Question for written answer E-002017/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew)
On 26 April 2025, Follow the Money reported that Dutch police databases contain large amounts of unlawful, inaccurate and outdated (biometric) data, collected and stored in insecure digital and physical locations over decades.[1] Despite numerous warnings from competent authorities (including the Personal Data Authority) and the Council of State[2], the Minister of Justice and Security has not yet ordered the removal of the data.[3] As large amounts of data are increasingly analysed automatically, this can lead to errors in investigations and to discrimination and stigmatisation of innocent people.
1.Is the Commission aware of these practices on the part of the Dutch police and of the fact that, despite warnings from competent authorities and experts, the data in question has not been removed?
2.Does the Commission share the concern that this situation raises the likelihood that, in the context of European police cooperation, one Member State’s police forces may use unlawful and inaccurate data taken from another Member State’s police database[4]?
3.What action will the Commission take vis-à-vis the Dutch Government if it fails to heed the warnings from the relevant authorities and have its police databases cleaned up, with a view to ensuring that Dutch police data can be used safely in the context of European police cooperation?
[2]The Personal Data Authority concluded that the collection of personal data by the police is not in line with the Dutch law transposing Directive 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, and on the free movement of such data.
[4]Prüm II Regulation; Directive on the exchange of information between the law enforcement authorities; Council Recommendation on operational law enforcement cooperation.
Question for written answer E-002039/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Krzysztof Brejza (PPE)
The European chemicals industry is facing severe challenges, exacerbated by high energy costs and fierce competition from non-EU countries benefiting from cheaper energy, including Russian resources. This has led to a widening trade deficit, especially in the production of critical molecules such as sodium carbonates, essential for industries such as glass production, detergents, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. To address this, the EU Critical Chemicals Act, supported by Member States including France, Spain, Hungary and others, is a crucial step in ensuring the long-term resilience of Europe’s chemical sector. This initiative must focus on modernising chemical plants, reducing emissions and recognising strategic EU molecules, such as sodium carbonates, which are pivotal to Europe’s industrial base.
1.Is the Commission considering proposing an EU Critical Chemicals Act to address challenges facing the European chemicals industry, which will recognise the EU’s strategic molecules – including, among others, sodium carbonates?
2.How does the Commission plan to ensure the modernisation and long-term sustainability of Europe’s chemical industry, particularly by providing flexible funding options for investments aimed at reducing process emissions?
3.What steps will the Commission take to protect EU production of strategic molecules and improve trade defence mechanisms against unfair practices?
Question for written answer E-002023/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Leila Chaibi (The Left)
Under Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2023/955 on the Social Climate Fund, each Member State is required to submit a plan to the Commission following public consultation with local authorities, economic and social partners and civil society.
However, public consultations have been insufficient, or non-existent, in the majority of Member States, including France, which has not organised any consultations despite requests to do so. These consultations are a necessary step to promote transparency and trust in national social climate plans. They help to identify local needs and improve the effectiveness of funding.
In response to this situation, could the Commission answer the following questions:
1.How does it monitor and assess the consultation process on national social climate plans in the Member States?
2.Does it intend to take action against countries which fail to make the necessary arrangements to ensure public consultations in connection with the national social climate plans?
3.As far as France is concerned, what measures does it intend to take to enforce the requirement and to ensure the effective involvement of stakeholders?
European Commission Press release Brussels, 28 May 2025 Today the EU is putting forward a new strategy for a stable and secure Black Sea region. This Strategy aims to boost connections and growth, by linking Europe with the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. Amidst Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the strategy will also reinforce the EU’s geopolitical role as a reliable actor in the Black Sea region.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Warning on oak processionary moth issued ahead of hatching season
Public and construction trade vigilance needed as oak processionary moth (OPM) growth higher at start of greatest risk period
Image credit: Henry Kuppen
The public are being urged today (Wednesday 28 May) to be vigilant for any sightings of oak processionary moth caterpillars, a tree pest which can strip oak trees of their foliage and leave them susceptible to disease.
The caterpillars – predominantly found in South East England – descend down oak trees in head-to-tail processionary form, occasionally taking the form of an arrow shape, earning them their name. They feed on the leaves as they migrate causing the leaves to sometimes drop off which negatively impacts their growth. This can weaken the tree and leave it more vulnerable to other stresses, such as drought and further diseases.
The warning has been issued today by the Forestry Commission who are urging the public to report any sightings via the TreeAlert portal or by email to opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
Oak processionary moth was first identified in London in 2006 after being accidentally transported over from Europe in trees for planting. It has since spread to surrounding counties in the South East, and last July, a small outbreak of the caterpillars was found at a site designated free from the pest.
OPM caterpillars and their nests, which are made of distinctive white silken webbing, contain hairs that can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritation and should not be touched under any circumstances. The nests can be found in the trunk or branches of oak trees, and fade to a light brown over time. The public are urged never to try and dispose of the nests themselves.
Forestry Commission Oak Processionary Moth Programme Manager Dr Edward Straw said:
“The warm weather in spring has led to oak processionary moth growing quicker than in previous years. We’re already receiving reports of homeowners being affected by the caterpillars, coming out in painful rashes, and it is important those living and working in areas affected by oak processionary moth remain vigilant about the health risks they pose.
The Forestry Commission continues to undertake a rapid management response and extensive surveillance work is in place to monitor the area and continue to direct appropriate control measures to prevent the potential spread of OPM.
Professor Nicola Spence, UK Chief Plant Health Officer, said:
“Oak trees are an iconic and much-loved part of our British landscape. By reporting any sightings of the oak processionary moth to the Forestry Commission, we can all minimise the pest’s spread as well as reduce their impact on tree health.
“I would advise that members of the public living in London, the surrounding areas and Derbyshire, avoid any contact with the caterpillar and its nests, as this can cause irritation.”
By identifying threats such as pests and diseases, we protect the benefits plants provide to the public, to wildlife, the environment, and our economy. More information can be found on the Plant Health Action.org website.
How to identify Oak processionary moth caterpillars
Nests are typically dome or teardrop-shaped, averaging the size of a tennis ball. They are white when fresh, but soon become discoloured and brown. The caterpillars have black heads and bodies covered in long white hairs which contain proteins which can cause itchy rashes, eye, and throat irritations. They can also occasionally cause breathing difficulties in people and pets, so should not be touched under any circumstances.
A public information leaflet covering how to identify OPM and methods to control is available,
There is also a document outlining species commonly confused with OPM which can be found here.
Following possible OPM contact, visit your pharmacist for relief from milder skin or eye irritations. Consult a GP or call NHS111 for more serious reactions. Contact a vet if animals are seriously affected.
The Tree Health Pilot scheme offers a local authority grant for oak with OPM. It supports local authorities in the OPM ’established area’ to organise surveying of oak trees for OPM and create an OPM management plan and communications strategy to understand the risks and appropriate management of the affected area. Funding is also available for communications materials such as signage, and biosecurity items including boot cleaning equipment and red tape/posts for cordoning off areas. For more information and details of how to apply see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tree-health-pilot-scheme-2024/grants-for-oak-with-oak-processionary-moth-opm
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SEOUL, May 28 (Xinhua) — Lee Jae-myung, the liberal Democratic Toburo Party’s presidential candidate, is more than 10 percentage points ahead of his main rival in the June 3 election, according to a poll by Flower Research released Wednesday.
According to the data received, 48.8 percent of voters support Lee Jae-myung, while 37.7 percent support Kim Moon-soo, a candidate from the ruling conservative Civil Power Party. 10.7 percent of respondents are ready to vote for Lee Joon-suk, a candidate from the small conservative New Reform Party.
The poll of 15,008 voters was conducted by Flower Research from May 24 to 27. –0–
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointment to Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Expert Group announced The Head of the CEPU, Dr Stephen Wong, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Expert Group members for putting forth their views and suggestions proactively, as well as for their generous sharing of expertise, insights and research findings in their respective fields over the past year. These contributions have provided important references for the Policy Address.
Dr Wong said, “In addition to plenary meetings, the interaction between the CEPU and Expert Group members took various forms in the past year, including forums, seminars, sharing sessions, group discussions, individual meetings, visits and written exchanges, etc. The CEPU also invites universities and think tanks from the community that have received funding support under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme and the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme to organise opening and concluding seminars. Members of the Expert Group are invited to provide views from their industry perspectives to enhance the applicability of the research studies. They also serve as external examiners for the two funding schemes, assisting in vetting relevant research proposals and advising on funding applications.”
Dr Wong continued, “I look forward to maintaining close liaison and co-operation with Expert Group members in the coming year, and to working together to assist the HKSAR Government on the 2024 Policy Address goal of ‘Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together’.”
As an advisory body, the CEPU Expert Group was established in May 2023 and consists of members of different backgrounds including business, finance, professional, think-tanks and academia to provide expert views and new ideas to the CEPU on various topics. To facilitate the work of the Expert Group and its conduct of more focused discussions, members of the Expert Group are assigned into three broad streams, namely the Economic Advancement Expert Group, the Social Development Expert Group and the Research Strategy Expert Group. For details of the events of the Expert Group, please refer to the website of the CEPU: (www.cepu.gov.hk/en/whats_new/index.html The full membership of the Expert Group is as follows (listed in alphabetical order of surnames):
Economic Advancement Expert GroupMrs Bonnie Chan Woo Dr Haywood Cheung Mr Hong Xiaoyuan Mr Peter Kung Mr Adam Kwok Mr Peter Lai Mr David Lau Dr Martin Lee Ms Nisa Leung Mr Laurence Li, SC Mr Li Xiguang Mr Dowson Tong Mr Patrick Tsang Dr Levin Wang Mr Allen Yeung Mr Samuel Yung Mr Jonathan Zhu
Social Development Expert GroupDr Eugene Chan Mr Kevin Chan Mr Nicholas Chan Mr Chen Shaobo Mr Albert Lee Mr Edward Liu Ms Anthea Lo Ms Lo Po-man Mr Lo Wing-hung Dr Lewis Luk Dr Ma Jun Dr Chloe Suen Mr Tai Hay-lap Dr Stephen Tai Mr Tang Fei Mr Xu LinProfessor Thomas Chan Mr Chang Ka-mun Professor Christopher Chao Dr Francis Cheung Dr Chow Man-kong Dr Chow Pak-chin Dr Guo Wanda Professor Alfred Ho Dr Henry Ho Professor Huang Ping Professor Lau Pui-king Professor Lau Siu-kai Professor Dennis Lo Professor Francis Lui Professor Terry Lum Professor Mao Zhenhua Professor Charles Ng Professor Naubahar Sharif Dr Wang Fuqiang Professor Richard Wong Professor Wong Yuk-shan Professor Xiao Geng Professor Zheng Yongnian Issued at HKT 16:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ17: Coping with extreme weather Question:
There are views pointing out that in recent years, Hong Kong has been affected time and again by localised rainstorms, super typhoons and even very hot weather, thereby exposing the safety as well as lives and properties of members of the public to a greater risk. On coping with extreme weather, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the respective numbers of weather warnings and signals issued by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) in each of the past five years (set out by type of weather warnings and signals);
(2) in order to cope with extreme weather (including super typhoons and severe rainstorms) that may occur in Hong Kong, of the details of the interdepartmental drills conducted and contingency plans drawn up by various government departments so far this year (including the number of government departments and personnel involved); whether various government departments have put in place a comprehensive contingency mechanism for coping with extreme weather to assist members of the public and disseminate the relevant information in a timely manner;
(3) given that in the past, flooding and landslides frequently occurred in some districts (including Chai Wan, Wong Tai Sin, Wan Chai, Yuen Long and Tsim Sha Tsui) during rainstorm, whether the authorities have increased the supporting staff for flood and disaster prevention work specifically for those districts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) whether the authorities will formulate a mechanism to require the relevant government departments to take corresponding measures in the districts concerned simultaneously when the Localised Heavy Rain Advisory was issued by the HKO, e.g. strengthening local flood monitoring and deploying manpower to clear the drains, with a view to preventing the occurrence of localised large-scale flooding;
(5) given that the 2023 Policy Address indicated that the Drainage Services Department would complete the “Strategic Planning Study on Flood Management against Sea Level Rise and Extreme Rainfall” and develop a forward-looking strategy, of the progress of the relevant work and the findings of the Study; whether the Government has set aside resources for the implementation of the recommendations of the Study and the construction of the relevant infrastructure facilities; and
(6) whether it has further stepped up public education on disaster preparedness, e.g. regularly arranging for members of the public and students to participate in disaster prevention exercise, and teaching members of the public the corresponding measures to take when extreme weather and even natural disasters occur; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will strengthen such efforts in the future?
Reply:
President,
The responses to the various parts of the question are as follows:
(1) Based on the information provided by the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Hong Kong Observatory, the number of various warnings and signals issued by the Observatory in the past five years is set out below:
(i) Number of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals issued
Year (ii) Number of Thunderstorm Warning, Special Announcement on Flooding in the northern New Territories, Rainstorm Warning Signal and Landslip Warning issued
Year(iii) Number of other warning and signal issued
Year(2) After consultation with the Security Bureau and the Home Affairs Department, our reply is as follows:
The Government has implemented the following measures in relation to emergency response mechanisms, interdepartmental drills, and the provision of timely assistance and dissemination of relevant information:
To address extreme weather events, the Security Bureau has formulated the Contingency Plan for Natural Disasters, which sets out the Government’s strategies, organisational framework, and alerting system for dealing with natural disasters, as well as the functions and responsibilities of Government bureaux/departments, public utility companies, and non-governmental organisations in the events of natural disasters. When major natural disasters happen, the Security Bureau will immediately activate the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre to co-ordinate a comprehensive response and collaborate the actions of relevant departments and organisations (including their emergency control centres) to ensure the incidents are handled swiftly and effectively.
In the event of super typhoons or other large-scale natural disasters, the Chief Secretary for Administration will convene an interdepartmental Steering Committee meeting for provisioning high-level co-ordination and supervision in the various stages of preparedness, contingency and recovery as well as setting priorities for various tasks, thereby enabling the normal daily living of the community to resume as quickly as practicable. If a natural disaster has caused extreme and widespread impacts, such as widespread flooding, severe landslides, or severe disruption to public transportation services, the Steering Committee will consider making an “extreme conditions” announcement to advise members of the public to remain in their original safe locations.
The Security Bureau has been organising interdepartmental drills to enhance communication and collaboration among various government departments under different extreme weather conditions. Through the drills with various testing scenarios, the departments’ emergency plans will be refined. As at May 18 this year, the Security Bureau and relevant departments had conducted a total of 10 drills related to extreme weather, involving 33 policy bureaux and departments, with a total of 960 participants. For areas vulnerable to flooding or seawater inundation, the respective District Offices will also conduct interdepartmental drills before the typhoon season to strengthen co-ordination among departments, enhance response capabilities and raise residents’ understanding of response arrangements.
The Government will also, as appropriate, disseminate to the public the latest weather forecasts, natural disaster alerts, and related information including flooding, landslides, and traffic arrangements for affected roads through the Information Services Department, the media and social media platforms.
(3) The Drainage Services Department (DSD) is currently taking forward 15 major drainage improvement works and it is anticipated that these projects will be completed progressively by 2030. These projects include works in the abovementioned areas of concern, namely Chai Wan, Wong Tai Sin, Yuen Long, and Tsim Sha Tsui (Note). In recent years, the DSD has also completed a number of minor works in these districts, including improvement works to the drainage systems near Chai Wan Road roundabout and in Wong Tai Sin.
The DSD has identified around 240 locations prone to blockage in Hong Kong. Whenever the Hong Kong Observatory forecasts severe rainstorm, the DSD will arrange and deploy resources to step up their inspections and, where necessary, carry out immediate clearance of blocked drains to ensure proper functioning of the drainage system.
In relation to landslides, apart from conducting regular inspections of slopes under their maintenance responsibilities, relevant government departments need to additionally carry out special inspections for government man-made slopes adjacent to sole accesses to community or important livelihood facilities before each wet season. This helps minimise the potential impact on people’s lives due to incidents on these slopes. The relevant inspections were completed before the wet season this year. On the other hand, the Geotechnical Engineering Office will remind private owners to complete all regular slope inspections and the necessary slope maintenance before the onset of wet season through letters, social media posts, television promotional videos, radio broadcasts and media briefings, etc.
(4) The DSD has been working closely with the Hong Kong Observatory and has implemented the “Just-in-time Clearance” arrangement since 2020. Under this arrangement, when the Observatory forecasts severe rainstorms, the DSD will immediately deploy manpower to inspect locations prone to blockage and clear any blocked drains, thereby reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rainstorms. Since 2022, the DSD has taken proactive measures to further enhance its preparatory measures following the Hong Kong Observatory’s issuance of the Localised Heavy Rain Advisory. During periods of heavy rainstorms, the DSD, depending on the rainfall severity, will increase the number of emergency response teams to 180 teams. These teams are deployed to various districts to promptly handle flooding incidents so as to minimise the impact of flooding on the public.
The DSD also adopts innovative technologies, including the deployment of powerful pumping robots, piloting artificial intelligence-based flood monitoring systems, and the use of new flood monitoring devices, such as Flood Monitoring Devices, and dissemination of real-time water level information.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH organises International Medical Device Regulatory Forum to promote advancement of health through research and technology Addressing the opening ceremony, the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, said, “Given the rapid development of AI technology, the DH is committed to developing a regulatory framework in Hong Kong to help healthcare workers and members of the public choose safe and reliable medical devices. The DH has issued guidance on cybersecurity and AI medical devices in 2023 and 2024 to help manufacturers navigate and follow the voluntary Medical Device Administrative Control System (MDACS), which was introduced by the DH. To date, 22 AI medical devices have been listed in the MDACS, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrocardiography (ECG) systems.
“The HKSAR Government is committed to developing Hong Kong as a hub for health and medical innovation. The soon-to-be-established Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation will conduct independent evaluations on the safety, quality, and efficacy of medical products based on clinical data. In addition, with the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, Hong Kong will leverage its unique advantages under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and serve as a ‘super connector’, linking Mainland China and the global market. This will create opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive while supporting our country in enhancing its new quality productive forces in the health field,” said Dr Lam.
“The emergence of innovative medical devices is bringing revolutionary changes to the healthcare industry. Multinational and cross-border collaborations are required to enable the development of a regulatory system that aligns with the rapid advancement in medical technology. The CUHK is delighted to partner with the DH in hosting the first forum to strengthen co-operation in medical innovation. The goal is to enhance health and medical industry standards by engaging leaders and pioneers in the field,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the CUHK, Professor Philip Chiu.
Today’s forum featured keynote speeches by representatives of medical device regulatory authorities from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, as well as local and Hungarian academia. The forum focused on trends in the medical device industry, international regulatory co-ordination mechanisms and breakthroughs in AI technology in the healthcare sector. Participants proactively engaged in discussions, sharing their insights and experiences.
The DH will continue to promote exchanges between governments, industry, and academia through various means to strengthen international collaboration networks, and lay a solid foundation for Hong Kong to develop into an international medical innovation hub. Issued at HKT 18:50
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ20: Borrowing on the part of foreign domestic helpers Question:
The Government has indicated that the borrowing problems of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) not only affect their own financial well-being, but also bring much trouble to their employers. It has been reported that in recent years, there have been instances where employers or former employers of FDHs are harassed by money lenders or financial intermediaries as FDHs default on loans. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the annual number of cases received by the Companies Registry from FDH employers, in 2024 and this year to date, in which harassment was allegedly inflicted on them by licensed money lenders during debt recovery from their FDHs;
(2) given that in reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on November 27 last year, the Government indicated that it was formulating specific measures for public consultation along such directions as reviewing the existing regulations on money lenders and enhancing publicity and education, and it planned to commence such consultation in the first half of this year, of the progress of the public consultation on such new measures and the actual implementation timetable;
(3) as the revised Code of Practice for Employment Agencies (CoP) promulgated by the Labour Department (LD) in May last year requires employment agencies to, when making an application for a licence and renewal of a licence, inform the LD of whether they are associated with any financial institution, of the number of employment agencies that have made such declarations to LD since the revision of CoP;
(4) given that in reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on January 8 this year, the Government indicated that only about 90 licensed money lenders had joined or were in the process of joining “Credit Data Smart” (CDS), a Credit Reference Platform, how the authorities plan to encourage the remaining licensed money lenders to join CDS so that the affordability of borrowers (including FDHs) for unsecured personal loans can be more accurately assessed by the industry; and
(5) as it is learnt that some FDHs have successfully applied for loans using their former employers’ addresses despite the completion of their agreements, whether the authorities have plans to address this issue, such as requiring financial institutions to verify with the authorities whether the FDH has an employment relationship with the employer declared by him or her before approving the loan?
Reply:
President,
The Government is very concerned about the borrowing issue of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and will strictly regulate licensed money lenders (money lenders) and step up publicity and education etc, to better protect the interests of FDHs and their employers. In consultation with the Labour and Welfare Bureau, Companies Registry (CR) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the reply to various parts of the question is as follows:
(1) In 2024 and 2025 (as at April), the CR received 11 and four complaints respectively on the alleged harassment of employers of FDHs by licensed money lenders due to debt collection in relation to the FDHs. The CR referred the cases concerned to the Police for handling.
(2) The Government has been closely monitoring the market situation in the money lending sector to continuously review and enhance the prevailing regulatory measures. In 2021, we enhanced the licensing conditions of money lenders, including requiring money lenders, before entering into a loan agreement for an unsecured personal loan, to undertake an assessment of the borrower’s repayment ability and have due regard to the assessment outcome, and requiring money lenders to immediately cease to use a referee’s information after they are informed or aware that the written consent was in fact not signed by the referee. In 2022, we lowered the statutory interest rate cap and the threshold of extortionate rate from 60 per cent to 48 per cent and from 48 per cent to 36 per cent respectively.
To step up efforts in addressing the issue of excessive borrowing, we will commence a public consultation this June on enhancing regulation of unsecured personal loans and strengthen protection for loan referees etc, and will consult the Legislative Council Panel on Financial Affairs in July. After the consultation period, we will collate and summarise the views to be received to finalise relevant measures and formulate relevant legislative proposals.
(3) To enhance the protection for job seekers and employers, the Labour Department (LD) promulgated the revised Code of Practice (CoP) for Employment Agencies on May 9, 2024. The revised CoP requires employment agencies (EAs) to declare, when applying for a licence or licence renewal, whether they operate any financial institution on the same premises as EAs, and whether the EA licensee or the person intending to be the licensee is at the same time the responsible person of any financial institution.
As at April 2025, the LD received and processed declarations from 3 362 EAs during applications for a licence or licence renewal in accordance with the aforementioned requirement. Among the 3 362 EAs, 41 EAs declared affiliations with financial institutions.
(4) To encourage more money lenders to join the Credit Data Smart (CDS), the Government and the HKMA have been working closely with the Hong Kong Association of Banks, the Hong Kong Association of Restricted Licence Banks and Deposit-taking Companies, and the Hong Kong S.A.R. Licensed Money Lenders Association Limited to research into and provide different solutions, as well as to organise briefing sessions on the CDS and proactively invite money lenders that have not joined the CDS to meetings.
Furthermore, under the strong support and promotion of the HKMA, the platform operator (i.e. Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited) has developed an interface, namely the “Common Module”, which provides an effective, lower-cost, and more convenient way for money lenders to connect to the CDS, saving the need to establish their own application programming interfaces (API).
The Government and the HKMA will continue to co-operate with the industry to develop enhancement measures to assist more money lenders in joining the CDS, so as to build a more comprehensive database.
(5) To address situation of employers or former employers being harassed due to borrowing of their FDHs, the licensing conditions of the current money lenders licence have clearly set out the relevant regulatory requirements. According to licensing condition 10 of the money lenders licence, a money lender and his debt collector shall only recover debts from the person who is in law indebted to him. A money lender and his debt collector shall not, while trying to locate the whereabouts of debtors, harass anyone, adopt unlawful or improper debt collection practices. Therefore, if a FDH employer or former employer discovers that his/her residential address is used improperly and feels harassed, he/she may lodge a complaint with the money lender concerned and request immediate cessation of his improper debt collection behaviours.
Money lenders should strictly comply with the licensing conditions in carrying on their business. Any breach of the licensing conditions during the course of business is an offence under the Money Lenders Ordinance. Upon conviction, offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years. If the Registrar of Money Lenders (Registrar) and the Police consider that a money lender has ceased to be a fit and proper person to carry on business as such, they may apply to the Licensing Court for revocation of his licence or refusal of his licence renewal application. Therefore, if there is any complaint against a money lender for improperly harassing a FDH employer or former employer, the complaint may serve as a ground for the Registrar or the Police to apply to the Licensing Court for revocation of his licence, or make an objection against his licence renewal application.
In addition, we will step up promotional and educational efforts targeting the FDH community, reminding FDHs that they could not provide their employers’ or former employers’ addresses as the borrower’s contact address without seeking their prior consent. We will also strengthen co-operation with the LD and non-governmental organisations to ensure that the relevant messages are effectively conveyed. Issued at HKT 16:21
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) today (May 28) reminded members of the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in Southern District and Tai Po during the Tuen Ng Festival holidays (May 30 to 31) to facilitate the holding of dragon boat races.
Southern District (i) Road closures B. Public transport arrangements (i) Road closures
Dai King Street, Dai Hei Street and the section of Dai Kwai Street south of Dai Cheong Street will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic, except for taxis, emergency vehicles and those vehicles authorised by the police officers on site, from 6pm on May 30 to 5pm on May 31.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SCED to attend Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo During the two-day (May 30 and 31) meeting, Mr Yau and participating ministers will attend discussion sessions on various topics related to information and communications technology development, including sustainable digital infrastructure and accessibility, inclusive digital innovation and growth, secure and trusted digital environment, and empowering the Asia-Pacific industry’s role in digital transformation. The Ministerial Meeting will adopt a joint statement at the end of the meeting to further foster regional collaboration.
The APT is an intergovernmental organisation with the aim of promoting information and communication technology development in the Asia-Pacific region. The APT now has 38 members, four associate members and 140 affiliate members from private companies and academia.
During his stay in Tokyo, Mr Yau will also meet with government officials of Japan and business leaders to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities.
Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on the evening of May 31. The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development during Mr Yau’s absence. Issued at HKT 16:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ13: Public housing estates with supply of centralised liquefied petroleum gas Question:
It is learnt that there are 15 public housing estates (PHEs) under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) that are installed with centralised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply. The previous arrangements for renewal of LPG suppliers were such that existing suppliers with satisfactory performance would be eligible for renewal. Subsequently, with reference to the experience in private housing developments, and taking into account public views and the Competition Commission’s recommendations, the HA decided in August 2017 that tenders should be invited for awarding new contracts for the supply of centralised LPG to PHEs upon expiry of the existing contracts. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
PHE(2) whether it has compiled statistics on the total annual supply of domestic piped LPG to the PHEs and shared HOS estates mentioned in (1) over the past five years, as well as the annual average price of LPG in such PHEs and HOS estates; of the comparison between such average LPG prices and the corresponding town gas prices during the same period; and
(3) whether the owners’ committees or residents of the PHEs mentioned in (1) have requested the HA to replace the gas supply system (e.g. natural gas)? Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hok-fung is as follows:
(1) At present, 15 public rental housing (PRH) estates under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) are equipped with centralised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply systems. According to the past policy, prior to 2017, on the premise of ensuring that residents of the estates could enjoy safe and stable centralised LPG supply services, the HA would renew the contract with the existing supplier upon expiry of the contract if the supplier’s performance had been satisfactory during the contract period. In the light of public views and the Competition Commission’s advice of 2016, the Commercial Properties Committee of the HA approved in 2017 that new contracts would be awarded by tender instead for centralised LPG supply upon expiry of the existing contracts. Accordingly, the HA arranged bundled tendering for the LPG supply contracts for two PRH estates (i.e. Wah Fu (II) Estate and Nga Ning Court) as a trial in 2018. The new contracts were successfully awarded and the handover work was completed smoothly. Since 2019, the new supplier has commenced the supply of LPG for the two estates for a contract term of 10 years.
PRH estatesHong Kong IslandHong Kong LimitedCheung ChauHong Kong LimitedTai PoTai PoHong Kong LimitedTuen MunHong Kong LimitedTuen MunHong Kong LimitedNorth DistrictHong Kong LimitedTuen MunHong Kong LimitedTuen MunHong Kong LimitedLantau IslandHong Kong LimitedKowloonPeng ChauLantau IslandTuen MunHong Kong LimitedYuen Long(2) and (3) As for the amount of supply of domestic centralised LPG to the PRH estates and HOS estates with shared LPG storage tanks, the concerned LPG suppliers indicated that the relevant information was commercially confidential and therefore could not be disclosed. Moreover, the LPG consumption varies depending on a number of factors such as the number of occupants in the household, seasons, the living style of the residents and the efficiency of the gas appliances. The estimated average LPG consumption for a 3-person household is around seven cubic metre per month.
To protect the interests of the centralised LPG consumers in the PRH estates and HOS estates with shared LPG storage tanks, the HA has stipulated in the centralised LPG supply contracts that the LPG prices charged by the suppliers shall not be higher than the market rate. For the benefit of residents, the HA will also require in the tender documents for LPG supply that LPG suppliers must provide free annual inspection of gas appliances and waive the minimum charge and the monthly fee for the maintenance service plan provided to domestic tenants/occupiers using the LPG supply service. We have meetings with LPG suppliers every six months and will review the relevant LPG prices by making reference to the domestic centralised LPG prices published by local LPG suppliers to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements. In April 2025, the latest average price of domestic centralised LPG published by LPG suppliers in April 2025 was $47.34 per cubic metre.
As for the town gas price for household customers for the same period, with effect from August 1, 2024, the charge ranges from 27.60 cents to 28.55 cents per megajoule, plus a fuel cost adjustment. In addition, the minimum basic charge for each household customer is $20 and the monthly maintenance charge is $10. Town gas is charged based on the energy unit of megajoule, while LPG is generally charged per cubic metre for consumption. As the unit of measurements, basis of calculation and charging scheme of these two gas types are different; the heat efficiency of LPG and town gas appliances are different; and these two gas types vary in aspects such as calorific value, it is not possible to make a direct comparison of their prices.
So far, there is no request for the replacement of LPG supply systems from the tenants of PRH estates or IO’s committees of the HOS estates. Issued at HKT 12:25
Under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), the driver of a vehicle shall stop if an accident involving that vehicle occurs whereby damage is caused to animals not in the vehicle, and the Government included cats and dogs in the definition of “animal” under the Ordinance in 2021. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the following information in respect of traffic accidents involving vehicles hitting animals in each of the past five years: (i) the number of animals being hit (set out in the table below a breakdown by the type of animals (i.e. (a) horses, (b) cattle, (c) ass, (d) mules, (e) sheep, (f) pigs, (g) goats, (h) cats and (i) dogs)), (ii) the number of reports received by the Government on such accidents, and (iii) among these accidents, the number and percentage of cases involving hit-and-run drivers, (iv) the number of such accidents investigated by the Government under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), and (v) among them, the number of prosecutions instituted;
Year(2) of the current handling procedures adopted by the government departments concerned upon receipt of cases of animals being hit by vehicles; the number of such cases in which animal carcasses were handled directly by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in each of the past five years, and their percentage in the total number of cases involving animals being hit by vehicles;
(3) as there are views that the deterrent effect of the existing legislation on accidents involving vehicles hitting animals is inadequate, whether the authorities will introduce fixed penalty or incorporate a demerit point system; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) whether the Government will allocate additional resources to assist in rescuing animals hit and injured by vehicles; and
(5) whether the Government will review the legislation to include more local wild animals (including but not limited to monkeys and wild pigs) in the definition of “animal” under Cap. 374; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (the Ordinance) provides that the driver of a vehicle shall stop if an accident involving that vehicle occurs whereby damage is caused to specified animals not in the vehicle. Drivers are also required to provide particulars, including name and address, to any police officer or any person having reasonable grounds for requiring the information. Otherwise, the driver must report the accident to the Police as soon as possible and in any case no later than 24 hours after the accident. The Government amended the definition of specified animals under the Ordinance on November 7, 2021 to include cats and dogs. Currently, specified animals include horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat, cat and dog.
Having consulted the Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the reply to the question from the Hon Chan Hak-kan is as follows:
(1) In the past five years, the HKPF has received a total of 933 reports of vehicle hitting the specified animals (details set out at the Table below), 147 of them involved driver failing to stop after hitting the animals. The HKPF does not maintain breakdown of statistics by the type of animals, cases investigated under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), and the prosecution number.
Year(as at April 30) For the drivers involved, if such person did not stop after the accident, or provide particulars to police officers or report to the Police in accordance with the requirements of the Ordinance, the HKPF will investigate and follow up according to the established mechanism; and will instigate prosecution if there is sufficient evidence.
As regards the disposal of animal carcasses, upon receipt of referrals from departments or reports from the public, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will arrange for contractors to collect animal carcasses at the scene and deliver them to the landfills of the Environmental Protection Department for disposal. The FEHD does not maintain a breakdown of animal carcasses collected in traffic accidents.
(3) Under the Ordinance, a driver failing to stop upon a relevant accident is liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000) and imprisonment for 12 months, whereas failing to provide particulars and report to the Police according to the requirements of the Ordinance is liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. In general, enforcement by fixed penalty notices is targeted at cases which are simple, straightforward, clear-cut and capable of being easily established, but whether a driver has complied with the Ordinance requires further investigation of the Police, hence it is more appropriate to prosecute by issuing summonses. As regards demerit point system, considering the existing penalties have a certain deterrent effect, we do not intend to include the above offences in demerit point system at this stage, but will timely review them as necessary.
(5) The Ordinance requires drivers to stop if they hit a specified animal, with the intent of facilitating livestock owners to seek compensation from the drivers concerned for the loss incurred. The Government’s inclusion of cats and dogs as specified animals under the Ordinance in 2021 aimed to enable cats and dogs injured in traffic accidents to receive timely treatment. As regards whether other wild animals will be included, making reference to the legislation in some overseas jurisdictions, similar stopping and reporting requirements generally only cover animals that are commonly kept by people but not wild animals. In fact, a number of stakeholders raised at the public consultation for amending the Ordinance in 2021 that if monkeys and wild pigs are to be included as specified animals, the drivers may suddenly stop their vehicles and lead to road traffic safety problems. The Government will closely monitor the implementation of the Ordinance and strive to strike a balance between safeguarding animal welfare and the safety of road users, and will timely review whether there is room to further enhance the Ordinance. Issued at HKT 11:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ21: Arts and cultural activities and mega events
(by event date)($) (the fair)
829 633 (other side programmes) ** Actual grant amount to be finalised upon the submission of audited report by the grantee after the event
The six events attracted a total attendance of around 1.5 million and were well received, allowing a large number of public and tourists to understand and learn the profound traditional Chinese culture through the events. Issued at HKT 11:36
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 28):
Question: Reply:(2) The car parks at West Kowloon Government Offices and Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, managed by the GPA, provide 50 and 263 PC parking spaces respectively and operate under commercial principles by contractors. At Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, some parking spaces are available for public use throughout the day, while others are open only during non-office hours due to departmental needs. The car park at West Kowloon Government Offices is open to the public during non-office hours.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ1: Protection for food delivery workers of digital platforms Question:
There are views that food delivery workers on Hong Kong’s digital platforms (platforms) are not covered by various forms of labour protection. This situation lags behind that in both the Mainland and the West. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as the Government indicated in November last year that it would propose a direction to strengthen the protection of platform workers, which “may include proposals that can only be implemented by legislation”, of the scope of the protection and legislative details being considered by the authorities, and when the legislative proposals are expected to be introduced into this Council;
(2) given that the Supreme People’s Court issued guiding cases last year, pointing out that the key to determining whether there is a labour relationship between enterprises and workers is to establish whether there are “facts surrounding the employment”, which constitute dominant labour management, whether the authorities have drawn reference from such cases to formulate the relevant safeguarding direction; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) as it has been reported that some Mainland enterprises have paid the “five insurances and one housing fund” for platform delivery workers so that they are protected by law in the event of old age, illness, work-related injury, unemployment, maternity and so on, whether the authorities have encouraged Hong Kong platform enterprises to follow suit, such as making Mandatory Provident Fund contributions for platform delivery workers?
Reply:
President,
The Government is concerned about the protection for digital platform workers (platform workers) and has established a Liaison Group comprising representatives from the Government, platform companies, and labour organisations to explore suitable proposals to enhance the protection for platform workers. In response to the Member’s question, the reply is provided below:
(1) The Labour Department (LD) completed statistical surveys and conducted consultations last year, including the Thematic Household Survey, an opinion survey for platform workers, as well as focus group meetings to collect data on the working conditions of platform workers and their views on protection matters. The results of the above surveys revealed that platform workers were most concerned about work injury compensation. In addition, the LD organised a retreat in November last year to facilitate representatives from the Government, platform companies, labour sector, academics and the insurance industry to express and exchange views on how to protect platform workers, including issues of work injury compensation.
Having regard to the data and views collected from the above surveys and through various channels, the Government will introduce a proposal for further enhancing the rights and benefits of platform workers within this year, and will consider reinforcing the protection for platform workers through legislative means. In collaboration with platform companies and other stakeholders through the Liaison Group, the Government will continue to take forward the work on protection for platform workers. In Hong Kong, the court has also established a series of factors to distinguish whether an individual is classified as a self-employed person, an independent contractor or an employee. Relevant factors include whether the purported employer exercises control over the purported self-employed person’s work; and whether the purported self-employed individual can hire helpers to assist with the work, whether he provides his own equipment or tools, and whether he bears the financial risk over his/her business. If in essence there exists an employer-employee relationship, even if an employer claims that an employee is a self-employed person or a contractor, the employer must fulfill the responsibilities under labour legislation in respect of that employee, including bearing the criminal liability for violating provisions of employment rights.
We will continue to monitor the policies and measures in the Mainland and other places on the protection for platform workers, and contemplate how to formulate appropriate policies to strengthen the protection for platform workers with regard to the local circumstances. In accordance with the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, employees and self-employed persons aged 18 to 64 (save for exempt persons) are required to join the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Scheme. If a platform worker is an employee as defined in the Employment Ordinance, the platform company as the employer is obliged to enrol these employees in an MPF scheme and arrange employer and employee mandatory contributions. If a platform worker is a self-employed person, he is required to arrange his own enrolment in an MPF scheme and make mandatory contributions.
The Government will continue to encourage platform companies to adopt suitable measures to improve the welfare of platform workers through the Liaison Group. Issued at HKT 11:20
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Ngan Man-yu and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (May 28):
Question: The WFSFAA reviews and streamlines the application and vetting procedures of the WFA Scheme and the School Textbook Assistance Scheme (STAS) from time to time. With respect to the WFA Scheme, the WFSFAA provides households which got approved WFA previously with application forms prefilled with basic household information, and requires less documentary proof in their subsequent applications. The WFSFAA provides reference materials for applicants such as guidance notes, checklist of documents required for the application and sample application forms. The WFSFAA sets up mobile information booths at various locations (including PHEs), and provides service counters (Note 2) and a 24-hour telephone enquiry hotline to answer public enquiries and offer assistance in filling out application forms.
In addition, the WFSFAA adopts a household-based application form to facilitate the submission of a consolidated application by families concerned for all eligible children attending primary or secondary schools or kindergartens / child care centres for applicable student financial assistance (including the STAS). Apart from providing enquiry hotlines and counter services, the WFSFAA also maintains close contact with schools with a view to offering assistance to applicants in need. Since the introduction of the WFA Scheme in April 2018, the Government has reviewed the WFA Scheme at various times and implemented a number of enhancement measures, including relaxing the eligibility criteria by extending the Scheme to singleton households and allowing household members to aggregate their working hours to apply for WFA. In addition, the Government has increased the rates of allowance under the WFA Scheme thrice to further alleviate the burden of grassroots working families (including those living in PHEs). The Government has launched the Strive and Rise Programme since 2022 which focuses on lifting secondary school students from underprivileged families (including those in PHEs) out of intergenerational poverty. Through tripartite collaboration of the Government, the business sector and the community, the Scheme broadens student participants’ horizons, reinforce their self-confidence, develop a positive life attitude, set goals for their future and strive for upward mobility. Note 2: The service counters are located at the HA customer service centre in Lok Fu and the WFSFAA office in Kwun Tong.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Dominic Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (May 28):
Question: There are views that while Hong Kong has successfully hosted international mega events such as Art Basel Hong Kong in recent years, Singapore has introduced many large-scale events (e.g. concerts by world-renowned singers) through cross-departmental collaboration and dedicated mechanisms, also with notably significant results. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Dr the Hon So Cheung-wing and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (May 28):
Question: (1) As at March 31, 2025, the numbers of vacancies for the grades of rank and file, inspectorate officers and gazetted officers (i.e. Superintendents and above) in the HKPF were 5 500, 236 and 29 respectively. The overall number of vacancies was 5 765, representing a vacancy rate of about 17.4 per cent, which is similar to the figures over the past three years. (i) The HKPF has implemented the “SmartView”, under which closed circuit televisions are installed in phases at various locations across the territory where crime rate and pedestrian flow are higher. This initiative makes use of technologies to enhance the effectiveness in preventing and fighting crime. As at end-April 2025, “SmartView” has assisted the HKPF in detecting 282 criminal cases and arresting 513 persons. The HKPF utilised the “Crowd Size Analysis System” for the first time during the 2024 Halloween events in Lan Kwai Fong. The system used AI and video analytic functions to perform real-time crowd density assessments. Thank you, President.
Symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts have steadily increased among high school students in the U.S. over the past decade and a half, a University of Connecticut researcher reports. The concerning increase should change how and who we screen for depression or suicidal behaviors.
Adolescents are the age group most likely to commit suicide in the U.S. Although the absolute risk is low, every incident is a tragedy. Identifying youth with suicidal thoughts and offering them support and interventions is the best method we have for preventing suicidal behaviors. Unfortunately, the number of high schoolers reporting feeling sad or hopeless enough to have trouble participating in normal activities has steadily increased from 2007 through 2021, UConn School of Medicine psychiatric epidemiologist T. Greg Rhee reports in two papers, one just published on May 28 in American Journal of Psychiatry and the other this past February in The Lancet.
Among teens with symptoms of depression, the number reporting suicidal thoughts increased by about 1.3% every other year, from 41.2% in 2007 to 51.7% in 2021.
Not only are more teens experiencing episodes of depression more frequently, but even teens who engage in few or no risky behaviors are reporting more depressive symptoms. The study used data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that surveys U.S. high school students. They looked at YRBS data spanning 2007 to 2021, including responses from 119,654 students. The study classifies risky behaviors as including exposure to bullying or violence, substance use, sexual activity, unhealthy behaviors related to weight, and a lack of physical activity.
The results from the researchers’ analysis were particularly disturbing because they indicated almost any teen could be affected.
“Even if you don’t engage in any risky behaviors, you can still have suicidal ideation,” Rhee says.
The Lancent study focused on trends in depressive symptoms among high school students with and without risky behaviors. The American Journal of Psychiatry study focused on trends in suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among high school students. Taken together, the two studies suggest that even teens with no risk factors could benefit from regular screening for depressive symptoms or suicidal behaviors.
European Commission Press release Brussels, 28 May 2025 The European Commission is increasing the efficiency and firepower of its External Action Guarantee (EAG), a key financial tool under the Global Gateway strategy that offers more affordable loans to unlock investments in partner countries around the world. In an increasingly complex geopolitical context, the EU is reaffirming its role as a global actor by strengthening its strategic and responsive capabilities.
European Commission Questions and answers Brussels, 28 May 2025 The Black Sea is an area of significant geostrategic importance. It has accordingly an untapped potential for economic development and strategic transit routes. Strengthening our cooperation and fostering enhanced economic links will contribute to the competitiveness of the region and of the EU itself.
On 3 June 2025, from 14:30 to 17:30, the HOUS Special Committee will hold a public hearing on ‘Public and Private Investment Strategies for Affordable and Social Housing’.
This hearing will examine the role of EU funds, public-private partnerships, and innovative financing models in providing affordable housing. It will also discuss how EU policy can better support housing to ensure adequate investment in affordable housing.
The hearing will be structured around two panels. In the first panel experts will explore ways to unlock public investment for affordable housing. The second panel will focus on the mobilisation of private capital through Public-Private Partnerships.
On 2 June 2025, from 15:30 to 17:30, the HOUS Special Committee will hold a public hearing on ‘Sustainable Housing and the Energy Transition: Affordable solutions for Climate – Resilient Homes’.
The purpose of the hearing is to bring together HOUS Members with experts and stakeholders to reflect on one of the most pressing and complex challenges of our time: how to ensure access to affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient housing while advancing Europe’s climate objectives. The hearing will be the opportunity to discuss how to ensure that the transformation of the housing sector can be inclusive and balanced, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The public hearing will be structured around two panels. In the first panel experts will explore innovation and planning for sustainable and energy-efficient housing. The second panel will focus on affordability in the energy transition and how to balance goals and needs.
On 2 June 2025, from 15:30 to 17:30, the HOUS Special Committee will hold a public hearing on ‘Sustainable Housing and the Energy Transition: Affordable solutions for Climate – Resilient Homes’.
The purpose of the hearing is to bring together HOUS Members with experts and stakeholders to reflect on one of the most pressing and complex challenges of our time: how to ensure access to affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient housing while advancing Europe’s climate objectives. The hearing will be the opportunity to discuss how to ensure that the transformation of the housing sector can be inclusive and balanced, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The public hearing will be structured around two panels. In the first panel experts will explore innovation and planning for sustainable and energy-efficient housing. The second panel will focus on affordability in the energy transition and how to balance goals and needs.
On 3 June 2025, from 14:30 to 17:30, the HOUS Special Committee will hold a public hearing on ‘Public and Private Investment Strategies for Affordable and Social Housing’.
This hearing will examine the role of EU funds, public-private partnerships, and innovative financing models in providing affordable housing. It will also discuss how EU policy can better support housing to ensure adequate investment in affordable housing. The hearing will be structured around two panels. In the first panel experts will explore ways to unlock public investment for affordable housing. The second panel will focus on the mobilisation of private capital through Public-Private Partnerships.
A €90 million loan from the European Investment Bank will enable the company majority-owned by Bordeaux Métropole to strengthen its business as part of its 2024-2028 strategic plan.
The funding will cover multiple aspects of the plan, ranging from the development of renewable energy in the Gironde to the energy renovation of individual properties and jointly-owned buildings.
For the EIB, this financing is also part of the European Union’s plan for the continent’s energy and green transition known as Repower EU.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Bordeaux Métropole Énergies (BME) have signed a €90 million loan agreement in support of a strategic plan for this semi-public company which supports the energy transition of local authorities, businesses and individuals in the Gironde department.
This funding aims at supporting BME in four areas of activity:
development of photovoltaic solutions in urban and rural areas for local authorities or businesses;
creation and extension of district heating and cooling networks for infrastructure sourced by renewable energy;
development of biogas production projects via anaerobic digestion and financing of energy efficiency renovation work on individual properties and jointly-owned buildings.
“We are pleased to support Bordeaux Métropole Énergies in its energy transformation plan, which will have a positive impact across the Gironde department,” said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle.
“Promoting renewable energy, financing innovative solutions and reducing the energy bill of local authorities, businesses and individuals are the goals of the EIB in terms of climate action and the energy transition, so that EU financing can benefit everyone living in local communities.”
“The EIB’s support marks an important step for BME and its enterprises in their ability to play a key strategic and operational role in building a carbon-neutral territory by 2050,” said Claudine Bichet, Chair of BME’s Board of Directors.
“It enables us to step up our investment in energy and low-carbon solutions along with local authorities and companies in the Gironde department,” said BME Managing Director Audrey Dugal.
For BME, this funding will make it possible to implement the commitments set out in its roadmap published in 2024. It boosts the group’s ability to invest in the region to develop solar photovoltaic projects on roofs, car parks and in ground-based power plants, generate renewable heating and cooling networks, produce biogas and increase the energy-efficient renovation of buildings.
For the EIB, this financing is part of a long tradition of supporting local authorities in France. It also forms part of the Bank’s climate action activity, which is one of the EIB’s strategic priorities, as well as supporting the REPowerEU programme, launched by the European Commission in 2022, aimed at reducing Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the green energy transition. By helping people to renovate their homes, this funding ultimately aims to help make the housing sector more low-carbon in France and across the European Union.
Background information
About the EIB
The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives in climate action, environment, digitalisation, technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
In 2024 the EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 projects in Europe and across the world. In France, the EIB Group signed more than 100 operations in 2024 for a total amount of €12.6 billion. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
About the Bordeaux Métropole Energies Group
A major player in local energy transition, Bordeaux Métropole Energies (BME) is a group composed of four subsidiaries (Gaz de Bordeaux, Mixener, Néomix, Regaz-Bordeaux) and two brands (Facirénov and Via33), all committed to decarbonisation. They support local authorities, businesses and individuals in their energy revolution and decarbonisation through energy renovation activities and the construction of a local and diversified energy mix (biogas, solar, heating and cooling, and renewables). BME has been a local semi-public company since 2017 and its shareholding structure comprises public partners such as Bordeaux Métropole (67.9%), private players like Engie (20%), Banque des Territoires (12%) and 13 municipalities of the Bordeaux region (0.1%).
Question for written answer E-002009/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)
The decision of the European Court of Justice – establishing that the European Commission was wrong to withhold an explanation for its rejection of a journalist’s request for access to the messages exchanged between the President of the Commission and the President of Pfizer during the vaccine negotiations – completely fails to address the crux of the matter. It does not respond to the public call for the contracts to be published in their entirety, including details on the exact quantities and the terms and conditions of the contracts for the supply of vaccines during the pandemic. It also certainly fails to highlight the real scale of the problem, as well as the heavy liability left unattributed.
The matter is linked to fierce competition between pharmaceutical groups for ‘a slice of the pie’ – i.e. taxpayers’ money – with the the EU institutions fraternising with monopolistic groups.
Can the Commission therefore answer the following:
1.What view does it take of the fact that it is the Commission’s own responsibility to satisfy the public call for all contracts to be published in full – with their terms, conditions and quantities – so that the people know how many vaccines they paid for and why?
2.What view does it take of the fact that political and criminal liability needs to be attributed to those responsible for the predatory contracts that were demonstrably signed not only with this group but also with the others that concluded contracts with the EU for the supply of vaccines?
Question for written answer E-002011/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left)
The Birds Directive[1] prohibits, with very limited exceptions, the deliberate destruction or damage of nests and eggs, as well as the removal of nests.
Felling a tree or cutting a branch hosting a nest inevitably results in the destruction of the nest and any eggs it may contain, and, by their nature, such actions are deliberate. Can the Commission therefore clarify the following:
1.Does the prohibition established by the Birds Directive imply that, in areas frequented by bird species, the felling and pruning of trees or shrubs should be avoided during the breeding season? In most cases, nests are not visible from the ground, making it impossible to selectively preserve the specific vegetation in which they are located.
2.Does the same principle apply to the disturbance or alteration of nesting habitats such as cavities, crevices, shelters (including those of anthropogenic origin), sandy formations, meadows, and pastures used by certain species for nesting?
3.Does the Commission consider it appropriate to encourage Member States to ensure the protection of green spaces – both urban and non-urban – located outside Natura 2000 sites, but regularly frequented by species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive?
Submitted: 20.5.2025
[1] Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/147/oj).