Paramilitary groups are responsible for most threats – yet no prosecutions
Official state failure to provide protection
‘Journalists in Northern Ireland are facing a sustained campaign of threats and violence’ – Patrick Corrigan
Journalists in Northern Ireland face regular deaths threats and attacks while living and working in the most dangerous place in the UK to do their job.
A new 106-page report by Amnesty International features interviews with reporters who have been told they will be shot or stabbed, threatened with bombs under their car and given 48-hour ultimatums to leave the country – all because of their journalism.
Some journalists have been physically attacked. Equipment has been damaged. Their cars have been battered with poles laced with nails. Two journalists have been killed.
For those most at risk, their homes are protected by bulletproof windows and doors with alarms linked up to police stations.
Amnesty’s research for the report – Occupational Hazard? Threats and violence against journalists in Northern Ireland – uncovered more than 70 incidents of threats or attacks on journalists in Northern Ireland since the start of 2019.
Most threats come from a range of proscribed paramilitary groups, loyalist and republican, as well as from armed organised crime groups, some with links to paramilitaries.
Most threats against journalists go unpunished. There have been no prosecutions for any threats from paramilitary groups.
For decades, some have felt that dealing with threats was just part of their job; an ‘occupational hazard’ they have been forced to accept.
But now, by coming together and sharing their stories, journalists in Northern Ireland are saying ‘enough is enough’.
Lack of police protection
Journalists report having little expectation of people being held account for making threats. Many reporters interviewed by Amnesty said that they feel the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has failed to effectively investigate attacks and threats against them. Since June 2022, there have been only two successful prosecutions for threats against journalists. There have been no prosecutions for threats from paramilitary groups, the single most significant source of such threats.
With journalists excluded from the government’s home protection scheme, which funds the installation of security measures, many have been left feeling at risk.
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland Director, said:
“Journalists in Northern Ireland are facing a sustained campaign of threats, intimidation and violence from armed groups, which makes it the most dangerous place in the UK to be a reporter.
“They are being threatened, attacked and even killed for shining a light on paramilitary groups and others who seek to exert control through violence. This creates a climate of fear that many assumed was consigned to history when the Good Friday Agreement was signed.
“Yet there has not been a single prosecution for threats against journalists from paramilitary groups. This sense of impunity only emboldens those behind the threats.
“When journalists are under attack, press freedom is under attack. The state must create a safe environment where journalists can work freely and report without fear of reprisals. It is currently failing to do so.”
Living in fear
The police visited Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris’ house nine times between December 2023 and October 2024 to deliver threats from paramilitary or criminal groups. On one occasion, she received a threat and 24 hours later a pipe bomb was found near her home.
She said: “I’m convinced someone’s going to kill me at some point. I always think I’ll never die of natural causes. Most of the time, I pretend that the threats don’t annoy me, but clearly, they do. This is not a normal way to live.”
Sunday World northern editor Richard Sullivan said: “I’ve had threats to kill me, to use a bomb on my car and on my house. I’ve been given 24 hours to leave the country.”
Sunday Life journalist Ciaran Barnes said: “I’ve got bulletproof windows front and back. I’ve got a bulletproof door. I’ve got cameras all around the house. I’ve got sensor activated lights and panic alarms.”
The home security measures are paid for by his employer, as journalists are ineligible for access to the government’s Home Protection Scheme.
National Union of Journalists assistant general secretary Séamus Dooley said: “In what is supposed to be normalised society, post the peace process, journalists are living in fear and behind high security measures. That really is not the sign of a normal functioning democracy.”
Amnesty has made a series of recommendations for the police and various government departments, including:
Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA should establish and chair a new Media Safety Group, with representatives from the PSNI, Public Prosecution Service (PPS), media organisations and the NUJ, to deliver a new journalist safety strategy
Note: The report is based on research carried out by Amnesty between November 2024 and May 2025, including 26 interviews conducted by Patrick Corrigan and Kathryn Torney with 22 journalists about their experiences living with the threat of armed violence, NUJ representatives, the PSNI and a relative and lawyer of Martin O’Hagan.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Global GDP growth is projected to slow from 3.3 percent in 2024 to 2.9 percent this year and the next year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said on Tuesday.
In its latest Economic Outlook, the OECD revised down its global growth forecast, citing a technical assumption that existing tariff rates as of mid-May will remain in place, despite ongoing legal disputes.
The organization warned that if current trends persist — such as rising trade barriers, tighter financial conditions, weakening business and consumer confidence and increased policy uncertainty — they could significantly undermine global growth prospects.
The OECD projected that the U.S. economic growth will slow significantly to 1.6 percent in 2025 and 1.5 percent in 2026.
For the euro area, growth is forecast to reach 1 percent in 2025 and 1.2 percent in 2026, unchanged from previous estimates, as foreign demand gradually recovers. The OECD noted that the region’s outlook is supported by easing financial conditions and lower energy prices.
Within the bloc, Germany’s economy is expected to expand by 0.4 percent in 2025 and 1.2 percent in 2026.
“The recovery will be driven by domestic demand,” the organization noted, adding that private consumption will increase due to low inflation, rising nominal wages and declining domestic policy uncertainty.
As for France, the OECD forecasts GDP growth to slow to 0.6 percent in 2025 amid elevated economic policy uncertainty, before gradually recovering to 0.9 percent in 2026.
Private consumption will become the main growth engine in 2025, as exports will suffer from increased trade tensions and investment will be held back by increased uncertainty, the OECD noted.
However, it predicted that stronger investment and steady consumer spending will help the French economy recover in 2026.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, June 3 (Xinhua) — About 1,590 kg of drugs were publicly destroyed in south China’s Hainan Province on Tuesday to crack down on drug crimes and commemorate the country’s fight against opium smuggling in the 19th century.
Drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine and new drugs such as etomidate, as well as unregulated addictive substances that were seized in drug cases by Hainan courts in recent years, were burned in an incinerator at a local new energy power plant.
The drug destruction campaign, which was carried out in strict compliance with environmental protection principles, was timed to coincide with the 186th anniversary of a famous historical event during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). On June 3, 1839, high-ranking official Lin Zexu ordered the destruction of about 1,000 tons of smuggled opium confiscated from foreign traders in Humen, Guangdong Province (South China). His move was seen as the beginning of China’s fight against opium.
The centralized drug destruction demonstrated the province’s determination to strengthen drug control and combat drug crimes, according to the Hainan Provincial Public Security Bureau. -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
BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday called for strengthening financial cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to give strong impetus to the development of countries in the region.
He made this statement during a collective meeting with foreign representatives present at the meeting of finance ministers and heads of central banks of SCO member states.
Ding Xuexiang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a series of important proposals and measures to build a more beautiful common home for the SCO at the SCO Plus meeting in Astana in 2024.
China is willing to seize the opportunity of its SCO presidency and work with other member states to prioritize development, strengthen financial cooperation, increase the share of settlements in their national currencies, promote the development of digital and inclusive finance, and actively work on the establishment of the SCO Development Bank, Ding Xuexiang said.
Speaking on behalf of the foreign guests, SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev praised the work carried out by China as the country chairing the organization. He expressed readiness to work with the Chinese side, adhering to the “Shanghai Spirit”, to promote prosperity and development in the region. -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
PARIS, June 3 (Xinhua) — Global GDP growth is projected to slow to 2.9 percent this year and next from 3.3 percent in 2024, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said Tuesday.
In its latest economic outlook, the OECD revised down its global growth forecast, citing a technical assumption that current tariff rates as of mid-May will remain in place despite ongoing legal wrangling.
The organization warned that if current trends (rising trade barriers, tightening financial conditions, weakening business and consumer confidence and increasing political uncertainty) continue, they could significantly undermine global growth prospects. –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 3 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Monday that it has expanded ground operations in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.
The move follows an order issued Sunday by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to expand the ground offensive to additional areas in both the north and south of the enclave.
The IDF said its troops killed militants and destroyed weapons depots and above-ground and underground infrastructure.
In addition, since Sunday, Israeli aircraft have struck dozens of targets across the Gaza Strip, “including terrorist cells, military installations belonging to terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, tunnels, weapons depots and additional terrorist infrastructure,” the statement said.
The escalation of fighting followed disagreements in proximity talks between Israel and Hamas over a US proposal for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. –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
KAMPALA, June 3 (Xinhua) — Ugandan troops said on Tuesday they killed two suspected terrorists carrying explosive devices in the country’s capital.
Army spokesman Chris Magezi told Xinhua by telephone that the bomb exploded while two suspects were being detained.
“One of the suspects was actually a suicide bomber, a woman,” said K. Magezi, adding that the suspects were riding a motorcycle in Munyonyo, a suburb of Kampala. –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
CAIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) — Egypt’s New Urban Communities Authority and a Chinese-Egyptian joint venture have signed an agreement on the comprehensive operation and maintenance of the Central Business District (CBD) in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
Under the agreement, Horizon Operations Management /Egypt/ will be responsible for the implementation of the project in the CBD, initially focusing on property management and municipal administration.
According to a statement from the Egyptian cabinet, during preliminary talks on the signing, Egyptian Housing Minister Sherif El-Sherbini said the agreement covers the maintenance and management of important facilities, as well as the provision of comprehensive urban services to residents, tourists and businesses in the CBD.
Sh. El-Sherbini stressed that this step represents a significant change in Egypt’s approach to managing public facilities – from traditional models to results-oriented management based on quality and sustainability.
Also present at the signing ceremony on Sunday were Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, China’s Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Dong Jianguo and representatives of China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which oversaw the construction of the Central Business District.
Situated in the heart of the desert, about 50 km east of the capital Cairo, the Central Business District is one of the key projects jointly built by China and Egypt under the Belt and Road Initiative. The project includes 20 commercial and residential skyscrapers, as well as supporting municipal infrastructure, including the 385.8 m Iconic Tower, the tallest building in Africa. –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
BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — China recorded a total of 653.7 million inter-regional passenger trips during the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, official data released by the Ministry of Transport showed Tuesday.
This figure increased by 2.5 percent compared to the same period last year, the above-mentioned ministry noted.
An ancient Chinese holiday known as the Duanwu Festival or Double Fifth Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the holiday was celebrated on Saturday, May 31. In China, May 31, June 1 and June 2 have been declared official holidays.
The volume of automobile passenger transport accounted for a large share of the total volume of public transport trips, reaching 597.32 million person-times.
Passenger traffic on railways amounted to 48.03 million person-times, on water transport – 2.73 million person-times.
The volume of passenger traffic at the country’s airports reached 5.63 million person-times. -0-
Geneva, Switzerland, 2 June 2025 – The inaugural Global Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Forum opened today with a resounding call to accelerate the implementation of life-saving early warning systems worldwide. Co-led by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the forum brings together governments, international organizations, civil society, private sector actors, and communities to advance the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.
As part of the preparatory days for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, the two-day forum aims to ensure that every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by the end of 2027. With disasters projected to increase by 40% between 2015 and 2030, and economic losses from disasters in 2023 estimated at $250 billion, the urgency for effective early warning systems has never been greater.
The forum’s opening session featured a comprehensive stock-take of global early warning system progress, highlighting that 108 countries report that they have multi-hazard early warning systems. Building on outcomes from five regional Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Fora held across Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe & Central Asia, the Americas & Caribbean, and Arab States, the global gathering captures lessons learned and identifies pathways to close remaining gaps.
Community-centered approaches and innovation at the forefront
Graphic recording of thematic session on community empowerment.
The forum’s first day emphasized the critical importance of people-centered approaches to early warning systems. Thematic sessions explored how communities can be empowered through user-tailored early warnings and early action, with particular attention to the unique challenges faced in fragile and conflict settings.
Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, reinforced this message, stating, “Leave no one behind comes very important in the context of early warning systems. Women, children and persons with disabilities are not passive recipients of services, they are active participants.”
Participants examined effective governance models that support multi-hazard early warning systems, recognizing that successful implementation requires institutionalized chains of responsibility and multi-stakeholder engagement including South-South and Triangular Cooperation mechanisms. The forum highlighted that early warning systems are strongest when at-risk communities and sectors co-develop and co-own these systems, ensuring trust, timely action, and long-term sustainability.
Innovation emerged as a key theme, with experts showcasing how science, technology, and local knowledge can advance multi-hazard early warning systems. Discussions covered the integration of artificial intelligence, satellite systems, Information of Things (IoT) technologies, and traditional knowledge systems to enhance forecasting accuracy and improve warning dissemination to vulnerable populations.
Ambassador Julien Thöni, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and other Organisations in Geneva, highlighted the dual nature of innovation: “Early Warning Systems can go hand-in-hand with innovation. New technologies from satellite data to mobile alerts help us predict more accurately and reach people faster. But innovation also means finding smarter ways to work together, adapt to local needs, and make sure no one is left behind.”
Building partnerships for resilient futures
Graphic recording of opening session & stock take on collaborative action and multilateralism.
The forum underscored that no single entity can build and maintain effective early warning systems alone. Participants emphasized the need for stronger partnerships across sectors, levels of government, and international boundaries to achieve Early Warnings for All, by All.
Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, emphasized the critical importance of collaboration: “No warning, however early, is effective unless it reaches the right people at the right time. And that is why we are here today. To cement our partnerships and trust which are essential to early action…Alone we can do very little. But together, we can do so much.”
Early warning systems provide a ten-fold return on investment and are recognized as among the most cost-effective adaptation measures. However, their full socio-economic benefits remain under-documented, highlighting the need for better evidence and advocacy to scale up investments.
The forum’s diverse organizing committee, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the CREWS Secretariat, the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Food Programme (WFP), Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism (SEM), the Global Network of Civil Society for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), and the Executive Office of the Secretary-General Climate Action Team, reflects the multi-stakeholder approach essential for success.
Path forward: cooperation and finance
Graphic recording of session on effective governance to support multi-hazard early warning systems.
As the Forum continues, participants will focus on accelerating Early Warnings for All through international, regional and national cooperation and partnerships, alongside solutions for scaling and sustaining investments in multi-hazard early warning systems and building resident capacity.
The Forum will produce an outcome statement sharing overarching needs and priorities, as well as emerging opportunities identified by participants at the global level. These outcomes will feed directly into the Global Platform’s thematic session on early warnings and early action.
With Target G of the Sendai Framework calling for substantial increases in the availability and access to multi-hazard early warning systems, the Global Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Forum represents a critical milestone in the journey toward universal protection from disasters.
The Global Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Forum continues on 3 June 2025, focusing on international cooperation and financing solutions for early warning systems.
The 8th Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GPDRR2025) began with preparatory events on Monday, 2 June, ahead of the upcoming official programme with highlevel meetings from 4-6 June in Geneva, Switzerland. GPDRR 2025 is organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and hosted by the Government of Switzerland. Two parallel events took place on Monday: the Third Stakeholder Forum and the Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) MultiStakeholder Forum.
Third Stakeholder Forum
Opening
The Third Stakeholder Forum opened with statements by the Governments of Switzerland and Indonesia and senior UN leaders under the theme “United for Resilience.” Speakers highlighted progress on the Bali Agenda for Resilience, an outcome of the 7th Global Platform in 2022, and the opportunities for inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Mirjam Macchi, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, appreciated stakeholders’ solidarity around the evacuation and assistance to the historic village of Blatten, destroyed last week by a glacial landslide 200 km from Geneva. She noted that even livestock were cared for-a powerful reminder that “resilience begins with local people” and inclusive solutions are more effective when those directly affected by disasters bring vital knowledge to action.
Achsanul Habib, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to risk-informed policies and inclusive approaches. He encouraged all participants to use the Stakeholder Forum as “not only a platform to listen and share, but a platform to act together.”
The event also showcased the Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments online platform (SFVC), where stakeholders can register their commitments, and users can identify areas of activity as well as gaps. Yuki Matsuoka, Head, UNDRR Office in Japan, noted that 729 individual organizations so far have registered their commitments.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organisation
Whole-of-society approach for the Sendai Framework on DRR: A collective responsibility
Sarah Wade-Apicella, UNDRR, moderated the session. On effective methods to implement inclusive DRR, Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, underscored the need for people with disabilities to be involved early in co-development of disaster risk strategies, and for foresight processes to incorporate diverse voices. Major Hamad Sabah Al-Sawar, Director of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bahrain, described Bahrain’s communication platform providing diverse modes of information sharing in multiple languages, the use of a phone application, and a common hashtag used to mobilize public action.
On intersectional and intergenerational knowledge sharing, Tom Colley, HelpAge International, drew attention to the wide network of older people associations worldwide as opportunities to engage this age group in DRR. He noted these associations can also harness and serve as channels for bringing Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge into DRR strategies. Barrise Griffin, Disaster Risk Management Authority, The Bahamas, emphasized moving away from one-off, extractive approaches to information gathering, and instead facilitating ongoing dialogue. Josefina Miculax Sincal, Huairou Commission, called for frameworks and trainings to strengthen good practices at the community level.
A slide showing the numbers of internal displacement by hazard for 2015- 2024.
Participants then heard comments and questions from the floor on the role of national DRR platforms in community-level participation, engagement, and school programs for children; managing conflicts of interest; looking beyond immediate impacts of DRR; measuring the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement; shifting risk ownership to local communities to handle disasters; and securing resources.
Data and financing for disaster displacement as loss and damage
Steven Goldfinch, Asian Development Bank (ADB), moderated this session.
Christelle Cazabat, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, explained that research into Hurricane Milton’s impacts in the US shows how people’s aspirations change when displacement stretches into the long term. She noted 2024 saw the highest number of people displaced in a single year globally (45.8 million), as well as the highest number of people continuing to live in displacement (9.8 million).
Noralene Uy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, noted that her country ensures children have access to child-friendly spaces during displacement, and that national protocols guide national and local assessments and reporting. Isoa Talemaibua, Ministry for Maritime and Rural Development, Fiji, highlighted Fiji’s risk assessment activities and stressed the value of financial tools such as green and blue bonds, and parametric insurance that enables rapid payouts based on environmental triggers.
Hoang Phuong Thao, ActionAid Vietnam, highlighted the organization’s work with marginalized and remote communities to use smartphones for receiving early warnings, as well as for reporting on local conditions, thereby informing the government’s trend analysis. Catalina Díaz Escobar, Corporación Antioquia Presente, emphasized that data collection itself is a political process and should be conducted in an ethical and respectful manner.
From Paris to Sendai: the fundamental connection of climate and DRR
Jamie Cummings, Sendai Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, moderated the session. Animesh Kumar, UNDRR, underlined that risk is a common denominator across the Sendai Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that all these global frameworks share the goal of resilience. He encouraged the institutionalization of the agreements at the national level and highlighted the need to localize them. On technical assistance, he stressed that funding applications under the Santiago Network -a mechanism to support countries recovering from loss and damage due to climate change -should be designed to catalyze downstream impacts. Hisan Hassan, National Disaster Management Authority, Maldives, described his country’s focus on EW4All and slow-onset losses. Manon Robin, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed integration of national adaptation plans and DRR strategies and emphasized, supported by Le-Anne Roper, UNDRR, the need to focus on coordinating actors on different aspects of climate resilience. Amber Fletcher, University of Regina, emphasized that slow-onset disaster management and funding are crucial for food producers, and stressed the significance of non-economic loss and damage.
View of the panel during the “From Paris to Sendai: the Fundamental Connection of Climate and DRR” event.
Innovative financing and private sector leadership in DRR
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Manisha Gulati, ODI Global, noted that most funding goes toward emergency response after disasters occur. She highlighted that when the private sector invests in critical services, DRR becomes an outcome, not only a target.
Yezid Niño, Private Sector Liaison, UNDRR Americas, emphasized the relevance of understanding that DRR is part of the development of the countries and pointed toward the role of regulatory frameworks in involving the private sector in financing DRR. Terry Kinyua, Co-Chair of the ARISE Global Board, stressed that the resilience of communities amounts to the resilience of a country.
Through digital interaction, attendees identified cost-benefit analysis, data gaps, and trust as the major barriers to private sector investment in DRR. Among the actions leaders can take to accelerate investment in resilience, attendees mentioned political incentives, regulatory alignment, resilience as a national priority, and the involvement of local leaders.
View of the panel during the “Innovative Financing and Private Sector Leadership in DRR” event.
Implementation of climate and DRR gender action plans at the national level-Synergies and strategies
Mwanahamisi Singano, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), moderated this panel discussion unpacking synergies between the different Gender Action Plans (GAPs) under multiple conventions and frameworks, including the Sendai GAP. She noted the need to avoid duplication and ensure cost effectiveness.
Mary Picard, Humanitarian and Development Consulting, gave a keynote address describing the actions leading to the launch of the Sendai GAP in 2024. Panelists mentioned key lessons from their experiences with governments in implementing the GAPs, including the challenge of competing priorities and political preferences among different ministries when attempting to coordinate the different GAPs. Other interventions focused on holding governments and agencies accountable for implementing GAPs and enhancing communication among women’s networks, particularly those involved in DRR. Following interventions on regional mapping tools and GAP observatories that monitor implementation progress, Singano invited participants to provide inputs towards developing a universal DRR gender equality observatory.
Community-led action for resilience, building partnerships for inclusive action
Maité Rodríguez, Fundación Guatemala, moderated this session. The panel featured grassroot women leaders and related international organizations. Godavari Dange, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, a women-led organization of farmer-producers, highlighted women farmers’ work in drought preparedness to cultivate and stockpile animal fodder. She also highlighted technology training conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic for women to use online platforms. Norma Choc Botzoc, Community Practitioners’ Platform for Resilience in Guatemala, described grassroot women’s own development of risk and vulnerability assessments, which, she noted, are being used as tools for advocacy to local authorities to direct resources appropriately. Speakers from ADB and the Centre for Coordination of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC) affirmed the central importance of cooperation and co-design of programs for climate resilience and recovery after disasters.
Disaster preparedness and risk reduction in urban areas—Building back better
Ladeene Freimuth, The Freimuth Group, moderated the session. Guilherme Simões, National Secretary for Peripheries, Ministry of Cities, Brazil, outlined the Live Peripheries program, which provides access to better urban infrastructure, social services, and opportunities; and the Peripheries Without Risk strategy, a community-based risk reduction and climate adaptation plan.
Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, highlighted EWS as one of the best-proven and cost-effective methods for reducing disaster deaths and losses. She drew attention to “Infinite Access,” a communication platform designed to deliver emergency alerts in multiple accessible formats.
Mario Flores, Habitat for Humanity International, discussed the challenges and opportunities of urban environments, stressing the need to build better in the first place; to have risk-informed development; and to consider housing as a platform for a peoplecentered resilience approach.
Debbra Johnson, ARISE-US Network, addressed the report “Navigating the sustainability-resilience nexus,” which brings together the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the DRR Sendai Framework.
Breaking the DRR financing silos: A systematic shift in DRR financing for localization of inclusive resilience
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Noting that financial capital existed but is not reaching local levels, Tanjir Hossain, Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, called for breaking down silos so funding is not sitting around while millions of people suffer. Steve Goldfinch, ADB, described the National Disaster Management Fund of Pakistan that finances projects with high economic benefits using a 70% – 30% funding model from provincial governments. He also highlighted the National Disaster Risk Management Fund of the Philippines that encourage local governments to invest in disaster response, relief, preparedness and risk reduction measures. Emma Haight, UNDRR Investor Advisory Board, described the adoption of a green sewer design, first developed in Washington DC, which proved so successful that the design was replicated in London, UK, Cape Town, South Africa, and Quito, Ecuador, highlighting its environmental and financial risk reduction, and over USD 200 million in cost savings. Michelle Chivunga, Global Policy House, discussed using artificial intelligence to shift DRR responses, optimize data utilization in local governments, track and mobilize funding, and to use digital capital during humanitarian crisis to make up for funding shortfalls. Sara Hoeflich, United Cities and Local Government, recommended investment in basic services such as water supply, street cleaning, and sewer solutions to ensure clean cities as an investment and risk mitigation measure. Marcos Concepción Raba, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction, discussed effective localization.
Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) Multistakeholder Forum
Opening
Julien Thöni, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Switzerland, said timely early warning action should provide critical time to act and respond, and noted that innovation better predicts and reaches people faster. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), suggested key criteria for improving early warning systems (EWS), including that science must connect people; and systems and partnerships must include actors “outside the DRR tent,” especially those most at risk. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of UNDRR, said EWS should not be regarded as a once-off intervention. He said national ownership must be strengthened, and the concept of leaving no one behind should be embedded into all efforts. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, via video, suggested EWS is the most basic tool for saving and protecting lives, and called for high-level political support, a boost in technology access, and public and private finance at scale.
Fireside chat: The state of EWS
Johan Stander, WMO, drew attention to national ownership, stakeholder engagement, and the involvement of funding partners when investing in EW4All. Sujit Kumar Mohanty, Chief of Branch, UNDRR, emphasized co-design and co-ownership approaches to meaningfully engage stakeholders for successful EW4All.
Good practices: Stakeholder perspectives on EWS
Interventions during this panel session included: calls to integrate women and youth in all decisions focused on EWS; investing in women’s leadership, particularly those with disabilities; ensuring young people are equitably involved; reaching those living in remote rural areas and conflict zones; and leveraging the communication power of mobile networks through private-public partnerships.
UNDRR Disability Leaders gather at the end of the day.
Perspectives from across regions on EWS
Panelists in this session focused on: successful collaboration and EWS progress in Zimbabwe after the 2019 Cyclone Idai; institutionalization of the community-based approach to EWS in Barbados; main challenges to integrate scientific tools and remote sensing into EWS in Lebanon; integration of the private sector in EWS decision-making process in Makati, the Philippines; and the role of cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and educating people for effective EWS in Poland.
Thematic Sessions
Four thematic sessions took place during the day. These were:
Welcome to the sunny, spring-time Helsinki. On behalf of the Bank of Finland and the Centre for Economic Policy Research, it is my great pleasure to open this year’s research conference on monetary economics – which again has an excellent and a most fascinating programme!
Let me begin with a mission statement – and a confession. Our slogan at the Bank of Finland is: “Securing stability – in science we trust.” That is, we lean on evidence- and theory-based economic analysis and policy-relevant research to support our stability mission.
However, I must make a confession. In this turbulent world, it is comforting to return to a familiar setting and reflect on policy challenges alongside leading economists. Although only eight months have passed since our last gathering, it feels like the global landscape has shifted dramatically.
And the confession is this, in front of you as researchers, scholars, scientists, leading economists; in these times of pervasive uncertainty, we need plenty of judgment and scenario analysis to supplement our economic and econometric research and regression equations, thus making monetary policy, by necessity, is as much an art as a science. Such is life in these strange times – but finally, at least, it dis make me understand why the Governor at Bank of Finland is,ex officio, also the chair of the arts committee of the Bank!
Talking about geopolitics and its effects, just look at the ECB’s evolving language. Uncertainty went from “increased” to “high,” then “pervasive,” and now, per President Lagarde, “exceptional.” This isn’t linguistic inflation. It reflects how genuinely hard forecasting has become, with markets pricing in risk at levels not seen in years.
Risks abound: from trade wars to faltering global alliances. For central bankers and researchers alike, this is no time for complacency. Instead of dissecting every new risk, today I want to focus on three key areas:
Lessons from the recent inflation surge;
Open questions around fiscal policy, particularly defence spending;
And finally, the role of productivity and innovation.
Low inflation – past and future
Let’s nevertheless recall there are some good news. The European economy is recovering. Unemployment is at 6.1%, the lowest since the euro’s creation. Inflation has been hovering just above 2% since late 2023, allowing the ECB to cut rates seven times.
The energy shock that hit Europe in spring 2022 has played out very differently than in the 1970s, with the economic cost being much lower this time. Thanks to increased labour supply and lower working hours, wage-price spirals were avoided. Today’s labour market is more flexible, less unionised, and better educated.
Importantly, inflation expectations were much better anchored before the recent inflation surge. This underlies the importance of central bank independence and a strong commitment to the inflation target. The ECB has focused firmly on maintaining these, and will continue to do so.
Before Covid, the main challenge was that inflation remained stubbornly below the target. Most risks to the inflation outlook were deflationary, including population ageing and the related increase in savings, and the low investment demand. And before the ECB’s 2021 review and move to a symmetric 2% target over the medium term, which has worked well, the inflation target was perceived as a ceiling, creating a downward bias.
From around 2021, inflationary pressures reappeared. First this was due to the pandemic-broken supply chains and stimulus-fuelled demand, then due to the energy shocks arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
We learned how demand and supply shocks can be deeply intertwined. But we still face many unknowns in that regard. Current geopolitical tensions may expose us to new surprises that we have little historical experience of. Preferably, the spectre of a prolonged trade war with the US will dissipate sooner rather than later, as an economic conflict between long-standing friends and allies is the last thing we need in a world challenged by dictatorial impulses and by a neocolonial mentality.
Furthermore, what if China shifts exports away from the US to Europe, slashing prices to compete? That could bring deflationary forces and industrial strain to the EU. Would it benefit consumers or hurt our economy overall? The policy response would not be straightforward.
Let’s hope we don’t have to answer these questions through crisis. Whatever the challenge, the ECB will remain focused on price stability and its symmetric 2% inflation target over the medium term.
Defence spending – new pressures
Since the pandemic, fiscal spending pressures have risen. Now, security concerns are adding fuel. Russia’s aggression and doubts about US defence commitments are prompting big spending shifts across Europe. Germany is paving the way and has eased its constitutional debt limits.
We can assume that with normal execution lags the most substantial fiscal impact will start to be felt from next year 2026 and 2027 onwards. This implies that the fiscal impact on the growth and inflation outlook will take effect in the medium term, as an ordinary citizen perceives is, although this timespan of fiscal impulse will mostly be beyond the projection horizon of medium term as understood in monetary policy. Our assessment indicate a moderately significant impact on growth and limited impact on inflation in the relevant timespan.
Waking up and substantially increasing defence spending is welcome. Security is the bedrock of economic stability. Peace and security within European borders are fundamental to the European project and its economy. Defence should be seen as a European public good. Further support for Ukraine should also be seen in the same light.
But what does this mean for inflation? Historical comparisons to war-time money printing don’t apply here. Independent central banks like the ECB remain focused on keeping inflation expectations anchored.
Still, we need to understand what type of shock defence spending represents. Is it demand or supply driven? Likely both, depending on how and where the money is spent.
We also face the question ofhowto pay for it. EU-level spending would offer more stability and efficiency. That might mean higher membership fees, new revenue sources, or even treaty changes. Defence bonds – as safe assets – are one option, but only if backed by solid future income.
Meanwhile, demands on public budgets are rising across the board: infrastructure, climate policy, aging populations.
What guidance do we have so far from economics research?
There is a large body of literature on fiscal multipliers, which incidentally often uses defence spending as a natural experiment or exogenous shock. These multipliers are frequently estimated to be below one, because public spending or investment usually crowds out private one.
However, evidence suggests that multipliers tend to be larger in times of recession and economic slack. Moreover, some of the best evidence on the magnitude of fiscal multipliers is based on US data, where the multiplier may be smaller. This is simply because the US defence industry is very large compared to its European counterpart and is thus more likely to face diminishing marginal returns.
All these issues mean that for European defence spending to be successful and sustainable, we must make every euro count. The additional defence spending should focus on investment in building up industrial network capacity and R&D, rather than simply procurement of defence equipment, which may be largely imported.
Then there is also the aspect of defence efficiency. For this, we need sound planning and coordination at the European level, as well as a common market for defence, as stressed in last year’s Letta Report. Recent experience has shown that training in the use of unfamiliar weapons and problems with shortages of spare parts can become critical bottlenecks. Therefore, further harmonisation of technical standards and types of arms and equipment across European defence forces is key.
With a history of independent and diminished national defence industries, the EU has some considerable catching up to do. We need to increase both national and EU-level defence spending, e.g. as Bruegel has suggested, by establishing a European Defence Mechanism formed by a coalition of the capable and willing. Such a fund would bypass the limitations to raising EU-level income, be resilient to any intra-EU obstruction and could also accommodate countries from outside the European Union, like the United Kingdom and Norway.
In short: defence spending won’t necessarily be inflationary. But to be effective, it must be efficient. We need smart investments – in industrial capacity, innovation, and R&D – not just procurement. And we must avoid fragmented efforts. A European Defence Mechanism, built by a coalition of the capable and willing, could also help to pursue these goals.
Innovation – defence and civilian
Let’s now turn to innovation. Defence spending often yields big returns beyond the battlefield. Its effectiveness should be assessed from a long-term perspective, not only via short-run multipliers. Historically, it has given rise to technological breakthroughs that have not only found direct civilian applications but created whole new non-defence industries.
Walkie-talkies were created during the Second World War at Motorola for infantry and artillery communication. Radar gave us microwave ovens. Military satellites gave us GPS and digital imaging. Jet engines, nuclear energy, the internet – all have military origins. Dual-use in action.
Yes, these are cherry-picked examples. But they highlight that basic research often needs public support. The private sector tends to shy away from “unknown unknowns.”
Modern defence is about technology, not just steel and troops. And there’s often more pressure to innovate efficiently. Look at Ukraine – it has rapidly developed drone tech, despite scarce resources.
We know that Europe needs a productivity boost. For years, we depended on cheap energy from Russia, cheap goods from China and the security shield from the U.S. abroad. That stability was a mirage, if not a hallucination.
To maintain our living standards and sovereignty, we must double down on innovation by investing on human capital and creating a conducive environment for research and researchers. Whether it’s AI, clean tech, green transition or digitalisation, we can’t afford to lag behind. Innovation is not optional; it’s vital for Europe’s future – a necessary condition for sustaining Europe’s quality of life and democratic values.
Why not use the EU Horizon programme to create a scholarship and visa programme for returning and moving scientists to attract talent to Europe, where critical thinking and academic freedom in universities are encouraged and safeguarded?
Dear friends,
Let me conclude. Europe finds itself in a puzzling paradox, which would be funny if it were not purely pathetic. As Polish PM Donald Tusk put it starkly recently by quipping as follows: “500 million Europeans are asking 300 million Americans to protect them from 140 million Russians.”
We need to put an end to that paradox. Europe must take responsibility for its own external security, in today’s harsh geopolitical world.
This isn’t just about military strength. It’s about cohesion, economic resilience and long-term growth. We need to spark Europe’s industrial renewal, reinforce technological leadership, and enhance productivity.
As history shows, Europe tends to move forward in times of crisis. In every crisis there is an opportunity – this time round we must use it particularly wisely to make Europe more resilient and capable of thriving again.
It is a pleasure to join you today at this important event organized by the Macedonian American Alumni Association. On this occasion, allow me to share some insights on the topic of regional economic collaboration and its potential to unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth in the Western Balkans region.
Let me begin my address with a dose of realism.Despite 3 decades of transition, economic convergence in the Western Balkans remains low–income is less than half of the EU income, and the progress has been particularly slow since the GFC.In our case, the income level stands at 41% of the EU average. This remains one of the most pressing challenges across the region.In addition, let me add a dose of honesty. This slow progress cannot be attributed solely to recent external shocks. Indeed, the crises of the past few years, such as the global pandemic, energy disruptions, and inflationary pressures, have all undoubtedly taken their toll.These shocks, however, did not create our vulnerabilities, they only exposed them and amplified structural weaknesses that have already existed.Data clearly show that the slowdown in convergence was already in motion well before the recent crises, reflecting cyclical downturns as well as deeper structural challenges.Over the past two decades, the region’s potential growth has nearly halved, from about 5% during 2000-2008 to just 2.5% between 2009 and 2024.Macedonian potential growth fell even more sharply, from 3.1% to 2.3%. It is a fact that the potential growth of the EU economy has declined as well, but less than ours (2.9% to 1.8%), pointing that future convergence may be even more challenging.
What explains the decline in potential and actual growth across the Western Balkans?
The analysis shows that it is broad-based, stemming from weaker contributions from all three key drivers of long-term growth: productivity, labor, and capital.First, productivity has stalled, with productivity levels remaining at approximately half the EU average.This is due to the fact that innovation, technological diffusion, and digital transformation have not kept pace with global shifts. For example, the Global Innovation Index (2024) ranks North Macedonia at the 58th position out of about 130 countries, with the lowest ranking in the R&D segment, where we have invested 10 times less than advanced economies.Second, labor input is weakening too.One in five people born in the WB region is now living abroad, and one in three considers leaving the country (OECD Survey).And finally, the stock of capital remains low at only about 30% of the EU stock, reflecting insufficient investments both in terms of size and quality.
These are not just economic figures.They highlight the persistent gap between the economic achievements so far and the still untapped potential within our economies.
And this is precisely where the power of regional partnership can be harnessed,creating a clear path to accelerate growth.Indeed, empirical research shows that multilateral free trade agreements and regional cooperation can contribute to growth directly, through trade and FDI flows1, and indirectly, through increased productivity2.For example,some studies3 find that CEFTA led to increased trade among members by at least 74%. In addition, evidence4 shows that its implementation has not only deepened trade ties but also contributed to the economic growth of its members.
So, where does the WB region stand today in terms of trade and financial integration?
Well, regarding trade, data shows that despite the progress, regional integration remains low.As of 2024, total intra-regional trade stood at about 11% of the total WB trade, and continued to follow the downward trend that began after the pandemic crisis. In the Macedonian case, trade with WB peers makes up only 14% of our total exports and 9% of imports.These are modest shares indicating significant room for expansionby making trade easier, faster, and cheaper.
When it comes to FDIs,intra-regional FDI flows also remain limited, with a significant portion of investment coming from outside the region, mainly from the EU. In the Macedonian case, investment originating from WB countries accounts for only around 3% of the total FDI inflows over the last decade, which is among the lowest shares in the region.In this context, boosting intra-regional FDI could help diversify investment sources, promote knowledge and technology transfer, and deepen economic linkages in the region.And a more integrated regional market, through the economy of scale, can be a more attractive destination for investments outside the region.
Looking forward, what can be done to further strengthen regional integration and growth prospects?
It appears that there area couple ofpriorities.First,intensify reformsto address common structural issues such as low productivity, capital investments, but also tight labor markets. Recent findings from the Balkan Barometer (2024) indicate that 70% of WB businesses call for public policies specifically designed to keep talent within the region. Then,continue aligning regional regulationsand standards, and eliminating administrative obstaclesto address market fragmentation and increase regional competition. As an example, trucks spend 28 million hours waiting at borders every year – a burden that costs 1% of the region’s GDP. Of course, this has to be done in a way that means aligning withEuropean standards and practices. As the 2024 OECD’s competitiveness data show, since 2018 the policy environments across the WB countries have steadily converged toward EU standards, but the pace of convergence varies across different dimensions and countries. No country has so far reached EU standards in any of the 15 policy dimensions assessed.
One important area, which is within the remit of the central banks,is improving the efficiency of cross-border payments,which can act as engines of growth by facilitating trade, commerce, and tourism. In this regard, a significant milestone was reached earlier this year when our country officially joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).
No doubt, all these reform efforts are costly, but the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkansintroduces a 6 billion EUR facility in grants and concessional loans, aimed at supporting them. In fact, a Common Regional Market initiative is one of the key pillars of the Growth Plan and is expected to be a catalyst for the deeper integration of 18 million people. Some estimates show that this initiative, through increased harmonization, could add 10% to the GDP of the economies in the region5.
Still, to effectively use the provided funding and implement reforms, thequality of institutions is of key importance. According to the World Bank institutional quality indicators, our country ranks slightly above the average for the WB region, but if we compare the entire region with developed countries, a significant gap is evident. Empirical research has shown that in lower-income countries, strengthening institutions has a significant positive contribution to higher economic growth.
To conclude, the path to sustainable and inclusive growth in the Western Balkans does not lie in isolation, but in collaboration.As the well-known Japanese poet Satoro wisely said, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”
Germany’s Annalena Baerbock was today (2 Jun) elected President of the General Assembly at its 80th session by secret ballot.
In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly is to be elected from the Western European and Other States Group.
Baerbock obtained 167 votes.
The President of the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly, Philemon Yang said, “it is fitting that in this milestone 80th year of the General Assembly, leadership should fall to someone whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to multilateralism.”
Baerbock, Yang said, was the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany “during one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory.” He said, “her experience at the helm of diplomacy amidst global uncertainty will serve this Assembly well.”
The President Elect, on her first address to the Assembly, said, “today we live in challenging times. We are walking on a tightrope of uncertainty. But the birth of the United Nations, 80 years ago, reminds us we have lived through difficult times before, and it’s up to us to take on these challenges.”
Baerbock said, “while we need to be bold, ambitious, and ready to take difficult decisions, the UN80 initiative should not be a mere cost cutting exercise. Our common goal is a strong, focused, nimble and fit for purpose organization, one that is capable of realizing its core objectives. We need a United Nations that delivers on peace, development and justice.”
Secretary-General António Guterres for his part said, “this is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions and to take action to confront these challenges. President elect Baerbock ‘s vision, Better Together, is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.”
Following the election, Baerbock spoke at a media stakeout outside the General Assembly Hall and said, “as only the fifth woman in this position within 80 years, I’m aware that peace and development can only be sustained when half of the population – which is in every country, women – have an equal seat at the table.”
She said, “peace and security is not an isolated pillar of the United Nations, but peace and security, development and human rights are interconnected, and we know from the last 80 years that sustainable peace is depending on sustainable development.”
In May, the Assembly had convened an informal interactive dialogue with candidates to present their vision statements, and to conduct informal interactive dialogues with Member States, thus contributing to the transparency and inclusivity of the process.
YEMEN
This June we mark a grim milestone. It’s been one year since the arbitrary detention of dozens of personnel from the United Nations, national and international NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, these detentions by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen. The Secretary-General renews his call for their immediate and unconditional release, including those held since 2021 and 2023, and most recently, detentions in January.
He also reiterates his strongest condemnation of the death in detention of a World Food Programme colleague that took place earlier this year. The Houthi de facto authorities have yet to provide an explanation for this deplorable tragedy, and he renews his call for an immediate, transparent and thorough investigation and accountability. Mr. Guterres says he stands in solidarity with all detained colleagues in Yemen and their families and pays tribute to their essential work and their families’ perseverance.
We and our humanitarian partners should never be targeted, never be arrested and never be detained while carrying out our mandates for the benefit of the people we serve. The continued arbitrary detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice against those who dedicate their lives to providing life-saving assistance and support to the people of Yemen. It has placed additional constraints on our ability to operate effectively and undermined mediation processes to secure a path toward peace.
The Secretary-General urges the Houthis, yet again, to immediately release all those arbitrarily detained. Particularly on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, this is a time to show compassion. It is a time to end the ordeal of families who face celebrating yet another holiday without their loved ones. To our detained colleagues, the Secretary-General wants them to know that they are not forgotten.
We will continue to work through all possible channels to secure their safe and immediate release, and he calls upon Member States to continue expressing their solidarity with those detained and intensify advocacy for their release.
Finally, we welcome the collective support of international partners, NGOs and all those working to support the people of Yemen in these efforts.
SECRETARY-GENERAL/ GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly, where he congratulated Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the General Assembly for the 80th Session.
He said that President-elect Baerbock’s vision, “Better Together”, is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address the challenges we face.
He told President-elect Baerbock that she can count on his full support as she takes on this important responsibility.
The Secretary-General also thanked the current President of the General Assembly, Philemon Yang, for his leadership during the 79th session – which still has some ways to go.
As we look ahead to the end of the 79th session, and prepare for the start of the 80th, the Secretary-General said, let us strive to live up to the values of solidarity and collaboration that have defined this organization from its very start.
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is currently in Marrakech, in Morocco, where she is attending the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend, which is as you may know a high-level gathering of African political and business leaders, civil society, multilateral organizations, and international partners focused on financing for Africa’s development.
While in Marrakech, the Deputy Secretary-General is also meeting with senior Moroccan government officials and key stakeholders to discuss Africa’s development priorities, the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenges to Middle Income Countries, and the implementation of the Pact for the Future.
Tomorrow, she will travel to Geneva to participate in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025).
It is the main global forum for reviewing progress and sharing good practices in reducing disaster risk and building resilience.
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20June%202025
The election of the President of the UN General Assembly took place today with Member States voting by secret ballot. Annalena Baerbock, former Foreign Minister of Germany, was elected to lead the 80th session of the General Assembly, beginning in September. She succeeds Philemon Yang, who served as President of the 79th session.
In accordance with Article 23(4) of Regulation (EU) 2016/794[1], Europol may conclude working arrangements enabling cooperation with third countries.
Europol negotiates working arrangements with priority partners, which are included in a list endorsed by the Agency’s Management Board.
The Dominican Republic does not feature on Europol’s list of priority partners, and, due to both policy considerations pertaining mainly to operational needs as expressed by Member States and resource constraints, in line with the Agency’s new External Relations Strategy 2025+[2], no addition to that list is envisaged for the time being.
In accordance with Article 25(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2016/794, Europol may transfer personal data to a third country on the basis of an international agreement concluded between the EU and that third country pursuant to Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Further to a Commission Recommendation, the Council of the EU can authorise the Commission to negotiate with a third country, on behalf of the EU, an international agreement enabling the exchange of personal data with Europol.
At the moment, no Council authorisation for the opening of such negotiations with the Dominican Republic exists, nor is a relevant Commission Recommendation planned.
The Commission is in a constant dialogue with Europol, to closely coordinate on external relations, so that Europol’s cooperation with external partners, from the point of view of both working arrangements and international agreements, is complementary in achieving the EU objectives in the fight against organised crime and terrorism.
[1] Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and replacing and repealing Council Decisions 2009/371/JHA, 2009/934/JHA, 2009/935/JHA, 2009/936/JHA and 2009/968/JHA (OJ L 135, 24.5.2016, p. 53-114), hereinafter referred to as ‘Regulation (EU) 2016/794’.
[2] Europol Programming Document 2025-2027, Annex XI: External Relations Strategy 2025+, adopted on 10 December 2024, available at https://www.europol.europa.eu/cms/sites/default/files/documents/Europol_Programming_Document_2025-2027.pdf.
The EU reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and its repercussions for European and global security constitute an existential challenge for the EU.
In 2021, the EU and Ukraine signed a strategic partnership on the critical raw materials (CRM) sector. This agreement supports the EU’s commitment in diversifying and securing the supply chains for CRM resources, with a view to the EU’s goal of sustainable growth and energy security.
The Partnership is important in advancing the EU’s green and digital transitions, enhancing competitiveness, and increasing the resilience of both EU and Ukrainian industries. The cooperation between the two partners is mutually beneficial and based on EU standards.
The Partnership roadmap extending into 2025-2026 outlines a comprehensive strategy for cooperation.
In the implementation of the Strategic Partnership, the Commission is engaged in a series of technical assistance projects, most notably with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Further, an EU-led technical assistance project will support the implementation of the roadmap.
Member States are responsible for decisions to admit third-country nationals, within the framework of resettlement programs. The recently adopted Union Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Framework Regulation[1] in its Article 6 sets out exhaustive grounds to refuse the admission of identified candidates, including on security grounds.
Furthermore, Member States must thoroughly check all persons entering the Schengen area in accordance with the conditions set out in Article 8 of the Schengen Borders Code (SBC)[2].
This includes ensuring that persons do not pose a threat to public policy, public health, or internal security, in accordance with Article 6 of the SBC[3].
Regardless of any entry requirements (including security requirements) provided for under national law, Member States are required to consider potential security implications for the whole Schengen area. Member States are also required to make use of EU-level instruments such as the Schengen Information System and national databases.
The EU supports Member States in their counter-terrorism efforts and provides legal and policy frameworks such as Directive (EU) 2017/541 on combating terrorism[4] and the EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda[5].
[1] Regulation (EU) 2024/1350 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 establishing a Union Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Framework, and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1147; http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1350/oj.
[2] 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 (OJ L 77, 23.3.2016, p. 1-52); https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016R0399.
[4] Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on combating terrorism and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA and amending Council Decision 2005/671/JHA (OJ L 88, 31.3.2017, p. 6); https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2017/541/oj/eng.
[5] Communication from the Commission: A Counter-Terrorism Agenda for the EU: Anticipate, Prevent, Protect, Respond; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0795.
The CO2 emission performance standards regulation only concerns new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles . Heritage vehicles are therefore not affected by this regulation.
The European Climate Law[1] concerns the overall EU greenhouse gas emissions. Since mobile heritage only represent an extremely small part of the existing stock, the economy-wide emissions reduction objectives are unlikely to affect those.
The Commission is committed to provide support to European industries, which are currently faced with high energy costs and fierce global competition.
The Clean Industrial Deal Communication[2] outlines concrete actions to turn decarbonisation into a driver of competitiveness. Specifically for the European automotive sector, the Commission has recently adopted an industrial plan[3], aimed to tackle the challenges caused by rapid technological changes and increasing competition.
The automotive industry is a core engine of European prosperity and an essential part of Europe’s identity. The EU is committed to safeguarding and enhancing Europe’s industrial and mobile heritage through a number of policies and programmes.
The Commission currently does not possess any information regarding the ‘63 George Soros-linked NGOs’ mentioned by the Honourable Member.
As for any funding awarded to entities, reference is being made to the publicly accessible Financial Transparency System (FTS)[1] where information is available on beneficiaries of funding from the EU budget implemented directly by the Commission and other EU bodies such as executive agencies.
The Commission received United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding as a contribution through external assigned revenues for the following projects:
— Under the European Development Fund, USD 7 million (EUR 6.52 million) in 2016-2017 for the project TZ/FED/2016/023-851, ‘EU Support programme to the South Agriculture Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) Initiative’;
— Under the EU General Budget, USD 9.5 million (EUR 8.5 million) in 2016, for the project ENERGY/2014/37651, ‘GPGC — Delivering access to modern, affordable and sustainable energy/renewable energy to 6 million people’.
In well-functioning democracies, transparent and accountable representation of interests is a fundamental and legitimate activity. Ensuring transparency about these activities and entities involved is essential for maintaining both EU citizens’ trust in the democratic process and decision-makers’ ability to exercise their responsibilities.
In 2023, the Commission introduced the Defence of Democracy package[2] which includes a legislative proposal designed to improve transparency and democratic accountability of interest representation activities on behalf of third countries seeking to influence policies, decision making and the democratic space. This proposal is currently under discussion by the co-legislators.
[1] https://ec.europa.eu/budget/financial-transparency-system/index.html ; the annual publications are based on Article 38 of the Financial Regulation (OJ L 2024/2509, 26.9.2024, p. 1-239), and in accordance with the third paragraph of the article, information on recipients is not disclosed in specific cases outlined therein.
The green taxation reform is a key element of Cyprus’ recovery and resilience plan[1]. It aims to internalise environmental externalities, encouraging more efficient use of resources and incentivising the adoption of renewable energy.
This is crucial in Cyprus where carbon prices and municipal waste recycling lag behind the rest of Europe, and water scarcity is a challenge.
The green taxation reform includes a carbon tax, which constitutes a transition towards the Emissions Trading System applicable from 2027 to buildings and road transport, a levy on water and a charge on landfill waste, both of which will be incrementally increased.
As regards the taxation of motor and heating fuels, and of electricity, in the recent Action Plan for Affordable Energy and Clean Industrial Deal[2], the Commission has reiterated its call on Member States to complete the revision[3] of the current Energy Taxation Directive.
This is a recognition of the crucial role that the revision can play in promoting affordable energy and clean industry. As communicated in the action plan for Affordable Energy, the Commission will issue a recommendation to Member States by the end of 2025.
This will be taken forward in line with the present Directive[4], which allows decreasing taxes for electricity consumed by households and energy intensive industries.
In addition to structural and cohesion funds, the Social Climate Fund aims to support a fair transition towards climate neutrality. It will provide Member States with dedicated funding so that the most affected vulnerable groups can be directly supported.
Since March 2022, the Commission has taken unprecedented actions in response to Russia’s unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine. In close coordination with Group of Seven (G7) partners, the EU has adopted 17 packages of sanctions[1].
Many of the recent measures focus on reinforcements of existing sanctions in place since 2014, address circumvention and cut the remaining revenues that Russia draws from its exports.
With the adoption of the 16th package in February 2025[2], the restrictive measures applicable to the financial sector were further strengthened.
As a result of all such measures, some EUR 28 billion of private assets have been frozen in the EU under individual measures and more than EUR 200 billion of Russian Central Bank assets have been immobilised under sectoral sanctions.
The Commission was not informed in advance about the alleged cash transfers by EU credit institutions to Russia mentioned in the investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.
It is for the Member States, which remain competent for sanctions implementation and enforcement, to investigate whether the concerned transfers may have been used to circumvent EU financial sanctions, considering that in principle restrictive measures apply as of the day of entry into force in line with the legal acts.
The Commission continues monitoring the implementation of sanctions by Member States, gives regular guidance to them and welcomes information about concrete sanctions violations to be followed up with the national competent authorities.
Tackling possible circumvention attempts, including by the financial sector, is a key priority. The EU Sanctions Envoy continues his outreach to third countries identified as being high risk jurisdictions for circumvention.
The Commission is pursuing consultations with Ukraine to review the reciprocal tariff liberalisation under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement[1] in accordance with Article 29 of that Agreement.
This review will lead to a well-balanced solution that will allow for reciprocal trade between the EU and Ukraine in agricultural goods, while at the same time protecting EU farmers and addressing interests flagged by some Member States and Members of the European Parliament.
Furthermore, the Commission is proposing that the negotiated solution would also include a safeguard clause that would be triggered to prevent any adverse impacts of trade flows on the EU market, including one Member State.
The Commission is working in view of having an outcome in place in time to provide a smooth transition after the expiry of the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) Regulation[2]. If this is not achievable the above-mentioned Association Agreement will provide a bridging solution.
The Commission is aware of the situation regarding the Acciaierie d’Italia steelworks and its impact on local industry workers and economic sectors.
The Commission acknowledges the challenges posed by the need to decarbonise the plant, while ensuring the health and safety of workers and the surrounding environment.
The Commission has put forward a Clean Industrial Deal[1] which was closely followed by the Steel and Metals Action Plan[2], which aims to support the transition of the steel industry towards environmental sustainability.
The action plan sets out measures to support the steel industry in its effort to reduce carbon emissions, while maintaining its competitiveness and protecting the health and safety of workers.
Regarding the support for Acciaierie d’Italia workers, the Commission notes that the National Programme Just Transition Fund Italy, co-funded by the EU with EUR 1.029 billion, provides support for workers at risk of losing their jobs.
In the Taranto area, it will support skilling action for the unemployed and for those at risk of losing their jobs. The Apulia Region also plans to launch relevant training courses, financed by the EU Cohesion Funds.
The Commission is monitoring the implementation of measures adopted to bring the Acciaierie d’Italia plant into compliance with Directive 2010/75/EU[3], as part of an ongoing infringement procedure[4].
The Commission is aware that national funds worth EUR 400 million, which were initially supposed to finance projects to clean up contaminated aquifers and sites in the area, have since been reallocated to the Taranto steelworks so that they can keep production going. These funds and their reallocation is a matter for the Italian Republic.
On 2 April 2025 the United States (US) announced a 10% across-the-board additional tariff on most EU exports to the US as of 5 April, including on table olives from Greece, to be increased to 20% as of 9 April.
On 9 April 2025, the US, however, suspended the 20% additional tariff for a 90-day period, while keeping an additional 10% tariff in place. These additional 10% US tariffs also apply to US imports from Egypt, Türkiye, Morocco and other countries.
The EU adopted countermeasures against the US tariffs on steel and aluminium[1] but suspended those for 90 days[2] to allow sufficient space and time for negotiations towards a mutually satisfactory solution. Should these negotiations not be successful, the adopted countermeasures can automatically enter into force again.
Also, the EU continues preparatory work for possible further proportionate countermeasures in response to other additional US import tariffs.
The EU has at its disposal several instruments to address impacts on EU agricultural producers from situations of market disturbance.
The EU has successfully challenged at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) the countervailing duties imposed by the US on imports of ripe olives from Spain.
This is in the context of trade defence procedures. The US has not imposed any anti-dumping or countervailing duties on table olives from Greece and no specific challenge at the WTO against US tariffs on table olives from Greece is therefore envisaged at this stage.
[1] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 of 14 April 2025 on commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States of America and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/886, OJ L, 2025/778, 14.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/778/oj.
[2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/786 of 14 April 2025 suspending commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States imposed by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2882, OJ L, 2025/786, 14.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/786/oj.
Question for written answer E-002070/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Nicolás González Casares (S&D)
The recent high-level meeting between Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry, which was not attended by any DG SANTE officials, raises concerns about transparency, balance and institutional representation in EU decision-making.
1.DG SANTE officials help to draft and defend the pharmaceutical package, so why were they not included in a meeting that has a direct impact on the pharmaceutical sector?
2.US pharmaceutical companies recently announced investments to relocate production and investment in innovation from Europe to the US. Were these investments discussed at the meeting?
3.Given that negotiations on the pharmaceutical package are ongoing and the Commission’s role is to promote evidence-based policies, will the meeting affect its stance in the negotiations on the pharmaceutical package as regards tariff policy and the extension of data protection to companies that do not invest in Europe?
Question for written answer E-002075/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE)
The main freight transport company organisations have great concern over heavy-duty vehicles being excluded from the amendment of the criteria for calculating penalties for failing to meet the CO2 reduction targets. The costs associated with the green transition required by the European Commission are becoming increasingly burdensome and difficult to sustain, made worse by possible further restrictions on the composition of company fleets.
In view of the above:
1.Will the Commission propose introducing more flexibility in calculating heavy-duty vehicles’ compliance with the CO2 thresholds, as has been done for light vehicles?
2.Will it launch a structured dialogue with the freight transport and logistics sector to explore shared solutions that avoid harming the competitiveness of EU companies vis-à-vis non-EU companies?
3.Will it reconsider the ban on the registration of new endothermic-engined vehicles from 2035, while also looking into the possibility of suspending or reviewing the penalty system applied to date?
Question for written answer E-002016/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 René Aust (ESN)
For years, under the pretext of ‘strategic communication’, the Commission has been running a systematic PR offensive to create a ‘European identity’. This is financing a one-sided view of political integration processes that is specifically undermining pluralistic opinion-forming.
1.Which Commission directorates-general or subsections are currently in charge of strategic communication to promote a ‘European identity’?
2.What specific projects or campaigns were conducted in this connection between 2020 and 2024?
3.What was the annual budget available for each of the measures concerned?