Source: European Parliament
Francisco Assis (A10-0112/2025)
Salvatore De Meo (A10-0133/2025)
Source: European Parliament
Source: European Parliament
Source: European Parliament
Source: European Parliament
In the week of 7 July, Members’ work is centred on Parliament’s plenary sitting, and Committees meet only in exceptional cases. During this week, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will vote on the own-initiative report on the future of agriculture and the post-2027 CAP. The report calls for a more competitive and resilient model, a competitive and sustainable agriculture, and for support for farmers facing rising production costs. Follow the link below to discover this week’s highlights.
Source: European Parliament
Members present for the final vote
Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Pascal Arimont, Bartosz Arłukowicz, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Anja Arndt, Thomas Bajada, Barbara Bonte, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Pascal Canfin, Laurent Castillo, Mohammed Chahim, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Antonio Decaro, Ondřej Dostál, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Andreas Glück, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Esther Herranz García, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Katri Kulmuni, Peter Liese, César Luena, Catarina Martins, Dolors Montserrat, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jacek Ozdoba, Michele Picaro, Jessica Polfjärd, Carola Rackete, Oliver Schenk, Jonas Sjöstedt, Sander Smit, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Beatrice Timgren, Flavio Tosi, Dimitris Tsiodras, Ana Vasconcelos, Aurelijus Veryga, Kristian Vigenin, Michal Wiezik, Anna Zalewska
Substitutes present for the final vote
Li Andersson, Daniel Buda, Stefano Cavedagna, Susanna Ceccardi, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Geadis Geadi, Nicolás González Casares, Nora Junco García, Billy Kelleher, Seán Kelly, Norbert Lins, Victor Negrescu, Valentina Palmisano, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Elena Sancho Murillo, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Anna Stürgkh, Bruno Tobback, Laurence Trochu, Roberto Vannacci, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote
Barry Cowen, Elisabeth Dieringer, Mélanie Disdier, Evin Incir, Liudas Mažylis, Aleksandar Nikolic, Volker Schnurrbusch, Petra Steger, Matej Tonin, Ivaylo Valchev, Lucia Yar
Source: European Parliament
Members present for the final vote
Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Pascal Arimont, Bartosz Arłukowicz, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Anja Arndt, Thomas Bajada, Barbara Bonte, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Pascal Canfin, Laurent Castillo, Mohammed Chahim, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Antonio Decaro, Ondřej Dostál, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Andreas Glück, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Esther Herranz García, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Katri Kulmuni, Peter Liese, César Luena, Catarina Martins, Dolors Montserrat, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jacek Ozdoba, Michele Picaro, Jessica Polfjärd, Carola Rackete, Oliver Schenk, Jonas Sjöstedt, Sander Smit, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Beatrice Timgren, Flavio Tosi, Dimitris Tsiodras, Ana Vasconcelos, Aurelijus Veryga, Kristian Vigenin, Michal Wiezik, Anna Zalewska
Substitutes present for the final vote
Li Andersson, Daniel Buda, Stefano Cavedagna, Susanna Ceccardi, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Geadis Geadi, Nicolás González Casares, Nora Junco García, Billy Kelleher, Seán Kelly, Norbert Lins, Victor Negrescu, Valentina Palmisano, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Elena Sancho Murillo, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Anna Stürgkh, Bruno Tobback, Laurence Trochu, Roberto Vannacci, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote
Barry Cowen, Elisabeth Dieringer, Mélanie Disdier, Evin Incir, Liudas Mažylis, Aleksandar Nikolic, Volker Schnurrbusch, Petra Steger, Matej Tonin, Ivaylo Valchev, Lucia Yar
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002674/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN)
A recent Euractiv article (‘Money for nothing’, 30 June 2025[1]) reports that the Commission allocates approximately EUR 35 million annually to media outlets – far more than officially acknowledged. While presented as support for ‘media pluralism’, this funding raises concerns about distortion, particularly when substantial and recurring subsidies are injected into a limited pool of outlets within the EU-focused ‘Brussels media bubble’, which is structurally distinct from broader, national media markets. Unlike broader, national media markets, it can be easily skewed by large, recurring public subsidies – especially when the media outlets report on the very institutions that fund them, endangering independence and competition.
Submitted: 1.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002674/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN)
A recent Euractiv article (‘Money for nothing’, 30 June 2025[1]) reports that the Commission allocates approximately EUR 35 million annually to media outlets – far more than officially acknowledged. While presented as support for ‘media pluralism’, this funding raises concerns about distortion, particularly when substantial and recurring subsidies are injected into a limited pool of outlets within the EU-focused ‘Brussels media bubble’, which is structurally distinct from broader, national media markets. Unlike broader, national media markets, it can be easily skewed by large, recurring public subsidies – especially when the media outlets report on the very institutions that fund them, endangering independence and competition.
Submitted: 1.7.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002600/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE)
The cyanobacteria contamination from pig farms in the As Conchas reservoir in southern Ourense (Galicia) has been the subject of several requests made to the EU, including petitions submitted before the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (e.g. Petition No 1057/2018). The BNG, the political party I represent, strongly condemns the situation, which has once again found itself in the news for all the wrong reasons. Studies presented by As Conchas Residents’ Association before Galicia’s judicial authorities against the Galician government warn that cancer rates in the district exceed the rates found in other Galician districts. The water currently being discharged from large-scale farms into the Lima River contains at least 97 million dangerous cyanobacteria per litre of water.
The Spanish state and Galician government, which has jurisdiction in this area, have both failed to fulfil their duty to tackle the contamination, which is why the case is now before the European Court of Justice. How will the Commission respond to the Galician government’s failure to comply with its obligations and to take appropriate action, which has negatively impacted many individuals, their health and the environment in Baixa Limia?
Submitted: 27.6.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002600/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE)
The cyanobacteria contamination from pig farms in the As Conchas reservoir in southern Ourense (Galicia) has been the subject of several requests made to the EU, including petitions submitted before the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (e.g. Petition No 1057/2018). The BNG, the political party I represent, strongly condemns the situation, which has once again found itself in the news for all the wrong reasons. Studies presented by As Conchas Residents’ Association before Galicia’s judicial authorities against the Galician government warn that cancer rates in the district exceed the rates found in other Galician districts. The water currently being discharged from large-scale farms into the Lima River contains at least 97 million dangerous cyanobacteria per litre of water.
The Spanish state and Galician government, which has jurisdiction in this area, have both failed to fulfil their duty to tackle the contamination, which is why the case is now before the European Court of Justice. How will the Commission respond to the Galician government’s failure to comply with its obligations and to take appropriate action, which has negatively impacted many individuals, their health and the environment in Baixa Limia?
Submitted: 27.6.2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, continued her visit to Lisbon, Portugal, yesterday (July 3, Lisbon time).
Ms Ho attended a business luncheon co-organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office under the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels to promote the vast opportunities for Portuguese companies arising from the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and how Hong Kong can play its important roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places with its unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world. Around 130 participants attended the luncheon, with representatives from over 80 Portuguese enterprises from the construction sector, information technology sector, commercial sector and professional organisations, as well as representatives from 17 relevant Hong Kong enterprises.
During the luncheon, Ms Ho highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively promoting the use of innovative construction technologies to enhance the speed, quantity, quality and efficiency in increasing the supply of affordable housing. Under the Housing•I&T initiative this year, the Housing Bureau (HB) will organise a series of activities to foster exchanges between Hong Kong and other countries and regions in areas such as smart construction, smart estate management, energy saving and green buildings. She encouraged Portuguese enterprises to seize these opportunities and strengthen collaborations with the Mainland and Hong Kong.
Ms Ho expressed her gratitude in particular to the trade representatives from Hong Kong, including those participating in the construction of public housing, Light Public Housing (LPH) and transitional housing, for attending the luncheon in Lisbon and taking the opportunity to share in person with the participants Hong Kong’s opportunities and advantages in connecting the Mainland and the world. By complying with international standards, stipulating local regulations and harnessing the strengths of the GBA in smart construction, Hong Kong can further advance in its development of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), the transfer of on-site construction processes to factories and the application of construction robotics. With the expeditious building of LPH and transitional housing, the living conditions and quality of life of people living in inadequate housing can be improved as soon as practicable. The significant housing production target of 308 000 public housing units over the next 10 years also enables the HB and the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) to promote the adoption of innovative technologies and advance public housing developments in a new era of smart construction.
Earlier in the day, Ms Ho visited EntreCampos, a local redevelopment project jointly developed by the public and private sectors, comprising social housing for middle-class residents, offices, retail, community facilities and green spaces. The project adopted Building Information Modelling (BIM) during construction. She also visited the new headquarters of an insurance company in the project. The building employs smart technologies and innovative sustainable energy systems to enhance energy efficiency. Ms Ho stated that the HKHA has strived to promote greener and more energy-efficient designs, aiming to attain a “gold” rating or above under BEAM Plus for all new housing developments. The measures include adopting MiC in construction with modules manufactured accurately and effectively in factories, and other innovative technologies such as BIM to facilitate planning throughout the construction process and enhance management, which can save energy, reduce waste and make the construction process more environmentally friendly. To improve energy efficiency, the HKHA has also implemented various green initiatives such as smart lighting control systems, light emitting diode lighting and solar photovoltaic systems. In estate management, the application of the Internet of Things and AI for collecting and analysing data has also enhanced estate management quality and efficiency. She said she looked forward to continued exchanges between Hong Kong and Portugal on innovative construction technologies and green building designs.
Ms Ho has arrived in Barcelona, Spain, last night and will begin her visit there today (July 4, Barcelona time).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for Europe tomorrow (July 5) to begin his visit to the Netherlands, France and Italy. He will meet with local senior government officials and leaders of various international organisations to introduce Hong Kong’s latest legal developments, strengthen exchanges and co-operation with all parties, promote Hong Kong’s strengths in legal and dispute resolution services, and explore collaboration on international capacity building.
During his visit, Mr Lam will attend local seminars organised by the Department of Justice and other exchange sessions. He will deliver speeches to the local legal and business sectors to introduce Hong Kong’s unique advantages in the practice of the common law system under the “one country, two systems” principle, its strategic positioning as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region, and its important role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world.
Accompanying Mr Lam on the visit will be the Law Officer (International Law) of the Department of Justice (DoJ), Dr James Ding, the Director of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Office of the DoJ, Dr Yang Ling, and government counsel.
​Mr Lam will conclude his visit in Rome, Italy, and return to Hong Kong on the morning of July 13. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, commenced her first official trip to Europe with a visit to Disneyland Paris on the morning of July 3 (Paris time) upon her arrival in Paris, France. There, she gained first-hand insights of the latest developments of Disneyland Paris. During the tour, she shared with the President of Disneyland Paris, Ms Natacha Rafalski, that Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has just launched its 20th-anniversary celebrations, which will bring all-new experiences to visitors. She also noted the shared appeal of both resorts as world-class tourist destinations.
Afterwards, Miss Law paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco, Mr Deng Li. Miss Law expressed her hope to foster closer exchanges between Hong Kong and France, highlighting opportunities for collaboration across various sectors. Mr Deng talked about his views on the significance of Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges, highlighting that the city should make good use of its uniqueness. He also noted that Hong Kong is a potential market as an art trading centre.
In the afternoon, Miss Law met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture of France, Mr Luc Allaire. During the meeting, Miss Law underscored Hong Kong’s dedication to fostering cultural exchanges on both the regional and global levels. She emphasised Hong Kong’s role as a dynamic platform for welcoming diverse cultures into its community, while showcasing Chinese culture on the world stage. Miss Law also shared her vision of transforming Hong Kong into a hub for hosting large-scale museum events. Both parties recognised the strong and vibrant cultural ties between Hong Kong and France, spanning areas such as cultural performances, art and museum exhibitions, film production, fashion and design. They expressed a shared enthusiasm for expanding collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cultural connections and partnerships in the future.
Miss Law will continue her visit to Paris today (July 4, Paris time).
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Russia pummelled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war, injuring at least 23 people and damaging buildings across the capital only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, officials said on Friday.
Air raid sirens, the whine of kamikaze drones and booming detonations reverberated from early evening until dawn as Russia launched what Ukraine’s Air Force said was a total of 539 drones and 11 missiles.
Residents huddled with families in underground metro stations for shelter. Acrid smoke hung over the city centre.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is due to speak to Trump later on Friday about the war and a U.S. pause in some deliveries of air defence missiles, called the attack “deliberately massive and cynical.”
“Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin,” Zelenskiy said on X.
“Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,” he added, calling for increased pressure on Russia and more air defence equipment.
Kyiv officials said the attack damaged about 40 apartment blocks, passenger railway infrastructure, five schools and kindergartens, cafes and many cars in six of Kyiv’s 10 districts. Poland said the consular section of its embassy was damaged in central Kyiv, adding that staff were unharmed.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that fourteen of the injured were hospitalised.
Ukraine’s state-owned railway Ukrzaliznytsia, the country’s largest carrier, said on Telegram that the attack on Kyiv forced them to divert a number of passenger trains, causing delays.
Damage was recorded on both sides of the wide Dnipro River bisecting the city and falling drone debris set a medical facility on fire in the leafy Holosiivskyi district, Klitschko said.
Russian air strikes on Kyiv have intensified in recent weeks and included some of the deadliest assaults of the war on the city of three million people.
CALL FOR SANCTIONS
Trump said that the call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war, while the Kremlin reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflict’s “root causes”.
A decision by Washington earlier this week to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.
On Friday, Zelenskiy called for increased pressure on Moscow to change its “dumb, destructive behavior”.
“For every such strike against people and human life, they must feel appropriate sanctions and other blows to their economy, their revenues, and their infrastructure,” he said.
SHELTERED
Ukraine’s Air Force said that it destroyed 478 of the air weapons Russia launched overnight. However air strikes were recorded in eight locations across the country with nine missiles and 63 drones, it added.
Social media videos showed people running to seek shelter, firefighters fighting blazes in the dark and ruined buildings with windows and facades blown out.
Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Thousands of civilians have died in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian. Many more soldiers are believed to have died on the frontlines, although neither side releases military casualty figures.
Late on Thursday, Russian shelling killed five people in and near the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a key target under Russian attack for months, Ukraine said.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Russia pummelled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war, injuring at least 23 people and damaging buildings across the capital only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, officials said on Friday.
Air raid sirens, the whine of kamikaze drones and booming detonations reverberated from early evening until dawn as Russia launched what Ukraine’s Air Force said was a total of 539 drones and 11 missiles.
Residents huddled with families in underground metro stations for shelter. Acrid smoke hung over the city centre.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is due to speak to Trump later on Friday about the war and a U.S. pause in some deliveries of air defence missiles, called the attack “deliberately massive and cynical.”
“Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin,” Zelenskiy said on X.
“Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,” he added, calling for increased pressure on Russia and more air defence equipment.
Kyiv officials said the attack damaged about 40 apartment blocks, passenger railway infrastructure, five schools and kindergartens, cafes and many cars in six of Kyiv’s 10 districts. Poland said the consular section of its embassy was damaged in central Kyiv, adding that staff were unharmed.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that fourteen of the injured were hospitalised.
Ukraine’s state-owned railway Ukrzaliznytsia, the country’s largest carrier, said on Telegram that the attack on Kyiv forced them to divert a number of passenger trains, causing delays.
Damage was recorded on both sides of the wide Dnipro River bisecting the city and falling drone debris set a medical facility on fire in the leafy Holosiivskyi district, Klitschko said.
Russian air strikes on Kyiv have intensified in recent weeks and included some of the deadliest assaults of the war on the city of three million people.
CALL FOR SANCTIONS
Trump said that the call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war, while the Kremlin reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflict’s “root causes”.
A decision by Washington earlier this week to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.
On Friday, Zelenskiy called for increased pressure on Moscow to change its “dumb, destructive behavior”.
“For every such strike against people and human life, they must feel appropriate sanctions and other blows to their economy, their revenues, and their infrastructure,” he said.
SHELTERED
Ukraine’s Air Force said that it destroyed 478 of the air weapons Russia launched overnight. However air strikes were recorded in eight locations across the country with nine missiles and 63 drones, it added.
Social media videos showed people running to seek shelter, firefighters fighting blazes in the dark and ruined buildings with windows and facades blown out.
Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Thousands of civilians have died in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian. Many more soldiers are believed to have died on the frontlines, although neither side releases military casualty figures.
Late on Thursday, Russian shelling killed five people in and near the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a key target under Russian attack for months, Ukraine said.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Russia pummelled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war, injuring at least 23 people and damaging buildings across the capital only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, officials said on Friday.
Air raid sirens, the whine of kamikaze drones and booming detonations reverberated from early evening until dawn as Russia launched what Ukraine’s Air Force said was a total of 539 drones and 11 missiles.
Residents huddled with families in underground metro stations for shelter. Acrid smoke hung over the city centre.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is due to speak to Trump later on Friday about the war and a U.S. pause in some deliveries of air defence missiles, called the attack “deliberately massive and cynical.”
“Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin,” Zelenskiy said on X.
“Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,” he added, calling for increased pressure on Russia and more air defence equipment.
Kyiv officials said the attack damaged about 40 apartment blocks, passenger railway infrastructure, five schools and kindergartens, cafes and many cars in six of Kyiv’s 10 districts. Poland said the consular section of its embassy was damaged in central Kyiv, adding that staff were unharmed.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that fourteen of the injured were hospitalised.
Ukraine’s state-owned railway Ukrzaliznytsia, the country’s largest carrier, said on Telegram that the attack on Kyiv forced them to divert a number of passenger trains, causing delays.
Damage was recorded on both sides of the wide Dnipro River bisecting the city and falling drone debris set a medical facility on fire in the leafy Holosiivskyi district, Klitschko said.
Russian air strikes on Kyiv have intensified in recent weeks and included some of the deadliest assaults of the war on the city of three million people.
CALL FOR SANCTIONS
Trump said that the call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war, while the Kremlin reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflict’s “root causes”.
A decision by Washington earlier this week to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.
On Friday, Zelenskiy called for increased pressure on Moscow to change its “dumb, destructive behavior”.
“For every such strike against people and human life, they must feel appropriate sanctions and other blows to their economy, their revenues, and their infrastructure,” he said.
SHELTERED
Ukraine’s Air Force said that it destroyed 478 of the air weapons Russia launched overnight. However air strikes were recorded in eight locations across the country with nine missiles and 63 drones, it added.
Social media videos showed people running to seek shelter, firefighters fighting blazes in the dark and ruined buildings with windows and facades blown out.
Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Thousands of civilians have died in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian. Many more soldiers are believed to have died on the frontlines, although neither side releases military casualty figures.
Late on Thursday, Russian shelling killed five people in and near the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a key target under Russian attack for months, Ukraine said.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Russia pummelled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war, injuring at least 23 people and damaging buildings across the capital only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, officials said on Friday.
Air raid sirens, the whine of kamikaze drones and booming detonations reverberated from early evening until dawn as Russia launched what Ukraine’s Air Force said was a total of 539 drones and 11 missiles.
Residents huddled with families in underground metro stations for shelter. Acrid smoke hung over the city centre.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is due to speak to Trump later on Friday about the war and a U.S. pause in some deliveries of air defence missiles, called the attack “deliberately massive and cynical.”
“Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin,” Zelenskiy said on X.
“Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,” he added, calling for increased pressure on Russia and more air defence equipment.
Kyiv officials said the attack damaged about 40 apartment blocks, passenger railway infrastructure, five schools and kindergartens, cafes and many cars in six of Kyiv’s 10 districts. Poland said the consular section of its embassy was damaged in central Kyiv, adding that staff were unharmed.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that fourteen of the injured were hospitalised.
Ukraine’s state-owned railway Ukrzaliznytsia, the country’s largest carrier, said on Telegram that the attack on Kyiv forced them to divert a number of passenger trains, causing delays.
Damage was recorded on both sides of the wide Dnipro River bisecting the city and falling drone debris set a medical facility on fire in the leafy Holosiivskyi district, Klitschko said.
Russian air strikes on Kyiv have intensified in recent weeks and included some of the deadliest assaults of the war on the city of three million people.
CALL FOR SANCTIONS
Trump said that the call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war, while the Kremlin reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflict’s “root causes”.
A decision by Washington earlier this week to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.
On Friday, Zelenskiy called for increased pressure on Moscow to change its “dumb, destructive behavior”.
“For every such strike against people and human life, they must feel appropriate sanctions and other blows to their economy, their revenues, and their infrastructure,” he said.
SHELTERED
Ukraine’s Air Force said that it destroyed 478 of the air weapons Russia launched overnight. However air strikes were recorded in eight locations across the country with nine missiles and 63 drones, it added.
Social media videos showed people running to seek shelter, firefighters fighting blazes in the dark and ruined buildings with windows and facades blown out.
Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Thousands of civilians have died in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian. Many more soldiers are believed to have died on the frontlines, although neither side releases military casualty figures.
Late on Thursday, Russian shelling killed five people in and near the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a key target under Russian attack for months, Ukraine said.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Russia pummelled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war, injuring at least 23 people and damaging buildings across the capital only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, officials said on Friday.
Air raid sirens, the whine of kamikaze drones and booming detonations reverberated from early evening until dawn as Russia launched what Ukraine’s Air Force said was a total of 539 drones and 11 missiles.
Residents huddled with families in underground metro stations for shelter. Acrid smoke hung over the city centre.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is due to speak to Trump later on Friday about the war and a U.S. pause in some deliveries of air defence missiles, called the attack “deliberately massive and cynical.”
“Notably, the first air raid alerts in our cities and regions yesterday began to blare almost simultaneously with media reports discussing a phone call between President Trump and Putin,” Zelenskiy said on X.
“Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,” he added, calling for increased pressure on Russia and more air defence equipment.
Kyiv officials said the attack damaged about 40 apartment blocks, passenger railway infrastructure, five schools and kindergartens, cafes and many cars in six of Kyiv’s 10 districts. Poland said the consular section of its embassy was damaged in central Kyiv, adding that staff were unharmed.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that fourteen of the injured were hospitalised.
Ukraine’s state-owned railway Ukrzaliznytsia, the country’s largest carrier, said on Telegram that the attack on Kyiv forced them to divert a number of passenger trains, causing delays.
Damage was recorded on both sides of the wide Dnipro River bisecting the city and falling drone debris set a medical facility on fire in the leafy Holosiivskyi district, Klitschko said.
Russian air strikes on Kyiv have intensified in recent weeks and included some of the deadliest assaults of the war on the city of three million people.
CALL FOR SANCTIONS
Trump said that the call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war, while the Kremlin reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflict’s “root causes”.
A decision by Washington earlier this week to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.
On Friday, Zelenskiy called for increased pressure on Moscow to change its “dumb, destructive behavior”.
“For every such strike against people and human life, they must feel appropriate sanctions and other blows to their economy, their revenues, and their infrastructure,” he said.
SHELTERED
Ukraine’s Air Force said that it destroyed 478 of the air weapons Russia launched overnight. However air strikes were recorded in eight locations across the country with nine missiles and 63 drones, it added.
Social media videos showed people running to seek shelter, firefighters fighting blazes in the dark and ruined buildings with windows and facades blown out.
Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Thousands of civilians have died in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian. Many more soldiers are believed to have died on the frontlines, although neither side releases military casualty figures.
Late on Thursday, Russian shelling killed five people in and near the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a key target under Russian attack for months, Ukraine said.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of South Africa
The State Visit to South Africa by Austria President Alexander van der Bellen and his delegation presents an opportunity for the two countries to deepen trade and investment relations.
This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who welcomed the delegation at the Union Buildings on Friday morning.
In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa described the visit as a “new chapter in relations”.
“Through the bilateral consultations we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. We are also committed to deepening investment and trade between our two countries.
“South Africa is Austria’s largest economic and trade partner in Africa. Our country accounts for almost a third of Austria’s total exports to the continent. There are more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries or agencies in South Africa across a range of sectors.
“There is significant potential to deepen investment and trade links in areas such as the green economy, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development and tourism,” President Ramaphosa said.
He highlighted the two countries’ commitment to a transition towards low carbon climate economies – noting the European country’s move towards green hydrogen which South Africa is also pursuing.
“As South Africa strives to achieve energy security through investment in renewable and clean energy, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with Austria.
“We noted with interest the launch of Austria’s first green hydrogen production facility in 2023. We are eager to share our Green Hydrogen Economy Strategy and explore avenues for cooperation,” he said.
The global environment
President Ramaphosa noted that the state visit takes place at a time of “heightened global insecurity, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, the climate emergency and conflicts in many parts of the world”.
“These events reinforce the need for multilateralism to remain at the centre of world affairs. They further underscore the need for the urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.
“South Africa and Austria share a common commitment to a world free of conflict and war, where sustainable development is a reality for all,” he said.
The President reflected on South Africa’s presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.
“It reflects our commitment to advancing the African Agenda, multilateral cooperation and the interests of all countries and peoples.
“Austria is a valued partner of South Africa and we look forward to taking this partnership to even greater heights,” President Ramaphosa concluded.
The state visit will culminate in the South Africa-Austria Business Forum to be held later on Fridaya. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Leaseholders to be better protected and more able to challenge excessive service charges to address cost of living concerns
Millions of leaseholders will receive stronger rights, powers and protections to better challenge extortionate service charges thanks to major reforms to the feudal leasehold system.
Leaseholders are required to pay a service charge to cover the upkeep of shared areas in their building, however in too many cases they are left facing very unclear and unaffordable fees.
By switching on measures in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, almost five million leaseholders in England and Wales will receive the transparency they need to hold their landlords to account and easily challenge these costs.
Leaseholders will receive standardised service charge documentation, which will spell out clear and detailed information about how their service charges are calculated and spent.
This will make it easier for them to challenge unreasonable bills and potentially save money where expenses are unjustified, with further reforms to stop them having to automatically pay for landlords’ litigation costs even where they have won their case.
“The cost of living remains a pressing concern for leaseholders and many are struggling financially as a result of high and rising service charges, and other opaque and excessive leasehold costs.
“This bold package of reforms will arm leaseholders with greater rights and protections and empower them to challenge poor practice and unreasonable charges and fees – driving up leaseholder living standards as we work to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end as part of our Plan for Change.”
Demands for service charges are currently only required by law to include a limited amount of details, which can leave leaseholders in the dark over what services or works make up their bill.
This can leave leaseholders at risk of being overcharged for poor quality work, or out of pocket for work that has not been carried out in some of the worst cases, on top of existing cost of living pressures.
The government is today (Friday) pushing ahead to implement these reforms and is consulting over the best way forward to ensure they are robust, workable and protect leaseholders effectively.
Queries about service charges accounted for one in three of all enquiries to the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) last year, showing the need for the government to act and drive-up transparency.
Further reforms – in addition to measures in the Act – will see the Section 20 ‘major works’ process improved to ensure leaseholders are not hit by one-off, unexpected and very large bills with little or no notice as is the case currently. LEASE will shortly be publishing an insight report into the challenges currently experienced by leaseholders going through this process.
Other measures will give leaseholders the power to demand a switch or veto a landlord’s choice of managing agent and introduce mandatory qualifications for the role to stamp out bad practice in line with Lord Best’s 2019 recommendations. This reform will ensure all managing agents have the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs effectively, and put an end to leaseholders and residential freeholders suffering abuse and poor service.
These reforms will help drive up living standards in our Plan for Change and complement work to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end and make commonhold the default for new flats, ahead of publication of a draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill later this year.
Source: City of Plymouth
Two local schools have been recognised nationally for their efforts to create a culture of welcome and belonging for children from families seeking asylum and refuge in Plymouth.
Mount Street Primary and Millbay Academy are the first schools in the city to gain the national School of Sanctuary accreditation.
In each school pupils, parents, staff and governors have worked together, supported by the Plymouth Ethnic Minority Achievement (EMA) Team at the council to create caring communities in which children learn positive messages about equality and diversity.
This week, at the EMA Team Hub, hosted by Plymouth Teacher and Schools Alliance, Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, presented certificates to the two successful schools, and other schools keen to gain this award, joined the celebration.
She said: “We are working hard to make Plymouth a welcoming city, and it is great to see how our schools are going even further by achieving this excellent recognition of Schools of Sanctuary.
“We are really keen to encourage more of our schools to get involved. This acknowledgement and presentation will hopefully create even more interest and awareness. We know our schools do so much in this area, and this is the opportunity to celebrate that work. Mount Street Primary and Millbay Academy are true pioneers.
“It is important that schools provide the very best learning opportunities for the children while they settle in – this is why the council are working with the Schools of Sanctuary to guide schools through the whole process towards accreditation.
“I would like to say a huge congratulations to the schools for achieving this award, and for all their hard work.”
Matthew Bisco, Senior Deputy Head at Millbay Academy, said: “Millbay Academy are incredibly proud to be recognised for our continuous work in this area.
“The School of Sanctuary values are those we live and breathe. I hope that this accreditation gives further confidence to our city’s refugee, asylum seeker and migrant families, demonstrating our commitment to them, and recognising the gift of having such a rich and diverse set of lived experiences within our community.
“Congratulations and full gratitude to all the staff, students and parents who are so committed and learn so much from this work together.”
The Headteacher from Mount Street Primary added: “We are delighted to be re-accredited as a School of Sanctuary. This recognition reflects the values we live by every day of inclusion, compassion and community. It’s a journey we began years ago and one we are committed to continuing.”
We hope that many more schools will engage with this project. You can learn more about the School of Sanctuary awards at: https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org/
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — A cargo air route was launched on Thursday between Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the Serbian city of Nis, served by Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air.
Its Boeing 767-300F aircraft delivered 52.71 tons of goods to Serbia as part of cross-border e-commerce.
According to the Zhongxinshe News Agency, citing a source in the Xinjiang Airport Group, eight new international cargo airlines were opened in January-June this year, linking Xinjiang with the outside world. The total number of international cargo air routes in Xinjiang has now reached 34. Thanks to this, Urumqi Tianshan International Airport has become a key aviation logistics hub connecting Xinjiang with Central Asia and Europe. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — Jiamusi City in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province will speed up practical cooperation between local governments of China and Russia, Mayor Wang Te said during a meeting with a Russian delegation on Thursday.
According to the website of the Heilongjiang Provincial Government, Wang Tie, on behalf of the Jiamusi City Government, warmly welcomed the Russian delegation. According to him, Jiamusi is currently actively implementing the important agreements between the heads of state of the two countries and actively serves the cause of “selling Chinese goods throughout Russia and buying Russian goods for all of China”, which provides important opportunities and ample space for strengthening cooperation between the two sides.
He expressed the hope that the two sides would continue to strengthen exchanges between local governments, establish a mechanism for regular meetings with Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Sakhalin Oblast, Vladivostok, Kamchatka Krai and other regions, accelerate practical cooperation, expand the scope and introduce new models of cooperation, and make every effort to promote cooperation in broader areas and at a deeper level.
The members of the Russian delegation unanimously stated that over the years, a number of fruitful works have been carried out jointly with Jiamusi in the fields of economy, culture, education, sports and tourism. They expressed hope that this meeting will become an opportunity to further deepen exchanges with Jiamusi, actively seek more joint projects, so as to give new strength and new impetus to the development of China-Russia relations.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) — Good China-Germany relations will not only promote the overall positive development of China-EU relations, but will also be of great significance to global stability and development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said here on Thursday at the 8th round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security, which he co-chaired with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
Wang Yi recalled that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership has also entered a new decade.
As the world’s second and third largest economies respectively, China and Germany bear important international responsibilities and are the focus of all parties’ hopes, Wang Yi said. He said the two countries should join hands to reaffirm mutual trust, further strengthen cooperation and further deepen bilateral relations.
Wang Yi stressed that in the current turbulent international environment, particularly the growing protectionism, anti-globalism and unilateral pressure, China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and coordination.
The Chinese foreign minister added that the two countries should bring more certainty to the world based on stable relations between them, jointly uphold and practice multilateralism, uphold the international system with the UN at its core, as well as the international order based on international law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the UN Charter, and be committed to developing a more reliable, stable and predictable comprehensive strategic partnership.
Wang also mentioned the phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in which the leaders set the direction and tone for the next stage of China-Germany relations.
Despite the changing international landscape, Sino-German relations continue to develop steadily. According to Wang Yi, this is mainly due to their approach to each other, which is characterized by mutual respect, finding common ground while maintaining differences, and striving for win-win cooperation. All this is the basis for the stable development of Sino-German relations, the diplomat emphasized.
China attaches an important place to relations with Germany in its diplomacy and appreciates the positive and rational approach of the new German government to developing relations with China, the Chinese minister said.
He expressed the hope that the German side will support China’s efforts to achieve complete national reunification just as China unconditionally supported the reunification of Germany, and strictly adhere to the one-China principle.
As a leading country in the European Union, Germany has made positive efforts to develop China-EU relations. Wang also expressed hope that Germany will continue to play a constructive role in the development of China-EU relations.
J. Wadephul, in turn, stated that Germany is ready to be a reliable and predictable cooperation partner for China.
According to him, in the era of crises and various challenges, the two countries need to maintain close contacts and coordination.
“The two countries have a long history of relations and a solid foundation for partnership,” Wadephul said, adding that Germany and China share consensus on many issues and can properly resolve differences based on mutual respect and a constructive approach.
According to him, Germany hopes to expand exchanges with China and continuously strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The German government is firmly committed to the one-China policy, a German diplomat confirmed.
During the talks, the heads of the foreign policy departments also held an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukrainian crisis, the Iranian nuclear issue, the situation in the Middle East and multilateral strategic coordination. They agreed to intensify contacts and coordination in order to ensure a ceasefire, end conflicts and peacefully resolve disputes. –0–
Source: European Parliament 2
This in-depth analysis, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Justice, Civil Liberties and Institutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Legal Affairs, assesses the potential drivers and rationale for a possible 28th Regime as proposed in the Letta Report. The 28th Regime seeks to enable firms who wish to do so to operate under a new business law codified at European level. The intent is to enable firms, especially SMEs and innovative firms, to operate without friction across all EU Member States.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law yesterday started the first leg of her visit to France in Paris, by touring Disneyland Paris and meeting French Ministry of Culture Secretary General Luc Allaire.
Apart from gaining first-hand insights of the theme park’s latest developments during her tour, Miss Law shared with Disneyland Paris President Natacha Rafalski that Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has just launched its 20th-anniversary celebrations, which will bring all-new experiences to visitors.
This was followed by a courtesy call on Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Deng Li.
Miss Law expressed her hope to foster closer exchanges between Hong Kong and France, highlighting the opportunities for collaboration across various sectors.
At her afternoon meeting with Mr Allaire, Miss Law underscored Hong Kong’s dedication to fostering cultural exchanges on both the regional and global levels, and shared her vision of transforming the city into a hub for hosting large-scale museum events.
Both parties expressed a shared enthusiasm for expanding collaboration, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cultural connections and partnerships in the future.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Officers will be deployed across Westminster on Saturday to ensure the Pride in London celebrations can take place safely.
The Met has been working closely with the event organisers, key partners and the other emergency services for many months in preparation for the event which is expected to see more than a million people head into the capital.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr Alison Heydari, who is leading the policing operation for Pride in London, said: “The public can expect to see a significant policing presence in central London. Officers are there to ensure everyone taking part in the celebrations can do so in safety and security.
“Our primary role is to provide a reassuring presence while being able to respond swiftly and effectively to any incidents.
“Pride is a celebration of the LGBT+ community and those attending should be able to do so free from discrimination, abuse or fear. There will be no tolerance of hate crime – we would urge anyone who is a victim of it to speak to an officer immediately so we can take action.
“Any of our officers are able to help and support, but we will also have specialist LGBT+ Community Liaison Officers deployed as part of the policing operation to assist where particular expertise is required.
“The areas around the parade and the various stages will be extremely busy, with Soho in particular likely to be very crowded. Please plan your travel to and from the event in advance, look out for each other and ask for help if you need it.
“As with any large public event, we would urge people attending to be alert and keep their eyes open. If you see something that doesn’t that look or feel right, please trust your instincts and bring it to the attention of an officer or a steward. In an emergency, always call 999.”
Pride in London will include a parade and a number of entertainment stages.
The parade, which will go from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place via Piccadilly, will see hundreds of groups taking part. Among them will be contingents from the emergency services, including the Met, as well as other public bodies.
The Met contingent will be made up of officers and staff from the Met LGBT+ Network and allies. They will be off-duty and won’t be in uniform. They are not part of the policing operation on the day.
Seven entertainment stages will be running, at Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Golden Square, Soho Square, Dean Street and Victoria Embankment Gardens. Pubs and bars across Westminster will be open as usual and are expected to be very busy.
Information for anyone planning to come to Pride in London, including maps and details of key timings, is available on the official event website.
Information on travel options, including live updates on any delays or diversions, can be found on the Transport for London website.
Source: City of Wolverhampton
The newly refurbished four-screen venue, inside the historic Grade II-listed Chubb Building, will be showing its first films from Friday 11 July.
Keep an eye on the Lockworks Cinema website to find out when the first tickets will go on sale.
Experienced independent commercial operator, PDJ, has converted the 8,000sqft council-owned space from an out-dated two-screen venue to a state-of-the-art facility.
They have recruited locally for the three permanent and 20 part-time jobs created.
PDJ already run successful cinemas in Worthing (The Dome Cinema), Kings Lynn (The Majestic Cinema) and Lytham St Annes (Island Cinema), and recently reopened the former Empire Cinemas in Walthamstow (Forest Cinemas) and Sutton Coldfield (Royal Cinema).
They and the council have made a £2million joint investment in the critical refurbishment and fit-out programme of the Lockworks Cinema and have entered into a 30-year lease.
The new-look venue is predicted to attract up to 130,000 visitors a year to the city centre at full flow and boost the local economy by half-a-million-pounds annually.
James Jervis, Director at PDJ Management, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome film lovers back to Wolverhampton city centre from next week. We’re just adding the final touches as we prepare for lift-off with the opening of Superman on Friday 11th July.
“Throughout the summer, we’ll be showing all the major releases – and plenty more besides – so there really will be something for everyone. We’re confident audiences will love what we’ve done with the cinema, and we’re committed to delivering the very best experience for our customers. Follow us on social media and sign up on our website to be the first to know when tickets go on sale next week.”
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “PDJ have delivered an exciting, affordable luxury offer in our city centre that will bring joy to thousands and thousands of movie-goers, young and old.
“It is all part of a transformation creating new destinations, better public spaces and inner-city living opportunities, coupled to a broader entertainment and events programme, to attract more visitors – helping both existing and new businesses to thrive and grow.”
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, added: “This is a massive investment by the council and PDJ in our city centre that puts Wolverhampton back at the heart of the cultural map.
“Alongside the new cinema, the city centre has also recently been boosted by the opening of a new leisure hub at the Mander Centre – anchored by Superbowl UK.
“Working alongside popular venues like the art gallery, Grand Theatre and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, this will all drive footfall to support local businesses.”
The council has also worked closely with the Chubb Building landlord, Midlands Industrial Association (MIA), who oversee a range of businesses already within the buildings, on the scheme.
Andy Munro, Chairman of Midlands Industrial Association said: “Midland Industrial Association are proud to be the landlords of this iconic Wolverhampton building and it is fitting that amongst the many creative businesses who are based at Chubb, the addition of a flagship cinema now forms an integral part of our Chubb community.”
Check out Lockworks Cinemas on Facebook and @lockworkscinemas on Instagram.
Source: Scottish Greens
You can use this template for your response to the Scottish Government’s Housing Bill consultation. However, personalise your responses if possible to ensure maximum impact. You can email your response to rentcontrolconsultation@gov.scot or you can complete the consultation online.
Exemptions – properties let below market rent – mid-market rent properties
1. Should MMR properties be exempted from the application of rent controls under the Bill?
No. Rent Controls should apply equally.
Rents across all types of private-rented tenancies have soared, leaving many people in crisis. Exempting any type of property would deprive tenants of the right to live in a home that doesn’t trap them in poverty. Many tenants may not know whether or not their property is a Mid-Market Rent, making a basically fairly simple system excessively complicated.
2. We have set out some possible criteria which could be incorporated into a definition of MMR for the purpose of a possible exemption. Do you agree with these criteria?
No. I oppose any and all exemptions, but if a MMR exemption is included, it should offer the exemption only to MMRs not charging more than Local Housing Allowance.
Exemptions – purpose-built rental housing – build to rent
6. Should build to rent properties be exempted from the application of rent controls under the Bill?
No. Rent Controls should apply equally. Rents across all types of private-rented tenancies have soared, leaving many people in crisis. Exempting any type of property would deprive tenants of the right to live in a home that doesn’t trap them in poverty. Many tenants may not know whether or not their property is a Build-to-Rent property, making a basically fairly simple system excessively complicated.
Other circumstances where exemptions would be appropriate
7. Do you agree with the criteria we have set out which could be incorporated into a definition of build to rent for the purpose of a possible exemption?
No. I oppose any and all exemptions.
But if a BtR exemption is included, “Build-to-Rent” must be classed the same as other rented housing after 2 years and quality improvements must be linked to a point based system that evaluates a property’s quality.
Other circumstances where exemptions would be appropriate
11. Excluding mid-market rent and build to rent/purpose built private rented accommodation, are there other categories of housing provision that should be exempted from rent controls?
No.
Modified rent control area restrictions – landlords who charge rent significantly below advertised rate
16. Should landlords be able to increase their rent by more than the level of the rent cap at the beginning of a new tenancy, where the previous tenancy was let significantly below market rates?
No. This would create an incentive to evict tenants and would again make the system too complicated for tenants and landlords to understand easily.
Modified rent control area restrictions – landlords who make improvements to their property
18. Should landlords be able to increase rents by more than the level of the rent cap to recover costs, where they have undertaken certain improvements which may enhance the rental value or bring additional benefit to the tenant?
No. This would likely be subject to gaming, whereby landlords may make minor changes to justify increases in rent.
Again, it would also take away from the simplicity of the current proposed system, which is one of its major advantages.
It is difficult to see how such a system would work in practice. Unless there is a flat-rate system, which would lead to the perverse incentives outlined above, there would need to be an excessively complicated system of classing different types of improvement and then linking them to different rent caps. There would then need to be inspections done to check the improvements have been made, which would be a major burden on the Local Authority. Such a system is unlikely to be practicable.
20. Are there any other types of improvements that should potentially qualify for this kind of increase above the level of the cap?
No
Modified rent control area restrictions – other costs a landlord may face
24. Are there any other cost increases for rental properties that would justify raising the rent above the level of the rent cap?
No.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On July 4, on the day of the graduation of the students of the State University of Management, everyone can take a 3D photo for the SUM graduates museum.
Special equipment is located on the 1st and 8th floors of the academic building.
There are also themed photo zones on the main square and in the Information Technology Center, a red carpet awaits graduates near the dormitories, and refreshments can be obtained near the Sports Complex.
The graduation program can be viewed here, as well as on a special TG channel.
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.