PSNA says an end to government silence on Israeli genocide in Gaza is overdue, but says New Zealand’s signature on an international declaration is wholly inadequate and too little too late.
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-Chair John Minto says a just released joint statement by 22 foreign ministers, including New Zealand’s, breaks New Zealand’s month’s long silence on Israel’s genocide in Gaza, but falls well short of any means of making Israel comply with international law.
“We don’t need to be told all over again that the resumption of full-scale aid deliveries is vital to avoid wide scale starvation, or that the UN must drive the aid distribution and there is a vital need for a ceasefire.”
“This is just New Zealand dusting off the rhetoric which it issued a year ago – which was completely ignored by Israel.”
Minto says the only promising moves with potential teeth are in a joint statement just issued by the UK, France and Canada.
“At last, some major countries are talking about sanctions,” Minto says.
The triparted statement threatens sanctions against Israel.
“If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
They (the three countries) also warned they would be prepared to impose targeted sanctions over attempts to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Minto says over the past few days Israel has been ramping up its assault on Gaza to even higher levels of ferocity.
“It’s time for governments’ words to end, and sanctions to be implemented. A year ago, Canada and New Zealand were issuing joint statements on Gaza, along with Australia.”
“Canada has raised the stakes. New Zealand should move past Canada and implement sanctions immediately.”
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho yesterday began her trip to Paris, France, by visiting a social housing project, a zero carbon district and a construction innovation centre.
At the social housing project which is undergoing renovation and will be upgraded into an energy saving and environmentally friendly building, Ms Ho learnt about how Paris minimises the impact of the works on the residents while they remain in place during the renovation.
During the visit, she shared the Housing Authority’s (HA) experience in redeveloping aged public housing estates, including conducting detailed studies and listening carefully to stakeholders’ views through diversified means to forge a consensus and formulate the most suitable and cost-effective redevelopment plans.
Furthermore, to enhance the sense of well-being of the residents, the Housing Bureau (HB) and the HA launched a resident-oriented “Well-being design” guide last year.
The guide serves as a reference for the future design of new public housing estates and the improvement works of existing estates to create a more comfortable and inclusive estate environment.
In the afternoon, Ms Ho visited Îlot Fertile, a zero carbon district in Paris which is a composite development project with abundant green space, integrating social housing, offices, commercial, retail, hostels and more.
Renewable energy systems and innovative construction technologies are adopted during the construction to implement low-carbon building initiatives and enhance energy efficiency in buildings.
The housing chief pointed out that air ventilation assessments and microclimate studies are carried out for the HA’s new public housing developments to enhance environmental performance in aspects such as wind environment, natural ventilation and natural light exposure in buildings.
The HB and the HA have also been actively promoting the application of innovative construction technologies such as Modular Integrated Construction, Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing and construction robotics.
These help to enhance construction quality and efficiency, shorten construction time and greatly reduce material waste, making the construction more environment friendly.
She said Hong Kong and Paris share the same vision in promoting energy saving and green buildings, and hoped to strengthen relevant co-operation between the two cities.
Ms Ho then visited the Construction Innovation Centre at the Bouygues Construction headquarters and met Bouygues Construction Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pascal Minault and Deputy CEO Pierre-Éric Saint-André to exchange ideas on the latest smart building technologies, green building and sustainable urban development.
She noted that Bouygues Construction and Dragages Hong Kong, headed by the group, have established a presence in Hong Kong for many years and contributed in various infrastructure, government buildings and public housing projects, and that she looked forward to continued collaboration in driving the industry to usher in a new era of smart construction.
Headline: WTO Chairs Programme activities launched at Dominican Republic university
The WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) aims to support and promote trade-related academic activities by universities and research institutions in developing and least-developed WTO member economies. Projects are funded for a period of four years and continue through support from their institutions, members, and other stakeholders that draw on them. The goal of the programme is to build capacity in international trade through research, curriculum development and outreach.
WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang said the key activities of the Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) for the current year will centre on trade and environment sustainability, and in particular finding solutions that reduce plastics pollution.
“This focus is certainly timely and relevant, particularly for an island economy like the Dominican Republic, which must grapple with the effects of climate change,” DDG Zhang said. “As you continue to seek growth while facing the challenges confronting your island economy, the Chair at UNIBE will be a valuable resource in providing tailored research and constructive engagement on key trade issues.”
The WCP is funded by France, Austria and the Republic of Korea. With the addition of this institution, the WCP network has expanded within the Central American region, which was previously under-represented.
Ambassador Emmanuelle Ivanov-Durand, Permanent Representative of France to the WTO, said: “Your work can help us to meet the challenges of our time, particularly in the field of sustainable development, and thereby make the system even more efficient. The courses you will be setting up on trade and environmental sustainability will undoubtedly contribute to our reflection.”
Also present at the event was Ambassador José R. Sánchez-Fung, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the WTO, who recognized this as an important milestone. “The Dominican Republic welcomes the WCP Chair at UNIBE. The Programme will be instrumental in developing our country’s ability to participate in the global trading system and contribute productively to the rest of the WTO’s membership.”
UNIBE is now part of a global network that facilitates cooperation between governments, universities and multilateral organizations. Vilma Arbaje, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade at the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, congratulated Odile Camilo, Rector of UNIBE: “The establishment of the WCP Chair at UNIBE consolidates this institution as a regional reference centre in training and research applied to trade and opens up new possibilities for integrating knowledge into the processes of designing and implementing more effective and sustainable public policies for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and MSMEs.
“This collaboration represents a valuable opportunity to expand our institutional capacities, strengthen ties with the academic world and reinforce the country’s projection in spaces for global dialogue on trade,” she added.
During the event, a panel comprising representatives of the government and the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic discussed the importance of the circular economy in the Dominican Republic, offering insights into its future direction. Changing regulations offer a chance for transformation and concrete opportunities for sustainable and competitive development, participants said.
The industrial sector has already taken steps toward transforming production. Manuel Diaz Franjul, Director of Trade Negotiations for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “As we saw today, trade and the environment and associated policies are a key issue at the international level, and the best way to overcome any differences that arise is through direct engagement.”
G7 Export Credit Agency Leaders Meet in London for Two-Day Summit
UK Export Finance is hosting the annual meeting of leaders of export credit agencies from G7 countries.
Leaders of G7 export credit agencies (from left to right): Paola Valerio (SACE, Italy), Atsuo Kuroda (NEXI, Japan), Bastian Kern (Export Credit Guarantees Germany), Tim Reid (UK Export Finance), James C. Cruse (US EXIM), Alison Nankivell (EDC, Canada), Armel Castets (Export Finance and Trade Promotion Division, France)
Leaders of export credit agencies (ECAs) from the G7 nations are gathering in London today (19 May) for a two-day summit focused on “Global Challenges, Shared Solutions”.
The Chiefs and senior representatives from the ECAs of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States will be hosted by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency, to address critical issues in international trade finance as part of their annual meeting.
The summit will tackle key topics including strengthening supply chain resilience, securing access to critical minerals, and navigating the evolving landscape of export finance amid the growth of domestic industrial programmes and the advancement of artificial intelligence.
Tim Reid, Chief Executive of UK Export Finance, said:
“In today’s world, collaboration between export credit agencies is more vital than ever to unlock critical financing for the largest and most pioneering opportunities aligned to our shared social and economic targets.
“This annual summit, hosted this year by UKEF, offers a unique opportunity for our G7 ECAs to share insights, align strategies and develop joint approaches to deliver impact for our domestic exporters and in countries around the world. By working together, we can better support businesses navigating international trade challenges while driving sustainable economic growth across our nations.”
TASMAN SEA, Tuesday 20, May 2025 – A new analysis of latest fisheries data by Greenpeace Australia Pacific has revealed widespread devastation of near-threatened sharks in the Pacific Ocean by industrial longline fishers. The analysis estimates that almost half a million blue sharks were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023, the highest number in recorded history since 1991.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific estimates around 438,500 near-threatened blue sharks, almost 50 million kilograms, were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023 from Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WFCPFC) data. The figure is double 2015 numbers.
Georgia Whitaker, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said:
“The data is deeply disturbing – it’s a devastating record and a testament to the destructive nature of the industrial fishing industry. Sharks and other animals dying by the hundreds of thousands a year in this one patch of ocean, brutally killed by a legal and indiscriminate fishing practice like longlining. This is an appalling legacy our global leaders are leaving while the blue lungs of our planet are already facing chronic decline. Industrial fishing is sucking our ocean dry, fuelling the biodiveristy crisis, and pushing prehistoric animals like sharks to the brink of extinction. Healthy shark populations are central to a healthy ocean – this is a loss we can’t afford.”
The blue shark is by far the most common bycatch in the region and the world, making up 80-90% of all shark catches across the WCPFC in the last nine years. Between Australia and New Zealand in the Tasman Sea region, blue sharks made up more than 90% of the shark bycatch from longline fishers.
Ahead of the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France in June, Greenpeace Australia Pacific is calling on the Albanese government to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty in the first 100 days in government and protect the region. Australia signed the treaty in 2023 but is yet to bring it into force.
“There is no better time for Australia to be leaders in ocean protection on the world stage. Every day that passes without the treaty in force, animals are being pushed closer to the brink of extinction from industrial fisheries in the high seas. The Global Ocean Treaty was a historic win, but we can’t rest now – we need Australia to ratify the treaty and propose ocean sanctuaries in the high seas between Australia and New Zealand to give our oceans and marine life a chance to rest, recover and thrive,” Whitaker said.
The analysis also revealed the biologically significant area of the Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea areas, between Australia and New Zealand, had some of the highest rates of birds as bycatch, with 13% of bycatch from longliners being seabirds like albatross.
—ENDS—
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or [email protected]
Notes to Editor
High res images and footage of Australia’s oceans can be found here and here
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile engages Businesses in France during a Roundtable Breakfast Dialogue hosted by MEDEF International. Stay updated, South Africa! Subscribe to The Presidency’s Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PresidencyZA/?sub_confirmation=1.
Checkout more: http://www.thepresidency.gov.za
Get Social
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/PresidencyZA
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/presidencyza/?hl=en
Twitter ► @PresidencyZA
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)
strong>(Washington, D.C.) – Today marks a major victory for victims of online exploitation and a defining moment in digital and child safety: President Donald J. Trump has officially signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation—originally introduced in the House by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and in the Senate by Sen. Ted Cruz (TX)—will protect Americans from the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes.
“Today, through the ‘TAKE IT DOWN’ Act, we affirm that the well-being of our children is central to the future of our families and America. I am proud to say that the values of BE BEST will be reflected in the law of the land,” saidFirst Lady Melania Trump.
“The signing of my TAKE IT DOWN Act is a historic moment in our fight to protect children online. I’m grateful to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for standing with us against the growing threat of online exploitation and AI abuse. For the first time, victims have real legal protection, and parents have a powerful tool to fight back and protect their children from digital threats. Predators will finally face the full force of the law,” saidRep. Maria Salazar.
“The TAKE IT DOWN ACT is an historic win for victims of revenge porn and deepfake image abuse. Predators who weaponize new technology to post this exploitative filth will now rightfully face criminal consequences, and Big Tech will no longer be allowed to turn a blind eye to the spread of this vile material. This day stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and dedication of Elliston Berry, Francesca Mani, Breeze Liu, and Brandon Guffey, whose relentless advocacy made this law possible. I am deeply grateful to my legislative partners, particularly Sen. Amy Klobuchar and First Lady Melania Trump, for their collaboration in advancing this critical legislation to protect every American’s privacy and dignity online,” saidSen. Ted Cruz.
“I am overjoyed that our bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act is now law — a monumental step in the fight to protect Americans’ privacy, empower victims, and address sexually explicit AI deepfakes. This was made possible by many advocates and partners — including Representatives Salazar and Dingell in the House, Senators Cruz and Klobuchar in the Senate, and the President and First Lady. Today is evidence that when we work together, we can accomplish important work for the American people,” said Rep Madeleine Dean.
“In an age where personal images can be stolen and weaponized in seconds, the signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law marks a pivotal step forward. Our bipartisan law creates the first federal protections against non-consensual intimate imagery and AI-generated deepfakes—finally giving survivors the right to reclaim control and hold offenders accountable. I’m proud to have championed this legislation alongside Rep. Salazar, whose leadership was instrumental to this achievement,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
“The publication of sexually exploitative images—including AI-generated deepfakes – is a terrifying and destructive part of the digital age. I applaud the First Lady for bringing attention to this issue, and the Problem Solvers Caucus will work with her across party lines to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act to address these reprehensible acts. Let it be the first of many actions we take in this Congress to get things done,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-ChairRep. Tom Suozzi.
With the President’s signature, the TAKE IT DOWN law now becomes the strongest federal tool to date for combatting “revenge porn,” digital harassment, and image-based sexual abuse. This new law sends a clear message to both predators and platforms: online exploitation will no longer be tolerated, and accountability will be enforced at every level. It is a major win for families and parents across America who can finally feel more secure knowing their children are better protected in today’s digital world.
The law addresses the growing threat of deepfake technology, which allows perpetrators to create explicit, realistic images—usually of women and girls—without consent. Many victims don’t discover these images until after serious harm is done. By setting clear federal standards and requiring swift takedowns, the law closes a dangerous gap that left victims with little recourse.
Rep. María Elvira Salazar led the charge in the House, reintroducing the bill in January 2025. First Lady Melania Trump played a pivotal role in elevating the issue, hosting a high-profile roundtable on Capitol Hill and mobilizing bipartisan support. The law was passed unanimously in the Senate in February 2025 and received final approval in the House soon after.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act has earned support from over 120 organizations, including major tech companies like Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Amazon, as well as advocacy groups.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act addresses these issues while protecting lawful speech by:
Criminalizing the publication of Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) or the threat to publish NCII in interstate commerce;
Protecting good faith efforts to assist victims by permitting the good faith disclosure of NCII for the purpose of law enforcement or medical treatment;
Requiring websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victims within 48 hours; and
Requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a ‘reasonable person’ test for appearing to realistically depict an individual, to conform to current First Amendment jurisprudence.
A Legislative Milestone for Rep. Salazar
The TAKE IT DOWN Act is the ninth piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Salazar to be signed into law, further cementing her role as a national leader in the fight to safeguard Americans—especially women and minors—from digital abuse. Other key policies sponsored by Rep. Salazar that have been enacted into law include:
The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act – Honors 60 diplomats who risked their lives during World War II to save Jews from Nazi persecution. Signed into law in December 2024.
The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act – Protects migratory birds and their habitat, critical for the Everglades. Signed into law in April 2024.
The RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act – Recovers billions in fraudulent government loans and restores fiscal responsibility and government accountability. Implemented by the Biden Administration in December 2023.
The REEF Act – Incentivizes retired Navy ships to be sunk and used as artificial reefs in marine ecosystems across America. Signed into law in December 2023.
The Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act – Reauthorizes critical funding for programs that address mental health and substance abuse issues. Signed into law in December 2022.
The PRICE Act – Makes it easier for small businesses to get federal contracts. Signed into law in February 2022.
The Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act – Sanctions the Ortega Regime in Nicaragua. Signed into law in November 2021.
The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief Act – Provides economic relief for Floridians. Implemented by the Biden Administration in March 2021.
On Monday night, Parliament and Council negotiators reached an agreement on a financial aid package for Egypt worth up to €4 billion in loans.
Representatives from Parliament and the Polish presidency of the Council have secured a provisional agreement on providing Egypt with macro-financial assistance (MFA) to support its economy.
The MFA is worth up to €5 billion in the form of loans. A short-term loan of up to €1 billion was already disbursed at the end of 2024. An additional loan of up to €4 billion will now be disbursed. Egypt will have 35 years to repay the loans.
The release of the funds is subject to Egypt’s satisfactory implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and other policy measures to be agreed in a memorandum between the EU and the Egyptian authorities.
In a yearly report to Parliament and Council, the Commission will examine the progress made, assess Egypt’s economic prospects and evaluate the loans’ impact on the economic and fiscal situation. The Commission will also evaluate steps taken to shore up democratic mechanisms and the rule of law and to protect human rights in the country.
Quote
Rapporteur Celine Imart (EPP, France), said: “I welcome the agreement reached with the Commission and the Council on the MFA for Egypt. It is a balanced text that will serve European interests while respecting the specific situation of our Egyptian key partner.”
Next steps
Before it can enter into force, the agreement needs the formal approval of both the International Trade Committee and Parliament’s plenary, as well as that of Council.
Background
Given Egypt’s critical economic and financial situation and its role as an important stabilising presence in an increasingly volatile region, on 24 March 2024 the Commission proposed to support the country with macro-financial assistance in the form of loans worth up to €5 billion.
Macro-financial assistance initiatives are EU financial support packages concluded with partner countries that are struggling with financial, economic, societal challenges, to help with structural political and economic reforms.
A man has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life following a series of fires in north London.
Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 (15.07.98) of Romford, a Romanian national, [B] has been charged with –
conspiring together with Roman Lavrynovych and others unknown to damage by fire property belonging to another,
intending to damage the property,
intending to endanger the life or another or being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered.
Carpiuc is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 20 May at 10:00hrs.
The charge, which was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, relates to a period from Thursday, 17 April to Tuesday, 13 May this year, in which three incidents took place – a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of Monday, 12 May.
All have connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation into the fires.
Carpiuc was arrested on Saturday, 17 May at London Luton Airport by counter terrorism officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit.
He was held in police custody after a warrant of further detention was obtained.
As part of the same investigation, Roman Lavrynovych 21 (06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national [A] was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 May and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June
A 34-year-old [C] was arrested on Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
He remains in police custody.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.
We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT
Press Release Nokia trials 5G technology during Joint Viking military exercise in Norway
Worked alongside industry partners to deploy Nokia 5G AirScale radios and 5G Standalone Core, enhancing tactical communication during multinational Arctic defense exercise.
Nokia’s 5G technology supported advanced defense applications and provided real-time information to field personnel.
20 May 2025 Espoo, Finland – Nokia, in collaboration with industry partners, tested 5G technology in a defense scenario during Joint Viking 2025, a Norwegian military exercise. Throughout the trial, Nokia’s 5G technology enabled field personnel from multiple nations with advanced defense applications, enhancing situational awareness and facilitating seamless cooperation across military units.
Nokia’s solutions included 5G AirScale radio products and 5G Standalone Core technology tuned for defense applications, to enhance tactical communication and information systems among participating nations. Nokia’s 5G communications platform gave military personnel access to real-time battlefield intelligence, facilitating faster decision-making. The Joint Viking command and control leadership leveraged this data to improve situational awareness, streamline operations, and enhance both safety and efficiency throughout the exercise.
Joint Viking 2025 took place in Bardufoss, located in northern Norway, above the Arctic Circle. It included more than 10,000 soldiers from Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, US, UK, The Netherlands, and Norway. Occurring every two years, the exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, support protection of NATO’s northern flank and test Norway’s ability to receive allied reinforcements.
The Norwegian Material Defense Agency (NDMA), an agency directly subordinate to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, collaborates with Norway’s mobile operators as key service partners. Recently, the Norwegian energy and telecom group Lyse and Nokia have entered into a strategic agreement to enhance tactical communication solutions for Norway, leveraging their expertise and strengths in critical communications.
“We collaborate with the industry to develop innovative defense solutions based on commercial technologies. A prime example is advanced software functionality, which enables Nokia’s 5G systems to operate in GNSS-denied environments, along with their next-generation radio equipment, engineered for reduced size, weight, and power. Nokia’s 5G technology was instrumental in the success of the Joint Viking exercise, enhancing the Norwegian Armed Forces’ readiness for complex joint operations in challenging conditions,” said Kennet Nomeland, Radio Architect and Norway’s Ministry of Defense liaison for 5G COMPAD program.
“The scalable, secure and reliable connectivity that 5G provides has an important role in strengthening the tactical communication capabilities of defense forces. The successful trial of 5G in the field at Joint Viking exercise is evidence of Nokia’s continued progress in the defense sector and highlights Norwegian Armed Forces’ position as a leader in deploying advanced communication technologies for tactical operations,” commented Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense at Nokia.
About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.
As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.
With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.
Israel has been accused of “manipulation” and “cynical” circumvention of global decisions calling for unrestricted humanitarian aid access to the besieged Gaza enclave.
“In a clear act of defiance against international humanitarian obligations, the occupying state has permitted only nine aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip — covering both the devastated north and south,” said Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) co-chair Maher Nazzal.
“This paltry number of trucks represents a deliberate and cynical attempt to circumvent global decisions calling for unrestricted humanitarian access,” he said in a statement as Britain, France and Canada threatened Israel with sanctions and 22 other countries — including New Zealand — jointly condemned Israel over its siege.
“Under the guise of permitting aid, this token gesture is being used to claim compliance while continuing to suffocate more than two million Palestinians trapped under siege.
“It is a tactic designed to deflect international criticism and ease diplomatic pressure without meaningfully alleviating the catastrophic conditions faced by civilians.
“This is not aid — it is manipulation.”
Nazzal said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza demanded immediate, full, and unhindered access to food, water, medical supplies, and shelter for all areas of the Strip.
“The international community must see through these performative measures and act decisively,” he said.
“We call on governments, humanitarian agencies, and civil society around the world to intensify public and political pressure on the occupying state.
“It is imperative that world leaders hold it accountable for its ongoing violations and demand an end to the blockade, the siege, and these deceptive, life-threatening tactics.”
Every minute of delay cost lives, Nazzal said.
“Nine trucks are not enough. Gaza needs justice, not crumbs.”
UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions. Video: Al Jazeera
Time to expel ambassador Letters to the editor in New Zealand newspapers have become increasingly critical of Israel’s war conduct and “atrocities”.
“The daily average number of those Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza is 90 plus, and the United Nations states that 70 percent are women and children,” she wrote.
“After 16 months of brutal onslaught, now including starvation, inside a walled enclave, isn’t it about time our government spoke up regarding this great atrocity of our time? At the very least, by demanding a ceasefire, applying sanctions and expelling the Israeli ambassador?
“That is the obvious route for a last-ditch attempt to be on ‘the right side of history’.”
In another letter, headed Standing by Helpless, Allan Bell or Torbay wrote:
“Countries stand by helpless as the Israelis bomb and shell Palestinians at will in Gaza.
“Rather than negotiate the peaceful return of the hostages, Israel has cynically used them to justify this slaughter.
“The use of starvation and destruction amounts to eradication and annihilation.
“We have protested through the United Nations (an organisation long ignored by the Israelis) to no effect. It’s time to send their ambassador home and close their embassy. A token gesture maybe, but at least we can say we did something.”
SOCIETE GENERALE LAUNCHES A NEW GLOBAL EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP PROGRAMME
Pressrelease
Paris, 20 May 2025
Societe Generale confirms the launch of a new global employee share ownership programme allowing eligible employees and retired former employees of the Group to subscribe for a capital increase reserved for them on preferential terms. The subscription period for the share offer will take place from 2 to 16 June (inclusive).
The settlement-delivery of the shares should take place on 24 July 2025.
The terms of this transaction are described in the information document provided below.
This transaction implements the 27th resolution of the General Meeting held on 22 May 2024. The principle of this operation, approved by the Board of Directors on 5 February 2025, was made public in page 15 of the Board of Directors’ report on the resolutions submitted to the General Meeting of 20 May 2025 and, before that, in the table of financial authorisations provided in section 3.1.7 of the Universal Registration Document dated 12 March 2025 which has been updated, on pages 58 to 59 of the Convening Brochure, relating to the General Meeting of 20 May 2025, which was published on 14 April 2025.
Employee share ownership is a long-term collective commitment mechanism regularly implemented within Societe Generale to involve employees in the development of the company and to enable them to benefit from long-term value creation.
The 2025 programme is the 32nd offered by the Group.
PROVIDED FOR EMPLOYEES AND RETIRED FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP PERTAINING TO A CAPITAL INCREASE IN CASH TARGETING A MAXIMUM OF 12,044,800 SHARES RESERVED FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES AND RETIRED FORMER EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP COMPANY OR GROUP SAVINGS PLANS
2025 GROUP EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP PROGRAMME (2025 GESOP)
This information document is available at Societe Generale’s administrative office (17 cours Valmy – 92972 Paris-La Défense Cedex), on its website and its intranet site, and was covered by a press release dated 20 May 2025.
This document is prepared in accordance with the prospectus publication exemptions provided for in Article 1.4°(i) and Article 1.5°(h) of Prospectus Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1129. It constitutes the document required to meet the conditions for exemption from publication of a prospectus as defined by said Prospectus Regulation, directly applicable in the domestic law of each Member State of the European Union.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAPITAL INCREASE IN CASH RESERVED FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES AND RETIRED FORMER EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP COMPANY OR GROUP SAVINGS PLANS
ISSUER
Societe Generale,
French public limited company (société anonyme),
Share capital: EUR 1,000,395,971.25
Registered office: 29, boulevard Haussmann – 75009 PARIS
Paris Trade and Companies Register No. 552 120 222
Euronext Paris – Compartment A
Ordinary share ISIN code: FR0000130809
Share admitted to Deferred Settlement Service
Securities offered
The maximum overall nominal amount of the capital increase is set at EUR 15,056,000, corresponding to the issue of 12,044,800 shares available for subscription in cash.
The capital increase is sub-divided into two (2) tranches using separate investment vehicles, respectively accessible to separate entities or groups of entities.
The Societe Generale shares to be issued will be of the same class and will be equivalent to Societe Generale shares already admitted to trading on Euronext Paris (Compartment A).
Reasons for the offer
The 2025 Group Employee Share Ownership Programme falls within the scope of the Societe Generale Group employee share ownership policy, both in France and internationally, allowing beneficiaries to become involved in the Group’s operations by participating, through this investment, in the development of Societe Generale, by expressing their voting rights and participating in the General Meeting.
Terms of subscription
The shares will be available for subscription through employee mutual fund (“FCPE”) in France and directly via the acquisition of registered shares outside France.
Method for determining the subscription price
The subscription price of EUR 35.76 is equal to the arithmetic average of the 20 (twenty) volume-weighted average prices recorded each day on the Euronext Paris regulated stock market at the end of each of the 20 (twenty) trading sessions preceding the morning of 19 May 2025 (date of the decision of the Chief Executive Officer, setting the subscription period and the subscription price and acting on the sub-delegation of the Board of Directors at its meeting of 5 February 2025 using the authorization granted to the Board by the twenty-seven resolution of the Combined General Meeting of 22 May 2024), with the application of a 20% discount.
Duration of subscription period
The subscription period will begin on Monday 2nd June 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Paris time) and will end on Monday 16th June 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (Paris time).
Terms of subscription for shares
The first (1st) tranche is subscribed through the Employee Mutual Funds under Company or Group Savings Plans. The second (2nd) tranche is directly subscribed by employees under the International Group Savings Plan.
Beneficiaries of the offer
This offer is reserved for employees with seniority of at least three (3) months, holding an employment contract in effect at the end of the subscription period, broken down as follows:
for the 1st tranche, the beneficiaries of the Societe Generale Company Savings Plan and the Group Savings Plan;
for the 2nd tranche, the beneficiaries of the International Group Savings Plan.
As regards the first tranche, former employees having left their company after retiring, with this category including pre-retirees, and having retained assets in the Company or Group Savings Plans, may also take part in this reserved capital increase.
Subscription limit
In accordance with Article L. 3332-10 of the French Labour Code, the total amount of payments made by Beneficiaries (including payments into other Savings Plans) may not exceed 25% of their gross annual remuneration received during the year of subscription or, for Beneficiaries whose employment contract is suspended and who received no remuneration for the year of subscription, 25% of the annual limit provided for in Article L. 241-3 of the French Social Security Code. At its meeting of 5 February 2025, the Board of Directors decided that the total amount of a given Beneficiary’s individual subscription (which may consist of a voluntary payment, including the transfer of available assets, as well as the net amounts of profit-sharing and employer matching contribution (not applicable to retirees)) may not exceed EUR 20,000.
Employer matching contribution
Employer matching contribution rules are specific to each Company or Group Savings Plan and each participating entity.
Transaction timetable
Subscription will be open from Monday 2nd June 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Paris time) to Monday 16th June 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (Paris time). The capital increase is scheduled for 24 July 2025.
Listing of new shares
Listing market
Societe Generale shares are listed on Euronext Paris (deferred settlement service, continuous trading group A, ISIN code FR0000130809).
Listing of new shares
The listing of the new shares on Euronext Paris will be requested immediately after the completion of the capital increase (the listing should be effective on or around 29 July 2025).
General information on new shares subject to a request for admission to trading
Rights attached to shares issued
As soon as they are created, the new shares will be subject to all the provisions of the Issuer’s Articles of Association and will bear dividends rights as of 1 January 2025. As a result, they will be fully assimilated with the existing shares and will entitle the shareholders of a public limited company to the associated legal prerogatives. In particular, they will entitle shareholders to ownership of the company’s assets and the liquidation surplus, in a proportion equal to the percentage of share capital they represent. Similarly, the dividend is distributed to shareholders in proportion to their shareholding.
A double voting right, in proportion to the capital represented, is allocated to all fully paid-up shares registered in the name of the same shareholder, for at least two years, as well as to new registered shares granted free of charge to a shareholder, in the event of a capital increase through the incorporation of reserves, profits or issue premiums, in respect of shares entitled thereto.
In accordance with Article L. 214-165 II, paragraph 3, of the French Monetary and Financial Code, the voting rights attached to Societe Generale shares subscribed via the FCPE will be exclusively exercised individually by the unitholders of said FCPE and, for fractional units, by the supervisory board of said FCPE.
In the event of a public purchase or exchange offer, the supervisory board of the FCPE decide, based on the relative majority of the votes cast, whether or not to tender Societe Generale shares to the offer. If there is no relative majority, the decision is put to the vote of the unitholders, who decide based on the relative majority of the votes cast.
Marketability of shares
No clauses in the Articles of Association limit the free marketability of the shares comprising Societe Generale’s capital.
Only the rules below governing the unavailability of shares under a Company or Group Savings Plan will limit the marketability of said shares.
Unavailability
Shares held directly by the Beneficiaries and units of the employee mutual fund, as applicable, will be unavailable for a period of 5 years, barring cases of early release subject to the conditions applicable to the Company or Group Savings Plan in question. As regards the 2nd tranche, in some countries, depending on local legislation, some cases of early release will not be open to employees.
Specific disclaimer for international subscriptions
This document constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to subscribe for Societe Generale shares. The Societe Generale share offer reserved for eligible current employees and retired former employees participating in Societe Generale Group Company or Group Savings Plans will only be implemented in countries where such an offer has been registered with the relevant local authorities and/or with the approval of a prospectus by the competent local authorities, or in consideration of an exemption from the obligation to establish a prospectus or register the offer. More generally, the offer will only be made in countries where all required registration procedures and/or notifications have been made and the proper authorisations obtained, except for the exemptions mentioned above. This document is not intended for countries in which such a prospectus would not have been approved or such an exemption would not be available, or in which all required registration and/or notification procedures have not yet been made or the proper authorisations obtained, and copies of this document should not be sent in such countries.
With respect to the United States of America in particular, the shares referred to in this document have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or exemption from registration in accordance with the Securities Act. Societe Generale does not intend to register the offer, in part or in whole, in the United States, or to make public share offers in the United States. The shares will be offered only for transactions benefiting from an exemption from registration.
Due to the sanctions imposed by the European Union, this offer is not open to citizens or residents of Russia who do not have a residence permit in or are not nationals of a European Union country, of a country member of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or to citizens or residents or Belarus who do not have a residence permit in or are not nationals of a European Union country.
Employee contact
Beneficiaries may address any questions relating to this offer to the contact indicated in the subscription application provided to them.
Societe Generale
Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.
The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:
French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.
Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).
In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LOS ANGELES, May 19 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that his two-hour phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday morning “went very well.”
According to the head of the White House, Moscow and Kyiv will begin negotiations in which only they themselves will be able to set the conditions. “Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin negotiations to cease fire and, more importantly, to end the war,” D. Trump wrote. “The terms for this will be agreed upon between the two sides, as they should be, because they know the details of the negotiations that no one else knows,” he added.
D. Trump noted that Russia wants to “engage in large-scale trade with the United States” when the current catastrophic situation ends, and expressed confidence that Ukraine would also be able to benefit from trade.
“Russia has enormous potential to create huge numbers of jobs and great wealth. Its potential is limitless. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary of trade as it rebuilds its country,” the report said.
Trump also said he shared details of the conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. –0–
Donald Trump said after his call on Monday with President Vladimir Putin that Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations for a ceasefire, but the Kremlin said the process would take time and the U.S. president indicated he was not ready to join Europe with fresh sanctions to pressure Moscow.
In a social media post, Trump said he relayed the plan to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as well as the leaders of the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and Finland in a group call following his session with the Russian leader.
“Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” Trump said, adding later at the White House that he thought “some progress is being made.”
Putin thanked Trump for supporting the resumption of direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv after the two sides met in Turkey last week for their first face-to-face negotiations since March 2022. But after the Monday call he said only that efforts were “generally on the right track”.
“We have agreed with the president of the United States that Russia will propose and is ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a possible future peace accord,” Putin told reporters near the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
While the indications that Ukraine and Russia will continue direct contacts speak of progress after more than three years of the war, the Monday flurry of talks again failed to deliver on expectations for a major breakthrough.
European leaders decided to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions after Trump briefed them on his call with Putin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in an X post late on Monday.
Trump did not appear ready to follow that move. Asked why he had not imposed fresh sanctions to push Moscow into a peace deal as he had threatened, Trump told reporters: “Well because I think there’s a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you can also make it much worse. But there could be a time where that’s going to happen.”
Trump said there were “some big egos involved.” Without progress, “I’m just going to back away,” he said, repeating a warning that he could abandon the process. “This is not my war.”
NO DEADLINE FOR AGREEMENTS
European leaders and Ukraine have demanded Russia agree to a ceasefire immediately, and Trump has focused on getting Putin to commit to a 30-day truce. Putin has resisted this, insisting that conditions be met first.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Trump and Putin did not discuss a timeline for a ceasefire but did discuss trading nine Russians for nine Americans in a prisoner swap. He said the U.S. leader called prospects for ties between Moscow and Washington “impressive.”
Russian state news agencies cited Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying that Moscow and Kyiv faced “complex contacts” to develop a unified text of a peace and ceasefire memorandum.
“There are no deadlines and there cannot be any. It is clear that everyone wants to do this as quickly as possible, but, of course, the devil is in the details,” the RIA agency quoted him as saying.
Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt said on X the call with Trump was “undoubtedly a win for Putin.”
The Russian leader “deflected the call for an … immediate ceasefire and instead can continue military operations at the same time as he puts pressure on at the negotiating table,” he said.
HIGH-LEVEL MEETING
After speaking with Trump, Zelenskiy said Kyiv and its partners might seek a high-level meeting among Ukraine, Russia, the United States, European Union countries and Britain as part of a push to end the war.
“Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia in any format that brings results,” Zelenskiy said on X.
He said that this could be hosted by Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland. It was not immediately clear if this would be part of the negotiations Trump said would start immediately.
Trump said Pope Leo had expressed interest in hosting the negotiations at the Vatican. The Vatican did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Kremlin’s Peskov said Putin and Trump discussed direct contacts between the Russian leader and Zelenskiy. Moscow also welcomed the Vatican’s proposal, but no decision had been made on a place for “possible future contacts,” he added.
One person familiar with Trump’s call with the Ukrainian and European leaders said participants were “shocked” that Trump did not want to push Putin with sanctions.
In a post on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said only that the conversation with Trump was “good” and it was “important that the U.S. stays engaged.”
Ukraine and its supporters have accused Russia of failing to negotiate in good faith, doing the minimum needed to keep Trump from applying new pressure on its economy.
If Trump were to impose new sanctions, it would be a milestone moment given that he has appeared sympathetic towards Russia and torn up the pro-Ukraine policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Prodded by Trump, delegates from the warring countries met last week in Istanbul for the first time since 2022, but the talks failed to broker a truce. Hopes faded after Putin spurned Zelenskiy’s proposal to meet face to face there.
Putin, whose forces control a fifth of Ukraine and are advancing, has stood firm on his conditions for ending the war, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from four Ukrainian regions Russia claims.
He said the memorandum Russia and Ukraine would work on about a future peace accord would define “a number of positions, such as, for example, the principles of settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement.”
“The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this crisis,” Putin said. “We just need to determine the most effective ways to move towards peace.”
An apt metaphor for the Department of Defence in Labor’s second term might be the Titanic. The good ship “defence” has hit an iceberg: the senior officers are reassuring all is fine, the band is playing and the crew are busy. But the ship is gradually sinking.
The iceberg is the $A368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine project. The scale of the program in terms of money, time and workforce is progressively damaging the rest of the defence portfolio. AUKUS is now so large it is seen as a fourth service, alongside the navy, army and air force.
Given the challenges facing Australia’s defence budget, what are we to make of the proposed defence pact with the European Union?
European defence partners
An ever-changing world always intrudes on defence planning.
The latest is the European Union (EU) suggesting a defence partnership with Australia. To some degree, this simply formalises existing arrangements and practices. Individual European nations, such as Germany and France, already have strategic partnerships with Australia, while Italy and Spain undertake defence training in Darwin.
A new partnership would elevate Australia’s European defence relationships to a different level, given the EU is a supra-national grouping of 27 countries with a GDP comparable to the United States. On the upside, EU defence spending is steadily being increased, creating new possibilities for Australian defence industry exports and the joint manufacture of selected equipment such as Germany’s Boxer vehicle in Brisbane.
But funding a deepening relationship with the EU while sustaining those in the Indo-Pacific would be challenging. And AUKUS means the government will need to carefully balance today’s demands with suddenly emerging pressures.
Treading water
If the Europeans do land a defence pact with Australia – will it be worth their while?
In this decade, Australia’s defence budget will simply be marking time. AUKUS has already begun crowding out other defence possibilities that might better fit today’s changed strategic circumstances.
The navy’s surface warship fleet will decline until well into the 2030s. Its ageing amphibious and submarine fleets have become unreliable and its two brand new replenishment oilers are both inexplicably unserviceable.
The army, unsure of itself, is crafting a new “theory of army” to update strategic and operational principles.
Billions are being spent buying new-build and refurbished armoured vehicles, and old-design helicopters. These projects commenced before Labor’s first term and are less suited to today’s needs.
The RAAF is better off, having finally received the last of its F-35 fighters even if they need updating as soon as possible. Ideally, the air force should be investing now in future new equipment for delivery in the 2030s, when some current in-service aircraft approach their end of life. But thanks to AUKUS, there is no money for this.
No time to waste
Both the Morrsion and the first Albanese government emphasised that this decade is particularly dangerous: a major war might break out unexpectedly.
Three areas stand out for Labor to get busy on:
1. The Trump Factor
The Trump factor is threatening the existing defence plans built around tight military integration with the US. US President Donald Trump’s policy volatility makes the US an unreliable ally. This uncertainty works against relying on defence plans that literally bet the future of the nation on US support in time of war.
The new National Defence Strategy due in early 2026, must address the Trump factor in a robust and comprehensive manner. The scale of the problem may mean a new grand strategy is needed.
This review was fundamentally flawed. It failed to consider AUKUS – or indeed the navy’s surface war fleet – in its overall advice on the design of the future Australian Defence Force. Nor did it include defence funding needs in any detail beyond “should be increased”.
Consequently, the review provided an inadequate foundation on which to forecast a long term plan for the force. This plan is now being steadily distorted as factors not previously considered intrude. The flow on effect means the original planned growth in defence budgets is now seriously insufficient.
For better or worse, defence must be rebuilt around AUKUS. The attempt to keep the two separate has failed. AUKUS is no longer just a submarine project, but the core of the future defence force.
As a result, army modernisation and the navy’s large amphibious ships look vulnerable.
3. Future opportunities
There are opportunities for the Australian Defence Force, despite the challenges. For example, the very rapid rise of robots being demonstrated in Ukraine portends the future of warfare.
High tech robotics are an investment opportunity for the Australian Defence Force. Parilov/Shutterstock
Defence is presently trapped in the old paradigm of buying a few large and very expensive crewed platforms like AUKUS, and is neglecting emerging uncrewed system models that are small and affordable.
The defence department lacks money to explore such new ideas but the government could use the mostly untapped A$15 billion reconstruction fund, which handily includes defence manufacturing as a priority.
Australian defence industry is potentially on the cusp of becoming a regional uncrewed system manufacturer, including the high-end Ghost Bats and Ghost Sharks, or the more affordable Speartooths, Fathoms, Bluebottles and Atlases. Australian made uncrewed systems have been combat proven in Ukraine.
The reconstruction fund could build this industry sector, moving defence into the future and ensuring defence industry survives the AUKUS iceberg.
Peter Layton 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.
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law — a key initiative of First Lady Melania Trump and a landmark step in the fight to protect victims of digital exploitation.
The signing of this critical bill received bipartisan praise on Capitol Hill and beyond:
Sen. Ted Cruz: “The TAKE IT DOWN ACT is an historic win for victims of revenge porn and deepfake image abuse. Predators who weaponize new technology to post this exploitative filth will now rightfully face criminal consequences, and Big Tech will no longer be allowed to turn a blind eye to the spread of this vile material. This day stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and dedication of Elliston Berry, Francesca Mani, Breeze Liu, and Brandon Guffey, whose relentless advocacy made this law possible. I am deeply grateful to my legislative partners, particularly Sen. Amy Klobuchar and First Lady Melania Trump, for their collaboration in advancing this critical legislation to protect every American’s privacy and dignity online.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar: “Big news: my bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act w/Sen. Cruz was signed into law by the President today. It protects victims of online abuse and set some rules of the road for social media and AI. Thank you to the First Lady for her support and to the advocates who made this possible.”
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar: “Before this law, victims were ignored. Schools couldn’t act, police had no tools, and Big Tech looked away. With TAKE IT DOWN, that changes. Platforms must respond — and predators will face justice. Now, victims have the power and the law behind them.”
X CEO Linda Yaccarino: “Honored to be at the @WhiteHouse today as @POTUS signed the Take It Down Act. Grateful to @FLOTUS for her dedication to ensuring safety. @X will continue to work alongside @SenTedCruz @MarshaBlackburn @RepNancyMace and @NCMEC to do everything possible to make the internet safer, especially for children.”
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson: “No one should have to live in fear of their most private moments being weaponized against them. Revenge porn is a cruel and deeply violating crime, and for too long, the law has lagged behind the technology. Today, with President Trump’s leadership, we’re now bringing that fight to the national stage, by standing up for survivors, holding predators accountable, and making it absolutely clear: digital abuse is real abuse, and it will be met with real consequences.”
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: “Today, @NCMEC_CEO, Michelle DeLaune and NCMEC’s Chief Legal Officer, Yiota Souras attended the TAKE IT DOWN Act bill signing ceremony at the White House. We’re grateful for @POTUS and @FLOTUS prioritizing this critical legislation and shining a light on child exploitation. This groundbreaking new law closes a dangerous gap by targeting the distribution of both real and digitally altered exploitative content involving children – content that may fall outside existing CSAM definitions – and requires social media platforms to take this imagery down. As the Congressionally designated national clearinghouse on missing and exploited children issues, we will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to identify evolving threats in child sexual exploitation and look forward to continuing our work together to protect children online.”
National Organization for Women President Christian F. Nunes: “Today, President Donald Trump signed into law the Take It Down Act—the first bipartisan legislation that zeroes in on one of the most pernicious threats to women’s health and safety—the theft of our bodily autonomy through deepfake images used to harass and exploit women and girls … Today’s signing shows how much can be done when we get out of the silos that separate us from issue to issue and work together on the values and common goals that unite us despite those differences. When it comes to protecting women and girls from online abuse, this work is just beginning.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “I was pleased to be at the White House to witness the signing of The Take It Down Act, which will criminalize the distribution of nonconsensual intimate imagery. I will be working to get the Kids Online Safety Act to President Trump’s desk next to hold Big Tech accountable for failing to protect innocent children from online harms.”
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: “I am proud to be an original cosponsor on the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This important legislation will protect victims of digital exploitation by making non-consensual, explicit images shared online against the law. Thank you to @FLOTUS for your work on this issue and for @POTUS signing it into law today.”
Sen. John Cornyn: “I was honored to join @POTUS + @FLOTUS at the @WhiteHouse today for the signing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This bill will help punish predators & protect kids from exploitation by requiring online platforms to remove explicit images, including AI generated deepfakes, within 48 hours. Happy to see this commonsense bill signed into law!”
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto: “I’m glad Pres. Trump signed our bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act today. We’ve seen how technology can deliver incredible innovations but there have to be guardrails to keep people safe. That’s why I supported this bill to protect and empower victims of real and deepfake revenge porn.”
Sen. Roger Wicker: “The U.S. must lead in AI innovation and accountability. Today, President Trump signed the Take It Down Act. This new law protects people from AI deepfakes which often target families and children.”
Sen. Todd Young: “Glad to see @POTUS sign our TAKE IT DOWN Act into law today to protect victims—especially young women and children—from harmful deepfakes.”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “Glad to see @POTUS sign the Take It Down Act into law. Deepfake sexual exploitation has sadly become more common with technological advancements. Thankfully, this law will hold perpetrators accountable and protect the victims of these depraved crimes.”
House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain: “In America, we will not tolerate the exploitation of our children. This law will protect our children and families from becoming targets of digital predators. I’m proud to have stood alongside President Trump when he signed this important legislation into law. I look forward to continuing to support his administration and the First Lady’s efforts to hold those who create harmful content accountable, ensure that platforms take responsibility, and keep our children safe in the digital age.”
Rep. Rick Allen: “✅ SIGNED INTO LAW: The Take It Down Act As a grandfather of 14, I was proud to support this bill in @HouseCommerce and on the House floor. Thank you to @FLOTUS for your tireless work to create a safer digital future and protect our kids from online exploitation.”
Rep. Vern Buchanan: “President Trump has signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law, which protects children and victims of revenge porn from online exploitation. I was proud to help introduce this bill and vote for its passage in support of those who have been subject to this horrific violation.”
Rep. Kat Cammack: “Glad to support the Take It Down Act and to see it signed into law today by @POTUS.”
Rep. Ben Cline: “President Trump just signed the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act into law—a major step toward removing non-consensual AI-generated deepfakes on social media. Grateful for @FLOTUS’s leadership in getting this across the finish line and protecting every American from these harmful images.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell: “The TAKE IT DOWN ACT is now law. This is a huge win for women and children across the country. Grateful for my partners in the House and Senate who helped get this bill across the finish line and passed into law.”
Rep. Randy Feenstra: “Thank you to President Trump for signing the TAKE IT DOWN Act to deliver the harshest punishment possible for criminals who take advantage of our kids.”
Rep. Laura Gillen: “I was proud to vote for the bipartisan Take It Down Act and glad to see it signed into law today. No one should have to endure such a violation of privacy without protection. #TakeItDown”
Rep. Morgan Griffith: “For me, voting for the Take It Down Act was easy. This commonsense bill protects our kids from nonconsensual online distribution of sexually explicit images.”
Rep. Brett Guthrie: “I want to thank President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for their steadfast leadership, as well as the millions of Americans affected by online exploitation, for their courage. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I am proud that we delivered on our commitment to advance this important legislation to protect victims of online exploitation. I want to honor Eli Heacock, and express my gratitude to his mom, Shannon Cronister-Heacock, for having the courage to share her son’s devastating story. The scourge of sexual exploitation online has upended the lives of innocent victims all across our country. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is an important step forward in protecting kids from new, 21st century threats to their well-being. This bill would not have been possible without the bravery of families like the Heacocks, and the TAKE IT DOWN Act works to ensure tragedies like this never happen again.”
Rep. Pat Harrigan: “A few weeks ago, I voted for the TAKE IT DOWN ACT in the House. Today, it’s the law! Justice is here for the victims, and a reckoning is coming for those who thought they could get away with preying on the vulnerable.”
Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “The Take It Down Act is a crucial step in protecting our children from predatory behavior online. I was proud to support this important legislation!”
Rep. Kevin Hern: “I’m honored to be at the @WhiteHouse today to witness @POTUS sign the Take It Down Act into law! Earlier this year, @FLOTUS came to Capitol Hill for a roundtable that I was grateful to be a part of. We heard directly from teenagers whose lives had been destroyed by malicious AI-generated pornographic images shared on social media. This legislation will require social media sites to act as quickly as possible to remove such images from their platforms. The First Lady has been an incredible advocate for this legislation, helping to garner bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Congratulations!”
Rep. Young Kim: “Good news! The TAKE IT DOWN Act is now the law of the land to protect kids from online exploitation. I was proud to vote in favor of this historic, bipartisan bill on the House floor.”
Rep. Barry Loudermilk: “Today, @POTUS signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law. As AI advances, so do the risks involved with it. This legislation will help children and their families to remove explicit or defamatory images posted online. In the digital age, privacy and security are vital and this is a major step.”
Rep. Nancy Mace: “We’re at the @WhiteHouse as the Take It Down Act is signed into law. Thank you, President Trump. With the rise of AI and deepfake a*use, women and children have been left vulnerable for too long. The Take It Down Act finally gives victims real protection, and makes exploitation a crime, not a loophole.”
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie: “Proud to attend today’s signing of the Take it Down Act. As a Pennsylvania State Representative, I helped to lead efforts to remove harmful deepfake images. Now, this law takes that fight nationwide and protects young people throughout our nation from AI-generated online exploitation.”
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis: “Today @POTUS signed the Take It Down Act, bipartisan legislation I co-sponsored, into law! Together we’re protecting women (and men) from becoming victims of digital exploitation.”
Rep. August Pfluger: “I just witnessed @POTUS sign the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law! This is a major step forward in protecting innocent victims and restoring online accountability, and I was proud to co-lead this legislation alongside @RepMariaSalazar.”
Rep. Roger Williams: “Today @POTUS signed the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act into law. This law will hold abusers accountable and empower victims of online abuse to have deepfake content or explicit material shared without their consent removed. We will not tolerate the exploitation of our children.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi: “I was proud to stand with @POTUS as he signed the Take It Down Act. Thank you @FLOTUS for your work in safeguarding children from deepfake exploitation.”
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “As @FLOTUS’ Take it Down Act is signed into law, @POTUS highlights $25 million to support foster youth aging out of the foster care system. I am proud to partner with the First Lady to provide young adults with the assistance and foundation they need to transform their lives.”
House Republican Conference: “The Take It Down Act was signed into LAW by @POTUS! Congratulations to @FLOTUS, @RepMariaSalazar, and Chairman @RepGuthrie. Thank you for leading this effort to protect children from exploitation online.”
Republican Study Committee: “This is a huge win. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is critical to protecting children from non-consensual deepfakes online and holds AI abusers accountable. Thank you, President Trump!”
Department of Homeland Security: “Thank you @POTUS Trump for continuing to prioritize America’s children by signing into law the “Take It Down Act,” to protect children from extortion. DHS is at the forefront fighting predators who try to harm and exploit our children. Make America Safe Again!”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Attendees chat during the 6th European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Tirana, Albania, May 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Amid rising political and economic pressures, the sixth summit of the European Political Community (EPC) concluded in Tirana on Friday with few substantive results.
Themed “New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action,” the summit marked the EPC’s first gathering in the Western Balkans. Yet, despite mounting calls for solidarity, deep divisions and growing anxieties were difficult to settle.
Around 50 national and regional leaders, as well as heads of European Union (EU) and international institutions, gathered in the Albanian capital, facing an array of unresolved issues ranging from enlargement fatigue and economic headwinds to migration dilemmas and pressing security concerns.
Strategic anxiety
Launched by French President Emmanuel Macron in May 2022, the EPC was intended to serve as a platform for policy coordination and political dialogue among European countries.
Three years on, however, that vision appears increasingly strained.
As transatlantic divisions deepen, particularly over the Ukraine conflict, European nations are increasingly grappling with the implications of a diminished American commitment.
Agathe Demarais, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said that Europe is not a priority for the United States. “I don’t think that in any field — be it trade or defense or anything else,” she said.
Faruk Boric, a political analyst from Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that for many years, the EU had followed the United States in terms of external politics. “But nowadays you can see that (U.S. President Donald) Trump is trying to make America great again without the EU,” he said.
Europe’s economic concerns are also growing as a new wave of U.S. tariffs poses a serious challenge to sustaining growth and enhancing competitiveness. Negotiations between the EU and the United States on related issues have yet to yield a breakthrough.
The EU is currently facing a 25 percent U.S. import tariff on steel, aluminum and automobiles, along with a 10 percent baseline duty on nearly all other goods. In April, Washington announced a 20 percent “reciprocal tariff” on EU products, which was later postponed for 90 days.
Migration remains another intractable issue. The EU faces both illegal migration flows and labor shortages, creating both political and logistical strain. Recent discussions have broadened to include legal migration pathways, cooperation with countries of origin and transit, and managing so-called “weaponized” migration.
Divisions persist among EPC-participating countries on migration-related issues. There is no consensus over the proposal of offshore deportation centers or to provide greater facilitation for admitting more young migrants.
More symbolic than substantive
Now in its sixth edition, the EPC still lacks a permanent secretariat, formal declarations or binding commitments. While it provides a flexible platform for dialogue, critics argue that a loose structure limits its political impact.
“The EPC has become little more than a photo-op of unity,” said He Zhigao, associate researcher with the Institute of European Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. “It can neither replace the EU nor NATO. It offers no real public goods like security guarantees or economic aid, and it lacks the power to advance meaningful EU enlargement.”
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who co-chaired the meeting, called for a broader vision for the EPC beyond defense. “Why not imagine an EPC of education, science, and artificial intelligence and transnational lines beyond weaponry? A terrain of interconnected sources of knowledge, research and innovation, where Non-EU or Not-Yet-EU territories can become new frontiers for investments, free from bureaucracy, regulations and fiscal burdens…” he said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized at the summit Europe’s responsibility to pursue unity despite diversity, noting that Western Balkan countries “must have a clear perspective for integration.”
However, no concrete steps toward accession were taken during the summit, once again leaving candidate countries in a state of waiting.
With no non-EU country volunteering to host the 2026 summit, doubts about the EPC’s long-term viability continue to grow. As the European Policy Centre warned, “without reform, the EPC risks becoming irrelevant.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a bill signing ceremony of the Take It Down Act at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
U.S. President Donald Trump said his telephone conversation Monday morning with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin “went very well.”
Trump made the remarks in a social media post after the two-hour phone call about the war in Ukraine, saying Russia and Ukraine would start a negotiation in which the conditions could only be set by the two sides themselves.
“Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” Trump wrote. “The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”
Trump noted that Russia wants to “do largescale TRADE with the United States” when the current catastrophic situation is over and he expressed the belief Ukraine could benefit from trade as well.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country,” the post read.
Trump also said he shared details of the call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Coach Francesco Farioli has decided to leave Ajax after only one season, the Amsterdam-based club announced on Monday, one day after the last match of the season.
Farioli joined Ajax from OGC Nice one year ago. The 36-year-old Italian signed a contract until mid-2027 last year, after a disappointing season for Ajax with a historic last place in the Eredivisie in October 2023 under coach Maurice Steijn and a final fifth place under Steijn’s successor John van’t Schip.
Under guidance of Farioli, Ajax arose to the top of table in the Dutch top flight with a nine-point lead over PSV with five match rounds remaining. However, Ajax collapsed in the final phase of the season and eventually reigning champion PSV finished first again last Sunday, one point ahead of Ajax. Farioli was in tears on Sunday after the last match against FC Twente (2-0 win).
“The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals,” Farioli explained his departure. “Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways.”
Despite the good results, Ajax and Farioli received criticism over the season for the defensive and unattractive style of play, not in line with the traditional attacking style of the Dutch giant. A different vision on the playing style between coach and the board could be one of the main reasons for his departure.
“I find this incredibly disappointing,” technical director Alex Kroes commented in a press release. “Francesco and his staff have been a great help to us. It’s been an intense season filled with many memorable moments, and we achieved our goal: qualifying for next season’s Champions League.”
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Todd Young (R-IN), and a group of Senate colleagues introduced a resolution demanding that Hamas release all remaining 58 hostages, and calling on the White House to take all possible steps to ensure their release. The resolution also celebrated the release of Israeli-American Edan Alexander.
“Hamas is pure evil,” said Dr. Cassidy. “They kill Jews, kidnap Americans, and use people as human shields. We must do everything in our power to bring the hostages home.”
“As part of its terrorist attacks on Israel, Hamas took innocent Americans and Israelis hostage. Since that day, we have grieved the lives of those murdered in captivity by Hamas, gladly welcomed home those who have been freed, and continued to demand the safe release of the remaining hostages,” said Senator Young. “I’m glad to join this bipartisan resolution that reaffirms the United States will not give up until all hostages are free.”
Cassidy and Young were joined by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the resolution. U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) and French Hill (R-AR-02) introduced the resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Hamas’s brutal, premeditated attack on Israel and its ongoing captivity of innocent civilians must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. This bipartisan, bicameral resolution reflects our unwavering commitment to securing the freedom of all hostages, standing with their families, and honoring the victims of Hamas’s atrocities,” said Representative French Hill. “As Co-Chair of the Hostage Task Force, I am proud to co-lead this effort and stand alongside my colleagues in the House and Senate in sending a clear and united message: America will never relent in the pursuit of justice and accountability for those who harm our citizens.”
Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced that their bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act was signed into law.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII, and requires social media and similar websites to have in place procedures to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim.
“Passing the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law is a major victory for victims of online abuse – giving people legal protections and tools for when their intimate images, including deepfakes, are shared without their consent, and enabling law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “This is also a landmark move towards establishing common-sense rules of the road around social media and AI. Thank you to the victims, advocates, and law enforcement officials who have banded together to work with Senator Cruz and me to pass this legislation. The support of the First Lady has been key to this effort, and I am glad the President is signing this historic bill into law.”
“The TAKE IT DOWN ACT is an historic win for victims of revenge porn and deepfake image abuse. Predators who weaponize new technology to post this exploitative filth will now rightfully face criminal consequences, and Big Tech will no longer be allowed to turn a blind eye to the spread of this vile material,” said Sen. Cruz. “This day stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and dedication of Elliston Berry, Francesca Mani, Breeze Liu, and Brandon Guffey, whose relentless advocacy made this law possible. I am deeply grateful to my legislative partners, particularly Sen. Amy Klobuchar and First Lady Melania Trump, for their collaboration in advancing this critical legislation to protect every American’s privacy and dignity online.”
The TAKE IT DOWN Act protects and empowers victims of real and deepfake NCII while respecting speech by:
Criminalizing the publication of NCII in interstate commerce. The bill makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly publish, or threaten to publish, NCII on social media and other online platforms. NCII is defined to include realistic, computer-generated pornographic images and videos that depict identifiable, real people. The bill also clarifies that a victim consenting to the creation of an authentic image does not mean that the victim has consented to its publication.
Protecting good-faith efforts to assist victims. The bill permits the good-faith disclosure of NCII, such as to law enforcement, in narrow cases.
Requiring websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim. Social media and other websites would be required to have in place procedures to remove NCII, pursuant to a valid request from a victim, within 48 hours. Websites must also make reasonable efforts to remove copies of the images. The FTC is charged with enforcement of this section.
Protecting lawful speech. The bill is narrowly tailored to criminalize knowingly publishing NCII without chilling lawful speech. The bill conforms to current First Amendment jurisprudence by requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a “reasonable person” test for appearing indistinguishable from an authentic image.
The legislation was co-sponsored by Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ted Budd (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Todd Young (R-IN), John Curtis (R-UT), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Gary Peters (D-MI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2025
Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov
Rep. Barragán Attends Historic Inaugural Mass of First American Pope
14 bipartisan House Members were at the Vatican to celebrate the Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV
Vatican City — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) attended the historic Inaugural Mass of the first American Pope as a member of the official bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL). His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, is the first American in the history of the Catholic Church to have been elected to the papacy. The Inaugural Mass was held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
“This was a deeply meaningful and joyous occasion for American Catholics and the over one billion Catholics around the world who look to the Church for spiritual guidance and leadership,” said Rep. Barragán. “It was truly special to be here—as a Catholic, a Member of Congress, and a representative of a district that is home to a large Catholic community — for the Inaugural Mass to celebrate the start of Pope Leo’s pontificate, our first American Pope. Our prayers are with Pope Leo as he guides the Church with faith, compassion, and a commitment to justice in the years ahead. May his leadership inspire unity, hope, and renewal within the Church and throughout the world.”
The Congressional Delegation, led by Rep. French Hill (R-AR), also includes Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Mike Kelly (D-AR), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO).
For photos and videos from the Inaugural Mass, click HERE.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 2025
Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov
Rep. Barragán Joins Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate
14 bipartisan House Members will travel to the Vatican to celebrate the first American Pope
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) left this morning for Rome as part of the official Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Vatican to attend the Inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV is the first American ever elevated to the papacy — a historic milestone for the Catholic Church and American Catholics.
“I’m honored to join this congressional delegation to witness a historic moment for the Catholic Church,” said Rep. Barragán. “As a Catholic and someone who represents a diverse district with a large Catholic population, it is especially meaningful to be at the Vatican for the inauguration of the first American Pope. This is a moment of pride, reflection, and hope for millions of people who look to the Church for guidance, compassion, and moral clarity. My prayers are with Pope Leo as he begins this monumental duty and spiritual journey.”
The Inaugural Mass will take place on Sunday, May 18th at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The Congressional Delegation, led by Rep. French Hill (R-AR), also includes Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Mike Kelly (D-AR), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Jeff Hurd (R-CO).
World Health Organization Member States, meeting today in Committee A of the World Health Assembly, approved a resolution that calls for the adoption of an historic global compact to make the world safer from future pandemics. The WHO Pandemic Agreement will next be considered for final adoption by the Assembly on Tuesday during the plenary session.
Monday’s approval of the Pandemic Agreement resolution follows a more than three-year process, launched by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, to negotiate the world’s first such accord to address the gaps and inequities in preventing, preparing for and responding to pandemics. This watershed agreement was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution. It aims to foster stronger collaboration and cooperation among countries, international organizations like WHO, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to prevent pandemics occurring in the first place, and to better respond in the event of a future pandemic crisis.
“Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “I congratulate WHO‘s Member States for resolving to come together in the aftermath of COVID-19 to better protect the world from future pandemics. Their work to develop this global accord will ensure countries work better, faster and more equitably together to prevent and respond to the next pandemic threat.”
The Pandemic Agreement and the resolution calling for its adoption will be taken up by the full plenary of the World Health Assembly on Tuesday, 20 May. Immediately after, there will be a High-Level segment featuring statements from Heads of States of multiple countries.
“The WHO Pandemic Agreement is a demonstration of the shared desire by all people to be better prepared to prevent and respond to the next pandemic, with a commitment to the principles of respect for human dignity, equity, solidarity and sovereignty, and basing public health decisions to control pandemics on the best available science and evidence,” said the Honorable Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, and Chair of the Committee A meeting that adopted today’s resolution. “The costs that COVID inflicted on lives, livelihoods and economies were great and many, and we – as sovereign states – have resolved to join hands, as one world together, so we can protect our children, elders, frontline health workers and all others from the next pandemic. It is our duty and responsibility to humanity.”
The resolution sets out several steps for taking the world forward and preparing for the Pandemic Agreement’s implementation. It includes the launch of a process to draft and negotiate an annex to the Agreement that would establish a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS) through an Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG). The result of this process will be considered at next year’s World Health Assembly. Once the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, the Pandemic Agreement will then be open for signature and consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies. After 60 ratifications, the Agreement will enter into force.
In addition, Member States also directed the IGWG to initiate steps to enable setting up of the Coordinating Financial Mechanism for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to “enhance, facilitate, and work to remove barriers and ensure equitable, timely, rapid, safe, and affordable access to pandemic-related health products for countries in need during public health emergencies of international concern, including pandemic emergencies, and for prevention of such emergencies.”
According to the Agreement, pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will play a key role in equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products by making available to WHO “rapid access targeting 20% of their real time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.” The distribution of these products to countries will be carried out on the basis of public health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries and those supported through the GSCL.
The Pandemic Agreement aligns with the International Health Regulations, amendments to which were adopted by governments at last year’s World Health Assembly to bolster international rules to better detect, prevent and respond to outbreaks.
Dr Tedros thanked the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) that coordinated and facilitated the process to draft and negotiate the Pandemic Agreement. The WHO Director-General also praised the tireless work and excellence of the WHO Secretariat team that supported the Bureau and Member States, led by Dr Michael Ryan and Dr Jaouad Mahjour.
“An immensely talented, experienced and driven WHO team was assembled to support the vision of governments to develop this historic Pandemic Agreement,” Dr Tedros said. “This group of individuals, representing so many countries and regions of the world, deserve enormous credit and thanks from the international community for what they have done to help make the world safer for future generations.”
The INB was established in December 2021, at a special session of the World Health Assembly. WHO Member States were tasked to develop a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the WHO Constitution to strengthen pandemic preparedness, prevention and response. Members of the INB Bureau that guided the process were Co-Chairs Ms Precious Matsoso (South Africa) and Ambassador Anne-Claire Amprou (France), and Vice-Chairs Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes (Brazil), Ambassador Amr Ramadan (Egypt), Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien (Thailand); and Ms Fleur Davies (Australia). Past members included former Co-Chair, Mr Roland Driece (the Netherlands), and former Vice-Chairs Ambassador Honsei Kozo (Japan), Mr Kazuho Taguchi (Japan), and Mr Ahmed Soliman (Egypt).
Priority question for written answer P-001946/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Silvia Sardone (PfE)
As many newspapers[1][2] have pointed out, the European Research Council has allocated around EUR 17 million to projects relating to Islam, the Qur’an, Sharia and Islamophobia. Among the various studies on Islamophobia, I would mention ‘Nativism, Islamophobia and Islamism in the Age of Populism’ (Istanbul University), ‘Understanding the Past to Address Present-Day Islamophobia’ (La Sapienza University of Rome), and ‘Avenues to the inclusion of Muslims in democracies’ (Bergen University). I would also like to mention the projects ‘Mapping the evolution of Sharia law, from revealed law to legal system’ (CNRS France), ‘Animals in Islamic philosophy’ (University of Munich), ‘Beyond Sharia law: the role of Sufism in the creation of Islam’ (University of Utrecht), ‘Beyond Sharia law: the role of Sufism in the creation of Islam’ (University of Erfurt). There are numerous studies linked to research initiatives that promote Islam in a positive light and, in a questionable manner, fuel the idea that there is an Islamophobia emergency in Europe.
Can the Commission therefore say:
1.How does it justify the substantial disbursement of public funds for studies, of questionable utility, all focused on Islam?
2.Have the risks of involvement by entities or associations linked to radical Islamist ideologies been assessed?
3.How are these research projects chosen and on what basis is funding approved?
Question for written answer E-001892/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Chloé Ridel (S&D)
Solidarity grocery stores are tackling food insecurity, which affects over 40 % of families in France. In 2024, they helped over 247 000 people (up 63 % compared to 2019). These stores sell basic necessities at reduced prices (between 10 and 30 % of supermarket prices), promoting dignity, independence and social inclusion.
Products offered for free, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), compete with those being sold. This leads, particularly in more disadvantaged areas, to several issues: recipients feeling like they are receiving handouts, social diversity declining and, above all, a much greater complexity in managing service provision.
However, despite their vital contribution, solidarity grocery stores cannot benefit from EU funding.
1.How does the Commission plan to support the solidarity grocery store model, particularly via the ESF+ and its post-2027 successor?
2.Does the Commission plan to allow both free products (funded by the ESF+) and paid-for products to be distributed in the same place, so as to avoid the unnecessary multiplication of distribution channels?
3.Will the Commission commit to studying these issues with Member States, organisations and experts, for example within the ESF+ communities of practice?
NEW ORLEANS, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 2025 Louisiana Energy Conference will be held in New Orleans Tuesday afternoon May 27 through Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel, New Orleans, located at 2 Canal Street, at the foot of Canal Street on the Mississippi River. Conference registration remains open and hotel reservations can be secured through the event’s web site, www.LouisianaEnergyConference.com.
The Conference, hosted by Al Petrie Advisors, has been further expanded this year and will now feature a series of 37 panels and presentations that will address key domestic and international industry developments and topics. Executives from over 100 leading public and private exploration and production and oil field services and transition energy companies, as well as representatives from energy-related private equity firms, industry trade groups, regulatory agencies, investment banks, institutional research groups, and industry advisory and law firms will participate in the discussions.
A detailed further-updated agenda with all panels and presentations along with the individual panelists and presenters is now available on the event web site www.LouisianaEnergyConference.com and with this link: 2025 Agenda. The online agenda will be updated if any additional participants are confirmed.
In addition to our traditional domestic and international E&P and oil services panels, we are pleased to add a number of topical presentations this year:
Tuesday, May 27:
Federal Lands and Waters – A Regulatory Update, Steve Dudgeon, Principal, Ryan
Technology Trends in Upstream Oil, Gas and Geothermal Energy, Richard Talley, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, NSAI
Wednesday, May 28:
A View of the World and US Economy and Energy Industry in a Period of Heightened Volatility, Vikas Dwivedi, Chief Energy Economist – Managing Director, Macquarie Group
Finance Trends in Energy, Candice Wilson, Managing Director and Julie Mumm-Simms, Partner, Eisner Advisory Group
Keynote Presentation: Slip, Sliding Away…Crude Hits the Skids in 2025. Now What?, Stephen Jury, Vice Chairman, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Thursday, May 29:
Fueling the Energy Expansion, Drew Lichter, Managing Partner, Broadview Commodity Partners
Monetizing Tax Credits, Steve Dudgeon, Principal, Ryan
Washington Policy: Tax and Tariff Update, Anna Taylor, Deputy Leader -Tax Policy Group, Deloitte
Louisiana Future Energy: All-of-the-Above Strategy Progress, Michael Hecht, President and Chief Executive Officer, GNO Inc.
Entergy’s Key Role in Meta Datacenter Development in North Louisiana, Phillip May, President and Chief Executive Officer, Entergy Louisiana
Fueling Transformation: How Generative AI is Reshaping the Energy Value Chain, Kevin Gregory, Practice Lead – Generative AI, Energy, Resources & Industrials, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Confirmed investment professional attendees will be offered the opportunity to register for one-on-one meetings with companies participating on the panels.
Networking Events
Several networking events are planned for 2025:
On Tuesday, May 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., there will be a welcoming reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and networking at The MISI, a beautiful new venue at 600 Decatur Street, Third Floor, in the historic Jax Brewery, across from Jackson Square and the French Quarter.
On Wednesday, May 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the premier networking event of the Conference will be held at the Vue Orleans, an amazing venue on the 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel that showcases the culture of New Orleans with commanding 360-degree views of the Mississippi River and New Orleans. Visit www.vueorleans.com for more details.
On Thursday, May 29, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., please join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to share your thoughts on the 2025 Conference and suggestions for next year at the 1931 Lounge in the new Caesars Hotel directly across from the Four Seasons Hotel on the Second Floor.
Attendance at the Conference is directed to investment professionals including buy side and sell side analysts and portfolio managers, as well as private equity and wealth management executives, and trust officers. We also welcome energy industry management and advisors to the industry. There is no cost for investment professionals attending the Conference. The cost for all other attendees is $395 for the three-day event.
What if there were a battery that could release energy while trapping carbon dioxide? This isn’t science fiction; it’s the promise of lithium-carbon dioxide (Li-CO₂) batteries, which are currently a hot research topic.
Lithium-carbon dioxide (Li-CO₂) batteries could be a two-in-one solution to the current problems of storing renewable energy and taking carbon emissions out of the air. They absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into a white powder called lithium carbonate while discharging energy.
These batteries could have profound implications for cutting emissions from vehicles and industry – and might even enable long-duration missions on Mars, where the atmosphere is 95% CO₂.
To make these batteries commercially viable, researchers have mainly been wrestling with problems related to recharging them. Now, our team at the University of Surrey has come up with a promising way forward. So how close are these “CO₂-breathing” batteries to becoming a practical reality?
Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox.Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.
Like many great scientific breakthroughs, Li-CO₂ batteries were a happy accident. Slightly over a decade ago, a US-French team of researchers were trying to address problems with lithium air batteries, another frontier energy-storage technology. Whereas today’s lithium-ion batteries generate power by moving and storing lithium ions within electrodes, lithium air batteries work by creating a chemical reaction between lithium and oxygen.
The problem has been the “air” part, since even the tiny (0.04%) volume of CO₂ found in air is enough to disrupt this careful chemistry, producing unwanted lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃). As many battery scientists will tell you, the presence of Li₂CO₃ can also be a real pain in regular lithium-ion batteries, causing unhelpful side reactions and electrical resistance.
Nonetheless the scientists noticed something interesting about this CO₂ contamination: it improved the battery’s amount of charge. From this point on, work began on intentionally adding CO₂ gas to batteries to take advantage of this, and the lithium-CO₂ battery was born.
How it works
Their great potential relates to the chemical reaction at the positive side of the battery, where small holes are cut in the casing to allow CO₂ gas in. There it dissolves in the liquid electrolyte (which allows the charge to move between the two electrodes) and reacts with lithium that has already been dissolved there. During this reaction, it’s believed that four electrons are exchanged between lithium ions and carbon dioxide.
This electron transfer determines the theoretical charge that can be stored in the battery. In a normal lithium-ion battery, the positive electrode exchanges just one electron per reaction (in lithium air batteries, it’s two to four electrons). The greater exchange of electrons in the lithium-carbon dioxide battery, combined with the high voltage of the reaction, explains their potential to greatly outperform today’s lithium-ion batteries.
In terms of the benefits to carbon emissions, by our rough calculations, 1kg of catalyst could absorb around 18.5kg of CO₂. Since a car driving 100 miles emits around 18kg-20kg of CO₂, that means such a battery could potentially offset a day’s drive.
However, the technology has a few issues. The batteries don’t last very long. Commercial lithium-ion packs routinely survive 1,000–10,000 charging cycles; most LiCO₂ prototypes fade after fewer than 100.
They’re also difficult to recharge. This requires breaking down the lithium carbonate to release lithium and CO₂, which can be energy intensive. This energy requirement is a little like a hill that must be cycled up before the reaction can coast, and is known as overpotential.
You can reduce this requirement by printing the right catalyst material on the porous positive electrode. Yet these catalysts are typically expensive and rare noble metals, such as ruthenium and platinum, which is a significant barrier to commercial viability.
Our team has found an alternative catalyst, caesium phosphomolybdate, which is far cheaper and easy to manufacture at room temperature. This material made the batteries stable for 107 cycles, while also storing 2.5 times as much charge as a lithium-ion. And we significantly reduced the energy cost involved in breaking down lithium carbonate, for an overpotential of 0.67 volts, which is only about double what would be necessary in a commercial product.
Our research team is now working to further reduce the cost of this technology by developing a catalyst that replaces caesium, since it’s the phosphomolybdate that is key. This could make the system more economically viable and scalable for widespread deployment.
We also plan to study how the battery charges and discharges in real time. This will provide a clearer understanding of the internal mechanisms at work, helping to optimise performance and durability.
Lithium-carbon dioxide batteries could help humans to colonise Mars. Forelse Stock
A major focus of upcoming tests will be to evaluate how the battery performs under different CO₂ pressures. So far, the system has only been tested under idealised conditions (1 bar). If it can work at 0.1 bar of pressure, it will be feasible for car exhausts and gas boiler flues, meaning you could capture CO₂ while you drive or heat your home. Demonstrating that this works will be an important confirmation of commercial viability, albeit we would expect the battery’s charge capacity to reduce at this pressure.
If the batteries work at 0.006 bar, the pressure on the Martian atmosphere, they could power anything from an exploration rover to a colony. At 0.0004 bar, Earth’s ambient air pressure, they could capture CO₂ from our atmosphere and store power anywhere. In all cases, the key question will be how it affects the battery’s charge capacity.
Meanwhile, to improve the battery’s number of recharge cycles, we need to address the fact that the electrolyte dries out. We’re currently investigating solutions, which probably involve developing casings that only CO₂ can move into. As for reducing the energy required for the catalyst to work, it’s likely to require optimising the battery’s geometry to maximise the reaction rate – and to introduce a flow of CO₂, comparable to how fuel cells work (typically by feeding in hydrogen and oxygen).
If this continued work can push the battery’s cycle life above 1,000 cycles, cut overpotential below 0.3 V, and replace scarce elements entirely, commercial Li-CO₂ packs could become reality. Our experiments will determine just how versatile and far-reaching the battery’s applications might be, from carbon capture on Earth to powering missions on Mars.
Daniel Commandeur receives funding from the Royal Society. He is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Christians in Science.
Siddharth Gadkari receives funding from UKRI.
Mahsa Masoudi 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.
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles. We call on Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023.
The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.
Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.
We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.
We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.
We strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It is a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and a long-term political solution that offer the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, ending Hamas’ control of Gaza and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution, consistent with the goals of the 18 June conference in New York co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. These negotiations need to succeed, and we must all work towards the implementation of a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring long-lasting peace and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve and ensure long-term stability in the region.
We will continue to work with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, Israel and the United States to finalize consensus on arrangements for Gaza’s future, building on the Arab plan. We affirm the important role of the High-level Two-State Solution Conference at the UN in June in building international consensus around this aim. And we are committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end.”
May 19, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as the the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, today issued the following statement:
“Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.
“Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most.
“Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support. They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone. The UN has raised concerns that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives. Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.
“As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organizations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. We remain committed to meeting the acute needs we see in Gaza. We also reiterate our firm message that Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to be distributed without interference. It is our firm conviction that an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.”
