Source: The Conversation – Indonesia – By Adrian Perkasa, Peneliti Pascadoktoral, Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies
Indonesia’s plan to rewrite its official national history was initially met with positive responses, particularly for its goal of better serving the younger generation. But the project to reshape the country’s mainstream historical narrative soon ignited widespread controversy for overlooking underrepresented groups and reinforcing authoritarian tendencies.
However, backlash soon followed, with criticism intensifying after Culture Minister Fadli Zon’s controversial statement) dismissing the 1998 mass rapes as mere rumours.
Its treatment of historical narratives from regions beyond Java also remains insufficient — let alone its neglect of non-political and non-economic themes, such as the arts or sports.
Silent affirmation?
In response to the controversy, few formal statements have been made from either MSI or the historians involved in the project, apart from the minister and the project’s principal editor.
He argued that speaking from within, rather than criticising from the outside, demands greater courage and careful calculation – a stance he fears is likely to be overlooked.
As a history-and-culture researcher, his remarks reinforce the perception that many of the historians involved in the revision project are civil servants at state universities or individuals closely aligned with those in power.
In the context of Indonesia’s current national history revision project, it is worth revisiting comparisons between how national histories were written under Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines and Suharto in Indonesia.
Historians in both countries should be recognised as active agents with their own interests and authority — not as passive participants or easily influenced figures.
During Suharto’s regime, one historian even withdrew from the state-led national history writing project due to disagreements, particularly over methodological approaches.
The project’s director marginalised historian Sartono Kartodirdjo — who championed a multidimensional approach — in favour of a more linear, state-centric narrative. Sartono’s more holistic perspective made space for a broader range of historical actors, including farmers and other often-overlooked communities.
A similar precedent can be traced back to the early years of Indonesian independence, when the government initiated efforts to document the country’s national history in the 1950s. At the time, the National History Writing Committee — comprising prominent scholars — organised Indonesia’s first National History Seminar.
Yet the initiative failed to produce an official national history, partly due to the same kind of unresolved methodological debates that resurfaced during Suharto’s rule.
Given the failures and controversies surrounding Indonesia’s earlier attempt to produce an official national history, the current revision project demands critical re-evaluation — and, if necessary, a complete halt.
Merely involving more historians to boost representation is not an adequate solution either.
The core issue lies not in revising history, but in advancing Indonesian historiography. Rather than pushing ahead with an extensive national history rewrite, the government should prioritise fostering diverse local history initiatives — through programmes such as the Cultural Endowment Fund or the Indonesiana Fund.
This approach would enable a more comprehensive and representative account of Indonesian history — one that integrates local perspectives while remaining connected to national and global narratives.
Saya pernah dan masih berkolaborasi untuk riset dengan beberapa lembaga di lingkungan Kementerian Kebudayaan seperti Museum dan Cagar Budaya Nasional, Balai Pelestarian Kebudayaan, dan lainnya.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) — A total of 131,000 standard containers of cargo were shipped from east China’s Zhejiang Province via the Yixinou (Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe) route on China-Europe international rail freight services in the first half of 2025, up 11.1 percent year on year, according to data from Hangzhou Customs.
According to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, there are currently 26 regular cross-border routes within the framework of China-Europe rail freight transportation, linking Zhejiang Province with more than 160 cities in more than 50 countries on the Eurasian continent. The volume of goods sent by China-Europe trains maintains stable growth.
In order to ensure the steady growth of the range and quantity of goods transported along Yixinou routes, Hangzhou Customs has taken a series of measures to simplify customs clearance, such as opening a “green corridor” for China-Europe trains and pre-registration for customs clearance of goods on a 24/7 basis /24 hours a day, 7 days a week/.
The Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe international freight railway route was officially launched in November 2014. It starts in Yiwu, known as the “world supermarket,” passes through Xinjiang to Kazakhstan, crosses the territories of Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, France and ends in Madrid, Spain. The total length of the line is more than 13 thousand km. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The European Union said on Saturday it was ready to retaliate to defend its interests if the United States pressed ahead with imposing a 30% tariff on European goods from August 1.
U.S. President Donald Trump latest salvo surprised the bloc, the United States’ largest trading partner, which had hoped to avoid an escalating trade war after intense negotiations and increasingly warm words from the White House.
Ursula von der Leyen, head of the EU executive which handles trade policy for the 27 member states, said the bloc was ready to keep working towards an agreement before August 1,but was willing to stand firm.
“We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required,” she said of possible retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods entering Europe.
EU ambassadors will discuss next steps on Sunday, before trade ministers meet in Brussels on Monday for an extraordinary meeting. They will need to decide whether to impose tariffs on 21 billion euros of U.S. imports in retaliation against separate U.S. tariffs against steel and aluminium, or extend a suspension which lasts until the end of Monday.
The EU has so far held back from retaliating against the U.S., although it has readied two packages that could hit a combined 93 billion euros of U.S. goods
European capitals swiftly backed von der Leyen’s position.
German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche called for a “pragmatic outcome to the negotiations”.
Trump’s proposed tariffs”would hit European exporting companies hard. At the same time, they would also have a strong impact on the economy and consumers on the other side of the Atlantic,” she said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that the European Commission needed more than ever to “assert the Union’s determination to defend European interests resolutely”.
Retaliation might need to include so-called anti-coercion instruments if Trump did not back down, Macron said.
The tool, drawn up during Trump’s first term and used against China, allows the EU to go beyond traditional tariffs on goods and impose restrictions on trade in services, if it deems that a country is using tariffs to force a change in policy.
Spain’s Economy Ministry backed further negotiations but added that Spain and others in the EU were ready to take “proportionate countermeasures if necessary”.
Trump has periodically railed against the European Union, saying in February it was “formed to screw the United States”.
His biggest grievance is the U.S. merchandise trade deficit with the EU, which in 2024 amounted to $235 billion, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The EU has repeatedly pointed to a U.S. surplus in services, arguing it in part redresses the balance.
RETALIATION
Combining goods, services and investment, the EU and the United States are each other’s largest trading partners by far. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU said in March the trade dispute could jeopardise $9.5 trillion of business in the world’s most important commercial relationship.
Bernd Lange, head of the European Parliament’s trade committee said he was now convinced the first stage of countermeasures should come into force on Monday, followed quickly by the second package.
Trump has said he would mirror any retaliatory moves.
Still, Trump has repeatedly announced sweeping tariffs in recent months, only to row back or suspend them before his own self-imposed deadlines. The expectation that he will again relent has led to increasingly muted responses on financial markets, which have recovered since plunging after his initial “Liberation Day” announcement of big global tariffs in April.
Three EU officials who spoke on condition on anonymity said they saw Trump’s latest threats as a negotiating ploy.
Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING, said Trump’s move suggested that months of negotiations remained deadlocked and that the situation was inching towards a make-or-break moment for the transatlantic trade relationship.
“The EU will now have to decide whether to budge or to play hardball,” he said. “This will bring market volatility and even more uncertainty.”
Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, noted that the brunt of the U.S. tariffs, if implemented, would be felt by U.S. consumers.
However, there would also be clear repercussions for the euro area economy, already struggling with weak growth.
The European Central Bank had used a 10% tariff on EU exports to the United States as the baseline in its latest economic projections, which put output growth in the euro area at 0.9% this year, 1.1% in 2026 and 1.3% in 2027.
It said a 20% U.S. tariff would curb growth by 1 percentage point over the same period and also pull down inflation to 1.8% in 2027, from 2.0% in the baseline scenario. It did not even offer an estimate for the possibility of a 30% tariff.
Iga Swiatek took another stride towards tennis greatness by ruthlessly tearing apart American 13th seed Amanda Anisimova 6-0 6-0 and lifting her first Wimbledon trophy on Saturday.
The big occasion turned into a nightmare for Anisimova who became the first woman to lose a Wimbledon final by that painful scoreline since 1911 and the first to do so at any major since Steffi Graf routed Natasha Zvereva at the 1988 French Open.
Already a U.S. Open champion and a four-times French Open winner, Swiatek’s demolition job at the All England Club meant that she became the youngest woman since a 20-year-old Serena Williams in 2002 to lift major titles on all three surfaces.
Her superb display on the sun-drenched lawns of London also ensured that she emerged as the first player since Monica Seles in 1992 to win her first six major finals.
“It’s something that is just surreal. I feel like tennis keeps surprising me, and I keep surprising myself,” Swiatek told reporters after hoisting the gilded Venus Rosewater Dish.
“I’m really happy with the whole process, how it looked like from the first day we stepped on a grasscourt. Yeah, I feel like we did everything for it to go in that direction without expecting it, just working really hard.
“It means a lot, and it gives me a lot of experience. Yeah, I don’t even know. I’m just happy.”
Swiatek’s triumph ended a barren 13-month run for the Polish 24-year-old, who served a short suspension late last year after an inadvertent doping violation linked to contaminated sleep medication melatonin.
“I want to thank my coach (Wim Fissette). With the ups and downs now, we showed everybody it’s working,” Swiatek added.
SCORCHING START
On another warm afternoon on Centre Court, Swiatek got off to a scorching start by breaking a nervous Anisimova three times en route to dishing out the first bagel, prompting some spectators to get behind the shell-shocked American.
A frustrated Anisimova shrieked and desperately looked to her team in the stands for any kind of guidance after conceding yet another break point early in the second set and it was not long before her machine-like opponent pulled away further.
Anisimova continued to disappointingly crack under pressure, before Swiatek completed the brutal mauling in 57 minutes with a backhand winner on her second match point to become the first Wimbledon champion from Poland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk celebrated with a picture of himself watching a post-match interview while holding a bowl of pasta and strawberries, Swiatek’s cheat meal at Wimbledon, while President Andrzej Duda was effusive in his praise.
“Iga! Today, on the grasscourts of Wimbledon, you wrote history – not only for Polish sport, but also for Polish pride. On behalf of the Republic of Poland – thank you,” Duda wrote.
Victory took Swiatek to 100 wins from 120 matches at the majors, making her the quickest to get to there since Williams in 2004, and denied Anisimova the chance to become the first American to win the title since her compatriot in 2016.
Swiatek jumped for joy on court before running towards her team in the stands to celebrate her triumph. The Friends fan was equally delighted to receive a congratulatory hug from American actress Courteney Cox, who was among the spectators.
All this while, Anisimova was left to wonder what could have been as she sat in her seat, before the tears began to flow during her on-court interview.
Few would have envisioned the American to hit the heights she did in the last fortnight after she fell outside the top 400 following her mental health break two years ago.
“I didn’t have enough today,” said Anisimova, who began the tournament with a 6-0 6-0 win over Yulia Putintseva but admitted to running out of gas in the final.
“I’m going to keep putting in the work, and I always believe in myself. I hope to be back again one day.”
It was bitter disappointment for U.S. fans hoping for an “American Slam” this year after Madison Keys won the Australian Open at the start of the year and Coco Gauff triumphed at the French Open last month.
Iran plans to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog despite restrictions imposed by its parliament, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday, while stressing that access to its bombed nuclear sites posed security and safety issues.
A new law passed in Iran following last month’s Israeli and U.S. bombing campaign stipulates that inspection of Iran’s nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) needs approval by the Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s top security body.
The Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted a nuclear programme which Western countries have long said was aimed at building an atomic weapon. Iran has long said its nuclear programme is purely peaceful.
Any negotiations over Iran’s future nuclear programme are likely to require its cooperation with the IAEA, which angered Iran last month by declaring on the eve of the Israeli strikes that Tehran was violating non-proliferation treaty commitments.
“The risk of spreading radioactive materials and the risk of exploding leftover munitions … are serious,” state media cited Araqchi as saying. “For us, IAEA inspectors approaching nuclear sites has both a security aspect … and the safety of the inspectors themselves is a matter that must be examined.”
While Iran’s cooperation with the nuclear watchdog has not stopped, it will take a new form and will be guided and managed through the Supreme National Security Council, Araqchi told Tehran-based diplomats.
“The IAEA’s requests for continued monitoring in Iran will be … decided on a case-by-case basis by the Council with consideration to safety and security issues,” Araqchi said.
Iran will not agree to any nuclear deal that does not allow it to enrich uranium, Araqchi reiterated. Iran would only agree to talks limited to its nuclear programme and not encompassing defence issues such as its missiles.
Axios cited sources on Saturday as saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had voiced support for the idea of an accord in which Tehran would bebarred from enriching uranium. Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim quoted an “informed source” as saying Putin had not sent any such message to Iran.
Speaking to the state news agency IRNA, Araqchi said Iran was carefully considering the details of any renewed nuclear talks with the U.S. and seeking assurances that Washington would not again resort to military force. “We are in no hurry to enter into unconsidered negotiations,” he added.
Araqchi also said any move by Britain, France and Germany to reimpose international sanctions on Iran through a so-called “snapback” mechanism under an earlier nuclear deal would “end Europe’s role” in Iran’s nuclear issue.
Under the terms of a U.N. resolution ratifying a 2015 nuclear pact, the three European powers could reimpose United Nations sanctions against Tehran by October 18, 2025.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) — China has made a major breakthrough in clean energy technology with the launch of the world’s most powerful floating direct-drive wind turbine.
The 17-megawatt turbine, jointly developed by state-owned enterprises China Huaneng Group (CHG) and Dongfang Electric Corporation, officially rolled off the production line on Thursday in the coastal city of Fuqing, east China’s Fujian Province, CHG confirmed to Xinhua News Agency on Saturday.
One of its power units can generate 68 million kWh of environmentally friendly electricity per year, which will be enough to supply electricity to approximately 40 thousand households.
According to CHG, the demonstration test of the wind turbine will take place in waters near the city of Yangjiang in southern China’s Guangdong Province.
The giant machine, with an operational availability of over 99 percent, has a record rotor diameter of 262 meters, and the blade capture area during rotation is about 53 thousand square meters, which is equivalent to 7.5 standard football fields. At the same time, the height of the central hub of 152 meters is comparable to a 50-story residential building.
This wind turbine can withstand extreme marine conditions, including waves over 24 meters high and typhoons of force 17. Unique stabilization technology allows continuous power generation even when the floating platform is tilted at extreme angles.
Liu Xin, director of the offshore wind energy department at China Huaneng Alternative Energy Technology Research Institute, highlighted the turbine’s adaptability, noting that its integrated intelligent sensing system provides holistic stability control for safe and efficient operation in the complex and variable deep-sea environment.
A team of researchers has made a technological breakthrough in floating wind energy system coupling modeling technology and high-fidelity model testing technology.
Notably, all major components, including blades, generators and transformers, are made in China, and the design includes, for the first time, Chinese-made large-diameter main shaft bearings.
This technological breakthrough opens the door to exploiting China’s vast deep-sea wind resources. According to the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, the depth of China’s coastal waters ranges from 5 to 50 meters, where the country has about 500 GW of electricity from wind energy resources, while similar resources on the deep-sea shelf are about 3 to 4 times larger.
Data from the World Wind Energy Council (GWEC) highlights the global importance of these resources, showing that more than 80 percent of the world’s offshore wind resources are located in waters deeper than 60 meters.
Floating wind technologies and solutions will further unlock the potential of deepwater offshore wind energy in the future, GWEC data shows.
According to GWEC, the global installed capacity of floating wind turbines is estimated to reach 278 MW by the end of 2024, with Norway, the UK, China and France leading the four largest markets in this field. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand is calling on the New Zealand Government to urgently align itself with over twenty nations — including Spain, Ireland, Turkey, China, Qatar, South Africa, and Brazil — that are coordinating concrete international measures in response to Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.
An emergency summit of The Hague Group will take place in Colombia next week, with participating states seeking to enforce the International Court of Justice’s binding orders and address grave breaches of international law in Gaza.
“More than 58,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children have been killed, and Gaza has been reduced to rubble. The international community is moving decisively, and it’s time for New Zealand to take a principled stand,” said Maher Nazzal, spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand.
New Zealand has a proud legacy of supporting international law and human rights, from opposing apartheid to championing nuclear disarmament. It must now show moral clarity and leadership by joining the growing international coalition demanding an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and full accountability for crimes committed.
“We urge the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to publicly commit to joining this initiative and to represent New Zealand at the upcoming summit. Inaction in the face of atrocity is complicity,” Maher Nazzal added.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Editor’s Note: The Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing is currently presenting “Heritage,” an exhibition on the folk traditions of the Fagaras region, showcasing hand-stitched blouses and other garments.
This photo shows the entrance of the “Heritage” exhibition at the Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing, July 9, 2025. The display marks the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse and showcases traditional Romanian heritage. [Photo by Liu Ziying/China.org.cn]
The show, co-curated by artist Raluca Jurcovan and artisan Mariana Neacsu, runs through Aug. 22. The exhibition
features 17 hand-stitched traditional Romanian blouses, accompanied by other garments and a series of photographs documenting everyday life in Draguș, a village significant to Romanian sociological research.
“Heritage” celebrates Romanian cultural identity through traditional garments, including the “ie” blouse, as well as
photographs that reflect the history and values of the Fagaras region, known for preserving traditional crafts and community life.
Jurcovan, a visual artist and ethnographic researcher, and Neacsu, a master folk artisan, curated the exhibition to combine historical craftsmanship with personal heritage. Each piece on display represents both the skills passed down through generations and the ongoing creative energy of rural Romania.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the textures, embroidery, and stories embedded in the clothing, experiencing firsthand how Romanian culture connects its past with its present.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Chen Yi continued her giant-killing spree, defeating more favored teammate Kuai Man to reach the women’s singles final in the WTT US Smash in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The unseeded 20-year-old from the southeastern province of Zhejiang, who had eliminated China’s world No. 1 and world champion Sun Yingsha and Japan’s ninth seed Hina Hayata, outlasted fifth-seeded Kuai 4-3 (6-11, 11-3, 3-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-1, 11-9) to set up a title clash against former Chinese national team star Zhu Yuling.
“Kuai Man and I know each other very well,” said Chen. “We both know whoever is more determined and decisive would win this game.”
Zhu, a former World Cup winner who now plays for Macao, China, swept seventh-seeded Japanese Mima Ito 4-2 (11-6, 11-9, 6-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8) in the other semifinal.
The 30-year-old Zhu previously stepped away from China’s national team to recover from cancer, pursue her studies, and later become a professor at Tianjin University. She joined the Macao team last year.
Earlier in the day, South Korea’s An Jae-hyun/Lim Jong-hoon beat France’s Alexis Lebrun/Felix Lebrun 3-1 to win the men’s doubles title.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of sweeping 30 percent tariffs on European Union (EU) exports on Saturday has provoked a fierce backlash across the bloc, with officials and industry leaders demanding a strong and united response amid continued trade talks.
The proposed tariffs, set to take effect on Aug. 1, target EU imports and were justified by Trump as a correction of a “far from reciprocal” trade relations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Saturday that the tariffs would “disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”
While emphasizing the EU’s continued commitment to a negotiated solution, she said the bloc “will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
European lawmakers and national leaders voiced growing frustration, with many urging immediate retaliatory steps.
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s committee on international trade, said the U.S. letter is “both impertinent and a slap in the face” after weeks of negotiations.
He urged the EU to begin retaliatory measures on Monday as scheduled, stating that “the period of waiting is over.”
European Council President Antonio Costa said the tariffs would drive inflation, fuel uncertainty and stall growth. “The EU remains firm, united and ready to protect our interests,” he said, urging progress toward a “fair agreement” with Washington.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his “strong disapproval” of the U.S. move, and said the EU must speed up preparing “credible countermeasures” using all tools, including anti-coercion, available if talks fail.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the move as a “unilateral escalation,” and said the EU is prepared to respond with tough countermeasures if necessary.
“Everyone loses out from an escalated trade conflict, and it will be U.S. consumers who pay the highest price,” he warned.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala criticized the U.S. tariffs for negatively impacting transatlantic trade and called for “unity and determination” to protect the EU’s interests.
European industries voiced alarm over the fallout, particularly in sectors tightly integrated with the U.S. market.
Germany’s major industry lobby group, the BDI, called the U.S. move “an alarm signal,” warning that it could derail recovery and undermine innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Tariffs as a means of exerting political pressure lead to higher costs, jeopardize jobs and undermine international competitiveness, both in Europe and in the United States,” said Wolfgang Niedermark, a senior BDI executive.
Isabel Schnabel, a European Central Bank board member, said the tariffs could trigger medium-term inflation and supply chain shocks.
The automotive sector, which is already deeply integrated with the EU and the U.S., is already feeling the pain.
Slovakia, one of Europe’s top car-exporting nations, reported a noticeable drop in orders for the coming third quarter. Economy Minister Denisa Sakova said relocating production to the U.S. was not feasible in the short term and emphasized that the damage had already begun.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) said the cost to manufacturers was already in the billions and climbing daily.
“It is regrettable that there is a threat of a further escalation of the trade conflict,” said VDA President Hildegard Mueller.
“The costs for our companies are already in the billions, and the sum is growing every day,” she said, noting that suppliers were also significantly affected by the import duties.
Emanuele Orsini, president of Confindustria, Italy’s major association representing manufacturing and service companies, condemned the U.S. approach as “unpleasant,” while Paolo Mascarino, president of the Italian food and drink industry federation Federalimentare, said the tariffs “exceed any threshold of tolerability” and would trigger significant drops in exports.
Dan O’Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, said the U.S. move was “provocative” and significantly raised the risk of a wider economic confrontation between the two economies.
New Caledonia’s pro-and-anti-independence parties have committed to an “historic” deal over the future political status of the French Pacific territory, which is set to become — for the first time — a “state” within the French realm.
The 13-page agreement yesterday, officially entitled “Agreement Project of the Future of New Caledonia”, is the result of a solid 10 days of difficult negotiations between both pro and anti-independence parties.
They have stayed under closed doors at a hotel in the small city of Bougival, in the outskirts of Paris.
French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls (centre) shows signatures on the last page of New Caledonia’s new agreement. Image: RNZ Pacific/FB
The talks were convened by French President Emmanuel Macron after an earlier series of talks held between February and May 2025 failed to yield an agreement.
After opening the talks on July 2, Macron handed over them to his Minister for Overseas, Manuel Valls, to oversee. Valls managed to bring together all parties around the same table earlier this year.
In his opening speech earlier this month, Macron insisted on the need to restore New Caledonia’s economy, which was brought to its knees following destructive and deadly riots that erupted in May 2024.
He said France was ready to study any solution, including an “associated state” for New Caledonia.
During the following days, all political players exchanged views under the seal of strict confidentiality.
While the pro-independence movement, and its Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), remained adamant they would settle for no less than “full sovereignty”, the pro-France parties were mostly arguing that three referendums — held between 2018 and 2021 — had already concluded that most New Caledonians wanted New Caledonia to remain part of France.
Those results, they said, dictated that the democratic result of the three consultations be respected.
Group photo of participants at the end of negotiations. Image: Philippe Gomes
With this confrontational context, which resulted in an increasingly radicalised background in New Caledonia, that eventually led to the 2024 riots, the Bougival summit was dubbed the “last chance summit”.
In the early hours of Saturday, just before 7 am (Paris time, 5 pm NZ time), after a sleepless night, the secrecy surrounding the Bougival talks finally ended with an announcement from Valls.
He wrote in a release that all partners taking part in the talks had signed and “committed to present and defend the agreement’s text on New Caledonia’s future.”
Valls said this was a “major commitment resulting from a long work of negotiations during which New Caledonia’s partners made the choice of courage and responsibility”.
The released document, signed by almost 20 politicians, details what the deal would imply for New Caledonia’s future.
In its preamble, the fresh deal underlines that New Caledonia was “once again betting on trust, dialogue and peace”, through “a new political organisation, a more widely shared sovereignty and an economic and social refoundation” for a “reinvented common destiny.”
New Caledonia’s population will be called to approve the agreement in February 2026.
If approved, the text would be the centrepiece of a “special organic law” voted by the local Congress.
It would later have to be endorsed by the French Parliament and enshrined in an article of the French Constitution.
What does the agreement contain? One of the most notable developments in terms of future status for New Caledonia is the notion of a “State of New Caledonia”, under a regime that would maintain it as part of France, but with a dual citizenship — France/New Caledonia.
Another formulation used for the change of status is the often-used “sui generis”, which in legal Latin, describes a unique evolution, comparable to no other.
This would be formalised through a fundamental law to be endorsed by New Caledonia’s Congress by a required majority of three-fifths.
The number of MPs in the Congress would be 56.
The text also envisages a gradual transfer of key powers currently held by France (such as international relations), but would not include portfolios such as defence, currency or justice.
In diplomacy, New Caledonia would be empowered to conduct its own affairs, but “in respect of France’s international commitments and vital interests”.
On defence matters, even though this would remain under France’s powers, it is envisaged that New Caledonia would be “strongly” associated, consulted and kept informed, regarding strategy, goals and actions led by France in the Pacific region.
On police and public order matters, New Caledonia would be entitled to create its own provincial and traditional security forces, in addition to national French law enforcement agencies.
New Caledonia’s sensitive electoral roll The sensitive issue of New Caledonia’s electoral roll and conditions of eligibility to vote at local elections (including for the three Provincial Assemblies) is also mentioned in the agreement.
It was this very issue that was perceived as the main trigger for the May 2024 riots, the pro-independence movement feared at the time that changing the conditions to vote would gradually place the indigenous Kanak community in a position of minority.
It is now agreed that the electoral roll would be partly opened to those people of New Caledonia who were born after 1998.
The roll was frozen in 2007 and restricted to people born before 1998, which is the date the previous major autonomy agreement of Nouméa was signed.
Under the new proposed conditions to access New Caledonia’s “citizenship”, those entitled would include people who already can vote at local elections, but also their children or any person who has resided in New Caledonia for an uninterrupted ten years or who has been married or lived in a civil de facto partnership with a qualified citizen for at least five years.
Provincial elections once again postponed One of the first deadlines on the electoral calendar, the provincial elections, was to take place no later than 30 November 2025.
It will be moved once again — for the third time — to May-June 2026.
A significant part of the political deal is also dedicated to New Caledonia’s economic “refoundation”, with a high priority for the young generations, who have felt left out of the system and disenfranchised for too long.
One of the main goals was to bring New Caledonia’s public debts to a level of sustainability.
In 2024, following the riots, France granted, in the form of loans, over 1 billion euros (NZ $1.9 billion) for New Caledonia’s key institutions to remain afloat.
But some components of the political chessboard criticised the measure, saying this was placing the French territory in a state of excessive and long-term debt.
Group photo of participants at the end of negotiations with the signed agreement. Image: Philippe_Gomes/RNZ Pacific
Strategic nickel A major topic, on the macro-economic side, concerns New Caledonia’s nickel mining industry, after years of decline that has left it (even before 2024) in a state of near-collapse.
Nickel is regarded as the backbone of New Caledonia’s economy.
A nickel “strategic plan” would aim at re-starting New Caledonia nickel’s processing plants, especially in the Northern province, but at the same time facilitating the export of raw nickel.
There was also a will to ensure that all mining sites (many of which have been blocked and its installations damaged since the May 2024 riots) became accessible again.
Meanwhile, France would push the European Union to include New Caledonia’s nickel in its list of strategic resources.
New Caledonia’s nickel industry’s woes are also caused by its lack of competitiveness on the world market — especially compared to Indonesia’s recent rise in prominence in nickel production — because of the high cost of energy.
Swift reactions, mostly positive
New Caledonian politicians Sonia Backès (left to right), Nicolas Metzdorf, Gil Brial and Victor Tutugoro. Image: Nicolas Metzdorf/RNZ Pacific
The announcement yesterday was followed by quick reactions from all sides of New Caledonia’s political spectrum and also from mainland France’s political leaders.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou expressed “pride” to see an agreement “on par with history”, emerge.
“Bravo also to the work and patience of Manuel Valls” and “the decisive implication of Emmanuel Macron,” he wrote on X-Twitter.
From the ranks of New Caledonia’s political players, pro-France Nicolas Metzdorf said he perceived as one of the deal’s main benefits the fact that “we will at last be able to project ourselves in the future, in economic, social and societal reconstruction without any deadline.”
Metzdorf admitted that reaching an agreement required concessions and compromise from both sides.
“But the fact that we are no longer faced with referendums and to reinforce the powers of our provinces, this was our mandate”, he told public broadcaster NC La 1ère.
“We’ve had to accept this change from New Caledonia citizenship to New Caledonian nationality, which remains to be defined by New Caledonia’s Congress. We have also created a completely new status as part of the French Republic, a sui generis State”, he noted.
He said the innovative status kept New Caledonia within France, without going as far as an “associated state” mooted earlier.
“At least, what we have arrived at is that New Caledonians remain French”, pro-France Le Rassemblement-LR prominent leader Virginie Ruffenach commented.
“And those who want to contribute to New Caledonia’s development will be able to do so through a minimum stay of residence, the right to vote and to become citizens and later New Caledonia nationals”
“I’m aware that some could be wary of the concessions we made, but let’s face it: New Caledonia nationality does not make New Caledonia an independent State . . . It does not take away anything from us, neither of us belonging to the French Republic nor our French nationality,” Southern Province pro-France President Sonia Backès wrote on social media.
In a joint release, the two main pro-France parties, Les Loyalistes and Rassemblement-LR, said the deal was no less than “historic” and “perennial” for New Caledonia as a whole, to “offer New Caledonia a future of peace, stability and prosperity” while at the same time considering France’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
From the pro-independence side, one of the negotiators, Victor Tutugoro of UNI-UPM (Progressist Union in Melanesia) said what mattered was that “all of us have placed our bets on intelligence, beyond our respective beliefs, our positions, our postures”.
“We put all of these aside for the good of the country.”
“Of course, by definition, a compromise cannot satisfy anyone 100 percent. But it’s a balanced compromise for everyone,” he said.
“And it allows us to look ahead, to build New Caledonia together, a citizenship and this common destiny everyone’s been talking about for many years.”
Before politicians fly back to New Caledonia to present the deal to their respective bases, President Macron received all delegation members last evening to congratulate them on their achievements.
During the Presidential meeting at the Elysée Palace, FLNKS chief negotiator Emmanuel Tjibaou (whose father Jean-Marie Tjibaou also struck a historic agreement and shook hands with pro-France leader Jacques Lafleur, in 1988), stressed the agreement was one step along the path and it allows to envisage new perspectives for the Kanak people.
A sign of the changing times, but in a striking parallel — 37 years after his father’s historic handshake with Lafleur, Emmanuel Tjibaou (whose father was shot dead in 1989 by a radical pro-independence partisan who felt the independence cause had been betrayed — did not shake hands, but instead fist pumped with pro-France’s Metzdorf.
In a brief message on social networks, the French Head of State hailed the conclusive talks, which he labelled “A State of New Caledonia within the (French) Republic,” a win for a “bet on trust.”
“Now is the time for respect, for stability and for the sum of good wills to build a shared future.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Signatures on the last page of New Caledonia’s new agreement. Image: Philippe Dunoyer/RNZ Pacific
New £63 million boost for Britain’s electric vehicle revolution
Funding will help to build a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport.
major boost to charging investment to break down barriers to electric vehicle ownership and boost charging infrastructure across the UK, cutting costs for families, businesses and the public sector
£63 million package to support at-home charging for households without driveways, transition NHS fleets to save millions for the health service in England, create thousands of chargepoints at business depots across the UK
builds on £400 million invested in charging infrastructure and recent Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate updates to kickstart economic growth, create thousands of green jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change
Drivers across England are set to benefit as the government today (13 July 2025) announces a £63 million investment package to supercharge Britain’s electric vehicle infrastructure, driving down charging costs and putting money back in the pockets of working people as part of the Plan for Change.
A pioneering £25 million scheme for local authorities will expand access to cheaper at-home charging. This will provide access to cheaper household rates, allowing consumers to save up to £1,500 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car, transforming how thousands of households without driveways power up their electric cars.
The innovative cross-pavement technology will allow cables to run safely beneath pavements, connecting homes directly to parked vehicles, enabling more families to tap into cheaper domestic electricity rates for as little as 2 pence per mile even if they don’t have a driveway.
The fund is the latest move to bolster the UK’s growing charging network which has reached a record 82,000 public chargepoints, with a further 100,000 expected to be installed as a result of the government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund and £6 billion of private investment committed to 2030.
To ensure the savings the EV transition can bring are felt in the public sector too, the NHS in England is also receiving a major sustainability upgrade with an £8 million fund to power the electrification of ambulances and medical fleets across over 200 NHS sites, saving millions in costs which can be invested into patient care.
Standing firmly on the side of British drivers, this latest investment is part of our major plan to support motorists, including a record £1.6 billion invested to tackle potholes and bring down and frozen fuel duty at 5p until Spring 2026, saving the average motorist £50 to £60 over the year.
This investment underpins the government’s Plan for Change mission to kickstart economic growth and make life easier for working people, ensuring the transition to net zero delivers for working families whilst creating good jobs and driving economic growth across all regions of the UK.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, so we are tackling that head on so that everyone – whether or not they have a driveway – can access the benefits of going electric.
Our investment is about more than just charging points – it’s about charging up Britain’s economy. I’m proud that through this boost, we are helping deliver cheaper bills for families, massive savings for the NHS to reinvest in patient care, and thousands of new green jobs.
This is what our Plan for Change mission to kickstart Britain’s economy looks like in practice. We’re not just boosting charging infrastructure, we’re building a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport, whilst creating thousands of good jobs across the country.
In a pioneering move to help EV drivers plug into the rapidly expanding charging network, government is also modernising EV charging signage on major roads. EV charging hubs have more than doubled since the beginning of 2023 and immediate changes will allow larger EV charging hubs to be signposted from major A-roads for the first time. Government is committed to boosting charging for long journeys, with £400 million announced in the Spending Review to support charging infrastructure, including on the strategic road network.
Alongside the boosts for electric car drivers, the government is also launching a major new grant scheme to help businesses install charging points at depots nationwide, supporting the nation’s heavy goods vehicles, vans and coach drivers in the transition to zero emissions.
The action follows recent updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate to make it easier for the sector to switch to electric as part of government’s ongoing work to back British manufacturing. With over 1.2 million people employed in the freight and logistics sector in the UK alone, today’s announcement is the latest move to keep industry at the forefront of international competition in the face of global economic headwinds.
Over 1,200 new charging sockets will deliver a more efficient, modern health system whilst generating millions in cost savings over the next two decades for the taxpayer on maintenance and fuel costs – valuable savings that can be prioritised for patient care and help rebuild the NHS.
Owning and buying an EV is becoming increasingly cheaper, with 2 in 5 of used electric cars sold at under £20,000 and 34 brand new electric cars are available from under £30,000.
The UK was also the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and the third in the world with over 382,000 EVs sold – up a fifth on the previous year. There are now more than 82,000 public chargepoints in the UK – with one added every 30 minutes – ensuring that motorists are always a short drive from a socket.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said:
This is a win-win: cheaper travel for the NHS and cleaner air for our communities.
As part of our Plan for Change, we’re investing in green energy to build an NHS fit for the future — cutting pollution and saving millions in fuel costs.
Edmund King, AA president, said:
There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. Increasing signs for the public network is vital to help the EV transition as it will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future.
It is great to see more support for those without off-street parking so that they can also benefit from the EV revolution.
Delvin Lane, CEO, InstaVolt said:
We are pleased that the government has taken the crucial step of delivering official EV charging signage on the strategic road network – a move we believe will improve consumer confidence and bolster EV adoption. This marks a major milestone for the EV industry and drivers across the UK.
At InstaVolt, we have been relentless in our campaigning and have built a strong, collaborative relationship with the government to push this initiative forward. Our opinion research suggests that the rollout of clear, official signage will make a significant difference—helping EV drivers easily locate public charging points while on the move, and reassuring those considering making the switch to electric vehicles.
For years, we have emphasized that the UK’s public EV infrastructure, so critical to mass adoption, is already largely in place, and now this signage will finally showcase it to drivers in a visible, accessible way.”
As the UK’s largest ultra-rapid public charging network with over 2,000 chargers nationwide, InstaVolt is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation and excited to see how these signs will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
Ian Johnston, CEO, Osprey:
Signage impacts all the UK’s drivers because consumers need to see it to believe it. Osprey have tirelessly highlighted the benefit that clear EV road signage would bring to drivers looking to make the switch and to the charging businesses installing the critical infrastructure underpinning transport decarbonisation.
This is a welcome first step and we look forward to continuing to work closely with ministers and officials to achieve clear signage for the hundreds of high-quality EV charging hubs being opened across the nation.
NHS Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Gormley said:
The NHS has already implemented hundreds of projects that reduce emissions and drive significant cost savings, all while improving patient care.
This new £8 million investment, across 62 NHS Trusts and around 224 sites, supports the renewed commitment in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to deliver a more sustainable NHS while also helping hospitals to save millions on fuel and maintenance costs and reducing air pollution. These savings can be reinvested directly into frontline care, ensuring the NHS continues to deliver for our patients and communities.
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK said:
With 82,000 public charge points already installed across the UK, this positive action on strategic road signage will help more drivers see the extensive charging network that’s rapidly being built across the country. This has been a priority for our industry and will boost consumer confidence in making the switch to electric vehicles.
Our members are investing £6 billion to ensure the deployment of charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand. Today’s announcement shows government recognising the vital role charging plays in the transition, and we look forward to working together to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s leading EV market.
President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1, after weeks of negotiations with the key U.S. allies and top trading partners failed to reach a comprehensive trade deal.
In an escalation of the trade war that has angered U.S. allies and rattled investors, Trump announced the latest tariffs in separate letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on Truth Social on Saturday.
Both the EU and Mexico responded by calling the tariffs unfair and disruptive while pledging to continue to negotiate with the U.S. for a broader trade deal before the August deadline.
The European Union and Mexico are among the largest U.S. trading partners.
Trump has sent similar letters to 23 other U.S. trading partners this week, including Canada, Japan and Brazil, setting blanket tariff rates ranging from 20% up to 50%, as well as a 50% tariff on copper.
Trump said the 30% tariff rate was “separate from all sectoral tariffs”, which means 50% levies on steel and aluminum imports and a 25% tariff on auto imports would remain at those levels.
The August 1 deadline gives countries targeted by Trump’s letters time to negotiate a trade deal that could lower the threatened tariff levels.
The spate of letters shows Trump has returned to the aggressive trade posture that he took in early April when he announced a slew of reciprocal tariffs against trading partners that sent markets tumbling before the White House delayed implementation.
But with the stock market hitting record highs in recent weeks and a bullish economy, Trump is showing no signs of slowing down his trade war.
Trump promised to use the 90-day pause in April to strike dozens of new trade deals with trading partners, but has only secured framework agreements with Britain, China and Vietnam.
The EU had hoped to reach a comprehensive trade agreement with the U.S. for the 27-country bloc.
Trump’s letter to the EU included a demand that Europe drop its own tariffs, an apparent condition of any future deal.
“The European Union will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States, with no Tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large Trade Deficit,” Trump wrote.
EU President von der Leyen said the 30% tariffs “would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”
She also said while the EU will continue to work towards a trade agreement, they “will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
Mexico’s economy ministry said Saturday that it was informed the U.S. would send a letter during a bilateral meeting Friday with U.S. officials.
“We mentioned at the roundtable that it was unfair treatment and that we did not agree,” the ministry’s statement said.
MEXICO’S TARIFF RATE LOWER THAN CANADA’S
Mexico’s proposed tariff level is lower than Canada’s 35% rate, with both letters citing fentanyl flows even though government data shows the amount of the drug seized at the Mexican border was significantly higher than the Canadian border.
“Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done, is not enough. Mexico still has not stopped the Cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a Narco-Trafficking Playground,” Trump wrote.
Mexico sends more than 80% of its total exported goods to the U.S. and free trade with its northern neighbor drove Mexico to overtake China as the U.S.’s top trading partner in 2023.
The EU had initially hoped to strike a comprehensive trade agreement but more recently had scaled back its ambitions and shifted toward securing a broader framework deal similar to the one Britain brokered that leaves key details to be negotiated.
The 27-country bloc is under conflicting pressures as powerhouse Germany urged a quick deal to safeguard its industry, while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators should not cave into a one-sided deal on U.S. terms.
Trump’s cascade of tariff orders since returning to the White House has begun generating tens of billions of dollars a month in new revenue for the U.S. government. U.S. customs duties revenue shot past $100 billion in the federal fiscal year through to June, according to U.S. Treasury data on Friday.
The tariffs have also strained security relationships with some of America’s closest partners.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said last week that Japan needed to wean itself from U.S. dependence in key areas. The fight over tariffs has also prompted Canada and some European allies to reexamine their security dependence on the United States, with some looking to purchase non-U.S. weapons systems.
SINGAPORE, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to surging demand for leveraged crypto trading, BexBack Exchange has announced a limited-time promotional campaign featuring a 100% deposit bonus match and a $50 welcome bonus for new users. This initiative comes as Bitcoin continues to trade above $110,000, sparking renewed interest in high-leverage futures among investors aiming to capitalize on market volatility. With up to 100x leverage now available on BTC and over 50 other digital assets, BexBack is positioning itself as a leading destination for crypto derivatives traders seeking capital efficiency and flexible onboarding.
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Nationals in Sweden have contributed over 105,000 Kroner towards augmenting the National Martyrs Trust Fund.
Mr. Negasi Goitom, Head of Finance of the Holidays Coordinating Committee, indicated that the Stockholm branch of the National Union of Eritrean Women contributed 2,000 Kroner; an anonymous donor contributed 2,500 Kroner; women members of the Southern Stockholm Association contributed 5,000 Kroner; the Husby-Kista-Akalla Women’s Association contributed 5,600 Kroner; the Medhanie Alem Women’s Association in Stockholm contributed 3,000 Kroner; and author Rim Tesfom contributed 3,000 Kroner—all towards augmenting the National Martyrs Trust Fund.
Furthermore, Ms. Genet Tewolde contributed 5,000 Kroner in the name of her martyred brother; Ms. Emnet Tekle contributed 2,000 Kroner in the name of her two martyred brothers; Hewan Decoration Center contributed 14,000 Kroner; and the Eritrean community in Hasselby-Vallingby contributed 35,000 Kroner.
Paola Papanicolaou, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo’s International Banks Division
ROME, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Paola Papanicolaou, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo’s International Banks Division, explained the Group’s concrete commitment to Ukraine’s reconstruction, highlighting the role of Italy’s only banking group operating in the country in supporting recovery efforts through blended finance, ESG principles, and long-term investment.
Key takeaways:
Intesa Sanpaolo, through its subsidiary Pravex Bank – part of the International Banks Division – is the only Italian banking group with an operational presence in Ukraine.
In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, prudence is a strategic choice. Intesa Sanpaolo acts responsibly, avoiding excessive risk exposure while remaining ready to support reconstruction with concrete projects as soon as conditions allow.
The Group actively collaborates with supranational institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), contributing to development projects aimed at rebuilding Ukraine.
Rebuilding and revitalizing Ukraine’s economy requires both private capital and support from supranational financial institutions, through blended finance mechanisms. In both areas, strong international groups like Intesa Sanpaolo play a key role.
Stability and local development are essential. Long-term investors—like Intesa Sanpaolo—invest where conditions allow for sustained presence and growth.
Across the nearly 40 countries where Intesa Sanpaolo operates—including 12 countries with commercial banking branch networks—the Group works to create conditions that attract investment and foster economic resilience.
Wherever present, the Group promotes inclusive growth, financial education, and ESG-aligned financing. In Ukraine too, the goal is to support not only economic reconstruction but also the long-term sustainable development of local communities.
As one of Europe’s leading players in the transition to a low-carbon economy, Intesa Sanpaolo offers dedicated green credit lines for households and businesses, along with a growing portfolio of sustainable products—a model that can also support Ukraine’s future rebuilding efforts.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
PSV secured the signing of AZ forward Ruben van Bommel on Friday, with the 20-year-old winger signing a contract until mid-2030.
With a transfer fee around 15 million euros (approximately 17.5 million U.S. dollars), Van Bommel is expected to be the successor to Noa Lang in Eindhoven, who is set to move to Italian champion Napoli.
Van Bommel is the son of Mark van Bommel, a 79-cap Dutch international and PSV club legend, and the grandson of former Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk. He spent seven years in PSV’s youth academy before transferring to MVV Maastricht in 2020.
After making his professional debut with MVV in the Dutch first division, he moved to AZ in 2023. During his two seasons in Alkmaar, he scored 17 goals and provided six assists in 73 matches.
“I am especially driven to develop myself further here and of course to win prizes,” Van Bommel said on the PSV website after signing with the reigning Dutch champion.
Yesterday, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell was presented with a memorandum entitled Bättre migrationsrättsliga regler för forskare och studenter (‘Better migration regulations for researchers and students’). It contains proposals with a view to improving the migration regulations for foreign researchers and doctoral and other serious students, and to counteract abuse of residence permits for studies.
Yesterday, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell was presented with a memorandum entitled Bättre migrationsrättsliga regler för forskare och studenter (‘Better migration regulations for researchers and students’). It contains proposals with a view to improving the migration regulations for foreign researchers and doctoral and other serious students, and to counteract abuse of residence permits for studies.
Yesterday, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell was presented with a memorandum entitled Bättre migrationsrättsliga regler för forskare och studenter (‘Better migration regulations for researchers and students’). It contains proposals with a view to improving the migration regulations for foreign researchers and doctoral and other serious students, and to counteract abuse of residence permits for studies.
Yesterday, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell was presented with a memorandum entitled Bättre migrationsrättsliga regler för forskare och studenter (‘Better migration regulations for researchers and students’). It contains proposals with a view to improving the migration regulations for foreign researchers and doctoral and other serious students, and to counteract abuse of residence permits for studies.
Yesterday, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell was presented with a memorandum entitled Bättre migrationsrättsliga regler för forskare och studenter (‘Better migration regulations for researchers and students’). It contains proposals with a view to improving the migration regulations for foreign researchers and doctoral and other serious students, and to counteract abuse of residence permits for studies.
In Sweden, freedom of expression and demonstration are protected by the Constitution. Freedom of expression is one of the foundations of the Swedish state. Freedom of expression, freedom of information, freedom to demonstrate and freedom of assembly are therefore central rights in our democracy. The individual’s right to freedom of religion is also strongly protected by the Constitution.
Freedom of expression in Sweden
The constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression includes the right to express thoughts, opinions and feelings through speech, writing or images without interference by the authorities. This freedom can only be restricted if it is necessary for the fulfilment of certain purposes specifically set out in the Constitution, and a restriction may never go beyond what is necessary to fulfil these purposes. Freedom of expression in certain media, such as newspapers, radio and television, enjoys particularly strong constitutional protection. Penalties for violations of freedom of the press and freedom of expression concerning messages conveyed through such media are directly regulated by the Constitution.
In Sweden, freedom of expression entails a very far-reaching right for individuals to express thoughts and ideas on any subject. However, it does not mean the freedom to always say practically anything at all. For example, this freedom does not extend to slander or committing an act involving threats or agitation against a national or ethnic group. On the other hand, religions as such are not protected against expressions of opinion that challenge religious messages or that may be perceived as hurtful to believers.
Freedom to demonstrate in Sweden
The freedom of demonstration is strongly protected by the Swedish Constitution and includes the freedom to organise and participate in demonstrations in public places. The Swedish Police Authority is tasked with ensuring that public gatherings can be held.
Under Chapter 2, Section 10 of the Public Order Act (1993:1617), the Swedish Police Authority may only refuse to issue a permit for a public gathering if it is necessary to do so with respect to public order or safety at the gathering or, as a direct consequence of the gathering, in its immediate surroundings. There must be very strong reasons to refuse to issue a permit to hold a public gathering on grounds of public order. One basis for refusing a permit is that other means of preventing impediments to the gathering have been exhausted.
Therefore, if it is deemed that there is a risk of disorder at the gathering, the Police Authority may, in the first instance, impose the conditions necessary to maintain public order and safety at the gathering. Such conditions may, for example, relate to the place and time of the gathering. Areas can also be blocked off during a demonstration, and crowds can be instructed to follow a specific path.
The fact that an organisation or a person conveys a message that may be perceived as a threat towards other groups does not mean that a demonstration permit may be denied on grounds of public order and safety at the gathering. The content of such messages is instead handled with the support of other regulations, such as the provision on agitation against a population group.
A person is guilty of agitation against a population group if that person in a statement or other communication that is disseminated, incites violence against, threatens or expresses contempt for a population group or an individual in the population group by allusion to national or ethnic origin or religious beliefs, for example. Criminal liability for agitation against a population group does not entail a prohibition against criticism of religion.
At the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, France, the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This significant recognition marks India’s 44th World Heritage site and highlights the country’s remarkable historical and architectural heritage, reflecting its enduring cultural legacy on the global stage.
The nomination, submitted for the 2024–25 cycle, highlights a group of twelve strategically located forts that exemplify the Maratha Empire’s military acumen and architectural brilliance between the 17th and 19th centuries CE. The inscription followed a rigorous eighteen-month process that included multiple technical evaluations and an on-site mission by ICOMOS, the International Council on Monuments and Sites.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated the nation on this significant achievement, praising the recognition of India’s historical and cultural contributions to global heritage.
The Maratha Military Landscapes comprise forts located across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The twelve forts include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
These sites are spread across diverse terrains, from hilltops and dense forests to plateaus and coastal islands. Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Salher, Rajgad, and Gingee are categorized as hill forts. Pratapgad is classified as a hill-forest fort, while Panhala stands on a plateaued hill and is recognized as a hill-plateau fort. Vijaydurg is a notable coastal fort, whereas Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg are island forts surrounded by the Arabian Sea.
Eight of these forts—Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee—are under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The remaining four—Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad—are safeguarded by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
The inclusion of these forts under UNESCO’s World Heritage List is a result of India’s nomination under criteria (iv) and (vi), which pertain to architectural and technological significance and strong association with living traditions and historical events. The collective ensemble presents a sophisticated understanding of geography, defense strategy, and regional adaptation.
During the committee meeting, 18 out of 20 State Parties supported India’s proposal. The deliberation lasted for 59 minutes, after which the proposal received enthusiastic backing from all member states, UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, and advisory bodies such as ICOMOS and IUCN.
This global recognition comes on the heels of the Moidams of Charaideo in Assam, which were inscribed at the 46th session held in New Delhi last year. India now ranks sixth globally and second in the Asia-Pacific region for the most number of World Heritage Sites.
India is currently a member of the World Heritage Committee (2021–2025) and continues to promote its cultural and natural legacy through the efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India, the nodal agency for all World Heritage matters. The country also maintains 62 sites on its Tentative List, which serves as a prerequisite for future nominations.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA
In a ceremony Wednesday, Congress awarded the highest civilian honor to world-renowned American cyclist
Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) joined the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, former U.S. Representative Tom Graves, Stephen Whisnant, and esteemed guests to formally award cycling legend Greg LeMond with the Congressional Gold Medal. Watch Rep. Thompson’s remarkshere.
“Greg LeMond represents the best of American sportsmanship. One of our greatest athletes, Greg is the only American man to win the Tour de France – a feat he accomplished three times. Throughout his career, Greg repeatedly exemplified the principles of healthy competition, honesty, and selflessness, putting team success ahead of his own.
“More than any other cyclist in our history, Greg was the epitome of the ‘Breaking Away’ culture – a young kid, on a bike, trying to do things no American had ever done.
“In retirement, Greg has dedicated his life to serving and supporting children, veterans, medical research and other causes through his charitable work,” said Thompson. “I was honored to join the ceremony today to finally present Greg with this well-deserved recognition.”
“Cycling changed my life for the better and I’m a firm believer that this sport has the potential to help everyone be healthier and more active, too,” said LeMond. “I didn’t ever expect recognition when I started racing, I just really had a blast. That’s why I am truly humbled to be recognized by the U.S. Congress. I look at the list of previous medal winners and I can’t help but think that I’m in really, really good company.”
BACKGROUND
Greg LeMond is the only American to ever win the Tour de France. After his first win, he faced an uphill battle recovering from a near-fatal accident and later went on to win the Tour two more times. His 8-second victory over Laurent Fignon in the 1989 Tour is considered among the most thrilling moments in cycling history. Mr. LeMond was an early advocate against doping in the sport and he remains a giant in the cycling community to this day.
In his retirement, Mr. LeMond has dedicated himself to giving back to his community. He and his wife, Kathy LeMond, support research into various childhood illnesses He is also a founding board member of 1in6, a nonprofit organization that helps men who were victims of childhood sexual abuse.
Representative Mike Thompson, Co-Chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus, was inspired to pursue this award for Greg LeMond after reading about his incredible resiliency in Daniel De Visé’s biography, “The Comeback.” Thompson went on to lead the bipartisan effort in the U.S. House to pass the Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian awards in our nation and seeks to honor those who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field for generations to come.
These medals are only awarded through Acts of Congress. Legislation must be introduced in both the House and Senate and those bills must be co-sponsored by two thirds of the membership of their respective chamber before being considered for a vote.
Greg LeMond is the first cyclist and only the tenth individual athlete to receive this prestigious medal. Others include Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Jesse Owens, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer.
You can click here to read Thompson’s bill honoring Mr. LeMond and outlining his long and celebrated career as a cyclist and activist. Clickhereto download photos from today’s ceremony andhereto watch footage of the event.
UNESCO has launched the Guidance on Wind and Solar Energy Projects in a World Heritage Context, which is the updated and extended version of an existing online Guidance which was focusing first on wind energy. The new edition continues to offer practical tools and provides advice to align renewable energy development with the protection of World Heritage properties, thus supporting States Parties in their endeavour to combat climate change.
The online Guidance compiles relevant information both for World Heritage stakeholders and renewable energy project proponents in a user-friendly platform, with emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, intersectoral dialogue, as well as comprehensive impact assessments, and, it aims to foster informed, proactive decision-making. Its ultimate goal is to demonstrate that the majority of wind and solar energy projects are feasible even in a World Heritage context, if planning and implementation is carried out in a way that it ensures the protection and preservation of the Outstanding Universal Value of World Heritage sites.
Developed with the support of Wallonia (Belgium), the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and co-published with the Advisory Bodies of the World Heritage Committee, the Guidance provides a critical tool to help ensure renewable energy growth does not come at the cost of our shared cultural and natural heritage.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The Paris prosecutor’s office announced on Friday that the social media platform X is under investigation by French police.
At this stage, X is primarily accused of two offenses — “impairing the operation of an automated data processing system by an organized group,” and “fraudulently extracting data from an automated data processing system by an organized group,” Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said in a press release.
The investigation has been assigned to the Directorate-General of the National Gendarmerie (DGGN), Beccuau added.
In January, the cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor’s office received two formal complaints, submitted respectively by a member of the French parliament and a senior official at a French public institution, Beccuau said, adding that both complaints alleged that X’s algorithm had been exploited for the purpose of foreign interference.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed in February that it was examining these complaints, before announcing on Friday that it had opened the investigation “based on verifications, input from French researchers, and information provided by various public institutions.”
Laurent Buanec, CEO of X France, stated on the platform in January that X “has strict, clear, and public rules aimed at protecting the platform from hate speech,” adding that it “fights disinformation” and that its algorithm “is designed to avoid recommending hateful content.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows two Xixia imperial tombs in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
PARIS, July 11 — China’s Xixia Imperial Tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List on Friday during UNESCO’s 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Paris, France.
With this addition, the total number of World Heritage sites in China has reached 60.
Xixia Imperial Tombs is a group of imperial burial sites from the Xixia Dynasty (Western Xia, 1038-1227), founded by the Tangut people in northwestern China during the 11th to 13th centuries.
Covering an area of nearly 40 square km, the site comprises four types of architectural remains: 9 imperial mausoleums, 271 subordinate tombs, a northern architectural complex covering 0.05 square km, and 32 flood control works.
The Xixia Imperial Tombs are the largest, highest-ranked, and most intact archaeological site from the Xixia period that has survived to the present day.
According to the World Heritage Committee, the site is a testament to the cultural fusion and interactions of diverse traditions. It also bears witness to the unique role of the Xixia Dynasty in cultural and commercial exchanges along the Silk Roads during the 11th to 13th centuries.
The Committee commended the efforts and achievements made by the Chinese government in the protection and management of the cultural heritage of the Xixia Imperial Tombs.
Rao Quan, vice minister of Culture and Tourism of China, said that China will remain steadfast in fulfilling its obligations under the World Heritage Convention, further enhance holistic and systematic protection of cultural and natural heritage, and improve conservation capacity and standards.
A staff member arranges cultural relics at a storehouse of the Xixia Imperial Tombs in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, July 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on July 9, 2025 shows cultural relics discovered from Xixia imperial tombs at the Xixia Imperial Tombs Museum in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows people visiting the Xixia Imperial Tombs scenic area in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]A drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows a Xixia imperial tomb in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]A drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows a Xixia imperial tomb in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]A drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows a Xixia imperial tomb in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows a Xixia imperial tomb in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows two Xixia imperial tombs in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows a Xixia imperial tomb in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on July 9, 2025 shows cultural relics discovered from Xixia imperial tombs at the Xixia Imperial Tombs Museum in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows a Xixia imperial tomb in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows two Xixia imperial tombs in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows a Xixia imperial tomb in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows a Xixia imperial tomb in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on July 10, 2025 shows a Xixia imperial tomb in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]This photo taken on July 9, 2025 shows cultural relics discovered from Xixia imperial tombs at the Xixia Imperial Tombs Museum in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
A new initiative is launched today during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy. The Rome Declaration for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine will support the reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine’s science and research ecosystem. Sweden is one of the founding members to the initiative.
A new initiative is launched today during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy. The Rome Declaration for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine will support the reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine’s science and research ecosystem. Sweden is one of the founding members to the initiative.