The EU delivers a comprehensive response to global food insecurity[1]. Between 2021 and 2024, it provided EUR 4.9 billion in emergency food assistance and supported the restoration of supply chains through the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes[2], which have enabled the export of approximately 84 million tonnes of grain, reaching global markets — including Africa — and backed the Ukrainian ‘Grain from Ukraine’ humanitarian initiative.
Additionally, with EUR 3.4 billion in food autonomy, the EU is advancing a rights-based approach, land rights and agriculture under the Global Gateway[3] framework.
Through multilateral efforts, it promotes transparent and fair trade for food and nutrition security — ensuring that its implementing partners safeguard beneficiaries from violence, coercion, deprivation and abuse.
The United States (U.S.) has been an ally in the fight against global hunger. In September 2022, similarly to the EU, the U.S. allocated USD 2.9 billion in aid for food insecurity, adding to the USD 6.9 billion it had already committed. In 2024, the U.S. was the largest contributor to World Food Programme operations.
There has recently been a shift in the U.S. administration’s approach and the U.S. made no commitments at the recent Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit[4] in March 2025. Given the current U.S. position, it is challenging at the moment to identify opportunities for future joint action.
The EU emphasises the selection of reliable, evidence-based food security initiatives, capturing early warnings and market fluctuations.
Amid growing resource constraints, the EU enhances coordination with global partners, in a Team Europe approach. Strengthening multilateral partnerships can prevent duplication and ensure targeted interventions.
[1] Council conclusions of 16 December 2024: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16901-2024-INIT/en/pdf; List of Council conclusions — Consilium: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents/public-register/council-concl/?page=2.
[4] EU pledges EUR 3.4 billion to combat global malnutrition at 2025 N4G Paris Summit: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_867 and Team Europe pledges EUR 6.5 billion at N4G Paris Summit to fight global malnutrition: https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/team-europe-pledges-eu65-billion-n4g-paris-summit-fight-global-malnutrition-2025-03-28_en.
On 26 June, DROI jointly with AFET will hold an exchange of views on the situation in the Philippines in the field of democracy, rule of law and human rights after the general elections of 12 May 2025, with speakers from academia, civil society, and the European External Action Service.
A delegation from the EUDS Special Committee travelled to The Hague and Paris on 24 and 25 April 2025. The mission allowed participants to become acquainted with the work of a number of relevant bodies and organisations at Union and national level and to appraise their possible contribution to the European Democracy Shield.
New Delhi, 19 June 2025 – A global survey shows a strong support for holding fossil fuel companies accountable for environmental damage. 80% Indian respondents believe the fossil fuel corporations should be taxed for environmental damage they cause. The data from the survey reflects a growing public consensus that the industries driving the climate crisis should be held financially accountable for the destruction they caused.
A remarkable 86% of people support government spending on climate disaster relief–provided it is funded by tax on coal, oil, and gas polluters. Notably, 89% of BJP supporters and 82% of Congress (INC) supporters agree on the need to increase taxes on oil and gas corporations to support those hit hardest by extreme weather events, highlighting rare cross-party unity on climate accountability.
The study, jointly commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, was launched today at the UN Climate Meetings in Bonn (SB62), where government representatives are discussing climate policies, including ways to mobilise at least US$ 1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for Global South countries by 2035. The survey was conducted across 13 countries, including most G7 countries.
Selomi Garnaik, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace India said: “Communities in developing countries are paying the price for a crisis they did not cause, while fossil fuel companies continue to profit. The science is clear—over a century of burning coal, oil, and gas has fueled the climate damage we face today. This new survey reveals strong public support for making polluters pay. As we head into COP30, governments have a clear public mandate to act- stand with the people, not the polluters, and make fossil fuel companies pay for the harm they have caused.”
The study, run by Dynata, was unveiled alongside the Polluters Pay Pact, a global alliance of communities on the frontlines of climate disasters. The Pact demands that governments make oil, gas and coal corporations – not the people – pay their fair share for the damages they cause, through the introduction of new taxes and fines.
The Pact is backed by firefighters and other first responders, trade unions and worker groups, and mayors from countries including Australia, Brazil, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and South Africa, the US, and plaintiffs in landmark climate cases from Pacific island states to Switzerland.
The Pact is also supported by over 60 NGOs, including Oxfam International, 350.org, Avaaz, Islamic Relief UK, Asociación Interamericana para la Defensa del Ambiente (AIDA), Indian Hawkers Alliance, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Jubilee Australia and the Greenpeace network.
The survey’s findings published today reveal broad public support for the core demands of the Polluters Pay Pact, as climate impacts worsen worldwide and global inequality grows.
Key findings of the survey include:
81% of people surveyed globally would support taxes on the oil, gas, and coal industry to pay for damages caused by fossil-fuel driven climate disasters like storms, floods, droughts and wildfires.
87% of people surveyed in India support channeling revenues from higher taxes on oil and gas corporations towards communities most impacted by the climate crisis. Climate change is disproportionately hitting people in Global South countries, who are historically least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
68% of people surveyed globally felt that the fossil fuel industry and the super-rich had a negative influence on politics in their country. 77% say they would be more willing to support a political candidate who prioritises taxing the super-rich and the fossil fuel industry.
Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, said: “Fossil fuel companies have known for decades about the damage their polluting products wreak on humanity. Corporations continue to cash in on climate devastation, and their profiteering destroys the lives and livelihoods of millions of women, men and children, predominantly those in the Global South who have done the least to cause the climate crisis. Governments must listen to their people and hold polluters responsible for their damages. A new tax on polluting industries could provide immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries, and finally incentivise investment in renewables and a just transition.”
The Polluters Pay Pact demonstrates popular support for the campaign to make polluters pay. The campaign is being waged throughout 2025 in countries worldwide and in critical international forums, including the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), and negotiations for a UN tax convention that could include new rules to make multinational oil and gas companies pay their fair share for their pollution.
ENDS
Notes:
[1] The research was conducted by first-party data company Dynata in May-June, 2025, in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Italy, India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US, with approximately 1200 respondents in each country and a theoretical margin of error of approximately 2.83%. Together, these countries represent close to half the world’s population. Statistics available here.
[3] Additional quotes here from people around the world who are backing the Polluters Pay Pact, including first responders, local administration, youth, union representatives and people bringing climate cases to courts.
Contacts:
For Greenpeace India: Nibedita Saha, Media Officer, [email protected]
For Greenpeace International:
Tal Harris, Greenpeace International, Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, [email protected], +41-782530550
A number of public hearings and workshops will take place this week. Topics include human rights in the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood, sustainable job creation in developing countries, the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, housing rights, gender budgeting in the EU budget and energy affordability across the EU. Follow the links below to find out more about the highlighted events.
A number of public hearings and workshops will take place this week. Topics include human rights in the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood, sustainable job creation in developing countries, the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, housing rights, gender budgeting in the EU budget and energy affordability across the EU. Follow the links below to find out more about the highlighted events.
Question for written answer E-002399/2025/rev.1 to the Council Rule 144 Marieke Ehlers (PfE), Sebastian Kruis (PfE)
On 8 May 2025, former President of the European Council Charles Michel was officially appointed Distinguished Professor at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), a university that is established and managed by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, and therefore falls under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party.
Unlike former European Commissioners, a former president of the European Council is not subject to a ‘cooling-off period’, but merely needs the approval of their successor. According to media reports, President Costa approved the appointment without consulting or even informing the Council of his decision.
1.Can the Council confirm that it was neither consulted nor informed about this sensitive appointment, especially in times of escalating trade tensions with China?
2.Even though cooling-off periods do not apply to former presidents of the European Council, is this appointment not detrimental to the reputation of the Council and its commitment to human rights, the rule of law and de-risking and decoupling from China?
3.Why does the Council not impose cooling-off periods on former presidents of the European Council, by analogy with the rules applicable to European Commissioners?
Question for written answer E-002379/2025 to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Rule 144 Vangelis Meimarakis (PPE)
As the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will have already been informed, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr Nikitas Kaklamanis, wrote to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Arab Republic of Egypt on the developments concerning the Holy Monastery of St Catherine of Mount Sinai.
In his letter, he states, among other things, that Egypt, on the basis of the 1972 UNESCO Convention to which it has acceded, has an international obligation, towards all, to fully respect the character and active functioning of the Holy Monastery of St Catherine of Sinai as a World Heritage Site constituting a centre of Orthodox spirituality, allowing it free use of all of its assets – without exception – from 2002 or before.
In light of the above, and taking into account the sensitive nature of this issue, will the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) take initiatives in this regard – which we call on her to do – and inform us of the measures that the Commission intends to take to safeguard the ownership status of the monastery?
The Committee on Regional Development will hold a public hearing on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures” with the participation of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Petitions on 25 June 2025, from 14:30-17:30. The programme and webstreaming link are attached.
The meeting of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee in association with the Subcommittee on Human Rights will be held on
Monday, 23 June 2025, 15:00 – 16:00 in SPINELLI 3G2, Brussels
The 27 Member States endorse plan to increase new financing to record of up to €100 billion in 2025.
Revised ceiling includes 3.5% of total financing for European security and defence. EIB Board also approves landmark project for construction of military base in Lithuania.
EIB Group shareholders launch largest EU programme to fund Europe’s technological leadership and approve first wave of new instruments to support cleantech.
EIF Board approves deal with German Export Credit Agency to provide a pan-European guarantee for companies trading with Ukraine.
The shareholders of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the EU Member States, approved a record-high financing ceiling of €100 billion for this year and new programmes to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, technological leadership and security.
The EIB Board of Governors, made up of European Union Finance Ministers, endorsed the 2025 financing ceiling at a meeting today in Luxembourg. The Boards of Directors of the EIB and of the European Investment Fund (EIF) gave the green light earlier this week to the increase in financing for security and defence, energy grids and the new TechEU programme to boost Europe’s technological leadership. They also approved flagship projects including to support Ukraine’s economy and the construction of a major military base in Lithuania.
“The unanimous support of our shareholders, the 27 Member States, for our proposals to provide record financing for defence, energy security and tech leadership, shows the key role of the EIB Group to support Europe’s strategic priorities,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. “In a world where everything everywhere is changing all at once, the EU is a beacon of clarity, confidence and stability.”
The EIB Group’s new 2025 financing ceiling of €100 billion follows a mid-year review of the organisation’s operational plan, which includes an increase to 3.5% of total financing for the European security and defence sector, record financing of more than €11 billion for power grids and storage in Europe, and greater support for EU technological and industrial innovation.
TechEU programme
The EIB Group is launching the EU’s largest financing programme to date in support of innovation and tech leadership to attract talent, capital and investment in Europe. TechEU will provide €70 billion in EIB Group equity, quasi-equity, loans and guarantees in 2025-2027 and crowd in private capital to generate at least €250 billion in investments.
TechEU is complementing the “Startup and Scaleup Strategy” of the European Commission to support higher risk projects and innovative companies throughout their investment journey.
TechEU provides more support for supercomputing, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, critical raw materials, green industries such as offshore wind, health, security and defence technologies, robotics and advanced materials. It will target innovative companies at every stage of their development – from initial ideas to stock listings.
Clean Industrial Deal
The EIB Board has also approved the first wave of instruments under TechEU to support Europe’s leadership in cleantech, in line with the EU Clean Industrial Deal, including the reinforcement of cross guarantees for wind energy production, and three new instruments to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness:
A €1.5 billion package to provide counter-guarantees through partner banks to grid component manufacturers to ensure sustainable supply, giving companies greater certainty to ramp up production of electricity networks across Europe. This will facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid and the delivery of affordable power to EU businesses and households.
To help ensure predictable and affordable energy costs for businesses and accelerate investments in green energy, the EIB and European Commission are launching a €500 million pilot programme to support the take-up of more corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs). The EIB will counter-guarantee, through partner banks, part of the PPAs undertaken by mid-sized as well as larger energy-intensive companies for the long-term purchase of electricity generation from clean sources.
To provide liquidity and working capital for highly innovative small and medium-sized enterprises active in developing green technologies, the EIB and Commission are launching a €250 million CleantechEU guarantee scheme.
A €1.5 billion top-up to a successful EIB programme supporting European wind turbine and component manufacturers.
New chairs
Czech Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura will take over as new chair of the Board of Governors for one year with immediate effect.
“The EIB has a key role in supporting European priorities from defence to energy security or affordable housing,” said Czech Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura. “I am delighted to take over the chair of the Board of Governors. I look forward to working closely with President Calviño and other EU Finance Ministers to support the EIB, as it steps up its activities to help tackle the many challenges Europe is facing.”
“The EIB has impressively demonstrated its ability to support European objectives in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment and to effectively fulfil its increasing responsibilities in support of security and defence, green and digital transitions and economic growth in Europe, while safeguarding bank’s operational and financial position,” said Bulgarian Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, who chaired the Board of Governors during the past 12 months. “I would like to express my appreciation to President Calviño, the institution and send my best wishes to the new chair, my dear colleague Zbyněk Stanjura.”
The Board of Governors also welcomed Katja Pluto as new chair of the Audit Committee, succeeding Nuno Gracias Fernandes. In addition, the Audit Committee presented its annual report.
Energy security, defence and global partnerships
Before the Board of Governors, this week’s EIB and EIF Boards of Directors approved new operations totalling €12.8 billion to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities, competitiveness, energy security and partnerships worldwide. This includes initiatives under the EIB Group Clean Industrial Deal package and support for the development in Lithuania of the Rūdninkai military base, for the German Bundeswehr brigade, a key project to enhance North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations and regional security.
The EIB Board approved three solar photovoltaic plants in Romania, water infrastructure in Ireland and the Netherlands, electricity grids in Germany and education facilities in Finland. In addition, the EIB is strengthening Europe’s global partnerships by backing renewable energy in Colombia, sustainable waterway transport in Nigeria and water sanitation services in Tanzania.
The European Investment Fund (EIF) Board approved a guarantee transaction with the German national export credit agency to strengthen support for German companies exporting to Ukraine, as well as two guarantee transactions with Ukrainian banks to improve access to finance for more than 1,500 Ukrainian businesses. This follows the first signature in May with the Danish Export Credit Agency to provide a pan-European guarantee for companies exporting to Ukraine.
In addition, the EIF approved investments in four infrastructure funds that will support greenfield data centres, wireless and fibre investments, decarbonization of the shipping sector, sustainable mobility, and student housing.
Statements around the EIB Board of Governors will be available on EBS.
Background information
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The EIB finances investments in eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
By fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the EU targets cohesion regions, where per-capita income is below the EU average, while almost 60% of annual EIB Group investments supports climate action and environmental sustainability.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.
Following up on SEDE’s recent visit to the Republic of Moldova, SEDE Members will host on 26 June, Anatolie Nosatîi, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Moldova, to discuss the latest security and defence developments in the country, in particular the spill-over of Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and increased hybrid war activities. They will also talk about EU-Moldova security and defence cooperation, which has significantly increased over the years, namely
through European Peace Facility assistance and the EU Partnership Mission. On the same day, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, will address the SEDE Committee. In the context of important summits this week, including the NATO Hague Summit, discussions will focus on strengthening European security in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the critical importance of EU-NATO pillars for a the Transatlantic Alliance. This exchange of view will be held in association with the Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
The EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) is a central plank of the EU’s broader internal security architecture. Law enforcement cooperation and policies are still developing, with a special focus on countering terrorism, cybercrime and other serious and organised forms of crime. The main goal is to achieve a safer Europe for the benefit of everyone in the EU, in compliance with fundamental rights and data protection rules, as requested several times by Parliament.
Question for written answer E-002330/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Fernand Kartheiser (NI)
On 7 May 2018, the Commission approved the acquisition of ILVA by ArcelorMittal, provided that ArcelorMittal sold a number of its sites, including one in Luxembourg. The Luxembourg site was then taken over by LIBERTY Steel, which went bankrupt a few years later.
Recently, a Turkish group that was interested in taking over the site decided not to go ahead after all, citing the safeguards on imports of steel products from third countries and the EU’s decision to cut import quotas, as those conditions would limit the group’s opportunities to secure supplies from Türkiye and Algeria.
As a result, more than 130 jobs are on the line.
1.What lessons has the Commission drawn from the problems caused by its decision to force ArcelorMittal to sell off some of its sites, and would it take the same decision today?
2.How does the Commission intend to protect European industry if restrictive measures limit foreign investors’ access to the internal market?
3.Shouldn’t the Commission reassess the balance of its policy, which, on the one hand, aims to protect the European market against excessive exports from certain third countries, but on the other hand is preventing investment that is crucial for the survival of some of our companies?
Nuclear energy is a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels and accounts for around 25% of the electricity produced in the EU. However, in the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the 2011 catastrophe in Fukushima, nuclear energy has become highly controversial. While Member States choose whether to include nuclear power in their energy mix, EU legislation aims at improving the safety standards of nuclear power stations and ensuring that nuclear waste is safely handled and disposed of.
Individual citizens’ rights and European citizenship are enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (EUCFR), the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Article 9 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). They are essential factors in the formation of a European identity. In the event of a serious breach of basic values of the Union, a Member State can be sanctioned.
Question for written answer E-002395/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 André Rougé (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE)
Last May, a new irrigation network was opened in Saint-Louis, in La Réunion. This EUR 8 million project, co-financed by the European Union and the Department of La Réunion, includes a reservoir of 1 000 cubic metres and 20 kilometres of pipelines, serving 130 farmers across almost 170 hectares. It is part of a large programme of agricultural water schemes aimed at securing access to water for farmers, against a backdrop of increasingly scarce water resources.
The continuation of this programme brought about at the initiative of the Department of La Réunion remains conditional on the mobilisation of EU funding. In an overseas territory increasingly exposed to climate change and with an economy largely based on growing food crops and agricultural produce for export, this infrastructure is vital. It is also helping the jobs market and contributing to food security in this outermost region.
Therefore, besides the project currently under way in Saint-Louis, can the Commission state whether it intends to increase funding under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development or other specific financial instruments in order to support the creation of new irrigation networks in La Réunion?
Mobile messaging apps, including WhatsApp, are being removed from Scottish Government devices as a new policy comes into effect.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes committed to updating the government’s mobile messaging app policy following the publication of an externally-led review by former Channel Islands data protection commissioner Emma Martins in December 2024.
The policy applies to all Scottish Government employees including contractors, senior civil servants, special advisers and Ministers, and states that mobile messaging apps and non-corporate communication channels will not be permitted on government devices.
A small number of business areas will take part in a time-bound and limited transition period until the end of 2025. This includes areas responding to emergencies such as wildfires or for matters of safety and security.
Ms Forbes said:
“We are setting out a clear approach to ending government use of mobile messaging apps, and this will support wider work to deliver on our commitment to openness and transparency.
“The use of mobile messaging apps increased during the pandemic as staff worked remotely in unprecedented and difficult circumstances. Having reflected on our working practices, we are now implementing changes to the use of such apps.
“This follows on from actions to implement other recommendations from Ms Martins’ externally-led review including updating our hybrid working policy.
“I want to reassure the public that it is a priority of this government to maintain secure and searchable data, ensuring compliance with all records management rules. We will continue to act to ensure our data policies are robust, especially considering technological advances.”
Background
The new policy comes into effect from Friday 20 June.
£2.5 million investment to drive change across Scotland.
A Disability Equality Plan launched today, backed by £2.5 million investment, will improve the lives of disabled people across Scotland and put their experiences and concerns at the heart of policymaking.
The funding, an increase of £2 million, recognises the significant challenges and barriers disabled people continue to face.
The plan reflects a government-wide commitment to ensure that the voices and experiences of disabled people are considered from the beginning.
Key actions include:
improved mental health support tailored to disabled people
expanded access to advice and support services
training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding of the issues facing disabled people
an annual Cabinet Takeover, giving disabled people a direct platform to speak to Ministers
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said:
“Disabled people are facing unprecedented hardship, deepening poverty and increasing social isolation. Years of austerity, the cost of living crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic have not helped and services need to be equipped to respond to these challenges.
“I am firmly opposed to the UK Government’s proposed reforms to social security and deeply concerned about the effects they will have on disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and unpaid carers. The UK Government’s own analysis estimates these will push a further 250,000 people across the UK, including 50,000 children, into poverty.
“We will not mirror these changes. We are committed to safeguarding our Adult Disability Payment and upholding the dignity and rights of disabled people. Our approach is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – not austerity- and the UK Government should follow our lead and protect the social security safety system, rather than dismantling it.
“Scotland is showing that a better way is possible. The increased funding for the plan I am announcing today will build on our human rights-based approach to strengthen vital support and services for disabled people.
“I want to thank all the organisations that have worked tirelessly to help shape this plan. Their insight and leadership have laid the foundation for lasting change. We are committed to working with disabled people and their organisations, upholding the principle of ‘nothing about us, without us’. I am confident that Scotland can become a country where disabled people truly thrive.”
Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Disability Alliance Tressa Burke said:
“This funding from the Scottish Government is a win for the collective action of disabled people and our allies. We are grateful to everyone who took part in our campaign Disabled People Demand Justice and commend the Scottish Government for responding positively. But it is a small step, when we need big leaps; poverty and inequality experienced by disabled people remain at unacceptable levels, and we need both the Scottish Government and the UK Government to urgently invest in disabled peoples’ lives to deliver dignity and justice.”
Chief Executive Officer of Inclusion Scotland Heather Fisken said:
“This plan and related actions are a welcome step forward, but these will only be successful if it is properly resourced and if it there is accountability of delivery. We want this accountability to be led by disabled peoples’ organisations and disabled people themselves – genuine partnership between our organisations and the Scottish Government requires honesty and scrutiny, and that will be our focus going forward.”
Chief Executive Officer of Disability Equality Scotland Lyn Pornaro said:
“This shows the power of disabled peoples’ campaigning, and is a step in the right direction, but our campaigning work to deliver justice for disabled people will continue. This includes making sure that both the Scottish Government and the UK Government deliver dignity, security, and human rights for disabled people – that requires investing in our communities and including services- not cutting the support we rely on.”
Promoting Scotland’s innovation and international partnerships in health technology.
A delegation from Scotland’s world-leading health technology sector, led by Health Secretary Neil Gray, will visit Japan next week to strengthen trade and innovation ties and promote Scottish expertise on the global stage.
The trade mission will showcase Scotland’s strengths in digital health and life sciences at a series of events, including Japan Health 2025 in Osaka and a programme at the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025.
Organised by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the visit aims to raise international awareness of Scotland’s health innovation ecosystem, build long-term relationships with Japanese industry partners, encourage inward investment and share best practice in global healthcare collaboration.
Scotland has a long history of medical innovation – from the invention of the hypodermic syringe to pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. Today, the country is home to one of Europe’s most dynamic life sciences clusters, driven by collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
As part of the mission, the Scottish delegation will visit Canon Medical Systems Inc. in Tokyo – a key partner in Scotland’s growing medtech network – to explore opportunities for deeper technical cooperation. The visit will also feature panel discussions and networking events at the British Embassy in Tokyo and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025, showcasing Scotland as a strategic partner in global health innovation.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said:
“Scotland has earned a strong international reputation for pioneering health technologies that improve outcomes and enhance care.
“This trade mission is an opportunity to demonstrate our strengths to new audiences, deepen our relationships with Japanese innovators and investors, and share how Scotland’s integrated approach to healthcare and innovation is delivering real-world benefits. By supporting Scotland’s healthcare innovation sector we can help to encourage the kind of technologies that will ultimately benefit patients in Scotland.
“Strengthening international partnerships like this supports economic growth, attracts inward investment and jobs, and ultimately helps us tackle some of the biggest challenges facing health systems at home and across the world.”
Managing Director of International Operations at Scottish Enterprise, Reuben Aitken said:
“Life sciences and healthtech generate over £10 billion annually for the Scottish economy and international events such as Expo 2025 provide opportunities for trade, export, and collaboration across these key industries. The companies heading to Japan are at the forefront of their fields in medical devices, AI and robotics. They are exhibiting their products and connecting with new markets in Japan. Our analysis from our previous Expo 2025 trade mission has forecast sales worth over £7 million and here at Scottish Enterprise we’re continuing to back ambitious companies to internationalise.”
Managing Director of Talking Mats Ltd, Margo Mackay said:
“Talking Mats Ltd is delighted to be travelling to Japan with the support of Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government. We look forward to extending our partnership with SDM Japan; networking with peers in healthtech and forging wider connections at Expo and Japan Health. Talking Mats’ ambition is to grow our community internationally and supply innovative solutions to support our vision of accessible and inclusive communication for all. We see Asia as a key market for expansion.”
Background
Key engagements in Mr Gray’s programme will include:
Leading Scotland’s presence at Expo Osaka:
Delivering a keynote speech on ‘Scotland’s health system and legacy of innovation’
Sitting as a panellist on ‘bridging innovation between Japan and Scotland – a collaborative future’
Chairing a company pitching session
Hosting a networking reception
Visit to Canon Medical Systems Inc.
Meeting the Japanese Ministry of Health to discuss the shared challenges of caring for a growing ageing population and understand possible areas for collaboration.
A keynote address at Japan Health on Scotland’s health system overview and Scotland’s legacy on innovation
A keynote address at the Global Healthcare Challenge on health longevity society in Scotland
The healthtech mission follows the first ‘Scotland Day’ in April, when a delegation of companies from the gaming and consumer industries took part in Expo 2025 Japan organised by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government on the UK Pavilion. This activity helped Scottish companies access new markets, strengthen trading relationships and build international networks. Feedback from the gaming start-ups was positive as they were able to explore new markets in Japan and generate new business leads with early data from consumer-focused companies forecasting sales of over £7 million. A third event, focusing on offshore wind, will take place in September.
Oxford City Council is warning car park users to be on the lookout following reports of fraudulent activity at Worcester Street car park, linked to the payment machines.
Three customers have reported that sums of money were taken, or attempts were made to take funds, from their bank accounts shortly after using the pay machines.
In each case, the customers used their cards to pay for parking and subsequently received alerts or noticed suspicious activity on their accounts.
The City Council immediately reported the matter to the police and is actively assisting with their investigation.
Our own internal checks have identified that fraudsters placed skimming devices, disguised as legitimate card readers, over the actual readers on our pay machines. These devices can capture card data without the user’s knowledge. A common sign of this scam is a “card declined” message on the machine, prompting users to move to another machine—by which time, the card may already have been compromised.
The City Council has already taken action
We have:
What car park users can do
Comment
“We understand the concern this may cause and are taking this issue extremely seriously. This kind of incident is not common in any of our car parks. Public safety and the security of our facilities are top priorities, and our staff regularly check the machines and are trained to spot this kind of scam.
“I would ask for car park users to remain vigilant and promptly report any similar incidents or suspicious activity to the police.” Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Planning and Culture
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) — Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Lacson in Beijing on Friday.
Zhao Leji noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership has maintained good momentum of development and brought benefits to the peoples of the two countries.
China is willing to develop traditional friendship with New Zealand, strengthen mutual understanding and trust, adhere to win-win cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and continuously enrich the content of relations between the two countries, he said.
Zhao Leji added that the NPC is willing to work with the New Zealand Parliament to deepen friendly exchanges, strengthen cooperation within multilateral mechanisms and provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation between the two countries to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.
K. Lacson, in turn, noted that New Zealand firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and the relations between the two countries have continuously achieved high-quality development. New Zealand is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in trade, economic, humanitarian and other fields.
New Zealand is also willing to strengthen exchanges with Chinese legislatures and make joint efforts to respond to global challenges, he concluded. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CHANGSHA, June 20 (Xinhua) — Three people have been confirmed dead after being trapped in an underground parking lot by heavy flooding triggered by heavy rains in Longshan County, central China’s Hunan Province, local authorities said Friday.
According to the propaganda department of the CPC Longshan County Committee, the water level of the Guoli River in the county has risen sharply after several days of heavy rain, causing flooding in several neighborhoods.
Four locals were reported to have gone down to the underground car park on Thursday to move their cars. One of them was rescued early on Friday morning at 4:35am and is now in a stable condition.
Recall that heavy rains have hit Longshan County since Wednesday evening. Local authorities raised their flood emergency response to the second-highest level at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Vladivostok, June 20 /Xinhua/ — Chinese airline Chengdu Airlines will launch a direct flight from Vladivostok to Shenyang in July, the Russian city’s international airport announced on its website on Friday.
Regular flights from Vladivostok to Shenyang will be operated from July 5, 2025. The route will be operated by an Airbus 320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 seats. The flight time between the two cities is only 1.5 hours. Flights are scheduled twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
According to Alexander Bobrov, Director of Aviation Commerce at Vladivostok International Airport, Chengdu Airlines flights on the new route will provide access to an attractive tourist destination. The flight program has been expanded with a new popular route to one of the largest cities in Northeast China. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel has already destroyed “more than half” of Iran’s missile launchers and is “capable of striking all of Iran’s nuclear facilities.”
In an interview with the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation, B. Netanyahu said that in seven days of military action, Israeli troops are advancing on Iranian nuclear and missile sites ahead of schedule. The prime minister did not give a deadline for the end of the Israeli operation.
The change or fall of Iran’s leadership is not the goal of Israeli attacks, but could be their result, noted B. Netanyahu.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that it had launched a major air campaign inside Iran, including a strike on the inactive nuclear reactor in Arak in the west of the country.
Also on Thursday, rockets fired from Iran hit a hospital and residential buildings in Israel, injuring more than 30 people, Israeli health authorities and local media reported.
Iran struck Israeli military intelligence facilities in the southern part of the country on Thursday morning, not a hospital as some media outlets reported, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported.
The latest exchange of blows marks a sharp escalation in fighting that began after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on June 13. –0–
Tel-Aviv, Israel, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ellomay Capital Ltd. (NYSE American; TASE: ELLO) (“Ellomay” or the “Company”), a renewable energy and power generator and developer of renewable energy and power projects in Europe, Israel and the USA, today announced the closing of the investment transaction with Clal Insurance Company Ltd. (“Clal”), a leading Israeli institutional investor, in the Company’s 198 MW solar portfolio of operating projects and projects under construction and development in Italy. In consideration for its investment in the Italian solar portfolio, Clal received a 49% interest in the portfolio.
For more information concerning the transaction and agreements with Clal, including the warrant to purchase ordinary shares of the Company issued to Clal upon consummation of the transaction, see Item 4 of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2025.
Ran Fridrich, CEO and a board member of Ellomay, commented: “We are pleased to announce the successful consummation of our collaboration with Clal on the 198 MW Italian solar portfolio. This transaction marks a significant milestone in Ellomay’s strategic growth and development plan. We see this partnership with Clal as a strong vote of confidence in Ellomay’s vision, its portfolio, and its leadership team. We extend our sincere thanks to both teams for their dedication and hard work in bringing this complex transaction to a successful close.”
About Ellomay Capital Ltd.
Ellomay is an Israeli based company whose shares are listed on the NYSE American and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ELLO”. Since 2009, Ellomay focuses its business in the renewable energy and power sectors in Europe, the USA and Israel.
To date, Ellomay has evaluated numerous opportunities and invested significant funds in the renewable, clean energy and natural resources industries in Israel, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Texas, USA, including:
Approximately 335.9 MW of operating solar power plants in Spain (including a 300 MW solar plant in owned by Talasol, which is 51% owned by the Company) and 51% of approximately 38 MW of operating solar power plants in Italy;
9.375% indirect interest in Dorad Energy Ltd., which owns and operates one of Israel’s largest private power plants with production capacity of approximately 850MW, representing about 6%-8% of Israel’s total current electricity consumption;
Groen Gas Goor B.V., Groen Gas Oude-Tonge B.V. and Groen Gas Gelderland B.V., project companies operating anaerobic digestion plants in the Netherlands, with a green gas production capacity of approximately 3 million, 3.8 million and 9.5 million Nm3 per year, respectively;
83.333% of Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014) Ltd., which is involved in a project to construct a 156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, Israel;
51% of solar projects in Italy with an aggregate capacity of 160 MW that commenced construction processes;
Solar projects in Italy with an aggregate capacity of 134 MW that have reached “ready to build” status; and
Solar projects in the Dallas Metropolitan area, Texas, USA with an aggregate capacity of approximately 27 MW that connected to the grid and additional 22 MW that are under construction.
Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding the Company’s plans and objectives, expectations and assumptions of management are forward-looking statements. The use of certain words, including the words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by the Company’s forward-looking statements, including changes in electricity prices and demand, regulatory changes increases in interest rates and inflation, changes in the supply and prices of resources required for the operation of the Company’s facilities (such as waste and natural gas) and in the price of oil, the impact of the war and hostilities in Israel and Gaza, the impact of the continued military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, technical and other disruptions in the operations or construction of the power plants owned by the Company and general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates, including Israel, Spain, Italy and the United States. These and other risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business are described in greater detail in the filings the Company makes from time to time with Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
1. The recent review of the Geographical Indications (GI) scheme covering agricultural products, wines and spirit drinks, slightly amended the scope of application for agricultural products to take into account the international regulatory framework, namely the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Agriculture. The scope of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 is defined in Article 5(1) of that regulation[1]. At present, the Commission does not envisage a revision of the recent Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Forest/wood products are not covered by this scope, nor have they been part of it in the previously applicable Regulation (EU) 1151/2012. Therefore, forest products have not been reclassified nor excluded following the GI review process.
2. Forest products are however, for the first time, eligible for protection at Union level under Regulation 2023/2411[2] regarding crafts and industrial GIs showing the importance the Union is giving to the preservation and recognition of products like Chartreuse and Jura wood. By 2 December 2026, Member States shall inform the Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office which of their legally national protected names they wish to register and protect as a GI pursuant to this regulation, providing a uniform level of protection across the Union. By that date, or by the date the decision on their protection as EU GI is taken, existing national specific protection shall cease to exist. The Commission is committed to enhancing the visibility and consumer awareness of the newly established scheme for crafts and industrial GIs to ensure they will enjoy strong market recognition as their agricultural counterparts.
The Commission adopted a decision to provide a total of EUR 3 billion from the thematic facility under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF)[1] and the thematic facility under the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (BMVI)[2].
The purpose is to support Member States in the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and in hosting displaced persons from Ukraine.
In addition, Member States eligible to receive additional mid-term allocations under the AMIF[3] and the BMVI[4] programmes may use those additional resources to address their specific needs, including in relation to the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
It is for the Member States to determine the co-financing rates for the EU contribution, which can vary from 75% to 100% across the different types of actions implemented under their programmes.
The Commission will receive information on the level of co-financing from each Member State once the amended national programmes are approved.
The Commission is supporting the Member States and is in close and continued dialogue with national authorities at various levels to translate the provisions of the Pact on Migration and Asylum into practice.
[1] Commission Implementing Decision of 8.5.2025 amending Implementing Decision C(2022) 8340 final on the financing of components of the Thematic Facility under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and adoption of the Work Programme for 2023, 2024 and 2025, C(2025)2688 final, https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/fd09746e-956c-4f67-81df-574fc127e4cd_en?filename=AMIF-eighth-revised-2023-2025-work-programme-substantial_en.pdf.
[2] Commission Implementing Decision of 8.5.2025 amending Implementing Decision C(2022) 8993 final on the financing of the components of the Thematic Facility under the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, and adoption of the work programme for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, C(2025)2696 final, https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/536832ee-6088-4d79-97e4-e18be84f7360_en?filename=BMVI-sixth-revised-2023-2025-work-programme-substantial_en.pdf.
[3] Commission Implementing Decision of 25.4.2025 on the mid-term allocations for 2025, 2026 and 2027 for Member States’ programmes under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund established by Regulation (EU)2021/1147 of the European Parliament and the Council, C(2025)1750 final, https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/62751ea0-57df-4f0d-ad0a-3b07d0bbc947_en?filename=AMIF-BMVI-ISF-mid-term-allocations-per-MS-for-2025-2026-2027_en.pdf.
[4] Commission Implementing Decision of 25.4.2025 on the mid-term allocations for 2025, 2026 and 2027 for Member States’ programmes under the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council, C(2025)1800 final, DECISION on the mid-term allocations for 2025, 2026 and 2027 for Member States’ programmes under the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
In its notification of 25 April 2025 on the prolongation of border control at internal borders the Dutch government has informed the Commission that it is minimising the impact of internal border controls on cross-border traffic as much as possible by conducting them in the form of risk-based spot checks.
The Commission remains in close contact with the Dutch authorities to ensure that this remains the case. The Commission has not received signals to the contrary.
As regards the assessment of the controls’ necessity and proportionality, the Commission will fulfil its obligations under the revised Schengen Borders Code[1] and assess the arguments put forward by the Netherlands in this regard.
In line with the revised Schengen Borders Code, the Commission will now initiate a consultation process with the Member States given the recent notification of a prolongation of the Dutch internal border controls.
Importantly, a reintroduction of internal border control does not affect the right to free movement of EU citizens as they continue to have the right to enter and exit another Member State freely upon presenting a valid identity card/passport and as long as they do not pose a threat to public policy, internal security or public health, as set out in Directive 2004/38/EC[2].
[1] Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), OJ L 77, 23.3.2016, p. 1-52, as recently amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1717.
[2] Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 77-123.
The Commission has not been informed by any national or European authority about intelligence indicating that COVID-19 originated in a laboratory.
The Commission closely monitors scientific studies on the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and supports the research of the World Health Organisation (WHO)[1].
The WHO’s Global Study on the origins of SARS-CoV-2 suggests three possible zoonotic pathways for the introduction of the virus and concludes that the introduction through a laboratory incident is extremely unlikely[2]. Furthermore, a 2023 scientific critical review concluded that the strongest evidence supports a zoonotic over a laboratory origin[3].
The Commission supported research on infectious diseases via its framework programmes for Research and Innovation[4]. Prior to the pandemic, the Commission provided financial support to institutions engaged in high-risk virological research including Wuhan Institute of Virology via two EU-funded projects[5].
The Commission ensures transparency, traceability and safety in EU-funded research[6], including gain-of-function and dual use research.
The Commission implements ethics assessments and promotes transparency through open-access publication of research results. Security checks are conducted as part of the ethics and security scrutiny process[7], with clearance required from the Security Scrutiny Group[8] before funding is granted.
In addition, project monitoring is ensured until the end of a project to check its proper implementation and compliance with the obligations laid down in the grant agreement.
[2] https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/origins-of-the-virus, WHO-convened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part Joint WHO-China Study, page 9.
[3] Alwine JC, Casadevall A, Enquist LW, Goodrum FD, Imperiale MJ. A Critical Analysis of the Evidence for the SARS-CoV-2 Origin Hypotheses. mBio. 2023 Apr 25;14(2):e0058323. doi: 10.1128/mbio.00583-23. Epub 2023 Mar 28. PMID: 36897098; PMCID: PMC10127682.
[4] I ncluding https://cordis.europa.eu/programme/id/FP6, https://cordis.europa.eu/programme/id/FP7, https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-2020_en and https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/horizon-europe_en.
[5] Grant agreements: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/653316; https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/871029.