Celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day are set to take place throughout Manchester.
On May 8, 2025, 80 years will have passed since the Second World War came to an end in the European theatre.
At the time millions across the continent took to the streets in jubilation to celebrate the end of the conflict, a conflict which had destroyed huge swathes of the continent and claimed tens of millions of lives.
As we approach this anniversary Manchester will join others around the globe paying tribute to the courage, determination and sacrifices made throughout the conflict.
Alongside a range of national celebrations taking place, Mancunians are invited to organise and take part in local events to mark VE Day 80.
One common sight amongst the revellers back in 1945 was the street party. People came out in force in their community to share the collective joy that the war was over. Now, 80 years on we are encouraging people to get the bunting out, bake a Victoria sponge and celebrate with a street party of their own.
During the bank holiday on Monday, May 5, the usual £159 fee for a street closure will be waived, with a dedicated web page set up to manage people’s applications. These applications will need to be made by 5pm on April 12 to ensure enough time is given to process them.
Civic events will also be taking place, with a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor welcoming veterans and dignitaries to the central library, as well as an evensong at Manchester Cathedral, following by a celebratory ringing of the bells.
A social media campaign will also be running, encouraging people to get involved in the celebrations. Whether that is creating pieces of art to hang in their windows, to making bunting to encouraging schools to take part in the VE Day 80 festivities, there will be a lot on offer for people in Manchester to show their appreciation.
Anniversary events for the commemoration of VJ Day are also planned to take place later this summer.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day provides us a valuable opportunity to remember and reflect on the immense sacrifices which were made to ensure that tyranny in Europe was ultimately defeated.
“As the decades go on and the Second World War moves further from living memory it makes it more important than ever that younger generations learn the lessons of history and keep alive the spirit of those who served our country.
“I am immensely proud to lead the Council during such a meaningful occasion and I would invite all Mancunians to join me in celebration of VE Day 80 this May.”
Over the past two days, WHO convened more than 15 countries and over 20 regional health agencies, health emergency networks and other partners to test, for the first time, a new global coordination mechanism for health emergencies.
The two-day simulation, Exercise Polaris, tested WHO’s Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC), a framework designed to strengthen countries’ emergency workforce, coordinate the deployment of surge teams and experts, and enhance collaboration between countries.
The exercise simulated an outbreak of a fictional virus spreading across the world.
Participating countries included Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ethiopia, Germany, Iraq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia Uganda and Ukraine, with additional countries as observers. Each country participated through its national health emergency coordination structure and worked under real-life conditions to share information, align policies and activate their response.
Regional and global health agencies and organizations, including Africa CDC, European CDC, IFRC, IOM, UNICEF and established emergency networks such as the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, the Emergency Medical Teams initiative, Stand-by partners and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes, worked together to support country-led responses. More than 350 health emergency experts connected globally through this exercise.
“This exercise proves that when countries lead and partners connect, the world is better prepared,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “No country can face the next pandemic alone. Exercise Polaris shows that global cooperation is not only possible – it is essential.”
Throughout the simulation, countries led their own response efforts while engaging with WHO for coordination, technical guidance and emergency support. The exercise provided a rare opportunity for governments to test preparedness in a realistic environment, one where trust and mutual accountability were as critical as speed and capacity.
“The exercise sought to put into practice the procedures for inter-agency response to international health threats. Efficient coordination and interoperability processes are key to guaranteeing timely interventions in health emergencies,” said Dr Mariela Marín, Vice Minister of Health of Costa Rica, thanking the Pan American Health Organization for their support and the members of the National Risk Management System for their engagement.
“Polaris demonstrated the critical importance of cultivating trust before a crisis occurs,” said Dr Soha Albayat from Qatar. “The foundation of our collaborative efforts is significantly stronger than in years past. We’ve moved beyond reactive measures, and are now proactively anticipating, aligning, and coordinating our cross-border emergency response plans.”
“The Global Health Emergency Corps has evolved into a powerful platform, building on practice, trust and connection,” said Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme. “Exercise Polaris showed what is possible when countries operate with urgency and unity supported by well-connected partners. It is a strong signal that we are collectively more ready than we were.”
At a time when multilateralism is under pressure and preparedness is often framed through a national lens, Exercise Polaris reaffirmed that health is a global issue.
round the world, more than 100 million people are at risk from landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices.
From Afghanistan to Myanmar, from Sudan to Ukraine, Syria, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and beyond, these deadly devices litter rural and urban communities, indiscriminately killing civilians and blocking vital humanitarian and development efforts.
Even when the guns fall silent, these remnants of war remain, lurking in fields and on pathways and roadways, threatening the lives of innocent civilians and the livelihoods of communities.
Year in and year out, the brave mine action personnel of the United Nations work with partners to locate and remove these weapons, provide education and threat assessments, and ensure people can live, work and travel safely. They do so at great risk – as demonstrated most recently in Gaza.
This year’s theme for the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action — Safe Futures Start Here — reminds us of the critical role of mine action in rebuilding shattered communities, supporting survivors and forging peace.
I appeal to all States that have not yet done so to ratify and fully implement the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. The humanitarian norms and principles enshrined in these treaties must be upheld and preserved.
And I urge States to uphold the global commitments in the recently adopted Pact for the Future to restrict or refrain from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and to support all efforts to end the threat of explosive ordnances.
Mine action works. Together, let’s commit to build safe futures — starting here and now.
*** Plus de 100 millions de personnes dans le monde vivent sous la menace des mines terrestres, des restes explosifs de guerre et des engins explosifs improvisés.
De l’Afghanistan au Myanmar, du Soudan à l’Ukraine, en passant par la Syrie, le Territoire palestinien occupé et bien d’autres territoires, ces engins meurtriers jonchent les communautés rurales et urbaines, tuent sans distinction des civils et entravent les efforts vitaux en matière d’aide humanitaire et de développement.
Même lorsque les armes se taisent, ces restes de guerre subsistent, tapis dans des champs, des sentiers ou des routes, et menacent ainsi la vie de civils innocents et les moyens de subsistance des populations locales.
Année après année, les courageux spécialistes de la lutte antimines de l’ONU travaillent aux côtés de partenaires pour localiser et éliminer ces armes, sensibiliser les esprits aux risques et évaluer les menaces, et veiller à ce que les populations puissent vivre, travailler et se déplacer en toute sécurité. Ils le font à leurs risques et périls, comme cela s’est vu récemment à Gaza.
Le thème de la Journée internationale pour la sensibilisation au problème des mines et l’assistance à la lutte antimines de cette année, « Agir maintenant pour bâtir un avenir sûr », nous rappelle que la lutte antimines joue un rôle essentiel dans la reconstruction des communautés dévastées, le soutien aux rescapés et l’instauration de la paix.
J’engage les États Membres qui ne l’ont pas encore fait à ratifier la Convention sur l’interdiction des mines antipersonnel, la Convention sur les armes à sous-munitions et la Convention sur certaines armes classiques, et à les mettre pleinement en œuvre. Les normes et principes humanitaires inscrits dans ces traités doivent être respectés et préservés.
J’exhorte également les États à respecter les engagements mondiaux énoncés dans le Pacte pour l’avenir récemment adopté, c’est-à-dire à ne pas utiliser d’armes explosives dans les zones peuplées ou à en limiter le recours, et à soutenir tous les efforts visant à mettre fin à la menace que représentent les engins explosifs.
La lutte antimines porte ses fruits. Ensemble, engageons-nous à bâtir un avenir sûr, ici et maintenant.
Stockholm, Sweden, April 4, 2025 – Virtune, a regulated Swedish issuer of crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), is proud to announce that it has renewed its EU Base Prospectus on April 4, 2025.
Virtune is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products headquartered in Stockholm. Virtune’s vision is to become the leading crypto asset manager in the Nordics by taking on an educational role around crypto assets as an asset class, while maintaining a strong focus on transparency and investor protection. Virtune’s ETPs are currently listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Nasdaq Helsinki, Euronext Amsterdam, Euronext Paris, and Boerse Stuttgart. Through Virtune’s products, both institutional and retail investors can gain exposure to crypto assets as easily as buying a stock.
Virtune has now earned the trust of approximately 140,000 investors across the Nordic region, with assets under management (AUM) reaching approximately SEK 2.6 billion. As of April 4, Virtune’s product suite includes the following ETPs:
Over the past 12 months, Virtune has also expanded into the Finnish, French, and Dutch markets, with the most recent milestone being the listing of eight ETPs on Nasdaq Helsinki. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Virtune adapts by offering a diversified product suite including exposure to a wide range of crypto assets, staking options within decentralized finance, and rule-based investment strategies through index ETPs.
Virtune has now received approval from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (SFSA – Fi.se) and updated the publication of its 2025 EU Base Prospectus. This enables Virtune to continue its journey of innovation, educating the market and offering seamless access to crypto through 100% physically backed exchange traded products, while further expanding its distribution to institutional investors, financial advisors, and retail clients.
Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune: “We are very pleased to have finalized the renewal of our EU Base Prospectus, which enables us to continue our growth and expansion journey across Europe. Reaching approximately 140,000 investors and SEK 2.6 billion in assets under management in less than two years is not only a testament to our team’s hard work, but also to the trust that investors place in Virtune and their belief in crypto’s potential as an asset class. It also demonstrates the accelerating adoption of crypto assets across Europe.”
The updated Base Prospectus is available on Virtune’s website, which highlights the company’s regulatory status by the Swedish FSA, underscoring its mission to offer a regulated investment framework for crypto markets. It is important to note that FSA’s approval does not imply an endorsement of the securities. Investors are advised to consult the Base Prospectus and relevant Final Terms to fully understand the risks before investing.
For more information on Virtune and its innovative offerings, please visit www.virtune.com.
Stockholm, April 4, 2025
Press contact Christopher Kock, CEO & Board Member Mobile: +46 70 073 45 64 Email: christopher@virtune.com
About Virtune AB (Publ): Virtune, with its headquarters in Stockholm, is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products listed on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders, and a highly skilled team, Virtune empowers global investors to access innovative and sophisticated investment products aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.
Crypto investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. The value of securities can rise or fall, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, and terms atwww.virtune.com.
Last year, the Council agreed a new minibus disposal policy that offers community groups and sports clubs the opportunity to receive one of Perth and Kinross Council’s 17 minibuses at the end of their operational service period with the Council.
This is only being offered on these assets based upon their prospective use by community groups.
All the vehicles come with a minimum six-month MOT certificate and inspection report on its condition.
The three groups receiving minibuses on Thursday are the Royal Voluntary Service, Perthshire Welfare Society and Mantalk.
The Royal Voluntary Service will use their minibus to help vulnerable people attend more activities. The minibus will allow them to offer greater support to people who live further away from activities in Perth, Bridge of Earn, Crieff and surrounding villages.
Perthshire Welfare Society will use their minibus to provide travel to those who do not qualify for free bus travel while Blairgowrie-based Mantalk will use theirs to support activities around mental health and wellbeing for men. They will also allow other groups in the Blairgowrie area, such as the local boxing club and over 35s football team, to use the bus.
Councillor Grant Laing, leader of Perth and Kinross Council said: “We are delighted to see these minibuses being put to such valuable use within our community.
“By supporting groups like the Royal Voluntary Service, Perthshire Welfare Society, and Mantalk, we are helping to ensure that vital services and activities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or circumstances.
“This fantastic initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community and making best use of our resources.”
Councillor Steven Carr added: “When I first discussed the idea of donating PKC minibuses to communities I was told that it would require a complete change of Council policy.
“It’s great to see that the enthusiasm to make this positive change has resulted in that permanent policy change and it’s great to see the first official handover of minibuses to some excellent community led organisations, and we look forward to hearing about how big a difference having the use of a minibus is making within our communities.”
Terry Comiskey, chair of Mantalk said: “This is massive for us. It’s going to help open up ways to help people in the community.”
Samaira Ali from the Perthshire Welfare Society said: “It will make a massive difference because a lot of people aren’t able to go out or can’t afford transport.
“This will help people from all communities and I would like to say a massive thank you to Perth and Kinross Council.”
David Reilly, service manager with the Royal Voluntary Service, said the organisation’s new minibus would help combat social isolation.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted. We support the elderly in Perth and Kinross and organise outings once a year – this will let us do it once a week instead.”
Now that Phil Goff has ended his term as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the UK, he is officially free to speak his mind on the damage he believes the Trump Administration is doing to the world. He has started with these comments he made on the betrayal of Ukraine by the new Administration.
By Phil Goff
Like many others, I was appalled and astounded by the dishonest comments made about the situation in Ukraine by the Trump Administration.
As one untruthful statement followed another like something out of a George Orwell novel, I increasingly felt that the lies needed to be called out.
I found it bizarre to hear President Trump publicly label Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator. Everyone knew that Zelenskyy had been democratically elected and while Trump claimed his support in the polls had fallen to 4 percent it was pointed out that his actual support was around 57 percent.
Phil Goff speaking as Auckland’s mayor in 2017 on the nuclear world 30 years on . . . on the right side of history. Image: Pacific Media Centre
Trump made no similar remarks or criticism of Russia’s Vladimir Putin and never does. Yet Putin’s regime imprisons and murders his opponents and suppresses democratic rights in Russia.
Then Trump made the patently false accusation that Ukraine started the war with Russia. How could he make such a claim when the world had witnessed Russia as the aggressor which invaded its smaller neighbour, killing thousands of civilians, committing war crimes and destroying cities and infrastructure?
That President Trump could lie so blatantly is perhaps explained by his taking offence at Zelenskyy’s refusal to comply with unreasonable and self-serving demands such as ceding control of Ukraine’s mineral wealth to the US. What was also clear was that Trump was intent on pressuring Ukraine to capitulate to Russian demands for a one sided “peace settlement” which would result in neither a fair nor sustainable peace.
It is astonishing that the US voted with Russia and North Korea in the United Nations against Ukraine and in opposition to the views of democratic countries the US is normally aligned with, including New Zealand.
Withdrew satellite imaging It then withdrew satellite imaging services Ukraine needed for its self defence in an attempt to further pressure Zelenskyy to agree to a ceasefire. No equivalent pressure has yet been placed on Russia even while it has continued its illegal attacks on Ukraine.
Trump and Vance’s disgraceful bullying of Zelenskyy in the White House as he struggled in his third language to explain the plight of his nation was as remarkable as it was appalling. What Trump was doing and saying was wrong and a betrayal of Ukraine’s struggle to defend its freedom and nationhood.
Democratic leaders around the world knew his comments to be unfair and untrue, yet few countries have dared to criticise Trump for making them.
Like the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, everyone knew that the emperor had no clothes but were fearful of the consequences of speaking out to tell the truth.
As New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the UK, I had on a number of occasions met and talked with Ukrainian soldiers being trained by New Zealanders in Britain. It was an emotionally intense experience knowing that many of the men I met with would soon face death on the front line defending their country’s freedom and nationhood.
They were extremely grateful of New Zealand’s unwavering support. Yet the Trump Administration seemed to care little for that country’s cause and sacrifice in defending the values that a few months earlier had seemed so important to the United States.
The diplomatic community in London privately shared their dismay at Trump’s treatment of Ukraine. The spouse of one of my High Commissioner colleagues who had been a teacher drew a parallel with what she had witnessed in the playground. The bully would abuse a victim while all the other kids looked on and were too intimidated to intervene. The majority thus became the enablers of the bully’s actions.
Silence condoning Trump By saying nothing, New Zealand — and many other countries — was effectively condoning and being complicit in what Trump was doing.
The lesson of history, going back to the Munich Conference in 1938, when British Prime Minister Chamberlain and his French counterpart Daladier ceded the Sudetenland part of Czechoslovakia to Hitler, was clear.
Far from satisfying or placating an aggressor, appeasement only increases their demands. That’s always the case with bullies. They respect strength, not weakness.
Czechoslovakia could have been part of the Allied defence against Hitler’s expansionism but instead it and the Czech armaments industry was passed over to Hitler. He went on to take over the rest of Czechoslovakia and then invaded Poland.
As Churchill told Chamberlain, “You had the choice between dishonour and war. You chose dishonour and you will have war.”
The question needed to be asked because Trump was using talking points which followed closely those used by the Kremlin itself and was clearly setting out to appease and favour Russia.
A career diplomat, trained as a public servant to be cautious, might have not have asked it. I was appointed, with bipartisan support, not as a career diplomat but on the basis of political experience including nine years as Foreign, Trade and Defence Minister.
Question central to validity, ethics “The question is central to the validity as well as the ethics of the United States’ approach to Ukraine. It is also a question that trusted allies, who have made sacrifices for and with each other over the past century, have a right and duty to ask.
The New Zealand Foreign Minister’s response was that the question did not reflect the view of New Zealand’s Government and that asking it made my position as High Commissioner untenable.
The minister had the prerogative to take the action he did and I am not complaining about that for one moment. For my part, I do not regret asking the question which thanks to the minister’s response subsequently received international attention.
Over the decades New Zealand has earned the respect of the world, from allies and opponents alike, for honestly standing up for the values our country holds dear. The things we are proudest of as a nation in the positions we have taken internationally include our role as one of the founding states of the United Nations in promoting a rules-based international system including our opposition to powerful states exercising a veto.
They include opposing apartheid in South Africa and French nuclear testing in the Pacific. We did not abandon our nuclear free policy to US pressure.
In wars and in peacekeeping we have been there when it counted and have made sacrifices disproportionate to our size.
We have never been afraid to challenge aggressors or to ask questions of our allies. In asking a question about President Trump’s position on Ukraine I am content that my actions will be on the right side of history.
Phil Goff, CNZM, is a New Zealand retired politician and former diplomat. He served as leader of the Labour Party and leader of the Opposition between 11 November 2008 and 13 December 2011. Goff was elected mayor of Auckland in 2016, and served two terms, before retiring in 2022. In 2023, he took up a diplomatic post as High Commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom, which he held until last month when he was sacked by Foreign Minister Winston Peters over his “untenable” comments.
Work to upgrade footpaths in parks across the city has been completed in time for spring. Visitors to Chaddesden Park, Alvaston Park, Allestree Park, South Avenue Park and Gravel Pit Lane Recreation Ground in Spondon will enjoy a better experience as a result of the improvements.
The new smoother paths have been designed to make the parks more accessible and ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of the city’s green spaces as the weather improves.
At Chaddesden Park, the main footpath connecting the library, the café and the play area, has been widened and resurfaced. At Alvaston Park, an upgrade of the well-used path between the park and Lakeside Primary School has made the route much more accessible, while improvements have also been made to paths at Allestree Park.
South Avenue Park and Gravel Pit Lane Recreation Ground have also had their paths revamped, while the entrance from South Avenue has been improved and new railings installed to create a more welcoming and accessible entry point.
Alongside the various path upgrades, the entrances to Chaddesden Wood Local Nature Reserve have been improved to make them more accessible, thanks to Section 106 funding for the site. Visitors may have noticed new signs at three of the entrances, with the main signage to be installed in the coming months.
The owl sculpture at Chaddesden Wood
Two new benches have been installed by the Friends of Chaddesden Wood with six more due to be installed soon. The wood also has an amazing new wooden sculpture of an owl and a cheeky mouse near the Diamond Drive entrance. It joins the family of hedgehogs and juicy worm sculptures installed in 2024.
The animals were carved by the talented Derbyshire wood sculptor Andrew Frost from a selection of sustainable British timber.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said:
We’re so fortunate to have so many parks and green spaces in our city and we want as many people as possible to be able to enjoy them. Improving the footpaths to make our parks more accessible means everyone can enjoy the benefits of the outdoors, while the developments at Chaddesden Wood will improve visitors’ experience.
Spending time in nature has positive effects on our physical and mental wellbeing, so we hope the improvements we’ve made will encourage more people to visit their local park or green space.
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The Polytechnic University took part in a meeting of members of the Council of the Consortium of Educational and Scientific Organizations for the implementation of the program “Ambassadors of Russian Education and Science”. The event, organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, was held at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba and brought together representatives of various ministries, departments and universities.
The Polytechnic University was represented by Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev, Assistant to the Vice-Rector Pavel Nedelko, as well as Ambassadors of Russian Education SPbPU Al-Jundi Waddah Muhammad (Syrian Arab Republic) and Honorary Consul General of Russia in Agadir (Morocco) Abid Abdellatif.
The participants discussed issues related to the promotion of Russian education and science in the international arena. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rossotrudnichestvo, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and other structures presented reports on their work and the possibilities for the participation of ambassadors of Russian education and science in various projects and initiatives.
Particular attention was paid to the need to systematize the information of ambassadors about events held in Russia and abroad. RUDN took on the task of organizing regular sending of information to ensure the participation of ambassadors in the relevant events.
Al-Jundi Waddah Muhammad voiced proposals in his report to improve interaction between ambassadors and specified measures to promote Russian education and science abroad. He proposed creating a series of films about the history of education in the USSR and the Russian Federation, as well as telling about famous foreign graduates of Russian universities. In addition, he recommended creating a website for ambassadors. Mr. Al-Jundi emphasized the importance of opening Russian language centers abroad, the need for interaction with business and cultural dialogue between countries.
The meeting participants will continue such events to discuss plans and initiatives related to the promotion of Russian education and science at the international level. This will allow ambassadors to more actively participate in the implementation of various projects and strengthen Russia’s position abroad.
Ambassadors of Russian education are key conductors of knowledge and interests of Russia. The systematic work that we are doing will allow us not only to expand the presence of Russian educational projects, but also to strengthen long-term cooperation with foreign countries, – noted Vice-Rector for International Affairs of SPbPU Dmitry Arsenyev.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
1. The Commission is convinced that fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive school community, respecting the diversity of all their members, aligns with the European Schools’ mission and should be maintained. An important part of school education is to provide a safe space for pupils to develop and express their own thoughts on certain political and societal debates. The Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to advance equality and uphold lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) rights.
2. The Commission has a limited role in the teaching provided in the European Schools. The inspectors appointed by the Member States are responsible to develop the school curriculum, to ensure that all pupils have full access to it and to guarantee that teachers not only impart knowledge but also foster the development of other essential competencies, including social skills. Parents, through their respective associations, are also closely involved.
3. The European Schools provide education primarily for the children of staff and members of the European institutions. The Commission fully supports the inclusion of pupils from other backgrounds, provided that the capacity of the schools allows. The current fees those families have to pay represent only a fraction of those charged by private schools. The European Schools also host several pupils who fled Ukraine following the Russian military aggression.
The EU and the United States (US) are each other’s largest trading and investment partners and share a robust and deeply interwoven economic relationship.
The EU remains committed to fostering stable, balanced, and predictable trade relations with the US and to expand cooperation in key areas such as critical supply chains and emerging technologies.
The EU regrets unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, which harm European businesses, workers, and consumers. The EU will react firmly and proportionally to defend its trade and economic interests and has tools at its disposal to do so.
At the same time, the EU continues to be ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with the US, in order to seek a solution that avoids unnecessary harm to both economies.
Denmark and the US have been strong allies for decades and the EU is confident this will continue.
The Transatlantic relationship is founded on a shared history and strong bonds. For decades, this partnership has been a cornerstone of peace, security, and economic growth. The EU is ready to deepen and strengthen this relationship, discuss shared interests and address global challenges together.
Each year, the One World Media Awards celebrates the finest journalism and documentary filmmaking from across the Global South. For the 2025 Awards, 559 entries were received from over 100 countries.
The judges have spent countless hours reviewing powerful and thought-provoking stories — ones that challenge stereotypes, reshape narratives, and build connections across borders. They showcase stories of people across the globe, from Afghanistan and Argentina to China, Fiji, India, Gaza, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sweden, Yemen — and so many more.
With such a high calibre of work, narrowing down the selection in each category was tougher than ever.
Discover the Longlist for the 13 categories, including the Women’s Solutions Reporting award, supported by the European Investment Bank:
This award celebrates excellence in media coverage of stories featuring solutions by and for girls and women that tackle current challenges.
The final three nominees will be announced on 7 May and the winners will be presented at the Awards Ceremony in June 2025.
Question for written answer E-001306/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Michał Dworczyk (ECR)
Starting in 2021, hybrid attacks by the Lukashenka regime, weaponising migration, are part of a Moscow-coordinated strategy to destabilise the region. Mateusz Morawiecki’s government repeatedly warned EU partners and institutions that this action bears all the hallmarks of a hybrid war and that the Polish border – also an external EU and NATO border – needs to be adequately protected. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded for political reasons, including as a result of the irresponsible actions of the then opposition, which questioned the point of border protection and sparked disputes on the topic. Despite these attacks and the lack of support from Brussels, Morawiecki’s government never shied away from its security responsibilities and took decisive action, such as the building of a physical barrier at the Belarusian border.
The Commission’s white paper on European defence recognises this doggedness, describing the East Shield as a ‘noteworthy’ exercise. This exercise follows on directly from the policy led by Mateusz Morawiecki’s government. However, unlike other parts of the document in which the Commission explicitly declares its intention to take specific measures or pledges forms of support, here there is no indication whether there are plans for financial or institutional support for the implementation of the project[1].
1.Why does the Commission stop short of pledging specific support for the East Shield in its white paper?
2.Are related consultations or analyses currently under way?
3.Does the Commission intend to provide financial support for the project? If so, how much, from which funds, and in which mode?
Submitted: 28.3.2025
[1] All the Commission does is make a banal comment about the need to protect the EU’s land, air and sea borders, stating: ‘The project for an Eastern Border Shield is a noteworthy exercise by a number of Member States to confront the growing challenges in that region. It would establish an integrated land border management system that is designed to strengthen the EU’s external land border with Russia and Belarus against military and hybrid threats. That would include a comprehensive mix of physical barriers, infrastructure development and modern surveillance systems.’ https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/30b50d2c-49aa-4250-9ca6-27a0347cf009_en?filename=White%20Paper.pdf. p. 9.
The Aragón regional government will use this loan to co-finance investments under European regional development funds.
The investments will go to various projects to offer more public services, promote the dual green and digital transition, innovation, business competitiveness, employability and economic development in rural areas affected by depopulation.
The loan will make it possible to finance specific projects for the province of Teruel with a focus on the energy transition and environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, social infrastructure and more.
The agreement will make a significant contribution to climate action and economic, social and territorial cohesion, two of the EIB Group’s strategic priorities.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €234 million loan with the government of the Spanish region of Aragón to co-finance investments promoting the dual green and digital transition, boosting the competitiveness of local industry, helping to provide better public services and supporting economic development in rural areas at risk of depopulation. This is the first tranche of a loan totalling €260 million approved by the EIB.
The loan will co-finance diverse projects including transferring knowledge in advanced technologies to businesses in Aragón; the One Health Teruel health biotechnology project; the reuse of local waste and decontamination of land affected by lindane use; improved energy efficiency in public healthcare and educational buildings in Aragón; and local social employment and active inclusion initiatives.
The finance contract falls under the EU regional development and cohesion funds operational programme for 2021-2027 and will channel financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund.
The EU Just Transition Fund aims to support regions facing serious socioeconomic challenges in transitioning to climate neutrality. Here, its financing will focus on the province of Teruel, funding projects in green industrial transformation, sustainable mobility, the circular economy, energy efficiency, renewable energy (including self-consumption, energy storage and green hydrogen), support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, research, development and innovation (RDI), digitalisation, environmental restoration and conservation, sustainable tourism and social infrastructure, among other things.
This agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to climate action and economic, social and territorial cohesion, two of the eight core priorities outlined in the Group’s Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
The European Union’s relations with the world topped the agenda for the April 2025 plenary session, with several debates on statements by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), Kaja Kallas. These covered Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine; safeguarding access to democratic media; the crackdown on democracy in Türkiye; the dramatic situation in Gaza; and targeted attacks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Members held a debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025, and other debates on Council and Commission statements covered: the savings and investment union, recent legislative changes in Hungary, a European steel and metals action plan, and the new European internal security and preparedness union strategies. Members also heard statements on academic freedom; the European cultural compass; democratic pluralism and strengthened integrity, transparency and anti-corruption policies; the outcome of the recent COP16 biodiversity negotiations; post 2027 cohesion policy; an action plan on rare diseases; and health tourism.
Project to capture CO2 volumes corresponding to more than the emissions of all of Stockholm’s road traffic in one year
This is EIB’s first carbon capture financing operation and part of climate strategy
Investment contributes to Sweden’s goal of net zero emissions by 2045
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a loan of €260 million to Stockholm Exergi for the construction of Sweden’s first large-scale bioenergy plant with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
Beccs Stockholm, which will begin construction at Värtaverket, is expected to be fully operational in 2028 and is projected to capture up to 800,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The captured carbon dioxide corresponds to more than the total emissions from Stockholm’s road traffic during a year. The technology is based on the separation, liquefaction and permanent storage of biogenic carbon dioxide from the combustion of biofuels – resulting in so-called negative emissions.
After capture, the carbon dioxide will be temporarily stored and then shipped to Norway where it will be permanently stored in the bedrock under the North Sea. This is done in collaboration with the Northern Lights project, a joint venture between Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies.
This is the first CCS project to be financed by the EIB and an important contribution to achieving the world’s climate goals and establishing negative emissions as a new global industry. There is currently a consensus that global warming cannot be limited to 1.5 or below 2 degrees Celsius without negative emissions. The technology also contributes to improved air quality in urban environments and strengthens Europe’s leadership in the climate transition.
“With this initiative, Sweden shows that it is possible to combine technological leadership with concrete climate benefits, said EIB vice-president Thomas Östros. “By supporting Beccs Stockholm, we are taking an important step to enable negative emissions in Europe and globally. It is an example of how the EIB’s climate mission is being implemented in practice.”
Stockholm Exergi has also signed extensive agreements for future deliveries of negative emissions in the voluntary carbon market, including a record-breaking commitment from Microsoft – the largest single agreement of its kind to date globally.
“We have a very constructive and trusting dialogue with the EIB, and I look forward to continuing our cooperation,” said Stockholm Exergi chief executive officer Anders Egelrud. “Their support enables the construction of one of the world’s largest facilities for the capture and permanent storage of biogenic carbon dioxide. Together, we are laying the foundation for a new, green and competitive Nordic industry – an industry that will play a crucial role in achieving the long-term climate goals.”
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
Bio-CCS och Beccs Stockholm
Bio-CCS is a technology that captures biogenic carbon dioxide before it reaches the atmosphere and is then permanently stored in the bedrock, which creates negative emissions because the carbon dioxide is separated from the biogenic cycle. Permanent negative emissions are the tool that can be used to counteract emissions that are not possible or will be very difficult to avoid. It is a necessary piece of the puzzle to achieve the climate goals and net-zero emissions.
Stockholm Exergi’s facility, Beccs Stockholm, will be built in the Energy Port in Värtan. Värtaverket already produces sustainable heat and electricity from residual products from the forestry and sawmill industry, such as wood chips, branches and tops. By now adding capture and storage of the biogenic carbon dioxide, we create even more climate benefits.
Beccs Stockholm is made possible through a combination of support from the EU Innovation Fund, state aid and private purchases of certificates for negative emissions from companies with high climate ambitions.
Stockholm Exergi
Stockholm Exergi is the energy company of Stockholmers and with resource-efficient solutions, we secure the growing Stockholm region’s access to heating, electricity, cooling and waste services. We heat over 800,000 Stockholmers and our 300-mile long district heating network is the hub for the societal benefits that we create together with our customers and partners. Through Beccs Stockholm, we are pushing for negative emissions to become a reality. We are owned by the City of Stockholm and Ankhiale, a consortium of leading European pension funds (APG, PGGM, Alecta, Keva and AXA IM Alts), and have over 800 employees who work every day to reduce Stockholmers’ climate impact.
On Wednesday, 2 April 2025, from 15.30 to 17.00, the D-ZA delegation held an ordinary meeting (partly in camera, accessible only to D-ZA Members) in Strasbourg (room: WEISS S4.5)
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
Representatives of the St. Petersburg Tariff Committee visited the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade.
During the visit, a working meeting with the institute’s management took place. It was attended by the director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin, director of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics Dmitry Rodionov, acting director of the Higher School of Public Administration Olga Nadezhina and deputy director of IPMEiT for educational and organizational work Maxim Ivanov.
The meeting participants discussed promising areas of cooperation, including the possibility of developing a joint educational program on tariff regulation, forming topics for final qualifying works and student projects on the committee’s core topics, holding regular expert lectures, student internships in the committee, and implementing additional educational programs.
This is not just a meeting, this is the start of a large joint work. We highly value cooperation with the Committee on Tariffs of St. Petersburg. I am sure that the implementation of joint educational initiatives will make a significant contribution to the training of professional personnel, – noted the Director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin.
After the meeting, the committee experts gave a lecture as part of the educational track “Tariffs: what, why and for what?” of the student association “Public Administration Laboratory”. The speakers covered key aspects of tariff policy. Chairman of the St. Petersburg Tariff Committee Alexey Malukhin spoke about the main areas of work, while Deputy Chairman Elena Zolina explained the principles of tariff formation in the electric power industry. Head of the Tariff Regulation Department Alexander Kolbas analyzed the formation of tariffs in the housing and communal services sector using the example of the service for handling solid municipal waste. Head of the Consumer Market Department Yana Khazova presented the mechanisms of tariff formation in the public transport sector, as well as the methodology for forming fees for housing services.
Then the chairman of the committee was accepted as an honorary resident of the student association “Laboratory of Public Administration” for his contribution to the development of practice-oriented training in the field of public administration and the creation of conditions for effective dialogue between the university and government bodies.
“Interaction between the St. Petersburg Tariff Committee and the city’s leading universities is one of the priority areas of work. Such cooperation contributes to the implementation of common tasks in training professional personnel,” said Alexey Malukhin. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to meet with students of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. We were able to not only talk about the work of the St. Petersburg Tariff Authority, but also establish a dialogue with the guys. It is nice that young people are interested in new knowledge and were involved in joint work. The St. Petersburg Tariff Committee is interested in increasing intellectual resources, and we hope that interaction with Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University will bear fruit in this area.”
The Polytechnic University has established cooperation with the St. Petersburg Tariff Committee, and this is great, I know guys who have completed or are planning to complete their internship there. I am glad that cooperation will continue to develop in the future, – shared 3rd year student in the direction of “State and Municipal Administration” Maxim Konoplev.
Participants of the educational track were invited to an excursion organized by the committee to the North-West Thermal Power Plant named after A. G. Boris – one of the most modern stations in Russia for the production of electric and thermal energy. The guys will also have to defend a practical assignment on the topics of the committee.
IPMET and the St. Petersburg Tariff Committee are interested in further cooperation, which will open up new opportunities for training specialists in the field of public administration and economics.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University took part in the work of the meeting of the III Interdepartmental Commission on Africa at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, chaired by Deputy Minister Konstantin Mogilevsky.
The Polytechnic University was represented by Vice-Rector for International Activities Dmitry Arsenyev and Head of the Project Office of the Russian-African Network University Consortium Maxim Zalyvsky.
Deputy Director of the International Department of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science Stepan Sokolov made a report on key initiatives in the field of scientific and educational partnership with African countries: the creation of the Russian-Guinean Scientific Center, cooperation with Mali and Niger, engineering classes in Ethiopia.
The Polytechnic University coordinates the work of the Expert Group on the development of the concept of reforming higher education in Mali. Dmitry Arsenyev and Maxim Zalyvsky highlighted the main stages of the work already done to create a modern polytechnic university in the Bandiagara region. An analysis of the existing concept of the Malian side revealed the need to update it taking into account the strategic priorities of the country. SPbPU experts proposed to supplement the concept with areas that meet global challenges and the needs of Mali: agriculture, construction and architecture using local materials and knowledge, environmental management, medicine, art, culture and sports.
Nine working groups have already been formed with the participation of Russian universities of the Russian Academy of Sciences to develop educational and methodological programs. Expert visits to Mali are planned by the end of 2025 to assess the infrastructure and conduct training seminars.
Dmitry Arsenyev emphasized the importance of adapting projects to the needs of African partners: We focus on jointly developing solutions that take into account the unique needs of the Republic of Mali and are integrated into its national development strategy. This approach not only stimulates the transformation of educational systems, but also creates the basis for sustainable technological progress through the training of highly professional personnel who meet modern challenges.
The University of Bandiagara should become an educational hub combining Russian standards and local priorities of Mali. Representatives of SPbPU noted cooperation with the National Center for Artificial Intelligence of Mali: in 2024, its specialists were trained at SPbPU, and now programs for retraining teachers and supplying equipment are being developed.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Rosneft held the Rosneft Magnum Motor Oil Filling Tournament. Professionals Cup. The event was attended by over 150 professional employees of official service stations in Moscow and the Moscow region, as well as auto journalists.
This is the second such tournament, so many participants were preparing for it and were looking forward to it. According to the rules, it was necessary to quickly and without errors change the Rosneft Magnum engine oil in the engine.
The tournament was held in two stages. Based on their results, 12 participants reached the final of “Rosneft Magnum. Professionals Cup”, from which three winners were determined in the “Pro” category. Automotive journalists who participated in the tournament in the “Media” category were worthy competition for auto mechanics. Then the most spectacular part of the competition awaited the fans – the super final for the possession of the tournament cup.
The competition was intense for the participants and emotional for the fans. The panel of judges included representatives of the LADA Sport Rosneft racing team, chief editors and authoritative journalists from industry media.
The final match was between two finalists in the Media category – Vasily Zelenyi, who completed the task in 02 minutes 31 seconds, and last year’s winner in the Pro category – Dmitry Birichev, who showed a result of 02 minutes 03 seconds. Thus, he became the winner of the Professionals’ Cup for the second year in a row. According to Dmitry, he won not only due to his professionalism and experience, but also due to his family, who always supports him on the court.
All participants and fans received memorable gifts for participating in the thematic quiz.
Since 2015, Rosneft has been the general sponsor of LADA Sport ROSNEFT, actively participating in the development of Russian motorsports. Since 2021, the LADA Sport ROSNEFT team has been using Rosneft Magnum Racing sports motor oil, which provides increased engine protection in extreme operating conditions and achieves success on the track.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 4, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
The House of Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee is considering how education and work opportunities can be better integrated to remove barriers to social mobility across the UK.
Whether you are a student, employer, academic, charity, or if you have personal experience of social mobility, the committee wants to hear from you.
Share your views by 28 April https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/3632/
The Commission and the Member States are working towards the timely implementation of the new Emissions Trading System for buildings, road transport and additional sectors (ETS2), which was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in 2023. This includes regular technical level discussions and exchanges at the political level with all Member States, including Poland.
Several safeguards are already in place to allow for a smooth start of ETS2, including a safeguard to delay the start of the system from 2027 to 2028 in case energy prices are exceptionally high in the first half of 2026.
In addition, several triggers would release additional ETS2 allowances from the Market Stability Reserve in case of sharp prices increase or imbalances in the supply of ETS2 allowances.
Furthermore, the total number of allowances auctioned in the first year of the system will be 30% higher than the ETS2 cap, to ensure a smooth start of the system.
Finally, by taking early action, Member States can help keep ETS2 prices in check. Member States can finance such measures from the revenues ETS2 will raise.
Part of the revenues will fund the new Social Climate Fund (SCF) in order to protect vulnerable groups and alleviate the ETS2’s impacts. Poland is the biggest beneficiary of the SCF.
Specific features of local public transport systems, such as pricing or routes, are regulated at national, regional or local level.
To ensure that urban public transport across the EU is aligned with, and supportive of EU objectives for sustainable and smart mobility, the Commission has developed a policy framework for urban mobility[1], recognising public transport as backbone for sustainable urban mobility, together with active modes (cycling and walking) as well as shared mobility services.
One of the tools to ensure that local policies are aligned with EU objectives is the new provision of the revised trans-European transport network Regulation[2], which requires 431 urban nodes to have a sustainable urban mobility plan by 2027.
Bologna is a mission city under the EU Climate-neutral and Smart Cities Mission[3]. It was awarded the Mission Label in 2024 after a positive review of its Climate City Contract.
Bologna’s strategy and action portfolio to decarbonise the transport sector tackles all the sources of emissions concerning transport and mobility present in the city, with particular emphasis on the creation of an enabling environment to reduce private car usage, offering alternative modes of transport, including a comprehensive revision of tariffs for tickets and passes for different categories of users.
Promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility as part of the transition to a carbon-neutral economy is also one of the Policy Objectives of the 2021-2027 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) financial allocation to the region.
Through a total of EUR 40 million, the programme will promote measures consistent with the EU’s climate targets with a focus on soft mobility, in particular pedestrian and bicycle mobility.
Question for written answer E-001209/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR)
With the publication of the Commission White Paper on the Future of European Defence and its proposal for 65% of the money from defence lending to be earmarked for EU-sourced components, the steel industry will be crucial to ensuring an adequate material base for future armament programmes.
Unfortunately, the EU steel industry is in deep crisis and faces many difficulties, such as rising energy costs, increasing imports from third countries and tariffs imposed by the US, as well as climate policy challenges, most notably the ETS, without the suspension of which no genuine recovery of the industry is possible.
Given the strategic importance of the steel industry for Europe’s security, could the Commission answer the following questions:
1.Will the Commission suspend the ETS, which is detrimental to industry, and if so when?
2.What long-term measures does the Commission intend to take to protect the European steel industry from unfair trade competition?
The Commission, in coordination with its partners, followed closely the military build-up by Russia ahead of the full-scale invasion. Foreign Affairs Council discussed the issue regularly throughout 2021[1].
In December 2021, the European Council stressed the urgent need for Russia to de-escalate tensions caused by the military build-up along its border with Ukraine and aggressive rhetoric.
It reiterated its full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that any further military aggression against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe cost in response, including restrictive measures coordinated with partners[2].
Ever since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has firmly and unequivocally condemned this blatant violation of international law.
[1] See for example on 19 April 2021: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/informal-video-conference-eu-foreign-affairs-ministers-remarks-high-representativevice-president_en
The EU does not comment on decisions of national courts.
The EU is strongly committed to international criminal justice and the fight against impunity. As such, the EU supports the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the principles set out in the Rome Statute[1], and respects the Court’s independence and impartiality.
In accordance with the Council conclusions adopted in 2023[2], the Council calls upon all States to ensure full cooperation with the Court, including by the prompt execution of outstanding arrest warrants.
The Commission continues to be very clear in its strong support to the ICC’s independent and impartial work, and its efforts to ensure full accountability for the most serious crimes of international concern and the enforcement of international justice.
All Member States are Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, and thus must follow their obligation to cooperate with the Court under the Statute.
The EU remains committed to engaging in a constructive dialogue with Libyan authorities. Continued engagement, alongside international partners, is essential to address the complex challenges related to the respect of international law and human rights in the country.
Through its cooperation, the EU supports Libya’s transition towards state building, stabilisation, reconstruction, and reconciliation. This includes institutional support and technical assistance in the fields of justice and the rule of law.
In November 2024, the EU adopted a EUR 8 million package to support justice and rule of law systems in Libya. This action, to be contracted in 2025, aims at strengthening justice and rule of law in the country, with a focus on juvenile justice, rule of law and anti-corruption institutions.
[2] Council conclusions on the International Criminal Court on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, Brussels 26 June 2023. https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11082-2023-INIT/en/pdf
The Commission is currently analysing the European Data Protection Supervisor’s (EDPS) decision. Pursuant to Article 59 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725[1], the Commission will inform the EDPS of its views and describe the measures it has taken in response to the EDPS’ remarks within three months of the date of the decision.
The Commission is committed to respecting the applicable data protection rules. The Commission has ensured that all services have been reminded of the rules and how to best implement them through guidance documents and information sessions , including on communication campaigns.
Question for written answer E-001249/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Özlem Demirel (The Left)
The Commission proposal for a return regulation – COM(2025)0101, 2025/0059(COD) – states that only 20% of third-country nationals ordered to leave the EU actually do so.
1.What data are included in the Commission’s calculation, on what legal bases, and were only final notices to leave taken into account in the calculation?
2.Does the return rate calculation take account of circumstances where persons have been ordered to leave, but enforcement of the order has been suspended by the government concerned on humanitarian, family-related or other grounds, and can a breakdown of those grounds be produced? If those circumstances are not taken into account, why are they not taken into account?
3.Does the Commission see a need to clarify how the figures are gathered and analysed?
Question for written answer E-001250/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Özlem Demirel (The Left)
According to Eurostat, no voluntary departures of third-country nationals were reported by Germany, Romania and Italy in the third quarter of 2024.[1]
1.Has the Commission taken these reports as the basis for its statements on the departure rate of third-country nationals requested to leave?
2.On the basis of which guidelines or legal bases are reports of voluntary departures made, to what extent and which departures are taken into account (please be as specific as possible)?
Question for written answer E-001251/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Anja Arndt (ESN)
According to a study by audit firm EY, the German automotive and supplier industry shed 19 000 jobs in 2024, meaning that the sector now employs only 761 000 people in Germany – its lowest figure since 2013. Audi intends to cut 7 500 posts in the next few years, and ZF Friedrichshafen 14 000.
1.Does the Commission acknowledge that these horrendous statistics are primarily the result of anti-industry EU legislation based on the Paris Agreement and the Green Deal, i.e., of, first, the factually incorrect and misleading statement in Regulation (EU) 2019/631 that electric vehicles are ‘zero emission’ vehicles, while manufacturers of combustion engine vehicles face penalties, and, second, of the actual ban in Regulation (EU) 2023/851 on fitting new vehicles with combustion engines?
2.What would the Commission say to changing tack in EU legislation in order to stem the demise of a key industrial sector in Germany and the rest of Europe (which is benefiting the competition in Asia and the United States), thus preventing further deindustrialisation and the associated loss of prosperity?