Source: European Parliament
Public authorities across the EU award contracts for works and services worth EUR 2.448 billion annually, making public procurement a major driver of economic growth, job creation and innovation. The 2014 public procurement package alone adds EUR 2.88 billion to the EU’s GDP each year. Moreover, EU procurement directives have significantly increased total award values, rising from under EUR 200 billion in 2009 to approximately EUR 525 billion by 2017.
Source: European Parliament
The Treaty of Nice only partially prepared the EU for its significant enlargements to the east and south on 1 May 2004 and 1 January 2007. Therefore, as part of the conclusions to the Laeken European Council meeting in December 2001, EU leaders established the European Convention on the Future of Europe – an effort to produce a new legal basis for the EU in the form of a treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. Following ‘no’ votes in referendums in two of the Member States, this treaty was not ratified.
Source: European Parliament
The EU faces complex environmental issues, ranging from climate change and biodiversity loss to resource depletion and pollution. To address these issues, European environment policy follows the principles of precaution, prevention, rectifying pollution at source and the ‘polluter pays’. In 2019, the Commission launched the European Green Deal, moving environmental concerns to the fore of EU policymaking.
Source: European Parliament
As part of the wider Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia has vital geostrategic importance for the EU and is currently facing relevant geostrategic challenges. The Indo-Pacific is undergoing rapid change, and as home to more than 50% of the world’s population, it is becoming a key geostrategic region. Two thirds of the world’s container trade passes through the Indo-Pacific and its sea lanes are important routes for trade and energy supplies. The EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was adopted in September 2021 to increase the EU’s engagement and build partnerships to address global challenges. The EU is adapting its current instruments to achieve strategic autonomy. Its Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, formally approved by the Council in March 2022, promotes an open and rules-based regional security architecture, including secure maritime routes, capacity-building and an enhanced naval presence in the Indo-Pacific.The EU’s strategy priority areas in Southeast Asia are sustainable and inclusive prosperity, the green transition, ocean governance, digital governance, connectivity through the Global Gateway, security, defence and human security. The EU is forging closer ties with Southeast Asian countries and is promoting regional integration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which represents, as a whole, the EU’s third-largest trading partner outside Europe (after China and the US). The region has geostrategic concerns, such as the South China Sea dispute and the Taiwan issue, as well as environmental concerns, especially in the Mekong sub-region. The EU is a strong economic player in Southeast Asia and a major development aid donor, working to foster connectivity, digitalisation, institution-building, democracy, good governance and human rights.
Source: European Parliament
The disastrous effects of the Second World War and the constant threat of an East-West confrontation meant that Franco-German reconciliation had become a top priority. The decision to pool the coal and steel industries of six European countries, brought into force by the Treaty of Paris in 1951, marked the first step towards European integration. The Treaties of Rome of 1957 strengthened the foundations of this integration, as well as the notion of a common future for the six European countries involved.
Source: European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is signing two major financing agreements, totalling €235 million, to support critical public infrastructure in southern Finland. The funding will significantly enhance healthcare services across southern Finland and education services in Vantaa.
The first agreement, worth €135 million, will support the modernisation of hospital infrastructure across the region. This includes improving access to specialised care, strengthening medical education, and enhancing the energy efficiency of hospital buildings. The financing is part of a broader €300 million loan package with the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS)—the joint authority for specialized healthcare in Helsinki and Uusimaa. Major upgrades are planned at hospitals in Meilahti in Helsinki, Jorvi in Espoo and Peijas in Vantaa.
In parallel, the EIB is also lending €100 million to support the development of modern, energy-efficient educational facilities in Vantaa, a rapidly growing city just north of Helsinki. This tranche is part of a larger €350 million loan package. The initiative will benefit over 11,000 students and deliver more than 160,000 square metres of new and refurbished educational space across more than 30 facilities, including schools, day centers, and sports venues.
“These projects will directly improve daily life for tens of thousands of people across southern Finland,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “We are proud to support Finland in building modern, sustainable infrastructure that delivers better services and meets the highest environmental standards. Investing in healthcare and education is investing in people’s futures.”
Both loans reflect the EIB’s goals of fostering sustainable urban development, promoting social inclusion, and advancing climate action through energy-efficient infrastructure.
The major part of hospital upgrades in the Uusimaa region are due to be completed by the end of 2026.
“The EIB is an important and reliable financier of investments for HUS,” said HUS Chief Financial Officer Jari Finnilä. “The EIB and HUS have a long-time cooperation in financing investments of specialized healthcare.”
The works on the school buildings in Vantaa are scheduled to be completed within the next five years. “The long-term funding we receive from the EIB is vital to our efforts in renovating and constructing educational facilities,” said Vantaa Mayor Pekka Timonen.
In Finland, the EIB has provided financing of more than €2.1 billion in healthcare and €1.7 billion in education over the past decade. Recent projects include the Laakso hospital construction and modern school facilities in Tuusula, Helsinki and Turku.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
TALLINN, Estonia, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), one of the year’s most anticipated blockchain launches, has officially entered Phase 7 of its presale, offering investors a final chance to secure tokens at $7 before the price climbs to $8 — and eventually to a fixed launch price of $20.
This final phase marks a major milestone for the project, with over $3.8 million already raised and 11,000+ unique participants joining the ecosystem ahead of its mainnet debut.
A Blockchain Built for Performance and Participation
Bitcoin Solaris is engineered with a hybrid consensus model that combines Proof-of-Work security with Delegated Proof-of-Stake scalability, enabling performance that rivals some of the fastest chains in the industry:
This architecture enables BTC-S to support complex smart contracts, cross-chain interoperability, and enterprise-grade applications — all while remaining accessible to users across mobile, desktop, and web platforms.
The Final Phase of the Presale Is Creating Real Urgency
Bitcoin Solaris has entered Phase 7 of its presale. The price has now risen to $7, with the next jump to $8 looming—and a launch price locked at $20. The upside? A built-in 233% potential gain for those who act before the cutoff.
This isn’t just hype—it’s math backed by growth:
A detailed breakdown by Ben Crypto highlights how BTC-S delivers beyond just price performance—showing why this chain is being seen as a foundational investment, not just a flip.
Behind the Speed: The Architecture Driving Bitcoin Solaris
Bitcoin Solaris combines security and scalability in a way few blockchains can match:
All of this allows BTC-S to support heavy smart contract execution, cross-chain interoperability, and enterprise-grade deployments without congestion or bloat.
Explore the Bitcoin Solaris Ecosystem Now
Tokenomics That Reinforce Long-Term Value
Bitcoin Solaris doesn’t just pump and dump. Its fixed supply of 21 million BTC-S tokens is structured to mimic Bitcoin’s scarcity while enabling real-world usability:
This tokenomics model ensures a healthy distribution curve while aligning incentives for long-term holders, developers, and validators.
Why Bitcoin Solaris Has Millionaire-Making Potential
Not every project has the mechanics to turn investors into wealth builders—but BTC-S is different. It’s not just the early entry point that makes it powerful. It’s the structure:
This isn’t a network built for whales—it’s built for participation. And the earlier that participation starts, the more rewarding it becomes.
The Market’s Watching. The Window’s Closing.
Trump’s pro-crypto stance may have shocked the markets, but it also validated what many in the community already knew: digital assets aren’t going anywhere. Bitcoin Solaris, with its hybrid consensus model, high-speed performance, and locked-in scarcity, is offering one of the last true “early” opportunities in a mature market.
For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris
Media Contact:
Xander Levine
press@bitcoinsolaris.com
Press Kit: Available upon request
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Source: Scotland – Highland Council
Road users are advised that temporary traffic restrictions will come into operation on Saturday 21 June 2025 between 06:00 and 19:00 for the Highland Cross 2025 event.
The C1112 Glen Affric Road will be temporarily closed to vehicles from 11:00 to 17:00, from its junction with the C1110 Cannich Fasnakyle – Kerrow Wood Road to the north side of the bridge over the Abhainn Gleann nam Fiadh.
The following roads will also be temporarily closed from 12:45 to 18:00:
Beauly Square will also be closed from 06:00 to 19:00.
The closures affect vehicle access only. Pedestrian access and access for emergency vehicles will not be affected.
13 Jun 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has appointed The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom as Chair of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has appointed The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom as Chair of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry.
Last year, the Secretary of State announced the government’s intention to establish an independent inquiry into the circumstances of Mr Finucane’s death. The human rights lawyer was brutally murdered in his North Belfast home by the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, in February 1989.
The Inquiry will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers, including the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.
Mr Benn has also confirmed the appointment of both the Rt Hon the Baroness Nuala O’Loan, and Francesca Del Mese, as Assessors to the Inquiry. Both will provide advice to the Chair on their relevant expertise in regards to the Inquiry, while also giving further assurance about the Inquiry’s independence.
Sir Gary is the current President of the Welsh Tribunals. He is a solicitor and a retired Court of Appeal Judge, who undertook the statutory inquiry into corruption and governance in the British Virgin Islands.
Confirming the announcement via a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament, Mr Benn said:
The murder of Mr Finucane was a barbarous and heinous crime and one which continues to highlight the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
I commend and support the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family in seeking answers to the brutal murder of their loved one and I am confident that this Inquiry will provide answers to the family who have suffered so terribly.
I am delighted that Sir Gary Hickinbottom has accepted this important role as Chair of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry and that Baroness O’Loan and Francesca Del Mese have accepted the important roles of assessors to the Inquiry. I am confident that, together, their valuable knowledge, experience and professionalism will be of great benefit to the work of the Inquiry.
Sir Gary said:
I am privileged to take on responsibility for leading this public inquiry into the important issues raised by the circumstances surrounding the murder of Patrick Finucane, something I will do not only in accordance with my statutory duties but as fairly, openly and transparently as I can.
At the heart of this case lies a family who lost their husband and father in horrific circumstances, and I look forward to meeting the Finucane family in Belfast as soon as possible.
Baroness O’Loan said:
I look forward to taking up this role, having been appointed by the Secretary of State. The Finucane family has always been concerned that the full story of what happened should be told, and this independent inquiry will provide the opportunity to do so. There remain unanswered questions, and the public interest requires that we seek as best we can to get the answers to those questions.
Ms Del Mese said:
I am honoured to be appointed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as an Assessor for the long-awaited independent inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane, a human rights lawyer who was brutally killed in his own home in front of his family. I will do my utmost to assist the inquiry in seeking transparency and pursuing much-needed answers, both for the Finucane family, and in the hope it will lead to a more secure future for the communities of Northern Ireland.
As required by the Inquiries Act 2005, the Secretary of State will undertake a consultation exercise with the Chair on the proposed Terms of Reference for the Inquiry. These will be agreed and published in due course.
ENDS
Source: Scottish Government
More than £1.5 million targeted funding over two years.
Families most at risk of living in poverty are benefitting from expanded childcare offers through projects backed by the Scottish Government’s Access to Childcare Funding.
Almost £1.5 million funding will support the seven initiatives situated in areas from Glasgow to Shetland over the next two years. Organisations will use funding to deliver free or subsidised breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, term-time and holiday childcare, as well as specialist provision for children with complex additional support needs. The expanded childcare offers for these families is improving outcomes for children while also supporting parents and carers to enter or sustain employment.
Confirming the funding, Children’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes met families attending an after-school club at Fairview Primary run by Support, Help, and Integration in Perthshire (SHIP). SHIP provides after school and holiday clubs for children aged 5-18 years with complex additional support needs, sensory and physical disabilities.
Ms Don-Innes said:
“Since 2020, we have provided over £4.5 million through the Access to Childcare Fund to support projects delivering activities, childcare, food and family support.
“Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s defining mission, and we know what a difference access to affordable school-age childcare can make for families that need it most.
“The projects receiving Access to Childcare Funding over the next two years are demonstrating the important role that school age childcare services play in supporting children’s health, wellbeing and relationships, and in enabling more parents and carers to balance caring for their children with work commitments, thereby helping increase household income.”
Lucas and Marc are 16 years old and have autism. They have been supported by SHIP since they were five years old. Their dad Brian said:
“SHIP has played a critical role in providing our sons with social opportunities and vital support with meeting their sensory needs that we would not as a family been able to. The term time clubs and holiday clubs have provided year round support for the boys, and the happiness and confidence this has given them is genuinely immeasurable.”
SHIP will receive £273,000 funding over two financial years through the Fairer Funding pilot. General Manager at SHIP Nicola Schelbert said:
“SHIP provides essential support for children and young people aged from 5–18 with complex needs, delivering youth clubs, Saturday clubs, after-school and holiday clubs. Access to Childcare Funding supports our after school clubs and childcare spaces at our holiday club, which enables parents to work or take respite.
“Families we work with tell us that without SHIP, continuing employment would be impossible, which would have a negative impact on their families’ wellbeing. This vital service strengthens families and ensures children receive the support they need.”
Background
Breakdown of latest Access to Childcare Fund projects and funding:
Fairer funding pilot – funding over next two financial years
Grant funding – financial year 25-26 only
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Import of poultry meat and products from Kirklees District of West Yorkshire County in UK suspendedIssued at HKT 18:12
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 13) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Kirklees District of West Yorkshire County in the United Kingdom (UK), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 210 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 440 000 poultry eggs from the UK in the first three months of this year.
“The CFS has contacted the British authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SFST made positive progress with signing of CDTA with Norway during his visit
To unlock new opportunities in the area of maritime finance, Mr Hui met with the Chief Customer Officer, Ms Line Dahle, and Vice President and Head of Analytics, Mr Sigvald Fossum, of Norwegian marine and energy insurance provider Gard, which has a strong presence in Hong Kong’s marine insurance market and provides services to manage maritime risk for clients. He also met with the Vice-President and Director of Group Government and Public Affairs of DNV, Mr Lars Almklov. The global assurance and risk management company DNV has been recognised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority as an approved external reviewer for the Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme.
Mr Hui told management members of the two companies that Hong Kong and Norway possess complementary strengths that can create a compelling case for financial co-operation. While Norway’s maritime industry is the cornerstone of its economy, Hong Kong’s maritime services industry is also a valued brand in the international arena. Joint ventures in maritime insurance could combine Norway’s expertise in marine risk management with Hong Kong’s accessibility, creating comprehensive solutions for the sector and addressing the new demands arising from geopolitical and climatic challenges. He highlighted that Hong Kong has a sophisticated ecosystem for ship financing and leasing, supported by tax incentives and its strategic location along global trade routes.
On June 12 (Oslo time), Mr Hui paid a courtesy call to the Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Norway, Ms Hou Yue.
He also had a meeting with the Director of Politics and Society of Finance Norway, Mr Jan Erik Fane, and other management staff. Finance Norway is the industry organisation for the financial sector in Norway, representing banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions on regulatory, policy and industry developments.
Mr Hui noted that the Norwegian sovereign fund is one of the largest funds in the world and is positioned as a pioneer in responsible investing with a strong emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance principles. He said that the shared focus of Hong Kong and Norway on sustainability creates significant opportunities for collaboration.
At a dinner reception co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, and the Norway-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce on June 11 (Oslo time), Mr Hui said that even though there is a geographical distance of around 8 600 kilometres between Norway and Hong Kong, the two places share more commonalities in the financial market than perceived.
The first one is the commitment to green and sustainable developments. Hong Kong is striving to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, and the Government launched a roadmap last December to require publicly accountable entities (PAEs) to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) and to provide a well-defined pathway for large PAEs to fully adopt the ISSB Standards no later than 2028.
Just last week, Hong Kong issued a new round of Government green bonds and infrastructure bonds to channel market capital to support green projects and promote sustainable developments in Hong Kong. This round of bonds amounts to a total of around US$3.5 billion, denominated in Hong Kong dollars, Renminbi, US dollars and euros. The offering attracted participation from a wide spectrum of investors from more than 30 markets across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the Americas, with total orders amounting to an equivalent of around US$30 billion, representing a subscription ratio of almost nine times.
The other commonality is expertise in wealth management. Mr Hui noted that Norway’s expertise in long-term asset management driven by its sovereign fund aligns seamlessly with Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s premier wealth management centre. Capitalising on Hong Kong’s advantages of having a solid financial infrastructure and an extensive international client base, abundant co-investment opportunities are available for Norwegian capital in the Asian markets, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
More commonalities lie in fintech and digital finance. Norway is a highly digitalised economy that has fostered advancements in mobile payment systems, blockchain technology, and digital asset management. At the same time, Hong Kong is home to around 1 100 fintech companies and start-ups. The Government endeavours to boost fintech developments through measures such as enhancing fintech infrastructures, nurturing talent, establishing regulatory regimes for digital assets such as the stablecoin regulatory regime to be enacted on August 1. The second edition of a policy statement on digital assets will also be promulgated soon. By combining Norway’s technological innovation with Hong Kong’s access to Asian markets, the partnership could drive cutting-edge solutions that redefine digital finance on a global scale.
Mr Hui has returned to Hong Kong in the evening of June 13.
Issued at HKT 18:33
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Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Amboina (Agenzia Fides) – “The geographical difficulties of the vast Moluccas, for example, are no longer an obstacle: thanks to technology, distance is no longer a serious problem; we have a bridge that unites the entire Catholic community of the Diocese of Amboina,” Seno Ngutra, Bishop of Amboyna told Fides. In a diocese made up of countless small islands, he uses mass media and social media as a means of connection in his pastoral work.However, these means do not replace human contact and direct relationships with the various communities, which is why the bishop travels extensively: he celebrates Masses and administers the sacraments in parishes scattered throughout the Moluccas archipelago in eastern Indonesia. On these islands, where evangelization began in 1546 with the work of the Spanish missionary Saint Francis Xavier, the Diocese of Amboina, which encompasses the entire archipelago, has a population of more than three million (Christians and Muslims) and 117,000 Catholics distributed among 64 parishes. Also due to their geographical location, “parish communities are called to maintain their autonomy and independence, not only in terms of administration, but also in pastoral and spiritual life,” Bishop Ngutra emphasized.Each parish, even those in remote areas, the bishop explained, is therefore encouraged, on this path of autonomy—always lived in mutual communion—to become active in the three areas of pastoral care: liturgy, catechesis, and charitable works. And where there are particular needs, the bishop himself becomes active and raises awareness among donors who wish to support the Church in its development. The parish receiving the donations responds to the donors with a message or a video message via smartphone: “Even if it is a simple gesture, the donors are very happy because they feel appreciated and happy,” the bishop notes, adding another useful function of modern technology. Bishop Ngutra is convinced of the “great potential of social media for spreading the faith in an island nation like ours. The media has a profound impact on human life. It can have negative effects, but it can also be an extraordinary means of proclamation,” he says. Bishop Ngutra has been accustomed to using technology in his pastoral ministry, using various digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok, which is very popular among young people. This habit continues: now the bishop regularly shares his daily faith reflections every morning, known as “Spiritual Morning Dewdrops,” which are viewed by the faithful, priests, religious, and young people throughout the territory. And in the evening, he publishes “the Night Blessing” in the form of short videos that illuminate aspects of the spiritual life. His social media messages are eagerly awaited by many of the faithful of the Diocese of Amboina, who joyfully accept the short daily word from their Pastor. In recent weeks, the bishop has also begun offering content on TikTok about questions of faith and catechesis on specific topics. “Young people spend a lot of time in the digital world. If we do not engage with them on these platforms, we miss the opportunity to share the Good News of the Gospel,” he says. He wants to convey to social media users how close their bishop is. “Even when I was elected Bishop of Amboina, I received the news of my appointment via the Zoom platform,” he recalls. “For me, this is a sign that media and digital technologies will be an important part of the proclamation and service of the new evangelization,” he notes. Today, the faithful call him the “online bishop” because, they say, “even through these platforms the message of Christ can reach the hearts of his people.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 13/6/2025)
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Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Friday, 13 June 2025
by Fabio BerettaPort Moresby (Agenzia Fides) – Peter ToRot, the first Saint of Papua New Guinea (see Fides, 31/3/2025), will be canonized on October 19, 2025, the Sunday during which the 99th World Mission Day will be celebrated. This was decreed today by Pope Leo XIV during the celebration of his first Ordinary Public Consistory. A Consistory, held in the Vatican, which was announced last March by Pope Francis while he was hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital due to bilateral pneumonia.”The Pope decreed that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, together with Blessed Carlo Acutis, be inscribed in the Book of Saints on Sunday 7 September 2025, while Blesseds Ignatius Choukrallah Maloyan, Peter To Rot, Vincenza Maria Poloni, María del Monte Carmelo Rendiles Martínez, Maria Troncatti, José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros and Bartolo Longo be inscribed in the Book of Saints on Sunday 19 October 2025″, reads the bulletin released by the Holy See at the end of the Consistory.Catechist-martyr, ToRot represents, as Father Tomas Ravaioli, missionary of the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE) and vice-postulator, told Fides, “a compass to look at” in these times when “marriage and family are under attack and suffer all kinds of distortion”. And “Pope Francis wanted to canonize him already during the Apostolic Journey of September 2024 in our country”.In the following interview, the vice-postulator also explains the many difficulties encountered in certifying the miracle and why the dispensation was requested.Peter ToRot was martyred with an injection of lethal poison. Why was he killed in prison? What drove his jailers to kill him? During the Japanese invasion of Papua New Guinea in World War II, the Japanese sought to gain the favor and friendship of the local population. To do so, they legalized polygamy, which had previously been forbidden by Catholic missionaries. Consequently, a large number of men began practicing this immoral custom. Peter ToRot, who was barely 30 years old at the time, opposed this infamous law. He preached with all his might about the unity and indissolubility of marriage, emphasizing these as characteristics of marriage willed by God. He successfully convinced many young women who had been taken as “second wives” to escape the men who had taken them and return to living in God’s grace. This, understandably, earned him a great many enemies. Many of these lustful enemies of To Rot were men of power. They managed to imprison him and ultimately assassinate him, silencing his prophetic voice.What does ToRot’s life tell the universal Church today? What can his story teach us? When Pope Francis first heard about Blessed Peter To Rot, he said: “This is the saint the Church needs in these times.” And it’s true: he was a lay man, married, father of 3 children, who died at 33 years old in defense of marriage and family. In these times, where marriage and family are so attacked and suffer all kind of distortions, the figure of this saint is a compass to look to, to remember once again God’s original plan for family and marriage.A dispensation for a miracle was requested for his canonization: what does this mean? Why was this path chosen? There are two important things to say about this point. First, an impressive number of signs and graces are attributed to Peter To Rot’s intercession. We shouldn’t think there are no miracles, although we prefer to call them “signs” because miracles require ecclesiastical approval. In Papua New Guinea, people receive all sorts of signs through the Blessed’s intercession. Second, in Papua New Guinea, there are no hospitals, doctors, or professionals who can testify or show evidence to these signs, nor are there written or documented records. This is because the people in the villages are very simple, and an oral culture is maintained. This lack of resources made it very difficult for us to “demonstrate” or “prove” a miracle. For this reason, we have asked Pope Francis for a dispensation from the miracle requirement, as it would have been almost impossible to fulfill. Even so, it’s necessary to mention and reiterate that the signs attributed to our martyr’s intercession are multiplying.During Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey, the Church of Papua New Guinea asked for the intervention of the Pontiff to speed up the process… The request for a dispensation from the miracle was made at the beginning of 2024, with the hope that the canonization would take place during the Papal visit in September. While the favorable response regarding the dispensation arrived within a few weeks, there was still much work to be done in preparing the Positio and other matters. During Pope Francis’s visit in September 2024, I had the opportunity to speak with him along with the other Argentinian priests here in Papua for almost one hour, and I thanked him for his help with the Cause of To Rot. He told me: “I want to canonize him myself.”For the missionaries of Papua New Guinea and for catechists around the world, what does the canonization of To Rot represent today, in your opinion? The canonization of To Rot, I believe, is a great encouragement for all Catholics in Papua New Guinea to continue striving on the path of personal holiness. It reminds us that holiness isn’t a luxury, but a necessity, and that if To Rot could achieve it, we can too. Beyond that, To Rot’s testimony loudly proclaims to the entire world that God’s plan for family and marriage is one man and one woman for life, until death separates them. The unity and indissolubility of marriage are constantly attacked, distorted, and ridiculed by the modern world. To Rot, having shed his blood in defense of these truths, reminds us that it’s more important to obey God than men. (Agenzia Fides, 13/6/2025)
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Source: NATO
From 10 to 13 June (2025), as part of its pioneering initiative Digital Ocean Vision, NATO offered participants the opportunity to test and compare next-generation systems alongside traditional naval platforms, in a digital wargame.
During the event, participants from across the NATO structures, as well as wargaming experts from the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands, were able to test next-generation systems against traditional naval platforms such as frigates, corvettes, maritime patrol aircraft and submarines. The wargame was designed to measure and compare how emerging disruptive technologies perform, with findings directly supporting NATO’s Task Force X and enhancing the Alliance’s overall defensive posture.
NATO’s Digital Ocean Vision initiative aims to enhance NATO’s maritime situational awareness from seabed to space, by strengthening coordination between national and Allied capabilities employed for maritime surveillance. It includes a broad range of assets from satellites to autonomous systems below, on, and above the sea.
Source: Government of Italy (English)
Vai al Contenuto Raggiungi il piè di pagina
12 Giugno 2025
Council of Ministers meeting no. 131 was held at Palazzo Chigi today. Following the meeting, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, Minister of Labour and Social Policies Marina Elvira Calderone and Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Maurizio Leo held a press conference to illustrate the measures adopted.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, June 13 (Xinhua) — More than tens of thousands of residents in south China’s Hainan Province have been evacuated to safe areas as Typhoon Wutip (Butterfly), the first typhoon of the year, approaches.
As of 8:00 p.m. Thursday, a total of 16,561 people had been evacuated from construction sites, low-lying areas threatened by flooding and areas at risk from mountain torrents in the province.
All 30,721 fishing vessels in the province have either returned to ports or taken shelter elsewhere, with more than 40,000 people working on them evacuated to shore.
As Typhoon Wutip continues to intensify, the provincial meteorological office extended the typhoon alert to Level 3 at 11 a.m. Friday.
Typhoon Wutip strengthened into a severe tropical storm at 8 p.m. Thursday. As of 10 a.m. Friday, its epicenter was located near Ledong Li Autonomous County on Hainan Island, with maximum wind speeds of about 28 meters per second near the epicenter. Heavy rainfall is expected in many parts of the province by 8 p.m.
According to meteorologists’ forecasts, the typhoon is moving in a northwesterly direction at a speed of 5-10 km/h.
On Friday, Wutip may make landfall or pass near the coastal area between Ledong County and Dongfang City as a severe tropical storm with wind gusts of 25 to 28 meters per second. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NANJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — An international team of paleontologists led by Chinese scientists has discovered two previously unknown species of parasitic fungi preserved in two pieces of amber from Myanmar’s Kachin region, which are about 100 million years old, according to the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
The new discovery provides important evidence for the study of fungi and insects’ coevolution. The study also suggests that the parasitic fungi group Ophiocordyceps evolved about 30 million years earlier than previously thought.
As the head of the research project, senior researcher at the institute Wang Bo, explained, the fungi do not have a solid structure and are easily decomposed. Research into the origin and evolution of Ophiocordyceps is hampered by the extreme limitation of fossil evidence.
The two pieces of amber have well-preserved mushroom structures, making it possible to compare them with modern analogues. Using computer microtomography, the researchers discovered their insect hosts.
The scientists also obtained and analyzed genetic data on 120 modern Ophiocordyceps species. Using these fossils as a reference, they reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of Ophiocordyceps and revised the data on the origin of this group of fungi.
“The results suggest that the origin of Ophiocordyceps must have occurred around 130 million years ago, in the Early Cretaceous, which is 30 million years earlier than previously thought,” he said.
The results of the study were published Wednesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LOS ANGELES, June 13 (Xinhua) — A federal judge on Thursday issued a temporary order ordering U.S. President Donald Trump to return control of the state’s National Guard to California authorities.
Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles was unlawful because it violated the Tenth Amendment and exceeded the president’s statutory powers, according to the order, which will go into effect Friday at 12 p.m.
US District Judge Charles Breyer said Trump overstepped his authority when he ordered about 4,000 National Guard troops to be deployed to Los Angeles, where immigration protests have erupted.
California Governor Gavin Newsom challenged the measure in court. California later filed an emergency motion asking a judge to bar the National Guard from assisting immigration enforcement raids.
Breyer’s injunction was “a sharp rebuke of President Trump’s efforts to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to the streets of an American city, which has led to nearly a week of political standoffs and protests across the country,” the New York Times writes.
During an hour-long hearing in San Francisco, a Justice Department official said courts do not have the authority to review the president’s decisions regarding the National Guard and Marines, which Trump sent to Los Angeles despite objections from state and local officials.
C. Breyer expressed doubt that D. Trump fulfilled the conditions of the law determining when National Guard units, which are usually commanded by the state governor, can be federalized.
The judge stayed the order until Friday afternoon to allow an appeal, but he set a June 20 hearing on whether to make the restrictions permanent. The Trump administration has appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. –0–
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday offered condolences to Indian President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the deaths of many people in the crash of an Air India plane.
In his message, Xi Jinping said he was shocked to learn of the plane crash that claimed many lives. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he expressed deep condolences over the loss of life, sympathized with the victims and the families of the deceased, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent a message of condolences to Modi on Friday. –0–
Source: South Africa News Agency
Government works to boost the agricultural sector
Government is implementing comprehensive measures to support small-scale farmers, especially in rural and underdeveloped provinces like the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile who outlined key strategies during a parliamentary question-and-answer session. At Thursday’s session, the Deputy President emphasised the importance of enhancing agricultural productivity and improving access to funding.
Addressing the National Assembly, he stated that the government is improving agricultural productivity through the Agriculture Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAPP) and various support programmes, including the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the Blended Finance Scheme.
WATCH | Deputy President addresses the National Assembly
He explained that the Master Plan aims to enhance agricultural products, promote agro-processing, and improve market access by building capacity, accelerating land reform, and providing financial assistance to farmers.
“We need to support it to promote economic growth, ensure food security and employment creation, particularly in rural areas.
“Government is playing a crucial role in ensuring that small farmers become sustainable and thriving enterprises aligned to the country’s land reform and rural development objectives,” he said.
He announced that government is assisting farmers by offering grants and loans through partnerships with financial institutions like the Land Bank, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
According to the Deputy President, the state is providing blended finance schemes targeting black-owned agricultural enterprises.
“We are enhancing collaboration between government and private entities to boost productivity, service delivery and sustainability growth. Infrastructure and technology adoption depend on these collaborations,” he said.
He told Members of Parliament that efforts are being made to address the challenge of accessing funding from commercial banks by de-risking investments and mobilising Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).
Meanwhile, the Deputy President said government is also leveraging trade agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to boost regional trade.
“If we effectively utilise regional structures like the African Continental Free Trade Area, our smallholder farmers will have a platform to access larger regional markets and potentially benefit from increased demand for their products.
“In this regard, continuous industry consultation and reporting are taking place through the agricultural trade forum.”
Export opportunities
He announced that South Africa is exploring export opportunities in strategic markets like Japan and focusing on products such as citrus fruits and avocados.
In the meantime, arrangements are currently in place with the European Union and the country’s BRICS partners to fast-track export protocols, enhance biosecurity to meet international standards and ensure international outreach is professional, responsive and strategic.
BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation comprising 10 countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Funding and market access
The country’s second-in-command also took the time to acknowledge the challenges, including commercial banks’ reluctance to fund small farmers due to a lack of collateral.
However, he stated that the government is intervening to reduce investment risks and encourage bank participation.
According to Deputy President Mashatile, government aims to transform small-scale farming into sustainable enterprises, which will promote economic growth, food security, and job creation in rural areas.
“We are actively seeking to expand agricultural market access to countries like Japan, particularly for our citrus fruits and avocados.”
The Deputy President also took the time to extend his condolences to the families of the people affected by the severe weather conditions in the Eastern Cape.
“Our hearts are with you. Government will do everything in its power to assist you. The President will be visiting the Eastern Cape tomorrow,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Source: South Africa News Agency
Stapleton road bridge temporarily closed for urgent repairs
The eThekwini Municipality has announced temporary closure of Stapleton Road Bridge in Pinetown, west of Durban, to facilitate urgent and accelerated repair work.
The bridge serves as a key link between Sarnia Road and the King Cetshwayo Highway (M13), providing access to Pinetown and New Germany.
In a statement, the municipality said the decision to close the bridge was made in the interest of public safety, and to enable the repair operations to proceed efficiently and without obstruction.
“Following recent assessments, it was determined that a portion of the concrete structure has been compromised and requires immediate removal and reconstruction. The Municipality’s Structures Department has completed most of the repair design work and is fully mobilised on-site.
“In addition to structural concerns, investigations revealed that the northern road embankment is being undermined, resulting in a narrowed and unstable roadway. Vibrations from heavy vehicles have worsened the condition, especially near the recently reconstructed water main,” the municipality said in a statement.
The city warned that ongoing traffic presents a significant risk to both motorists and the construction workforce. It said full closure of the bridge will allow uninterrupted work to proceed without interruption, reducing the repair timeline, while ensuring maximum safety and quality standards.
The municipality acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closure and apologised to all affected residents, businesses, and commuters.
“The municipality assures the public that teams are working round the clock to minimise the closure period, while upholding the highest standards of safety and engineering,” the municipality said.
The bridge is expected to reopen within 21 days, or sooner if weather and site conditions remain favourable.
Motorists have been advised to use the following alternative routes into Pinetown:
• Via Main Road (Underwood Road), or
• Via the M7 (Edwin Swales Drive) through Bellair.
Power restoration underway after storm damage
Meanwhile, the municipality has reported significant progress in restoring power supply to areas affected by the recent strong winds, which caused widespread damage to infrastructure and interrupted power in several areas across the city.
The municipality said the Electricity Unit has been attending to a high volume of electricity faults, with many areas already reconnected.
“As teams work through these faults, common causes identified include fallen poles, trees falling on power lines, vegetation encroachments, blown roof sheets, and other foreign objects entangled in the power lines which have all contributed to the numerous outages. City teams are prioritising safety and efficiency as they work to restore power.
“Teams are working round the clock to repair faults and progressively restore power in affected areas. Many areas have already had power restored. Restoration is being done in a phased and safe manner,” the municipality said on Thursday.
Residents are encouraged to report outages via the city’s digital fault reporting platforms, including:
For the latest developments on reported area outages, visit the Electricity Unit’s online area outage tracker page https://webfaults.durban.gov.za/WebsiteFaultsEllip…/Outage
This list is automatically updated as faults are logged and assigned to various fault teams until restoration. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Zahid Afzal, of Pembrokeshire, fraudulently claimed extra Covid Bounce Back loans for his phone sales and merchandise companies.
Zahid Afzal claimed £150,000 in Covid loans – most of which he moved to personal accounts.
He had already received Bounce Back loans for his two companies when he applied for three more.
He was handed a two-year suspended sentence, and 300 hours of unpaid work, at Swansea Crown Court on 12 June 2025.
The director of two companies which run mobile phone shops across the UK has been handed a two-year suspended sentence, after he fraudulently claimed £150,000 in Covid Bounce Back loans.
Zahid Afzal, the director of Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd, had already received Covid loans for both companies legitimately – totalling £52,500 – when he applied for three more.
The 37-year-old, from Haverfordwest, falsely claimed the applications were the first he had made and exaggerated the turnover of each company.
He received the three additional loans of £50,000 each – one for Phone Bits Ltd and two for Phones Onn Ltd – between May and November 2020.
Afzal was sentenced for three counts of fraud by false representation at Swansea Crown Court on 12 June 2025.
The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Insolvency Service Chief Investigator David Snasdell said:
It is clear from our investigations that Zahid Afzal felt he could continue to apply time and time again for loans he was not entitled to.
Not satisfied with the substantial funds he had legitimately received, he went on to lie on applications and exaggerate his companies’ turnovers.
His sentencing should serve as a reminder to those contemplating fraudulently pocketing taxpayers’ money to think again.
Afzal’s companies ran mobile phone shops or kiosks in Carmarthen, Shropshire, Andover and North Devon.
The Insolvency Service investigation did not find any wrongdoing with the use of his initial loans for Phones Onn Ltd (£20,000) and Phone Bits (£32,500), which he was entitled to and were used entirely for business purposes.
But he moved the majority of the £150,000 he received from his second round of loans to personal accounts despite stating they were for business purposes.
The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government.
The loans were made on the condition that they were not to be used for personal purposes, but could be used, for example, to purchase a company asset such as a vehicle, if it would provide an economic benefit to the business.
The money lent to a company had to be paid back, over six or 10 years, with payments starting 12 months after the company received the loan.
Zahid Afzal: DOB 09/03/1988 of Albert Street, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
Phone Bits Ltd Company number 10136495, registered in Andover.
Phones Onn Ltd Company number 11771257, registered in London.
Zahid Afzal was charged on three counts in relation to sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.
The Insolvency Service can investigate complaints about corporate abuse by live companies. This may include serious misconduct, fraud, scams or dishonest practice in the way the company operates. Further information on our live investigations can be found here
Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh
The Lord Provost pays tribute to Sir Geoff Palmer, following the announcement on Friday of his death.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:
I was deeply saddened to learn of Sir Geoff Palmer’s passing. A tireless advocate for equality and a pioneering academic, Sir Geoff was a true inspiration and will leave a lasting impression on Edinburgh.
In 2022 I was honoured to present Sir Geoff with the Edinburgh Award in recognition of his academic achievements and his passionate defence of human rights and justice in the city and beyond. His handprints remain immortalised alongside those of other Edinburgh Award recipients and will give passers-by pause to reflect on the huge impact he had here.
In chairing the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Sir Geoff made a vital contribution to recognising and profiling the Capital’s links with Slavery and Colonialism in the public realm.
I know Sir Geoff’s legacy in academia and activism will live on for years to come, inspiring future generations. He will be dearly missed – my thoughts are with his friends, family and all those who knew him.
Source: City of Sunderland
Residents are being urged find out more about how to stay water safe this summer as part of the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) Drowning Prevention Week.
The annual RLSS UK campaign is all about educating families, carers, teachers of children aged between five and 15 years old about water safety. Sunderland City Council is backing the campaign which runs from Saturday 14 to Saturday 21 June, to help raise awareness of the importance of staying safe and water safety.
The RLSS UK provides free water safety advice for families and schools in a bid to give every child the opportunity to learn about water safety.
Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council said: “We are very lucky to have beautiful beaches in Sunderland where people can enjoy the water.
“We want all our residents and visitors to be able to get the most out of these fantastic spaces, as safely as possible. This is why we are continuing to support Drowning Prevention Week, in the hope that everyone will take the time to look at some of the really helpful advice on offer from organisations like the RLSS and the RNLI on how to keep you and your loved ones safe in water this summer.”
“I would also encourage anyone planning on swimming in the sea in Sunderland this summer to visit a beach which has RNLI lifeguards on duty and to always to swim between the red and yellow flags.”
The RNLI will be providing their lifeguard service to Roker, Seaburn and Cat and Dog beaches everyday from 10am to 6pm, until Sunday 7 September.
The RLSS UK hopes that by raising awareness, the campaign will see a reduction in the number of people losing their lives to accidental drowning every year. An average of 312 people in the UK and Ireland sadly lose their lives this way each year. Many more have non-fatal experiences, sometimes life-changing injuries, following a water related incident.
Matt Croxall, Interim Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “We want people to make the most of enjoying the water outdoors this summer as the weather warms up, which why we believe in the importance of everyone having the opportunity to learn key lifesaving knowledge, including the Water Safety Code, to keep them and their families safe and able to enjoy the water safely.
“Help us to support our Drowning Prevention Week campaign by sharing lifesaving knowledge with family and loved ones this summer, as this could help to save lives and prevent tragedies.”
There are four parts to the Water Safety Code that the Royal Life Saving Society UK is encouraging parents to discuss with their children. Stop and think, stay together, call 999, and float. These are:
For more water safety tips and advice visit: www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-information
Source: City of Canterbury
Children have the chance to try their hand at a whole range of sports at a free summer event being held by Canterbury City Council and Kent Police alongside a range of other organisations.
Taking place at Canterbury Rugby Club on Saturday 12 July, families will get to have a go at rugby, football, judo, taekwondo, boxing, wrestling, cricket, wheelchair rugby, combat archery and more.
The Give it a Go! event aims to encourage active lifestyles and greater wellbeing through sport and is open to all abilities and ages between four and 18 years old.
There will be organisations from the emergency services, food and drink options, as well as health and wellbeing and community safety stalls to take any questions.
A dedicated quiet zone will also be available for children with special educational needs and disabilities on the ground floor of the Kent MS Centre.
No pre-booking is required – simply come along to the rugby club between 10am and 4pm.
You also don’t need to be a Canterbury district resident to attend the event.
A free bus service will run every 30 minutes starting at 9.30am from Canterbury bus station to the rugby club, and the last bus leaving the rugby club will be 4.30pm.
Cllr Connie Nolan, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “Giving young people the opportunity to try new things, stay active and gain skills is so important.
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to get together with other local organisations to do just that.
“If your kids have ever been curious to try a new sport or you’re simply looking for a fun day out for the whole family this summer, please do come along and give it a go!”
The event is being organised by The Purple Partnership which is a partnership of local sports providers and businesses, led by the council and Kent Police, with the aim of:
You can find out more about the Give it a Go! event here.
Published: 13 June 2025
Source: City of Leicester
CHILDREN and young people in Leicester who receive benefits-related free school meals are being invited to sign up for a programme of free summer activities before the deadline on Friday 27 June.
Starting on Monday 14 July, the sessions will include activities such as art, sport and outdoor fun – and each child taking part will receive a healthy meal as part of the session.
Funding for the scheme has come from the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) – a government scheme that aims to help children from low-income families keep active and eat well during the summer break.
In Leicester, the programme – which is aimed at children aged from 4 to 16 – is being delivered by more than 40 providers at sites around the city.
Youngsters (aged 6-11) could sign up for fun with Leicester’s museums’ service, with activities taking place throughout the summer at the Abbey Pumping Station, while basketball-loving 8-16-year-olds could head for the Mattioli Arena for a programme organised by the Leicester Riders Foundation.
Older children (aged 14-16) could opt for a pass that would allow them to work out in the gym, go for a swim or book a court at the city council’s leisure centres, or choose a boxing pass that would give them access to early evening sessions at the GNR8 Academy at New College.
Those choosing a pass instead of signing up for a programmed activity will receive a food voucher instead of a meal each time they use their pass – up to a maximum of 16 food vouchers over the holiday period.
Eligible families can sign up to four weeks of free provision over the summer holiday. Most programmes run for four hours each day for four days, although some providers are offering flexible programmes that run for more hours over fewer days, or fewer hours over more days.
Places, however, are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to those who live in the city of Leicester, receive benefits-related free school meals, and are in the age range for that programme.
“The long summer holiday can be a struggle for many families,” said assistant city mayor Cllr Elaine Pantling.
“This scheme, which is funded by the government, aims to ensure that children who normally have a free school meal can have fun in the summer break, and a healthy meal while they’re taking part, without having to worry about the cost.
“There’s a wide range of activities on offer at sites around the city, but places are limited so please register as soon as you can – and certainly before the deadline on Friday 27 June – if you’d like your child to take part in the programme.”
Information about the Holiday Activities & Food programme has been circulated to children via schools.
Families with children who receive benefits-related free schools and who meet the eligibility criteria can register for a place on the Holiday Activities & Food programme at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf
Anyone who thinks their child should be receiving free school meals can find out more at freeschoolmeals.leicester.gov.uk
Children who don’t receive benefits-related free school meals may also be able to register on the programme, in exchange for a fee. Families should contact the provider directly for more information. The full programme and providers’ contact details can be found at families.leicester.gov.uk/haf
The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education.
ends
Source: City of Derby
Families are invited to a free children and young people’s festival at the newly reopened Derby Market Hall.
As part of the Derby Promise, an initiative led by Derby City Council alongside its city partners, the first Dream Fest will take place on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July.
The exciting two-day festival will bring the city together in a vibrant celebration of storytelling, Shakespeare and dreams. Children and young people will be able to access careers experiences, build their skills and explore the future of work, leaving them confident and ambitious about their place in Derby’s future.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
Dream Fest will be a brilliant opportunity for our young people to get creative, gain confidence, and really shine. Exploring Shakespeare in the classroom brings its own joy, but being able to bring that to life and really have fun with it is something else.
Young people and families alike are coming together and sharing a really special day, celebrating our talented youngsters.
Friday 11 July will be a day for school pupils, as children from early years through to post-16 attend a ‘Takeover Day’ at Derby Market Hall. More than 500 pupils will have the chance to perform an extract from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and showcase their talents. This will be accompanied by a series of practical workshops and creative careers talks with our city’s cultural partners.
The festival will continue on Saturday 12 July, when it will be open to the public. Families and the wider community can enjoy a packed day of exciting performances from young people from across the city, plus walkabout performances, breakdancers, theatre and music performances, workshops, hands-on arts activities and much more.
This vibrant public programme is free to all, as Dream Fest encourages everyone to enjoy our new Market Hall and experience an exciting programme of cultural opportunities. No booking is necessary, just come along and join the fun!
Culture Derby, in collaboration with the Council, is spearheading this programme as part of a mission to provide more free and high-quality cultural opportunities for children, young people and families.
Alix Manning-Jones, Director of Culture Derby, said:
Dream Fest will be a magical, creative, high-energy step into another world, experiencing the joy and escapism of theatre. It’s all about inspiring the next generation of dreamers and creators — from early years right through to post-16 — through the power of performance, imagination and community.
Dream Fest is being produced in partnership with Wrongsemble Theatre Company and has benefited from several local businesses who have sponsored the event, highlighting the importance of the city coming together to support our young people’s creativity.
Graham Lambert, Managing Director of VINCI UK Developments who are among the sponsors, said:
We’re delighted to be supporting Derby Dream Fest and hope the festival inspires, excites and brings fun and enjoyment to the young people of Derby.
Steve Carlier, president of fellow sponsors Rolls-Royce Submarines, said:
At Rolls-Royce, we see Derby as our home, and sponsoring events like this helps to show our appreciation for the support, passion and pride we see every day from the people of Derby. Inspiring the next generation is something we take seriously.
The Derby Promise aims to bring together businesses, educational and cultural organisations alongside the City Council to raise aspirations and expand opportunities relating to the world of work and the economic regeneration of Derby.
Activities focus on opportunities to develop skills relevant to businesses in Derby and across the East Midlands, and to provide careers information, advice and guidance in order to support people as they navigate their way into exciting destinations. We believe in starting early, so these opportunities are open to early years through to post-16, including young adults already in work.
More details about Dream Fest will be available soon on the Derby Promise website.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
China warned the Group of Seven advanced economies on Friday against “manipulating” issues related to the world’s second-largest economy for their own agenda, after they accused Beijing of unfair business practices a year earlier.
Beijing’s criticism of the G7 and what it represents comes amid a surge in global trade tension between the United States and China this year, as well as within the bloc’s membership.
In remarks ahead of a three-day G7 summit in Canada set to start from Sunday, Lin Jian, a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry, accused the group of having always upheld a Cold War mentality.
The bloc should “stop interfering in other countries’ internal affairs, stop undermining other countries’ development, (and) stop manipulating issues related to China,” Lin told a regular news conference.
The G7 provokes conflicts and confrontations, said Lin, adding that such practices were “doomed to fail”.
In the communique after its 2024 summit in Italy that mentioned China more than 20 times, the G7 said its companies needed to be protected from China’s unfair business practices.
It also warned of action against Chinese financial institutions that helped Russia obtain weapons for its war in Ukraine.
The participation of countries beyond the grouping, such as India and Brazil, in last year’s event also irked China, which viewed the move as a bid to sow discord among countries of the Global South.
New leaders will represent five of the G7’s members – Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan and the United States – at next week’s summit.
(Reuters)
Source: European Parliament 2
This EPRS publication, ‘Key issues in the European Council’, seeks to provide an overview of the institution’s activities on major EU issues. It analyses nine broad policy areas, which have been identified as priorities in the European Council’s Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, outlining the main orientations defined by the European Council, the legal and political background, and the results of its involvement to date in each policy field. It is updated every half a year before the June and December regular meetings of EU Heads of State or Government.