Question for written answer E-002379/2025 to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Rule 144 Vangelis Meimarakis (PPE)
As the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will have already been informed, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr Nikitas Kaklamanis, wrote to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Arab Republic of Egypt on the developments concerning the Holy Monastery of St Catherine of Mount Sinai.
In his letter, he states, among other things, that Egypt, on the basis of the 1972 UNESCO Convention to which it has acceded, has an international obligation, towards all, to fully respect the character and active functioning of the Holy Monastery of St Catherine of Sinai as a World Heritage Site constituting a centre of Orthodox spirituality, allowing it free use of all of its assets – without exception – from 2002 or before.
In light of the above, and taking into account the sensitive nature of this issue, will the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) take initiatives in this regard – which we call on her to do – and inform us of the measures that the Commission intends to take to safeguard the ownership status of the monastery?
The Committee on Regional Development will hold a public hearing on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures” with the participation of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Petitions on 25 June 2025, from 14:30-17:30. The programme and webstreaming link are attached.
The meeting of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee in association with the Subcommittee on Human Rights will be held on
Monday, 23 June 2025, 15:00 – 16:00 in SPINELLI 3G2, Brussels
The 27 Member States endorse plan to increase new financing to record of up to €100 billion in 2025.
Revised ceiling includes 3.5% of total financing for European security and defence. EIB Board also approves landmark project for construction of military base in Lithuania.
EIB Group shareholders launch largest EU programme to fund Europe’s technological leadership and approve first wave of new instruments to support cleantech.
EIF Board approves deal with German Export Credit Agency to provide a pan-European guarantee for companies trading with Ukraine.
The shareholders of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the EU Member States, approved a record-high financing ceiling of €100 billion for this year and new programmes to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, technological leadership and security.
The EIB Board of Governors, made up of European Union Finance Ministers, endorsed the 2025 financing ceiling at a meeting today in Luxembourg. The Boards of Directors of the EIB and of the European Investment Fund (EIF) gave the green light earlier this week to the increase in financing for security and defence, energy grids and the new TechEU programme to boost Europe’s technological leadership. They also approved flagship projects including to support Ukraine’s economy and the construction of a major military base in Lithuania.
“The unanimous support of our shareholders, the 27 Member States, for our proposals to provide record financing for defence, energy security and tech leadership, shows the key role of the EIB Group to support Europe’s strategic priorities,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. “In a world where everything everywhere is changing all at once, the EU is a beacon of clarity, confidence and stability.”
The EIB Group’s new 2025 financing ceiling of €100 billion follows a mid-year review of the organisation’s operational plan, which includes an increase to 3.5% of total financing for the European security and defence sector, record financing of more than €11 billion for power grids and storage in Europe, and greater support for EU technological and industrial innovation.
TechEU programme
The EIB Group is launching the EU’s largest financing programme to date in support of innovation and tech leadership to attract talent, capital and investment in Europe. TechEU will provide €70 billion in EIB Group equity, quasi-equity, loans and guarantees in 2025-2027 and crowd in private capital to generate at least €250 billion in investments.
TechEU is complementing the “Startup and Scaleup Strategy” of the European Commission to support higher risk projects and innovative companies throughout their investment journey.
TechEU provides more support for supercomputing, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, critical raw materials, green industries such as offshore wind, health, security and defence technologies, robotics and advanced materials. It will target innovative companies at every stage of their development – from initial ideas to stock listings.
Clean Industrial Deal
The EIB Board has also approved the first wave of instruments under TechEU to support Europe’s leadership in cleantech, in line with the EU Clean Industrial Deal, including the reinforcement of cross guarantees for wind energy production, and three new instruments to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness:
A €1.5 billion package to provide counter-guarantees through partner banks to grid component manufacturers to ensure sustainable supply, giving companies greater certainty to ramp up production of electricity networks across Europe. This will facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid and the delivery of affordable power to EU businesses and households.
To help ensure predictable and affordable energy costs for businesses and accelerate investments in green energy, the EIB and European Commission are launching a €500 million pilot programme to support the take-up of more corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs). The EIB will counter-guarantee, through partner banks, part of the PPAs undertaken by mid-sized as well as larger energy-intensive companies for the long-term purchase of electricity generation from clean sources.
To provide liquidity and working capital for highly innovative small and medium-sized enterprises active in developing green technologies, the EIB and Commission are launching a €250 million CleantechEU guarantee scheme.
A €1.5 billion top-up to a successful EIB programme supporting European wind turbine and component manufacturers.
New chairs
Czech Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura will take over as new chair of the Board of Governors for one year with immediate effect.
“The EIB has a key role in supporting European priorities from defence to energy security or affordable housing,” said Czech Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura. “I am delighted to take over the chair of the Board of Governors. I look forward to working closely with President Calviño and other EU Finance Ministers to support the EIB, as it steps up its activities to help tackle the many challenges Europe is facing.”
“The EIB has impressively demonstrated its ability to support European objectives in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment and to effectively fulfil its increasing responsibilities in support of security and defence, green and digital transitions and economic growth in Europe, while safeguarding bank’s operational and financial position,” said Bulgarian Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, who chaired the Board of Governors during the past 12 months. “I would like to express my appreciation to President Calviño, the institution and send my best wishes to the new chair, my dear colleague Zbyněk Stanjura.”
The Board of Governors also welcomed Katja Pluto as new chair of the Audit Committee, succeeding Nuno Gracias Fernandes. In addition, the Audit Committee presented its annual report.
Energy security, defence and global partnerships
Before the Board of Governors, this week’s EIB and EIF Boards of Directors approved new operations totalling €12.8 billion to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities, competitiveness, energy security and partnerships worldwide. This includes initiatives under the EIB Group Clean Industrial Deal package and support for the development in Lithuania of the Rūdninkai military base, for the German Bundeswehr brigade, a key project to enhance North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations and regional security.
The EIB Board approved three solar photovoltaic plants in Romania, water infrastructure in Ireland and the Netherlands, electricity grids in Germany and education facilities in Finland. In addition, the EIB is strengthening Europe’s global partnerships by backing renewable energy in Colombia, sustainable waterway transport in Nigeria and water sanitation services in Tanzania.
The European Investment Fund (EIF) Board approved a guarantee transaction with the German national export credit agency to strengthen support for German companies exporting to Ukraine, as well as two guarantee transactions with Ukrainian banks to improve access to finance for more than 1,500 Ukrainian businesses. This follows the first signature in May with the Danish Export Credit Agency to provide a pan-European guarantee for companies exporting to Ukraine.
In addition, the EIF approved investments in four infrastructure funds that will support greenfield data centres, wireless and fibre investments, decarbonization of the shipping sector, sustainable mobility, and student housing.
Statements around the EIB Board of Governors will be available on EBS.
Background information
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The EIB finances investments in eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
By fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the EU targets cohesion regions, where per-capita income is below the EU average, while almost 60% of annual EIB Group investments supports climate action and environmental sustainability.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.
Following up on SEDE’s recent visit to the Republic of Moldova, SEDE Members will host on 26 June, Anatolie Nosatîi, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Moldova, to discuss the latest security and defence developments in the country, in particular the spill-over of Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and increased hybrid war activities. They will also talk about EU-Moldova security and defence cooperation, which has significantly increased over the years, namely
through European Peace Facility assistance and the EU Partnership Mission. On the same day, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, will address the SEDE Committee. In the context of important summits this week, including the NATO Hague Summit, discussions will focus on strengthening European security in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the critical importance of EU-NATO pillars for a the Transatlantic Alliance. This exchange of view will be held in association with the Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
The EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) is a central plank of the EU’s broader internal security architecture. Law enforcement cooperation and policies are still developing, with a special focus on countering terrorism, cybercrime and other serious and organised forms of crime. The main goal is to achieve a safer Europe for the benefit of everyone in the EU, in compliance with fundamental rights and data protection rules, as requested several times by Parliament.
Question for written answer E-002330/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Fernand Kartheiser (NI)
On 7 May 2018, the Commission approved the acquisition of ILVA by ArcelorMittal, provided that ArcelorMittal sold a number of its sites, including one in Luxembourg. The Luxembourg site was then taken over by LIBERTY Steel, which went bankrupt a few years later.
Recently, a Turkish group that was interested in taking over the site decided not to go ahead after all, citing the safeguards on imports of steel products from third countries and the EU’s decision to cut import quotas, as those conditions would limit the group’s opportunities to secure supplies from Türkiye and Algeria.
As a result, more than 130 jobs are on the line.
1.What lessons has the Commission drawn from the problems caused by its decision to force ArcelorMittal to sell off some of its sites, and would it take the same decision today?
2.How does the Commission intend to protect European industry if restrictive measures limit foreign investors’ access to the internal market?
3.Shouldn’t the Commission reassess the balance of its policy, which, on the one hand, aims to protect the European market against excessive exports from certain third countries, but on the other hand is preventing investment that is crucial for the survival of some of our companies?
Nuclear energy is a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels and accounts for around 25% of the electricity produced in the EU. However, in the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the 2011 catastrophe in Fukushima, nuclear energy has become highly controversial. While Member States choose whether to include nuclear power in their energy mix, EU legislation aims at improving the safety standards of nuclear power stations and ensuring that nuclear waste is safely handled and disposed of.
Individual citizens’ rights and European citizenship are enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (EUCFR), the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Article 9 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). They are essential factors in the formation of a European identity. In the event of a serious breach of basic values of the Union, a Member State can be sanctioned.
Samsung Electronics announced that RM of 21st century pop icons BTS has been named the new global ambassador for Samsung Art TVs earlier this week. RM joined Samsung at Art Basel in Basel 2025 to celebrate creativity, share his passion for art and spotlight how Samsung Art TVs and Samsung Art Store are making curated art experiences more accessible than ever before.
▲ RM’s interview at Samsung ArtCube during Art Basel in Basel 2025
▲ RM admires artwork by Kun-Yong Lee.
▲ RM engages with a piece by Basim Magdy.
▲ RM stops to look at artwork inside ArtCube.
▲ RM checks out a piece on display at ArtCube.
As an artist, collector and cultural voice, RM has long expressed his love for visual art — often sharing museum visits, artist insights and his own growing collection with the global audience. At Samsung’s ArtCube lounge, he reflected on what it means to live with art in a digital age, why accessibility matters and how technology is opening new doors for global discovery.
▲ RM participates in a talk session at Art Basel in Basel 2025.
Art, Technology and the Everyday
“When I connect with a piece of art, it’s like having a silent conversation,” said RM. “Samsung Art TV lets those conversations happen anywhere. It makes it easier for people to discover artists, reflect on their own emotions and build a personal connection with the art they choose to live with.”
Known for his thoughtful approach to art and culture, RM took the opportunity to share his personal reflections. He spoke about how art has influenced his worldview and how platforms like Samsung Art TV offer an opportunity for everyone to make art a part of their daily lives.
▲ RM views the artwork on display inside ArtCube.
▲ RM snaps a photo inside ArtCube.
▲ RM creates a personalized selfie in the artistic style of Marc Dennis.
▲ RM reflects on artwork by Kun-Yong Lee.
▲ RM observes a piece by Kun-Yong Lee.
Through the Samsung Art TV’s expansive discovery features and curated collections, RM shared that he’s been exposed to a wider world of creativity — sparking curiosity and reshaping how he thinks about visual culture. He reflected on how digital platforms like Samsung Art Store are helping viewers break out of their comfort zones and pre-set tastes shaped by algorithms.
“Every space has a mood,” RM shared during the talk session. “And sometimes a single artwork or a frame can shift that feeling. I love that Samsung Art TV gives people the freedom to discover and live with art in a way that fits their everyday rhythm.”
A Personal Vision for the Future
RM also confirmed he is actively searching for a physical space to house his growing collection, an idea he’s hinted at in previous interviews. This gallery, he explained, would be rooted in a desire to connect East and West, past and present as well as personality and universality.
“I want to bring everything together into one space,” he said. “Maybe I’ll call it ‘rkive’ like my Instagram. It won’t be easy, but I want to try.”
▲ RM shares his thoughts on art during a talk session held at Art Basel in Basel 2025.
He expressed hope that, one day, his collection could be shared digitally through Samsung Art TV, reaching people around the world — especially those who can’t visit museums or galleries. “Unless you live in Seoul, it’s not easy to access museums or galleries to experience art in Korea.” He added that it would be great to have an ‘art bridge’ through Samsung Art TV one day, that would allow someone to “press a button and be led into a new world of art.”
Reimagining Art for Everyone
Samsung’s partnership with RM is rooted in a shared belief that technology can be a bridge to meaningful experiences. Whether it’s discovering a new artist, reinterpreting a classic or simply finding beauty in a quiet moment, Samsung Art TVs bring emotional and artistic depth to any space.
“RM’s sincerity and influence make him a natural partner for Samsung Art TV,” said Sofia Monteiro, Curator at Samsung Art Store Europe. “He’s someone who doesn’t just appreciate art — he lives with it. And that reflects exactly what our platform is all about.”
▲ “Talk With RM” at Art Basel in Basel
Through Samsung Art TVs, Samsung continues to redefine how people connect with art, turning walls into ever-evolving canvases and living spaces into curated galleries.
RM and Samsung Invite the World To Live With Art
As Samsung’s Art TV ambassador, RM continues to champion a more personal connection to art, design and culture. His partnership encourages art lovers everywhere to see creativity not as something reserved just for galleries but as something to bring into everyday life.
About RM of BTS
RM (Kim, Namjun) is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, music producer and leader of 21st century pop icons BTS. His discography includes solo mixtapes “RM” (March 2015) and “mono.” (October 2018), as well as solo albums “Indigo” (December 2022) and “Right Place, Wrong Person” (May 2024), which showcase his remarkable versatility across genres. As a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast, RM is renowned for crafting profound lyrics often inspired by various art forms. His flexible and philosophical approach to music and ability to push creative boundaries with cutting-edge collaborations has led him to work with a diverse range of artists, including Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Lil Nas X, HONNE, Mahalia and more. On May 24, 2024, RM released his critically-acclaimed second solo album “Right Place, Wrong Person.”
Question for written answer E-002395/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 André Rougé (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE)
Last May, a new irrigation network was opened in Saint-Louis, in La Réunion. This EUR 8 million project, co-financed by the European Union and the Department of La Réunion, includes a reservoir of 1 000 cubic metres and 20 kilometres of pipelines, serving 130 farmers across almost 170 hectares. It is part of a large programme of agricultural water schemes aimed at securing access to water for farmers, against a backdrop of increasingly scarce water resources.
The continuation of this programme brought about at the initiative of the Department of La Réunion remains conditional on the mobilisation of EU funding. In an overseas territory increasingly exposed to climate change and with an economy largely based on growing food crops and agricultural produce for export, this infrastructure is vital. It is also helping the jobs market and contributing to food security in this outermost region.
Therefore, besides the project currently under way in Saint-Louis, can the Commission state whether it intends to increase funding under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development or other specific financial instruments in order to support the creation of new irrigation networks in La Réunion?
Mobile messaging apps, including WhatsApp, are being removed from Scottish Government devices as a new policy comes into effect.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes committed to updating the government’s mobile messaging app policy following the publication of an externally-led review by former Channel Islands data protection commissioner Emma Martins in December 2024.
The policy applies to all Scottish Government employees including contractors, senior civil servants, special advisers and Ministers, and states that mobile messaging apps and non-corporate communication channels will not be permitted on government devices.
A small number of business areas will take part in a time-bound and limited transition period until the end of 2025. This includes areas responding to emergencies such as wildfires or for matters of safety and security.
Ms Forbes said:
“We are setting out a clear approach to ending government use of mobile messaging apps, and this will support wider work to deliver on our commitment to openness and transparency.
“The use of mobile messaging apps increased during the pandemic as staff worked remotely in unprecedented and difficult circumstances. Having reflected on our working practices, we are now implementing changes to the use of such apps.
“This follows on from actions to implement other recommendations from Ms Martins’ externally-led review including updating our hybrid working policy.
“I want to reassure the public that it is a priority of this government to maintain secure and searchable data, ensuring compliance with all records management rules. We will continue to act to ensure our data policies are robust, especially considering technological advances.”
Background
The new policy comes into effect from Friday 20 June.
£2.5 million investment to drive change across Scotland.
A Disability Equality Plan launched today, backed by £2.5 million investment, will improve the lives of disabled people across Scotland and put their experiences and concerns at the heart of policymaking.
The funding, an increase of £2 million, recognises the significant challenges and barriers disabled people continue to face.
The plan reflects a government-wide commitment to ensure that the voices and experiences of disabled people are considered from the beginning.
Key actions include:
improved mental health support tailored to disabled people
expanded access to advice and support services
training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding of the issues facing disabled people
an annual Cabinet Takeover, giving disabled people a direct platform to speak to Ministers
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said:
“Disabled people are facing unprecedented hardship, deepening poverty and increasing social isolation. Years of austerity, the cost of living crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic have not helped and services need to be equipped to respond to these challenges.
“I am firmly opposed to the UK Government’s proposed reforms to social security and deeply concerned about the effects they will have on disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and unpaid carers. The UK Government’s own analysis estimates these will push a further 250,000 people across the UK, including 50,000 children, into poverty.
“We will not mirror these changes. We are committed to safeguarding our Adult Disability Payment and upholding the dignity and rights of disabled people. Our approach is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – not austerity- and the UK Government should follow our lead and protect the social security safety system, rather than dismantling it.
“Scotland is showing that a better way is possible. The increased funding for the plan I am announcing today will build on our human rights-based approach to strengthen vital support and services for disabled people.
“I want to thank all the organisations that have worked tirelessly to help shape this plan. Their insight and leadership have laid the foundation for lasting change. We are committed to working with disabled people and their organisations, upholding the principle of ‘nothing about us, without us’. I am confident that Scotland can become a country where disabled people truly thrive.”
Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Disability Alliance Tressa Burke said:
“This funding from the Scottish Government is a win for the collective action of disabled people and our allies. We are grateful to everyone who took part in our campaign Disabled People Demand Justice and commend the Scottish Government for responding positively. But it is a small step, when we need big leaps; poverty and inequality experienced by disabled people remain at unacceptable levels, and we need both the Scottish Government and the UK Government to urgently invest in disabled peoples’ lives to deliver dignity and justice.”
Chief Executive Officer of Inclusion Scotland Heather Fisken said:
“This plan and related actions are a welcome step forward, but these will only be successful if it is properly resourced and if it there is accountability of delivery. We want this accountability to be led by disabled peoples’ organisations and disabled people themselves – genuine partnership between our organisations and the Scottish Government requires honesty and scrutiny, and that will be our focus going forward.”
Chief Executive Officer of Disability Equality Scotland Lyn Pornaro said:
“This shows the power of disabled peoples’ campaigning, and is a step in the right direction, but our campaigning work to deliver justice for disabled people will continue. This includes making sure that both the Scottish Government and the UK Government deliver dignity, security, and human rights for disabled people – that requires investing in our communities and including services- not cutting the support we rely on.”
Promoting Scotland’s innovation and international partnerships in health technology.
A delegation from Scotland’s world-leading health technology sector, led by Health Secretary Neil Gray, will visit Japan next week to strengthen trade and innovation ties and promote Scottish expertise on the global stage.
The trade mission will showcase Scotland’s strengths in digital health and life sciences at a series of events, including Japan Health 2025 in Osaka and a programme at the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025.
Organised by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the visit aims to raise international awareness of Scotland’s health innovation ecosystem, build long-term relationships with Japanese industry partners, encourage inward investment and share best practice in global healthcare collaboration.
Scotland has a long history of medical innovation – from the invention of the hypodermic syringe to pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. Today, the country is home to one of Europe’s most dynamic life sciences clusters, driven by collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
As part of the mission, the Scottish delegation will visit Canon Medical Systems Inc. in Tokyo – a key partner in Scotland’s growing medtech network – to explore opportunities for deeper technical cooperation. The visit will also feature panel discussions and networking events at the British Embassy in Tokyo and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025, showcasing Scotland as a strategic partner in global health innovation.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said:
“Scotland has earned a strong international reputation for pioneering health technologies that improve outcomes and enhance care.
“This trade mission is an opportunity to demonstrate our strengths to new audiences, deepen our relationships with Japanese innovators and investors, and share how Scotland’s integrated approach to healthcare and innovation is delivering real-world benefits. By supporting Scotland’s healthcare innovation sector we can help to encourage the kind of technologies that will ultimately benefit patients in Scotland.
“Strengthening international partnerships like this supports economic growth, attracts inward investment and jobs, and ultimately helps us tackle some of the biggest challenges facing health systems at home and across the world.”
Managing Director of International Operations at Scottish Enterprise, Reuben Aitken said:
“Life sciences and healthtech generate over £10 billion annually for the Scottish economy and international events such as Expo 2025 provide opportunities for trade, export, and collaboration across these key industries. The companies heading to Japan are at the forefront of their fields in medical devices, AI and robotics. They are exhibiting their products and connecting with new markets in Japan. Our analysis from our previous Expo 2025 trade mission has forecast sales worth over £7 million and here at Scottish Enterprise we’re continuing to back ambitious companies to internationalise.”
Managing Director of Talking Mats Ltd, Margo Mackay said:
“Talking Mats Ltd is delighted to be travelling to Japan with the support of Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government. We look forward to extending our partnership with SDM Japan; networking with peers in healthtech and forging wider connections at Expo and Japan Health. Talking Mats’ ambition is to grow our community internationally and supply innovative solutions to support our vision of accessible and inclusive communication for all. We see Asia as a key market for expansion.”
Background
Key engagements in Mr Gray’s programme will include:
Leading Scotland’s presence at Expo Osaka:
Delivering a keynote speech on ‘Scotland’s health system and legacy of innovation’
Sitting as a panellist on ‘bridging innovation between Japan and Scotland – a collaborative future’
Chairing a company pitching session
Hosting a networking reception
Visit to Canon Medical Systems Inc.
Meeting the Japanese Ministry of Health to discuss the shared challenges of caring for a growing ageing population and understand possible areas for collaboration.
A keynote address at Japan Health on Scotland’s health system overview and Scotland’s legacy on innovation
A keynote address at the Global Healthcare Challenge on health longevity society in Scotland
The healthtech mission follows the first ‘Scotland Day’ in April, when a delegation of companies from the gaming and consumer industries took part in Expo 2025 Japan organised by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government on the UK Pavilion. This activity helped Scottish companies access new markets, strengthen trading relationships and build international networks. Feedback from the gaming start-ups was positive as they were able to explore new markets in Japan and generate new business leads with early data from consumer-focused companies forecasting sales of over £7 million. A third event, focusing on offshore wind, will take place in September.
Oxford City Council is warning car park users to be on the lookout following reports of fraudulent activity at Worcester Street car park, linked to the payment machines.
Three customers have reported that sums of money were taken, or attempts were made to take funds, from their bank accounts shortly after using the pay machines.
In each case, the customers used their cards to pay for parking and subsequently received alerts or noticed suspicious activity on their accounts.
The City Council immediately reported the matter to the police and is actively assisting with their investigation.
Our own internal checks have identified that fraudsters placed skimming devices, disguised as legitimate card readers, over the actual readers on our pay machines. These devices can capture card data without the user’s knowledge. A common sign of this scam is a “card declined” message on the machine, prompting users to move to another machine—by which time, the card may already have been compromised.
The City Council has already taken action
We have:
What car park users can do
Comment
“We understand the concern this may cause and are taking this issue extremely seriously. This kind of incident is not common in any of our car parks. Public safety and the security of our facilities are top priorities, and our staff regularly check the machines and are trained to spot this kind of scam.
“I would ask for car park users to remain vigilant and promptly report any similar incidents or suspicious activity to the police.” Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Planning and Culture
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) — Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Lacson in Beijing on Friday.
Zhao Leji noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership has maintained good momentum of development and brought benefits to the peoples of the two countries.
China is willing to develop traditional friendship with New Zealand, strengthen mutual understanding and trust, adhere to win-win cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and continuously enrich the content of relations between the two countries, he said.
Zhao Leji added that the NPC is willing to work with the New Zealand Parliament to deepen friendly exchanges, strengthen cooperation within multilateral mechanisms and provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation between the two countries to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.
K. Lacson, in turn, noted that New Zealand firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and the relations between the two countries have continuously achieved high-quality development. New Zealand is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in trade, economic, humanitarian and other fields.
New Zealand is also willing to strengthen exchanges with Chinese legislatures and make joint efforts to respond to global challenges, he concluded. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CHANGSHA, June 20 (Xinhua) — Three people have been confirmed dead after being trapped in an underground parking lot by heavy flooding triggered by heavy rains in Longshan County, central China’s Hunan Province, local authorities said Friday.
According to the propaganda department of the CPC Longshan County Committee, the water level of the Guoli River in the county has risen sharply after several days of heavy rain, causing flooding in several neighborhoods.
Four locals were reported to have gone down to the underground car park on Thursday to move their cars. One of them was rescued early on Friday morning at 4:35am and is now in a stable condition.
Recall that heavy rains have hit Longshan County since Wednesday evening. Local authorities raised their flood emergency response to the second-highest level at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Vladivostok, June 20 /Xinhua/ — Chinese airline Chengdu Airlines will launch a direct flight from Vladivostok to Shenyang in July, the Russian city’s international airport announced on its website on Friday.
Regular flights from Vladivostok to Shenyang will be operated from July 5, 2025. The route will be operated by an Airbus 320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 seats. The flight time between the two cities is only 1.5 hours. Flights are scheduled twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
According to Alexander Bobrov, Director of Aviation Commerce at Vladivostok International Airport, Chengdu Airlines flights on the new route will provide access to an attractive tourist destination. The flight program has been expanded with a new popular route to one of the largest cities in Northeast China. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel has already destroyed “more than half” of Iran’s missile launchers and is “capable of striking all of Iran’s nuclear facilities.”
In an interview with the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation, B. Netanyahu said that in seven days of military action, Israeli troops are advancing on Iranian nuclear and missile sites ahead of schedule. The prime minister did not give a deadline for the end of the Israeli operation.
The change or fall of Iran’s leadership is not the goal of Israeli attacks, but could be their result, noted B. Netanyahu.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that it had launched a major air campaign inside Iran, including a strike on the inactive nuclear reactor in Arak in the west of the country.
Also on Thursday, rockets fired from Iran hit a hospital and residential buildings in Israel, injuring more than 30 people, Israeli health authorities and local media reported.
Iran struck Israeli military intelligence facilities in the southern part of the country on Thursday morning, not a hospital as some media outlets reported, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported.
The latest exchange of blows marks a sharp escalation in fighting that began after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on June 13. –0–
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission———– Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal———– Secretary for Justice (ex-officio member) Mr Justice Jeremy Poon Shiu-chor Madam Justice Carlye Chu Fun-ling Mr Victor Dawes, SC Mr Roden Tong Man-lung Mr Carlson Tong Mr Philip Chen Nan-lok Professor Nancy Ip Yuk-yu Issued at HKT 15:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
To deepen financial cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and to meet the demand of residents in both places for secure, efficient and convenient cross-boundary remittance service, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) have jointly pushed forward the cooperation between the China National Clearing Center (CNCC) and the Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) in linking the faster payment systems in the Mainland and Hong Kong (hereafter referred to as Payment Connect). It is hereby announced that:
1. Payment Connect refers to the linkage between the Mainland’s Internet Banking Payment System (IBPS) and Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System (FPS). It supports real-time cross-boundary payment services for residents in both places, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations of the two places.
2. Payment Connect supports the participating institutions of the faster payment systems in both places to provide convenient remittance services in Renminbi and Hong Kong dollar for residents in both places under the current account. It also supports the participating institutions in both places, on the basis of implementing relevant policies, to provide instant remittance services for salary disbursements, payments of tuition fees and medical bills, as well as other use cases beneficial to the integration of the two places.
3. Payment Connect represents another key measure of the Central Government in supporting the development of Hong Kong. It brings convenience to people’s daily lives, deepens financial cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and enhances the efficiency and service quality of cross-boundary payments between the two places. It also facilitates economic and trade activities and flow of people, benefits Hong Kong in elevating its competitive edge, and reinforces its position as an international financial centre and a global offshore Renminbi business hub.
4. Under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cross-Boundary Linkage of Payment Systems between the Mainland and Hong Kong, the PBoC and the HKMA will establish an effective collaboration mechanism for the Payment Connect to ensure the related services are operated in an orderly manner and comply with the respective legal and regulatory requirements in the two places.
5. The CNCC and HKICL, having regard to the operation procedures and risk management principles, will coordinate with participating institutions to provide secure and efficient cross-boundary payment services to residents in both places, ensuring the smooth operation of the system and its transactions, while actively coordinating in resolving issues which may arise.
6. Institutions participating in the Payment Connect shall strictly comply with the relevant laws and regulations on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, counter-proliferation financing and cross-boundary payment settlement.
7. Payment Connect will be launched on June 22, 2025.
Note: This is a translated version of the official announcement in Chinese.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Canada Day Reception today (June 20):
Consul General Reeves (Consul General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Charles Edwin Reeves), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out repatriation operations from June 18 to today (June 20). A total of 56 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants who were illegal immigrants and overstayers were repatriated to their places of origin. The persons removed comprised 28 men and 28 women. Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment as well as former foreign domestic helpers.
The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.
Depending on circumstances and needs, the ImmD will remain committed to expediting the removal process and actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East from June 15 to 19 to introduce and promote the developments and strengths of Hong Kong’s infrastructure development, learn about the development opportunities of the infrastructure and construction market in the Middle East and strengthen mutual ties and co-operation.
In his keynote presentation at the first Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit in Abu Dhabi of the UAE on June 17 (Abu Dhabi time), Mr Lau introduced the latest infrastructure developments in Hong Kong, as well as the experience, opportunities and strengths brought by the adoption of innovative technologies in the implementation of infrastructure projects, including proactively promoting high productivity construction methods such as Modular Integrated Construction, spearheading the digital transformation of the construction industry and adopting innovative procurement approaches to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international infrastructure centre. During the summit, Mr Lau met with the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre of the Government of the UAE, H.E. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, to share strategies and initiatives for taking forward infrastructure projects in both places. Both parties will also enhance co-operation in infrastructure development in both places.
Mr Lau met with the President of the Public Works Authority of Qatar, H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Meer, in Doha, Qatar, on June 18 (Doha time). They exchanged views on taking forward infrastructure projects and each learned about the challenges and experience of both places. Both parties plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, with a view to strengthening the exchange of professional knowledge and experience in taking forward major infrastructure projects and realising complementary advantages in both places. The areas of collaboration may include the promotion of a public-private partnership approach, collaboration with foreign investment, smart construction and innovative technologies, technical capability building and professional knowledge exchanges, thereby enhancing productivity, cost management and project performance of the construction industry in both places, as well as laying a foundation for seeking further collaboration in the future.
On June 19 (Riyadh time), Mr Lau visited two major development projects, Qiddiya and Diriyah Gate, in Riyadh of Saudi Arabia and met with senior members of the projects to learn about the planning and progress of the work. They also shared experiences in taking forward major infrastructure projects.
During his visit to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh, Mr Lau called on local officials, visited major infrastructure development projects and met with industry representatives to exchange views on issues related to infrastructure development, including the achievements of the introduction of advanced construction materials and technologies from the Mainland to Hong Kong. He said that Hong Kong would serve as a “super connector” between the Mainland and the rest of the world, support and take forward the development of the Belt and Road Initiative with a view to making significant contributions to the high-quality development of the country.
Mr Lau concluded his visit on June 19 (Riyadh time) and returned to Hong Kong today (June 20).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Basic Housing Units Bill gazetted The Bill requires SDUs in residential buildings to comply with a set of minimum standards of living conditions, including internal floor area, headroom, fire safety, structural safety (i.e. loading), lighting and ventilation, toilet, water supply point, as well as water and electricity meters, and to obtain BHU recognition before they are allowed to be let out for habitation. There would be criminal liability on the person who lets out unrecognised SDUs, while the tenants concerned will not be held liable.
A Government spokesperson said, “As a transitional arrangement to implement the BHU regulatory regime progressively, the Government will set up a 12-month registration system for residential flats with pre-existing SDUs, under which a 36-month grace period will be provided to SDUs in registered flats for carrying out necessary alteration works and making applications for BHU recognition. Unregistered SDUs, registered SDUs with grace period expired, as well as new SDUs entering the market must apply for recognition as up-to-standard BHUs before they can be lawfully let out for habitation.”
The spokesperson added, “Since the establishment of the Task Force on Tackling the Issue of Subdivided Units in October 2023, the Government has extensively consulted various stakeholders on the handling of the SDU issue. A two-month stakeholder consultation exercise was conducted in December 2024 on the legislative proposals for the BHU regulatory regime. The LegCo Panel on Housing was also consulted in December 2024 and March 2025 respectively. During the period, nearly 40 engagement sessions were organised with nearly 700 participants met, and a total of some 2 200 written submissions of views (including around 1 600 template submissions) were received. Stakeholders generally supported the policy objective and legislative framework of the BHU regulatory regime. The Bill has suitably reflected the views received. Overall speaking, stakeholders and society have responded positively to the legislative proposals.”
The Government will make every effort to facilitate the LegCo’s scrutiny work and strive for the LegCo’s passage of the Bill as soon as possible, with a view to rolling out the BHU regulatory regime in March 2026, which represents a significant milestone in eradicating substandard SDUs. Issued at HKT 9:20
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia will celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga tomorrow in partnership with the Saudi Yoga Committee and the Indian diaspora.
The event, to be held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, will see participation from students of the International Indian Public School and Al Alia International Indian School. In Jeddah, celebrations took place a day earlier with students from the International Indian School showcasing their enthusiasm for yoga and its unifying spirit.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Qatar, in collaboration with the Indian Sports Centre, will observe International Day of Yoga 2025 on June 21 at Ideal Indian School, Doha. The event will bring together members of the Indian community and yoga practitioners for an evening dedicated to well-being and cultural exchange. Highlights will include a rhythmic yoga display by children, a yoga quiz, a challenge session, guided meditation, and a mass yoga practice based on the Common Yoga Protocol.
The Indian stock market witnessed a powerful rally on Friday, with benchmark indices closing significantly higher, buoyed by widespread buying across sectors and strong investor sentiment.
The BSE Sensex surged 1,046.30 points to settle at 82,408.17, while the NSE Nifty jumped 319.15 points, ending the day at 25,112.40. Among the Nifty 50 constituents, 44 stocks ended in the green, with only 6 closing in the red, indicating broad-based market strength.
Commenting on the market action, Sundar Kewat, Technical and Derivatives Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equity – Ashika Stock Broking, noted, “In a bullish session, the Nifty opened flat at 24,787 and briefly dipped to 24,783 before staging a sharp rally. The index gained momentum right from the opening tick and scaled an intraday high of 25,078, closing firmly in the green.”
Kewat highlighted the widespread sectoral participation, with Construction, PSU Banks, Financial Services, Auto, and Metal stocks leading the gains. The broader markets mirrored this optimism, as the Nifty Midcap 100 rose over 1 per cent, and Smallcap stocks continued to attract buying interest.
On the derivatives front, market breadth remained robust with 186 advancing stocks versus 36 declining. Noteworthy open interest build-up was seen in Kaynes Technology, Mankind Pharma, Hero MotoCorp, JSW Steel, and LTIMindtree, signaling increased trader participation and bullish sentiment.
Adding to the positive outlook, Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said, “Nifty moved up sharply after three days of consolidation, resuming its short-term rally. Moreover, the index has reclaimed the 21-day EMA, which could provide further momentum for an upward move.”
De added, “Support is now placed at 24,850, and the index remains a ‘buy on dips’ as long as it holds above this level. On the higher side, it may continue advancing towards 25,350 and beyond.”
With upbeat technical indicators and sector-wide buying, Friday’s market performance reflects growing investor confidence and sets the stage for continued momentum in the sessions ahead.
1. The recent review of the Geographical Indications (GI) scheme covering agricultural products, wines and spirit drinks, slightly amended the scope of application for agricultural products to take into account the international regulatory framework, namely the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Agriculture. The scope of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 is defined in Article 5(1) of that regulation[1]. At present, the Commission does not envisage a revision of the recent Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Forest/wood products are not covered by this scope, nor have they been part of it in the previously applicable Regulation (EU) 1151/2012. Therefore, forest products have not been reclassified nor excluded following the GI review process.
2. Forest products are however, for the first time, eligible for protection at Union level under Regulation 2023/2411[2] regarding crafts and industrial GIs showing the importance the Union is giving to the preservation and recognition of products like Chartreuse and Jura wood. By 2 December 2026, Member States shall inform the Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office which of their legally national protected names they wish to register and protect as a GI pursuant to this regulation, providing a uniform level of protection across the Union. By that date, or by the date the decision on their protection as EU GI is taken, existing national specific protection shall cease to exist. The Commission is committed to enhancing the visibility and consumer awareness of the newly established scheme for crafts and industrial GIs to ensure they will enjoy strong market recognition as their agricultural counterparts.