Press conference by Paul Heslop, the Senior UN Mine Action Adviser to the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in Ukraine (UNMAS), on Ukraine.
The widespread presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine is not just a national crisis, but a global one, warned a senior UN official today (05 June) linking the contamination to rising global food and energy costs.
“Every person in this room, every person in this city, every person in this country, and every person on this planet is paying more for their food and more for their energy because of the conflict in Ukraine,” said Paul Heslop, the UN’s Senior Mine Action Adviser in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters in New York, Heslop stressed that restoring contaminated land to productive use could ease the burden on global markets. “The ability to get land back into use, that will bring down those prices, is dependent on the actual presence of mines and other unexploded devices,” he said, emphasizing the need to challenge both the physical and perceived risks of contamination.
About 20 percent of Ukraine’s territory is suspected to be contaminated, Heslop said, affecting more than six million people who now live near hazardous areas.
The scale of the issue is unprecedented. Heslop noted that 30,000 square kilometers of land once believed contaminated were found to be safe and could now return to agricultural production -“the equivalent of 20 times the current problem in Afghanistan,” he said. These assessments were achieved at low cost by “adopting new technology and thinking in a new way.”
Demining, he added, is “an inherently inefficient process,” with 95 percent of clearance efforts often spent on land that turns out to be safe. “You don’t know exactly where the mines are,” Heslop said, underscoring the urgency of adopting more accurate and cost-effective strategies.
With the cost of cleanup likely to reach billions of dollars, he warned of long-term economic consequences. “Is it going to be single-digit billions of dollars or is it going to be tens or hundreds of billions?” he asked.
Ukraine’s digital infrastructure could be a vital asset in this effort. Heslop praised the country’s tech-savvy approach, including using mobile data to assess road usage and track returning populations. “Integrating different levels of technology, different levels of data, and non-traditional sources of data” can help target mine action efforts more effectively, he said.
He also underscored the sheer volume of unexploded ordnance. Based on conservative estimates, Heslop said that up to 10 million unexploded bombs may remain across Ukraine. “That is going to be a lot of work, and it’s going to need to be resourced, and we’re going to need to address it.”
On Monday, 23 June 2025, from 17:00 to 18:30 in Brussels (room Antall 6Q2), the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will hold a public hearing on the Geopolitical Aspects of the EU-Mercosur Agreement. The hearing will bring together leading experts to assess the broader geopolitical implications of the agreement. Discussions will cover its strategic relevance for the EU, its impact on Latin American regional dynamics, and its role in strengthening multilateral alliances.
Speakers will include:
Mario Torres Jarrín, Senior Policy Expert
Susanne Gratius, Professor of Political Science and International Relations
Carlos Malamud, Senior Analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute
On Monday, 23 June 2025, from 17:00 to 18:30 in Brussels (room Antall 6Q2), the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will hold a public hearing on the Geopolitical Aspects of the EU-Mercosur Agreement. The hearing will bring together leading experts to assess the broader geopolitical implications of the agreement. Discussions will cover its strategic relevance for the EU, its impact on Latin American regional dynamics, and its role in strengthening multilateral alliances.
Speakers will include:
Mario Torres Jarrín, Senior Policy Expert
Susanne Gratius, Professor of Political Science and International Relations
Carlos Malamud, Senior Analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute
The Commission is committed to improving road safety and takes note of the upcoming introduction in Spain of a light-signalling device that is connected to the national traffic control centre and that is to replace the advance warning triangle.
Traffic rules and provisions on parking and standing in general and on warning devices to be carried on board motor vehicles in particular are not regulated by the EU. They are regulated at national level and their use in international traffic at United Nations level, for instance in the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic[1].
The Commission has no mandate to harmonise the shape and use of warning devices to be carried on board vehicles. While harmonised rules would be desirable, the harmonisation of such rules should be addressed in the relevant bodies of the United Nations.
[1] Cf. Article 23(5) of that Convention in connection with paragraph 56 of Annex V and paragraph 6 of Annex I to that Convention. https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/conventn/Conv_road_traffic_EN.pdf.
Priority question for written answer P-002169/2025/rev.1 to the Commission Rule 144 Elena Kountoura (The Left)
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has recently lodged a complaint with the European Commission about unfair commercial practices by certain ‘low-cost’ airlines, which subject consumers to unreasonable charges for their hand baggage[1]. These unacceptable practices violate EU consumer law, the Air Services Regulation and the relevant CJEU case law, in particular judgment C-487/12 of 2014, which recognises hand baggage as an integral part of passenger air transport and states that it should not incur additional charges, ‘on condition that such hand baggage meets reasonable requirements in terms of its weight and dimensions’[2].
In view of the European Parliament resolution of October 2023 calling on the Commission to revise the current EU legislation on air services and to implement the relevant CJEU ruling[3], can the Commission answer the following:
1.What measures does it intend to take, within its competences, to support the effective implementation of the relevant CJEU ruling by airlines?
2.Does it intend to support the clarification/harmonisation of the rules on hand baggage and the definition thereof in the revision of the passenger rights regulation[4] to ensure the protection of consumers / air passengers in the EU?
3.Alternatively, does it intend to propose a specific definition of the term ‘reasonable requirements in terms of the weight and dimensions’ of hand baggage in the upcoming revision of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008, on the basis of the relevant CJEU ruling?
Submitted: 30.5.2025
[1] These companies impose additional charges on passengers for carrying hand baggage, which are often not displayed from the outset when searching for and comparing prices between the options on offer. https://www.beuc.eu/press-release/eu-consumer-groups-denounce-seven-airlines-charging-hand-baggage
[3] According to the resolution, harmonising requirements on the size, weight and type of hand baggage for all airlines operating in the European Union would enhance transparency and consumer protection for all air travellers. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2023-0344_EN.html
[4] The regulation is already in the process of being revised by the co-legislators. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023PC0753.
In the week of the 9 June, Members’ work will be split between meetings in political groups and parliamentary committees.
During this week, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) will hold a Public Hearing on media freedom and journalist protection, focusing on legal challenges and reforms to safeguard journalists and counter disinformation, surveillance and manipulation.
LIBE will also hold an exchange of views on Child-Friendly Justice in Criminal Matters, aiming to identify gaps in how children participate in judicial proceedings as victims, witnesses or offenders. Follow the links below to discover this week’s highlights.
In June 2024, the Council and the Commission sent two written notifications to the depositary of the Treaty, notifying the withdrawal of the European Union and Euratom respectively. The withdrawals will take effect after one year, i.e. on 28 June 2025.
At the same time, and in line with the political compromise reached by EU countries, the Commission tabled a proposal on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union in the Energy Charter Conference (‘the Conference’) by the Member States that are Contracting Parties to the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) not to prevent the adoption by the conference of the proposed amendments to the ECT.
As a result, the Conference adopted and approved the relevant decisions on the modernisation of the ECT on 3 December 2024. The modernised ECT will enter into force after at least three-fourths of the Contracting Parties have deposited the instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval to the depositary.
The decisions on ratification of the modernised ECT are with the individual Contracting Parties and the Commission is not part of this process.
So far, nine Member States have left the ECT or are in the process of withdrawal. At this stage, the Commission is analysing options for the next steps regarding the Honourable Member’s first two questions.
The Commission remains committed to EU climate neutrality by 2050, a goal that is enshrined in the EU legal order[1].
[1] Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999 (‘European Climate Law’).
Different categories of olive oil are defined in Part VIII of Annex VII of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products[1].
Commission Delegated Regulation 2022/2104 on olive oil marketing standards[2] further defines olive oil categories on the basis of several physico-chemical and two organoleptic characteristics. The Commission considers this classification as robust and there are no plans to change it at this stage.
Organoleptic characteristics are tested by the organoleptic method, which was developed by the International Olive Council (IOC) in 1992. Since then, the method was improved on several occasions by EU experts working within the IOC expert groups.
As the European Union is a member of the IOC, it is bound to apply IOC methods. No other standardised method exists to test the organoleptic characteristics of virgin olive oils.
Nevertheless, the Commission is aware that part of the sector is not satisfied with the organoleptic method. Therefore, under the Horizon 2020[3], the Commission prioritised and financed research and innovation on the assessment of the qualities of olive oil, leading to the OLEUM project[4][5].
The results of the project include a new method determining volatile compounds, which is currently further developed by the IOC.
[1] Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007; http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1308/2023-01-01.
[2] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 of 29 July 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards marketing standards for olive oil, and repealing Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 29/2012; http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/2104/oj.
The rules of public procurement are governed by the EU Directive on Public Procurement[1]. In particular, Article 18(2) of the directive (the so-called horizontal social clause) states that ‘Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that in the performance of public contracts economic operators comply with applicable obligations in the fields of environmental, social and labour law established by Union law, national law, collective agreements or by the international environmental, social and labour law provisions listed in Annex X’.
Individual Member States should ensure that rules resulting from the EU social acquis are respected in the context of public procurement. While the directive does not have specific clause on training and working conditions, the Commission supports Member States to invest in skills and jobs through various funding channels such as the European Social Fund Plus or the Recovery and Resilience Fund.
The Union will further support labour and social standards to ensure that the transition is fair and equitable for all, including in the context of the Commission’s forthcoming evaluation of the legislative framework on public procurement. On labour inspection, the European Labour Authority is supporting the work of national authorities.
[1] Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65. — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj/eng.
The Commission addresses marine pollution through Directive 2008/56/EC[1] which requires Member States to achieve good environmental status in marine waters, including measures to prevent ship polluting discharges.
To address sewage discharges from the land, Directive 3019/2024[2] recently strengthened urban wastewater treatment standards, nutrient reduction, and monitoring of emerging pollutants.
International standards under the MARPOL Convention[3], particularly Annex IV on sewage, are implemented in the EU through Directive 2005/35/EC[4], recently amended[5] to cover sewage, enhanced satellite surveillance, improved information exchange, and strengthened enforcement efforts, particularly in sensitive areas such as Natura 2000 sites.
However, Member States remain responsible for monitoring and penalising illegal discharges from ships. According to MARPOL, it is illegal for a ship to discharge sewage which is un-treated within 12 nautical miles from the nearest land[6].
The Commission also supports Member States in discussions at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to improve environmental standards, including on sewage discharges.
The EU endorses efforts to update MARPOL Annex IV[7]. This revision includes improving the lifetime performance of sewage treatment plants and updating the 2012 Guidelines on effluent standards and performance tests.
Recognising the importance of record-keeping and lifecycle measures for wastewater treatment plants[8], the Commission advocates for drafting of guidelines on the implementation of Annex IV for sewage treatment plants and guidance on obtaining data on the quality of treated sewage effluent. However, the adoption of such updates requires agreement within the IMO.
[1] Marine Strategy Framework Directive — Directive 2008/56/EC (OJ L 164 25.6.2008, p. 19) — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/56/oj/eng.
[3] International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
[4] Directive 2005/35/EC as regards ship-source pollution and on the introduction of administrative penalties for infringements (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p.11).
[5] Directive (EU) 2024/3101 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 amending Directive 2005/35/EC as regards ship-source pollution and on the introduction of administrative penalties for infringements (OJ L, 2024/3101, 16.12.2024).
[6] This applies to ships en route at a speed less than four knots, instantaneously discharging sewage held in holding tanks, which is not comminuted or disinfected.
[7] International Maritime Organisation. 12th session of the sub-committee on Pollution Prevention and Response. 27-31 January 2025.
[8] As highlighted by Resolution WCC-2020-Res-028.
Question for written answer E-002142/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Sophia Kircher (PPE)
Further to requirements for rolling out charging infrastructure, Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure sets out rules to strengthen competition in the market for public charging services. Article 5(3) prohibits operators of publicly accessible recharging points from discriminating between end users and mobility service providers or between different mobility service providers. However, it remains unclear whether integrated companies, i.e. those that are both recharging point operators and mobility service providers, in their role as mobility service providers, can serve their own end-users at significantly lower prices than roaming partners. This approach is not explicitly prohibited in the regulation, resulting in significantly higher roaming tariffs. It risks putting individual market players at a disadvantage and restricting competition, thus undermining the key objectives of the regulation. The regulation, in particular recital 34, does not provide any clarity on the matter, and the Commission’s Q & A on the piece of legislation (Question 5.14)[1] also fails to answer the question fully.
1.How does the Commission interpret Article 5(3) with regard to integrated companies that are at once recharging point operators and mobility service providers?
2.Can competition be restricted by different interpretations of Article 5(3)?
3.Will it carry out or have carried out corresponding market analyses ahead of the evaluation set for the end of 2026, and adapt the regulation if necessary?
Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union stipulates that the Union shall fully respect the responsibility of the Member States for the content of teaching and the organisation of education systems and their cultural and linguistic diversity.
In exercising its competences in those matters , Slovakia is bound to respect applicable international and European law, which provides a number of safeguards to ensure that education in national minority languages does not lead to discrimination and ensures equivalent standards, quality and conditions of education .
Segregation in education on the basis of ethnic origin is prohibited under EU law by the Racial Equality Directive[1] and m inority schools cannot be used as a means to circumvent EU law and discriminate against Roma children.
Infringement proceedings against Slovakia for segregation of Roma children in education are pending at the Court of Justice[2]. The Commission will continue to closely monitor the situation.
The EU Roma Strategic Framework for equality, inclusion and participation[3] and EU funds, including the Recovery and Resilience Facility and cohesion policy funds , can serve as additional tools to support the desegregation in education in Member States.
The ‘Mapping Study on School segregation of Roma Communities: Pathways and trends towards educational inclusion’[4] compiles promising practices and relevant literature for policy-makers to support effective policy making on desegregation in education.
[1] Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22-26.
Banks and credit institutions, like other economic operators, have in principle the freedom to decide with whom they want to enter into a contract or maintain a business relationship.
To ensure the right of consumers to have access to financial services, Article 16 of the Payment Accounts Directive (PAD)[1] gives all consumers legally resident in the EU the right to open and use a payment account with basic features (PABF), subject to certain derogations, including in view of anti-money laundering rules. Article 19 of PAD also lays down the specific circumstances under which a PABF can be unilaterally terminated[2].
The Commission is also committed to safeguarding non-discrimination of citizens with regards to their access to a payment account. Article 15 of PAD requires Member States to ensure that credit institutions do not discriminate against consumers legally resident in the EU by reason of their nationality or place of residence or of any other ground as referred to in Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (including political opinion) when consumers apply for or access a payment account.
The responsibility for the enforcement of these provisions in individual cases lies with the national authorities and courts. The Commission, in case of suspicion of a breach of EU law by the national authorities, may decide to investigate the matter further and contact the national authorities to obtain further information.
[1] Directive 2014/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on the comparability of fees related to payment accounts, payment account switching and access to payment accounts with basic features Text with EEA relevance, OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 214-246.
[2] Including the deliberate use of the account for illegal purposes, no transaction for more than 24 consecutive months, incorrect information provided where the correct information would have resulted in the absence of such a right, the consumer is no longer legally resident in the EU, the consumer has subsequently opened a second payment account.
1. The political guidelines for the Commission 2024-2029[1] envisage strengthening Frontex, notably to equip it with state-of-the art technology for surveillance and situational awareness, along with its own equipment and personnel to ensure it can protect EU b orders in all circumstances with strong governance and the full respect of fundamental rights. The Commission has launched a feasibility study to support its upcoming impact assessment and legislative proposal. The Commission will reflect on the possibilities to reinforce the mandate of Frontex, also with regard to security aspects, as well as how to ensure that the inter-agency cooperation, particularly with Europol, will bring even more robust results in fighting cross-border crime.
In 2023[2], the Commission tabled a targeted proposal to enhance Europol’s support to preventing and combating migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings that would also strengthen the cooperation between Europol and Frontex. In addition, in line with the political guidelines, the Commission envisages to table a proposal in order to make Europol truly operational, by addressing any areas for improvement that will allow Europol to reach its full potential and to best meet the needs of national law enforcement authorities .
Strengthening the capacities of Europol and Frontex in countering migrant smuggling contributes to the implementation of the Global Alliance to counter migrant smuggling, with its call to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and responding to migrant smuggling and addressing alternatives to irregular migration[3].
2. The Commission intends to present its proposal on the next multiannual financial framework in July 2025. The underlying political orientations were presented in the Commission Communication ‘The road to the next multiannual financial framework’ adopted on 11 February 2025[4].
Question for written answer E-002148/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE)
Healthcare workers in oncology are often exposed to hazardous medicinal products (HMPs), many with carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic properties (CMR substances), which poses a serious risk to their health. Since April 2024, Directive (EU) 2022/431 has required the implementation of specific measures, such as the use of closed systems where it is impossible to do away with or replace an HMP. However, shortcomings remain: there is an absence of clear risk assessment protocols, a shortage of adequate protective equipment and insufficient training. Although the Commission published an indicative list of HMPs to facilitate risk assessments on 18 February 2025, this measure is limited if not accompanied by real guarantees of protection for workers.
In light of this situation:
1.Does the Commission consider it necessary to have minimum training criteria and adequate protective equipment for people working with such substances?
2.What technical guidance will the Commission provide on the use of closed systems, with a view to ensuring that workers have effective means to reduce their exposure?
EIB to advise Burgas on plan to create top scientific centre that will serve city’s four universities.
Due to open in 2027, new campus will feature research and data facilities as well as student housing and sports premises.
EIB to help develop economic model for site as Burgas seeks to attract researchers and students from around world.
The Bulgarian city of Burgas will develop a state-of-the-art scientific campus and seek to attract Bulgarian and international researchers and students with guidance from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The new campus is due to open its doors in 2027 and serve four universities in Burgas, Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city and a major industrial and tourist hub on the Back Sea.
The agreement involves the EIB’s advisory services. EIB Advisory Head of Public & Infrastructure Finance Division Julien Chebbo and Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov signed the accord today in the city.
Burgas has a population of more than 200,000 and is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Bulgaria. The new campus will feature centres for research and development and data as well as housing and sporting facilities.
“Creating a quality space for studying, working and living is key to attract young people and retain talent in cohesion regions,” said EIB Vice-PresidentKyriacos Kakouris. “We are pleased to support Burgas in structuring a viable economic model for the new campus, which will enhance the city’s position in the higher-education landscape, promoting innovation and economic growth.”
The municipality of Burgas has completed a design for the campus and designated land plots for it. EIB Advisory will propose and evaluate financing options and help devise an appropriate management and governance structure for the campus. The expertise is being mobilised under the European Commission’s InvestEU Advisory mandate.
“This is an extremely important project to attract young people by providing opportunities for broad-spectrum education and development,” said BurgasMayor Dimitar Nikolov. “This requires a modern environment that seamlessly combines opportunities for education and science with quality living quarters. This setting will inspire and nurture the development of specialists in various academic fields and the attainment of top scientific achievements.”
The new agreement follows other EIB Advisory support for Burgas including a comprehensive feasibility study in 2022-2023 for a new children’s hospital. In September 2023, the EIB then approved a €12.8 million loan for Burgas to co-fund the hospital.
Background information
About the EIB
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.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
In addition to financing, the EIB offers advisory services that help public and private partners develop and implement high-quality, investment-ready projects. In 2024 alone, EIB advisory teams helped mobilise over €200 billion of investments across Europe and beyond.
About the InvestEU Advisory Hub
The InvestEU programmeprovides the EU with long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery and growth. It helps mobilise private investments for the EU’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible.
The InvestEU Advisory Hub is the central entry point for project promoters and intermediaries seeking advisory support and technical assistance related to centrally managed EU investment funds. Managed by the European Commission and financed by the EU budget, the InvestEU Advisory Hub connects project promoters and intermediaries with advisory partners, who work directly together to help projects reach the financing stage.
EIB Advisory provides technical and financial expertise to support the development of sustainable and bankable projects in various sectors. In Bulgaria, EIB experts are assisting public authorities and businesses in preparing infrastructure investments in energy, energy efficiency, healthcare, transport and the environment, improving project planning and enhancing access to funding through tailored services and capacity building.
About the Municipality of Burgas
The Municipality of Burgas is the fourth-largest municipality in Bulgaria and the city of Burgas is the biggest city in south-eastern Bulgaria. Surrounded by three lakes and the Black Sea, the fast-developing city serves as a commercial and transport hub in the country. Burgas is an important centre for sea tourism with facilities and transport connections to the resorts on the South Black Sea coast.
Question for written answer E-002141/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Sophia Kircher (PPE)
The Connecting Europe Facility plays a central role in the deployment of physical and digital infrastructure in the EU, in particular by funding 5G corridors along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). These allow for uninterrupted high-speed connections and significantly help improve rail safety, efficiency, the passenger experience and the resilience of transport and logistics systems – key elements for the EU’s competitiveness.
In view of the objectives of the 2030 Digital Compass and the negotiations on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the question arises as to what will be done in future to promote digital rail connectivity, and in particular the widespread roll-out of 5G along railway lines in the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS).
1.How will the Commission ensure that enough funding is earmarked for the deployment of 5G corridors – especially along ERTMS railway lines – in the next MFF?
2.What measures will it take to accelerate the deployment of FRMCS/5G along the TEN-T rail network, thus preventing delays in the ERTMS/gigabit passenger connectivity?
3.Will it carry out a survey on the user experience when it comes to digital connectivity during rail travel, as well as the economic and environmental benefits of the digitalisation of rail transport, in order to better align investments with passengers’ needs and modal shift objectives?
The European Youth Event (EYE2025) will take place on 13 and 14 June in Strasbourg, offering a unique opportunity for young people to connect with policymakers and discuss their ideas for the future of Europe. Whether attending in person or participating online, EYE2025 allows young people to engage in meaningful conversations and share their perspectives on key issues.
#Engaged4YOUth: CULT Committee session (in cooperation with PETI) One of the highlights of this year’s event will be the CULT session, a dynamic conversation where Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Committee on Culture and Education will engage directly with young participants. Each MEP will share insights into their work, focusing on how they connect with youth and support young people across Europe. After the initial presentations, attendees will break into four discussion groups. MEPs will rotate between the groups, answering questions and discussing ways policymakers can better engage with young people. This interactive format offers a valuable opportunity for youth to directly influence how European leaders connect with the next generation.
Question for written answer E-002140/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew)
1.According to available information, the Commission plans to introduce an EU-wide age verification app in the second quarter of 2025. How does it intend to coordinate with the Member States and with Parliament during each phase of the app’s development, testing and deployment to ensure compatibility with national digital infrastructures and legal frameworks?
2.The age verification app is described as a temporary measure preceding the rollout of the EU Digital Identity Wallet. Both instruments, however, appear to verify age only for individuals aged 18 and above. Given the critical need to protect children online, particularly on social media platforms, robust and reliable age verification mechanisms for younger users would allow for the implementation of appropriate safeguards such as privacy-by-design features. Can the Commission clarify why it has opted not to include age verification for minors under the age of 18?
Ukraine was granted EU candidate status in June 2022. Accession negotiations were opened in June 2024. While bilateral screening meetings of three thematic clusters have been completed, negotiations proper have not yet started, pending unanimous agreement of EU Member States. The European Parliament is calling for the timely organisation of subsequent intergovernmental conferences.
on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on the carriage of freight by road of 29 June 2022
–having regard to the draft Council decision (16072/2024),
–having regard to the draft Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on the carriage of freight by road of 29 June 2022 (10783/24),
–having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 91 and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0226/2024),
–having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4), and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,
–having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (A10-0102/2025),
1.Gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement;
2.Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of Ukraine.
ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONSFROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT
The rapporteur declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.
PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE
Title
Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on the carriage of freight by road of 29 June 2022
Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Daniel Attard, Adrian-George Axinia, Rachel Blom, Nikolina Brnjac, Nina Carberry, Carlo Ciccioli, Vivien Costanzo, Johan Danielsson, Siegbert Frank Droese, Gheorghe Falcă, Jens Gieseke, Borja Giménez Larraz, Sérgio Gonçalves, Roman Haider, François Kalfon, Julien Leonardelli, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Milan Mazurek, Alexandra Mehnert, Ştefan Muşoiu, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Philippe Olivier, Matteo Ricci, Marjan Šarec, Andreas Schieder, Volker Schnurrbusch, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Kai Tegethoff, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Maciej Wąsik, Roberts Zīle
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote
Alexander Bernhuber, Gilles Boyer, Moritz Körner, Ana Miguel Pedro, Oliver Schenk, Marion Walsmann, Isabel Wiseler-Lima
The EU’s relationship with the Pacific region has political, economic and development dimensions. The EU is the Pacific region’s second largest trading partner. Australia and New Zealand are the EU’s like-minded partners, facing common geostrategic challenges and promoting multilateralism and a global rules-based order. In June 2018, negotiations were launched for a comprehensive EU-Australia free trade agreement (FTA) and the fifteenth round of negotiations took place in April 2023. The EU signed an FTA with New Zealand in July 2023.Under the Samoa Agreement the EU has a partnership with the 15 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) that centres on development, fisheries and climate change. It also has partnerships with the three Pacific Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).
The internal market is an area that fosters prosperity and enables the free movement of goods, services, people and capital. As the world’s largest single market, it leverages its scale to create jobs, drive business opportunities and promote European standards globally. It also tackles ongoing global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which have led to restrictions of free movement and shortages of goods and services.
Question for written answer E-002133/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Liesbet Sommen (PPE)
There has been a worrying increase in the number of illegal e-cigarettes (vapes) on the European single market, including products that do not comply with EU standards. Some contain more nicotine than declared, or are sold as being nicotine-free when they do in fact contain nicotine. In addition, inferior combustion mechanisms in certain appliances lead to elevated concentrations of heavy metals such as copper, mercury, cadmium, zinc and lead – which pose serious health risks, especially for young people.
Two new trends are also worthy of note: Smart vapes, which are linked to gaming devices that reinforce addictive behaviour (a combination of gaming and nicotine addiction), and THC vapes, which allow the psychoactive compound THC from cannabis to be consumed in a cheap, discreet and odourless way. Despite bans in many Member States, these products are widely available.
1.The current regulatory framework is clearly inadequate. What is the European Commission doing to address the growing availability of illegal and harmful vapes among teenagers in the internal market?
2.Is the Commission considering funding research into the health impact of vape products through Horizon Europe?
3.Why has no revision of Directive 2014/40/EU on tobacco products been proposed yet? When will the Commission take action to address these worrying developments?
Aadhaar number holders carried out over 211 crore authentication transactions in May 2025, taking the cumulative number of such transactions since the inception of Aadhaar to more than 15,223 crore, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said in a statement on Friday.
The ministry noted that Aadhaar authentication transactions in May 2025 exceeded those recorded in May 2024, which stood at 201.76 crore.
“The growing number of authentications highlights the extensive usage and utility of Aadhaar, and the expansion of the digital economy in the country,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) also reported continued growth in its AI/ML-powered face authentication system. In May alone, over 15 crore face authentication transactions were recorded, signalling increased adoption of the biometric modality.
More than 100 entities including government ministries and departments, financial institutions, oil marketing companies and telecom service providers are using face authentication to ensure the seamless and secure delivery of services and welfare benefits.
In May 2025, over 37 crore Aadhaar-based e-KYC transactions were conducted, underscoring the increasing adoption of digital verification in sectors such as banking and non-banking financial services. This trend is enhancing customer experience and promoting ease of doing business.
Last month, UIDAI also began sharing non-personal, anonymised data from the Aadhaar Dashboard on the open government data platform, [data.gov.in](https://data.gov.in). According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, the initiative aims to further promote transparency, research, and data-driven policy making.
Proposals for minimum standards of energy efficiency
Private rented homes could be subject to a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) from 2028 to support efforts to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change.
Under proposals published today, regulations would be brought forward under existing powers requiring privately rented properties, as far as possible, to reach the reformed EPC Heat Retention Rating (HRR) band C from 2028 for new tenancies and by 2033 for all privately rented homes.
In 2022 there were 300,000 privately rented properties in Scotland. The regulations would prohibit the letting of properties which fall below the minimum standard of energy efficiency, until the landlord has made any relevant energy efficiency improvements.
The current system of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) is due to be revised and updated from 2026 with a new set of ratings to give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home.
Alasdair Allan, Acting Minister for Climate Action said:
“It is vital that we find the right balance to both reach net zero by 2045 and reduce fuel poverty. Improving energy efficiency is one of the levers available to the Scottish Government that enables this dual progress.
“The lowest rates of fuel poverty are associated with higher energy efficiency standards. A majority of privately rented properties are already at a good standard of energy efficiency, based on the current EPC regime, but others still need improvement to bring them closer to reaching a good level.
“These proposals will improve those homes, reduce energy costs for tenants and support the transition to clean heating – which we will be further strengthening through the Heat in Buildings Bill that we have committed to bring forward later this year. Installing better insulation and other energy efficiency measures will also benefit people’s health, by reducing the risk of cold and dampness-related conditions.
“The Scottish Government continues to offer a wide range of support to people and organisations looking to move to clean heating or improve energy efficiency, including to private landlords.”
Exemptions are proposed to provide protection to landlords in situations where they are prevented from obtaining third party consent or permissions to carry out work; and where undertaking work could have a negative impact on the fabric or structure of the property.
Previous proposals to regulate energy efficiency for the private rented sector were put forward in 2020 but withdrawn as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Background
Also published today are proposals for a Heat and Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment, which could support consumers by providing further evidence, beyond the EPC system, of which energy efficiency or clean heating system measures are technically suitable for their home or building, and which may not be. This optional assessment would support in particular those in buildings which are more complex to decarbonise such as tenements, traditional and protected buildings.
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 6 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will attend the ministerial meeting of the coordinators for the implementation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FCAC) and the opening ceremony of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, from June 10 to 12, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Friday. -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
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Xinhua) — Malaysia and China’s openness to dialogue plays a key role in strengthening civilizational exchanges and people-to-people relations by overcoming differences, scholars and experts said Thursday at a forum titled “Youth’s Responsibility for a Common Future: Islamic-Confucian Dialogue and New Horizons of Malaysia-China Cooperation.”
Shao Liang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, who attended the event, said that the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China has important theoretical and practical significance for promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, building a fair international order and strengthening mutual understanding.
“We are living in an era of great global uncertainty,” said Malaysia-China Friendship Association President Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, noting that there is an urgent need for dialogue among civilizations in response to global challenges.
Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan also called on the youth to boldly shoulder the responsibilities dictated by the times, promote the ideals of peace and dedicate themselves to building an inclusive and harmonious global future.
International Islamic University Malaysia Rector Osman Bakar noted that in today’s increasingly diverse world, cultural exchange and understanding between Malaysia and China is more important than ever.
In his opinion, through dialogue and cooperation, young people can become bridges between different civilizations, resolve differences and promote common values.
The youth representatives who attended the forum generally agreed that young people should contribute to cultural exchanges and dialogue between the civilizations of Malaysia and 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
UNITED NATIONS, June 6 (Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed disappointment over the United States’ veto of a draft UN Security Council resolution on Gaza a day earlier.
A draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and lifting restrictions on humanitarian aid received the support of 14 of the 15 Security Council members. The United States was the only UN Security Council member to veto the draft.
Asked on Thursday if he was disappointed with the outcome, Guterres said: “Of course.”
“We are always disappointed when a ceasefire fails, hostages are not released, and humanitarian aid is not distributed or is distributed in a way that puts the lives of many Palestinians at risk,” the UN secretary-general told reporters.
A. Guterres said the UN would do everything possible to help the people of Gaza. However, he stressed that the work of the world organization will be effective only if there is a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages and unlimited access for humanitarian aid.
According to him, it is important to maintain the prospect of resolving the conflict based on the principle of “two states for two peoples.” –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
Tashkent, June 6 (Xinhua) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone conversation, the press service of the Uzbek leader reported on Thursday.
“During a telephone conversation on June 5, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian warmly congratulated each other and the friendly peoples of the two countries on the holy holiday of Eid al-Adha, sincerely wishing them peace, well-being and prosperity,” the statement said.
Current issues of further development of Uzbek-Iranian multifaceted relations were also discussed.
It is noted that active contacts and exchanges at the level of governments, ministries and departments were noted with satisfaction. The indicators of mutual trade and cargo transportation, as well as the number of joint ventures, are growing.
“In May of this year, the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, a business forum and an industrial exhibition were fruitfully held in the city of Tehran. A “road map” of cooperation for 2025-2027 was adopted,” the statement said.
The presidents of the two countries noted the importance of further promoting cooperation projects in the fields of trade, investment, transport and logistics, industry and agriculture. The leaders of Uzbekistan and Iran also exchanged views on the regional agenda and the schedule of upcoming events. –0–