Source: Airbus
Headline: Airbus inaugurates new campus to train the pilots of tomorrow
Airbus Flight Academy Europe (AFAE), a 100% subsidiary of Airbus, has inaugurated a new campus, in Angoulême, South-West France. During the ceremony, Airbus confirmed that Volotea, the Barcelona-based airline, is the first to recruit its Airbus pilot cadets.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia
It’s almost impossible to go a day without seeing or hearing about sport.
Walk around any city or town and you will almost always catch a glimpse of people playing sports in teams or participating solo.
Turn on the TV or radio and you’ll be able to find some kind of sport being played at international or national level.
Why do people love sport so much?
To answer this question, it’s worth a dive back into ancient history.
One of the most famous figures from the ancient world, Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), once wrote that when he was a boy he was obsessed with playing sports:
I liked to play ball as a boy and my playing slowed my progress in learning to read and write.
In fact, Saint Augustine was so preoccupied with playing ball that his teacher was said to sometimes beat him for it. His teacher said it was bad to waste one’s youth on such things – it’s better to study hard.
Why was Saint Augustine obsessed with ball games? He loved to win:
I loved to play games […] in these games I was overmastered by my vain desire to excel, so I used to strive to win, even by cheating.
Plenty of people today probably share Saint Augustine’s view that winning is one of the things that make sport enjoyable.
Of course, there are many other reasons why people might like to play sport.
If you walked down a city street in ancient Greek and Roman times, it’s likely you’d come across children or even adults playing a ball game.
The Roman playwright Plautus (3rd/2nd century BC) even has one of his characters complain about people “who play ball in the street”.
Ball games were probably the most popular sporting activity in the ancient world and could be played in many different ways.
In one ball game, called episkyros, two teams competed against each other. If one team got the ball over the line behind the other team, they scored. Feet and hands could be used and tackles were permitted.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Of course, many other sports were also popular: athletics, swimming, wrestling, lifting weights and boxing were all favourites.
For the ancient Greeks, the earliest mention of a ball game appears in the Odyssey, an epic poem composed by the poet Homer in probably the eighth or seventh century BC.
In the Odyssey, Nausicaa, daughter of the King of the Phaeacians, plays a ball game with some other girls on the beach. While they throw the ball, they sing songs:
Then when they had had their joy of food, she and her handmaids, they threw off their headgear and fell to playing at ball, and white-armed Nausicaa was leader in the song.
During the game, Nausicaa throws the ball too far. Her maid can’t catch it and the ball flies into the sea. All the girls shout out when it goes flying.
Already in the 3rd century BC, Nausicaa was sometimes regarded as the inventor of ball games. However, other people attributed the invention of ball games to different regions of Greece, saying the games were invented by the Sicyonians or Spartans.
But it is unlikely any Greeks were the original inventors of ball games.
In Egypt, thousands of years before Homer’s epics, there are already artistic depictions of ball games.
For example, in the tomb of the Nomarch of the 11th Dynasty (c. 2150-2000 BC), Baqet III, there is artwork showing women playing ball games and men wrestling each other.
Baqet III, whose tomb contained these artistic depictions of various sports, was likely a true sports lover.
People liked ball games for many different reasons.
One was for the sheer fun and excitement. Another was because they were considered a healthy type of exercise.
Ancient Greek and Roman doctors even told their patients to play ball games to become healthier.
For example, the famous ancient Greek physician Galen (129-216 AD) wrote an essay titled On Exercise with a Small Ball.
He argued “exercises with a small ball are superior to other kinds of exercises”.
He claimed ball games were especially healthy because they moved all of the muscles and because teamwork was good for the soul.
People in the ancient world also thought just watching sport could be something worth doing.
The writer Lucian of Samosata (born 120 AD), for instance, said watching athletes competing for glory could help to encourage men to achieve similar feats: “many of the spectators go away in love with manfulness and hard work”, wrote Lucian.
So it seems there’s nothing new about our modern love of playing and watching sports, and this obsession will probably continue for thousands of years into the future.
Konstantine Panegyres 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. How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession – https://theconversation.com/how-did-sport-become-so-popular-the-ancient-history-of-a-modern-obsession-254057
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s inbound tourism market saw strong recovery and growth during the just-concluded May Day holiday, with smaller cities attracting more foreign visitors seeking cultural experiences, according to industry insiders.
During the five-day break, inbound travel bookings surged 130 percent from a year earlier, said Trip.com Group, China’s largest online travel agency. While top-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai remained popular, destinations including Chengdu in Sichuan province, Chongqing, Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, Zhuhai in Guangdong province, and Xi’an in Shaanxi province also made the list of top inbound choices.
China has been opening its doors wider to international travelers. In 2024, the country expanded its unilateral visa-free policy to include 38 countries, allowing visits of up to 30 days, according to the National Immigration Administration.
Favorable tax refund policies have also boosted inbound travel. In late April, China lowered the tax refund threshold from 500 yuan ($68.80) to 200 yuan and raised the cash refund limit from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan. There is no limit on refunds processed by bank transfer, according to a guideline issued by the Ministry of Commerce and five other departments.
“We encourage relevant institutions to provide tax refund services through various means such as mobile payments, bank cards and cash, and to better meet the diverse payment service needs of overseas travelers,” said Sheng Qiuping, vice-minister of commerce, at a recent news conference in Beijing.
During the holiday, tourists from the United States, South Korea and Japan made up the largest share of inbound visitors. The number of travelers from Australia, Vietnam and Canada also rose significantly, according to Beijing-based travel platform Qunar.
Foreign visitors are venturing beyond major cities. Hotel bookings by foreign tourists in Zhuhai rose 70 percent year-on-year, while Qingdao in Shandong province and Wuhan in Hubei province saw increases of 60 percent and 50 percent, respectively, Qunar reported.
China’s picturesque landscapes and rich culinary culture have frequently been featured in South Korean TV dramas and variety shows, piquing travel interest. The May Day holiday also coincides with a public holiday in South Korea, encouraging young travelers to visit China.
South Korea’s leading travel agency, Hana Tour, said January trips to China rose 77 percent year-on-year, outpacing a 20 percent increase for trips to Japan. The surge was mainly driven by China’s visa-free policy.
Major South Korean airlines have responded by expanding their international flight offerings to China to meet rising demand.
Meanwhile, more foreign visitors are seeking immersive cultural experiences in rural areas. A Trip.com resort in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, reported a surge in bookings from tourists from the US, Italy and Spain since April.
“Besides sightseeing, foreign tourists have shown increasing interest in in-depth tours and diverse experiences, such as participating in farming activities and attending ethnic concerts,” said Fang Zexi, a Trip.com Group researcher.
Their cultural curiosity extends into everyday life. In Chengdu, a popular southwestern city, more foreign visitors are booking culinary experiences, visits to local farmers’ markets, cooking sessions, table presentations and food tasting, Trip.com said.
In the first three days of the holiday, more than 5,700 inbound passenger trips were recorded by Chengdu’s border inspection authority, a year-on-year increase of over 170 percent, according to the Sichuan provincial entry and exit bureau.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
FC Barcelona received a boost ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg at Inter Milan, with top scorer Robert Lewandowski returning to training and expected to be available for selection.
Tuesday looks set to see another thrilling game after last Wednesday’s epic 3-3 draw in Montjuic left the Italian side as slight favorites to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final.
Robert Lewandowski shoots during the UEFA Champions League Group H match against Royal Antwerp, Sept. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Joan Gosa)
Coach Hansi Flick rested nearly all of his expected starting 11 for his side’s narrow 2-1 win away to bottom side Real Valladolid on Saturday night, with Pedri the only one who is expected to repeat in the starting 11 in Milan.
The Spain international was replaced by Frenkie de Jong at halftime on Saturday, with Lamine Yamal having to go into action before the break when Dani Rodriguez suffered a shoulder injury. Raphinha was also a half-time substitute, while Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia also had minutes at the weekend.
Jules Kounde’s hamstring injury means Garcia could play at right-back in Milan, although Hector Fort could also continue if Flick opts not to play Garcia out of position.
Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez were able to rest on Saturday and both will start, with questions over whether Flick will use Martinez as a left-back if Alejandro Balde is still unavailable.
Barca received a big morale boost on Saturday when Marc-Andre ter Stegen returned to action after recovering from cruciate ligament surgery at the start of the season, but Flick confirmed in his post-match press conference that Wojciech Szczesny would play against both Inter Milan on Tuesday and Real Madrid next weekend.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
“Sofa-Meister” – or “Couch Champion” – may have been a new phrase in Harry Kane’s German vocabulary this week, but it now defines the long-awaited first major title of his career.
The term refers to a team clinching a championship while off the pitch, waiting for a rival to slip. That was the case on Sunday evening, as Bayern Munich players, including England captain Kane, gathered at Kafer, a high-end restaurant in the affluent Munich district of Bogenhausen, to watch Bayer Leverkusen face Freiburg.
Harry Kane (front) of Bayern Munich takes a penalty to score during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and FC Augsburg in Munich, Germany, Nov. 22, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Leverkusen’s 2-2 draw sealed Bayern’s 34th Bundesliga title, handing Kane his first piece of silverware after 16 years in professional football.
It was a bittersweet scenario for many players – particularly Kane, who would have preferred to secure the title on the pitch. The 31-year-old missed Saturday’s 3-3 draw against RB Leipzig due to an accumulation of yellow cards, forced to watch from the stands. Just before full time, he came down to the sideline to join his teammates for what he hoped would be a title celebration, only to witness Leipzig’s last-minute equalizer.
“Harry, just one more week,” teammate Thomas Muller said to console him. Muller, 35, secured his 13th Bundesliga crown.
For Kane, the championship ends a painful run of near-misses. Six major final defeats with Tottenham Hotspur and England made him one of the most accomplished players never to win a trophy – until now.
Kane’s contribution to Bayern’s success has been immense. After scoring 36 goals and providing 10 assists in his debut Bundesliga season, he has followed up with 24 goals and 11 assists in the current campaign from just 29 appearances. Beyond the stats, he has emerged as a leader in the dressing room and a focal point of Bayern’s attack.
Following confirmation of the title, social media showed Kane posting a trophy emoji, while video clips circulated of the Bayern squad celebrating with chants of “We are the Champions” and singing England’s football anthem “Sweet Caroline.” Photos later showed Kane embracing his teammates as years of frustration gave way to jubilation.
Bayern will officially lift the Meisterschale trophy next Saturday at home against Borussia Monchengladbach. For Kane, it will mark the symbolic end of a long wait – and the beginning of a decorated chapter in Munich.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The 2025 Hyundai Archery World Cup – Lujiazui Shanghai leg is set to kick off from May 6 to May 11.
As an International Grade A event sanctioned by World Archery, the tournament will, as in previous years, feature 10 disciplines across men’s and women’s recurve and compound categories, including individual, team and mixed team events.
Qualifying and elimination rounds will take place at Yuanshen Sports Centre Stadium from May 6 to 9, while finals will unfold on May 10 to 11 along the Binjiang Avenue in Pudong New Area, offering spectators breathtaking views of the Huangpu River.
The star-studded lineup has been officially unveiled, comprising athletes from 36 countries and regions. In addition to the Chinese national team, including rising stars and seasoned Olympians, the event will feature world stars such as An San, archery’s first triple Olympic champion; Alejandra Valencia, the current world No 2 archer from Mexico; Brady Ellison, the reigning world No 1 in the recurve category and the 2019 World Champion from the United States; Andrea Becerra from Mexico, the current world No 1 in compound category and winner of the Auburndale Stage’s women’s individual event; and Mike Schloesser, the current world No 1 in the compound category from the Netherlands.
Beyond elite competition, the event will amplify its civic impact through the archery carnival, a series of public activities targeting youths, white-collar professionals and amateur enthusiasts. Community challenges, school workshops and interactive exhibitions in commercial hubs will allow locals to test their skills alongside international athletes, fostering grassroots participation.
Since its debut in 2006, the Shanghai leg has become the cornerstone of the Archery World Cup circuit, hosted 13 times in Pudong. By integrating “landmark sports” with the city’s skyline, it has elevated archery’s profile while also promoting tourism and urban development.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
Senator Reverend Warnock hosted an in-person town hall at Zion Hill Baptist Church in South Fulton, Georgia, taking questions from a crowd of over 800 constituents
Senator Reverend Warnock heard from Georgians concerned about threats to social security, federal workers, non-profit funding, and more
In March of this year, the Senator hosted a virtual town hall
Senator Reverend Warnock: “That’s why we are here today, to talk about what keeps you up at night, what I’m going to do to fix it, and what we can do together, because you can’t outsource democracy – it’s a group project”
Watch Senator Warnock’s town hall HERE
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) hosted his first in-person town hall of 2025 to answer questions directly from constituents about how he is fighting for all Georgians amid an unprecedented first 100 days of the Trump Administration.
“Seriously, this is a scary time, and I want you to know I’m sober-minded about it and focused,” said Senator Warnock during the town hall. “Today, I won’t have all the answers to your questions, I’ll tell you that in advance, but let me just state that during this unprecedented time we must come together to fight back against the dangerous actions of this administration, this is no ordinary time.”
The conversation between Senator Warnock and some of his constituents went on for well over two hours and addressed a range of topics, including non-profit funding, the administration’s tariff policies, fired federal workers, Georgia’s failure to adopt Medicaid expansion, international conflicts, eliminating poverty, and so much more.
In answering the first question of the evening on protecting the nation’s democracy, Senator Warnock addressed some of his previous work to bolster voting rights and protect election integrity.
“What we are seeing in real time is that our democracy depends on our charter documents […] I was fighting hard to pass the John Lewis Voting Right Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act,” said Senator Warnock. “You have my commitment that as a member of the Senate, I’m holding this administration accountable, I’m dragging Trump officials in front of my committees and asking the tough questions, I’m voting down legislation that I think runs roughshod over the American people and their rights.”
Senator Warnock also hosted a virtual town hall in early March. Both events highlighted his urging not to give in to despair during these difficult times and his commitment to standing up on behalf of ordinary people in Washington, D.C.
“We have to stand together on these issues, we have to stand up for the rule of law and for due process,” said Senator Warnock during his closing remarks.
Missed the town hall? It can still be viewed in full HERE.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today, celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands.
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives.
This year, 197 businesses representing a diverse range of sectors, have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.
A total of 199 awards have been issued with two companies, Hampshire-based Sonardyne International and Norfolk-based Delta Fire, being recognised for two Awards each.
Overall, 116 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 46 for Innovation, 27 for Sustainable Development and 10 for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.
By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth, to put more money in more working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.
Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who all demonstrate the very best of British business talent.
I wish them every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.
Out of the 197 winning businesses 176 (88%) are SMEs, and of those, 27 (14%) are micro-businesses, with 10 employees or less.
Smaller businesses are the beating heart of this government’s growth mission and providing them with the right support to overcome barriers and reach their full potential is an absolute priority. That is why this Government protected a million small firms from National Insurance increases and extended business rates relief in the Budget.
Since then, we have also launched the new Board of Trade to boost small businesses exports and announced over 200 new Banking Hub locations on top of the existing 100 already open. We have also taken action to tackle the scourge of late payments, and most recently, provided a multi-billion-pound increase in government backed financing to help organisations like the British Business Bank provide vital finance for smaller businesses.
We know that it will only take a 1% increase in SME productivity per year, over the next 5 years, to grow the UK economy by a whopping £94 billion.
We’re absolutely delighted to have received this recognition. Receiving two King’s Awards in 2025 really celebrates Sonardyne’s ongoing performance in International Trade delivered by working sustainably.
It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone at Sonardyne in making, selling, and supporting great products operating across our blue planet, whilst all the time caring deeply about how we do business to protect it. I hope we can inspire and help other UK businesses to do the same.
We are absolutely thrilled to receive two King’s Awards for Enterprise for both Innovation and Sustainable Development. These two highly prestigious awards are a fantastic recognition of the great team work in Delta Fire over the last 35 years from a small workshop unit to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility using net zero energy.
Innovation and Sustainability has led Delta Fire to exporting fire nozzles all around the world and being used to successfully extinguish the majority of fires in the UK every day.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
Other recipients also include:
The full list of Awardees across the four categories can be found in the London Gazette.
Source: European Parliament
Nacho Sánchez Amor – standing rapporteur for Turkey – will hold a press conference at 10:30 on Wednesday.
The European Parliament will vote on the report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye on Wednesday. Before the vote, Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, ES) will answer questions from journalists during a press conference.
When: 10:30 – 11:00, Wednesday, 7 April, 2025
Where: Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201) and remote participation via Interactio
Interpretation will be available in English, French, German, Greek, Italian and Spanish.
Journalists online wishing to actively participate and ask questions, please connect via Interactio.
You can also follow the press conference online via webstreaming.
Background
The enlargement reports are the European Parliament’s response to the Commission’s annual reports on the candidate and potential candidate countries in the EU accession process. Resolutions adopted in plenary represent the European Parliament’s official position as regards EU relations with these countries.
Information for the media – Use Interactio to ask questions
Interactio is only supported on iPad (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser).
When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields.
For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for interventions with video.
Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press event to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary.
When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service
For more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001628/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Katri Kulmuni (Renew)
In July 2023, the Commission published voluntary guidelines on ‘closer-to-nature’ forest management. The guidelines state: ‘The text might not necessarily reflect the views of all the listed individual authorities and organisations since it includes compromise drafting for areas on which views in the group significantly diverged’.
The guidelines do not represent a consensus-based agreement on closer-to-nature forest management practices and should not be referenced or incorporated in EU legislation, and do not sufficiently account for the diversity of forest types and forest management approaches across the Member States. They largely promote continuous cover forestry, which does not necessarily support carbon sequestration in all forest types.
According to the EU forest strategy, the Commission will develop a voluntary certification scheme based on these guidelines.
Submitted: 23.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001614/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
João Oliveira (The Left)
The Draghi Report introduced the idea of a ‘28th legal regime’ for ‘innovative companies’, which aims to provide them with ‘access to harmonised legislation concerning corporate law and insolvency, as well as a few key aspects of labour law and taxation’, including in the Commission’s Competitiveness Compass. On 20 March 2025, the Council called on the Commission to present a proposal ‘in time to allow the co-legislators to take decisive steps by 2026’.
This proposal uses ‘innovation’ as a pretext for making it easier to establish a lowest common denominator for labour protection and taxation as the new standard in all Member States.
What is needed is the very opposite: the removal of exemption schemes and an end to the use of countries, territories and regions that have favourable tax systems – profits should instead be taxed in the countries where they are made – while workers’ rights and pay should be improved.
In view of the above:
Submitted: 23.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001631/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)
Greece’s cultivation of cotton, a strategically important agricultural product for many regions, is under pressure due to uncertainty in international markets and severe weather events that have caused delays in spring sowing. Producers are calling for the reference price on the basis of which crop-specific aid is calculated to be immediately adjusted to reflect real market conditions. The current reference price of EUR 59.40 per acre is considered outdated, given that average trading prices remain well below production costs. Farmers and their organisations are calling for the reference price to be increased to EUR 85 per acre in order to ensure the viability of the crop and to cover losses from changes in international prices.
In view of the above:
Submitted: 23.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001661/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D), Yannis Maniatis (S&D), Nikos Papandreou (S&D)
The Arta-Karditsa link road is a critical artery for Western Greece, Epirus and Western Thessaly, areas facing severe problems of geographical isolation, demographic decline and economic backwardness. It is considered that the upgrade of this road into a modern and safe motorway featuring sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure will contribute to the revitalisation of the local economy, the strengthening of agri-food production and the stimulation of the return of young people and families to the countryside.
Taking into account the strategic importance of connecting the Ionian Road and the E65 for interregional cohesion, as well as the imperative need for balanced development and the elimination of disparities between regions, in combination with the funding possibilities offered by the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Cohesion Fund:
Submitted: 24.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001612/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)
Negotiations between the EU and the Maldives on the possible abolition of tariffs on imports of fisheries products have been ongoing for seven years, with no resolution in sight. Last year, the Maldives ratified the Samoa Agreement, taking a further step towards closer cooperation with the EU and joining the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). After years of negotiations, it is crucial that significant progress is made on this issue.
Submitted: 23.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
The EU strongly condemns the deadly attacks against civilians in Syria. On 11 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement on behalf of the EU strongly condemning the horrific crimes against civilians in the coastal areas and calling for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice[1].
The EU welcomed the commitments made by the transitional authorities, particularly the establishment of an independent investigative committee and called on the transitional authorities to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate all violations. The EU will follow closely the outcomes of the investigations conducted by both national and international mechanisms.
The EU consistently supports a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political transition, grounded on the respect for international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, pluralism and tolerance among all components of society as well as on the values of rule of law and accountability.
It urges the involved parties to protect Syrians from all ethnic and religious background without discrimination. In this context, it welcomes the commitments of the transitional authorities in this respect, stressing the importance of these commitments to be followed up with actions.
Since 2011, the EU and the Member States have mobilised nearly 37 billion EUR in response to the Syrian crisis, representing the largest donors of humanitarian and stabilisation assistance to Syria and the region.
The EU’s humanitarian assistance is delivered through certified partners and based on people’s needs, humanitarian principles and accountability, emphasising transparency, efficiency and effectiveness .
The EU’s non-humanitarian assistance is subjected to extensive monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including third party monitoring.
On 24 February 2025, the EU suspended several restrictive measures as part of a gradual, conditional and reversible approach to support an inclusive political transition and economic recovery. At the same time, the Council maintained listings related to the Assad regime[2].
Source: European Parliament
The regulation on the establishment of the European Digital Identity (EUDI) Framework[1] mandates Member States to offer digital identity wallets. It provides the possibility for effective age verification (AV) within the EU.
To bridge the gap until the EUDI wallets become available, the Commission is developing a privacy preserving, data minimising, harmonised AV solution.
Under Article 28(1) of the Digital Services Act (DSA)[2], all providers of online platforms accessible to minors must ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security to minors on their services.
Those providers of online platforms accessible to minors, including app stores (i.e. Google Play), must implement appropriate and proportionate measures to fulfil such obligations.
Independently from app stores’ obligations, some app developers distributing their apps on app stores (i.e. TikTok) also fall under the scope of Article 28(1) of the DSA. To comply with that provision, providers of online platforms accessible to minors may have to implement AV, based on their risk profile[3].
Providers of app stores designated as very large online platforms are required, under Articles 34 and 35 of the DSA, to identify, analyse and assess the systemic risks stemming from the design, functioning or use made of their services, considering inter alia any actual of foreseeable negative effect for the respect of the rights of the child enshrined in Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU[4], and put in place effective mitigation measures to address such risks.
Source: Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has condemned those behind threats to Catholic residents of Skegoneill in north Belfast.
The North Belfast MLA made the comments after it was reported police visited several houses in the area to inform homeowners they were being targeted by a “criminal gang”.
It is understood, at least one family has moved out as a result.
“Sectarianism has no place in our society, neither do the criminal thugs involved in issuing threats to residents of Skegoneill,” said Ms Ní Chuilín.
“Those intent on driving residents out of their homes simply because of their identity must be challenged, called out, and brought to justice.”
“Political leaders must make it clear that they reject this vile behaviour and the thugs behind it.”
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: 100 Days of Secretary Noem: Making America Safe Again
lass=”text-align-center”>“I will continue fighting every day alongside President Donald Trump to secure our border and keep American communities safe
This is just the beginning of the Golden Age of America
” – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem
WASHINGTON – In her first 100 days on the job, Secretary Kristi Noem returned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to its core mission of securing the homeland
Under Secretary Noem’s strong leadership, DHS is hard at work securing our borders, arresting and removing criminal aliens, safeguarding the U
S
cyber infrastructure, protecting America’s leaders, deterring terrorism, and keeping America safe
Below are just some of Secretary Noem’s accomplishments from her 100 Days:
Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history
Daily border encounters have plunged 95% since President Trump and Secretary Noem took office
Migrants are turning BACK before they even reach our border— migration through Panama’s Darien Gap is down 99
99%
Secretary Noem launched a multimillion-dollar nationwide and international ad campaign, urging illegal aliens to leave the U
S
voluntarily or face deportation with no chance of return and warning criminals to stay out
The data shows the world is hearing our message
Secretary Noem and Secretary Kennedy have reunited nearly 5,000 unaccompanied children with a safe relative or guardian
Secretary Noem is finishing the border wall
DHS already has 85 miles of new construction either planned or under construction
United States (U
S
) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U
S
Coast Guard (USCG) have seized nearly 232,000 pounds of fentanyl and other illicit drugs—stopping them from ever reaching American communities
Secretary Noem is fulfilling President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations—starting with the worst of the worst
Secretary Noem unleashed the U
S
Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to target the worst of the worst, 75% of their arrests are criminal illegal aliens with convictions or pending charges
Secretary Noem rode with ICE agents on an operation in New York City that resulted in the arrest of a Tren de Aragua ringleader
The Secretary went on a successful operation in Northern Virginia that got MS-13 gang members, 18th Street gang members, and perpetrators of sexual crimes off our streets
Additionally, Secretary Noem went on an ICE operation in Phoenix that resulted in the arrest of human traffickers, drug smugglers, and 18th Street gang members
DHS has secured 598 signed agreements with state and local partnerships under 287(g)
Last week, the first 287(g) enforcement operation coordinated with state and federal law enforcement—Operation Tidal Wave—resulted in 1,120 arrests across Florida
Secretary Noem deputized the Texas National Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Prisons, U
S
Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, members of the State Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help with immigration operations
Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS has arrested over 168,000 illegal aliens in 2025 alone, including more than 600 members of Tren de Aragua
To fulfill President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations, DHS and Department of Defense (DOD) are detaining some of the most dangerous illegal aliens, including violent criminals and members of terrorist gangs, at Guantanamo Bay
Secretary Noem was the first Cabinet Secretary to visit Guantanamo Bay and see the facilities where the worst of the worst are being held
At President Trump’s direction, DHS deported nearly 300 Tren de Aragua and MS-13 terrorists to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) Prison in El Salvador, where they no longer pose a threat to the American people
While in El Salvador, Secretary Noem signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to update the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) between the U
S
and El Salvador
This agreement ensures fugitives’ criminal records are shared between America and El Salvador, so that criminals are not inadvertently released into American communities
While in Colombia, Secretary Noem signed a Statement of Intent for Biometric Cooperation
This agreement facilitates the sharing of biometric data between our nations to better identify and prevent criminals and terrorists from our crossing borders
Biometric data sharing has already led to over 1,700 deportations and 1,000 arrests
President Trump ended the CBP One app that allowed more than one million aliens to illegally enter the U
S
Secretary Noem replaced this disastrous program with the CBP Home app, which has a new self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country
So far, thousands of illegal aliens have used the app to self-deport
The Trump Administration is enforcing the Alien Registration Act which requires aliens to register with the federal government
If illegal aliens fail to comply, they face fines and imprisonment
Deportations have already exceeded 152,000—this is just the beginning
Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS partnered with the Government of Uzbekistan to successfully deport over 100 illegal aliens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan
This operation, in which Uzbekistan fully funded the deportation of their own nationals, underscores the deep security cooperation between our nations and sets a standard for U
S
alliances
President Trump and Secretary Noem are putting the safety of Americans first and delivering justice for victims of illegal aliens and drug cartels
Under the Secretary’s leadership, DHS is enforcing President Trump’s first major piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act
This law mandates the federal detention of illegal aliens who are accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury
President Trump designated international drug cartels and other criminal gangs, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
This enables a whole-of-government approach to dismantle their drug and human trafficking operations
The days of unchecked cartel and gang violence are over
Following the Secretary’s meeting with the Honduran Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Trump Administration extradited Eswin Mejia, an illegal alien arrested for killing 21-year-old Sarah Root in a drunk driving crash, from Honduras
President Trump and Secretary Noem reopened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office, which was shuttered by the Biden Administration
President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for the victims of illegal alien crime and ensuring they have access to much needed resources and support they deserve
Secretary Noem has met with Angel families—including Alexis Nungaray, Sabine Durden-Coulter, Tammy Nobles, Maureen Maloney, and Agnes Gibboney—to hear their tragic stories and offer support from the Trump Administration
President Trump and Secretary Noem are restoring integrity and common sense to our legal immigration system
DHS has returned the Temporary Protected Status immigration program to its original status: temporary
No longer will this program be abused and exploited by illegal aliens
Secretary Noem rescinded the previous administration’s extension of Venezuelan, Haitian, and Afghan TPS
President Trump is returning common sense to our legal immigration system and national security by revoking visas of terrorist sympathizers
Those who glorify and support terrorists who kill Americans are not welcome in the U
S
Some examples include:
ICE arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student who led activities aligned with Hamas and passed out pro-Hamas propaganda flyers
Dr
Rasha Alawieh was deported after she admitted to attending the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, a brutal terrorist who led Hezbollah and was responsible for killing hundreds of Americans
ICE arrested Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown foreign exchange student whose father-in-law is a senior advisor to Hamas
To keep America safe, DHS is now conducting enhanced vetting of visa applicants, including monitoring foreign aliens’ social media accounts to identify any support for terrorist organizations
Under President Trump, Secretary Noem refocused DHS to its core mission of protecting the American homeland and eliminating government waste
Secretary Noem has empowered our brave men and women in ICE, Border Patrol, and the Coast Guard to use common sense to do their jobs effectively
DHS ensured a safe and secure Super Bowl for the more than 100,000 fans celebrating in New Orleans
Secretary Noem is embracing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts to make sweeping cuts that eliminate government waste, return DHS to its core mission of protecting the homeland, and fulfill the Founders vision of returning power to the states
The USCG eliminated an ineffective information technology (IT) program, saving nearly $33 million, and is now focusing resources where they’re most needed to protect our homeland
The Trump Administration stopped aliens on the Terror Watchlist from receiving Medicaid benefits
Secretary Noem stopped the construction of a new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency headquarters building that was going to cost American taxpayers more than half a billion dollars
Secretary Noem ended the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) FEMA grant program that was wasteful and ineffective
This resulted in nearly a billion dollars being directed to the Disaster Relief Fund
To stop policies that were magnets for illegal immigration, DHS froze all funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and announced a partnership with the U
S
Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure taxpayer dollars do not go to housing illegal aliens
Secretary Noem ended collective bargaining for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Security Officers, which constrained TSA’s chief mission to safeguard our transportation systems and keep Americans safe
Bottom Line: Secretary Noem will continue fighting alongside President Trump every day to secure our border and keep American communities safe
This is just the beginning of a new Golden Age of America
Source: European Parliament
The Commission deplores violations of the fundamental rights at work committed against any worker, including high-risk jobs such as fishers.
In line with this, the Commission actively promotes the effective implementation of fundamental international labour standards from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) within the EU and by partner countries[1], including the conventions setting out standards on adequate working conditions for fishers[2] and the elimination of forced or compulsory labour[3].
As a member country of the ILO, China has the obligation to uphold the fundamental principles and rights at work. Through its human rights dialogue with China, the EU raises its concerns about labour rights and the use of forced labour with the Chinese authorities[4].
In addition, the EU adopted in 2024 t he Forced Labour Regulation[5], which prohibits products made with forced labour on the EU market.
From the entry into application of the regulation in December 2027, the Commission and Member States’ competent authorities will be able to investigate allegations about the presence of forced labour practices in the manufacturing products intended for the EU market and eventually ban the products concerned when sufficient evidence is found.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001660/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Gerolf Annemans (PfE)
At a time when the Armenian Genocide is being commemorated, and there are continuing tensions and border disputes between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) is visiting Baku on 25 April.
President Ilham Aliyev has threatened the EU Mission in Armenia in the past and seems to care little about EU criticism. It nonetheless appears that the VP/HR is planning the visit in order to achieve short-term energy gains, disregarding the rule of law and international law in the process.
Submitted: 24.4.2025
Source: EuroStat – European Statistics
European Commission Speech Brussels, 05 May 2025 It is a real pleasure to be with you today. I have been looking forward to this ECHO Townhall for a long time. It is so good to see the whole ECHO family togeth…
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001727/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Andi Cristea (S&D)
In the context of Parliament’s Committee on Petitions, I am following up on Petition 1428/2024, submitted by EU citizen Daniel Tudor, which calls for the introduction of mandatory identity verification (KYC) for all social media accounts created and visible within the EU.
The petitioner highlights the potential of such a system to ensure transparency, enhance digital accountability and reduce the prevalence of disinformation, anonymous abuse and coordinated manipulation on online platforms.
Given the planned review of the Digital Services Act (DSA) in November 2025 and the EU’s broader commitment to a safer and more trustworthy digital environment, this proposal merits attention.
Submitted: 30.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
The European Union is acting to protect its businesses and consumers. That is why the European Union has always been open to negotiate with the United States.
The now-suspended countermeasures are strong but proportionate, taking also into account the input received during the stakeholder consultation and the overall European Union-United States trade relation.
The European Union will not hesitate to defend the legitimate interests and rights of its companies and citizens.
In the event of additional tariffs by the United States on European wines, the Commission will spare no effort to avert unnecessary damage to the European wine sector.
The European Union has at its disposal several instruments for that purpose, including exceptional measures to address market disturbances that can be put quickly in place .
If swiftly adopted, the wine package includes several provisions that could help the sector better cope with challenges, such as the prevailing decrease in consumption and global market developments.
These measures offer greater flexibility in managing policy instruments, enhance competitiveness, strengthen the sector’s ability to adapt to shifting trends in demand, facilitate the internal market functioning and provide longer support to consolidate external markets.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission registered China’s apparent refusal to issue export licenses for the export of artificial graphite to Sweden as an official trade barrier in 2023 following an internal investigation.
The Commission has thereafter been in close contact with Sweden and has raised the issue with China on multiple occasions, during both bilateral contacts with China and at the World Trade Organisation.
On these occasions, the Commission has also expressed its deep concern regarding the overall increase in Chinese licensing requirements targeting critical raw materials in recent years, and the negative effects these measures have on the perception of China as a reliable trading partner.
To ensure secure, resilient and sustainable supply of strategic raw materials, the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)[1] sets out benchmarks for extraction, processing, recycling and diversification and introduces measures to achieve these.
Regarding the long-term availability of graphite, designated as a strategic raw material under the CRMA, the Commission inter alia maps with Member States the projects in the EU; calls for strategic projects; develops and implements strategic partnerships on raw materials; invests in innovative raw material production projects under Horizon Europe[2]; and concludes EU bilateral trade agreements for fair and unrestricted trade in raw materials.
Further improvements on recycling can equally increase the availability of critical raw materials. The first list of strategic projects was published on 25 March 2025[3]. three of them are located in Sweden, and two concern graphite.
Regarding overall availability of raw materials, the Geological Surveys of Europe provide a detailed overview of minerals deposits in the EU[4].
Source: European Parliament
The Commission remains committed to the objectives of reducing the overall use and risk of chemical pesticides, cutting nutrient losses, reducing overall EU sales of antimicrobials for farmed animals and in aquaculture, and increasing the level of organic farming as well as organic aquaculture.
The Vision for Agriculture and Food[1] underlines that farmers need appropriate support of various kinds to help them make their contribution to achieving these objectives — in an approach which addresses the need for environmental, economic and social sustainability.
The quantified targets referred to by the Honourable Members are not legally binding. However, the underlying indicators are part of the Commission’s established set of context indicators on the Common Agricultural Policy[2], and on that basis will continue to be monitored alongside the Commission’s various other indicators which relate to the farming and food sectors.
Regarding animal transport, on 7 December 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal[3] for a new Regulation on the protection of animals during transport. This proposal is now being examined by the European Parliament and the Council.
Source: European Parliament
The housing crisis in several Member States is caused by several factors. The regulation (EU) 2024/1028[1] on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services (STR) aims to provide Member States authorities with reliable and objective data on short-term rentals to allow them to adopt the most convenient and proportionate measures to counterbalance any possible negative effects of short-term rentals.
Member States that wish to receive data on short-term rentals from platforms are obliged to implement the STR Regulation. In this regard, any registration scheme that Member States want to introduce must be compliant with the STR Regulation.
However, Member States are not obliged to introduce registration schemes or seek data from platforms, in which case the regulation does not need to be implemented.
Public authorities may take different approaches in this area. It is for Member States and their competent authorities to decide whether to put in place registrations schemes at regional level.
In addition, to help tackle the housing crisis, the Commission has appointed the first-ever Commissioner responsible for housing and established a Task Force for Housing.
The Commission will put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan and will tackle systemic issues with the short-term accommodation rentals and make proposals to tackle the inefficient use of the current housing stock.
During these activities, the Commission will give due consideration to the matters described by the Honourable Member.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Green Deal[1] aims at positioning Europe as the first climate-neutral continent in a fair, cost effective and competitive way. The Clean Industrial Deal[2] has continued this path by strengthening the business case for decarbonisation and competitiveness in the EU[3] through actions to improve access to affordable energy, lead markets, public and private investments, materials and resources, global markets, skills and quality jobs. To tailor actions to the needs of individual industries, work goes on with the preparation of sector specific plans, such as those for the automotive[4], steel, and metal[5] sectors. The recent simplification package[6] shows the Commission’s focus also on horizontal enablers necessary for a competitive economy.
2. EU’s industry faces higher energy prices than those of our trading partners and unfair global competition due to overcapacities from other countries. To address this and support the green transition, the Commission adopted the Affordable Energy Action Plan[7]. Reducing dependency on hydrocarbons and expanding clean technologies is key for EU’s energy security. The Clean Industrial Deal targets 100 GW of renewable electricity generation and boosting recycling and use of secondary materials that require less energy than extraction and processing of virgin materials. The EU remains committed to its decarbonisation objectives.
3. In addition to strengthening its domestic supply chains and resilience, the EU remains committed to the effective implementation of critical raw materials policies through strategic partnerships with countries rich in these resources and boosting recycling.
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001726/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marion Walsmann (PPE)
China’s recently adopted export controls on rare earth metals, including gallium, germanium and graphite, once again demonstrates European industry’s reliance on Chinese supplies for these critical raw materials. These materials are essential for key technologies, such as electromobility and energy from renewable sources.
Supporters[1]
Submitted: 30.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001659/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Hilde Vautmans (Renew)
EU law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687) classifies pigeons as ‘captive birds’ even though scientific studies show that they are a ‘dead-end host’ for the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV). The regulations do not take sufficient account of differences in susceptibility between bird species, although HPAIV is now endemic in wild populations.
In addition, EU legislation does not distinguish between Newcastle Disease (NCD) in poultry and Pigeon Paramyxo Virus (PMV) in pigeons. This could lead to unjustified trade restrictions and loss of NCD-free status in the event of a PMV outbreak. In line with WOAH recommendations, the industry advocates recognising this distinction and limiting measures pertaining to NCD in poultry.
Finally, the sector stresses the importance of providing for derogations for pigeon racing, given its genetic and cultural value and the negligible risk of it spreading HPAIV.
Submitted: 24.4.2025
Source: European Parliament
The steel safeguard review investigation has concluded that the EU steel industry is under significant pressure caused by increasing global overcapacity, stalling domestic demand for steel and additional trade measures on steel imports adopted by third countries.
To ensure that the safeguard measure remains effective in the present context, and taking into account the overall EU interest, the Commission considers that a number of adjustments to tariff rate quota management are necessary. These adjustments entered into force on 1 April 2025.
The Steel and Metals Action Plan[1] foresees that, by the third quarter of 2025 at the latest, the Commission will propose a long-term measure providing a highly effective level of protection to the EU’s steel sector.
Resource shuffling refers to the export of less emissions-intensive materials production towards markets with higher carbon costs, while the overall carbon intensity of production remains constant.
The Commission is assessing the risk and magnitude of resource shuffling and will, as part of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Anti-Circumvention strategy, identify policy options to minimise this risk.
As announced in the Steel and Metals Action Plan, the strategy will be part of a legislative proposal for a CBAM revision by the fourth quarter of 2025.
