Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Scottish Affairs Committee visited @saxavordspaceportuk7912 to learn more about their mission to launch the first rocket into orbit from the UK – and the opportunities the spaceport is creating for the local community and the rest of Scotland.
Find out more about the Committee’s inquiry into Scotland’s space launch sector by visiting www.parliament.uk/scotaffcom
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Local people’s access to arts venues across the country set to be protected with cash to support vital repairs and upgrades
Arts and cultural organisations will soon be able to apply for a share of £85 million from the government for vital repairs and upgrades, ensuring everyone has access to high quality institutions in the places they call home.
The new Creative Foundations Fund will help arts venues across England to address a range of issues, such as repairing building infrastructure, outdated or failing systems, inefficient energy systems and inaccessible spaces. It will ensure beloved local venues like theatres, performing arts venues, galleries, grassroots music venues and contemporary arts centres can continue to offer opportunities, boost skills and attract more visitors from across the country.
Arts and cultural organisations across England are encouraged to apply for a share of up to £10 million each from the fund, which recognises the huge contribution they make towards boosting growth and breaking down barriers to opportunities for young people by helping them to learn vital creative skills.
This £85 million investment into arts and cultural organisations is part of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund announced by the Culture Secretary in February, which delivers on the government’s Plan for Change to support economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.
Everyone, everywhere, deserves to enjoy arts and culture in the places they call home. This funding will be vital in ensuring that our much loved venues are fit for the future, so they can continue to boost growth and provide young people with the space to learn vital creative skills.
Our Plan for Change is boosting opportunities everywhere and it will support these vital institutions to flourish.
Our cultural buildings are home to thrilling performances and amazing exhibitions in towns and cities across England. This new investment helps to secure the future of those buildings at the heart of their communities, ensuring that artists, performers, curators and creators can continue to share their brilliant work with audiences for years to come.
The fund will open for Expressions Of Interest on Monday 30 June 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply, can be found on Arts Council England’s website.
Source: City of Preston
A dedicated Task Force, established by the Council to address the growing concerns around empty buildings in the city centre, has closely monitored the situation.
The latest inspection has revealed significant structural issues, including bowing elevations fronting both Tithebarn and Lord Street caused by increased pressure on the walls as a result of a deteriorating roof structure, along with extensive deterioration to the internal floor areas, many of which are rotten.
Section 77 of the Building Act 1984 requires action to be taken where a building presents a danger.
The act further requires the danger be removed by repair work or demolition. It has been determined that the former Tithebarn Pub is beyond viable repair and has been proposed to be demolished.
Public safety remains the Council’s primary concern, particularly with the opening of The Vault, Preston’s new Youth Zone, in Autumn 2025, which is directly adjacent to the building. As such, the Council is moving forward with plans to carefully demolish the unsafe structure whilst preserving the historic, Grade II listed mill building, formerly known as Aladdin’s Cove warehouse next door.
A planning permission application is being made pending a formal decision on the future of the building at a Cabinet meeting on the 18 June.
This is a difficult but necessary decision. Public safety must come first, especially with young people soon set to enjoy The Vault next door. The former Tithebarn building has sadly deteriorated beyond repair, but this gives us an opportunity to create a new, attractive green space that complements the Harris Quarter.
If approved demolition works would be scheduled to begin this summer.
The proposal is for the sites to transform into an open public greenspace featuring a mix of soft and hard landscaping, including new trees, shrubs, grassed areas, and seating, providing a welcoming and safe space in the heart of the city centre.
The Council remains committed to tackling empty and unsafe buildings in Preston and continues to work closely with building owners across the city to prioritise public safety and encourage regeneration.
Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.
Source: City of Preston
29 May 2025
Positioned between Taco Bell and Mad Giant Food Hall, Wagamama has taken a 4,125 sq ft unit on a 15-year lease. The fit out is due to commence imminently and will be open to customers early this summer.
Open seven days a week, the new restaurant will create 55 new jobs and marks Wagamama’s 167th restaurant in the UK and Ireland and its 59th in the North. The deal means that just one final unit (10,270 sq ft) offering social space on the upper level is now available.
Animate was officially opened in February by Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park, with many of the tenants including Ask Italian, Argento Lounge, Taco Bell Hollywood Bowl and ARC Cinemas now trading.
Sita Wood, head of brand activation (restaurants) at Wagamama said:
“We’re incredibly excited to be opening our doors in preston, to meet local demand. our team are hard at work training for our opening, and we can’t wait to welcome our locals to enjoy their fresh favourites on our benches.”
Cllr Wise at Preston City Council said:
“Animate has proven to be an in-demand venue for leisure operators and Wagamama deciding to open a restaurant here is a significant vote of confidence in the destination. It will prove to be a popular restaurant, stimulating additional footfall in the Harris Quarter, catalysing further investment, and boosting our local economy, central to our Community Wealth Building model.”
Speaking about the arrival of Wagamama John Brady, at Bradys, joint agents for the scheme with Smith Young, commented:
“Securing Wagamama is a strong endorsement of Preston’s growing appeal as a vibrant retail and leisure destination. The brand brings with it a loyal following and a reputation for quality, which will not only further enhance the visitor experience but also support the wider regeneration of the area by driving increased footfall.”
The flagship scheme is one of six major projects in Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, a £200m programme, including £20.9m of funding by the government to support several regeneration projects.
Maple Grove Developments is part of the Eric Wright Group. Founded in 1923, the Eric Wright Group is a leading property and construction company that develops, builds and maintains the UK’s infrastructure.
Wholly owned by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, the Group is committed to delivering employment and regeneration opportunities in the communities in which it operates in. All company profits are either invested back into the Eric Wright Group or awarded to charities and projects, predominately throughout the North West, which support young persons’ wellbeing, elderly services, education and training, health or carers’ support.
The Eric Wright Charitable Trust owns and operates Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre in Cumbria and is an employer partner and sponsor of the Eric Wright Learning Foundation at Preston’s College, which supports young people aged 14+ studying Level 1 – 3 vocational courses and Apprenticeships.
Based at Bamber Bridge, near Preston, the Eric Wright Group comprises seven specialist divisions that regularly collaborate to deliver joined-up approaches with outstanding results and maintain strong relationships with private and public sector clients and partners. The Group’s seven divisions are Maple Grove Developments, Construction, Civil Engineering, Water, Health & Care, Facilities Management (FM) and Applethwaite Homes.
The construction and development phase will help to generate up to 200 full time equivalent construction jobs for the local workforce, and provide opportunities for apprenticeship, work placements, training and upskilling through Eric Wright Group’s corporate and social responsibility programme.
A dedicated Animate Community Benefit Framework has been agreed between Preston City Council and Maple Grove Developments, which will deliver 15 community benefits, in line with Preston’s Community Wealth Building programme, to assist the delivery of the project and to provide the maximum impact for Preston’s residents and businesses.
The Community Benefit Framework seeks to use local labour, provide training, employment, volunteering opportunities and placements within local colleges, to promote environmental sustainability, and to ensure that all workers are treated equally and fairly.
Animate will also provide more than 140 long term jobs when it opens to the public following the two year construction phase.
Source: Aisle of Wight
He’s no stranger to a spotlight — and now Councillor Ian Dore is spinning into the Chairman’s role, ready to represent the Isle of Wight with purpose, professionalism, and a touch of flair.
Elected as the new Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Dore brings with him a background as varied as a festival line-up — from military service to music decks, and now to the ceremonial chain of office.
Reflecting on the moment the votes were counted last Wednesday, he admitted the result came as something of a surprise.
“My first words were, ‘I didn’t expect that,’” he said, still sounding slightly dazed. “There’s always a chance, but it was never a given. On the night, it went my way by two votes — and here we are. The boy from Binstead, now wearing the chain. It’s still sinking in.”
The nomination came from Councillor Geoff Brodie, seconded by Cllr Karen Lucioni, with Councillor Jonathan Bacon also voicing his support. MP Richard Quigley added warm words, highlighting Councillor’s Dore’s dedication to public service, particularly his role as the council’s Armed Forces Champion.
Councillor Vanessa Churchman was elected vice-chairman.
In his opening remarks, Councillor Dore also took a moment to acknowledge the contribution of his predecessor, Councillor Karl Love.
“Karl brought real energy to the role,” he said. “He served with enthusiasm and a commitment that left a mark on this chamber and the wider community. It’s only right to recognise that service as we look ahead to the year to come.”
With a full chamber and a packed agenda, Councillor Dore wasted no time in setting the tone for his tenure as civic figurehead.
“I’ve always believed in duty, discipline, and service. This role is a continuation of that. It’s a privilege to represent the council and the Island, and I’ll do my utmost to ensure this chamber remains a place where all voices are respected and heard.”
But who exactly is the man now holding the gavel?
Councillor Dore’s journey is anything but ordinary. A former soldier who served in the Gulf War and Northern Ireland, he later swapped boots for beats, becoming a well-known DJ and radio presenter.
From Isle of Wight Radio to Power FM and eventually Bath FM, he’s entertained thousands — and even launched a youth radio project, Youth Radio Rocks.
Beyond the airwaves, he’s worked as an event manager and fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support and mental health charity Mind.
He’s also currently the driving force behind the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day — an event that blends his love of community, service, and a well-organised timetable.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my fellow councillors and the residents of Binstead and Fishbourne,” he said.
“Without their trust in 2021, I wouldn’t have this opportunity. I take the responsibility seriously — and I’m stepping into it with humility, purpose, and, of course, my best boots forward.”
Source: Aisle of Wight
This year marks a remarkable literary milestone — the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, one of England’s most cherished novelists.
To celebrate, the Isle of Wight Library Service is inviting residents to join in a series of events that pay tribute to Austen’s enduring legacy.
From the drawing rooms of Pride and Prejudice to the seaside scenes of Persuasion, Austen’s works continue to captivate readers of all ages. Now, Islanders have the chance to enjoy her world through film, talks, tea parties, and even a touch of Regency dancing.
Austen on the Big Screen
The celebrations begin at Sandown Library with a series of free monthly film screenings of Austen adaptations. The next showing takes place on Saturday, 28 June at 1.45pm, featuring Sense and Sensibility.
Tickets are free and available from the library. Screenings will continue monthly through to October, offering a wonderful opportunity to revisit Austen’s stories in cinematic form.
A Literary Life by the Sea
On Wednesday 25 June, Lord Louis Library will welcome Helen Howe from the Hampshire branch of the Jane Austen Society.
Her talk, Jane Austen in Hampshire: Naval Connections and Holidays by the Sea, will explore the author’s ties to the region and her fondness for coastal retreats.
Tickets are £3 and available from the library. Helen will return later in the year with a festive talk on Jane Austen at Christmas, this time at Ryde Library.
Tea, Trivia, and Timeless Tales
Ryde Library will host its own celebration in July with an “All Things Jane” day. Visitors can enjoy a Regency-style tea party and take part in a quiz designed to test their Austen knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a curious newcomer, all are welcome to join in the fun.
Dance Through the Ages
Later in the year, Lord Louis Library in Newport will host the Hampshire Regency Dancers for a special demonstration and workshop. Attendees will have the chance to learn traditional dances from the period — no experience required, just a willingness to step back in time.
Photo: Jane Austen (1775-1817) on engraving from 1873. English novelist. Engraved by unknown artist and published in ”Portrait Gallery of Eminent Men and Women with Biographies”,USA,1873.
Source: City of Leeds
Shopkeepers across Leeds have been advised to act now in preparation for the disposable vapes ban which comes into force on June 1.
The new legislation, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), will make it illegal for businesses, including those online, to sell or supply all single-use vapes.
The ban will apply to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and covers both nicotine and non-nicotine containing vaping products, which are not refillable or rechargeable.
In line with national policy, Leeds City Council has been writing to retailers across the city ahead of the ban, advising them to stop buying new stock of single-use vapes and sell all existing stock before June 1.
Businesses are also being reminded of their legal duty to provide collection points for waste vapes to their customers.
Anyone caught selling or supplying single-use vapes on or after June 1 could face fines or other sanctions.
The ban has been brought into place to help curb the rise in youth vaping, with national figures from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) estimating over half of children who use vapes report using disposable models, which often have colourful packaging and sweet flavours.
Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said:
“The incoming ban on disposable vapes is a vital measure towards improving the health of Leeds residents, particularly for our young people, as well as tackling the environmental damage that they cause. I would urge all our retailers to take action now to prepare for the new legislation coming into force.”
The ban also aims to reduce the damage caused to the environment and wildlife from vapes disposed of in domestic waste and littered across the city, causing the release of harmful substances such as lead and mercury into soil, rivers and streams.
Used e-cigarettes and disposable vapes should be returned to the shops they were bought from for recycling or taken to the nearest electrical recycling point, which can be found at www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk. They can also be deposited in the special vape bins at one of the eight waste recycling points in Leeds.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said:
“Please do not throw vapes in household green recycling or black wheelie bins due to the risk of fire from the lithium-ion batteries. Recycling your old vapes also helps protect the environment, as they contain valuable materials like metal, plastic and lithium batteries that can be made into new items.”
Further information for retailers can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban
Source: City of Leeds
Partial closure orders covering five blocks of flats near Hunslet Moor Park were granted to Leeds City Council by magistrates earlier this year following an investigation by West Yorkshire Police into local drug dealing activity.
The terms of the three-month orders meant it temporarily became an arrestable offence for unauthorised visitors to the flats to be present in communal spaces such as foyers, landings, stairwells and lifts.
This, it was hoped, would act as a deterrent to people who – by gaining entry to the buildings for the purpose of buying or selling drugs – had left many residents feeling distressed and intimidated.
It was also hoped that the threat of arrest would put a stop to youths hanging around the flats – despite living elsewhere – and making a general nuisance of themselves.
The restrictions covered the Crescent Grange and Crescent Towers high-rises as well as three low-rise blocks on nearby Moor Crescent Chase, off Dewsbury Road.
And their introduction had the desired effect, with residents saying the flats subsequently became safer and more pleasant places to live.
Should the situation there begin to worsen again, the council has the option of going back to court to seek a new set of partial closure orders.
The impact of the investigation – carried out by the police’s Team Leodis unit – was not limited to the flats alone.
Full closure orders were secured for six residential addresses in the wider Dewsbury Road area that were identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour.
A number of cases were also found where criminals had attempted to exploit vulnerable members of the community, including people who had recently overcome addiction issues or had been rehoused after a period of homelessness.
Some of these cases involved a practice known as ‘cuckooing’, where a person’s home is taken over – often by force, coercion or deceit – and used as a base for storing, supplying or producing drugs as well as other unlawful activity.
Referrals were made – both within the council and to appropriate external agencies – to ensure that the victims identified during the investigation have the support they need to get their lives back on track.
And, in cases where people had been targeted in their own homes, partial closure restrictions – like the ones put in place at Crescent Grange, Crescent Towers and Moor Crescent Chase – were used as a way of deterring unwanted visitors.
In addition, criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) were imposed on three individuals following an application to the courts by Team Leodis.
The exact conditions of the CBOs vary from person to person, but for one of the three they included a five-year ban on entering any part of Beeston.
A breach of a CBO is a criminal offence that can lead to a custodial sentence of up to five years for adults or up to two years for those aged under 18.
Team Leodis’s work covered the stretch of Dewsbury Road that runs from the M621 flyover down to Beeston’s Cross Flatts Park, although its primary focus was the area around Crescent Grange, Crescent Towers and Moor Crescent Chase.
An overwhelming majority of the residents in the flats who were contacted during a recent police survey said there had been a reduction in anti-social behaviour following the introduction of the partial closure restrictions.
Responding to the survey, one person living in Crescent Towers said: “I haven’t seen anyone hanging around at all and haven’t seen people following anyone in.”
Another resident in Crescent Towers said: “Things seem to be better. Thank you for doing what you are doing and trying to make it better for us all.”
One resident on Moor Crescent Chase, meanwhile, said: “Things have calmed down a lot, there are very few people hanging round.”
Part-funded by the council’s housing service, Team Leodis primarily comprises police officers with expert knowledge of how court orders and injunctions can be used to stop crime and anti-social behaviour.
They focus on one part of the city at a time while tackling problems that are causing concern for council tenants, with support from housing, legal and other council staff as well as officers from local Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
Their work has previously achieved successful results in areas such as Holbeck, Holt Park, Seacroft and Little London.
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said:
“We want every single part of Leeds to be a place where people feel safe and secure, both at home and while they are going about their daily business.
“It’s really pleasing, therefore, to see the positive impact that Team Leodis’s latest deployment has had on these flats as well as the surrounding areas.
“The results show what can be achieved by a refusal to tolerate any sort of crime or anti-social behaviour and also underline the value of partnership working, in this case between the council and West Yorkshire Police.
“My thanks go to everyone involved with Team Leodis for their expertise, their tenacity and, above all, the difference they continue to make to communities across the city.”
Sergeant Edel Fox, from West Yorkshire Police’s Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team, said:
“This operation saw multiple police departments working closely with the council and other partners in the community, and has delivered significant results in the ongoing fight against crime.
“This marks a strong step forward in our collective mission to bring offenders to justice and restore safety and confidence in the local area. But I want to stress that the work doesn’t end here. We remain in the area continuing this vital work in the Dewsbury Road area.
“I would urge people to continue to report any issues so action can be taken. You can also sign up to West Yorkshire Police Community Alert to receive updates about what’s going on in your area as well as crime prevention advice.”
Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour in their community can make a report via the council’s website or by calling 0113 222 4402.
ENDS
Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping
Written by Lesley Myers, Digital Editor for UN Peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications Section. She specializes in political analysis, strategic planning and peacekeeping impact.
They work in some of the world’s toughest environments to protect people and prevent conflict. But how much do you really know about UN “Blue Helmets”? As we celebrate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, discover seven surprising facts about the people working for peace.
UN peacekeepers were awarded the prize in 1988 for peacekeepers’ role in promoting global peace and security. During the ceremony, the Nobel Committee honoured peacekeepers that have given their lives for peace: “They volunteered to the service, knowing that it could involve risk. It became their lot to pay the highest price a human being can pay.”
Instead, UN Member States voluntarily contribute their own troops and police officers to peacekeeping missions. To date, over 2 million peacekeepers have served from over 120 countries, making us a truly global force for peace. The top contributors of these personnel include Nepal, Rwanda, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan as of February 2025, as well as Security Council members like China and France. Countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Timor-Leste and Liberia — where peacekeeping missions used to be deployed — are now sending peacekeepers of their own to help others.
Peacekeepers include military, police and civilian staff taking on a wide range of roles to help us advance peace. Peacekeepers include a wide range of experts including in logistics, engineering, mediation, politics, civics, human rights, gender, strategic communications and rule of law. They provide advice and support on important issues from how build strong justice institutions to protecting civilians to holding free and fair elections. This cross-disciplinary mix is what lets us navigate the complex socioeconomic, political, environmental and security dynamics that drive conflict.
We protect civilians, monitor ceasefires, support peace negotiations and help prevent relapses into civil war. We also assist in long-term peacebuilding by building trust between communities, strengthening national institutions, promoting justice, and supporting free and fair elections, laying the critical foundations that help peace take root. Our work is tailored to the conflict environments we work in so we can best meet the needs of the communities we serve.
chinese_peacekeepers_build_up_infrastructure_in_south_sudan.jpg
Missions cost significantly less than comparable operations led by individual countries. Peacekeeping’s current budget represents less than 0.5% of global military spending but supports 11 peacekeeping operations in places like South Sudan, Cyprus, and south Lebanon. It delivers value for money, reducing violence, preventing the escalation of conflicts that can destabilize countries and regions, and advancing the global community’s peace and security goals at a fraction of the cost of what military activities cost worldwide.
UN peacekeeping missions are established, tasked, and ended by the UN Security Council. We serve on behalf of all UN Member States and remain impartial, giving us credibility that can be difficult to achieve when a Member State acts alone.
Peacekeeping remains one of the global community’s most effective tools for advancing peace. The majority of missions succeed, stabilizing societies, ending war, and saving millions of lives. We are proven to help stop violence before it starts, reduce its impact during conflict, and prevent its return once peace is restored. We increase the likelihood that peace agreements will last once established and have helped countries like Cambodia, El Salvador and Sierra Leone transition from conflict to peace. UN Member States play a critical role in these efforts: we are most successful when we are backed by their are backed by the political will of UN Member States.
Today, an increasingly divided global community is facing the highest number of conflicts since the second world war, and peacekeeping itself is becoming an increasingly dangerous endeavour. Peacekeeping continues to evolve in the face of these growing challenges, but our commitment remains constant: each day, peacekeepers step up to give peace a fighting chance.
Source: European Investment Bank
Ioannis Kasinopoulos and his friend Yiannis Zambas set up Electryone AI in 2023 with a “strong belief and no outside financing.” The belief was in their software, which uses artificial intelligence to make batteries that store renewable energy more efficient and profitable. They also believed in the importance of the transition to a clean, green economy. Without external funding, however, belief could only get them so far.
The two young Cypriots, who had previously been at Meta, McKinsey and Palantir, worked hard to find pre-seed financing and some angel investors from their bases in London and Spain, including Genesis Ventures, a Greek venture capital firm backed by the European Investment Fund. Then they got an unexpected surprise—venture capital financing from their home island, where support for startups has been limited. 33East Venture Capital, a Nicosia-based venture capital fund supported by the Cyprus Equity Fund, started making investments from its €26 million fund this year, and it backed Electryone AI with €400 000 in January.
“We were very happy to have people from Cyprus being part of this,” says Kasinopoulos, who was born in Nicosia. “We had tried to raise money in Cyprus, but we didn’t really get anywhere. There are companies in the energy space, but they didn’t understand software or venture capital. They wouldn’t take that much risk.”
For technology and innovation startups in Cyprus, 33East’s new fund could be a gamechanger, reversing a brain drain that has seen talented Cypriots leave, largely for London. Though the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor ranks Cyprus seventh in the European Union for early stage entrepreneurial activity, venture capital investment in Cyprus is scarce, according to a report by the University of Cyprus’s Centre for Entrepreneurship.
“There has been no formal path for startups to follow, so either companies died or left Cyprus to seek financing,” says Yiannis Eftychiou, one of two 33East cofounders. “There has been a drain of quality talent from Cyprus. But we see a lot of opportunity in Cyprus.”
Source: European Parliament
The European Investment Bank (EIB) furthers the objectives of the European Union by providing long-term project funding, guarantees and advice. It supports projects both within and outside the EU. Its shareholders are the Member States of the EU. The EIB is the majority shareholder in the European Investment Fund (EIF), and the two organisations together make up the EIB Group.
Source: European Parliament
The term ‘economic governance’ refers to the system of institutions and procedures established to achieve the EU’s economic objectives, namely to promote economic and social progress for the EU and its citizens. The previous system of economic and fiscal coordination was shown to be inadequate in the face of the financial, fiscal and economic crises that began in 2008. Improvements to the EU’s economic governance include stronger coordination and surveillance of both fiscal and macroeconomic policies and the establishment of a framework for the management of financial crises.
Source: European Parliament
Indirect taxes include value added tax (VAT) and excise duties on alcohol, tobacco and energy. The common VAT system is generally applicable to goods and services that are bought and sold for use or consumption in the EU. Excise duties are levied on the sale or use of specific products. EU legislative activities are aimed at coordinating and harmonising VAT law and harmonising duties on alcohol, tobacco and energy, with the aim of ensuring the proper functioning of the internal market. In accordance with EU legislation in the field of VAT and excise duties, Parliament’s role is limited to the consultation procedure.
Source: European Parliament
The EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) was established in 1993 and has since been strengthened by subsequent treaties. Today, Parliament regularly contributes to the development of the CFSP, in particular by scrutinising the activities of its institutional actors and bodies: the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who also serves as Vice-President of the European Commission; the European External Action Service (EEAS); the EU Special Representatives (EUSRs) and the EU delegations. Parliament’s budgetary powers can also shape the scale and scope of the CFSP.
Source: European Parliament
The trans-European networks (TENs) in transport, energy and telecommunications are developed to connect the regions of the EU and to contribute to the growth of the internal market and employment. They strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion. The trans-European transport network (TEN-T) has evolved over time, including a fundamental reform in 2013 and a major revision proposed in 2021. The energy infrastructure (TEN-E) guidelines were adapted to the European Green Deal in 2022.
Source: European Parliament
In order to promote its overall harmonious development, the European Union is strengthening its economic, social and territorial cohesion. In particular, the EU aims to reduce disparities between the levels of development of its various regions. Special attention is paid to rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition and regions that suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the northernmost regions with very low population density, as well as island, cross-border and mountainous regions.
Source: European Parliament
The European Union has developed a policy to support the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries with the EU. On 1 July 2013, Croatia became the first of the seven countries to join, and Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia have candidate country status. Accession negotiations and chapters have been opened with Albania, Montenegro and Serbia. Negotiations were opened with North Macedonia in July 2022 and with Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2024. Kosovo submitted its application for EU membership in December 2022.
Source: European Parliament
EU directives and regulations have, over the years, greatly improved safety standards in sea transport. The improvements were brought about in particular by the three legislative packages adopted in the wake of the Erika and Prestige disasters.
Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP
Source: European Parliament
Humanitarian aid is an area of EU external action that responds to needs in the event of human-made or natural disasters. The Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations funds relief operations and coordinates Member States’ policies and activities. Parliament and the Council act as co-legislators in shaping the EU’s humanitarian aid policy and take part in the global debate on more effective humanitarian action.
Source: European Parliament
The EU has cooperation agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (a regional organisation grouping Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) and with Yemen, and a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Iraq. The EU has no formal agreement with Iran and there is no EU Delegation in Tehran. EU-Iran relations are currently based on the preservation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or Iran nuclear agreement), signed in Vienna in July 2015.
Source: European Parliament
The relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom (UK) has evolved significantly since Brexit. Following the 2024 UK general election, the new government called for a ‘reset’ in relations with the EU, launching a renewed agenda of structured political cooperation across shared priorities. The EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly plays a key role in fostering dialogue. A UK-EU summit is scheduled for May 2025 to further deepen cooperation and define concrete steps for the renewed agenda.
Source: European Parliament
The EU’s development policy stresses the importance of trade, and focuses on the countries most in need. The Generalised Scheme of Preferences gives some goods from developing countries preferential access to the EU market. Economic Partnership Agreements ensure preferential commercial treatment for African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, while the Everything But Arms scheme applies to least developed countries. These schemes are in line with World Trade Organization rules.
Source: European Parliament
AMENDMENTS 001-001
REPORT
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus
(COM(2025)0034 – C10-0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD))
Committee on International Trade
Rapporteur: Inese Vaidere
Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP
Source: European Parliament
ADDENDUM on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus (COM(2025)0034 ; C10-0006/2025 ; 2025/0021(COD))
Committee on International Trade
Inese Vaidere
Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha engaged with Indonesian scholars, researchers, and think tank representatives on Thursday, reaffirming India’s uncompromising stand against terrorism and calling for stronger regional cooperation to maintain peace and stability.
The delegation is in Indonesia as part of a broader diplomatic outreach following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
During the interactions, the delegation presented India’s “zero tolerance” policy on terrorism and urged the academic and policy community in Indonesia to support global efforts in identifying, isolating, and acting against terrorism and its enablers.
Addressing the gathering, Jha praised the Indonesian government and President Prabowo Subianto for their swift condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and their expression of solidarity with the Indian people. He stressed that India will not tolerate any form of “nuclear blackmail” and warned that those sheltering terrorists cannot hide behind the so-called nuclear umbrella.
“Any future terrorist incidents on Indian soil will be met with resolute and decisive military action,” he said. “India, along with other countries like Indonesia, has a zero tolerance for terrorism, and to implement this, India will not make any distinction hereafter between terrorists and countries that promote them.”
Jha said the delegation held productive meetings with the Vice Chairman of Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, the Chairperson of the India-Indonesia Parliamentary Friendship Group, the Secretary General of ASEAN, and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. He noted that Indonesian officials offered unequivocal support for India’s anti-terror stance.
“We have been holding interactions and seeking support from Indonesia in locating terrorism, its backers, and financiers, sponsors at all crucial international forums and intergovernmental organisations. In the fight against terrorism, there is no neutral voice, every country needs to be together to fight terrorism,” Jha said.
“Every stakeholder, including think tanks and academia, has to play its role to counter extremist narrative and combat terrorism in all its forms. Today, we seek support from the think tank community and academia community in Indonesia who influence and enable policymakers to draft strategies for the future,” he added.
Speaking to IANS, Jha described the response from Indonesian counterparts as “very positive,” noting the country’s multicultural fabric and shared values with India.
“Indonesia is a multicultural society with a Muslim majority, yet there is great respect here for India’s stance,” said Jha
Other members of the delegation echoed Jha’s sentiments.
BJP MP Brij Lal said, “The engagement in Indonesia has been encouraging. We met ASEAN ambassadors, local leaders, and think tanks — all reaffirmed their belief that India is a peace-loving nation. As the world’s fourth-largest economy, India is focused on becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Congress MP Salman Khurshid acknowledged concerns about regional narratives influenced by Pakistan but was heartened by Indonesia’s clear understanding. Before coming here, we were informed that we should observe how active Pakistan has been in this region and what narratives have been shared. But I am very pleased to see that Indonesia’s outlook is very positive. Their experiences and situations closely resemble those of our country. We received a very positive response from here. The people of Indonesia are also concerned about terrorism and have faced it themselves. They fully understand our concerns and challenges,” he said.
BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi described the visit as “very successful,” saying, “Everyone we interacted with — politicians, academics, and citizens — stood firmly against terrorism. There is a shared desire for peace and a strong recognition of India’s peaceful nature and resilience.”
She added that similar sentiments were expressed in previous stops, including Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. “All countries we visited have opposed terrorism and stood with India in these testing times.”
The all-party delegation also includes BJP MPs Hemang Joshi and Pradan Baruah, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, CPI(M) MP John Barittas, and former Indian Ambassador to France, Mohan Kumar.
(With inputs from IANS)
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“I welcome Jon Burrows’ forthright and necessary intervention regarding the Policing Board’s handling of the now-discredited allegations made by “Sean” against the PSNI’s Tactical Support Group.
“Mr Burrows has spoken for many who have been left voiceless throughout this manufactured saga. The Policing Board, by way of contrast, has shown itself to be unfit for purpose.
“The Board’s handling of this matter has been marked by inaction and a disturbing lack of curiosity. At a time when the reputations of serving officers were being publicly traduced, the body charged with holding the police to account simply looked the other way. The Justice Minister was no better. It is a matter of deep concern that it was left to former officers, not those in oversight roles, to defend their colleagues and expose the truth.
“While “Sean” has now admitted to fabricating his claims, and while the Chief Constable has confirmed there was no sectarianism within the unit, the damage was done — and the silence from key voices on the Board was deafening. That was a dereliction of duty.
“Only one elected representative – Alan Chambers – challenged the narrative we all now know to be false publicly on the Board. Others – particularly elected representatives from larger parties – must ask themselves why they remained silent while police officers were smeared.
“The Policing Board must be held to account for its role in allowing a false narrative to gain traction, unchecked and unchallenged. Jon Burrows has provided a vital public service in demanding answers which should have been sought by the Board and indeed Minister Long.”
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The first Student Project Fair “Idea in Action” was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The organizers were the Youth Trajectory Center “Polytech Tower” under the Youth Policy Department and the OPD competition team. The goal of the event was to provide students with a platform to present their projects to the university’s partners, establish new contacts and find opportunities for further development. In addition, participants from the FabLab Polytech association presented the infrastructure and equipment available for creating prototypes.
The event attracted interest from both student engineering teams, who organized more than 20 stands with their prototypes, and partners. The exhibition was visited by such companies as: JSC Power Machines, OOO Glavstroy-SPB Specialized Developer, OOO ARMAN, JSCB FORA-BANK (JSC) in St. Petersburg, TRICOLOR, the Russian Union of Young Scientists, ROBBO, JSC NPF Dipol, OOO VK, GC SoftBalance, Gazprom ID, the State Hermitage Museum.
The university’s partners were also able to select three best projects, among which were: the robot battle team “Omnivores” (IMMIT, Higher School of Automation and Robotics) and two projects from the Higher School of Project Activity and Industrial Innovations of IMMIT – an electronic cigarette sensor and the student project accelerator “Grant Lab”.
In addition to the exhibition of engineering projects, a traditional competition of projects for the course “Fundamentals of Project Activities” was held.
The competition was held based on the results of the spring semester of this year, which was completed by more than 4,000 second-year students of all areas of training at SPbPU. 50 projects reached the university-wide final in four nominations: scientific and technical (8), IT (18), organizational (10), creative (14). Four teams from Surgut State University, winners of a similar event at their university, participated outside the competition. At Surgut State University, the OPD course is taught by teachers trained at SPbPU.
In the nomination “Scientific and technical projects” the winner was the project “Development of a series of decks for skateboards and longboards and a modular ramp”, headed by Maya Varennikova. The project under the supervision of Daniil Vyzhanov “Robotized production line fishertechnik indusrty 4.0 under the control of 1C: Enterprise 8.3.” took 2nd place, “Bionic hand prosthesis”, headed by Ekaterina Trosko – 3rd place.
The strongest organizational project was “IPMET Board Games”, Anastasia Kurynkina. The second was the project led by Varvara Polyakova “Development of a turnkey service package for a segment of the target audience (optional)”, the third was “Podcast for applicants of SPbPU ISI”, led by Polina Khazova.
In creative projects, the leaders ranked as follows: 1st place – “Development of a game with a banking theme”, leader Daria Yudina, 2nd place – “Development of a board game dedicated to the history of the university (TsifKaf)”, leader of the RP Alexander Perin, 3rd place – “Katastrofa Code”, leader Alexandra Ryfalskaya.
Among IT projects, the best was recognized as “Mobile application “Safe House”, headed by Mark Zheleznyakov. Second place was taken by the project “Development of a computer simulator/game “By the lake”” headed by Anastasia Bagrova, 3rd place – “Neural network fuzzer”, headed by Daniil Morozov.
The award ceremony for the teams was attended by Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov, Director of the Higher School of Project Activities and Innovations in Industry Sergey Redko, and Director of the Center for Youth Trajectories Andrey Dolgirev.
Director of the Center for Youth Trajectories Andrey Aleksandrovich Dolgirev shared his impressions: It is great that our Polytechnic has so many wonderful students who, applying the knowledge they gained during their studies, have the desire and opportunity to create their own technical and social projects. This is also facilitated by the OPD course, as well as the space of opportunities with a fleet of machines and equipment, such as the Polytechnic Towers. If we add here the industrial partners of the university, such projects can be noticed by employers and investors. This is the main idea of the format of the “Idea in Action” fair. It allows combining educational activities and opportunities outside the educational programs, as well as giving students a chance for direct dialogue with companies.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
As part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy of MGIMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia (MIEP), thematic “Rosneft Days” were held for the university students.
Over the course of two days, representatives of the Central Office and scientific institutes of Rosneft told students about the Company’s projects. The lecture topics covered issues of climate change, the use of renewable energy sources, sustainable development, carbon management and the implementation of climate projects that are relevant to the global energy agenda. The students were also told about the Company’s unique experience in conducting scientific expeditionary work in the Arctic and the evolution of fuels and petrochemical synthesis.
For visitors of the Company’s theme days, master classes and a business game were organized, and educational films about the activities of Rosneft were shown. In addition, a selection of candidates for admission to the master’s program of the basic department with subsequent internship at Rosneft was also held. 50 applicants from MIEP took part in the selection.
In May, one of Rosneft’s key partners, the International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy of MGIMO University of the Russian Foreign Ministry, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Cooperation with the institute has been developing for over 20 years, is comprehensive and includes: work with talented youth, retraining and advanced training of the Company’s employees, implementation of the Company’s educational cooperation with foreign universities, development of the institute’s educational infrastructure, support for students and teachers, as well as research work.
Rosneft was the first fuel and energy company to create a basic department of “Global Energy Policy and Energy Security” at MIEP, which has been operating since 2007. The department trains masters in the program “Energy Strategies of International Oil and Gas Companies”. The curriculum of the program includes practice-oriented courses in special disciplines and a two-year internship for students in the Company’s specialized divisions. The annual admission to the master’s program is 10 people.
During the operation of the basic department, more than 160 master’s degree students completed a long-term internship at Rosneft. The best graduates of the master’s degree are employed by the Company following the internship.
The Rosneft Corporate Training Center, created at MIEP, implements more than 20 unique programs for advanced training in regional studies, international law, economics, finance and other areas for the Company’s specific needs. More than 4 thousand employees of the Company have completed training at the Center.
For high-potential and promising employees of the Company, who are in the personnel reserve, training is provided under the corporate Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a specialization in “International Business in the Oil and Gas Industry”. More than 200 managers and personnel reserves of Rosneft have graduated from the program.
Rosneft, together with MIEP, is developing cooperation with foreign partner universities.
Reference:
Rosneft cooperates with 203 educational partner organizations, including 75 Russian universities. Work with educational institutions is carried out within the framework of the corporate system of continuous education “School – College/University – Enterprise”, which has been in operation since 2005 and ensures a constant influx of young specialists with a high level of training to the Company.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 29, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham
Two statements from world leaders this week bear closer examination. On May 27, the US president Donald Trump took to his Truth Social social media channel to proclaim that if it wasn’t for him, “lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia”. The following day the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, announced that his country would assist Ukraine in developing long-range missiles to deploy against targets inside Russia. Both statements are quite extraordinary.
Even by Trump’s own standards, the public declaration by a sitting US president that he is protecting the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, is unprecedented. Putin is under indictment for war crimes and has been waging a war of aggression against Ukraine for more than three years after having illegally annexed Crimea over a decade ago. There can now be no doubt left that the US has become an unreliable ally for Ukraine and its European partners.
This is the context in which Merz’s announcement of increasing defence cooperation with Ukraine becomes significant. While Trump continues to chase an impossible deal with Putin – even after threatening to abandon his mediation efforts less than ten days ago – Germany has doubled down on Ukraine’s defence.
Not only that, but as the EU’s largest and Nato’s second-largest economy, Germany is now also aiming to turn its Bundeswehr (the German army, navy and air force) into the “strongest conventional army in Europe”. Its most senior military officer and chief of defence, Carsten Breuer, has published plans for a rapid and wide-ranging expansion of defence capabilities.
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Germany is finally beginning to pull its weight in European defence and security policy. This is absolutely critical to the credibility of the EU in the face of the threat from Russia. Berlin has the financial muscle and the technological and industrial potential to make Europe more of a peer to the US when it comes to defence spending and burden sharing. This will be important to salvage what remains of Nato in light of a highly probable American down-scaling – if not complete abandonment – of its past security commitments to the alliance.
After decades of failing to develop either a grand strategy to deal with Russia or the hard power capabilities that need to underpin it, achieving either will take some time. But it is important to acknowledge that some critical first steps have been taken by the new German government.
For Germany, and much of the rest of Europe, the investment in more defence capabilities does not simply require producing more ammunition or procuring more advanced defence systems. These are important – but what is also needed is a significant investment in developing manpower. This means either finding more volunteers or reintroducing conscription, which is now no longer a taboo in Germany.
Sending a whole new brigade to Lithuania, in its first international deployment since the second world war, is an important signal to Nato allies about Germany’s commitment to the alliance. It is also a clear signal to Russia that Germany finally is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to containing the threat from Russia. It’s a threat which has grown significantly since the beginning of the Kremlin’s full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The three years of Russia’s war against its neighbour have also highlighted the threat that Russia poses beyond Ukraine’s borders. The war against Ukraine has exposed European vulnerabilities and its dependence on the US. And it has taught military planners important lessons about what a future confrontation with Russia might look like. This is why Germany’s military planners have identified air defence systems, precision strike capabilities, drones, and electronic and cyber warfare assets as procurement priorities.
Beyond Germany, the signs have have been that Europe more broadly is beginning to learn to stand on its own feet when it comes to its security. For the continent, the challenge is threefold. It needs to beef up its defence spending in light of the ongoing war against Ukraine and Russian threats to expand it further. Europe also needs to come to terms with the dismantling of the transatlantic alliance by Trump. And, finally, there is a populist surge that threatens the very foundations of European democracy and risks undermining efforts to stand up to both Trump and Putin. This has been given extra fuel by the alignment of Trump’s “America-first” Maga movement with Putin’s Russia.
These are enduring challenges with no quick fixes. The first test of this apparent new-found European mettle will be the war in Ukraine. Giving Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia is not a new development. Such a move was first taken by the then US president, Joe Biden, in November 2024 when he authorised Ukraine to launch limited strikes into Russia using US-made long-range missiles, followed by similar authorisations from London and Paris at the time, but not Berlin.
Now, as then, how effective this will be depends not only on how many actual missiles Ukraine has but also on whether US intelligence sharing will continue. This is crucial for targeting. What’s more, effectiveness will also be difficult to measure. In a best-case scenario, Ukraine will now be able to stave off Russia’s reportedly impending summer offensive.
The Kremlin has already indicated its displeasure and ratcheted up its nuclear sabre rattling.
Trump, meanwhile, remains all talk when it comes to putting any pressure on Russia. By contrast, the Europeans, for once, are much more action orientated, which is another indication of the increasing rift across the Atlantic.
This does not mean an end to transatlantic relations and pragmatic cooperation, as demonstrated by the meeting between the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, which happened almost simultaneously with Trump’s and Merz’s statements.
What it does mean, however, is that Europe’s security now entirely depends on whether key players on the continent can muster the will to mobilise the resources required to defend the continent against an aggressive foe to the east. Berlin and other European capitals seem to have recognised at long last that this needs to happen. Now they need to demonstrate that they can follow through with swift and decisive action.
Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.
– ref. Germany steps up to replace ‘unreliable’ US as guarantor of European security – https://theconversation.com/germany-steps-up-to-replace-unreliable-us-as-guarantor-of-european-security-257735
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
International Day Of UN Peacekeepers
Middle East
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Unrwa
Yemen
Sudan
Haiti
Ukraine
Global Climate Predictions
Global Employment Growth
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UN PEACEKEEPERS
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, who be the guest on Thursday to brief reporters on the International Day of Peacekeepers.
As part of that at 2:45pm tomorrow, the Secretary-General will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 United Nations peacekeepers who have given their lives in the line of duty since 1948. He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council, during which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, who lost their lives serving under the flag of the United Nations last year.
At 3 p.m., the Secretary-General will present awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year. That is Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana and he will also present an award to the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year, and that is Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone.
Both serve with the peacekeeping mission in Abyei.
MIDDLE EAST
Sigrid Kaag, the acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, briefed the Security Council this morning, telling Council members that the two-State solution is on life support and reviving it requires decisive action.
She said the upcoming high-level international conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, must not be another rhetorical exercise and instead must launch a concrete path towards ending the occupation and realizing the two-State solution based on international law, UN resolutions and previous agreements.
Ms. Kaag warned that the entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine. As the Secretary-General has said, families are being starved and denied the very basics.
She added that while Gaza rightly captures the world’s attention, the West Bank is on a dangerous trajectory. Developments are best described as accelerating de facto annexation through settlement expansion, through land seizures, and through settler violence. If not reversed, Ms. Kaag said, these will make the two-State solution physically impossible.
Ms. Kaag will also be speaking to you after the Council session has ended. We are advised that there will likely not be closed consultations afterwards and we will let you know when she is there.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=28%20May%202025