Source: United Nations (Video News)
Joint Press Encounter delivered by ambassador Barbara Woodward, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, on the humanitarian situation in Gaza on behalf of the UK, France, Denmark, Greece and Slovenia.
Source: WTO
Headline: Trade and Gender Group discusses new work programme, potential MC14 outcomes
The co-Chairs of the Informal Working Group (IWG), Ambassador Clara Delgado of Cabo Verde, Ambassador Patricia Benedetti of El Salvador and Ambassador Simon Manley of the United Kingdom, reported on the consultations held with members to shape the Group’s priorities ahead of MC14. They highlighted the importance of agreeing on the Work Plan for 2025-26, which will help identify practical ways to move the substantive work of the IWG forward.
Key themes raised by members included gender-disaggregated trade data, digitalization as a tool for women’s empowerment, support for women entrepreneurs, and mainstreaming gender issues across WTO bodies. Members also called for continued collaboration with other international organizations. A draft work plan will be finalized in the coming weeks.
International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade
The WTO launched the second edition of the International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade, which recognizes impactful gender-responsive trade policies. The deadline for applications has been extended to 15 May, with eight submissions received so far. Winners will be announced in June 2025, with further details on the award ceremony to follow. The Prize, first introduced to mark International Women’s Day in 2024, will now be awarded annually, following a decision made by the IWG in November 2024.
WEIDE Fund
The WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) provided an update on the implementation of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund. Launched at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024, the Fund has raised USD 22 million in donations and pledges, aiming to bridge resource and skills gaps for women-led businesses in the digital economy.
The Fund targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and offers grants of up to USD 30,000, alongside technical support, to enhance digital competence and market access. The Fund aims to foster growth in digital skills and financial readiness, with a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs globally.
With applications now open for women entrepreneurs, the initiative has already selected four business support organizations (BSOs), following a competitive call for proposals, to help administer grants in four countries: Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia and Nigeria. Over 2,000 applications have been received from all four countries following a call launched on 22 April 2025.
Presentations
The Dominican Republic presented progress and lessons learned from its gender-responsive programme ProDominicana, supporting women exporters since 2020. Key initiatives include a national plan for export promotion, gender equality policies, and the development of a platform to track women-led export businesses.
ProDominicana organizes annual events, such as Women in Export meetings, fostering partnerships and expanding business-to-business (B2B) opportunities. It has also launched a comprehensive institutional strategy to strengthen women’s participation in exports, with collaboration from government bodies, women’s associations and international partners. Additionally, ProDominicana provides training programmes with a focus on export and trade development, which have benefitted hundreds of women.
These initiatives reflect the Dominican Republic’s commitment to promoting gender equality and enhancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs. For this purpose, ProDominicana has been working with ITC on various projects including the SheTrades Hub and the WEIDE Fund.
The Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) updated members about its work on data on women involved in trade in Central America, noting the importance of women’s participation in economic activities. Central America has made strides in integrating gender into trade agreements, with policies promoting gender equality and specific measures supporting women in e-commerce and access to financing.
The region’s population is predominantly female, and efforts are focused on reducing gender gaps, particularly in leadership roles within businesses and political participation. The need for better gender-disaggregated data and more support for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields was underlined. The region’s gender equality policy emphasizes democratic security, economic integration, and the need for continued efforts to ensure women’s participation in decision-making processes.
The WTO Secretariat informed the IWG that due to budgetary constraints, the length of the second edition of the World Trade Congress on Gender has been adjusted. In this regard, there will be a one-day symposium organized back-to-back with the next IWG meeting in July. A programme will be communicated in due course.
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato
Anzac Day has come and gone again. But – lest we forget – war and its consequences are not confined to single days in the calendar. Nor do we only remember those who fought at Gallipoli more than a century ago.
This gradual expansion of the scope and meaning of April 25 is now about to grow further, with the Anzac Day Amendment Bill currently before parliament. Its goal is to make the commemoration “broader and more inclusive than it currently is”.
Remembrance will soon include “other conflicts and persons who have served New Zealand in time of war or in warlike conflicts in the past and in the future that are not currently covered”.
New Zealand personnel who served in United Nations missions, and who fought or died in training, will be recognised, as will civilians who served in war or warlike conflicts. Without doubt, it is an excellent initiative.
The question is, does it go far enough? The obvious omission, if the new law is intended to be “broader” and include past wars, is the conflict that helped shape (and still shapes) the country we are today: the New Zealand Wars.
Of course, including this pivotal period from 1843 to 1872 plays into the politics of today, given the land confiscations and other injustices the New Zealand Wars also represent. The question is whether their inclusion can avoid becoming a culture war in the process.
The case for explicitly including the New Zealand Wars is strong. It is thought about 500 British and colonial troops, 250 of their Māori allies (sometimes known as kūpapa), and 2,000 Māori fighting against the Crown died in these conflicts.
It was also during these wars that Australian and New Zealand military cooperation (the earliest form of Anzacs, in a sense) actually began. Around 2,500 Australian men enlisted for irregular New Zealand militia units, many encouraged by the offer of land grants in return for serving.
Furthermore, Anzac Day has gradually grown over time to include wars and military conflicts beyond the tragedy in Turkey, first observed in 1916 when the government gazetted a half-day holiday (later made into a full public holiday in 1921) .
The government again changed the law governing Anzac Day in 1949 to include World War II and the 11,500 New Zealand citizens who died in it. Significantly, it also added the South African/Boer War (which killed 59 New Zealanders), setting a precedent for bringing pre-first world war events into the frame.
In 1966, Anzac Day’s scope grew again to recognise those “who at any time have given their lives for New Zealand and the British Empire or Commonwealth of Nations”. This allowed commemorations to cover the Cold War period, during which New Zealanders were killed in the Malayan Emergency (15), Korea (38) and Vietnam (37).
The counterargument to including the New Zealand Wars in an expanded Anzac Day might be that we already have a dedicated day of observance: Te Pūtake o te Riri on October 28, the date the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand (precursor to the Treaty of Waitangi) was signed in 1835.
First observed in 2018, the commemorations take place in different locations each year. And perhaps one day, young New Zealanders will talk about the events at Rangiriri, Gate Pā, Matawhero and Ngātapa in the same way they now talk about Gallipoli, Passchendaele, Crete and Monte Cassino.
But the problem is that a two-tier system seems to have been created. Te Pūtake o te Riri was not made an official holiday and has struggled for wider recognition. While there is some public funding available, it is not on the scale of Anzac Day.
Te Pūtake o te Riri can and will continue to evolve, and it’s focus on the causes and injustices of these conflicts should not be diminished.
But an expanded and more inclusive Anzac Day, which recognises those who fought and died, would add another layer of meaning to a date long enshrined in the national calendar, similar to the way National Memorial Day in the United States encompasses their Civil War.
We are now at a point in history when the injustices of the early colonial government have at least been acknowledged through the Treaty settlement process. It would make sense for the New Zealand Wars to be folded into the Anzac Day Amendment Bill.
The words “lest we forget” should also apply to those who fell in the nation’s third most costly military conflict. That way we can remember all of the fallen, without prejudice.
Public submissions on the Anzac Day Amendment Bill close on Thursday May 22.
Alexander Gillespie does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. A law change will expand who we remember on Anzac Day – the New Zealand Wars should be included too – https://theconversation.com/a-law-change-will-expand-who-we-remember-on-anzac-day-the-new-zealand-wars-should-be-included-too-256682
Source: Amnesty International –
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Amnesty International, the International Commission of Jurists (the ICJ) and the undersigned organizations are encouraged by steps taken towards the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, although regrettably final details on the mechanism’s legal framework, including its Statute, have not been made public. In this regard, the organizations call on the Council of Europe to urgently publish the draft Statute of the Tribunal to ensure the transparent and inclusive participation of civil society, especially victims and survivors, as the Tribunal is established and, certainly, in its proceedings.
The initiative to establish a Special Tribunal has been precipitated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and the creation of the Special Tribunal is a significant step towards holding those responsible, up to the highest levels, for the crime of aggression. In its annual meeting held on 14 May in Luxembourg, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe invited the Organisation’s Secretary General to lead the process for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, to be created on the basis of an agreement between the Council of Europe and Ukraine.
“The Tribunal is an important breakthrough for the international justice community and especially for the millions of Ukrainians who have been harmed by the Russian aggression”, said Oleksandra Matviichuk, FIDH Vice-President and Head of the Center for Civil Liberties. “For the court to be truly effective however, it must not become a remote and hollow entity that does not engage with the Ukrainian victims or give them access to proceedings.”
Until the draft Statute of the Tribunal is published, it is not possible to specifically comment on its contents. However, based on a recent explainer published by the Council of Europe regarding the proposed Tribunal, a number of observations can be made.
As a key preliminary observation, the organizations expect the Tribunal to be able to investigate and prosecute senior government and military leaders responsible for the crime of aggression, up to and including heads of state. In this regard, the organizations deeply regret the availability of “personal immunities”, which, according to the Council of Europe explainer, will be granted to the members of the Troika (Head of State, Head of Government and Minister for Foreign Affairs). The organizations firmly oppose the reported availability of personal immunities within the Tribunal’s legal framework. Immunity has no bearing on a person’s potential individual responsibility and the mechanism cannot allow such immunities to lead to impunity by enabling those who likely bear the most responsibility for the crime of aggression to escape prosecution. The organizations call on all stakeholders, in particular the Council of Europe and Ukraine to urgently amend the draft Statute for the Tribunal to remove the availability of personal immunities, which are not recognized by international criminal tribunals and for which there is a growing body of law and practice excluding them.
Veronika Velch, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine said: “The creation of the Special Tribunal is a step towards addressing some of the far too many accountability gaps confronting the delivery of justice for Ukrainians. It should ensure that the crime of aggression is thoroughly investigated. However, immunity goes hand in hand with impunity. In Amnesty International’s view, pursuing accountability at the highest level of Russia’s and other states’ political and military leadership must be a paramount objective of the Tribunal. Consequently, any immunity provisions which are currently in the Tribunal’s draft legal framework must be urgently removed or risk compromising future justice for victims of aggression. The Tribunal must not shy away from seeking indictments against all those who ordered, planned and implemented the crime of aggression against the people of Ukraine, including those most responsible.”
The possibility of holding trials in absentia (without the presence of the accused) also marks a regressive development from previously established international criminal tribunals. Although the Special Tribunal’s draft Statute is reported to ensure that an accused person has the right to request the reopening of proceedings if they had not previously waived their right to appear or accepted the initial judgment, the Tribunal will need to ensure any trials held in absentia respect the fair trial rights of the accused, including by effective representation by counsel even where they do not appear. In particular, trials in absentia may affect perceptions of objectivity and impartiality of trials where an accused person is not present to defend themselves. For these reasons, such trials should be avoided by the Tribunal.
We also emphasise the importance, and perception, of impartiality and independence in all investigations, prosecutions and adjudications, in line with international law and applicable European Convention on Human Rights’ standards.
FIDH, Amnesty International, the ICJ and the undersigned organizations call on the international community, especially on all Council of Europe member and observer States, members of the Core Group, and international organizations, to pursue all avenues to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression in Ukraine. To this end, cooperation by all stakeholders will be critical for effective investigations.
The organizations also underline that effective cooperation must be established between the Tribunal, the Council of Europe’s Register of Damage and the Claims Commission once established, as well as with the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The organizations also call on States to ratify the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of the Crime of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and other International Crimes as a basis of cooperation with the Tribunal, as well as international cooperation between states.
The Special Tribunal should be able in legal and capacity terms to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine. However, while the Tribunal is an important step, at the present juncture the need for comprehensive accountability for the crime of aggression requires the United Nations and the international community to continue to work towards a global and international justice response for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and other countries. Such an international mechanism should also exclude, if established under the auspices of the United Nations, the possibility of any immunity for those alleged to have committed the crime of aggression.
Victims of Russia’s aggression deserve justice now – peace must be accompanied by justice. All victims must be heard, and their rights to truth, justice and reparations must be central to all discussions and actions taken as the establishment of the Special Tribunal moves forward.
Background
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which resulted in widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, the ICC has issued arrest warrants for six Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the ICC currently lacks jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression in Ukraine.
The agreement establishing the Special Tribunal is expected to be signed by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe following the decision of the Committee of Ministers adopted on 14 May 2025. Ukraine officially requested the Council of Europe to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression on 14 May 2025.
Source: Amnesty International –
Reacting to the sentencing of Russian civil society activist and prisoner of conscience Grigory Melkonyants to five years in prison, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said:
“The Russian authorities instigated this criminal case in order to silence one of the country’s most respected election observers. Grigory Melkonyants has committed no crime – his only ‘offence’ was defending the right to free and fair elections in Russia. This is nothing more than a brazen and politically motivated clampdown on peaceful activism.
Grigory Melkonyants has committed no crime – his only ‘offence’ was defending the right to free and fair elections in Russia
Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director
“Grigory Melkonyants must be released unconditionally and his conviction quashed. The legislation that was used to target him must be repealed. The international community cannot remain silent – neither on this appalling verdict nor on the outrageous assault on civic space that is taking place in Russia.”
Background
The Basmanny District Court of Moscow also imposed a 9-year ban on Grigory Melkonyants, co-chair of the independent election watchdog Golos, participating in any civic activity. He was charged with purportedly organizing the activities of an “undesirable organization” – a nebulous term arbitrarily used by the Russian authorities to ban any organization they regard as a threat and to criminalize any association with said organizations.
The charges stem from Grigory Melkonyants’s alleged links to the European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations (ENEMO), which was declared “undesirable” in Russia in 2021. Melkonyants and Golos have consistently denied any institutional connection to ENEMO.
Grigory Melkonyants was arrested in August 2023. Amnesty International considers him a prisoner of conscience, prosecuted and imprisoned solely for his peaceful activism.
Throughout its 25-year history, Golos and its activists have faced harassment and persecution by the authorities. In 2013, it became the first organization in Russia to be labelled a “foreign agent” and was dissolved in 2016. Following the “foreign agent” designation, a movement under the same name was founded, which also engaged in election monitoring. In 2021, the movement and 20 of its activists and coordinators were declared “foreign agents.”
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Clare V. Church, Fellow of the Institute of Historical Research, School of Advanced Study, University of London
Warning: this article contains spoilers for Andor season two, up to episode nine.
This week, many fans are diving into the final episodes of Andor season two on Disney+. Meanwhile, others are still reeling from last week’s powerful episode.
Episodes seven through nine of the Star Wars spin-off show depicted the tragedy of the fictional Ghorman massacre and its political fallout. Set chronologically two years before Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, the episodes present the peaks of the Galactic Empire’s oppressive rule over the planet Ghorman, which culminates in a mass slaughter of peaceful Ghor protesters in the capital city’s main plaza.
Episode eight, Who Are You?, is a poignant portrayal of propaganda, collective resistance and military force.
A particularly emotive scene comes when Lezine (Thierry Godard) – a member of a local rebel group called the Ghorman Front – begins to sing in the midst of the Ghor’s demonstration. Soon, all members of the peaceful protest join Lezine’s chorus in an act that signals not aggression, but community.
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The moment echoes the French Resistance’s use of music to defy Nazi rule throughout the second world war. The French Resistance was a movement of civilians and combatants who opposed the German occupation of France.
While the episode’s parallels to Earth-side conflicts throughout historical and modern eras do not start and stop with the French Resistance, it is worth unpacking these similarities further. Doing so reveals insights into the power of art — and specifically music – in fighting tyranny.
The Star Wars franchise has long been analysed for its political storytelling. The original trilogy, for instance, makes connections to the French Revolution, the second world war and the Vietnam war. There are overarching themes of colonialism, fascist dictatorship and guerrilla warfare.
Andor is no exception. Showrunner Tony Gilroy uses two 12-episode seasons to narrate the birth of a rebellion and subsequent revolution. Critics and Star Wars pundits alike have commented on the show’s parallels to historical and contemporary conflicts, with think-pieces and social-media threads comparing season two’s plot points to the America’s 2003 invasion of Iraq, the Russo-Ukrainian war and even the conflict in Gaza.
The Ghorman massacre has become an especially explosive talking point given its significance to the overall series. At the start of season two, it becomes clear that the Galactic empire requires a mineral – kalkite – that is unique to Ghorman to supply its “energy initiative” (the Death Star).
The empire subsequently launches a devastating propaganda campaign to turn the galaxy against the Ghor. This is done in anticipation of eventually carrying out a genocide against the planet’s people to clear the path for unimpeded mineral extraction. In turn, it is the Ghorman massacre that prompts Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) to publicly declare her opposition to the “monstrous” Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) and lead the Rebel Alliance – as seen in the films Rogue One (2016) and Episode IV – A New Hope (1977).
In the lead-up to the Ghorman massacre, some of the Ghor initiate an underground resistance against the empire’s forces – often haphazard and disjointed, but resilient all the same. Several storytelling devices are used to evoke the spirit of the French Resistance.
For one, Gilroy casts French actors to play many of the Ghorman Front leaders, including Ewens Abid, Thierry Godard and Caroline Vanier. Second, the Ghor language is based on a combination of French phonetics and Italian grammar. Combined with the accents of the Ghor actors, it conjures the feeling of the French language, without directly using its vocabulary.
The costuming of the Ghor is also suggestive of second world war France, as they don trench coats and berets.
In the episode, the protesters sing the Ghor national anthem: We Are The Ghor! Its lyrics yield imagery of the “valley” and “highland”, as well as call upon its nationals to “raise your eyes to homeland skies”, “call your kin to come and sing”, and “tight the weave and roll the sleeve”.
Describing the creation of the anthem, composer Nicholas Britell remarked that his and Gilroy’s goal was to “create something that felt timeless and authentic, but which could also feel like an emotional rallying cry”.
The French national anthem, La Marseillaise, has served a similar mandate since its adoption in 1795. It was used as a political tool of resistance throughout the second world war.
Upon Germany’s defeat of France in 1940, the Nazi occupiers swiftly banned French citizens from singing La Marseillaise. In November 1940, however, thousands of French students and civilians marched around the Arc de Triomphe while chanting the anthem in a show of defiance. To end the display of unity, occupying forces violently dispersed the demonstration, injuring and arresting many.
Members of the French Resistance also gained a second anthem throughout the war, titled Le Chant des Partisans, which was composed and performed by Anna Marly. Like We Are The Ghor!, the tune evokes rural landscapes, hard workers and kin, as well as issues demands to its listeners-in-arms to “sing” as one.
There are many accounts of Le Chant being used to oppose Nazi rule. It was played, for instance, over the radio to signal an incoming message for the French Resistance. It was also reportedly hummed between members of the Maquis during sabotage operations. One account even relays the story of French fighters who whistled the song while they were forced by the Germans to dig their own graves.
These examples from history and fantasy demonstrate the power of music to oppose tyranny. While in itself an act of nonviolence, singing in a group is a tool of community building – an indispensable component of overcoming authoritarianism. Tellingly, in an interview with DECIDER, Andor creator Gilroy explained that authoritarianism is always “about the destruction of community”.
When you sing along with the crowd at a beloved artist’s concert or belt the anthem ahead of a heated sports match, it is the joy of community that is felt – a feeling of oneness among a swath of strangers. It is therefore in this musical moment – reminiscent of not just the French Resistance but of all movements that have deployed music in defiance – that the fictional realm of Andor’s Who Are You? tragically tells the truth.
For fans, it aptly brings to bear the unshakeable capacity of singing to combat oppression, be it here on Earth, or in a galaxy, far, far away.
Clare V. Church does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Andor showcases the power of music to oppose tyranny – an homage to the French Resistance – https://theconversation.com/andor-showcases-the-power-of-music-to-oppose-tyranny-an-homage-to-the-french-resistance-256522
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Takes Fight to Protect Georgia’s Clean Energy Jobs to Savannah
Senator Reverend Warnock returned to his hometown to continue his public pressure campaign urging Congressional Republicans to protect clean energy tax credits fueling an expected 42,000 Georgia clean energy jobs
Senator Warnock released a comprehensive report on how Georgia risks losing up to 42,000 good-paying jobs if Washington Republicans repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Clean Energy Tax Credits
Senator Warnock was instrumental in securing these clean energy tax credits which supercharged the clean energy economy and is expected to create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in Georgia
Since the tax credits were put into place, 51 clean energy projects worth over $28 billion have come to Georgia, largely centered in rural communities
These jobs and investments are under threat from a Republican-controlled Washington
Uncertainty over the IRA’s future and its incentives could lead to billions of lost investments and thousands of lost jobs, hurting Georgia’s workers, families, and economy
ICYMI from Savannah Morning News: U.S. Senator Warnock takes fight for clean energy tax credits to Savannah
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock uplifts his new report on Georgia’s clean energy economy during a press conference in Savannah
Photo credit: Richard Burkhart, Savannah Morning News
Savannah, GA – This week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) brought the fight to protect up to 42,000 good-paying Georgia jobs to his hometown of Savannah, Georgia. The Senator continued to speak out against Congressional Republicans’ attempts to claw back clean energy tax credits, which would put thousands of jobs and billions in investments at risk.
Senator Warnock held a press conference at the Georgia Ports Authority headquarters to uplift his new report that details how Georgia risks losing up to 42,000 good-paying jobs if Washington Republicans repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Clean Energy Tax Credits. The report found Georgia’s clean energy economy has led the nation following the 2022 passage of these tax credits while also providing a stark warning on the risks posed to Georgia’s clean energy jobs and project investments amid the economic uncertainty being fueled by the reckless actions and threats of the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans.
The report and Savannah press conference comes as House Republicans laid out plans on Monday to phase out clean energy tax credits, slash spending on electric vehicles and renewable energy, and claw back other climate-related funds as part of the Washington Republicans’ attempt to pass a broad tax bill that would cut federal investments in our nation’s clean energy economy, alongside other cuts across the federal government, in order to offset a tax cut for the wealthiest earners in America.
Senator Warnock’s leadership was critical in crafting and passing the landmark climate legislation in 2022. Since these tax credits were signed into law, clean energy jobs and investments exploded across the country, but nowhere was that growth more potent than in Georgia. In less than three years, clean energy businesses have announced 51 new projects worth over $28 billion in Georgia. Investment in clean energy manufacturing, including batteries, solar panels, and electric vehicles has increased by a factor of ten. All these gains are at risk if Washington Republicans repeal the Clean Energy Tax Credits.
Coverage of Senator Warnock’s Savannah press conference can be found below:
Savannah Morning News: U.S. Senator Warnock takes fight for clean energy tax credits to Savannah
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock took his fight to save clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to Savannah on Monday, holding a press conference touting the impacts of IRA credits to Georgia’s economy.
Warnock’s office released a report last week that claimed the state is at risk of losing as many as 42,000 jobs and nearly $28 billion in investment if IRA credits were cut. The senator’s push comes as the U.S. Congress works through its budget reconciliation process, where some tax credits may face repeal.
During the press conference Monday, which was held at the Georgia Ports Authority headquarters, Warnock put the onus on Georgia’s federal Republicans to fight for the credits.
“Now it’s up to Georgia’s congressional Republicans to protect these clean energy credits,” Warnock said. “Let’s choose the people over politics. Let’s choose jobs over the games that so often get played in Washington, D.C. Let’s protect these jobs and protect these investments.”
Select House Republicans sent a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee leadership in early March advocating for “targeted and pragmatic” changes to energy-related tax code. Rep. Buddy Carter, who represents Georgia’s coast and recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate, signed onto the letter.
Warnock said Monday that he is fighting to retain all of the IRA’s credits, citing statistics from his office’s report that every $1 in federal investment from the IRA yields another $4.50 in private investment. “We ought to keep all of them,” Warnock said. “Who are we compromising with, ourselves?”
Savannah Morning News: U.S. Senator Warnock’s report says manufacturing jobs at risk if IRA is repealed
Sen. Raphael Warnock wants the entire U.S. to know that Georgia has shown that “the future is green, the future is clean.”
Unless, that is, the U.S. republican-led Congress decides to cut clean energy tax credits created by the President Joe Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Congress is set to go through its budget reconciliation process in coming months and Warnock has sounded the alarm with a report issued last week stating Georgia could be at risk of losing as many as 42,000 jobs and nearly $28 billion in investment if IRA credits were cut.
Warnock believes Georgia has shown his republican colleagues that the U.S. does not have to “decide between the economy and the environment, that you can work on both of those things.”
Warnock feels that his office’s report clearly outlines the consequences if the tax credits were to go away, especially for Georgia, which he called “the big winner” from the IRA.
A statement from his office’s report reads, “Overall post-IRA business investment in Georgia clean energy manufacturing has totaled nearly $16.4 billion, which is over 10 times greater than clean energy manufacturing investment in the previous two years.”
WTOC: Senator Warnock pushes back against proposed repeal of clean energy tax credit
Congressional Republicans are considering repealing Clean Energy tax credits as a part of their proposed budget package. According to a new report by Georgia Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, nearly 42,000 jobs could be lost statewide if this happens.
“I‘m here in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia to speak out about efforts to eliminate up to 42,000 good-paying jobs right here in Georgia. That includes 7,400 jobs right here…,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. The Senator said that without them, Georgia workers, families, and the economy would all take a hit.
“It’s a job killer. It’s pure and simple. And, you know, I just hope we will center the people rather than the politics because the economics is clear,” said Senator Warnock.
Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. It was meant to create and expand clean energy programs statewide.
According to the senator’s report, Georgia has been the top beneficiary of the IRA’s clean energy incentives. He’s calling out his republican colleagues in Congress, who are looking to repeal these tax credits.
“Georgia Republicans have a choice to make. These credits have benefited their districts more than blue districts. And I think the people of Georgia are waiting to see if they are going to stand up for them,” said Senator Warnock.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Delivers Commencement Address to Paine College’s Class of 2025 in Augusta
On Sunday, Senator Reverend Warnock delivered the keynote commencement speech to Paine College’s Class of 2025 in Augusta, Georgia
Senator Warnock encouraged the Class of 2025 to make their life’s project longer and larger than their lifespan, give themselves over to a mission that is larger than themselves
Paine College is one of ten Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia; Senator Reverend Warnock is a 1991 graduate of Morehouse College and is the only sitting U.S. Senators to graduate from an HBCU
Senator Warnock has secured $664 million for Georgia’s HBCUs to date, part of $17 billion in federal investments championed by the Senator since 2021
Above: Senator Warnock addresses the Class of 2025 at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia
Photo credit: Rob Davis, Augusta Chronicle
Augusta, Georgia – On Sunday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) delivered the commencement address for the Class of 2025 at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. Paine College is one of ten Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) across Georgia. The Senator commended Paine College for its rich history, academic excellence, and commitment to fostering Black leadership across industries.
During the college’s 143rd commencement ceremony, Senator Warnock, an alum of Atlanta’s Morehouse College and the only sitting U.S. Senator to graduate from an HBCU, urged the graduates to make their life’s project longer and larger than their lifespan and give themselves over to a mission that is larger than themselves. In a moment in which there are those in power trying to silence the voices of young people, Senator Warnock charged the graduates to not allow them to silence their voices or squash the activist spirit that fuels peaceful protest in pursuit of social change.
In recognition of his lifelong commitment to service, moral leadership, and the pursuit of social justice, Paine College awarded Senator Warnock the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony, as well as a plaque of appreciation for delivering the keynote address.
Above: Senator Warnock and Paine College President Dr. Lester McCorn
Photo credit: Rob Davis, Augusta Chronicle
Additionally, the Senator highlighted the important role of HBCUs in helping shape the next generation of changemakers, as well as his work to successfully secure $664 million in federal funding for Georgia’s HBCUs, part of $17 billion in investments the federal government has delivered to HBCU campuses throughout the nation since the Senator came to the Senate.
Over the weekend, Senator Warnock also addressed the Class of 2025 at Virginia Union University, an HBCU in Richmond, Virginia.
Watch video of Senator Reverend Warnock’s address to Paine College’s Class of 2025 HERE.
Key excerpts from media coverage of Senator Warnock’s commencement address can be found below:
FOX 54: Sen. Warnock joins Paine College’s 2025 graduation ceremony
The campus of Paine College was filled with cheers and tears Sunday as graduates turned over their tassels. […] The commencement had prominent speakers, from alumni Michael Thurmond to Senator Raphael Warnock.
The senator was the lead commencement speaker, and emphasized the need for more funding in college education, specifically HBCUs.
“Let’s face it, these kids are coming out of school at a difficult time in our nation, we’ve got to invest in higher education, invest in Technical and Community Schools. I’m an HBCU graduate, and what you get in these schools is a commitment to bringing head and heart to the work of community service, social change,” said Senator Warnock.
The Augusta Press: Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks at Paine College convocation ceremony
Paine College’s HEAL Complex welcomed hundreds of visitors, Sunday morning, mostly the families of students, as it celebrated its 143rd Commencement Convocation.
Sen. Warnock, a close friend of McCorn’s and a fellow Morehouse alumnus, would have normally been speaking from the pulpit in Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church on Sunday. His exhortations to graduating students during his address were delivered with comparable enthusiasm.
“As an HBCU (historically Black college/university) graduate, I know the unique history of places like Paine College. I know what you represent, I know the sacrifice that it took to get you here,” Warnock said.
The senator referred to his own personal history in encouraging grads to persevere amid what he called “a difficult time in our nation.”
“I wanted to recognize that it is difficult. Many of them had to work really hard, had to push against financial and other restraints just to get this far,” he said, alluding to his own work in Washington, including his membership in the Senate’s Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. “But I hope that my own story might be an example, a model, of how you keep pushing even when you don’t have the answers, and when you’re working and doing the work very often, help comes in unexpected places, and I’m trying to do that work every single day in the United States Senate.”
WRDW: Sen. Warnock gives keynote speech at Paine College graduation
Despite the rainy day, Paine College still celebrated its graduates Sunday. Hundreds of students walked across the stage today to celebrate their academic achievements, and on Mother’s Day, nonetheless. Senator Raphael Warnock was the keynote speaker at commencement.
“America is great because of its diversity, and here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to fight for that kid who was me growing up in public housing down in Savannah, GA. But I’m also going to fight for the poor, white rural kid who’s growing up in communities that have been too long forgotten about and overlooked,” said Warnock.
He also talked about what he has done to help schools like Paine College thrive.
Interested media can view photos of Paine College’s commencement ceremony in the Augusta Chronicle HERE.
Source: US State of Georgia
ATLANTA (May 14, 2025) — Today, Senator Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) issued a statement on the passing of John Dean:
“Today, Jennifer and I are saddened by the passing of John Dean, a beloved member of our Paulding County community who did so much for our churches, schools, kids and countless citizens. John and I were elected to the Paulding County School Board together in 2018 as outsiders, to fight for kids and teachers across our county. One thing about John Dean is that he always put people first, and in his heart, he did what was best for our community without wavering one day. John was a U.S. Marine and lived those ideals daily as a war veteran who saw the best of America. He always shared those values with my family and countless others across West Georgia. On behalf of Jennifer and I, the Georgia Senate, and the Paulding County Legislative Delegation, we will be praying for his wife Sandra and the entire Dean family in the days to come. God bless.”
# # # #
Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001828/2025
to the Council
Rule 144
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)
A recent study by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) titled ‘Loneliness in Europe – Determinants, Risks and Interventions’, reveals that 13 % of Europeans feel lonely very often or all the time, with 36 % reporting occasional loneliness. The study emphasises that loneliness affects not only the elderly but also younger generations, particularly ‘Generation Z’ (15-30 years old), whose heavy presence on social media contributes to this growing trend.
The study highlights significant socio-economic disparities, with people living in isolation being at a higher risk of experiencing health issues. Loneliness is identified as a public health concern, as isolated individuals are 22 % more likely to develop chronic diseases.
The JRC encourages public authorities and non-governmental organisations to become more actively involved, as isolated individuals often rely more on local and national authorities for support than on their social networks.
Given the increasing prevalence of loneliness across various demographics, what measures does the Commission intend to take to promote social inclusion and improve mental health support across Europe?
Submitted: 6.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001842/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sebastião Bugalho (PPE)
On 30 April 2025, the United States and Ukraine concluded an agreement establishing an investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Set to last 10 years, the fund is designed to boost Ukraine’s economic development and attract investment to support the country’s reconstruction. The agreement will give the US preferential access to new projects to extract natural resources in Ukraine – such as rare-earth elements, titanium and lithium – while Ukraine will retain full ownership and control thereof.
The fund will be managed with equal voting rights for the US and Ukraine, and future revenue will also be distributed equally.
In view of the above:
Submitted: 7.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001852/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Petra Steger (PfE), Mary Khan (ESN)
On 16 April 2025, the Commission announced the frontloading of elements of the asylum and migration package adopted in 2024, which was originally not due to come into force until June 2026. The announcement does not represent systemic change, however; rather, it is merely a pusillanimous attempt to appease the EU’s increasingly incensed population. For one thing, the planned accelerated procedures at external borders are utterly toothless, as they are restricted to countries of origin for which the cross-EU recognition rate is below 20%; and, for another, the published EU list of safe countries of origin is alarmingly incomplete and ignores changed geopolitical realities. Large countries that export asylum seekers and crime, such as Syria or Afghanistan, will therefore remain completely unaffected by the measures. In addition, the involvement of questionable non-governmental organisations in the assessment procedure for classifying safe countries of origin does not suggest that there will be an end any time soon to illegal mass migration to Europe.
Submitted: 7.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001831/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)
The Commission has announced that the second auction of the European Hydrogen Bank attracted 61 project applications from 11 European Economic Area countries, requesting over EUR 4.8 billion in subsidies – four times the EUR 1.2 billion currently available under the EU’s Innovation Fund. The proposed projects represent an electrolyser capacity of 6.3 gigawatts and aim to produce 7.3 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over ten years, corresponding to 7 % of the EU’s REPowerEU target for 2030.
This strong interest highlights the growing momentum in the clean hydrogen sector and the urgent need for increased funding to bridge the gap between production costs and market prices. Contributions from Spain, Lithuania and Austria under the ‘auctions-as-a-service’ model further demonstrate the potential for complementary national support.
However, with demand for subsidies significantly exceeding the available budget, there is a risk that many viable projects essential for achieving the EU’s decarbonisation and energy security goals will not be supported.
In this context, what additional measures does the Commission intend to propose to strengthen financial support for renewable hydrogen, scale up production capacities and ensure the achievement of the EU’s 2030 clean energy targets?
Submitted: 6.5.2025
Source: European Commission
European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 May 2025 To simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and boost farmers’ competitiveness, the European Commission is presenting today a large package of measures targeting the administrative burden, controls, implementation, crisis response and investment needs of the sector.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001817/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Francisco Assis (S&D), Nikos Papandreou (S&D), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Carla Tavares (S&D), Sandra Gómez López (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), André Rodrigues (S&D), Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew), Marta Temido (S&D), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Elio Di Rupo (S&D), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Sérgio Gonçalves (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D)
The large-scale atrocities perpetrated by military and paramilitary forces against civilians in Sudan are widely documented. They show a pattern of indiscriminate bombings, systematic use of rape and aid restrictions as weapons of war. With 11 million displaced people, Sudan is in a dire humanitarian situation. Two years on, the EU has failed to: provide sufficient leadership towards a ceasefire, take meaningful action to protect civilians’ lives, and hold accountable those responsible for crimes against humanity. In January, the United States decided to sanction military leaders and foreign entities responsible for the flow of arms into Sudan. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution[1] urging the EU to implement similar sanctions.
In the light of this situation:
Will the VP/HR propose to the Council that the EU also adopt targeted sanctions on those responsible for the cycle of violence in Sudan? These include: the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan; the leaders of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo ‘Hemedti’ and deputy commander Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagal; other officials and militia leaders responsible for lethal attacks on civilians, and entities and individuals involved in the supplying and procurement of weapons on behalf of the warring parties.
Submitted: 6.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001837/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mario Mantovani (ECR), Denis Nesci (ECR)
The proposed Omnibus package lays down provisions to relieve the administrative burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). SMEs would become exempt from the obligation to report on a series of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards linked to environmental sustainability.
However, this lifting of reporting and due diligence obligations would not extend to EU banking supervision and prudential requirements. In particular, the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) and the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) would, regardless of the Omnibus exemption, continue to oblige SMEs to report on a series of ESG/ESR environmental sustainability factors and standards used to assess risk profiles in banking relations. Such an assessment would be particularly complicated and costly for SMEs, would require them to go to great lengths to provide the necessary information and could lead to difficulties in accessing credit for reasons that do not necessarily have any bearing on the way the company is managed. There is no point to the proposed Omnibus package if simplifications are not extended to the banking sector too.
In view of this, given that the proposed Omnibus package lifts the obligation on SMEs to report sustainability metrics, does the Commission not think that it should provide for their exemption from ESG/ESR reporting obligations in the CRR and CRD with respect to banking supervision and prudential requirements?
Submitted: 7.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001833/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Markéta Gregorová (Verts/ALE)
Digital platforms are required to submit SoRs, pursuant to Article 17 of the DSA and in conjunction with Article 24 (5) of the DSA, to the DSA Transparency Database. The corresponding application programming interface (API) documentation[1] provides, inter alia, the option ‘DECISION_VISIBILITY_CONTENT_LABELLED’ for reporting visibility restrictions.
Does the Commission believe that the application of content labelling triggers the obligation to issue an SoR to the affected recipient of the service and therefore expect platforms to also report these SoRs to the DSA Transparency Database?[2]
Submitted: 6.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the FEMM-LIBE Committees have invited the European Commission to present the procedure which has put in place to comply with the monitoring set out by the Istanbul Convention.
The Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) launched its monitoring procedure in respect of the European Union in order to assess the legislative and other measures taken by the EU institutions, bodies and agencies to give effect to the provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). Following the entry into force of the Istanbul Convention in relation to the European Union on 1 October 2023, GREVIO transmitted its baseline evaluation questionnaire to the European Union.
On 10 April, the European Commission adopted its Communication outlining the monitoring process set out by the Istanbul Convention and the procedures that the Commission intends to put in place to comply with this process. Aiming to serve as a reference point throughout the process, it outlines the Commission’s role, details the steps involved along with the expected timeline.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MONTREAL, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fiera Capital Corporation (“Fiera Capital” or the “Company”) (TSX: FSZ) is pleased to announce that, due to strong demand, it has entered into a revised agreement with Scotiabank, CIBC Capital Markets, Desjardins Capital Markets and RBC Capital Markets, as joint bookrunners, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters which also included National Bank Financial Inc., BMO Capital Markets, TD Securities Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., iA Private Wealth Inc. and Raymond James Ltd. (collectively, the “Underwriters”), to increase the size of its previously announced bought deal offering of senior subordinated unsecured debentures due June 30, 2030 (the “Debentures”) at a price of $1,000 per Debenture (the “Offering”) to $70 million. Fiera Capital has also granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $10.5 million aggregate principal amount of Debentures, on the same terms and conditions, exercisable in whole or in part, for a period of 30 days following closing of the Offering. The Offering is expected to close on or about June 3, 2025.
The Debentures will bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of each year, with the first interest payment on December 31, 2025. The December 31, 2025 interest payment will represent accrued interest from the closing of the Offering, to but excluding December 31, 2025. The Debentures will mature on June 30, 2030 (the “Maturity Date”).
The Debentures will not be redeemable prior to June 30, 2028 (the “First Call Date”), except upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company in accordance with the terms of the indenture (the “Indenture”) governing the Debentures. On and after the First Call Date and prior to June 30, 2029, the Debentures will be redeemable in whole or in part from time to time at the Company’s option at a redemption price equal to 103.875% of the principal amount of the Debentures redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to but excluding the date set for redemption. On and after June 30, 2029 and prior to the Maturity Date, the Debentures will be redeemable, in whole or in part, from time to time at the Company’s option at par plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to but excluding the date set for redemption. The Company shall provide not more than 60 nor less than 30 days’ prior notice of redemption of the Debentures.
The Company will have the option to satisfy its obligation to repay the principal amount of the Debentures due at redemption or maturity by issuing and delivering that number of freely tradeable Class A subordinate voting shares (the “Class A Shares”) in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
The Debentures will not be convertible into Class A Shares at the option of the holders at any time.
The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund the redemption of the Company’s 8.25% Senior Subordinated Unsecured Debentures due December 31, 2026 (the “2026 Debentures”) that the Company intends to effect on the first call-date, December 31, 2025, and for general corporate purposes. Pending such use, the net proceeds from the Offering will temporarily be used by the Company to reduce indebtedness under the Company’s unsecured revolving credit facility. The foregoing is not a redemption notice with respect to the 2026 Debentures. Any redemption of the 2026 Debentures will be made pursuant to a notice of redemption under the indenture governing those securities.
The Debentures will be direct, senior subordinated unsecured obligations of the Company which will rank pari passu with one another and will rank (a) effectively subordinate to any existing and future secured indebtedness of the Company but only (other than with respect to the Senior Credit Facilities (as defined in the Indenture)) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such secured indebtedness, (b) subordinate to the obligations under the current and future Senior Credit Facilities (as defined in the Indenture), (c) pari passu with the Company’s existing 2026 Debentures and 6.00% Senior Subordinated Unsecured Debentures due June 30, 2027 and, except as prescribed by law, all existing and future unsecured indebtedness (other than the Senior Credit Facilities) that by its terms is not subordinated in right of payment to the Debentures, including indebtedness to trade creditors, and (d) senior to all existing and future unsecured indebtedness that by its terms is subordinated in right of payment to the Debentures, including any convertible unsecured subordinated debentures which may be issued by the Company in the future. In addition, the Debentures will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries.
A preliminary short form prospectus will be filed with securities regulatory authorities in all provinces of Canada. The Offering is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The securities to be offered have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of such Act. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Legal advisors
Legal advice is being provided to Fiera Capital by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. Legal advice is being provided to the Underwriters by Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP.
Forward-Looking Statements
This document may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to future events or, future performance reflecting management’s expectations or beliefs regarding future events, including, without limitation, business and economic conditions, outlook and trends, Fiera Capital’s growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, objectives, plans and strategic priorities, new initiatives, such as those related to sustainability and other statements that do not refer to historical facts. In particular, this press release includes forward-looking statements relating to the proposed timing of completion of the Offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds of the Offering. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. These forward-looking statements may typically be identified by words and expressions such as “assumption, “continue”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “goal”, “guidance”, “likely”, “plan”, “objective”, “outlook”, “potential”, “foresee”, “project”, “strategy”, “target”, and other similar words or expressions or future or conditional verbs (including in their negative form), such as “aim”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “expect”, “foresee”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “seek”, “should”, “strive” and “would”.
Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, which make it possible for actual results or events to differ materially from management’s expectations and that predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations, conclusions or statements will not prove to be accurate. As a result, Fiera Capital does not guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the failure or delay in satisfying any of the conditions to the completion of the Offering. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, market and general economic conditions, the nature of the financial services industry, and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Fiera Capital’s interim condensed and annual consolidated financial statements, and its latest Annual Report and Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document, and Fiera Capital assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.
About Fiera Capital Corporation
Fiera Capital is a leading independent asset management firm with a growing global presence. The Company delivers customized and multi-asset solutions across public and private market asset classes to institutional, financial intermediary and private wealth clients across North America, Europe and key markets in Asia and the Middle East. Fiera Capital’s depth of expertise, diversified investment platform and commitment to delivering outstanding service are core to our mission of being at the forefront of investment management science to create sustainable wealth for clients. Fiera Capital trades under the ticker FSZ on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Headquartered in Montreal, Fiera Capital, with its affiliates in various jurisdictions, has offices in over a dozen cities around the world, including New York (U.S.), London (UK), Hong Kong (SAR) and Abu Dhabi (ADGM).
Each affiliated entity (each an “Affiliate”) of Fiera Capital only provides investment advisory or investment management services or offers investment funds in the jurisdictions where the Affiliate is authorized to provide services pursuant to the relevant registrations, an exemption from such registrations and/or the relevant product is registered or exempt from registration.
Fiera Capital does not provide investment advice to U.S. clients or offer investment advisory services in the U.S. In the U.S., asset management services are provided by Fiera Capital’s Affiliates who are investment advisers that are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or exempt from registration. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For details on the particular registration of, or exemptions therefrom relied upon by, any Fiera Capital entity, please consult https://www.fieracapital.com/en/registrations-and-exemptions
Additional information about Fiera Capital, including its Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca
SOURCE Fiera Capital Corporation
The information contained in press releases and company news is valid as of the date indicated. You should not assume that statements remain accurate or valid after the date.
For more information: Analysts and investors, Marie-France Guay, Senior Vice President, Treasury and Investor Relations, Fiera Capital Corporation, 514 294-5878, mguay@fieracapital.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MONTREAL, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex Inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) held its annual meeting of shareholders earlier today. During the meeting chaired by Alain Rhéaume, Chairman of the Board, shareholders elected directors and adopted the resolutions proposed.
Mr. Rhéaume opened the meeting by outlining Boralex’s highlights for the year 2024, during which the Company continued to stand out thanks to the agility and flexibility that have long characterized it. He pointed out that the Company had achieved several important and structuring achievements in 2024, in addition to maintaining its growth strategy aimed at sustainability and value creation. He also underlined the arrival of three new directors: Ricky Fontaine, Nadia Martel and Rémi G. Lalonde. These appointments reflect a commitment to ongoing renewal and to maintaining the highest level of expertise, skills and diversity on the Board of Directors. Finally, Mr. Rhéaume announced to shareholders that Boralex’s 2030 Strategy will be presented at an Investor Day on June 17.
Election of directors
All nominees proposed in the Management Proxy Circular dated March 7, 2025, were elected directors of Boralex by the shareholders present or represented by proxy at the meeting. The results of the vote were as follows:
| Nominee | For | Against | ||
| # | % | # | % | |
| André Courville | 76,556,022 | 98.95 | 812,983 | 1.05 |
| Lise Croteau | 76,824,339 | 99.30 | 544,666 | 0.70 |
| Patrick Decostre | 76,561,100 | 98.96 | 807,905 | 1.04 |
| Marie-Claude Dumas | 74,681,322 | 96.53 | 2,687,683 | 3.47 |
| Ricky Fontaine | 74,609,408 | 96.43 | 2,759,597 | 3.57 |
| Rémi G. Lalonde | 75,192,680 | 97.19 | 2,176,325 | 2.81 |
| Patrick Lemaire | 75,020,952 | 96.97 | 2,348,053 | 3.03 |
| Nadia Martel | 77,339,203 | 99.96 | 29,802 | 0.04 |
| Dominique Minière | 76,551,622 | 98.94 | 817,383 | 1.06 |
| Alain Rhéaume | 72,224,746 | 93.35 | 5,144,259 | 6.65 |
| Zin Smati | 75,171,508 | 97.16 | 2,197,496 | 2.84 |
| Dany St-Pierre | 76,127,159 | 98.39 | 1,241,845 | 1.61 |
The final voting results on all questions submitted to a vote at the Annual Meeting will be filed with SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
About Boralex
At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3.2 GW. Our pipeline of projects and growth path total over 78GW in wind, solar and electricity storage projects. We develop those projects guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.
For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
For more information
| MEDIA | INVESTOR RELATIONS |
| Camille Laventure Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications Boralex Inc. 438-883-8580 |
Stéphane Milot Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis Boralex Inc. 514-213-1045 |
Source: Boralex inc.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001834/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fernand Kartheiser (ECR)
On 17 April 2025, the Moldovan authorities prevented Archbishop Marchel, of the Moldovan Orthodox Church linked to the Moscow Patriarchate, from travelling to Jerusalem for the the Holy Fire Ceremony. He was detained at Chisinau airport without any official explanation, raising concerns about respect for religious freedom.
As the EU has opened accession negotiations with Moldova, the country is obliged to fully respect the fundamental principles of the Union, such as the rule of law, human rights and religious freedoms. Any failure to respect these values could jeopardise its future within the European Union.
In light of the above:
Submitted: 7.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001806/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)
Greece’s Natural Environmental and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), which is supervised by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, was established in 2020 following the transposition into Greek law of Directive (EU) 2018/844 and Directive (EU) 2019/692 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The agency is responsible for coordinating national environmental and biodiversity protection policy.
Recent reports from Greek and European media outlets have denounced that NECCA awarded contracts for communication services[1] worth more than EUR 1 million to companies owned by persons with ties to the ruling Nea Dimokratia party – namely Thomas Varvitsiotis and Yiannis Olympios[2]. The reports reveal that one of these companies, Blue Skies, employs staff that in fact work for the Nea Dimokratia party propaganda team, ‘Team Truth’, raising serious questions about the possible diversion of national and European environmental funds for party purposes[3].
At the same time, civil society organisations complain[4] that NECCA is failing to manage protected areas, secure funding and fulfil the country’s obligations under EU law.
In light of the above, can the Commission say:
Submitted: 5.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001809/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Geadis Geadi (ECR)
A few days ago, the Turkish Ministry of Defence launched direct threats against Cyprus. In what is a total provocation and failure to respect the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus’ status as an EU Member State or Türkiye’s supposed aspirations to EU membership, the Ministry has stated its intention to launch a fresh invasion of Cyprus or, as it calls it, a second ‘peaceful’ intervention in Cyprus.
At the same time, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has once again referred to a two-state solution in Cyprus, which is completely incompatible with international law, which constitutes the foundation of European principles and values.
Can the Commission therefore answer the following:
Submitted: 2.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001822/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nicolás González Casares (S&D)
On 26 March 2025, it was reported that legal proceedings had been started by residents living near the As Conchas reservoir, fed by the River Limia. The proceedings relate to nitrate pollution and its consequences for water quality, impact on health and the quality of the environment, particularly eutrophication.
The Commission brought a case against Spain at the CJEU – in case C-576/22 – which covered, among other matters, the eutrophication in the water and the failure to designate vulnerable zones in Galicia.
The Spanish Government has passed Royal Decree 47/2022, which made it compulsory for autonomous communities to declare vulnerable zones; as a result, the Galician Regional Government announced the creation of a number of vulnerable zones, including in the district of Limia.
In light of this:
Submitted: 6.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
The Impact Assessment[1] of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation[2] examined the economic impacts, also in quantitative terms, on businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) . This assessment was done for the whole package of measures but also for specific measures, such as reuse targets. I t concluded that, overall, the new rules do not result in increased compliance costs for businesses. W here however, significant administrative burden was anticipated, mitigation measures were introduced , such as exemptions for small businesses or reduced requirements. Micro-enterprises were exempted from many requirements and granted alleviations[3].
The Commission will develop implementing legislation with a specific focus to prevent that SMEs face disproportionate administrative burden. Furthermore, it will consider coming up with guidance to help SMEs comply with the new rules. More generally, one of the key criteria for this implementing legislation will be the competitiveness of the EU businesses, in line with recent Commission communications[4].
The Commission anticipates big efficiency gains as regards the enforcement of the reuse targets, also due to digitalisation[5]. Moreover, Member States have several possibilities to exempt operators from the reuse targets, subject to the local conditions. These measures ensure a proportionate implementation of the reuse targets established in the regulation.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001836/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fabio De Masi (NI)
In the Commission’s view, is it permissible for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to regularly advertise party political activities (e.g. during the election campaign as the EPP’s lead candidate) on her Commission President X account? Are Commission staff involved in this work[1]?
Submitted: 7.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
The Assad regime’s fall has been a historic moment for the Syrian people. Throughout the conflict, including in the 2018 Council conclusions on Syria[1], the EU condemned the Assad regime’s brutal violations of international law and deliberate and indiscriminate attacks against civilians, including the use of chemical weapons. What was discovered since the fall of the regime only confirmed its brutality.
In this critical period, the EU supports an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition built on the respect of international law and human rights. In this context, the EU has welcomed the interim authorities’ first positive steps towards an inclusive transition, such as the National Dialogue Conference, the Constitutional Declaration, and the formation of the new government. The EU is in contact with interim authorities and local actors, including civil society, to strongly advocate for tolerance and pluralism. The EU remains attentive to the actions of the new authorities in ensuring the protection of all Syrians, regardless of their background, notably ethnic or religious, and upholding the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Gravely alarmed by the violence in Syria’s coastal region, on 11 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement[2] on behalf of the EU strongly condemning the attacks by pro-Assad militias and the horrific crimes against civilians, including summary killings, many of which were allegedly perpetrated by armed groups supporting the transitional authorities. The EU called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, and welcomed the transitional authorities’ establishment of an independent investigative committee. Everything must be done to prevent any such crimes from happening again.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission has not been made aware of the project referred to by the Honourable Member but is aware of the importance of protecting natural habitats and species of European and international interest, such as the ecosystems hosted by Lake Trichonida.
The protection of these ecosystems is governed by EU legislation, specifically the Habitats Directive[1] and the Birds Directive[2]. Under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, if the project is likely to have a significant negative effect on a Natura 2000 site, the competent authorities must conduct an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of its conservation objectives[3].
The project also falls under Annex II[4] to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive[5]. For such projects, there is no automatic obligation for an EIA. Member States have to determine, through a case-by-case examination, by applying thresholds or criteria, or a combination of both, if the project is likely to have significant effects on the environment. If this is the case, an EIA has to be carried out. For projects for which it is determined that an assessment is not required, the determination must be made available to the public and specify the main reasons for not requiring such assessment.
Under the Water Framework Directive[6], it should be ensured that Article 4(7), concerning new modifications to the physical characteristics of a surface water body, is considered.
The primary responsibility for ensuring that renewable energy projects are developed in full compliance with EU law lies with the Greek authorities.
Source: European Parliament
The EU strictly adheres to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as outlined in the EU Treaties and the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid[1]. The EU provides humanitarian aid to all people in need in Syria, without discrimination and irrespective of ethnicity, faith or other considerations other than need. This includes the Alawite community and Christian populations.
The EU’s humanitarian assistance is delivered through certified humanitarian partners in all parts of Syria, regardless of the area of control. EU-funded humanitarian operations are based on people’s needs, humanitarian principles, and accountability to affected populations.
The resilience/non-humanitarian assistance provided in Syria by the EU also follows strict parameters of implementation. It aims to foster social cohesion by bringing together Syrians and countering any form of community or ethnical fragmentation.
The EU was gravely alarmed by the horrific sectarian violence in Syria’s coastal region targeting minorities. On 11 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement on behalf of the EU, strongly condemning the attacks[2]. This was also supported by the Joint Press Statement issued on 18 March 2025 by the Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, High Representative/Vice-President, and the Foreign Minister of the Syrian transitional government, His Excellency Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani[3].
The EU welcomed the transitional authorities’ commitments to establish an independent investigative committee and called on them to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission takes allegations of money laundering or any other financial misconduct seriously. It has a zero-tolerance policy for fraud and corruption and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of integrity among its staff. As regards measures against money laundering, the Commission refers to the applicable EU and national legislation in this area, to which staff of EU institutions are also subject. Inside the institution, the Commission already relies on a comprehensive framework of compliance and awareness raising mechanisms on ethics and fraud prevention, while continuously strengthening its procedures and internal controls. In case of violations of staff obligations, disciplinary measures may be applied.
2. At this stage and pending possible further information from the Belgian judicial authorities, the allegations about the former European Commissioner for Justice do not concern the EU budget or the management of EU funds. Thus, based on the information available to the Commission so far, there is no need to revise the rules and procedures regarding the prevention and the fight against fraud currently in place, as they are solid and comprehensive.
3. The Commission did not receive such information. However, the Commission can confirm that any information, tip-offs, or notices received, be it from internal or external sources, are systematically assessed and, where necessary, referred to the competent investigative authorities (such as the European Anti-Fraud Office, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the national authorities) for examination.