In a series of recent joint committee meetings at the beginning of June, Members of LIBE, EUDS, SEDE, ENVI, and FEMM addressed a spectrum of pressing challenges, from the weaponisation of migration and emerging hybrid threats to the persistent violence of female genital mutilation (FGM) within the EU. Together, these discussions underscored a growing consensus: Europe must act with unity, foresight, and resilience to safeguard its citizens and values.
On 2nd of June, LIBE and EUDS discussed how foreign actors are turning migration in a tool of hybrid warfare, with criminal networks exploiting digital platforms and crypto payments to evade detection. Frontex stressed the need for better intelligence-sharing to anticipate and counter such threats, while the Commission reaffirmed that measures taken must remain lawful and proportionate.
Meeting in a joint session on 3rd of June SEDE, ENVI, and LIBE reviewed the new European Preparedness Union Strategy, which calls for a shared EU approach to risks ranging from cyberattacks to climate disasters. The strategy aims to embed preparedness across all policies, though Members called for clearer governance, adequate funding, and closer cooperation with neighbours.
On 4th of June, Members of LIBE, FEMM and DEVE focused on female genital mutilation, which continues to affect around 600,000 women and girls in at least 16 EU countries. Experts urged the Commission to enforce existing laws and boost support for front-line efforts to end this form of gender-based violence.
on the draft Council directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards VAT rules relating to taxable persons who facilitate distance sales of imported goods and the application of the special scheme for distance sales of goods imported from third territories or third countries and special arrangements for declaration and payment of import VAT
–having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2023)0262),
–having regard to its position of 22 November 2023[1],
–having regard to Article 113 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union , pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament again (C10‑0084/2025),
–having regard to Rule 84 and Rule 86 of its Rules of Procedure,
–having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A10-0119/2025),
1.Approves the Council draft;
2.Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;
3.Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend its draft substantially;
4.Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
On 8 December 2022, the Commission presented the ‘VAT in the digital age’ package (ViDA), which consists of three proposals:
•A proposal for a Council directive amending directive 2006/112/EC as regards VAT rules for the digital age;
•A proposal for a Council regulation amending regulation (EU) No 904/2010 as regards the VAT administrative cooperation arrangements needed for the digital age;
•A proposal for a Council implementing regulation amending implementing regulation (EU) No 282/2011 as regards information requirements for certain VAT schemes.
The package developed an action plan that emphasized the need to reflect on how technology can be used in the fight against tax fraud and how the current VAT rules in the European Union could be adapted for doing business in the digital age. The three proposed changes to make VAT fit for the digital age are
i)A new real time digital reporting system based on e-invoicing,
ii)An update of the VAT rules for the platform economy and
iii)A single VAT registration for businesses selling to consumers across the EU.
The European Parliament was consulted and delivered its opinion on these legislative proposals on 22 November 2023. In January 2025, the Parliament was re-consulted on the draft Council directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards VAT rules for the digital age. This re-consultation was linked to the deemed supplier regime which was a significant point of contention within the Council, making it particularly challenging to reach a final compromise (A10-0001/2025).
The European Parliament is now consulted for the second time for the following reason.
The original VIDA package contained a proposal to make the import one-stop-shop (IOSS) mandatory. However, Member States rejected it. The alternative proposal to motivate the use of IOSS by making suppliers and platforms liable for import VAT if they do not use the IOSS was not mature enough to be included in the VIDA package, which was adopted by Council in March 2025.
In May 2023, the Commission issued a package of proposals to reform the Union Customs Code, notably to abolish the 150€ threshold for exemption of customs duties and VAT on import.
In the summer of 2024, the provisions to incentivise the use of IOSS were added to the Commission proposals to reform the Union Customs Code in view of their relation with the customs rules. The Polish Presidency advocated splitting these provisions to incentivise the use of IOSS, considered as sufficiently mature, from the customs proposal and to agree on them separately. This was accepted by delegations.
At the 13 May 2025 ECOFIN, the Council agreed to incorporate the provisions to incentivise the use of IOSS in the VAT Directive, which make suppliers and platforms liable for import VAT if they do not use the IOSS.
In its opinion on 22 November 2023, the European Parliament advocated that the IOSSs should operate transparently and securely. Moreover, it also highlighted that a unified approach between the IOSS, on the one hand, and customs legislation and practice, on the other, would help bring an end to inconsistencies, errors and double taxation. Moreover, the European Parliament underlined the need to limit the administrative burden for SMEs. In addition, the European Parliament asked to assess the advantages and disadvantages of making IOSS mandatory.
Therefore, in light of the above, the rapporteur is of the view that a simplified procedure without amendments is the relevant procedure for this re-consultation.
ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONSFROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT
The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.
PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE
Title
Amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards VAT rules relating to taxable persons who facilitate distance sales of imported goods and the application of the special scheme for distance sales of goods imported from third territories or third countries and special arrangements for declaration and payment of import VAT
In a series of recent joint committee meetings at the beginning of June, Members of LIBE, EUDS, SEDE, ENVI, and FEMM addressed a spectrum of pressing challenges, from the weaponisation of migration and emerging hybrid threats to the persistent violence of female genital mutilation (FGM) within the EU. Together, these discussions underscored a growing consensus: Europe must act with unity, foresight, and resilience to safeguard its citizens and values.
On 2nd of June, LIBE and EUDS discussed how foreign actors are turning migration in a tool of hybrid warfare, with criminal networks exploiting digital platforms and crypto payments to evade detection. Frontex stressed the need for better intelligence-sharing to anticipate and counter such threats, while the Commission reaffirmed that measures taken must remain lawful and proportionate.
Meeting in a joint session on 3rd of June SEDE, ENVI, and LIBE reviewed the new European Preparedness Union Strategy, which calls for a shared EU approach to risks ranging from cyberattacks to climate disasters. The strategy aims to embed preparedness across all policies, though Members called for clearer governance, adequate funding, and closer cooperation with neighbours.
On 4th of June, Members of LIBE, FEMM and DEVE focused on female genital mutilation, which continues to affect around 600,000 women and girls in at least 16 EU countries. Experts urged the Commission to enforce existing laws and boost support for front-line efforts to end this form of gender-based violence.
Priority question for written answer P-002482/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Dario Nardella (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Lucia Annunziata (S&D), Antonio Decaro (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Matteo Ricci (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D)
As the deadline approaches for Italy’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP), it is clear that many of the innovative investments and practices have produced good results. However, a number of the key measures have encountered problems, which require specific corrective measures in order to avoid a full-scale revision of the plan.
The government, together with the Commission, is pinpointing solutions to ensure that the deadlines can be met. One strategy is to entrust management of the funds to entities such as ISMEA and GSE. This approach – already provided for in the 2023 revision – applies to financing worth EUR 10.6 billion. In the agri-food sector, 50 % of resources are expected to be under contract by 30 June 2025 and the rest by 2026, but most of the investments will materialise after the plan has ended. Another strategy provides for reporting of partially achieved objectives, with a proportional reduction in funding, to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In addition, while the Commission is carrying out its assessment, that period of time can also be used to finalise the measures, even after the requests have been sent.
It is important to take into account the link between the NRRP and the fiscal-structural plan: any delays could have a negative impact on the reforms and investments that have been planned.
In view of the above:
1.What common challenges are coming to light in the various Member States in terms of implementation of the plans, and what support measures are envisaged?
2.What actions and corrective measures will be taken to support Italy’s NRRP?
Priority question for written answer P-002482/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Dario Nardella (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Lucia Annunziata (S&D), Antonio Decaro (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Matteo Ricci (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D)
As the deadline approaches for Italy’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP), it is clear that many of the innovative investments and practices have produced good results. However, a number of the key measures have encountered problems, which require specific corrective measures in order to avoid a full-scale revision of the plan.
The government, together with the Commission, is pinpointing solutions to ensure that the deadlines can be met. One strategy is to entrust management of the funds to entities such as ISMEA and GSE. This approach – already provided for in the 2023 revision – applies to financing worth EUR 10.6 billion. In the agri-food sector, 50 % of resources are expected to be under contract by 30 June 2025 and the rest by 2026, but most of the investments will materialise after the plan has ended. Another strategy provides for reporting of partially achieved objectives, with a proportional reduction in funding, to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In addition, while the Commission is carrying out its assessment, that period of time can also be used to finalise the measures, even after the requests have been sent.
It is important to take into account the link between the NRRP and the fiscal-structural plan: any delays could have a negative impact on the reforms and investments that have been planned.
In view of the above:
1.What common challenges are coming to light in the various Member States in terms of implementation of the plans, and what support measures are envisaged?
2.What actions and corrective measures will be taken to support Italy’s NRRP?
The Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) met today in Paris, hosted by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), which currently chairs the Heads of MDBs Group. The meeting focused on advancing their joint efforts to address development priorities.
Amid rising global uncertainty, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to working as a system to deliver greater impact and scale, in line with their Viewpoint Note and the recommendations of the G20 Roadmap towards Better, Bigger, and More Effective MDBs. The Roadmap outlines an ambitious vision for MDB reform to better address regional and global challenges, support job creation, and help countries achieve their development aspirations.
The Heads welcomed ongoing efforts to improve the way MDBs work with clients through operational efficiency and enhanced coordination. In 2025 alone, five mutual reliance agreements have been signed, helping streamline the preparation and implementation of co-financed projects across institutions.
Private capital mobilization remains a system-wide priority, with the last joint report of the MDBs reflecting a positive trend in volumes mobilized. To build on this momentum, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to developing local currency lending and foreign exchange solutions. They also reaffirmed the importance of adequate risk assessment for private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies; in this context, the valuable contribution of disaggregated statistics on credit risk published through the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMs) was recognized.
The Heads reiterated their continued commitment to implementing the recommendations of the G20 Independent Review of Multilateral Development Banks’ Capital Adequacy Frameworks (CAF). Further reform efforts by MDBs since mid-2024 have increased the additional lending headroom for development projects in all countries of operation, including high-income ones, over the next decade by more than US$250 billion, thus reaching a total of over US$650 billion.
The publication in the coming weeks of the Comparison Report by the MDBs’ Global Risk and Finance Forum (GRaFF) will provide metrics and data relating to MDBs’ financial positions, promoting a better understanding of their financial models and supporting both balance sheet optimization and private sector mobilization.
The Heads also agreed to continue advancing promising initiatives already underway to strengthen system-wide impact. These include: 1) Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030 through public and private collaboration; 2) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid, which aims to boost energy security, strengthen resilience, and promote decarbonization for the region’s 670 million people by connecting its electricity systems; and 3) Digital Transformation in Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to connect 3.5 million students and train over 250,000 teachers.
In addition, MDBs are exploring joint actions to scale up investments in social infrastructure, including health, education, housing, and water and sanitation. Building on structured dialogue led by the CEB, the Heads welcomed progress made through recent cross-MDB consultations and recognized the key role these sectors play in enabling jobs, productivity, and inclusive growth, while noting persistent financing and delivery challenges that constrain impact.
Meeting in advance of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which will take place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July, MDBs remain committed to working better as a system, in alignment with country-led development priorities and strategies to promote jobs and prosperity. In view of water’s role in human development, MDBs committed to significantly increasing collective support for global water security by 2030, and will launch the first “Joint Annual MDB Water Security Financing Report” at FfD4. Heads noted the importance of the upcoming COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.
Today’s meeting in Paris marks a significant step toward effective collaboration and scaled-up collective action for development priorities. MDB reforms are advancing, moving from concept to execution.
With streamlined operations, better risk tools, and growing financial capacity, MDBs are delivering real impact – from expanding energy access and digital education to scaling investment in water security.
Parliament’s committees deal with EU legislative proposals by adopting reports, which then are referred to plenary for voting by all Members, and appoint negotiation teams to conduct talks with Council. They adopt non-legislative reports, organise hearings with experts and scrutinise other EU bodies and institutions. Parliament can set up sub-committees and special committees to deal with specific issues. Each committee elects a chair and up to four vice-chairs for a two and a half year mandate.
Parliament’s committees deal with EU legislative proposals by adopting reports, which then are referred to plenary for voting by all Members, and appoint negotiation teams to conduct talks with Council. They adopt non-legislative reports, organise hearings with experts and scrutinise other EU bodies and institutions. Parliament can set up sub-committees and special committees to deal with specific issues. Each committee elects a chair and up to four vice-chairs for a two and a half year mandate.
PARIS (28 June) – The Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) met today in Paris, hosted by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), which currently chairs the Heads of MDBs Group. The meeting focused on advancing their joint efforts to address development priorities.
Amid rising global uncertainty, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to working as a system to deliver greater impact and scale, in line with their Viewpoint Note and the recommendations of the G20 Roadmap towards Better, Bigger, and More Effective MDBs. The Roadmap outlines an ambitious vision for MDB reform to better address regional and global challenges, support job creation, and help countries achieve their development aspirations.
The Heads welcomed ongoing efforts to improve the way MDBs work with clients through operational efficiency and enhanced coordination. In 2025 alone, five mutual reliance agreements have been signed, helping streamline the preparation and implementation of co-financed projects across institutions.
Private capital mobilization remains a system-wide priority, with the last joint report of the MDBs reflecting a positive trend in volumes mobilized. To build on this momentum, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to developing local currency lending and foreign exchange solutions. They also reaffirmed the importance of adequate risk assessment for private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies; in this context, the valuable contribution of disaggregated statistics on credit risk published through the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMs) was recognized.
The Heads reiterated their continued commitment to implementing the recommendations of the G20 Independent Review of Multilateral Development Banks’ Capital Adequacy Frameworks (CAF). Further reform efforts by MDBs since mid-2024 have increased the additional lending headroom for development projects in all countries of operation, including high-income ones, over the next decade by more than US$250 billion, thus reaching a total of over US$650 billion.
The publication in the coming weeks of the Comparison Report by the MDBs’ Global Risk and Finance Forum (GRaFF) will provide metrics and data relating to MDBs’ financial positions, promoting a better understanding of their financial models and supporting both balance sheet optimization and private sector mobilization.
The Heads also agreed to continue advancing promising initiatives already underway to strengthen system-wide impact. These include: 1) Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030 through public and private collaboration; 2) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid, which aims to boost energy security, strengthen resilience, and promote decarbonization for the region’s 670 million people by connecting its electricity systems; and 3) Digital Transformation in Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to connect 3.5 million students and train over 250,000 teachers.
In addition, MDBs are exploring joint actions to scale up investments in social infrastructure, including health, education, housing, and water and sanitation. Building on structured dialogue led by the CEB, the Heads welcomed progress made through recent cross-MDB consultations and recognized the key role these sectors play in enabling jobs, productivity, and inclusive growth, while noting persistent financing and delivery challenges that constrain impact.
Meeting in advance of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which will take place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July, MDBs remain committed to working better as a system, in alignment with country-led development priorities and strategies to promote jobs and prosperity. In view of water’s role in human development, MDBs committed to significantly increasing collective support for global water security by 2030, and will launch the first “Joint Annual MDB Water Security Financing Report” at FfD4. Heads noted the importance of the upcoming COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.
Today’s meeting in Paris marks a significant step toward effective collaboration and scaled-up collective action for development priorities. MDB reforms are advancing, moving from concept to execution.
With streamlined operations, better risk tools, and growing financial capacity, MDBs are delivering real impact – from expanding energy access and digital education to scaling investment in water security.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
For years, start-ups have been able to count on the support of the business incubators glatec and Startfeld. They accompany Empa’s young companies on their path to independence – and do so extremely successfully, as the 37 spin-offs founded to date show.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Mum and best friend of rip current victim Joe Abbess share their grief and safety hopes
The mother and best friend of a much-loved teenager who drowned in a fierce rip current at Bournemouth beach more than two years ago have spoken up to help people enjoy the coast safely this summer.
Joe Green and Vanessa Abbess (Photo: Maritime and Coastguard Agency)
Joe Abbess (17), a popular trainee chef and regular gym-goer, was in the water up to his waist during a trip to the seaside town with friends on 31 May 2023 when conditions suddenly changed.
As the summer season gets into full swing, Vanessa Abbess has joined with her late son’s best friend, Joe Green (19), and HM Coastguard to make a difference in his memory.
Vanessa said:
Joe was incredibly loved by his family and friends, and I feel it is so important to tell his story. He was being so sensible and safe. He was healthy. He was strong. He could swim.
It is so shocking that Joe died and shows you’re never entirely safe in the sea – but there are ways to reduce the risk, which we want everyone to know.
Joe Green was at the beach with Joe and other friends on the day of the tragedy. He and Vanessa are sharing how the loss still affects their lives as well as some easy-to-remember advice to enjoy the sea safely this summer.
A 12-year-old girl also died that day in a separate group hit by the same rip current. Eight others were rescued.
Rip currents are powerful movements of water, not always related to the tide, that can drag even strong people off their feet, under the surface or out to sea.
Vanessa and Joe’s safety tips:
Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the flags
Go into the sea with a buddy
In a rip current, don’t struggle and exhaust yourself. Instead Float to Live: float with your head back and ears submerged
If you see an emergency by the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Vanessa, from Southampton, said:
Even two years on, the world doesn’t feel quite right because there’s a great big Joe-shaped hole in our lives. Joe is, and will always be, loved and very missed every day.
We live on an island; people should know the dangers. You wouldn’t cross the road without thinking about it – don’t enter the sea without thinking about it. You need to think, what could happen? What do I do in an emergency?
Joe was a very caring young man – he would want people to know what happened that tragic day. And if by telling his story I can prevent this heartbreak happening to another family, that has got to be a benefit, in a strange way, because it’s absolutely awful to lose somebody you love like this.
Joe Green, also from Southampton, added:
It 100% has affected my life. I mean, you just never think this would happen to your best friend.
I miss him loads. Somehow after more than two years, it still doesn’t feel real. It still feels like he’s going to come into my life whenever I turn a corner.
I think he’d be very proud. I think he’d be very happy that I’m doing this for him, and his mum is doing this for him, because we just want to get the message across that this can happen to anyone.
HM Coastguard Divisional Commander James Instance said:
Vanessa and Joe have shown real bravery in reliving their loss to highlight hidden risks at the beach and how you can stay safe.
As we approach the summer holidays and our seaside gets busier, it’s a perfect time to remind everyone of a few simple tips to ensure your fun trip ends with good memories.
Editor’s notes:
Vanessa Abbess is available for remote or in-person media interview in Southampton on Wednesday 2 July, 10am-4pm. Requests via public.relations@mcga.gov.uk
HM Coastguard Coastal Operations Area Commander Mike Buratti is available for remote media interview to give coastal safety advice from 1pm-4pm on Monday 30 June, Tuesday 1 July, Wednesday 2 July and Friday 4 July; and 10-12 on Thursday 3 July. Requests via public.relations@mcga.gov.uk
Photos must be credited to Vanessa Abbess, Joe Green or the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, as indicated.
Press enquiries (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) 0203 817 2222
Outside these hours or on bank holidays and weekends, for media enquiries ONLY, please send an email outlining your query and putting #Urgent in the subject title.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality: joint statement, May 2025
The governments of Australia and the United Kingdom gave a joint statement following the second UK-Australia Strategic Dialogue on Gender Equality on 22 May 2025.
Joint statement:
In the face of increasing contestation and the rollback of hard-won progress, we reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
We are deeply concerned about escalating attempts to reverse global progress on gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. We are at a critical moment, where we must coordinate with partners across the globe to continue progress on gender equality. Such efforts are vital to protect the fundamental human rights of all women and girls, everywhere.
The erosion of gender equality and human rights undermines peace and security, and sustainable development. To accelerate progress, we need a strong multilateral system. The UN80 process is crucial to this, and we encourage ambitious, coordinated and transparent reform to ensure the UN system can deliver a progressive vision for all women and girls. Furthermore, enhanced collaboration is needed at the nexus between gender equality, humanitarian action, and climate change.
We are jointly committed to continued collaboration on gender equality in the Indo-Pacific. We will continue to prioritise, protect and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights and the elimination of gender-based violence, including through the implementation of our joint Memorandum of Understanding on Gender-Based Violence. We will continue pursuing effective strategies for ending gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and countering rollback, including through joint learning and regional dialogues. We will also continue integrating violence prevention into our work to address climate change.
We remain committed to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Core to the effective implementation of the WPS agenda are national and regional action plans and promoting women’s leadership to address contemporary challenges. We acknowledged this when discussing joint opportunities to mark the WPS agenda’s 25th anniversary at Ministerial level in 2025.
Women’s rights organisations play a vital role in protecting and promoting gender equality. We reaffirmed our commitment to exploring innovative ways to bolster and support grassroots movements, including through increased advocacy in regional and multilateral fora and joint events.
In this challenging environment, continued collaboration between the UK and Australia is vital. We urge everyone to stand with us to uphold gender equality, human rights, and democracy; all essential for a stronger, safer world.
On 26 June, The Highland Council took the decision to merge the school nurseries at Caol Primary School and St. Columba’s Roman Catholic Primary School.
All such decisions must be ratified by Scottish Ministers. The Council has notified Scottish Ministers of its decision. They have an 8-week period from the date of the Council’s decision to decide if they will intervene by issuing a call-in notice. Within the first 3 weeks of that 8-week period, they will take account of any relevant representations made to them by any person on whether the decision should be called in, or not called in, for review by a School Closure Review Panel.
Anyone wishing to make a representation to the Scottish Ministers is asked to email schoolclosure@gov.scot or write to the School Infrastructure Unit, Scottish Government, 2-D (S) Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ, by midnight on Wednesday 16 July 2025 at the latest.
Full details of the reasons for the recommendation are contained within the final report and associated papers, which can be accessed on the Council’s website.
The Highland Council has launched a new facility at the Nairn Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), enabling householders to donate working electrical and electronic items for reuse.
Residents can now bring old, unused, or unwanted items such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, toasters, air fryers, and TVs to the Nairn HWRC, provided they are still in good working order.
These items will be collected by ILM Highland, a social enterprise based in Alness that specialises in electrical recycling. ILM Highland will test and clean the donated items before offering them for sale in their retail shop and online. Proceeds from these sales support ILM’s home improvement services, which assist some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
This initiative is supported by a £135,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund (Small Grant Scheme), awarded to The Highland Council and ILM Highland to promote circular economy practices for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) across the region.
Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “This new reuse facility is the first of its kind in Scotland, and I am grateful for the funding from the Scottish Government’s Small Grants Fund, which has enabled the Council and our partner ILM Highland to deliver this valuable new service. Increasing opportunities for the public in Highland to donate unwanted tech items for reuse is hugely important. It helps reduce carbon emissions, preserve precious metals, and create jobs—contributing to the growing circular economy for electrical devices.”
Martin MacLeod, CEO at ILM Highland, said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with The Highland Council to launch this new reuse facility in Nairn. At ILM Highland, we’re passionate about extending the life of electrical items and reducing unnecessary waste. By giving residents a convenient way to donate working appliances and tech, we can divert valuable resources from landfill and make them available to households who need them most. Every item reused helps to support our wider mission of tackling digital exclusion and delivering essential home improvement services across the Highlands. It’s a win for people, the planet, and the local community.”
David Gunn, Manager (Recycling Improvement Fund) Operations at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see recycling and reuse being made more accessible to rural communities through this new service. By supporting households across the Highlands to recycle their electrical items, whether broken or in working order, this initiative is not only helping to reduce waste but also playing a vital role in Scotland’s journey towards a more circular economy.”
In addition to the Nairn facility, the funding will support the introduction of reuse facilities at three other Household Waste Recycling Centres in the coming months. These sites will allow for the separation and collection of domestic appliances suitable for reuse.
The grant also covers the purchase of a new van for ILM Highland, which is being used to provide monthly waste electrical and electronic equipment collections in communities with limited access to recycling centres—further boosting recycling and reuse efforts across the region.
Before donating smart devices, householders are advised to:
Back up your data – Save photos, contacts, and documents to the cloud, a personal computer, or an external drive.
Delete personal data – Wipe all data and remove SIM or memory cards.
Reset the device – Log out of all accounts and restore the device to factory settings.
For opening hours and more information about the Nairn HWRC, please visit https://bit.ly/nairnhwrc
Britain, France and Germany condemned on Monday what they described as threats against the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) watchdog, and called on Iran to guarantee the safety of IAEA staff on its territory.
“France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn threats against the Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi and reiterate our full support to the Agency and the DG in carrying out their mandate,” said a joint statement issued by the foreign affairs ministries of those three countries.
“We call on Iranian authorities to refrain from any steps to cease cooperation with the IAEA. We urge Iran to immediately resume full cooperation in line with its legally binding obligations, and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of IAEA personnel,” they added.
Their joint statement did not specify what threats had been made against Grossi.
On Monday, Iran said it could not be expected to guarantee the safety of IAEA inspectors, so swiftly after its nuclear sites were hit by Israeli and U.S. strikes in the 12-day war that ended with a ceasefire last week.
“How can they expect us to ensure the safety and security of the agency’s inspectors when Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities were attacked a few days ago?” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told a news conference.
The IAEA’s board voted earlier this month to declare that Iran was in violation of its obligations under the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iranian officials have suggested that vote helped pave the way for Israel’s attacks.
Baghaei said a parliamentary bill approved by the Guardian Council makes it mandatory for the government to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.
“Iran shouldn’t be expected to accept its obligations under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) when the UN nuclear watchdog has stopped short of condemning the attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites,” Baghaei said.
Is Mars really as red as people say it is? – Jasmine, age 14, Everson, Washington
People from cultures across the world have been looking at Mars since ancient times. Because it appears reddish, it has often been called the red planet.
The English name for the planet comes from the Romans, who named it after their god of war because its color reminded them of blood. In reality, the reddish color of Mars comes from iron oxide in the rocks and dust covering its surface.
Your blood is also red because of a mixture of iron and oxygen in a molecule called hemoglobin. So in a way, the ancient connection between the planet Mars and blood wasn’t completely wrong. Rust, which is a common form of iron oxide found here on Earth, also often has a reddish color.
Iron oxide, found in rust on old metal machinery, is the compound that colors rocks and dust on Mars’ surface reddish brown. Lars Hammar/Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA
In my current research on exoplanets, I observe different types of signals from planets beyond Earth. Lots of interesting physics goes into how researchers perceive the colors of planets and stars through different types of telescopes.
Observing Mars with probes
If you look closely at pictures of Mars taken by rovers on its surface, you can see that most of the planet isn’t purely red, but more of a rusty brown or tan color.
You can see Mars’ rusty color in this photo taken by the Viking lander. NASA/JPL
Probes sent from Earth have taken pictures showing rocks with a rusty color. A 1976 picture from the Viking lander, the very first spacecraft to land on Mars, shows the Martian ground covered with a layer of rusty orange dust.
Not all of Mars’ surface has the same color. At the poles, its ice caps appear white. These ice caps contain frozen water, like the ice we usually find on Earth, but these ice caps are also covered by a layer of frozen carbon dioxide – dry ice.
This layer of dry ice can evaporate very quickly when sunlight shines on it and grows back again when it becomes dark. This process causes the white ice caps to grow and shrink in size depending on the Martian seasons.
This picture from the Hubble Space Telescope shows the planet with the same rusty color covering large parts of its surface. NASA, ESA, Zolt G. Levay (STScI)
Beyond visible light
Mars also gives off light in colors that you can’t see with your eyes but that scientists can measure with special cameras on telescopes.
Light itself can be thought of not only as a wave but also as a stream of particles called photons. The amount of energy carried by each photon is related to its color. For example, blue and violet photons have more energy than orange and red photons.
The rainbow of visible light that you can see is only a small slice of all the kinds of light. Some telescopes can detect light with a longer wavelength, such as infrared light, or light with a shorter wavelength, such as ultraviolet light. Others can detect X-rays or radio waves. Inductiveload, NASA/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Ultraviolet photons have even more energy than the photons you can see with your eyes. These photons are found in direct sunlight, and because they have so much energy, they can damage the cells in your body. You can use sunscreen to protect yourself from them.
Infrared photons have less energy than the photons you can see with your eyes, and you don’t need any special protection from them. This is how some types of night-vision goggles work: They can see light in the infrared spectrum as well as the visible color spectrum. Scientists can take pictures of Mars in the infrared spectrum using special cameras that work almost like night-vision goggles for telescopes.
The colors on the infrared picture aren’t really what the infrared light looks like, because you can’t see those colors with your eyes. They are called “false colors,” and researchers add them to look at the picture more easily.
When you compare the visible color picture and the infrared picture, you can see some of the same features – and the ice caps are visible in both sets of colors.
NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft, launched in 2013, has even taken pictures with ultraviolet light, giving scientists a different view of both the surface of Mars and its atmosphere.
Astronomers are always looking for new ways to take telescope pictures outside of the regular visible spectrum. They can even make images using radio waves, microwaves, X-rays and gamma rays. Each part of the spectrum they can use to look at an object in space represents new information they can learn from.
Even though people have been looking at Mars since ancient times, we still have much to learn about this fascinating neighbor.
Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.
And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.
David Joffe receives funding from the NASA Office of STEM Engagement through a grant from the Georgia Space Grant Consortium
Your DNA is continually damaged by sources both inside and outside your body. One especially severe form of damage called a double-strand break involves the severing of both strands of the DNA double helix.
Double-strand breaks are among the most difficult forms of DNA damage for cells to repair because they disrupt the continuity of DNA and leave no intact template to base new strands on. If misrepaired, these breaks can lead to other mutations that make the genome unstable and increase the risk of many diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration and immunodeficiency.
These insights could not only pave the way for new treatment strategies for genetic disorders, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, but also enhance gene-editing technologies.
Sealing a knowledge gap in DNA repair
I have spent the past two decades investigating the relationship between RNA and DNA in order to understand how cells maintain genome integrity and how these mechanisms could be harnessed for genetic engineering.
A long-standing question in the field has been whether RNA in cells helps keep the genome stable beyond acting as a copy of DNA in the process of making proteins and a regulator of gene expression. Studying how RNA might do this has been especially difficult due to its similarity to DNA and how fast it degrades. It’s also technically challenging to tell whether the RNA is directly working to repair DNA or indirectly regulating the process. Traditional models and tools for studying DNA repair have for the most part focused on proteins and DNA, leaving RNA’s potential contributions largely unexplored.
RNA plays a key role in protein synthesis.
My team and I were curious about whether RNA might actively participate in fixing double-strand breaks as a first line of defense. To explore this, we used the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to make breaks at specific spots in the DNA of human and yeast cells. We then analyzed how RNA influences various aspects of the repair process, including efficiency and outcomes.
We found that RNA can actively guide the repair process of double-strand breaks. It does this by binding to broken DNA ends, helping align sequences of DNA on a matching strand that isn’t broken. It can also seal gaps or remove mismatched segments, further influencing whether and how the original sequence is restored.
Additionally, we found that RNA aids in double-strand break repair in both yeast and human cells, suggesting that its role in DNA repair is evolutionary conserved across species. Notably, even low levels of RNA were sufficient to influence the efficiency and outcome of repair, pointing to its broad and previously unrecognized function in maintaining genome stability.
RNA in control
By uncovering RNA’s previously unknown function to repair DNA damage, our findings show how RNA may directly contribute to the stability and evolution of the genome. It’s not merely a passive messenger, but an active participant in genome maintenance.
These insights could help researchers develop new ways to target the genomic instability that underlies many diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Traditionally, treatments and gene-editing tools have focused almost exclusively on DNA or proteins. Our findings suggest that modifying RNA in different ways could also influence how cells respond to DNA damage. For example, researchers could design RNA-based therapies to enhance the repair of harmful breaks that could cause cancer, or selectively disrupt DNA break repair in cancer cells to help kill them.
In addition, these findings could improve the precision of gene-editing technologies like CRISPR by accounting for interactions between RNA and DNA at the site of the cut. This could reduce off-target effects and increase editing precision, ultimately contributing to the development of safer and more effective gene therapies.
There are still many unanswered questions about how RNA interacts with DNA in the repair process. The evolutionary role that RNA plays in maintaining genome stability is also unclear. But one thing is certain: RNA is no longer just a messenger, it is a molecule with a direct hand in DNA repair, rewriting what researchers know about how cells safeguard their genetic code.
Francesca Storici consults at Tessera Therapeutics. She has received funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to visit Portugal to promote development opportunities in GBA On July 3, Ms Chan will attend a business luncheon titled “Unlocking New Horizons: Affordable Housing and Opportunities in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area”, co-organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels. She will deliver a keynote speech to promote the enormous business opportunities brought about by the GBA to the Portuguese business community and how Hong Kong can play its important function as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places.
During her stay in Lisbon, Ms Chan will call on the Chinese Embassy in the Portuguese Republic to learn about the latest developments in Portugal and Sino-Portuguese culture, and will also attend the International Forum on Urbanism there.
Ms Chan will return to Hong Kong on July 4. Issued at HKT 14:29
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, will depart for a visit to Lisbon, Portugal, tomorrow night (July 1). She will attend the International Forum on Urbanism on July 2 and speak at the forum on the various housing initiatives implemented by the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Authority in recent years to enhance people’s livelihoods, encourage upward mobility, and promote innovative construction technologies, as well as the “Well-being design” guide launched last year.
During her stay in Lisbon, she will meet with relevant local officials. She will also officiate at 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 share Hong Kong’s experiences in enhancing the quantity, speed, efficiency and quality of public housing construction by embracing various innovative rapid construction technologies and construction robotics, and continuously enhancing smart public estate management to build a more pleasant living environment for its residents. She also invited over 20 construction trade representatives from Hong Kong and the Mainland, including construction companies and consultant companies participating in the construction of public housing, Light Public Housing and transitional housing, to attend the luncheon. They will share in person with the participants Hong Kong’s experience in applying and promoting innovative construction technologies, such as Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) and construction robots, and take this opportunity to strengthen connections between the Hong Kong and Portuguese trades and explore opportunities. Ms Ho will also call on the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Portuguese Republic.
Ms Ho will depart for Barcelona, Spain, on the evening of July 3 (Lisbon time) to visit local social housing projects, meet with relevant government officials to learn about housing issues there and their policies implemented, and promote Hong Kong’s housing ladder that encourages upward mobility, as well as the application of innovative construction technologies in Hong Kong’s public housing developments and management, the concepts of the “Well-being design” guide, and more.
Ms Ho will return to Hong Kong on the morning of July 6. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Housing, Mr Victor Tai, will be the Acting Secretary for Housing.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published its response to the European Commission’s Call for Advice on fees to validate pro forma models under the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).
The Technical Advice makes a series of recommendations to the Commission in view of its Delegated Acton fees to be charged by the EBA for the performance of its new role as central validator of pro forma models, such as ISDA SIMM, under EMIR.
First, the EBA proposes that the Delegated Act allows for all costs – whether direct or indirect – relating to the activities linked to the central validation function of pro forma models to be covered.
Second, to address the feedback received on the difficulties in calculating the 12-month average notional amount of non-centrally cleared OTC derivatives, the EBA proposes to rely on simpler approaches than the ones consulted upon. To this end, the EBA makes proposals on the practical details of the calculation methodology that would ensure proportionality amongst all counterparties in the determination of the annual fee.
Finally, the EBA makes recommendations on the payment modalities and the information to be communicated to EBA for the determination of the individual fees and the invoicing process.
Legal basis
Article 11(12a) of EMIR mandates the EBA to set up a central validation function for the elements and general aspects of pro forma models, and changes thereto, used or to be used by financial and non-financial counterparties. The EBA shall charge an annual fee, per pro forma model, to financial and non-financial counterparties using the pro forma models validated by the EBA. The fees are expected to cover the costs incurred by the EBA in performing this role as central validator.
Pro forma models, such as ISDA SIMM, are used by the industry to calculate initial margin.
In March 2025, the EBA consulted market participants as part of its response. The feedback received to this Discussion Paper helped the EBA finalise its response to the European Commission.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published its response to the European Commission’s Call for Advice on fees to validate pro forma models under the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).
The Technical Advice makes a series of recommendations to the Commission in view of its Delegated Acton fees to be charged by the EBA for the performance of its new role as central validator of pro forma models, such as ISDA SIMM, under EMIR.
First, the EBA proposes that the Delegated Act allows for all costs – whether direct or indirect – relating to the activities linked to the central validation function of pro forma models to be covered.
Second, to address the feedback received on the difficulties in calculating the 12-month average notional amount of non-centrally cleared OTC derivatives, the EBA proposes to rely on simpler approaches than the ones consulted upon. To this end, the EBA makes proposals on the practical details of the calculation methodology that would ensure proportionality amongst all counterparties in the determination of the annual fee.
Finally, the EBA makes recommendations on the payment modalities and the information to be communicated to EBA for the determination of the individual fees and the invoicing process.
Legal basis
Article 11(12a) of EMIR mandates the EBA to set up a central validation function for the elements and general aspects of pro forma models, and changes thereto, used or to be used by financial and non-financial counterparties. The EBA shall charge an annual fee, per pro forma model, to financial and non-financial counterparties using the pro forma models validated by the EBA. The fees are expected to cover the costs incurred by the EBA in performing this role as central validator.
Pro forma models, such as ISDA SIMM, are used by the industry to calculate initial margin.
In March 2025, the EBA consulted market participants as part of its response. The feedback received to this Discussion Paper helped the EBA finalise its response to the European Commission.
Governing Council confirms symmetric 2% inflation target over the medium term
Symmetry requires appropriately forceful or persistent policy response to large, sustained deviations of inflation from target in either direction
All tools remain in toolkit and their choice, design and implementation will enable an agile response to new shocks
Structural shifts such as geopolitical and economic fragmentation and increasing use of artificial intelligence make the inflation environment more uncertain
The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) today published the results of its strategy assessment, which are set out in an updated monetary policy strategy statement.
Following the strategy review carried out in 2020-21, the Governing Council announced that it would periodically assess the appropriateness of its monetary policy strategy. The assessment published today meets this commitment, ensuring that our framework, toolkit and approach remain fit for purpose.
The monetary policy strategy enables the Governing Council to respond effectively to major changes in the inflation environment. This is especially important as ongoing structural shifts, such as geopolitical and economic fragmentation, increasing use of artificial intelligence, demographic change and the threat to environmental sustainability, suggest that the inflation environment will remain uncertain and potentially more volatile, with larger deviations from the symmetric 2% inflation target.
To maintain the symmetry of the target, appropriately forceful or persistent monetary policy action in response to large, sustained deviations of inflation from the target in either direction is important. This will help to avoid inflation expectations becoming de-anchored and inflation deviations from the target becoming entrenched.
“I am happy to announce that the Governing Council during its latest meeting approved the ECB’s updated monetary policy strategy”, said ECB President Christine Lagarde. “This assessment was a valuable opportunity to challenge our thinking, check our policy toolkit and fine-tune our strategy. It provides us with an even stronger basis to conduct monetary policy and fulfil our mandate of price stability in an increasingly uncertain environment.”
All monetary policy tools currently available to the Governing Council will remain in its toolkit. Their use at any time will continue to be subject to a comprehensive proportionality assessment. Their choice, design and implementation will be sufficiently flexible to enable an agile response to changes in the inflation environment.
In monetary policy decisions the Governing Council takes into account not only the most likely path for inflation and the economy but also surrounding risks and uncertainty, including through the appropriate use of scenarios and sensitivity analyses.
The first regular monetary policy meeting of the Governing Council applying the updated strategy will be held on 23-24 July 2025. The Governing Council intends to assess periodically the appropriateness of its monetary policy strategy, with the next assessment expected in 2030.
For media queries, please contactStefan Ruhkamp, tel.: +49 69 1344 5057.
Notes
Prior to the 2025 strategy assessment, the Governing Council concluded strategy reviews in 2003 and 2021.
Over the last 12 months the Governing Council has held seminars, presentations, discussions and meetings dedicated to the strategy assessment.
The strategy assessment is the result of a significant collaborative effort over this period. It involved staff of the ECB and national central banks across the euro area and was organised into two separate workstreams.
Governing Council confirms symmetric 2% inflation target over the medium term
Symmetry requires appropriately forceful or persistent policy response to large, sustained deviations of inflation from target in either direction
All tools remain in toolkit and their choice, design and implementation will enable an agile response to new shocks
Structural shifts such as geopolitical and economic fragmentation and increasing use of artificial intelligence make the inflation environment more uncertain
The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) today published the results of its strategy assessment, which are set out in an updated monetary policy strategy statement.
Following the strategy review carried out in 2020-21, the Governing Council announced that it would periodically assess the appropriateness of its monetary policy strategy. The assessment published today meets this commitment, ensuring that our framework, toolkit and approach remain fit for purpose.
The monetary policy strategy enables the Governing Council to respond effectively to major changes in the inflation environment. This is especially important as ongoing structural shifts, such as geopolitical and economic fragmentation, increasing use of artificial intelligence, demographic change and the threat to environmental sustainability, suggest that the inflation environment will remain uncertain and potentially more volatile, with larger deviations from the symmetric 2% inflation target.
To maintain the symmetry of the target, appropriately forceful or persistent monetary policy action in response to large, sustained deviations of inflation from the target in either direction is important. This will help to avoid inflation expectations becoming de-anchored and inflation deviations from the target becoming entrenched.
“I am happy to announce that the Governing Council during its latest meeting approved the ECB’s updated monetary policy strategy”, said ECB President Christine Lagarde. “This assessment was a valuable opportunity to challenge our thinking, check our policy toolkit and fine-tune our strategy. It provides us with an even stronger basis to conduct monetary policy and fulfil our mandate of price stability in an increasingly uncertain environment.”
All monetary policy tools currently available to the Governing Council will remain in its toolkit. Their use at any time will continue to be subject to a comprehensive proportionality assessment. Their choice, design and implementation will be sufficiently flexible to enable an agile response to changes in the inflation environment.
In monetary policy decisions the Governing Council takes into account not only the most likely path for inflation and the economy but also surrounding risks and uncertainty, including through the appropriate use of scenarios and sensitivity analyses.
The first regular monetary policy meeting of the Governing Council applying the updated strategy will be held on 23-24 July 2025. The Governing Council intends to assess periodically the appropriateness of its monetary policy strategy, with the next assessment expected in 2030.
For media queries, please contactStefan Ruhkamp, tel.: +49 69 1344 5057.
Notes
Prior to the 2025 strategy assessment, the Governing Council concluded strategy reviews in 2003 and 2021.
Over the last 12 months the Governing Council has held seminars, presentations, discussions and meetings dedicated to the strategy assessment.
The strategy assessment is the result of a significant collaborative effort over this period. It involved staff of the ECB and national central banks across the euro area and was organised into two separate workstreams.
