Urban Indigenous gathering for community well-being, showing the importance of interconnectedness in Indigenous Communities in Hamilton, Ont. in August 2021. This way of being must be reflected in nuclear projects to better work alongside Indigenous Peoples.(Michelle Webb)
With climate change-fuelled natural disasters becoming more frequent and devastating for communities around the world, the need for cleaner energy solutions is more urgent than ever.
When it comes to transitioning away from fossil fuels, much of the focus tends to be on solar, wind or hydroelectricity. However, small modular reactors (SMRs) are an emerging technology showing promise globally.
SMRs are a specific type of nuclear reactor that, as the name suggests, are small in energy output and modular in their manufacturing. Provinces like New Brunswick, Alberta and Saskatchewan have made progress on strategic plans to make SMRs part of their provincial climate action plans.
Unlike traditional nuclear reactors that generally produce more than 1,000 megawatts of electricity, SMRs are designed to produce as low as five megawatts. The modularity of such reactors allows for manufacturing off-site and installation at the desired location. This can decrease construction time, manufacturing costs and certain environmental costs associated with building on site.
In an effort to shift reliability from carbon-emitting resources to nuclear power, SMRs provide an exciting alternative, but implementation needs effective engagement with Indigenous communities to flourish.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) could be relatively feasible way to generate power for many off-grid communities. (A. Vargas/IAEA)
Engaging Indigenous communities
Much of Canada’s electricity is already generated from low-carbon emission sources. However, there are still areas in northern Canada that are reliant on diesel, and therefore SMR plans are often aimed at providing electricity to these communities.
As research continues into the engineering and science behind SMR technology, meaningful community engagement with Indigenous communities is also required.
Thoughtfully considered and integrated consultations are necessary to ensure projects respect treaties, land rights and the surrounding environment. Consultation is needed to understand the needs and goals of the community for creating an energy transition plan.
In addition, incorporating traditional ecological knowledge in environmental risk assessments is vital. Ultimately, projects designed alongside Indigenous communities should strive for Indigenous sovereignty over growing infrastructure.
Why community engagement is important
Indigenous communities continue to face challenges as a result of colonization. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) seventh Call to Action highlights the need to eliminate educational and employment disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
A direct way to address in terms of Canada’s nuclear landscape is to train members of those communities in technical roles related to the planning, deployment and sustained use of a nuclear facility. Specifically, training today’s Indigenous youth so they can fulfil these roles in their future careers.
The TRC’s Call to Action 92 calls on Canada’s corporate sector to engage in meaningful consultation, respectful relationship-building and equitable access to training and education opportunities that will contribute to long-term benefits from any economic development projects.
Through understanding the need for this relationship-building, there is a lot that western practices can learn from adopting Indigenous ways of knowing. Indigenous people have a long history of sustainable practices in their culture and traditions, and although western science now consider sustainable practices, it is not deeply woven into community and industrial initiatives.
As nuclear projects advance in Canada, it’s vital to respect Indigenous knowledge through weaving with western science. Projects can adopt a Two-Eyed seeing approach. This refers to viewing a problem with one eye using an Indigenous knowledge perspective and the other with a western knowledge lens. There is much to learn from understanding the philosophy behind Indigenous ways of knowing that can be applied to protect the environment.
Indigenous knowledge varies across Canada and comes with different insights, but a commonality is the teaching that all living things are interconnected and must be respected and cared for. This perspective is necessary for the future of nuclear projects to ensure the environment is sustained to support the biodiversity of regions throughout Canada.
This informed approach of protecting the environment, together with an ecosystem approach that considers the uniqueness and interconectedness of each organism, will ultimately lead to improved nuclear policies and safety.
The actions that institutions and private industry take today to build strong relationships with Indigenous communities and work towards an increasingly sustainable future will support already resilient communities so they can see growth well beyond the deployment of SMRs. A path to a cleaner future is in reach, but only if we walk beside Indigenous leaders, knowledge holders, community members and, especially, youth.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
A high-level delegation from global energy services company NOV has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place on September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. With a focus on digitization, a wealth of knowledge in oilfield services and a dedication to balancing operational efficiency with sustainable development, NOV is well-positioned to lead dialogue around the future of energy development in Africa. Underscoring the company’s commitment to unlocking technology-driven solutions in Africa, the NOV delegation comprises Arthur Ename, Vice President, Business Development: Africa; Cobie Loper, Senior Vice President, Operators and Geographical Sales; Johann Jansen van Rensburg, Director: Sub-Saharan Africa; and Marien Ibiaho, Area Sales Manager: Europe & Africa. The delegation will participate in a variety of panel discussions and technical workshops, providing insight into innovative tools to unlock rapid, low-carbon growth in Africa.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visithttp://www.AECWeek.comfor more information about this exciting event.
With an extensive presence in Africa, NOV delivers a range of solutions for the continent’s oil and gas industry. Key markets include Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt. The company’s cutting-edge technologies and services support clients to enhance operational efficiency while spearheading sustainable development, with its portfolio of capabilities ranging from drilling to well construction, completion and control to offshore rigs and platform repurposing to service and repair. With over 150 years’ experience and a global footprint, NOV represents a strong partner for African oil and gas projects.
Looking ahead, NOV strives to consolidate its position as a leading energy service provider. In 2025, the company rolled out ChatGPT Enterprise – OpenAI’s most advanced generative AI platform – to advance AI-driven innovation. The enterprise has been deployed across its global workforce, putting cutting-edge tools in the hands of over 25,000 employees. For Africa, this technology will support energy projects by supporting decision-making, insights and innovation. Meanwhile, the company’s Drilling Beliefs & Analytics solution continues to gain traction globally and has been applied across 20 million feet of drilling operations in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. This solution leverages AI to deliver real-time insights into critical well conditions during the drilling process.
Beyond the oil and gas sector, the company also has extensive experience in emerging industries such as the energy transition. Capabilities include geothermal solutions, hydrogen solutions, lithium extraction, offshore and onshore wind, and more. With oil and gas as the focus, NOV offers a range of services that support operators reduce their emissions while scaling-up output. The company is also committed to local content and workforce development, with training initiatives, skills development programs and partnerships serving as a catalyst for capacity building in the markets in which is operates. By working closely with African partners, NOV is creating jobs, enhancing skills and empowering communities.
“Now more than ever, Africa requires innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency while reducing emissions across oil and gas projects. Companies such as NOV provide the technology and expertise to deliver these goals, and as such, play a prominent role in the industry. Looking ahead, as African countries look to scale-up operations and reduce their climate footprint, NOV’s solutions will continue supporting clients safely produce energy while minimizing environmental impact,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced an effort to codify into law a federal program to expand energy resilience and reliability for some of the nation’s most vulnerable regions – isolated island, Native Hawaiian and Tribal communities – which often face common and unique energy obstacles including limited energy infrastructure, high costs of imported energy and vulnerability to natural disasters.
“In Hawai‘i, which ranks as the state with the most expensive power in the nation, residential electricity rates average 34 cents per kilowatt, far exceeding the national average by threefold,” said Case. “My bill will ensure continued federal support for Hawaii’s effort to transition to clean, affordable energy sources in ways that address our unique challenges.”
These unique energy resilience challenges in Hawai‘i, along with remote and Tribal areas, are the focus of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Transitions Initiative Project program. Since its inception, this program has partnered with over 25 Tribal, coastal, remote and island communities across the nation to help them secure reliable and affordable energy. Congressman Case has long supported this program through his assignment on the House Appropriations Committee.
“Although the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project program has helped Hawai‘i and many other communities many across our great nation, it has never been formally codified,” said Case. “My bill, the Energy Transitions Initiative Authorization Act, will ensure this program can continue the technical assistance offered to remote, island and Tribal communities that is unique and accommodating to their expertise and deep knowledge of local challenges and solutions.”
The Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project program provides customized technical and financial assistance to community projects aimed at accessing reliable and affordable power and increasing energy resilience. Specific community projects include solar power interconnection, analyzing wind energy potential, conducting wildfire preparedness, advancing weatherization retrofits and implementing microgrids and battery storage projects.
In Hawai‘i, the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project program has provided technical assistance to the City and County of Honolulu to conduct microgrid location analyses for regional hybrid microgrids and map designs.
Because Hawai‘i is prone to severe weather conditions that have previously caused long-duration power outages, Hawai‘i has identified hybrid microgrids as one method to improve resilience. Microgrids are best suited to areas prone to prolonged outages during weather events, with clusters of customers and potential availability of renewable energy sources.
The product of this partnership was a map identifying potential locations given a set of criteria that stakeholders prioritized in the areas of criticality, vulnerability and societal impact.
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Attachments:
Copy of measure is here
Copy of Case remarks on the measure is available here.
In a Canadian first, the Province and BC Hydro have launched a pioneering pilot project in Vancouver that has the potential to set new standards for supporting growing housing priorities and densification in Canada.
Designed to support the transition from single-family homes to multi-unit residences, the initiative is exploring how full electrification – heating, cooling, EV charging and appliances – can be achieved without the need for more significant electrical service upgrades.
“The potential for this innovative system shows what’s possible when we partner with local technology providers to make clean energy more accessible,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We’re proud to support made-in-B.C. solutions that reduce emissions, strengthen our grid and lower energy costs for residents.”
At the core of this project is a smart panel developed by Burnaby-based Evectrix, a key innovation supported through a $600,000 investment from the Province’s Innovative Clean Energy Fund and BC Hydro’s $700-million Energy Efficiency Plan. This device transforms a conventional breaker panel into a “smart hub” that manages real-time energy usage, in this case eliminating the need to upgrade from a 200-amp to a 400-amp service, even in an electrified six-unit development.
This pilot project is Canada’s first to demonstrate:
all-suite electrification in a multi-unit residential building without requiring a significant service upgrade;
a smart panel integration with advanced thermostats for greater suite-level energy control; and
management of multiple non-EV electrical loads, such as hot water, ranges and dryers, through a single smart panel.
Traditionally, densifying from single-family homes to duplexes, fourplexes and sixplexes has required significant electrical upgrades. This project explores a better path: the smart panel dynamically manages load at the suite level, helping avoid over-capacity while unlocking significant savings. The project is a scalable model for retrofitting and densification that could save thousands of dollars in infrastructure costs per project.
Special permission was given from the City of Vancouver in order for the project to be installed at the location. Through the Consortium for Power Efficient Design, BC Hydro continues working with partners to advocate for changes to the Canadian Electrical Code, expanding the use of energy management systems like the one being explored through this project.
“This technology pilot is a potential game-changer for accelerating clean-energy adoption in multi-unit housing,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “It not only supports our broader goal of building a more sustainable and efficient electricity system, but it also helps customers avoid the high costs of major electrical upgrades – making densification more accessible, affordable and practical.”
Through its $700-million Energy Efficiency Plan, BC Hydro is significantly increasing investments in energy-saving tools, technologies, programs and rebates. These measures are expected to deliver 2,000 gigawatt hours in electricity savings – enough to power approximately 200,000 homes. The project, located on Vancouver’s Chestnut Street, is one of many innovative pilot programs now underway or in development, designed not only to reduce consumption today but to empower customers to manage their energy use more efficiently in the years ahead and save money.
If this approach proves successful, it could set the stage for more customer-focused energy solutions that help households and businesses lower their bills, reduce emissions and take advantage of smarter, more responsive grid technologies. These efforts are part of BC Hydro’s long-term commitment to delivering value, reliability and sustainability to customers as energy needs evolve.
Quotes:
Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance and MLA for Vancouver-South Granville –
“Advanced technology projects like the smart panel will help to create electricity systems that are efficient, resilient and responsive to people’s needs. We will continue to partner with local technology companies to help strengthen our grid and cut energy costs for British Columbians.”
“We’re proud to bring B.C.-made innovation to life through this first-of-its-kind, electrified six-townhouse project, proving that homeowners can electrify and decarbonize without the burden of costly service upgrades. With meaningful support from the Province and in close collaboration with the BC Hydro team, our intelligent load management technology is unlocking a scalable, affordable and future-ready path to electrify homes and multi-unit buildings throughout the province.”
Saul Schwebs, chief building official, City of Vancouver –
“The City of Vancouver is proud to support this project, which showcases innovative made-in-British Columbia technology. The City approved the use of this load management technology through a special permission pathway, illustrating our commitment to energy-efficient solutions.”
Learn More:
To learn more about the Province’s plans to power B.C.’s potential, visit: https://www.bchydro.com/poweringpotential
Bonn, Germany, 19 June 2025 – A vast majority of people believe governments must tax oil, gas and coal corporations for climate-related loss and damage, and that their government is not doing enough to counter the political influence of super rich individuals and polluting industries. These are the key findings of a global survey – including responses from South Africa and Kenya – which reflect a broad consensus across political affiliations, income levels and age groups.[1]
The study, jointly commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, was launched today at the UN Climate Meetings in Bonn (SB62), where government representatives are discussing climate policies, including ways to raise at least US$ 1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for Global South countries by 2035. The survey was conducted across 13 countries, including most G7 countries.
Sherelee Odayar, Oil and Gas Campaigner for Greenpeace Africa said:
“In Africa, people are feeling the heat—literally—and they’re done footing the bill for disasters driven by record fossil-fuel profits. This survey sends an unmistakable message: our governments have a popular mandate to make oil, gas and coal corporations pay their fair share for the floods, droughts and hunger they’ve helped unleash. A polluter-pays tax would turn dirty profits into clean investments for frontline communities, and that’s the climate justice Africa has been calling for.”
Ali Mohamed, Special Envoy for Climate Change, Kenya, said:
“African Leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, which among others, calls for a global carbon taxation regime, including levies on fossil fuel trade. Kenya co-chairs the Global Solidarity Levies Taskforce, which brings together a coalition of willing countries to design and implement progressive levies that reflect the true cost of pollution. The principle is simple, sectors profiting from the increasing greenhouse gas emissions that cause the destructive climate change, must be taxed to support climate impacted vulnerable communities in Africa and other developing world, adapt and recover from the devastating losses and damages being suffered so frequently.”
Mads Christensen, Executive Director of Greenpeace International said:
“These survey results send a clear message: people are no longer buying the lies. They see the fingerprints of fossil fuel giants all over the storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires devastating their lives, and they want accountability. By taxing the obscene profits of dirty energy companies, governments can unlock billions to protect communities and invest in real climate solutions. It’s only fair that those who caused the crisis should pay for the damage, not those suffering from it.”
The study, run by Dynata, was unveiled alongside the Polluters Pay Pact, a global alliance of communities on the frontlines of climate disasters. The Pact demands that – instead of piling the costs on ordinary people – governments make oil, gas and coal corporations pay their fair share for the damages they cause, through the introduction of new taxes and fines.
The Pact is backed by firefighters and other first responders, trade unions and worker groups, and mayors from countries including Australia, Brazil, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and South Africa, the US, and plaintiffs in landmark climate cases from Pacific island states to Switzerland.
The Pact is also supported by over 60 NGOs, including Oxfam International, 350.org, Avaaz, Islamic Relief UK, Asociación Interamericana para la Defensa del Ambiente (AIDA), Indian Hawkers Alliance, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Jubilee Australia and the Greenpeace network.
The survey’s findings published today reveal broad public support for the core demands of the Polluters Pay Pact, as climate impacts worsen worldwide and global inequality grows.
Key findings of the survey include:
81% of people surveyed would support taxes on the oil, gas, and coal industry to pay for damages caused by fossil-fuel driven climate disasters like storms, floods, droughts and wildfires.
86% of people in surveyed countries support channeling revenues from higher taxes on oil and gas corporations towards communities most impacted by the climate crisis. Climate change is disproportionately hitting people in Global South countries, who are historically least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
When asked who should be taxed to pay for helping survivors of fossil-fuel driven climate disasters, 66% of people across countries surveyed think it should be oil and gas companies, while just 5% support taxes on working people, 9% on goods people buy, and 20% favour business taxes.
68% felt that the fossil fuel industry and the super-rich had a negative influence on politics in their country. 77% say they would be more willing to support a political candidate who prioritises taxing the super-rich and the fossil fuel industry.
Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, said:
“Fossil fuel companies have known for decades about the damage their polluting products wreak on humanity. Corporations continue to cash in on climate devastation, and their profiteering destroys the lives and livelihoods of millions of women, men and children, predominantly those in the Global South who have done the least to cause the climate crisis. Governments must listen to their people and hold polluters responsible for their damages. A new tax on polluting industries could provide immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries, and finally incentivise investment in renewables and a just transition.”
The Polluters Pay Pact demonstrates popular support for the campaign to make polluters pay. The campaign is being waged throughout 2025 in countries worldwide and in critical international forums, including the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), and negotiations for a UN tax convention that could include new rules to make multinational oil and gas companies pay their fair share for their pollution.
ENDS
Notes:
[1] The research was conducted by first-party data company Dynata in May-June, 2025, in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Italy, India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US, with approximately 1200 respondents in each country and a theoretical margin of error of approximately 2.83%. Together, these countries represent close to half the world’s population. Statistics available here.
[3] Additional quotes here from people around the world who are backing the Polluters Pay Pact, including first responders, local administration, youth, union representatives and people bringing climate cases to courts.
Contacts:
For Greenpeace Africa:
Ferdinand Omondi, Communication and Story Manager, Email: [email protected], Cell: +254 722 505 233
Tal Harris, Greenpeace International, Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, [email protected], +41-782530550Greenpeace International Press Desk: [email protected], +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours). Follow on X and Bluesky for our latest international press releases.
Plaid Cymru challenge Labour suggestion that offshore wind announcement is ‘vindication’ of keeping Crown Estate powers in Westminster
Plaid Cymru’s Energy spokesperson in Westminster,Llinos Medi MP, has pushed back against the Secretary of State for Wales’ suggestion that a new announcement on offshore wind projects is a “vindication” of keeping Crown Estate powers in Westminster.
Ms Medi pointed out that devolution of the Crown Estate has not hindered the development of renewable energy projects in Scotland, which is developing 19 offshore wind projects under the devolved Scottish Crown Estate.
The Crown Estate today announced it is set to partner with Equinor and Gwynt Glas – a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB – to develop floating windfarms off the coasts of West Wales and the South West of England.
The Plaid Cymru MP also suggested that the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, had not been “effective” in lobbying her party colleagues in London on the devolution of the Crown Estate. Last month, Baroness Morgan said that devolution of the estates would allow Wales to profit from renewable energy in the Celtic Sea, “We saw them take our coal. We saw them take our water. We will not let them take our wind, not this time, not on my watch.”
Plaid Cymru Energy spokesperson in Westminster, Llinos Medi MP, said:
“Until we devolve the Crown Estate, the process of extracting wealth from Wales’s natural resources will continue.
“The Labour First Minister of Wales made a big pitch that she would not let Westminster ‘take our wind’. It’s clear that those efforts have not been effective, as the fees and profits from this announcement will be given to the Treasury in Whitehall rather than being retained for the Welsh public purse for the benefit of our communities.
“Devolution of the Crown Estate would not hinder the development of renewable energy projects in Wales, as has been demonstrated in Scotland, which is developing 19 offshore wind projects under the devolved Scottish Crown Estate.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh on June 20 and 21, during which he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for a host of major development projects. He will also lead the national celebrations of the 11th International Day of Yoga in Visakhapatnam.
On June 20, the Prime Minister will arrive in Siwan, Bihar, where he will unveil a series of critical infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the state’s transportation, energy, and urban development sectors. Among the major announcements is the inauguration of the new Vaishali–Deoria railway line project, valued at over ₹400 crore, along with the launch of a new train service on this route. Additionally, he will flag off a Vande Bharat Express train that will operate between Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah, significantly improving regional connectivity.
In a significant milestone for India’s manufacturing sector, the Prime Minister will also flag off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant for export to the Republic of Guinea. This marks the facility’s first international shipment under the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ initiative.
Continuing his government’s commitment to the Namami Gange mission, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate six sewage treatment plants (STPs) worth over ₹1,800 crore to support the rejuvenation of the river Ganga. He will also lay the foundation stone for various water supply, sanitation, and STP projects in towns across Bihar, with investments exceeding ₹3,000 crore.
Further strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure, he will lay the foundation for 500 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity across 15 grid substations, including those in Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. These storage systems will help stabilize the electricity grid and reduce the cost of power for consumers.
In the housing sector, the Prime Minister will release the first instalment to more than 53,600 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U). He will also hand over keys to a selection of beneficiaries to mark the symbolic *Grih Pravesh* of over 6,600 newly completed homes.
Later that day, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to chair a state-level function marking the completion of one year of the current state government. In line with the central government’s vision of inclusive growth, he will also inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects worth over ₹18,600 crore. These initiatives span key sectors such as irrigation, drinking water, agricultural infrastructure, healthcare, rural roads, bridges, and national highways.
A major highlight of the Odisha visit will be the launch of a new railway line that extends connectivity to Boudh district for the first time. The Prime Minister will also flag off 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) initiative to promote sustainable urban mobility.
During the event, the Prime Minister will unveil the Odisha Vision Document, a forward-looking roadmap that outlines the state’s developmental goals leading up to 2036, when Odisha marks 100 years as a linguistic state, and 2047, when India completes a century of independence.
To celebrate Odisha’s rich cultural legacy, the Prime Minister will launch the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’—a scheme to transform the birthplaces of notable Odia personalities into living heritage sites with museums, libraries, statues, and interpretation centres. He will also felicitate women achievers from across the state, acknowledging the contribution of more than 16.5 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ who symbolize empowerment and prosperity.
On June 21, the Prime Minister will lead the nation in celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga from the beachfront of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Nearly five lakh people are expected to join him in a mass yoga demonstration at the event, which is part of a larger national campaign spanning over 3.5 lakh locations across India.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects the growing global recognition of yoga’s role in promoting both individual and planetary well-being. Since the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2015, Prime Minister Modi has led celebrations from various iconic locations including New York, Mysuru, Srinagar, and the Red Fort.
To broaden participation this year, campaigns such as “Yoga with Family” and “Yoga Unplugged” have been launched via the MyGov and MyBharat platforms, targeting families and youth across the country.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Press release
Delivering an energy market that works for consumers
New proposals announced to expand automatic compensation schemes when things go wrong.
New proposals to expand automatic compensation schemes for when things go wrong
working people will be better protected with fairer, quicker, easier access to compensation when they are let down by their energy supplier
follows confirmation that 2.7 million extra households will receive £150 off their energy bills next winter as the Warm Home Discount is expanded, easing the cost of living through the Plan for Change
Working people will have better protections in the energy market through a new package of protection measures announced by the Prime Minister today.
The current system makes it too difficult for consumers to access proper compensation.
Companies have 8 weeks to respond to requests, and if they do not respond or complaints go unresolved, then the onus is on consumers themselves to self-refer to the Energy Ombudsman.
This produces a situation in which consumers often do not access the compensation they are entitled to due to time pressures or fatigue with a complex system.
These reforms will take the pressure off consumers and onto the companies to ensure that consumers get the compensation they deserve. Doing so will ensure energy consumers are better-protected and empowered to take action when necessary.
These include proposals to make compensation fairer, quicker and easier, and covers areas including:
working with Ofgem to look at expanding automatic compensation to cover more key issues faced by consumers, including excessively long call waiting times, unexpectedly high bills when suppliers fail to adjust direct debits, suppliers not responding to complaints, or suppliers not complying with Energy Ombudsman final decisions
government working with Ofgem to look at further increasing the value of base-level compensation from £40, following the first increase since the payments were last set a decade ago
strengthening the Energy Ombudsman’s powers so that suppliers must comply with its final decision or pay compensation to the consumer
cutting the time before complaints can be escalated to the Ombudsman from 8 to 4 weeks
making referrals to the Ombudsman automatic, instead of people having to do it themselves
Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said:
Through our Plan for Change we are delivering an energy market consumers can trust, putting an end to unfair practices, holding suppliers to account, and ensuring that the consumer always comes first.
Today’s announcement is about taking the next steps – helping households to get fairer, quicker, easier compensation when things go wrong.
This announcement follows confirmation that 2.7 million extra households will receive £150 off their energy bills this winter as the Warm Home Discount is expanded – putting more money directly into people’s pockets.
This vital support is the latest in a raft of cost of living support made possible because the government has stabilised the economy, fixed the foundations and repaired the public finances – deliberate choices which are helping provide security and more money in the pockets of working families through the Plan for Change.
Since last summer, interest rates have been cut 4 times, lowering mortgage costs, free school meals have been rolled out for over half a million more children so that kids can focus on learning rather than hungry bellies, free breakfast clubs are being expanded to every child in the country, school uniform costs have been cut, and the 30 hours of free childcare scheme has been extended to more working parents.
Work continues on the government’s comprehensive review of Ofgem, focusing on delivering an energy market where the consumer comes first.
The review is also considering how Ofgem can better drive the government’s missions for clean power and economic growth.
This includes investigating how the regulator can support the private sector to invest in energy infrastructure, and ensuring that families who want to upgrade their homes with clean technology can do so safe in the knowledge that they are protected by robust and responsive regulation.
Notes to editors
Formal recommendations following the conclusion of the Ofgem Review Call for Evidence will be published later this year.
Reforms follow Secretary of State Ed Miliband’s letter to Ofgem Chief Executive Jonathan Brearley in February, in which he demanded that Ofgem took quicker and more effective action on consumer protection issues, including compensation for families affected by the forced installation of pre-payment meters.
With seeding complete in the province, producers are busy with in-field spraying and other activities such as hauling grain. A good general rain is needed to help push crop development and ensure the crop doesn’t begin to deteriorate in condition.
There were some isolated showers over the past week with some areas seeing heavy rain and hail. While the moisture was welcome, the intensity of these storms left some crops damaged. The most rainfall reported over the week was in the Meadow Lake area which received 64 millimeters (mm). Other heavy rainfall amounts were reported in the Coleville area with 46 mm, the Bruno area with 40 mm and the Prince Albert area with 31 mm. Many other areas of the province received small spotty rains ranging between two to 10 mm, while others were fortunate enough to get upwards of 20 to 30 mm over the week.
Even with the rainfall over the past week, topsoil moisture conditions continue to decline provincially. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 40 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short and 14 per cent very short. Hay land topsoil moisture is rated as 34 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 25 per cent very short. Pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 27 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 31 per cent very short.
Most crops are reported as being normal in their development for this time of year. However, many producers are reporting that without rain soon crop development will be delayed on later seeded crops and hastened for the more advanced crops as they respond to the drier conditions. Spring cereals are rated as 13 per cent ahead, 72 per cent normal and 15 per cent behind. Oilseeds are rated as five per cent ahead, 68 per cent normal and 27 per cent behind. Finally, pulse crops are 14 per cent ahead, 77 per cent normal and nine per cent behind. Crop conditions across the province are mainly rated as fair to good. Producers are reporting that crop conditions will quickly deteriorate if rain is not received soon.
Dry conditions coupled with windy days continues to be the largest source of crop damage and severity ranges from minor to moderate depending on the region. There were many scattered hail events this past week with damage ranging from minor to severe. Fall seeded crops in later development stages were heavily impacted and are unlikely to recover, but less advanced crops should be able to bounce back. The heavy rains resulted in some flooding which has left crops washed out or sitting in standing water. Pressure from grasshoppers and flea beetles remains rated as minor to moderate and producers are actively working to control these pests to minimize damage.
Producers will continue to actively scout and apply crop protection products to ensure pest pressures are managed while conducting other farming activities. Cattle producers are frequently evaluating pasture conditions and hauling water and feed as necessary. Producers and the public are reminded that conditions remain dry across the province and every precaution should be taken to limit the risk of fires.
For many producers, this is still a stressful time of year and producers are encouraged to take safety precautions in all the work they do. The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.
A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online: download Crop Report.
Follow the 2025 Crop Report on X/Twitter at @SKAgriculture.
Government steps in to protect consumers with old energy meters
A widespread switch-off of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters will not happen on 30 June.
Ministers have confirmed that a widespread switch-off of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters will not happen on 30 June – with this summer now marking a limited start of a phase-out process
Industry will pursue a phased approach beginning with a very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas, with government monitoring suppliers’ performance to ensure the process is smooth and working families are protected
Affected customers will be contacted in advance, and are urged to respond to energy suppliers and book appointments to have their meter replaced
Thousands of people with a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of this month, as the government confirms there will be a cautious and targeted phase out to the service, protecting working families.
The Radio Teleswitch Service uses radio signals to switch older electricity meters between different tariffs such as peak and off peak, and can also be used to turn heating and hot water systems on and off at specific times of the day.
The service was introduced in the 1980s and, as planned, is now reaching the end of its life. But unacceptably slow progress to replace these meters has left around 314,000 households still using them as of last month – equal to around 1% of British households.
Ministers have taken action to ensure industry delivers a better phase out plan from 30 June, ensuring working families can continue to go about their home lives as normal.
The phase out will now begin on a significantly smaller scale, in areas with very few RTS customers, meaning energy suppliers will be ready to respond rapidly to protect households who most need support.
In advance of any phase out activity in their area, households will be contacted by their energy supplier to inform them well ahead of time, before their meters are affected.
Ministers have been clear that they also expect suppliers’ momentum to install replacement meters to increase over the coming weeks.
Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said:
We have stepped in to ensure that thousands of vulnerable consumers with RTS meters do not experience any sudden disruption at the end of this month.
I will be watching suppliers closely to make sure they are doing everything they can to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.
Charlotte Friel, Director for Retail Pricing & Systems for Ofgem, said:
Ofgem has been clear that customers must be protected at every stage of the phased area-by-area shutdown, and we are spelling out to suppliers key requirements that must be met before an area loses its RTS signal.
At the same time we expect energy companies to go faster, building on the work of the cross-sector Taskforce set up by Ofgem that has seen the upgrade rate rise from 1,000 meters per month to more than 1,000 per day.
While this carefully managed phaseout process should reassure customers, it remains crucial that these meters are replaced urgently so it’s vital to engage with your supplier when offered an appointment.
The Minister for Energy Consumers will meet with Ofgem and Energy UK on a fortnightly basis to review how the gradual and targeted phase out is progressing, with a particular focus on Scotland – where around 105,000 RTS meters are installed, as well as remote and rural areas, to ensure all efforts are made to reach these households.
Suppliers will continue contacting households to book replacement appointments and consumers are urged to respond as soon as possible.
In most cases, this will involve switching to a smart meter, which can work in the same way as RTS meters, with automatic peak and off-peak rates, and the ability to turn heating and hot water systems on and off, ensuring minimal disruption to households.
The government will continue to do everything possible to ensure working families benefit from stronger protections and improved customer service in the energy market, with new reforms to be set out in the coming weeks.
Notes to editors
The RTS uses the same infrastructure as the BBC’s longwave radio signal to tell older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The infrastructure underpinning the signal is reaching the end of its life, meaning the equipment that sends the radio signal can no longer be adequately maintained.
As of 30 May, there were 314,935 RTS meters requiring replacement in Great Britain, according to supplier data collected by Ofgem.
If households and businesses think they have an RTS meter installed, they should contact their supplier to arrange a replacement immediately. Technical solutions are available to replace RTS meters in all households.
For RTS customers that live in an area without smart meter signal, their supplier will explain what other options are available before the radio signal is switched off. Energy suppliers are obliged under their licence conditions to ensure that a suitable alternative metering system is installed and that the customer’s service is not disrupted.
The first stage of the phase-out will target specific, localised areas, affecting a maximum of 600 households over a 3 week period – with the government and industry carefully monitoring suppliers’ response times and their effectiveness in supporting vulnerable consumers throughout this phase.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV Equality spokesperson Ann McClure:
“Following confirmation that the Civil Service is taking part in this year’s Belfast Pride parade, Timothy Gaston tabled a number of questions to Finance Minister John O’Dowd raising serious concerns about the ramifications of this approach for the impartiality of public servants.
“On inquiring whether consideration was given to the views of civil servants (Protestant or Roman Catholic) who hold conscientious or faith-based objections to participation in Belfast Pride, the Minister responded in very general terms, outlining the NICS commitment to inclusivity, equality, and impartiality — but significantly did not address the actual question of whether there was any consultation, engagement, or accommodation for people who object to Pride.
“In another question, Mr Gaston asked the Minister if, in light of Civil Service participation in Pride, employees would be able to participate in pro-life marches. Mr O’Dowd merely referred Mr Gaston back to his previous non-answer.
“In light of the events of the weekend — when grossly offensive behaviour at and around Omagh Pride not only took place but was promoted on the official Facebook page of Omagh Pride — there is a need for the Civil Service and the Minister responsible to directly address the matters raised with him and not hide behind newspeak answers.
“Participation in Pride events was never compatible with a truly inclusive workplace. That is all the more true this year when the Pride movement is openly campaigning against the Executive’s policy to protect children and young people from puberty blockers.”
Note to editors
Mr Gaston’s questions and the answers received are as follows:
AQW 28291/22-27
Mr Timothy Gaston Question: To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any consideration given to the views of civil servants, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, who hold conscientious or faith-based objections to Belfast Pride when the Northern Ireland Civil Service made the decision to participate in this year’s event.
Answer: As one of the largest employers here and a public service provider, the Civil Service recognises and respects the diversity of people’s identities, experiences and backgrounds.
As an equal opportunities employer, the Civil Service participates in Belfast Pride as part of its ongoing commitment to being an inclusive employer and programme of outreach with under-represented groups.
In accordance with the Civil Service Code of Ethics, civil servants are required to carry out their role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service’s core values of: Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity and Impartiality.
In living out the core value of ‘impartiality’, civil servants must carry out their responsibilities in a way that is fair, just and equitable and reflects the Civil Service’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, including the obligations under Section 75.
AQW 28289/22-27 Mr Timothy Gaston Question: To ask the Minister of Finance, in light of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) decision to participate corporately in Belfast Pride, whether NICS staff will be permitted, as NICS staff, to take part in other events such as pro-life marches.
Answer: I refer the member to the response provided for AQW 28291/22-27.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Kat Cammack (FL-03) and Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced theProtecting Health Care for All Patients Act to ensure that Americans with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and rare conditions are not devalued in federal health care decisions. This legislation prohibits the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs)—a metric that assigns lower value to lives with disabilities— in federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA exchanges.
“The use of so-called cost-effective measures like QALYs threatens access to lifesaving care for the most vulnerable Americans,”said Congresswoman Cammack.“I am honored to lead this legislation alongside my colleague Rep. Kevin Hern to ensure that no patient is denied treatment simply because a mathematical formula decided their life is worth less. Every American—regardless of disability, chronic illness, or rare condition—deserves equal access to care.”
“QALY measurements strip humanity away from a patient, leaving only dollar signs and data points. That has no place in our health care system. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and given the best care available,”said Congressman Hern.“I am proud to join Congresswoman Cammack on this bill to ban QALY measurements in all federal health care programs.”
“I am excited my colleagues Representatives Cammack and Hern have reintroduced the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act,”said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Guthrie.“We owe it to Americans – no matter the age, disability status, or measure of health – to provide high-quality care under federal health care programs. I’m thankful to both of my colleagues for reintroducing this sensible legislation that stops the immoral practice of placing arbitrary value on human life within our health care system.”
BACKGROUND:
Last Congress, this legislation passed the House with strong Republican support under the leadership of House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO), Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), and Rep. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH).
In the 119th Congress, the legislation will again receive a dual referral to both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Kat Cammack (FL-03) and Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced theProtecting Health Care for All Patients Act to ensure that Americans with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and rare conditions are not devalued in federal health care decisions. This legislation prohibits the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs)—a metric that assigns lower value to lives with disabilities— in federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA exchanges.
“The use of so-called cost-effective measures like QALYs threatens access to lifesaving care for the most vulnerable Americans,”said Congresswoman Cammack.“I am honored to lead this legislation alongside my colleague Rep. Kevin Hern to ensure that no patient is denied treatment simply because a mathematical formula decided their life is worth less. Every American—regardless of disability, chronic illness, or rare condition—deserves equal access to care.”
“QALY measurements strip humanity away from a patient, leaving only dollar signs and data points. That has no place in our health care system. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and given the best care available,”said Congressman Hern.“I am proud to join Congresswoman Cammack on this bill to ban QALY measurements in all federal health care programs.”
“I am excited my colleagues Representatives Cammack and Hern have reintroduced the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act,”said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Guthrie.“We owe it to Americans – no matter the age, disability status, or measure of health – to provide high-quality care under federal health care programs. I’m thankful to both of my colleagues for reintroducing this sensible legislation that stops the immoral practice of placing arbitrary value on human life within our health care system.”
BACKGROUND:
Last Congress, this legislation passed the House with strong Republican support under the leadership of House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO), Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), and Rep. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH).
In the 119th Congress, the legislation will again receive a dual referral to both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Oaklands Farm Solar Park development consent decision announced
The Oaklands Farm Solar Park application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Oaklands Farm Solar Park
The application will comprise of the construction and operation of a solar farm plus energy storage with associated infrastructure and connection to the grid.
The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Oaklands Farm Solar Limited on 8 February 2024 and accepted for examination on 5 March 2024.
Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 19 March 2025.
This is the 94th energy application out of 158 applications examined to date and was again completed by the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory timescale laid down in the Planning Act 2008.
Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in this six-month examination.
The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.
The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.
Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email:
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, on 14 June, has honored the President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) Dr Akinwumi Adesina describing him as “a visionary leader, a tireless son of Africa who has dedicated his life to transform the narrative of the continent.”
President Samia Suluhu Hassan praised Adesina’s vital role in the development of her country’s economy, singling out large-scale infrastructure projects financed by the Bank.
During a two-day visit to Tanzania that began on Friday, Bank president Dr Akinwumi Adesina was invited on a tour of some of the Bank-financed infrastructure projects that are transforming Tanzania’s economy and strengthening its regional and international roles. This includes a new international airport and a major highway that encircles the administrative capital of Dodoma.
The Tanzanian leader highlighted projects in other sectors, such as agriculture and energy, that are financed by the Bank.
“This is in addition to the construction of a modern Standard Gauge Railway line that will link Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said President Suluhu Hassan.
The African Development Bank Group has invested $9 billion in Tanzania since it started its operations in the country in 1971. Total financial support over the last 10 years under Adesina’s leadership stands at $4.73 billion, equivalent to 53% of the Bank’s lending to Tanzania over the past 54 years.
“On behalf of the people of Tanzania, I express our gratitude to the African Development Bank for being a dependable partner of our country’s development journey,” the Tanzanian President said.
Referencing the Bank’s transformative impact, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan told Adesina, “Your visionary leadership has brought significant socio-economic change to Tanzania and across Africa.”
To cheers from the crowd President Suluhu Hassan announced, “I have accepted a recommendation by the Ministry of Works to rename the Dodoma Outer Ring Road as the Dr Akinwumi Adesina Road.”
Adesina, accompanied by his wife, Grace Yemisi Adesina, was visibly moved to tears.
The newly named 112-kilometer dual carriageway is a strategic link in the Cape to Cairo continental corridor. It will decongest Tanzania’s fast-growing administrative capital and enhance regional connectivity.
The Bank provided $138 million in funding for the project, with an additional $42 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund and $34.69 million from the Government of Tanzania.
Earlier, Adesina surprised the crowd when he delivered a lengthy portion of his speech in Kiswahili, the national language of Tanzania, which is widely spoken in East and Central Africa. After recognizing all dignitaries in Kiswahili, he went on to thank President Suluhu Hassan for the warm and generous hospitality accorded to him, first in the City of Peace, Dar es Salaam, and in the attractive city of Dodoma.
“Mheshimiwa Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan, ningependa kukushukuru kwa mapokezi yako ya upendo na ukarimu tuliopewa jana katika jiji la amani, Dar es Salaam na hapa pia katika jiji lenye mvuto la Dodoma. Nimefurahi sana kuwa hapa Dodoma,” Adesina said as the crowd cheered him on.
Earlier, on Friday 13 June, Adesina was awarded a Doctor of Science Honorary Degree (Honoris Causa) from the prestigious University of Dar es Salaam.
The citation highlighted Adesina’s leadership and “lifelong dedication to public service, evidence-based policymaking, and pan-African progress.”
It read further: “Dr Adesina exemplifies the rare blend of academic brilliance, visionary leadership, and practical impact that honorary doctorates are meant to recognize. His emphasis on inclusive growth, innovation, and economic resilience makes him a beacon of integrity, excellence, and servant leadership.”
The honorary degree was bestowed on Adesina by the Chancellor of the University and former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who said, “I would like to tell Tanzanians, the African Development Bank has been a major anchor of Tanzania’s development sector. When it comes to infrastructure, no institution comes close to the African Development Bank.”
Addressing the graduating class, Adesina spoke of his humble beginnings, emphasizing resilience, character, and unity. “Success cannot be achieved alone,” he said, inviting the students to rise, link hands, and repeat together: “Together, we will succeed and make a difference.”
In his congratulatory remarks, Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said, “Tanzania is proud to stand among the nations celebrating this remarkable journey and enduring legacy.”
From Dar es Salaam, Adesina, accompanied by former President Kikwete and Finance Minister Nchemba, took the Standard Gauge Railway train for the three-hour, 450-kilometre journey to Dodoma.
The African Development Bank Group has established a syndication strategy to mobilize $1.2 billion in conjunction with Deutsche Bank, Société Générale, and other partners for the 651-kilometre extension of the electrified Standard Gauge Railway that will connect Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The project financing, signed during the 2024 Africa Investment Forum Market Days and includes more than $85 million from the Bank’s concessional financing window, the African Development Fund, a mix of Partial Credit Guarantees totaling $994.3 million across some sections of the railway, complemented by $247 million from the Government of Tanzania in counterpart financing. Initial disbursement from the African Development Fund and partner, the OPEC Fund, is expected by July 2025.
Adesina said, “This railway line is a cornerstone of East Africa’s regional integration vision, aimed at delivering a modern, cost-effective, and high-capacity transport system anchored on the port of Dar es Salaam and linking landlocked nations.”
“Our shift from traditional road systems to integrated transport solutions is helping position Tanzania as a key logistics and trade hub in the region,” he added.
Accompanied by Adesina, President Suluhu Hassan travelled across more than 30 kilometers of the Dodoma Outer Ring Road, stopping along the way at the Bank-funded Msalato International Airport which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The state-of-the-art airport features a 3.6-kilometre landing strip—one of the longest in East Africa, with a capacity to accommodate Airbus A380 aircraft.
The African Development Bank has provided over $198 million to finance the Msalato International Airport project with $23 million coming from the African Development Fund and $50 million from the African Grow Together Fund.
– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact: Christin Roby Regional Communication Officer for East Africa Communication and External Relations Email: media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the importance of solidarity and collaboration in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.
Delivering a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University, the Deputy President explained that South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) comes at a time characterised by geopolitical tensions and economic disparities.
“As we gather here today, amidst the tumultuous global crises characterised by rising geopolitical tensions, trade wars, unemployment, inequality, poverty, armed conflicts, and climate catastrophe, it has become very clear that the world needs solidarity now more than ever,” the Deputy President said on Thursday.
Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Russia this week for a working visit aimed at strengthening economic and trade ties between the two nations.
The visit focuses on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining industries, as well as cooperation in science and technology.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency
Deputy President Mashatile’s speech highlighted South Africa’s role as the current chair of the G20 and its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” articulates the necessary principles of fostering a more inclusive global community.
“Only through exercising solidarity and identifying with each other’s struggles can we do justice to the notion of international community or ‘Ubuntu’.”
Deputy President Mashatile reiterated the importance of global solidarity, urging those present to work together to create a more equitable world.
“We aim to capitalise on the prospects of globalisation while limiting its risks and ensuring that the benefits of economic progress and technological advancement are shared by all,” he said.
He called for unity, adding that “we must build upon that legacy and strengthen our cooperation in science, technology, research, and innovation”.
Universities like St. Petersburg State University can play a pivotal role in bridging the priorities of BRICS, the African Union, and the G20. “Our future lies in knowledge economies, and your institution is a natural partner in this effort,” Mashatile added.
The country’s second-in-command praised the university’s Faculty of International Relations and the Institute for African Studies for their engagement with scholars across Africa.
He extended an invitation for deeper collaborations with leading South African institutions, emphasising the mutual benefits that such partnerships could foster.
The Deputy President highlighted the university’s impressive legacy, noting that it has produced numerous renowned figures, including President Vladimir Putin and the Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin.
“The presence of so many renowned scholars, leaders, and diplomats here today is a testament to the university’s continued relevance in shaping discourse on global affairs.”
The Deputy President reflected on the historical ties between South Africa and Russia, expressing gratitude for the support received during the anti-apartheid struggle.
Despite the prevailing geopolitical environment, he said South Africa is steadfast in its commitment to this course.
“… And with our G20 Presidency, we possess a unique opportunity to influence the global discourse on critical issues.”
Sustainable Development Goals
The G20 has a significant role to play in fostering global cooperation, collaboration and partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.
He announced the country’s G20 Presidency will, through its four overarching priorities, seek to address challenges that stifle the ability of the Global South to achieve desired levels of growth and development.
In addition, South Africa will take steps to enhance disaster resilience and response.
The country also aims to ensure debt sustainability for low-income nations, mobilise financing for a Just Energy Transition, and seek to leverage critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. – SAnews.gov.za
India has emerged as a country with the third-largest growth in power generation capacity globally over the past five years, according to the latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Only China and the United States surpassed India in power generation growth during this period.
It said “India has seen the third-largest growth in power generation capacity in the world after China and the United States”.
The report highlighted that India’s electricity demand has been rising sharply due to several factors. These include the expansion of commercial and residential spaces, increased ownership of air conditioners and other household appliances, and growing demand from industries.
To meet this growing demand, power generation in the country has expanded across all energy sources.
The report mentioned that a major driver of this expansion has been the strong push towards renewable energy.
The report noted a significant increase in investments in clean energy, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. In fact, solar PV alone accounted for more than half of the total non-fossil energy investment in India over the past five years. In 2024, as much as 83 per cent of power sector investment in the country went into clean energy initiatives.
India was also the largest recipient of development finance institution (DFI) funding for clean energy in 2024. The country received around USD 2.4 billion in project-specific funding aimed at boosting clean energy generation.
In terms of foreign investment, India has seen a steady rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the power sector. FDI reached USD 5 billion in 2023, nearly twice the level seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
This growth is partly driven by government policies that allow 100 per cent FDI in all areas of electricity generation (except nuclear power) and transmission infrastructure.
However, the report also pointed out that foreign portfolio investment in India’s energy sector has seen a decline in the past two years. This drop is attributed to a mix of macroeconomic and sector-specific challenges, though the long-term trend remains positive.
Overall, the IEA report outlined India’s strong performance in power generation and its growing focus on clean energy investment.
India has emerged as a country with the third-largest growth in power generation capacity globally over the past five years, according to the latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Only China and the United States surpassed India in power generation growth during this period.
It said “India has seen the third-largest growth in power generation capacity in the world after China and the United States”.
The report highlighted that India’s electricity demand has been rising sharply due to several factors. These include the expansion of commercial and residential spaces, increased ownership of air conditioners and other household appliances, and growing demand from industries.
To meet this growing demand, power generation in the country has expanded across all energy sources.
The report mentioned that a major driver of this expansion has been the strong push towards renewable energy.
The report noted a significant increase in investments in clean energy, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. In fact, solar PV alone accounted for more than half of the total non-fossil energy investment in India over the past five years. In 2024, as much as 83 per cent of power sector investment in the country went into clean energy initiatives.
India was also the largest recipient of development finance institution (DFI) funding for clean energy in 2024. The country received around USD 2.4 billion in project-specific funding aimed at boosting clean energy generation.
In terms of foreign investment, India has seen a steady rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the power sector. FDI reached USD 5 billion in 2023, nearly twice the level seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
This growth is partly driven by government policies that allow 100 per cent FDI in all areas of electricity generation (except nuclear power) and transmission infrastructure.
However, the report also pointed out that foreign portfolio investment in India’s energy sector has seen a decline in the past two years. This drop is attributed to a mix of macroeconomic and sector-specific challenges, though the long-term trend remains positive.
Overall, the IEA report outlined India’s strong performance in power generation and its growing focus on clean energy investment.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
New guidance issued for environmental impact assessments
Guidance offers greater clarity to offshore oil and gas developers.
New guidance provides clarity on how the global environmental impacts of proposed oil and gas projects in licensed fields should be assessed, following Supreme Court ruling.
Offshore developers will now be able to submit their applications for consent to develop already-licensed oil and gas fields.
Follows the Spending Review announcement of £9.4 billion for carbon capture and storage projects, including Acorn in Aberdeenshire, in a major step forward for the government’s plan to put the North Sea at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future.
Offshore oil and gas developers to benefit from greater clarity and stability, as new guidance responds to last year’s landmark Supreme Court ruling for the North Sea.
The government has acted decisively to respond to the independent Supreme Court, which ruled before this government took office that the global environmental effects of burning oil and gas are an inevitable consequence of extraction projects. This ruling means that North Sea operators for the first time are required to consider the impact of burning the extracted oil and gas in environmental impact assessments.
The new guidance, published today (19 June), will ensure the full effects of fossil fuel extraction on the environment are recognised in consenting decisions. It sets out how environmental impacts of oil and gas should be assessed, providing a clear way forward for the industry.
Offshore developers will now be able to submit their applications for consent to extract oil and gas in already-licensed fields, a process which has been on pause since the Finch Supreme Court judgment. When deciding on an application, the Energy Secretary will consider the significance of a project’s environmental impact, while taking into account and balancing relevant factors on a case-by-case basis – such as the potential economic impact and other implications of the project.
The publication brings greater clarity for Britain’s oil and gas sector, as the government continues its work with the industry to build a clean energy future for the North Sea. It comes as last week’s Spending Review confirmed £9.4 billion for carbon capture and storage projects – marking a major step forward in the government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower that will drive economic growth, create jobs and deliver the government’s Plan for Change.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
This new guidance offers clarity on the way forward for the North Sea oil and gas industry, following last year’s Supreme Court ruling.
It marks a step forward in ensuring the full implications of oil and gas extraction are considered for potential projects and that we ensure a managed, prosperous, and orderly transition to the North Sea’s clean energy future, in line with the science.
We are working with industry, trade unions, local communities and environmental groups to ensure the North Sea and its workers are at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future for decades to come – supporting well-paid, skilled jobs, driving growth and boosting our energy security.
The new guidance is aimed at applications for projects in North Sea oil and gas fields that are already licensed.
Today’s publication follows decisive action from the government to consult on the required changes – hearing from the industry, NGOs, trade unions, academia and members of the public – in light of the Court’s ruling a year ago this week.
The update follows news last week that the government will provide around £200 million to progress the Acorn project in Aberdeenshire, subject to business case, as part of the £9.4 billion commitment in the Spending Review for carbon capture and storage projects across the UK. Industry predicts the Acorn project will support approximately 15,000 jobs at peak construction – bolstering the region’s proud energy history and delivering on the Plan for Change.
The investment is just one part of the government’s plan to bring growth, jobs and investment to the North Sea. Later this year, the government will respond to its consultation on how to support a successful clean energy transition for the North Sea and its workers – and on the commitment not to issue new licences to explore new oil and gas fields.
Support to help oil and gas workers maximise the opportunities of the clean energy transition is already underway. Earlier this year, the government confirmed Aberdeen as one of four key growth regions for clean energy – alongside Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire – and launched pilots to help workers in these areas access jobs in new clean energy industries.
Oil and gas workers will also get help to move into these sectors, thanks to a new energy ‘skills passport’ launched this year – led by Offshore Energies UK and RenewableUK, and backed by UK and Scottish Governments. This tool will support workers into careers in offshore wind initially, before being expanded to other renewables roles later this year.
Notes to editors:
The guidance published today on assessing effects of downstream scope 3 emissions on climate is supplementary to existing guidance on Environmental Impact Assessments for oil and gas extraction projects.
This guidance is intended to assist developers in understanding the Environmental Impact Assessment process. It is not intended to provide a definitive statement of the law or to constitute legal advice.
Developers remain responsible for ensuring that their environmental statements are prepared by competent experts and should seek technical and legal advice as necessary.
The government’s response to the consultation on the guidance for assessing effects of downstream scope 3 emissions on climate has also been published on gov.uk.
Offshore developers will now be able to submit their applications for consent to extract oil and gas in already-licensed fields. There is no change to the legislation and the process remains the same. Environmental statements are subject to public notice requirements for 30 days. The Energy Secretary may request further information if required in order for a decision to be reached and such further information may be subject to a further public notice period. The Energy Secretary will then make a decision on whether or not to agree to the grant of consent, once all the relevant information has been provided. This means the government does not anticipate taking any decisions until Autumn at the earliest, on applications received following the new guidance.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
Africa Global Logistics (AGL) – a leading multimodal logistics, transport and port operations company in Africa – has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 conference as a Bronze Sponsor. The event will take place on September 3-4 in Luanda. AGL’s participation reflects its growing commitment to strengthening supply chains in Angola, as it expands and modernizes logistics and port operations across the country.
Operating through port, road, rail and air freight services, AGL has significantly grown its footprint in Angola in recent years, investing in infrastructure upgrades and offering turnkey logistics management solutions. With one of the largest logistics networks in Africa, the company provides reliable, flexible solutions that support oil and gas projects and create added value. As an AOG 2025 sponsor, AGL aligns with Angola’s broader goals of increasing oil production and boosting intra-African petroleum trade.
AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
AGL’s sponsorship comes at a pivotal time for Angola, as the country prepares to bring several major developments online between 2025 and 2028. These include the Cabinda Oil Refinery (2025), the Agogo Integrated West Hub (late 2025), the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields (2026) and the Kaminho Deepwater Development (2028). These projects require coordinated logistics operations to ensure the safe, continuous delivery of supplies – from offshore FPSOs to onshore facilities and export terminals. AGL’s engagement at AOG 2025 is set to foster deeper collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders, supporting these projects through direct engagement and potential partnerships.
In 2024, AGL launched operations at the AGL Lobito Terminal, located at Angola’s largest port hub, the Port of Lobito. The terminal accommodates large-capacity ships and handles over one million tons of bulk goods and more than 100,000 TEU containers annually. AGL won the international tender for the development of the container and multipurpose terminal in 2023, aiming to enhance the port’s connectivity and support Angola’s trade and industrialization ambitions.
In addition to supporting oil and gas trade, the modernized terminal serves as the first Atlantic gateway providing access to Africa’s copper-belt regions. Connected to the Lobito Railway – which links Zambia and the DRC to international markets via the port – the terminal facilitates critical mineral exports and supports the development of agricultural basins across these countries. AGL’s participation at AOG 2025 presents an opportunity for closer engagement across Angola’s upstream, downstream and logistics value chains. As Angola ramps up oil and gas output and expands exports, AGL’s expertise will be instrumental in delivering the infrastructure and services needed to support these ambitions.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
Nigerian energy company Green Energy International (GEIL) has completed the development of the Otakikpo onshore terminal, situated in OML 11 near Port Harcourt. In June 2025, the company lifted its first crude cargo from the newly-constructed facility – the first indigenous onshore terminal constructed in the country in five decades – signaling the start of operations at the terminal.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – the voice of the African energy sector – commends GEIL for the development of the onshore terminal. The AEC believes that facilities such as this will play an instrumental part in supporting marginal field production by facilitating crude exports and increasing revenue generation in Nigeria. As the country strives to produce two million barrels per day (bpd), projects of this nature will support new investments by providing a direct route from offshore fields to market.
The Otakikpo terminal was developed in two years – six months ahead of schedule. The company broke ground on the construction of the facility in February 2023, with the development of storage facilities and the associated pipeline advancing in February 2024. Construction works continued to progress through May 2024, with associated infrastructure at the terminal – including offices and pump facilities – progressing in December 2024. By March 2025, the facility began injecting crude, with GEIL’s production averaging 5,000 bpd. GEIL has since received regulatory approval from the government to boost production to 30,000 bpd under a revised field development plan. In June 2025, the facility received its first cargo via a vessel chartered by energy major Shell. The maiden cargo transported crude from the Otakikpo marginal field – located in Rivers State and operated by GEIL – to the terminal, kickstarting a new era of efficient crude distribution in Nigeria.
The terminal itself is a state-of-the-art facility with a storage capacity of 750,000 barrels. Plans are underway to increase storage capacity to three million barrels – dependent on market demands. The terminal is designed with an export capacity of 360,000 bpd, with crude transported via a 23-km, 20-inch pipeline connected to a single point mooring system in the Atlantic Ocean. At the site, tankers – such as Aframax chartered by Shell – can dock and load. The terminal is expected to significantly reduce operating costs for marginal fields in OML 11, primarily through cost-effective transportation. Prior to the construction of the onshore terminal, GEIL relied on barges to transport crude. However, with the terminal, the company stands to reduce the reliance on costly offshore floating stations, reducing overall operational costs by 40%.
For Nigeria’s marginal fields, the terminal opens new doors for greater operational efficiency. The terminal is expected to unlock previously-stranded crude from more than 40 marginal fields across the region, with a capacity to receive up to 250,000 bpd from third-party producers. The government has long-sought to revive crude production through the development of marginal fields. A marginal field bidding round was launched in 2020 to entice indigenous operators to invest in marginal field opportunities, drawing in 591 companies seeking to develop 57 oilfields. Ultimately, 161 companies were shortlisted, most of which represented indigenous operators. Improved fiscals introduced through Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act in 2021 further enticed investments by both international and regional players. Looking ahead, these foundations have seen a rise in marginal field production, with the GEIL-developed onshore terminal set to further support investments and exports.
“GEIL is not only setting a strong benchmark for other independent operators in Nigeria but serves as a testament to the central role indigenous energy companies play in the country’s oil and gas sector. By establishing a domestic solution to producing, storing and exporting crude, GEIL is supporting marginal field production while laying the foundation for most efficient oil operations. The facility will play an instrumental part in supporting the country’s crude production goals,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Had Israel not launched its unprovoked attack on Iran on Friday night, in direct violation of the UN Charter, Iran would now be taking part in the sixth round of negotiations concerning the future of its nuclear programme, meeting with representatives from the United States in Muscat, the capital of Oman.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu claimed he acted to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb, saying Iran had the capacity to build nine nuclear weapons. Israel provided no evidence to back up its claims.
On 25 March 2025, Trump’s own National Director of Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard said:
“The IC [Intelligence Community] continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons programme he suspended in 2003. The IC is monitoring if Tehran decides to reauthorise its nuclear weapons programme”
Even if Iran had the capability to build a bomb, it is quite another thing to have the will to do so.
Any such bomb would need to be tested first, and any such test would be quickly detected by a series of satellites on the lookout for nuclear detonations anywhere on the planet.
It is more likely that Israel launched its attack to stop US and Iranian negotiators from meeting on Sunday.
Only a month ago, Iran’s lead negotiator in the nuclear talks, Ali Shamkhani, told US television that Iran was ready to do a deal. NBC journalist Richard Engel reports:
“Shamkhani said Iran is willing to commit to never having a nuclear weapon, to get rid of its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, to only enrich to a level needed for civilian use and to allow inspectors in to oversee it all, in exchange for lifting all sanctions immediately. He said Iran would accept that deal tonight.”
Inside Iran as Trump presses for nuclear deal. Video: NBC News
Shamkhani died on Saturday, following injuries he suffered during Israel’s attack on Friday night. It appears that Israel not only opposed a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear impasse: Israel killed it directly.
A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, told a news conference in Tehran the talks would be suspended until Israel halts its attacks:
“It is obvious that in such circumstances and until the Zionist regime’s aggression against the Iranian nation stops, it would be meaningless to participate with the party that is the biggest supporter and accomplice of the aggressor.”
On 1 April 2024, Israel launched an airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Syria, killing 16 people, including a woman and her son. The attack violated international norms regarding the protection of diplomatic premises under the Vienna Convention.
It is worth noting how the TheNew York Times described the occupation of the US Embassy in November 1979:
“But it is the Ayatollah himself who is doing the devil’s work by inciting and condoning the student invasion of the American and British Embassies in Tehran. This is not just a diplomatic affront; it is a declaration of war on diplomacy itself, on usages and traditions honoured by all nations, however old and new, whatever belief.
“The immunities given a ruler’s emissaries were respected by the kings of Persia during wars with Greece and by the Ayatollah’s spiritual ancestors during the Crusades.”
Now it is Israel conducting a “war on diplomacy itself”, first with the attack on the embassy, followed by Friday’s surprise attack on Iran. Scuppering a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue appears to be the aim. To make matters worse, Israel’s recklessness could yet cause a major war.
Trump: Inconsistent and ineffective In an interview with Time magazine on 22 April 2025, Trump denied he had stopped Israel from attacking Iran’s nuclear sites.
“No, it’s not right. I didn’t stop them. But I didn’t make it comfortable for them, because I think we can make a deal without the attack. I hope we can. It’s possible we’ll have to attack because Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.
“But I didn’t make it comfortable for them, but I didn’t say no. Ultimately I was going to leave that choice to them, but I said I would much prefer a deal than bombs being dropped.”
— US President Donald Trump
In the same interview Trump boasted “I think we’re going to make a deal with Iran. Nobody else could do that.” Except, someone else had already done that — only for Trump to abandon the deal in his first term as president.
In July 2015 Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) alongside the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the European Union. Iran pledged to curb its nuclear programme for 10-15 years in exchange for the removal of some economic sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also gained access and verification powers.
Iran also agreed to limit uranium enrichment to 3.67 per cent U-235, allowing it to maintain its nuclear power reactors.
Despite clear signs the nuclear deal was working, Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA and reinstated sanctions on Iran in November 2018. Despite the unilateral American action, Iran kept to the deal for a time, but in January 2020 Iran declared it would no longer abide by the limitations included in JCPOA but would continue to work with the IAEA.
By pulling out of the deal and reinstating sanctions, the US and Israel effectively created a strong incentive for Iran to resume enriching uranium to higher levels, not for the sake of making a bomb, but as the most obvious means of creating leverage to remove the sanctions.
As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Iran is allowed to enrich uranium for civilian fuel programmes.
Iran’s nuclear programme began in the 1960s with US assistance. Prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran was ruled by the brutal dictatorship of the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahavi.
American corporations saw Iran as a potential market for expansion. During the 1970s the US suggested to the Shah he needed not one but several nuclear reactors to meet Iran’s future electricity needs. In June 1974, the Shah declared that Iran would have nuclear weapons, “without a doubt and sooner than one would think”.
In 2007, I wrote an article for Peace Researcher where I examined US claims that Iran does not need nuclear power because it is sitting on one of the largest gas supplies in the world. One of the most interesting things I discovered while researching the article was the relevance of air pollution, a critical public health concern in Iran.
In 2024, health officials estimated that air pollution is responsible for 40,000 deaths a year in Iran. Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said the “majority of these deaths were due to cardiovascular diseases, strokes, respiratory issues, and cancers”.
Sahimi describes levels of air pollution in Tehran and other major Iranian cities as “catastrophic”, with elementary schools having to close on some days as a result. There was little media coverage of the air pollution issue in relation to Iran’s energy mix then, and I have seen hardly any since.
An energy research project, Advanced Energy Technologies provides a useful summary of electricity production in Iran as it stood in 2023.
Iranian electricity production in 2023. Source: Advanced Energy Technologies
With around 94.6 percent of electricity generation dependent on fossil fuels, there are serious environmental reasons why Iran should not be encouraged to depend on oil and gas for its electricity needs — not to mention the prospect of climate change.
One could also question the safety of nuclear power in one of the most seismically active countries in the world, however it would be fair to ask the same question of countries like Japan, which aims to increase its use of nuclear power to about 20 percent of the country’s total electricity generation by 2040, despite the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran’s uranium enrichment programme “must continue”, but the “scope and level may change”. Prior to the talks in Oman, Araghchi highlighted the “constant change” in US positions as a problem.
Trump’s rhetoric on uranium enrichment has shifted repeatedly.
He told Meet the Press on May 4 that “total dismantlement” of the nuclear program is “all I would accept.” He suggested that Iran does not need nuclear energy because of its oil reserves. But on May 7, when asked specifically about allowing Iran to retain a limited enrichment program, Trump said “we haven’t made that decision yet.”
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a May 14 interview with NBC that Iran is ready to sign a deal with the United States and reiterated that Iran is willing to limit uranium enrichment to low levels. He previously suggested in a May 7 post on X that any deal should include a “recognition of Iran’s right to industrial enrichment.”
That recognition, plus the removal of U.S. and international sanctions, “can guarantee a deal,” Shamkhani said.
So with Iran seemingly willing to accept reasonable conditions, why was a deal not reached last month? It appears the US changed its position, and demanded Iran cease all enrichment of uranium, including what Iran needs for its power stations.
One wonders if Zionist lobby groups like AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) influenced this decision. One could recall what happened during Benjamin Netanyahu’s first stint as Israel’s Prime Minister (1996-1999) to illustrate the point.
In April 1995 AIPAC published a report titled ‘Comprehensive US Sanctions Against Iran: A Plan for Action’. In 1997 Mohammad Khatami was elected as President of Iran. The following year Khatami expressed regret for the takeover of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 and denounced terrorism against Israelis, while noting that “supporting peoples who fight for their liberation of their land is not, in my opinion, supporting terrorism”.
The threat of improved relations between Iran and the US sent the Israeli government led by Netanyahu into a panic. The Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz reported that “Israel has expressed concern to Washington of an impending change of policy by the United States towards Iran” adding that Netanyahu “asked AIPAC . . . to act vigorously in Congress to prevent such a policy shift.”
20 years ago the Israeli lobby were claiming an Iranian nuclear bomb was imminent. It didn’t happen.
Netanyahu’s Iran nuclear warnings. Video: Al Jazeera
The misguided efforts of Israel and the United States to contain Iran’s use of nuclear technology are not only counterproductive — they risk being a catastrophic failure. If one was going to design a policy to convince Iran nuclear weapons may be needed for its own defence, it is hard to imagine a policy more effective than the one Israel has pursued for the past 30 years.My 2007 Peace Researcher article asked a simple question: ‘Why does Iran want nuclear weapons?’ My introduction could have been written yesterday.
“With all the talk about Iran and the intentions of its nuclear programme it is a shame the West continues to undermine its own position with selective morality and obvious hypocrisy. It seems amazing there can be so much written about this issue, yet so little addresses the obvious question – ‘for what reasons could Iran want nuclear weapons?’.
“As Simon Jenkins (2006) points out, the answer is as simple as looking at a map. ‘I would sleep happier if there were no Iranian bomb but a swamp of hypocrisy separates me from overly protesting it. Iran is a proud country that sits between nuclear Pakistan and India to its east, a nuclear Russia to its north and a nuclear Israel to its west. Adjacent Afghanistan and Iraq are occupied at will by a nuclear America, which backed Saddam Hussein in his 1980 invasion of Iran. How can we say such a country has no right’ to nuclear defence?’”
This week the German Foreign Office reached new heights in hypocrisy with this absurd tweet.
Iran has no nuclear weapons. Israel does. Iran is a signatory to the NPT. Israel is not. Iran allows IAEA inspections. Israel does not.
Starting another war will not make us forget, nor forgive what Israel is doing in Gaza.
From the river to the sea, credibility requires consistency.
I write about New Zealand and international politics, with particular interests in political economy, history, philosophy, transport, and workers’ rights. I don’t like war very much.
Joe Hendren writes about New Zealand and international politics, with particular interests in political economy, history, philosophy, transport, and workers’ rights. Republished with his permission. Read this original article on his Substack account with full references.
Had Israel not launched its unprovoked attack on Iran on Friday night, in direct violation of the UN Charter, Iran would now be taking part in the sixth round of negotiations concerning the future of its nuclear programme, meeting with representatives from the United States in Muscat, the capital of Oman.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu claimed he acted to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb, saying Iran had the capacity to build nine nuclear weapons. Israel provided no evidence to back up its claims.
On 25 March 2025, Trump’s own National Director of Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard said:
“The IC [Intelligence Community] continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons programme he suspended in 2003. The IC is monitoring if Tehran decides to reauthorise its nuclear weapons programme”
Even if Iran had the capability to build a bomb, it is quite another thing to have the will to do so.
Any such bomb would need to be tested first, and any such test would be quickly detected by a series of satellites on the lookout for nuclear detonations anywhere on the planet.
It is more likely that Israel launched its attack to stop US and Iranian negotiators from meeting on Sunday.
Only a month ago, Iran’s lead negotiator in the nuclear talks, Ali Shamkhani, told US television that Iran was ready to do a deal. NBC journalist Richard Engel reports:
“Shamkhani said Iran is willing to commit to never having a nuclear weapon, to get rid of its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, to only enrich to a level needed for civilian use and to allow inspectors in to oversee it all, in exchange for lifting all sanctions immediately. He said Iran would accept that deal tonight.”
Inside Iran as Trump presses for nuclear deal. Video: NBC News
Shamkhani died on Saturday, following injuries he suffered during Israel’s attack on Friday night. It appears that Israel not only opposed a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear impasse: Israel killed it directly.
A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, told a news conference in Tehran the talks would be suspended until Israel halts its attacks:
“It is obvious that in such circumstances and until the Zionist regime’s aggression against the Iranian nation stops, it would be meaningless to participate with the party that is the biggest supporter and accomplice of the aggressor.”
On 1 April 2024, Israel launched an airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Syria, killing 16 people, including a woman and her son. The attack violated international norms regarding the protection of diplomatic premises under the Vienna Convention.
It is worth noting how the TheNew York Times described the occupation of the US Embassy in November 1979:
“But it is the Ayatollah himself who is doing the devil’s work by inciting and condoning the student invasion of the American and British Embassies in Tehran. This is not just a diplomatic affront; it is a declaration of war on diplomacy itself, on usages and traditions honoured by all nations, however old and new, whatever belief.
“The immunities given a ruler’s emissaries were respected by the kings of Persia during wars with Greece and by the Ayatollah’s spiritual ancestors during the Crusades.”
Now it is Israel conducting a “war on diplomacy itself”, first with the attack on the embassy, followed by Friday’s surprise attack on Iran. Scuppering a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue appears to be the aim. To make matters worse, Israel’s recklessness could yet cause a major war.
Trump: Inconsistent and ineffective In an interview with Time magazine on 22 April 2025, Trump denied he had stopped Israel from attacking Iran’s nuclear sites.
“No, it’s not right. I didn’t stop them. But I didn’t make it comfortable for them, because I think we can make a deal without the attack. I hope we can. It’s possible we’ll have to attack because Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.
“But I didn’t make it comfortable for them, but I didn’t say no. Ultimately I was going to leave that choice to them, but I said I would much prefer a deal than bombs being dropped.”
— US President Donald Trump
In the same interview Trump boasted “I think we’re going to make a deal with Iran. Nobody else could do that.” Except, someone else had already done that — only for Trump to abandon the deal in his first term as president.
In July 2015 Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) alongside the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the European Union. Iran pledged to curb its nuclear programme for 10-15 years in exchange for the removal of some economic sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also gained access and verification powers.
Iran also agreed to limit uranium enrichment to 3.67 per cent U-235, allowing it to maintain its nuclear power reactors.
Despite clear signs the nuclear deal was working, Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA and reinstated sanctions on Iran in November 2018. Despite the unilateral American action, Iran kept to the deal for a time, but in January 2020 Iran declared it would no longer abide by the limitations included in JCPOA but would continue to work with the IAEA.
By pulling out of the deal and reinstating sanctions, the US and Israel effectively created a strong incentive for Iran to resume enriching uranium to higher levels, not for the sake of making a bomb, but as the most obvious means of creating leverage to remove the sanctions.
As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Iran is allowed to enrich uranium for civilian fuel programmes.
Iran’s nuclear programme began in the 1960s with US assistance. Prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran was ruled by the brutal dictatorship of the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahavi.
American corporations saw Iran as a potential market for expansion. During the 1970s the US suggested to the Shah he needed not one but several nuclear reactors to meet Iran’s future electricity needs. In June 1974, the Shah declared that Iran would have nuclear weapons, “without a doubt and sooner than one would think”.
In 2007, I wrote an article for Peace Researcher where I examined US claims that Iran does not need nuclear power because it is sitting on one of the largest gas supplies in the world. One of the most interesting things I discovered while researching the article was the relevance of air pollution, a critical public health concern in Iran.
In 2024, health officials estimated that air pollution is responsible for 40,000 deaths a year in Iran. Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said the “majority of these deaths were due to cardiovascular diseases, strokes, respiratory issues, and cancers”.
Sahimi describes levels of air pollution in Tehran and other major Iranian cities as “catastrophic”, with elementary schools having to close on some days as a result. There was little media coverage of the air pollution issue in relation to Iran’s energy mix then, and I have seen hardly any since.
An energy research project, Advanced Energy Technologies provides a useful summary of electricity production in Iran as it stood in 2023.
Iranian electricity production in 2023. Source: Advanced Energy Technologies
With around 94.6 percent of electricity generation dependent on fossil fuels, there are serious environmental reasons why Iran should not be encouraged to depend on oil and gas for its electricity needs — not to mention the prospect of climate change.
One could also question the safety of nuclear power in one of the most seismically active countries in the world, however it would be fair to ask the same question of countries like Japan, which aims to increase its use of nuclear power to about 20 percent of the country’s total electricity generation by 2040, despite the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran’s uranium enrichment programme “must continue”, but the “scope and level may change”. Prior to the talks in Oman, Araghchi highlighted the “constant change” in US positions as a problem.
Trump’s rhetoric on uranium enrichment has shifted repeatedly.
He told Meet the Press on May 4 that “total dismantlement” of the nuclear program is “all I would accept.” He suggested that Iran does not need nuclear energy because of its oil reserves. But on May 7, when asked specifically about allowing Iran to retain a limited enrichment program, Trump said “we haven’t made that decision yet.”
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a May 14 interview with NBC that Iran is ready to sign a deal with the United States and reiterated that Iran is willing to limit uranium enrichment to low levels. He previously suggested in a May 7 post on X that any deal should include a “recognition of Iran’s right to industrial enrichment.”
That recognition, plus the removal of U.S. and international sanctions, “can guarantee a deal,” Shamkhani said.
So with Iran seemingly willing to accept reasonable conditions, why was a deal not reached last month? It appears the US changed its position, and demanded Iran cease all enrichment of uranium, including what Iran needs for its power stations.
One wonders if Zionist lobby groups like AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) influenced this decision. One could recall what happened during Benjamin Netanyahu’s first stint as Israel’s Prime Minister (1996-1999) to illustrate the point.
In April 1995 AIPAC published a report titled ‘Comprehensive US Sanctions Against Iran: A Plan for Action’. In 1997 Mohammad Khatami was elected as President of Iran. The following year Khatami expressed regret for the takeover of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 and denounced terrorism against Israelis, while noting that “supporting peoples who fight for their liberation of their land is not, in my opinion, supporting terrorism”.
The threat of improved relations between Iran and the US sent the Israeli government led by Netanyahu into a panic. The Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz reported that “Israel has expressed concern to Washington of an impending change of policy by the United States towards Iran” adding that Netanyahu “asked AIPAC . . . to act vigorously in Congress to prevent such a policy shift.”
20 years ago the Israeli lobby were claiming an Iranian nuclear bomb was imminent. It didn’t happen.
Netanyahu’s Iran nuclear warnings. Video: Al Jazeera
The misguided efforts of Israel and the United States to contain Iran’s use of nuclear technology are not only counterproductive — they risk being a catastrophic failure. If one was going to design a policy to convince Iran nuclear weapons may be needed for its own defence, it is hard to imagine a policy more effective than the one Israel has pursued for the past 30 years.My 2007 Peace Researcher article asked a simple question: ‘Why does Iran want nuclear weapons?’ My introduction could have been written yesterday.
“With all the talk about Iran and the intentions of its nuclear programme it is a shame the West continues to undermine its own position with selective morality and obvious hypocrisy. It seems amazing there can be so much written about this issue, yet so little addresses the obvious question – ‘for what reasons could Iran want nuclear weapons?’.
“As Simon Jenkins (2006) points out, the answer is as simple as looking at a map. ‘I would sleep happier if there were no Iranian bomb but a swamp of hypocrisy separates me from overly protesting it. Iran is a proud country that sits between nuclear Pakistan and India to its east, a nuclear Russia to its north and a nuclear Israel to its west. Adjacent Afghanistan and Iraq are occupied at will by a nuclear America, which backed Saddam Hussein in his 1980 invasion of Iran. How can we say such a country has no right’ to nuclear defence?’”
This week the German Foreign Office reached new heights in hypocrisy with this absurd tweet.
Iran has no nuclear weapons. Israel does. Iran is a signatory to the NPT. Israel is not. Iran allows IAEA inspections. Israel does not.
Starting another war will not make us forget, nor forgive what Israel is doing in Gaza.
From the river to the sea, credibility requires consistency.
I write about New Zealand and international politics, with particular interests in political economy, history, philosophy, transport, and workers’ rights. I don’t like war very much.
Joe Hendren writes about New Zealand and international politics, with particular interests in political economy, history, philosophy, transport, and workers’ rights. Republished with his permission. Read this original article on his Substack account with full references.
Sharif Salim Al-Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has joined African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies to discuss collaborative opportunities in oil and gas. Taking place on September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, the event is the premier platform for Africa’s energy industry. Al-Olama’s participation is expected to open new doors for multilateral deals and partnerships.
The UAE has emerged as Africa’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with investments from Emirati companies totaling $110 billion between 2019 and 2023. This reflects a broader trend by Emirati companies to expand their portfolios in Africa, with strengthened cooperation set to unlock a wealth of development opportunities for African nations. As African countries pursue new sources of finance to advance projects in oil, gas and logistics, UAE expertise and technology will prove invaluable. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Al-Olama is expected to share insights into opportunities for UAE-Africa collaboration.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Looking to consolidate its position as a major player in Africa’s energy landscape, the UAE has strengthened ties with African nations in recent months. A deal signed with Morocco will see the UAE support the development of the Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline – transporting Nigerian gas to North Africa and then on to Europe. The UAE will help mobilize financing for the project through its Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund. As of May 2025, the feasibility and preliminary engineering studies for the pipeline were complete. Agreements have also been signed with Tanzania for the operation and modernization of port infrastructure while the UAE and Kenya signed a landmark comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2025. The UAE also launched the UAE-Africa Gateway initiative in 2025, aimed at enhancing investment opportunities for Emirati companies in the sub-Saharan African region. The initiative seeks to mobilize private sector investment to advance African projects and strengthen UAE-Africa cooperation.
The UAE’s state-owned oil and gas companies are also expanding their presence in Africa. Notably, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is deepening its footprint across the continent, with strategic investments in exploration and infrastructure development. Recent milestones include ADNOC’s international arm XRG acquiring a 10% stake in Mozambique’s offshore Rovuma Basin Area 4 concession. The acquisition includes stakes in the operational Coral South FLNG project, the planned Coral North FLNG project and the Rovuma LNG projects. Collectively, these projects have a target production capacity of 25 million tons per annum. In Egypt, ADNOC partnered with energy major bp to establish Arcius Energy – a natural gas platform to unlock the country’s upstream potential. The platform aligns with ADNOC’s international expansion plans.
Beyond oil and gas, UAE-based companies have played an instrumental role in strengthening Africa’s trade and logistics sector. Companies such as DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports have expanded their presence across the continent. DP World operates six African ports while Abu Dhabi Ports have recently extended operations into Guinea, Egypt and Angola. In the clean energy space, Emirati companies are leading projects in solar, green hydrogen and power. Notably, Masdar has committed $2 billion to renewable energy projects in Africa through 2030, unlocking significant opportunities for African countries. AMEA Power is investing in a series of renewable energy projects across the continent, including $620 million in a 300MW wind project in Ethiopia; a 120 million solar project in South Africa; a 1GW green hydrogen development in Mauritania; two battery storage projects in South Africa; a 150 MW solar plant in Angola; among others. Currently, the company has more than 2.6 GW of clean energy projects either in operation of under construction in Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Togo and Tunisia.
“The UAE has emerged as a strong partner for African countries seeking to advance the development of their oil, gas, clean energy and infrastructure industries. By expanding their presence across the market, partnering with African firms and mobilizing capital for impactful projects, Emirati companies are playing a major role in supporting Africa’s economic growth,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Question for written answer E-002357/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Niels Flemming Hansen (PPE)
The recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introduces a pivotal shift towards measured energy performance (Annex I), which assesses a building’s actual energy consumption. This data-driven approach is a significant improvement over the theoretical models used for traditional Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which often fail to reflect real-world energy use.
Adopting measured performance is critical for ensuring that building renovations deliver verifiable energy savings, thereby enhancing accountability, de-risking investments and building public trust. However, the successful EU-wide implementation of this principle depends entirely on clear guidance from the Commission and robust support for Member States.
In the light of the above:
1.What specific actions will the Commission take to develop and disseminate clear guidance for Member States on the effective implementation of measured energy performance, as introduced in the recast EPBD?
2.How does the Commission intend to support the development of a harmonised, pan-European certification scheme for measured performance systems to ensure their reliability and comparability across the EU?
3.Given that other international partners, such as the United Kingdom, have already begun to shift renovation policies towards a measured performance framework, what steps will the Commission take to analyse the lessons learned from these experiences to inform best practice within the EU?
Question for written answer E-002357/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Niels Flemming Hansen (PPE)
The recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introduces a pivotal shift towards measured energy performance (Annex I), which assesses a building’s actual energy consumption. This data-driven approach is a significant improvement over the theoretical models used for traditional Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which often fail to reflect real-world energy use.
Adopting measured performance is critical for ensuring that building renovations deliver verifiable energy savings, thereby enhancing accountability, de-risking investments and building public trust. However, the successful EU-wide implementation of this principle depends entirely on clear guidance from the Commission and robust support for Member States.
In the light of the above:
1.What specific actions will the Commission take to develop and disseminate clear guidance for Member States on the effective implementation of measured energy performance, as introduced in the recast EPBD?
2.How does the Commission intend to support the development of a harmonised, pan-European certification scheme for measured performance systems to ensure their reliability and comparability across the EU?
3.Given that other international partners, such as the United Kingdom, have already begun to shift renovation policies towards a measured performance framework, what steps will the Commission take to analyse the lessons learned from these experiences to inform best practice within the EU?
On 24 June, Parliament will host Bill Gates for a debate on development assistance and innovation as key drivers for improving health and living standards in the Global South.
WHEN: Tuesday, 24 June, 17:45-18:45 CET
WHERE: European Parliament, ANTALL building, room 6Q2
MEPs from the Committee on Development, together with colleagues from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Public Health, will host an exchange of views with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, on Tuesday 24 June.
The hour-long session with Mr Gates will focus on the role of official development assistance (ODA) and innovation as key drivers for improving health and living standards in the Global South.
The debate comes at a time when major global development donors – including the US administration under Trump and several EU member states – are cutting their aid budgets and questioning the value of traditional ODA. In doing so they are contributing to an already-acute global development financing gap reaching into the trillions of dollars.
Since its creation by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in 2000, the Gates Foundation has grown to become one of the largest private philanthropic organisations worldwide, with a strong focus on public health in developing countries.
2. Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 72) (action taken)
The decision of the LIBE Committee to enter into interinstitutional negotiations had been announced on 16 June 2025 (minutes of 16.6.2025, item 12).
As no request for a vote pursuant to Rule 72(2) had been made, the committee responsible had been able to enter into negotiations upon expiry of the deadline.
3. Upcoming NATO summit on 24-26 June 2025 (debate)
Commission statement: Upcoming NATO summit on 24-26 June 2025 (2025/2748(RSP))
The President provided some clarifications on the arrangements for the conduct of the debate, for which a test format was to be used.
Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statement.
The following spoke: Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, on behalf of the PPE Group, Yannis Maniatis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Harald Vilimsky, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alexandr Vondra, on behalf of the ECR Group, Valérie Hayer, on behalf of the Renew Group, Bas Eickhout, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Marc Botenga, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Michael Gahler, Sven Mikser, Jean-Paul Garraud, Adam Bielan, Dan Barna, Mārtiņš Staķis, Özlem Demirel, Milan Uhrík, Ruth Firmenich, Ingeborg Ter Laak and Eero Heinäluoma.
IN THE CHAIR: Sabine VERHEYEN Vice-President
The following spoke: Anna Bryłka, Rasa Juknevičienė, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Petras Auštrevičius, Sebastião Bugalho, Hannah Neumann, Merja Kyllönen, Pekka Toveri, Elio Di Rupo, Roberto Vannacci, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Wouter Beke, Dan Nica, Hans Neuhoff, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Branislav Ondruš, who also answered a blue-card question from Maria Grapini, Riho Terras, Tobias Cremer, Jaak Madison, Markéta Gregorová, Michał Szczerba, Marina Mesure, Sarah Knafo, Ondřej Dostál, Angelika Niebler, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Özlem Demirel, Tonino Picula, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Massimiliano Salini, Evin Incir, Lucia Yar, Mika Aaltola, Giorgos Georgiou, Davor Ivo Stier, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, Georgiana Teodorescu, Reinier Van Lanschot, Željana Zovko, Rihards Kols, Irene Montero, Eszter Lakos, Petar Volgin and Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez.
IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ Vice-President
The following spoke: José Cepeda, Petra Steger, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Marta Wcisło, Jüri Ratas, Loucas Fourlas, Niels Fuglsang, Engin Eroglu, Miriam Lexmann, Kathleen Funchion, Ana Miguel Pedro, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Francisco Assis, Matej Tonin, Johan Van Overtveldt, Anders Vistisen, Marta Wcisło, Ville Niinistö, Sandra Kalniete and Danilo Della Valle.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Hélder Sousa Silva, Maria Grapini, João Oliveira, Petras Gražulis, Lukas Sieper, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos and Juan Fernando López Aguilar.
The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.
The debate closed.
(The sitting was suspended at 11:43.)
IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA President
4. Resumption of the sitting
The sitting resumed at 12:00.
5. Voting time
For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.
5.1. Macro-financial assistance to Egypt ***I (vote)
Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on providing macro-financial assistance to the Arab Republic of Egypt [COM(2024)0461 – C10-0009/2024 – 2024/0071(COD)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Céline Imart (A10-0037/2025)
An initial vote had been held on 1 April 2025 and the matter had been referred back to the committee responsible for interinstitutional negotiations under Rule 60(4) (minutes of 1.4.2025, item 6.11).
(Majority of the votes cast)
REQUEST FROM THE LEFT GROUP TO PROCEED WITH A VOTE ON THE AMENDMENTS (Rule 60(3))
Rejected
PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT
Adopted(P10_TA(2025)125)
Parliament’s first reading thus closed.
Detailed voting results
5.2. Adoption by the Union of the Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty ***I (vote)
Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the adoption by the Union of the Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States [COM(2024)0257 – C10-0058/2024 – 2024/0148(COD)] – Committee on International Trade – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Rapporteurs: Anna Cavazzini and Borys Budka (A10-0009/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS
Approved(P10_TA(2025)126)
Parliament’s first reading thus closed.
Detailed voting results
2
The following had spoken:
Anna Cavazzini (rapporteur), before the vote, to make a statement on the basis of Rule 165(4).
5.3. EU/Euratom Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty: adoption by Euratom * (vote)
Report on the Proposal for a Council decision on the adoption by the European Atomic Energy Community of the Agreement on the interpretation and application of the Energy Charter Treaty between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States [COM(2024)0256 – C10-0092/2024 – 2024/0146(NLE)] – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Borys Budka (A10-0008/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
COMMISSION PROPOSAL TO THE COUNCIL
Approved by single vote (P10_TA(2025)127)
Detailed voting results
5.4. Implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility(vote)
Report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility [2024/2085(INI)] – Committee on Budgets – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteurs: Victor Negrescu and Siegfried Mureşan (A10-0098/2025)
The debate had taken place on 17 June 2025 (minutes of 17.6.2025, item 10).
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)128)
Detailed voting results
5.5. The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report(vote)
Report on The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report [2024/2078(INI)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Ana Catarina Mendes (A10-0100/2025)
The debate had taken place on 17 June 2025 (minutes of 17.6.2025, item 11).
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)129)
Detailed voting results
5.6. 2023 and 2024 reports on Montenegro(vote)
Report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Montenegro [2025/2020(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Marjan Šarec (A10-0093/2025)
The debate had taken place on 17 June 2025 (minutes of 17.6.2025, item 12).
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)130)
Detailed voting results
5.7. 2023 and 2024 reports on Moldova(vote)
Report on 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Moldova [2025/2025(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Sven Mikser (A10-0096/2025)
The debate had taken place on 17 June 2025 (minutes of 17.6.2025, item 13).
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)131)
Detailed voting results
7
(The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)
IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE Vice-President
6. Resumption of the sitting
The sitting resumed at 12:35.
7. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting
The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.
8. Stopping the genocide in Gaza: time for EU sanctions (topical debate)
The following spoke: Manon Aubry to open the debate proposed by the The Left Group.
The following spoke: Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy).
The following spoke: Hildegard Bentele, on behalf of the PPE Group, Nacho Sánchez Amor, on behalf of the S&D Group, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, on behalf of the PfE Group (the President noted that some comments needed to be checked), Sebastian Tynkkynen, on behalf of the ECR Group, Hilde Vautmans, on behalf of the Renew Group, Tineke Strik, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Hanna Gedin, on behalf of The Left Group, Marc Jongen, on behalf of the ESN Group, Seán Kelly, Evin Incir, Beatrice Timgren, Barry Andrews, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Nikos Pappas, Kateřina Konečná, Matjaž Nemec, Christophe Bay, Kristoffer Storm, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Ana Miranda Paz, Isabel Serra Sánchez, Ruth Firmenich, Francisco Assis, Abir Al-Sahlani, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Per Clausen, Cecilia Strada, Irena Joveva, Ville Niinistö, Özlem Demirel, Alex Agius Saliba, Lucia Yar, Giorgos Georgiou, Elio Di Rupo, Billy Kelleher, Estrella Galán, Ciaran Mullooly, Mimmo Lucano, Pernando Barrena Arza and Jussi Saramo (once the checks had been carried out, the President provided some clarifications).
The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.
The debate closed.
9. Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act (debate)
Commission statement: Freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act (2025/2758(RSP))
Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Tomas Tobé, on behalf of the PPE Group, Iratxe García Pérez, on behalf of the S&D Group, Kinga Gál, on behalf of the PfE Group, Paolo Inselvini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Fabienne Keller, on behalf of the Renew Group, Terry Reintke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, on behalf of the ESN Group, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Klára Dobrev, Harald Vilimsky, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Nicolae Ştefănuță, Nicolas Bay, who also answered a blue-card question from Mélissa Camara, Dainius Žalimas, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Tineke Strik, Ilaria Salis, who also declined to take a blue-card question, Christine Anderson, who also declined to take a blue-card question, Judita Laššáková, Maria Walsh, Ana Catarina Mendes and Hermann Tertsch.
IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK Vice-President
The following spoke: Arkadiusz Mularczyk, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Moritz Körner, Mélissa Camara, who also answered a blue-card question from Jacek Ozdoba, Carolina Morace, Milan Mazurek, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Arba Kokalari, Marc Angel, Paolo Borchia, Jacek Ozdoba, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Daniel Freund (the President reminded him of the rules on conduct), Li Andersson, Tomasz Froelich, Lukas Sieper, Mirosława Nykiel, Alessandro Zan, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Tobiasz Bocheński, who also answered a blue-card question from Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Kim Van Sparrentak, Lena Düpont, Krzysztof Śmiszek, András László, who also answered a blue-card question from Michał Wawrykiewicz, Rasmus Nordqvist, who also answered a blue-card question from Tomasz Froelich, Evin Incir, Juan Fernando López Aguilar and Chloé Ridel.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sebastian Tynkkynen and Alexander Jungbluth.
The following spoke: Michael McGrath.
The debate closed.
10. Safeguarding the rule of law in Spain, ensuring an independent and autonomous prosecutor’s office to fight crime and corruption (debate)
Commission statement: Safeguarding the rule of law in Spain, ensuring an independent and autonomous prosecutor’s office to fight crime and corruption (2025/2759(RSP))
Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Tomas Tobé, on behalf of the PPE Group, Javier Moreno Sánchez, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Diego Solier, on behalf of the ECR Group, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, on behalf of the Renew Group, Diana Riba i Giner, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Isabel Serra Sánchez, on behalf of The Left Group, Dolors Montserrat, Evelyn Regner, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Enikő Győri, Hermann Tertsch, Nora Junco García, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Lena Düpont, Francisco Assis, Petra Steger, Siegfried Mureşan, who also answered a blue-card question from Maria Grapini, and Sandro Ruotolo.
IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE Vice-President
The following spoke: Enikő Győri, who also answered a blue-card question from Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Michał Wawrykiewicz, who also answered a blue-card question from Nicolás González Casares, Evin Incir, who also declined to take a blue-card question from François-Xavier Bellamy, Csaba Dömötör, Sebastião Bugalho, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, who also declined to take a blue-card question from François-Xavier Bellamy, Fabrice Leggeri, François-Xavier Bellamy to raise a point of order (the President cut off the speaker as his remarks did not constitute a point of order), Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, who also accepted a blue-card question from François-Xavier Bellamy (the President cut him off and made some clarifications on the blue-card procedure), David Casa, Ana Miguel Pedro, Dirk Gotink, Andrey Kovatchev and Javier Zarzalejos.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: José Cepeda, András László, Sebastian Tynkkynen and Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Michael McGrath.
The debate closed.
11. Clean Industrial Deal (debate)
Question for oral answer O-000020/2025 by Tom Berendsen, on behalf of the ITRE Committee to the Commission: Clean Industrial Deal (B10-0006/2025) (2025/2656(RSP))
Tom Berendsen moved the question.
Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) answered the question.
The following spoke: Angelika Winzig, on behalf of the PPE Group, Nicolás González Casares, on behalf of the S&D Group, Paolo Borchia, on behalf of the PfE Group, Daniel Obajtek, on behalf of the ECR Group, Christophe Grudler, on behalf of the Renew Group, Sara Matthieu, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Per Clausen, on behalf of The Left Group, and Anja Arndt, on behalf of the ESN Group.
The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné.
Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 142(5) to wind up the debate: minutes of 19.6.2025, item I.
The debate closed.
Vote: 19 June 2025.
12. Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system (debate)
Report on electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system [2025/2006(INI)] – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Anna Stürgkh (A10-0091/2025)
Anna Stürgkh introduced the report.
The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva (Member of the Commission).
The following spoke: Seán Kelly, on behalf of the PPE Group, Bruno Tobback, on behalf of the S&D Group, András Gyürk, on behalf of the PfE Group, Ondřej Krutílek, on behalf of the ECR Group, Christophe Grudler, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Dario Tamburrano, on behalf of The Left Group, Sarah Knafo, on behalf of the ESN Group, Angelika Winzig, Mohammed Chahim, Aleksandar Nikolic, Diego Solier, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Jutta Paulus, Markus Buchheit, who also answered a blue-card question from Jutta Paulus, Fernand Kartheiser, Paulo Cunha, Tsvetelina Penkova, Isabella Tovaglieri, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Dario Nardella, Mariateresa Vivaldini, Barry Andrews, Benedetta Scuderi, Marcin Sypniewski, who also answered a blue-card question from Stine Bosse, Fidias Panayiotou, Mirosława Nykiel, Yannis Maniatis and Julie Rechagneux.
IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA Vice-President
The following spoke: Ivars Ijabs, Michael Bloss, Andrea Wechsler, Dario Nardella, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Marion Maréchal, Bart Groothuis, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Jens Geier, Nikola Bartůšek, Beatrice Timgren, Wouter Beke, Nicolás González Casares, who also answered blue-card questions from João Oliveira and Mireia Borrás Pabón, Gilles Pennelle, Hildegard Bentele, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Sofie Eriksson, Niels Flemming Hansen, Jüri Ratas, Michał Szczerba, Dimitris Tsiodras, Krzysztof Hetman, Andreas Schwab, Regina Doherty and Tomislav Sokol.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Billy Kelleher, João Oliveira, Maria Zacharia and Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva and Anna Stürgkh.
The debate closed.
Vote: 19 June 2025.
13. Composition of committees and delegations
The ECR Group had notified the President of the following decision changing the composition of the committees and delegations:
– ITRE Committee: Anna Zalewska
The decision took effect as of that day.
14. Rise in violence and the deepening humanitarian crisis in South Sudan (debate)
Commission statement: Rise in violence and the deepening humanitarian crisis in South Sudan (2025/2751(RSP))
Ekaterina Zaharieva (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Michael Gahler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marit Maij, on behalf of the S&D Group, György Hölvényi, on behalf of the PfE Group, Adam Bielan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, on behalf of the Renew Group, Erik Marquardt, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Özlem Demirel, on behalf of The Left Group, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Francisco Assis, Barry Andrews, Murielle Laurent and Leire Pajín.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Alessandra Moretti, Nikos Papandreou and Sebastian Tynkkynen.
The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva.
IN THE CHAIR: Roberts ZĪLE Vice-President
The debate closed.
15. Debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (debate)
(For the titles and authors of the motions for resolutions, see minutes of 18.6.2025, item I.)
15.1. Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli
Motions for resolutions B10-0282/2025, B10-0283/2025, B10-0287/2025, B10-0288/2025, B10-0289/2025, B10-0290/2025 and B10-0295/2025 (2025/2752(RSP))
Rasa Juknevičienė, Tobias Cremer, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Dainius Žalimas, Lena Schilling, Danilo Della Valle and Petr Bystron introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.
The following spoke: Liudas Mažylis, on behalf of the PPE Group, Nacho Sánchez Amor, on behalf of the S&D Group, and Thierry Mariani, on behalf of the PfE Group.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva (Member of the Commission).
The debate closed.
Vote: minutes of 19.6.2025, item 5.1.
15.2. Case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran
Motions for resolutions B10-0280/2025, B10-0284/2025, B10-0285/2025, B10-0286/2025, B10-0296/2025, B10-0299/2025 and B10-0300/2025 (2025/2753(RSP))
Michał Wawrykiewicz, Evin Incir, Veronika Vrecionová, Abir Al-Sahlani, Alice Kuhnke, Jonas Sjöstedt and Sebastiaan Stöteler introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.
The following spoke: Alice Teodorescu Måwe, on behalf of the PPE Group, Francisco Assis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Gerolf Annemans, on behalf of the PfE Group, Hilde Vautmans, on behalf of the Renew Group, Wouter Beke, Daniel Attard and Danuše Nerudová.
The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva (Member of the Commission).
The debate closed.
Vote: minutes of 19.6.2025, item 5.2.
15.3. Dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali
Motions for resolutions B10-0281/2025, B10-0291/2025, B10-0292/2025, B10-0293/2025, B10-0294/2025, B10-0297/2025 and B10-0298/2025 (2025/2754(RSP))
Christophe Gomart, Laura Ballarín Cereza and Catarina Vieira introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.
The following spoke: Ingeborg Ter Laak, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marta Temido, on behalf of the S&D Group, and Reinhold Lopatka.
The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva (Member of the Commission).
The debate closed.
Vote: minutes of 19.6.2025, item 5.3.
16. Digital Markets, Digital Euro, Digital Identities: economical stimuli or trends toward dystopia (topical debate)
The following spoke: Rada Laykova to open the debate proposed by the ESN Group.
The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva (Member of the Commission).
The following spoke: Fernando Navarrete Rojas, on behalf of the PPE Group, Aurore Lalucq, on behalf of the S&D Group, Piotr Müller, on behalf of the ECR Group, Billy Kelleher, on behalf of the Renew Group, Sergey Lagodinsky, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jussi Saramo, on behalf of The Left Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Lídia Pereira, Stefano Cavedagna, Katri Kulmuni, Damian Boeselager, Milan Mazurek, Fabio De Masi, Paulius Saudargas, Marlena Maląg, Diego Solier, Gheorghe Piperea, Dick Erixon and Claudiu-Richard Târziu.
The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva.
The debate closed.
17. Oral explanations of votes (Rule 201)
No oral explanations of votes were made.
18. Explanations of votes in writing (Rule 201)
Explanations of votes given in writing would appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website
19. Agenda of the next sitting
The next sitting would be held the following day, 19 June 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.
20. Approval of the minutes of the sitting
In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.
21. Closure of the sitting
The sitting closed at 21:10.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT
I. Motions for resolutions tabled
Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli
The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:
on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli (2025/2752(RSP)) (B10-0282/2025) Lena Schilling, Mélissa Camara, Mounir Satouri, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Mārtiņš Staķis, NicolaeŞtefănuță, Markéta Gregorová on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli (2025/2752(RSP)) (B10-0283/2025) Danilo Della Valle on behalf of The Left Group
on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli (2025/2752(RSP)) (B10-0287/2025) Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas, Olivier Chastel on behalf of the Renew Group
on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli (2025/2752(RSP)) (B10-0288/2025) Petr Bystron, Tomasz Froelich, Hans Neuhoff, Alexander Sell on behalf of the ESN Group
on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli (2025/2752(RSP)) (B10-0289/2025) Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Tobias Cremer on behalf of the S&D Group
on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli (2025/2752(RSP)) (B10-0290/2025) Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Tomas Tobé, Miriam Lexmann, Andrey Kovatchev, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Dariusz Joński, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Davor Ivo Stier, Luděk Niedermayer, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Liudas Mažylis, Inese Vaidere, Rasa Juknevičienė on behalf of the PPE Group
on media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli (2025/2752(RSP)) (B10-0295/2025) Adam Bielan, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Reinis Pozņaks, Rihards Kols, Alexandr Vondra, Mariusz Kamiński, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński on behalf of the ECR Group
Case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran
The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:
on the case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran (2025/2753(RSP)) (B10-0280/2025) Jonas Sjöstedt on behalf of The Left Group
on the case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran (2025/2753(RSP)) (B10-0284/2025) Alice Kuhnke, Maria Ohisalo, Mounir Satouri, NicolaeŞtefănuță, Mélissa Camara, Ville Niinistö, Hannah Neumann on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
on the case of Dr Ahmadreza Djalali’s illegal arrest and detention in Iran (2025/2753(RSP)) (B10-0285/2025) Abir Al-Sahlani, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Bart Groothuis, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar on behalf of the Renew Group
on the case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran (2025/2753(RSP)) (B10-0286/2025) Sebastiaan Stöteler, Marieke Ehlers, António Tânger Corrêa, Nikola Bartůšek, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Gerolf Annemans, Hermann Tertsch on behalf of the PfE Group
on the case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran (2025/2753(RSP)) (B10-0296/2025) Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Evin Incir, Chloé Ridel on behalf of the S&D Group
on the case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran (2025/2753(RSP)) (B10-0299/2025) Sebastião Bugalho, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Željana Zovko, David McAllister, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Tomas Tobé, Miriam Lexmann, Andrey Kovatchev, Loucas Fourlas, Dariusz Joński, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Davor Ivo Stier, Luděk Niedermayer, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Liudas Mažylis, Inese Vaidere on behalf of the PPE Group
on the case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran (2025/2753(RSP)) (B10-0300/2025) Adam Bielan, Reinis Pozņaks, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Mariusz Kamiński, Alexandr Vondra, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alberico Gambino, Carlo Fidanza, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Cristian Terheş, Diego Solier, Nora Junco García, Michał Dworczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Marion Maréchal on behalf of the ECR Group
Dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali
The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:
on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali (2025/2754(RSP)) (B10-0281/2025) Merja Kyllönen on behalf of The Left Group
on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali (2025/2754(RSP)) (B10-0291/2025) Nathalie Loiseau, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Yvan Verougstraete, Lucia Yar on behalf of the Renew Group
on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali (2025/2754(RSP)) (B10-0292/2025) Tomasz Froelich, Hans Neuhoff, Alexander Sell on behalf of the ESN Group
on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali (2025/2754(RSP)) (B10-0293/2025) Matthieu Valet, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Nikola Bartůšek on behalf of the PfE Group
on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali (2025/2754(RSP)) (B10-0294/2025) Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Laura Ballarín Cereza on behalf of the S&D Group Catarina Vieira on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali (2025/2754(RSP)) (B10-0297/2025) Sebastião Bugalho, Christophe Gomart, Željana Zovko, David McAllister, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Tomas Tobé, Miriam Lexmann, Andrey Kovatchev, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Dariusz Joński, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Davor Ivo Stier, Luděk Niedermayer, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Liudas Mažylis, Inese Vaidere on behalf of the PPE Group
on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali (2025/2754(RSP)) (B10-0298/2025) Adam Bielan, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Alexandr Vondra, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Małgorzata Gosiewska on behalf of the ECR Group
II. Delegated acts (Rule 114(2))
Draft delegated acts forwarded to Parliament
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the identification of sub-categories within net-zero technologies and the list of specific components used for those technologies. (C(2025)02901 – 2025/2733(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 23 May 2025
referred to committee responsible: ITRE opinion: ECON, EMPL, ENVI, IMCO, REGI
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/125 concerning trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (C(2025)03066 – 2025/2727(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 21 May 2025
referred to committee responsible: INTA
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the addition of vehicle sub-groups for extra-heavy-combination lorries (C(2025)03071 – 2025/2726(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 20 May 2025
referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards measures adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation for the monitoring, reporting and verification of aviation emissions for the purpose of implementing a global market-based measure and repealing Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1603 (C(2025)03075 – 2025/2725(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 20 May 2025
referred to committee responsible: ENVI opinion: ITRE
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 273/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 as regards the inclusion of the drug precursors 4-piperidone and 1-boc-4-piperidone in the list of scheduled substances (C(2025)03079 – 2025/2729(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 21 May 2025
referred to committee responsible: LIBE
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on the authorisation and organisational requirements for approved publication arrangements and approved reporting mechanisms, and on the authorisation requirements for consolidated tape providers, and repealing Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/571 (C(2025)03100 – 2025/2765(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 12 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: ECON
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the input and output data of consolidated tapes, the synchronisation of business clocks and the revenue redistribution by the consolidated tape provider for shares and ETFs, and repealing Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/574 (C(2025)03102 – 2025/2761(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 12 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: ECON
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on the obligation to make market data available to the public on a reasonable commercial basis (C(2025)03103 – 2025/2762(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 12 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: ECON
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council with detailed rules and procedures on the acceptance of air traffic controller licences and certificates issued by third countries. (C(2025)03114 – 2025/2732(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 23 May 2025
referred to committee responsible: TRAN
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council by specifying the rules on the identification of authorised oil and gas producers who are required to contribute to the objective of reaching the Union-target for available CO2 injection capacity by 2030, on the calculation of their respective contributions, and on their reporting obligations (C(2025)03218 – 2025/2730(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 21 May 2025
referred to committee responsible: ITRE opinion: ECON, EMPL, ENVI, IMCO, REGI
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the information in an application for authorisation to offer asset-referenced tokens to the public or to seek their admission to trading (C(2025)03221 – 2025/2737(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 5 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: ECON
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 as regards updating the references to the environmental protection requirements and correcting that Regulation (C(2025)03287 – 2025/2735(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 28 May 2025
referred to committee responsible: TRAN
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards geographic coordinates in Annexes VII and XIII thereto (C(2025)03293 – 2025/2734(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 28 May 2025
referred to committee responsible: PECH
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council to allow the use of monosodium salt of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid as a source of folate in infant formula and follow-on formula, processed cereal-based food and baby food, total diet replacement for weight control and in food for special medical purposes (C(2025)03411 – 2025/2736(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 4 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as regards the assignment of Unique Device Identifiers for spectacle frames, spectacle lenses and ready-to-wear reading spectacles (C(2025)03484 – 2025/2763(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 12 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: SANT
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 of the European Parliament and of the Council to take into account regulatory developments concerning amendments to UN Regulations Nos 25, 34, 79, 100, 117, 127 and 152, and the new UN Regulations Nos 167, 169 and 171 adopted by the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (C(2025)03502 – 2025/2738(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 5 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: IMCO
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) No 876/2013 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards changes to the functioning and management of colleges for central counterparties (C(2025)03626 – 2025/2755(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 11 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: ECON
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the date of application of the own funds requirements for market risk (C(2025)03643 – 2025/2764(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 12 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: ECON
– Commission Delegated Regulation on the implementation of the Union’s international obligations, as referred to in Article 15(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part, as regards picked dogfish (C(2025)03715 – 2025/2768(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 13 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: PECH
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 to add Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal and Venezuela to the list of high-risk third countries which have provided a written high-level political commitment to address the identified deficiencies and have developed an action plan with the FATF, and to remove Barbados, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Panama, the Philippines, Senegal, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates from that list (C(2025)03815 – 2025/2740(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 1 month from the date of receipt of 10 June 2025
referred to committee responsible: ECON, LIBE
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/530 as regards its date of application (C(2025)03819 – 2025/2766(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 12 June 2025
SYDNEY, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi is bringing back last year’s standout promotion in its capital allocation offering, inviting more traders to reap the benefits of Axi Select.
Throughout August 2025, all new and existing Axi Select clients in Seed – the first stage of the program – will receive access to $5,000 in trading capital and benefit from a generous 10% profit-sharing opportunity at month’s end. This unique promotion allows traders to not only joining the broker’s funded trading program for free but to also benefit from an exclusive profit-sharing opportunity – typically unavailable at the first stage.
Profit-sharing is traditionally not available at Seed. At this stage, traders focus on solidifying their knowledge and skills using the Axi Select Trading Room and Dashboard. However, once they advance to Incubation – Axi Select’s second stage – the structure changes significantly, with traders becoming eligible for a 40% profit-sharing from Axi funds, increasing up to 90% upon reaching the program’s top milestone.
This limited time offer aims to showcase the tremendous potential of Axi Select to a broader range of talented, ambitious traders. As Greg Rubin, Head of Axi Select, says: “In August, we invite both new and existing traders to discover the innovation that is Axi Select. Axi Select is not just an empty promise of success – multiple traders have already secured the top funding amount of $1,000,000 USD. Our revolutionary, trader-centric program provides all the tools and support needed to guide your trading journey.”
Participation in the promotion is free and incurs no fees – the main requirements for new traders are to create their Axi Select account, fund it with at least $500, and qualify for the Seed stage before or during the promotional period. Trades placed in one’s Axi Select account will be mirrored in their allocation account, where all profits generated from trading activity during this period will be subject to a 10% profit-share – automatically paid out at the end of month. Existing clients in Seed will automatically participate by placing trades between August 1st and 31st. Learn more about the Axi Select capital allocation program, here.
About Axi
Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.
For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com
The Axi Select program is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. *Standard trading fees and minimum deposit apply.
SYDNEY, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi is bringing back last year’s standout promotion in its capital allocation offering, inviting more traders to reap the benefits of Axi Select.
Throughout August 2025, all new and existing Axi Select clients in Seed – the first stage of the program – will receive access to $5,000 in trading capital and benefit from a generous 10% profit-sharing opportunity at month’s end. This unique promotion allows traders to not only joining the broker’s funded trading program for free but to also benefit from an exclusive profit-sharing opportunity – typically unavailable at the first stage.
Profit-sharing is traditionally not available at Seed. At this stage, traders focus on solidifying their knowledge and skills using the Axi Select Trading Room and Dashboard. However, once they advance to Incubation – Axi Select’s second stage – the structure changes significantly, with traders becoming eligible for a 40% profit-sharing from Axi funds, increasing up to 90% upon reaching the program’s top milestone.
This limited time offer aims to showcase the tremendous potential of Axi Select to a broader range of talented, ambitious traders. As Greg Rubin, Head of Axi Select, says: “In August, we invite both new and existing traders to discover the innovation that is Axi Select. Axi Select is not just an empty promise of success – multiple traders have already secured the top funding amount of $1,000,000 USD. Our revolutionary, trader-centric program provides all the tools and support needed to guide your trading journey.”
Participation in the promotion is free and incurs no fees – the main requirements for new traders are to create their Axi Select account, fund it with at least $500, and qualify for the Seed stage before or during the promotional period. Trades placed in one’s Axi Select account will be mirrored in their allocation account, where all profits generated from trading activity during this period will be subject to a 10% profit-share – automatically paid out at the end of month. Existing clients in Seed will automatically participate by placing trades between August 1st and 31st. Learn more about the Axi Select capital allocation program, here.
About Axi
Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.
For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com
The Axi Select program is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. *Standard trading fees and minimum deposit apply.
