Tomasz Froelich (ESN), Volker Schnurrbusch (ESN), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN)
Following a recent meeting with President von der Leyen, Slovenian President Pirc Musar told the press that the EU is ‘working’ on reengaging with the Russian Federation.
1.What kind of relations does the Commission hope to have with Russia in future?
2.Has it already reengaged with Russia, or is it hoping to in the near future?
3.Why does it want to reengage, and what priority themes would it like to address with Russia?
Priority question for written answer P-002382/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE)
The Spanish Government has put forward a legislative proposal to regularise around a thousand substitute judges, allowing them to be admitted to the ordinary judiciary by means of an extraordinary system parallel to the ‘turno libre’ and ‘cuarto turno’ (respectively, open competitions and admittance of experienced legal professionals to the judiciary based on merit).
Spanish judicial associations have complained that such regularisation could violate the constitutional principles and EU law on access to public employment on the basis of equality, merit and ability (Article 45(2) TFEU), and affect judicial independence, as provided for in Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
In light of this situation:
1.Does the Commission consider that the mass regularisation of substitute judges – i.e. admittance to the ordinary judiciary through extraordinary channels and without respecting the principles of equality, merit and ability – is compatible with Article 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union on judicial independence?
2.Does the Commission consider that the rules allowing the successive contract renewal of substitute judges to cover structural and permanent needs are in breach of Clause 5 of the Framework Agreement on fixed-term work (Directive 1999/70/EC), and that this would justify a regularisation without an open competition?
Question for written answer E-002385/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Piotr Müller (ECR)
The aim of the European Chips Act is to build a resilient, integrated semiconductor ecosystem in the EU, including for AI applications.
In May 2025, a representative of the Taiwanese firm TSMC – the world’s largest chip manufacturer – publicly declared that it was prepared to support Europe in the development of its AI system production capabilities. TSMC has announced that a design centre will be established in Munich, and that a factory is to be built in Dresden, although the latter will focus on less advanced technologies for the car industry.
In the light of the foregoing:
1.Has the Commission taken any specific action in response TSMC’s statement on cooperation in the development of AI chips in Europe?
2.How is the Commission intending to ensure that investments in the semiconductor industry are not concentrated in one Member State, but support the sustainable development of the entire EU market?
3.Is the Commission intending to support TSMC’s investments in advanced technologies that will provide a significant boost to the EU’s capabilities in the field of AI?
Priority question for written answer P-002423/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Liudas Mažylis (PPE)
According to information from various countries’ defence authorities, a joint Russian-Belarusian military exercise ‘Zapad 2025’ is scheduled to take place this autumn. Previous ‘Zapad’ exercises were characterised by significant build-ups of military forces near NATO’s eastern borders, including direct simulations of attacks on the Baltic states and Poland. According to official sources, around 13 000 troops are expected to take part in ‘Zapad 2025’. However, experts and intelligence analysis suggest that the actual numbers could be significantly higher. In view of the current geopolitical situation, this year’s exercise could feature even more brazen provocations, including scenarios involving the use of tactical nuclear weapons and ‘accidental’ incursions by military forces into EU territory. At the same time, there is a risk that the exercise could be used as cover for an actual military escalation.
Could the Commission answer the following questions:
1.Is the Commission closely monitoring the situation and plans for the upcoming ‘Zapad 2025’ exercise?
2.What preventive measures are planned to ensure the security of the EU’s external borders and reduce the risk of military incidents at the eastern border?
3.How does the Commission intend to bolster the EU’s resilience to attacks against information systems stemming from the ‘Zapad 2025’ exercise, in particular in Eastern European countries, where the risk of exposure to disinformation is heightened?
Luxembourg-based 3D scanning developer lands EIB venture debt financing to advance its RDI in next-generation scanning technologies
EIB funding supports Artec 3D’s investments taking place in its research facilities in both Luxembourg and Portugal.
The financing marks the EIB’s first venture debt operation in Luxembourgbacked under the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative.
The European Investment Bank and Luxembourg-based 3D scanning developer Artec 3D enter into a long-term partnership with €15 million committed to R&D support over the first three years. The EIB’s venture debt will enable Artec 3D to advance its next-generation 3D scanning technologies and algorithms for processing 3D data, thus supporting critical European technology and innovation. The investments that Artec 3D will pursue into new product and software development activities will also feature the use of AI. The R&D will take place primarily in Luxembourg and partially in Portugal. The EIB financing is supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme.
The EIB’s financing agreement was ceremonially signed at the Luxembourg Nexus technology exhibition in the presence of H.E. Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, as well as Anne Calteux, Head of the European Commission’s representation to Luxembourg.
“Companies like Artec 3D showcase Luxembourg as a powerhouse of European innovation.”said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot. “Innovative companies like Artec 3D can get the financing they need to scale-up right here in Europe. The EIB offers funding for critical technology to remain within the EU. That is why initiatives like InvestEU, and our new TechEU programme, are so important. We are happy to put our venture debt behind Artec 3D, to ensure that this advanced technology can grow in Europe.”
Artec 3D’s innovations are already driving digital transformation across various infrastructures, including energy, transportation, aerospace, healthcare, cultural heritage, education, and defence worldwide. Its in-house developed technologies include advanced 3D scanning equipment as well as the software needed to create digital twins of real-life objects. A key differentiating factor is that Artec 3D scanners are portable, versatile, and integrate seamlessly with its proprietary data processing software. This combination allows users to turn objects of all shapes, sizes, and complexity into high-resolution 3D models, while significantly reducing the time and effort required.
“Cooperation withthe European Investment Bank is, first and foremost, a recognition of Artec 3D’s role as a leader in interdisciplinary R&D, both in AI and computer vision on the high-tech map of Europe,” said Artec 3D CEO and Co-founder Art Yukhin. “For 18 years, our expert team has been developing breakthrough 3D technologies that set new standards in 3D scanning and digital twin capture. With the EIB’s support, we are scaling our R&D and accelerating the development of next-generation, industry-ready solutions that strengthen Europe’s technological leadership in the global arena.”
“The European Investment Bank’s support for Artec 3D’s innovative work through the InvestEU programme is great news for Luxembourg and Europe. Promoting European excellence in 3D-scanning technologies and strengthening the EU’s technological leadership is very important at a time when the EU is striving to close the innovation gap. This support will directly empower the company to drive innovation and job creation in Luxembourg and across the Union. We look forward to the positive impact of their research and development activities.” added Anne Calteux, Head of the EC representation in Luxembourg.
On a technical level, the financing will support the development of Artec 3D’s short-range, high-precision 3D scanners and advanced 3D software, enabling fast and accurate data capture for a variety of applications. The Company was the first to introduce “target free” scanning with handheld scanners, making data capture much faster and simpler than with traditional scanners that rely on fixed equipment and reference markers. Artec 3D scanning is designed to meet the varying needs of end users in many applications ranging from jewellery customization to industrial manufacturing. It can also help to preserve cultural heritage, allowing for in-depth study without risking damage to fragile artifacts.
Background information
The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, contribute to peace and security, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality. The Group’s AAA rating allows it to borrow at favourable conditions on the global markets, benefiting its clients within the European Union and beyond. The Group has the highest ESG standards and a tier one capital ratio of 32%.
The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable economy. It helps generate additional investments in line with EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal, the digital transition and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient, and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners who invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. This guarantee increases their risk-bearing capacity, thus mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.
Luxembourg-based Artec 3D designs and manufactures high-precision 3D scanners and smart 3D software for fast and accurate data capture. This allows customers to quickly, easily create a 3D model of any real-life object, then reverse engineer, inspect, or reproduce that item on-demand. Artec 3D’s products and services can be used in many industries, such as in Engineering, Medicine, Design, Metrology, CGI, Heritage preservation, security technology, and more.
Following the vote in plenary, Parliament’s rapporteur Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D, Portugal), will answer questions on ongoing and new concerns about the state of European values.
Where: European Parliament in Strasburg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N-1/201) and online, with interpretation to and from English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and Polish.
How: Accredited journalists can join the press conference in person. Those wishing to actively participate and ask questions remotely can do so via Interactio. The press conference will be streamed live and become available on demand on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.
Using Interactio to ask questions
Interactio is only supported on iPad (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser).
When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields.
For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for interventions with video.
Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press conference to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary.
When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service messages.
The AFCO committee and its counterpart committees in the national Parliaments of the EU Member States and Candidate Countries will hold an exchange of views on the internal groundwork and reforms necessary to make the EU fit for the future enlargement. The Interparliamentary Committee Meeting will take place in ROOM ANTALL 6Q2
During this meeting, the rapporteur Mr Sandro Gozi (Renew) will present the draft of the AFCO own-initiative report on the ‘Institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations’, which aims to convey Parliament’s key political messages on the possible ways to improve the functioning of the enlarged EU. This presentation will be followed by an in-depth exchange of views with national Parliaments.
Interview with Kai Johannsen and Detlef Fechtner (published inBörsen-Zeitung)
Europe is a very attractive safe asset for investors right now, said EIB President Nadia Calviño in an interview.
Ms Calviño, many banks and asset managers are withdrawing from net zero alliances at the moment. Is this the end for green and sustainable finance?
We get the impression that markets and investors are still putting huge sums into supporting the green transition.
What does this mean from the green finance market’s perspective?
We have recently had another very positive experience on the markets. We issued our first green bond in line with the European Green Bond Standard. The €3 billion bond issue was 13 times oversubscribed. This is a clear sign that market participants still see this as a good investment.
What does this mean for the EIB?
We will continue in our role as the EU climate bank. We will support the green transition in Europe by investing in net zero and in new technologies that will bolster the green energy transition.
You recently changed the EIB’s green and sustainable finance framework. Can you explain these changes?
In the area of green finance, we haven’t changed much in itself. The main thing is that we issued our first green bond in line with the European Green Bond Standard, which only came into force in December 2024 through the European Green Bond Regulation. In terms of sustainability bonds, we have expanded the scope of eligible projects.
Which new areas are covered by the EIB?
Financial support for women and gender equality for all, for example. These new priorities will enable us to invest the proceeds from the EIB’s Sustainability Awareness Bonds in female-led companies, for example.
What are your overall issue plans for this year? How much will Climate Awareness Bonds and Sustainable Awareness Bonds account for?
Just this week, we issued a 10-year Climate Awareness Bond worth €5 billion, with a record order book of €56 billion. This brings our total issue volume for 2025 to €47 billion, or 80% of our funding target. This is roughly what we had issued in previous years up to this point. Our estimated total issue volume for this year is €60 billion. We could theoretically get to €65 billion. Planned climate bond and sustainability bond issues for 2025 make up around 35% of our target funding volume.
Right now there is demand for safe assets, especially in Europe. With this in mind, what do you think about EU, EIB and ESM bonds? Do we still need another safe investment?
I don’t want to comment on any current issues that go beyond the European Investment Bank’s remit. But what I can say is this: Europe is seen as a safe investment right now. It is a very attractive safe asset, which means that for many now is the time to turn to Europe.
What makes you say that?
There is strong investor demand for these assets. This is especially true amid the recent uncertainties we have faced. There is keen investor appetite for these bonds. This is also the case for EIB bonds.
It is a very, very strong market.
And what do you think is behind this demand?
In times like these, when it feels like everything is changing all at once, Europe has a clear edge on the financial markets. It provides a beacon of clarity, stability and confidence. And the EIB will continue to offer global investors safe investments in the form of our bonds.
Has the trade conflict made investors more cautious?
We haven’t seen any impact on investor demand so far.
But at the same time, what we can say is that volatility is the new normal.
And what do the trade tensions in general mean for the EIB?
The EIB relies on international partnerships and will continue to support and step up EU trade relations with other regions of the world, such as Mercosur, India, Mexico and Chile, to name just a few. The European Union is a trade policy powerhouse, and the EIB is helping to expand and diversify its partnerships.
Are bond market investors shifting from the United States to Europe?
It’s too early to say. We have seen a few shifts, of course, with some investors diversifying their portfolios a bit more. But structural asset allocation adjustments take time.
And now what? Is this the hour of the euro?
The current environment is a good opportunity for the euro to consolidate and expand its position as an international reserve currency. We are working together with the European Central Bank and the European Commission to further strengthen the euro’s international role. But that will also take time.
Let’s talk about how funds are used. You recently announced ambitious investment projects to strengthen defence.
Yes, we have a full pipeline of more than 20 projects. We are making rapid progress on this, including with our venture capital financing in the area of security and defence.
What about innovation? What is the EIB doing to drive digital transformation and technical innovation?
We are working on the European Union’s largest technology investment programme. We want to mobilise a total of €250 billion by 2027. We want to offer a full range of financing instruments, so equity, debt, venture debt, scale-up debt and so on, so that we can support the lifecycle of a project or innovation at every stage. We will start with clean tech so that sustainable business models that are created in Europe can also reach market maturity in Europe.
How has your investment approach changed?
We have increased our risk appetite and diversified the portfolio of instruments where this applies. We follow market demand.
What does that mean?
When it comes to defence, for example, we noticed a need for liquidity and working capital in medium-sized companies in the industry so we developed a special financing instrument for this. We are tripling financing for banks to provide liquidity to such companies in the European defence industry supply chain.
And just this week we signed an agreement with Deutsche Bank in this area. On the equity side, we recently launched the European Tech Champions Initiative, which helps startups to scale up.
The European Union wants to alleviate pressure on bank balance sheets by reviving the securitisation market. What role will the EIB play in this?
We are already playing a very active role in the securitisation market – both in terms of standard transactions and in terms of market innovations. For example, we are working on creating new underlying portfolios on the market, such as solar panels.
Investors are turning to safe bonds from Europe. According to Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Europe has the edge on the capital markets at the moment. She said that Europe provides a beacon of clarity, stability and confidence for investors, and speaks of a very strong market.
INTA will hold a public hearing on “The EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement”. Committee aims to provide a comprehensive platform for discussion, reflection, and stakeholder engagement on this topical issue.
The hearing will consist of two panels. The first panel will bring together economic stakeholders, featuring representatives from key industrial and agricultural sectors focusing on how the agreement affects business and agriculture. The second panel will involve civil society and academia and will explore social, environmental, and academic perspectives. Both panels will include interactive Q&A sessions to facilitate a dynamic dialogue.
The event will be an opportunity to address the complexities of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, balancing economic interests with social and environmental concerns, thereby ensuring a transparent and inclusive approach to the ongoing discussion.
At the meeting of 24 June 2025, JURI Members will vote on several dossiers regarding insolvency, namely on the dossier Harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law (2022/0408(COD)) and on the Amendment of Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings to replace its Annexes A and B (2025/0023(COD)).
JURI Members will also vote on the Jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of measures and cooperation in matters relating to the protection of adults (2023/0169(COD)) dossier and will vote on the provisional agreement resulting from interinstitutional negotiations on Compulsory licensing for crisis management and amending Regulation (EC) 816/2006 (2023/0129(COD)). At the same meeting, JURI Committee Members will hear statements by selected candidates for the post of the Chairperson of a Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Amid ongoing debates surrounding the EU-Mercosur Partnership, on 24 June 2025 the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament will hold a public hearing on “The EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement” from 15.00-17.20 in Brussels. Committee aims to provide a comprehensive platform for discussion, reflection, and stakeholder engagement on this topical issue.
The hearing will consist of two panels. The first panel will bring together economic stakeholders, featuring representatives from key industrial and agricultural sectors focusing on how the agreement affects business and agriculture. The second panel will involve civil society and academia and will explore social, environmental, and academic perspectives. Both panels will include interactive Q&A sessions to facilitate a dynamic dialogue.
The event will be an opportunity to address the complexities of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, balancing economic interests with social and environmental concerns, thereby ensuring a transparent and inclusive approach to the ongoing discussion.
The public hearing on “Management and Preparedness for Extreme Weather Events and Natural Disasters in the EU Budget” will examine the effects of the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters on the current EU budget, as well as on the planning and implementation of the EU’s long term budget.
The Committee on Budgets will hold a public hearing to understand which mechanisms within the EU budget are in place to respond to severe weather and climate emergencies. They will also gain insight into the appropriateness of existing instruments, the level of preparedness to face climate risks, and reflect on future requirements.
On Tuesday, the King of Jordan, His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, addressed MEPs during a formal sitting in Strasbourg.
Welcoming King Abdullah II of Jordan to the hemicycle, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Jordan is not only a great friend to this Parliament but an important partner for the European Union. Europe is grateful to Jordan’s commitment to stability and peace in the Middle East. The European Parliament appreciates Jordan’s critical efforts in reducing regional tensions, in pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the return of hostages whilst also facilitating so much urgently needed humanitarian aid, as well as for the unwavering support for Palestinian and Syrian refugees and a two-State solution as a path to lasting peace.”
Referring to the array of conflicts taking place around the world, the King said that “our world feels untethered – like it has lost its moral gravity”.
He reminded MEPs that it is precisely at these junctures of history that “we must recommit to our values (…) Because when the world loses its moral bearings, we lose our shared sense of right and wrong – of what is just, and what is cruel. And when that happens, conflict is never far behind”.
“Today that world is in moral decline, he added, saying that “a shameful version of our humanity is unfolding before our eyes in real time (…) Nowhere is that clearer than in Gaza”.
Talking about the Israeli attacks and raids in Gaza, the King asked MEPs: “How is it that what was considered an atrocity just 20 months ago is now so commonplace it barely registers? What version of our humanity allows the unthinkable to become routine? Permits weaponising famine against children? Normalises the targeting of health workers, journalists, and civilians seeking refuge in camps?”
“We are at another crossroads in our history (…) This is not just about Gaza. And it is not just another political moment. It is a struggle over who we are as a global community, and who we will become.”
Concluding his address, King Abdullah II said that “this year is likely to be a time of pivotal decisions for our entire world. Europe’s leadership will be vital in choosing the right course. And you can count on Jordan as your staunch partner.”
The King outlined two essential areas for action: first, supporting development, because a thriving Middle East creates opportunities that benefit us all; second, strong, coordinated action to ensure global security.
“Our mutual security won’t be assured until our global community acts, not only to end the three-year war in Ukraine, but also the world’s longest and most destructive flashpoint, the eight-decade-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”
King Abdullah II added: “Palestinians, like all people, deserve the rights to freedom, sovereignty, and, yes, statehood (…) The path to peace has been walked before. It can be again, if we have the courage to choose it, and the will to walk it together.”
This paper assesses the European Central Bank (ECB)’s monetary policy stance as of June 2025, analysing its evolving interest rate path, balance sheet developments, and communication strategy. It highlights the transition toward a neutral policy rate, ongoing quantitative tightening, persistent inflation dispersion, and increasing macroeconomic uncertainty. The analysis concludes that while inflation is converging toward target, elevated uncertainty, and divergence between interest rate policy and balance sheet reduction demand cautious calibration and transparent communication.
The Commission takes the issues of corporate responsibility and accountability seriously and has established frameworks such as Directive 2014/95/EU[1] to improve corporate disclosure of social and environmental information.
The directive 2022/2464 on Corporate Sustainability Reporting[2] broadens the scope, mandates EU Sustainability Reporting Standards and enhances consistency and comparability in non-financial reporting.
With the directive 2024/1760 on corporate sustainability due diligence (CSDDD)[3], the Commission sets clear expectations for large companies to identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts.
The Commission regularly engages with a broad range of stakeholders, and takes their concerns into account in its policymaking. The CSDDD requires companies to engage meaningfully with stakeholders, in particular with affected communities, as part of their due diligence .
The Commission is committed to simplifying, not weakening, directives related to due diligence, sustainability reporting, and taxonomy.
The proposal COM (2025) 81 final[4] aims to ensure that European companies contribute positively to sustainable development and respect for human rights and the environment globally, while remaining competitive by doing so in the most cost-efficient way.
The EU is following closely the situation in Buenaventura and regularly engages with authorities and civil society to promote respect of human rights and socioeconomic development.
The EU is currently implementing Human Rights and Civil Society projects for a total budget of 9,239,032 EUR, including activities specifically targeted to the city of Buenaventura.
[1] Directive 2014/95/EU amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups.
[2] Directive (EU) 2022/2464 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Directive 2013/34/EU, as regards corporate sustainability reporting.
[3] Directive 2024/1760 on corporate sustainability due diligence.
[4] Proposal for a directive amending 2006/43/EC, 2013/34/EU, 2022/2464 and 2024/1760 as regards as regards certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements.
A six-count indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Georgia charging former Fulton County Jail Sergeant, Khadijah Solomon, 47, with using excessive force by repeatedly deploying tasers against compliant, non-resisting pretrial detainees on three separate occasions in January 2025 and writing false reports about each of the incidents.
“The Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law enforcement officers who abuse public trust through excessive force and concealing their misconduct,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will vigorously safeguard the constitutional rights of all individuals, including those in custody, and ensure accountability in this case.”
“Law enforcement officers in this district perform their duties professionally and honorably, but those who abuse their power will be held accountable for their unlawful conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “On three occasions, Khadijah Solomon allegedly tased Fulton County Jail detainees without a legitimate purpose, causing each of them pain and injury. Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted.”
Solomon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation, and 20 years in prison for each false report. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret Hobson and Brent Gray for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bence Horvath, 47, a Spanish national living in the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with conspiring to illegally export U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian end users without a license.
Horvath pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to unlawfully export goods to Russia. U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30.
According to court documents, beginning at least around January 2023, Horvath and others initiated discussions with a small U.S. radio distribution company about procuring and exporting to Russia U.S.-manufactured military-grade radios and related accessories. Over the next several months, Horvath continued his efforts to secure those items, which he intended to transship to Russia via a freight forwarder in Latvia.
As part of the conspiracy, Horvath purchased 200 of the military-grade radios and intended to export them to Russia. But he was not successful, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained the shipment, preventing the radios from falling into the hands of prohibited Russian end users.
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia made the announcement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California provided valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Maeghan Mikorski for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after provisions he has championed to deregulate firearms suppressors as well as provisions that mirror the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act to deregulate Short Barreled Rifles (SBR) and Short Barreled Shotguns (SBS) were included in the Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:
“No burdensome tax or regulation should infringe on law-abiding Americans’ God-given right to keep and bear arms,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m glad the Senate is joining the House to stand up for the Second Amendment and our Constitution, and I will continue to fight for these priorities as the Senate works to pass President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Background:
Suppressors are currently subject to additional regulatory burdens under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Sen. Cornyn cosponsored the Hearing Protection Act to remove suppressors from regulation under the NFA and replace the burdensome federal transfer process with an instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check. This would make the purchasing and transfer process for suppressors similar to the process for rifles and shotguns.
The Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text includes provisions from the Hearing Protection Act that strike the registration requirement and eliminate both the transfer and manufacturing tax on suppressors. Specifically, it removes silencers from the list of firearms in the tax code.
The Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text also mirrors the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act to remove Short Barreled Rifles (SBR) and Short Barreled Shotguns (SBS) from the definition of “firearm” for purposes of Sec. 5845, resulting in the elimination of the transfer and manufacturing tax on these devices as well. The provision would also preempt onerous state or local licensing or registration requirements that are determined by reference to the National Firearms Act (NFA) by treating anyone who acquires or possesses these rifles, shotguns, or other weapons in compliance with federal statute to be in compliance with the state or local registration or licensing requirements.
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act, a bill that would prohibit federal funding from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from going towards gender transition procedures at any age, was included in the Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:
“No American taxpayer should have to fund radical gender transition surgeries, and I am proud that my bill to prohibit federal dollars from funding these dangerous procedures has been included in the Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I will continue to fight alongside President Trump to protect our most vulnerable and ensure taxpayer dollars are no longer used to advance the far left’s woke agenda.”
Background:
A recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review of gender dysphoria medical interventions “highlights a growing body of evidence pointing to significant risks—including irreversible harms such as infertility—while finding very weak evidence of benefit.”
Nearly 30 states have laws or policies that limit access to gender transition procedures for minors, including Texas. Texas prohibits health care providers from prescribing, administering or dispensing hormone or puberty blocking medications or providing gender transition surgeries to minors. Other countries have begun putting limits on these procedures over concerns about the long-term effects. In 2024, NHS England began limiting access to puberty blockers as “routine treatment” for children under 18. Finland, Sweden, and Denmark have also limited access to these procedures for minors.
The Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act, which was cosponsored by Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), would prohibit CHIP and Medicaid federal funds from being used to provide gender transition procedures at any age. It makes exceptions for those needing puberty blocking drugs or medical procedures for medically necessary reasons, including medically verifiable sex development disorders or injury from previous gender transition procedures.
This bill builds on President Trump’s Executive Order, signed on January 28, 2025, which called for cutting federal funding for gender transition procedures for minors and directs federally run insurance programs, including Medicaid, to stop covering these services.
The legislation aligns with language included in the House’s version of Pres. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.
As requested by Directive (EU) 2023/2668[1], the Commission will make available, by the end of 2025, guidelines to facilitate the implementation of the revised Asbestos at Work Directive.
The Commission services, when preparing the guidelines, involve a large number of relevant stakeholders including employers, workers and national authorities’ representatives, European industry associations and asbestos experts, by means of workshops, consultation rounds, on-site-pilots and case studies. For example, nearly 900 stakeholders have participated in ten workshops exchanging on different aspects of asbestos management.
The guidelines aim to cover specific topics such as risk assessment and safe removal of asbestos, as well as existing good practice examples in the different Member States.
The guidelines would present a holistic approach addressing different target groups including public and private entities and cover all relevant topics such as risk assessment, training, cleaning up and waste disposal along the asbestos lifecycle.
The Committee of Senior Labour Inspectors will carry out from 2026 until 2027 an EU-wide awareness and inspection campaign on asbestos at work.
Germany has not yet notified the measure indicated by the Honourable Member to the Commission.
The Commission has two months after receipt of a complete notification from the Member State to render a decision on the measure’s compatibility with EU State aid rules.
The Commission recalls the importance of ensuring that such support measures are fully aligned with relevant EU secondary legislation.