Category: Internet

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Third Asia+ Festival convenes stellar line-up of artists showcasing artistic gems around world

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Asia+ Festival, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is held annually from September to November with an aim to create a sustainable platform for arts and cultural exchange. Now in its third edition, the Asia+ Festival will feature over 100 performances and activities, with an encouraging growth in the number of participating countries and regions to more than 30 – an increase of nearly 50 per cent from its first edition. While focusing on Asia, the Festival also connects with Belt and Road countries and regions in Europe, Africa and the Americas, showcasing traditional and contemporary artistic gems and giving the public and tourists a taste of the diverse and vibrant cultures.

         â€‹This year’s Asia+ Festival offers an extraordinary line-up, from theatre production casting Korean stars and captivating dance and music performances by world-class artists, to a carnival highlighting distinctive cultural traditions. Some of the festival programmes include:

    Opening Programme: Theatre production “The Cherry Orchard” starring a stellar Korean cast
    ——————————————————————————————————–
         Directed by the internationally renowned director Simon Stone and starring Cannes Best Actress Jeon Do-yeon and globally recognised actor Haesoo Park from “Squid Game”, “The Cherry Orchard” brings striking originality to Russian master dramatist Anton Chekhov’s classic. Transposed from old Russia to modern-day Korea, the production captures the laughter and tears of a chaebol family swept up in the tides of change. The show saw all 30 performances of its Seoul premiere sold out amid soaring demand. The original cast is now on a world tour with Hong Kong as the first stop – an unmissable theatrical event.

    Diverse Stage: Taiko drumming, tango, cross-disciplinary contemporary dance
    —————————————————————————————-
         The legendary taiko ensemble YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan returns with its world-touring production “Hinotori – The Wings of Phoenix”, featuring 40 taiko and colourful stage design and costume that will rock the stage with thunderous rhythms and pulsating energy.

         International tango superstar and world champion Germán Cornejo, together with his dance troupe and a live band, will present “Tango After Dark” that captures the soulful allure of Buenos Aires nights.

         Another dance production “We wear our wheels with pride”, created by South African Olivier Award-winning choreographer Robyn Orlin and performed by Dancers of Moving Into Dance Mophatong and a South African electronic duo, will pay a high-energy and colourful tribute to the Zulu rickshaw drivers of the past.

         The Festival also presents the world premiere of “Strangely Familiar”, a collaboration between Singapore’s leading The Human Expression (T.H.E) Dance Company and artists from Hong Kong and Macao, to explore the connection and existence of technology and human beings.

    Great Music: Concert by world-class musicians
    —————————————————–
         This year the festival offers a sumptuous line-‍up of concerts by world-class musicians for classical music lovers, including piano recitals by Nikolai Lugansky from Russia and Dang Thai Son from Vietnam, and a duo recital by Latvian cellist Mischa Maisky and his daughter pianist Lily Maisky.

         In addition, Macedonian pianist Simon TrpÄ�eski with his fellow Macedonian musicians will present a folk concert “Makedonissimo”, in which local pop composer Johnny Yim, huqin player Chan Pik-sum and suona player Ma Wai-him will also join the ensemble for an East-meets-West musical crossover.

    Cultural Celebration for All: Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+
    ————————————————————————
         The popular Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ outdoor carnival returns with the support of Consulates General in Hong Kong. It showcases the cultural diversity of nearly 30 Belt and Road countries and regions, featuring ethnic music and dance, along with booths and workshops that offer handicrafts, ethnic costumes and snacks. The “Vibrant Dance – National Costume Exhibition”, themed around traditional dance costumes, displays the unique beauty and rich traditions of different cultures.

         Other exciting programmes of the Festival include a puppetry musical “Jack and the Beanstalk” by Theater Company Hikosen from Japan; “Jongmyo Jeryeak, Ritual Music for Royal Ancestors” by National Gugak Center of Korea; musical “Let Me Fly” by PRO’S LAB; an el-Tanoura performance in “Borderless Stage” series by Egyptian master Raed Abdelghany; Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s “Silken Notes of the Pipa” and “2025 Hong Kong Drum Festival: Majestic Drums” concerts; Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Swire Proudly Sponsors: Belt and Road | Long Yu & Behzod Abduraimov” and “Kyohei Sorita Plays Tchaikovsky” concerts; Hong Kong Sinfonietta’s “Great Piano Concertos: Denis Kozhukhin Plays Rachmaninov No 3” and “Great Piano Concertos: Alexander Gadjiev Plays Rachmaninov No 2” concerts; and Hong Kong Dance Company’s grand dance drama “Kung Fu Artistry – Bruce Lee’s No Way as Way”.

         The Asia+ Festival will also feature an exhibition “Rhythms of Childhood: Melodies of Time” and a series of workshops, a backstage tour, masterclasses, talks, and outreach performances, offering an all-round experience and appreciation of the diversity of art and cultures.

         Tickets of most of the programmes will be available from July 23 (Wednesday) at URBTIX counters, self-service ticketing kiosks, the Internet (www.urbtix.hk), the mobile ticketing app URBTIX, and telephone booking (hotline: 3166 1288). Early bird discounts of up to 30 percent discount are available until August 5 (Tuesday). For programme enquiries and other discount schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.asiaplus.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • PMKVY trains 1.63 crore in 10 years, empowers workforce across traditional and emerging sectors

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    PMKVY has evolved from a large-scale training initiative into a dynamic tool for national development. After its initial pilot skilled almost 20 lakh candidates, PMKVY 2.0 expanded to strategically support the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ campaigns, training 1.10 crore candidates. PMKVY 3.0 focused on precision-targeted training, seamlessly aligning with the National Education Policy and rapidly equipping COVID-19 frontline workers to meet the nation’s most urgent needs. This phase integrated training modules such as the Customised Crash Course Programme for COVID Warriors (CCCP for CW) and the Skill Hub Initiative (SHI), which mainstreamed vocational training with general education as envisaged under the National Education Policy, 2020. Under PMKVY 4.0, over 25 lakh candidates have been trained in the last three years, bringing the total number of trained candidates to 1.63 crore. The training imparted under PMKVY makes candidates employable in diverse industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, IT, electronics, and retail.

    Since its inception in 2015, PMKVY has steadily evolved into a key pillar of the Skill India Mission (SIM), aiming to bridge the gap between youth aspirations and employability through structured, industry-aligned training. The programme has expanded far beyond short-term courses, now encompassing apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support, global workforce readiness, and traditional crafts preservation.

    As of July 11, over 25 lakh youth have been trained under PMKVY 4.0—the latest phase of the scheme—reflecting a significant leap toward preparing India’s youth for both domestic and international job markets. This version of the programme integrates cutting-edge features like digital tracking, AI-based analytics, credit portability through the Academic Bank of Credits, and links with the Skill India Digital Hub to provide a seamless experience connecting training, education, and employment.

    An Integrated Approach to Skill Development

    The broader Skill India Mission was restructured in 2022 to unify PMKVY, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme under a single framework, enhancing operational efficiency and maximising outreach across both urban and rural areas.

    PMKVY began as a pilot in 2015–16, training nearly 20 lakh individuals. It scaled up significantly with PMKVY 2.0, aligning with national missions such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat, and Digital India. The subsequent version, PMKVY 3.0, responded to emerging challenges, launching initiatives like the Skill Hub (aligned with NEP 2020) and a crash course programme for frontline COVID-19 workers, training over 1.2 lakh health personnel.

    Inclusion and Innovation at the Core

    At the heart of PMKVY lies an unwavering focus on inclusion. Nearly 45% of the trained candidates are women, with strong representation from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The scheme also undertook region- and community-specific projects: training Bru-tribe youth in Tripura, vocational programmes for prison inmates in Assam and Manipur, and upskilling women in Jammu & Kashmir through Namda craft revival initiatives.

    PMKVY’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component has played a crucial role in certifying the skills of informal sector workers—especially artisans and weavers in J&K and Nagaland—without the need for extended training, boosting their mobility in the job market.

    Balancing Heritage with Future-Ready Skills

    One of PMKVY’s defining strengths has been its dual focus—preserving traditional skills while embracing future technologies. Beneficiaries are being equipped for careers in manufacturing, healthcare, electronics, retail, and IT, but increasingly also in emerging fields like drones, mechatronics, AI, and the Internet of Things.

    In this effort, Centres of Excellence launched at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Hyderabad and Chennai in June 2025 are set to become national reference points for high-quality instructor training and specialised skilling.

    Complementary Schemes Expanding the Skilling Ecosystem

    The momentum created by PMKVY has been bolstered by several complementary schemes. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched in 2023, aims to support artisans from 18 traditional trades with training, toolkits, credit access, and marketing support. As of July 2025, over 2.7 crore applications have been received, with 29 lakh registrations completed.

    Meanwhile, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), which targets rural youth, has trained nearly 17 lakh individuals since its launch in 2014, with over 11 lakh successfully placed in employment. Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), operated in partnership with banks, have trained more than 56 lakh people this financial year alone, fostering entrepreneurship in rural India.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s digital infrastructure opens up new opportunities for SCO cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TIANJIN, July 12 (Xinhua) — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economic Forum was held in north China’s Tianjin City from Thursday to Friday, with the theme of “New Links of the Digital Economy, Jointly Expanding New Horizons of Cooperation.”

    At the event, participants noted the need to actively promote the interconnectedness of digital infrastructure and jointly expand new space for the development of digital economic cooperation.

    “The digital economy is the Silk Road of the new era, connecting countries through data, not through valleys and deserts as was traditionally the case,” said former Egyptian Minister of Administrative Development and former chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone Ahmed Darwish.

    He said China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) and Internet of Things technology solutions are boosting Egypt’s computing infrastructure construction, which will greatly benefit the local digital economy.

    Chen Zhongyue, Chairman of China United Network Communications Group Co., Ltd, said that building an efficient, intelligent, green and secure regional network infrastructure will help countries make full use of their resources and better integrate into the global industrial chain, supply chain and value chain to achieve common development.

    “Chinese enterprises are actively involved in the construction of the 5G network and the construction of a “smart city” in Uzbekistan,” said Daniyar Kurbanov, head of the department for the study of historical and cultural heritage and humanitarian research at the International Institute of Central Asian Studies of Uzbekistan.

    He stressed that cooperation between China and other SCO countries is becoming an important benchmark for Central Asian countries in achieving digital transformation.

    Let us recall that the forum, jointly organized by the State Data Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the Tianjin People’s Government, was attended by more than 1,500 guests representing governments, enterprises, universities and think tanks of the SCO member states. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launchpool to List Chainbase (C) with 2.75M in Token Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange, and Web3 company has announced the listing of Chainbase (C) in the Innovation and AI Zone, for spot trading. Besides being available for spot trading, Bitget will launch an exclusive Launchpool rewards campaign with up to 2,750,000 C up for grabs. Chainbase is an omnichain data network.

    Spot trading for Chainbase (C) will begin on 14 July 2025 at 12:00 (UTC) under the C/USDT trading pair. Withdrawals will be available starting 15 July 2025 at 13:00 (UTC).

    To celebrate the listing, Bitget will launch a Launchpool campaign offering 2,750,000 C in total rewards. Eligible users can participate by locking either BGB or C tokens during the event, which runs from 14 July 2025 at 12:00 to 16 July 2025 at 12:00 (UTC). In the BGB pool, users can lock between 5 and 50,000 BGB, with maximum limits determined by their VIP tier, for a chance to earn a share of 2,500,000 C. In the C pool, participants can lock between 30 and 2,778,000 C to receive a portion of 250,000 C in rewards.

    Chainbase is building a decentralized interoperability layer to streamline how blockchain data is accessed and used across multiple chains. At the heart of its vision is the development of the “Crypto World Model”, an AI-powered system designed to unify on-chain and off-chain data into a single, usable layer. This model acts as a bridge, allowing developers and applications to pull standardized, real-time data from across the crypto ecosystem without needing to manage fragmented sources or infrastructure complexity.

    By delivering a consistent and intelligent data experience, Chainbase enables a wide range of use cases—from DeFi analytics and smart contract automation to decentralized social platforms and advanced AI systems. Its omnichain network and Crypto World Model are designed to translate raw blockchain activity into structured insights, laying the foundation for a smarter, more connected Web3.

    Bitget continues to solidify its role as a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange, offering over 800 listed tokens across spot and derivatives markets. The addition of BOOM to Launchpool aligns with Bitget’s ongoing effort to support innovative projects whose value continues to evolve the ecosystem.

    Find more details on Chainbase, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform. Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | TwitterTelegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b4536f5f-1e3d-4a0f-8931-e63653cf4649

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Johnson Leads Letter Questioning USPTO’s Decision Not To Open ATL Southeast

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Questions Wisdom of Bypassing Opportunity To Open US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) Southeast Regional Outreach Office (SEROO) in Atlanta

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee that oversees the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, this week led a letter to Coke Morgan Stewart, acting director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to inquire as to why her office no longer plans to launch the Southeast Regional Outreach Office (SEROO) in Atlanta, Georgia, and will instead open it at the USPTO’s Alexandria, Virginia, headquarters.

    The letter was cosigned by Georgia U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, and Congressman David Scott (GA-13), Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-06), and Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07).

    The members request answers to their questions about the change by July 9.

    The letter states that at the time when Atlanta was chosen — after a lengthy and protracted process — to be the Southeast office that “the USPTO’s press release announcing the Atlanta office, the city’s “growing and diverse economy,” coupled with the resources available to its large number of startups and innovators “made it a top location for the Southeast Regional Office.” Atlanta, according to the USPTO, “has an active and highly ranked research development community with five Tier 1 research universities, one of the top-tier Veterans Administration research hospitals in the nation, and the Centers for Disease Control.”

    As far as Congressman Johnson is concerned none of that has changed.

    “The entire point of the Unleashing American Innovators Act was to increase participation in the patent system by women, people of color, military veterans, individual inventors, and other groups that are underrepresented in the system,” said Ranking Member Johnson. “Atlanta was rightfully chosen to be that hub because of our vibrancy, innovation and top-notch research institutions. Patents and trademarks are critical elements in creating job growth and jobs and careers of the future. I sincerely hope that the USPTO reconsiders this terrible mistake.”

    To read the letter, click HERE.

    Full letter below

    June 24, 2025
    Coke Morgan Stewart
    Acting Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
    P.O. Box 1450
    Alexandria, VA 22313-1450

    Dear Acting Director Stewart,

    On Friday, June 6th, 2025, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that it no longer plans to launch the Southeast Regional Outreach Office (SEROO) in Atlanta, Georgia, and will instead open it at the USPTO’s Alexandria, Virginia headquarters. We find this decision highly concerning, and we write to request additional information regarding the decision-making process that resulted in this mistake.

    After the success of the four regional offices created in the America Invents Act of 2011, Congress sought to add offices around the country to improve Americans’ access to USPTO services. Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass the Unleashing American Innovators Act (UAIA), which President Biden signed into law on December 29, 2022.

    The legislation required the USPTO establish a Southeast Regional Office within 
    three years of enactment as well as a community outreach office in the northern New England region within five years of enactment, among other provisions designed to bolster USPTO outreach to small and medium-sized businesses across the country.

    Atlanta, Georgia was chosen as the SEROO location after a lengthy process designed to meet the requirements stipulated under the UAIA, namely considering the proposed sites’ 1) number of patent-intensive industries, 2) number of research-intensive institutions, and 3) number of existing government, legal, and business frameworks that support intellectual property-intensive industries.

    As part of this process, the USPTO issued a request for comments seeking public input on potential regional office locations and received more than 200 comments from the general public, USPTO employees, city and state officials and the business community.

    According to the USPTO’s press release announcing the Atlanta office, the city’s “growing and diverse economy,” coupled with the resources available to its large number of startups and innovators “made it a top location for the Southeast Regional Office.”

    Atlanta, according to the USPTO, “has an active and highly ranked research development community with five Tier 1 research universities, one of the top-tier Veterans Administration research hospitals in the nation, and the Center for Disease Control.”

    While Alexandria, Virginia is in the southeast region of the country, Americans living there are already served by the USPTO headquarters. Regional patent offices allow the USPTO to reach Americans where they live and work. This is not disputed. In fact, the USPTO has an established history of supporting regional offices. In its 2024 report the USPTO wrote, “With the establishment of the regional offices, the USPTO has been able to reach a more diverse set of stakeholders at a more local scale.”

    Regional offices, the USPTO continued, allow it to customize in-person educational programming, “including seminars or workshops that educate customers about the patent application process or how to employ IP strategies for entrepreneurs.”

    The USPTO has also acknowledged that regional offices are good for the health of our patent ecosystem. Opening regional offices, it wrote in 2024, “has had a positive impact on employee recruitment, and has led to the onboarding of over 400 patent examiners” since 2012.

    Regional offices created unique detail opportunities that “create benefits for the employee, the agency, and the public.”

    Atlanta was chosen after an intensive process that invited public input. In contrast, the USPTO’s decision to ignore stakeholders and open the SEROO in Alexandria instead was made with no public explanation whatsoever. We therefore request that the USPTO respond to the following questions by July 9, 2025.

    1. Did the USPTO consider the required factors under the UAIA for the establishment of an SEROO? If yes, please describe the process in detail.

    2. What was the involvement of non-USPTO personnel in the decision to open the SEROO at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia?

    3. How does the USTPO plan to engage with the southeast region from Alexandria, Virginia? Please describe the in-person programming planned particularized to the southeast region.

    4. Does the USPTO plan to allow the public to comment on the decision not to open the regional office in Atlanta, as decided in 2023?

    Sincerely,

    Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. 
    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet | Committee on the Judiciary House of Representatives

    Jon Ossoff, United States Senator

    Raphael Warnock, United States Senator

    David Scott
    Member of Congress

    Lucy McBath
    Member of Congress

    Rich McCormick, MD, MBA
    Member of Congress

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: RANKING MEMBER HANK JOHNSON’S STATEMENT ON SCOTUS’ NATIONWIDE INJUNCTION RULING

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    “Today’s draconian Supreme Court decision effectively ending nationwide injunctions makes it much more difficult for federal courts to protect our constitutional rights from Trump’s authoritarian overreach. This decision replaces the concept of Justice For All with a ‘pay to play’ system that works only for those who can afford to pay a lawyer to fight for their rights in court. I am more committed than ever to working to secure the constitutional rights of every American in this country – not just those who have curried the President’s favor.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Online course at Lu Ban’s Workshop at MTUCI trains Russian specialists in 5G technologies

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TIANJIN, July 12 (Xinhua) — An online course on the application of 5G technologies and other relevant areas was recently completed at the Lu Ban Workshop at the Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics (MTUCI).

    Using Chinese technology and 5G equipment that meets Chinese standards, teachers shared advanced knowledge in the field of digital technology with students. As a result of the classes, students not only expanded their theoretical knowledge base, but also improved their practical skills and increased their ability to solve practical problems.

    Lu Ban’s workshop, which officially opened at MTUCI in June this year, was established jointly by MTUCI and Tianjin Vocational College of Electronics and Information Science. It is becoming an important bridge for Chinese-Russian cooperation in the field of digital technologies.

    “We have trained teachers. The curriculum covers advanced technologies in the digital economy, such as 5G and the Internet of Things. To date, a total of 1,246 Russian teachers have been trained,” said Qian Guoliang, head of the Department of Modern Communications Technology at Tianjin Vocational College of Electronics and Information Science.

    Lu Ban’s workshop at MTUCI is closely linked to the needs of Russia’s digital economy industry, and enterprises in China’s communications industry are actively involved in the workshop’s teaching activities, he added.

    Lu Ban Workshop, named after the famous ancient Chinese craftsman Lu Ban, is a brand of international vocational education initiated and promoted by Tianjin City Government.

    To date, China has built 34 Lu Ban Workshops in 30 countries and regions around the world. 10 of them were established in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Egypt and other SCO countries.

    Lu Ban’s workshop at MTUCI has provided powerful support to China and Russia in educating highly qualified specialists of international class who meet the needs of information technology development, noted Anastasia Kazantseva, Deputy Director of the Department for the Development of Digital Competencies and Education of the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation.

    Lu Ban’s workshop in Russia will continue to gain strength and show broader development prospects, she said. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 508

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL8

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 508
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    450 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Northern Illinois
    Southern Wisconsin

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 450 PM until
    1100 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
    to 75 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A small but intense bow will move quickly eastward this
    evening while posing a threat for a few tornadoes and scattered to
    numerous severe/damaging winds. Peak gusts may reach up to 65-75
    mph. Isolated large hail may also occur.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 55 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 10 miles east northeast of Madison WI
    to 55 miles south southeast of Rockford IL. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU8).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 505…WW 506…WW 507…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean
    storm motion vector 27045.

    …Gleason

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW8
    WW 508 TORNADO IL WI 112150Z – 120400Z
    AXIS..55 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    10ENE MSN/MADISON WI/ – 55SSE RFD/ROCKFORD IL/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /35SE DLL – 18WSW JOT/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27045.

    LAT…LON 43188806 41468763 41468976 43189024

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU8.

    Watch 508 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (30%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (30%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (10%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Hingham Savings Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HINGHAM, Mass., July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS (NASDAQ: HIFS), Hingham, Massachusetts announced results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    Earnings

    Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was $9,414,000 or $4.32 per share basic and $4.28 per share diluted, as compared to $4,102,000 or $1.88 per share basic and diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized return on average equity for the second quarter of 2025 was 8.43%, and the annualized return on average assets was 0.85%, as compared to 3.92% and 0.38% for the same period last year. Net income per share (diluted) for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 127.7% compared to the same period in 2024.

    Core net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, which represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized, was $7,453,000 or $3.42 per share basic and $3.39 per share diluted, as compared to $2,181,000 or $1.00 per share basic and per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized core return on average equity for the second quarter of 2025 was 6.67% and the annualized core return on average assets was 0.67%, as compared to 2.08% and 0.20% for the same period last year. Core net income per share (diluted) for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 239.0% compared to the same period in 2024.

    Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $16,538,000 or $7.58 per share basic and $7.52 per share diluted, as compared to $10,970,000 or $5.04 per share basic and $5.01 per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized return on average equity for the first six months of 2025 was 7.45%, and the annualized return on average assets was 0.75%, as compared to 5.27% and 0.50% for the same period in 2024. Net income per share (diluted) for the first six months of 2025 increased by 50.1% over the same period in 2024.

    Core net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, which represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized, was $13,578,000 or $6.23 per share basic and $6.17 per share diluted, as compared to $4,395,000 or $2.02 per share basic and $2.01 per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized core return on average equity for the first six months of 2025 was 6.12%, and the annualized core return on average assets was 0.61%, as compared to 2.11% and 0.20% for the same period in 2024. Core net income per share (diluted) for the first six months of 2025 increased by 207.0% over the same period in 2024.

    See Page 10 for a reconciliation between Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) net income and Non-GAAP core net income. GAAP requires that gains and losses on equity securities, net of tax, realized and unrealized, be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In calculating core net income, the Bank did not make any adjustments other than those relating to the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized. In the first six months of 2024, both net income and core net income were positively impacted by lower income tax expense driven by excess tax benefit associated with the exercise of stock options and the revision of state income tax estimates.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets increased to $4.539 billion at June 30, 2025, representing 3.7% annualized growth year-to-date and a 0.4% increase from June 30, 2024.

    Net loans increased to $3.932 billion at June 30, 2025, representing 3.0% annualized growth year-to-date and stable when compared to June 30, 2024. Origination activity was concentrated in the Boston and Washington D.C. markets and remained focused on stabilized multifamily commercial real estate.

    Retail and commercial deposits were $1.998 billion at June 30, 2025, flat year-to-date and representing 4.0% growth from June 30, 2024. Non-interest-bearing deposits, included in retail and commercial deposits, were $437.6 million at June 30, 2025, representing 20.2% annualized growth year-to-date and 27.5% growth from June 30, 2024, while interest-bearing deposits fell, reflecting some specific customer business needs.

    Growth in non-interest bearing deposits in the first six months of 2025 continued to reflect the Bank’s focus on developing and deepening deposit relationships with new and existing commercial and non-profit customers. The Bank continues to invest in its Specialized Deposit Group, actively recruiting for talented relationship managers in Boston, Washington, and San Francisco, particularly as respected competitors exit these markets or merge with larger regional banks.

    The stability of the Bank’s balance sheet, as well as full and unlimited deposit insurance through the Bank’s participation in the Massachusetts Depositors Insurance Fund, continues to appeal to customers in times of uncertainty.

    Wholesale funds, which includes Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings, brokered deposits, and Internet listing service time deposits, were $2.052 billion at June 30, 2025 representing 6.0% annualized growth year-to-date and a 4.4% decline from June 30, 2024, as the Bank used these funds to replace certain commercial deposits in the second quarter of 2025. In the first six months of 2025, the Bank continued to manage its wholesale funding mix to lower its cost of funds while taking advantage of the inverted yield curve at certain durations by adding lower rate longer term liabilities. Wholesale deposits, which include brokered and Internet listing service time deposits, were $480.1 million at June 30, 2025, representing a 6.0% annualized decline year-to-date and a 3.5% decline from June 30, 2024. Borrowings from the FHLB totaled $1.572 billion at June 30, 2025, representing 10.0% annualized growth from December 31, 2024, and a 4.7% decline from June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2025, the Bank maintained an additional $802.8 million in immediately available borrowing capacity at the FHLB of Boston and the Federal Reserve Bank, in addition to $360.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.

    Book value per share was $204.36 as of June 30, 2025, representing 6.4% annualized growth year-to-date and 6.8% growth from June 30, 2024. In addition to the increase in book value per share, the Bank declared $2.52 in dividends per share since June 30, 2024.

    On June 25, 2025, the Bank declared a regular cash dividend of $0.63 per share. This dividend will be paid on August 13, 2025 to stockholders of record as of August 4, 2025. This will be the Bank’s 126th consecutive quarterly dividend.

    The Bank has also generally declared special cash dividends in each of the last thirty years, typically in the fourth quarter, but did not declare a special dividend in 2024 and 2023. The Bank sets the level of the special dividend based on the Bank’s capital requirements and the prospective return on other capital allocation options, particularly the incremental return on capital from new loan originations and share repurchases. This may result in special dividends, if any, significantly above or below the regular quarterly dividend. Future regular and special dividends will be considered by the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.

    Operational Performance Metrics

    The net interest margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased 16 basis points to 1.66%, as compared to 1.50% in the quarter ended March 31, 2025. This was the fifth consecutive quarter of continued expansion, despite the Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate target range remaining unchanged in 2025. This improvement was the result of a decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, combined with an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities fell 10 basis points in the second quarter of 2025, as the Bank’s retail and commercial deposits continued to reprice at lower rates, and the Bank continued to take advantage of the inverted yield curve by adding lower rate FHLB advances and brokered deposits. The yield on interest-earning assets increased by 5 basis points in the second quarter of 2025, driven primarily by a higher yield on loans, as the Bank continued to originate loans at higher rates and reprice existing loans. The net interest margin in the final month of the second quarter of 2025 was 1.72% annualized.

    Key credit and operational metrics remained acceptable in the second quarter of 2025. At June 30, 2025, non-performing assets totaled 0.70% of total assets, compared to 0.03% at December 31, 2024 and 0.04% at June 30, 2024. Non-performing loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio totaled 0.81% at June 30, 2025, compared to 0.04% at both December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024. The Bank did not record any charge-offs in the first six months of 2025 or 2024. In the second quarter of 2025, the Bank placed a commercial real estate loan with an outstanding balance of $30.6 million on nonaccrual, after the borrower failed to make the full payment due at maturity. This loan is secured by an entitled development site for a significant multifamily development in Washington, D.C. and has an associated conditional guarantee from a large national homebuilder and an affordable housing developer. The Bank is working actively to identify a resolution that protects the Bank’s interests. The remaining non-performing assets and loans cited above were and are residential, owner-occupant loans.

    As of June 30, 2025, the Bank only had the single above-mentioned non-performing commercial real estate loan, and no other commercial real estate delinquent loans. The Bank did not have any delinquent or non-performing commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2024 or June 30, 2024. The Bank did not own any foreclosed property at June 30, 2025, December 31, 2024 or June 30, 2024.

    The efficiency ratio, as defined on page 5 below, decreased to 41.17% for the second quarter of 2025, as compared to 45.82% in the prior quarter and 68.57% for the same period last year. Operating expenses as a percentage of average assets were 0.68% for the second quarter of 2025, as compared to 0.68% for the prior quarter and 0.67% for the same period last year. This reflects, in part, continuing investment in deposit-gathering infrastructure and relatively stable average assets from period to period. As the efficiency ratio can be significantly influenced by the level of net interest income, the Bank utilizes these paired figures together to assess its operational efficiency over time. During periods of significant net interest income volatility, the efficiency ratio in isolation may over or understate the underlying operational efficiency of the Bank. The Bank remains focused on reducing waste through an ongoing process of continuous improvement and standard work that supports operational leverage.

    Chairman Robert H. Gaughen Jr. stated, “Returns on equity and assets in the second quarter of 2025 remained somewhat lower than our long-term performance expectations, although they have recovered significantly. Returns in our core business continue to improve steadily, driven by a continued expansion in the net interest margin through asset repricing, falling funding costs, and growth in non-interest bearing deposits. Our operational leverage remains critical to generating satisfactory returns and we remain focused on rigorous cost control and continuous operational improvement. Although our investment returns are likely to remain volatile in any individual period, they continue to contribute meaningfully to growth in book value per share over time.

    While this period has been extraordinarily challenging, the Bank’s business model has been built to compound shareholder capital over the long-term. We remain focused on careful capital allocation, defensive underwriting and rigorous cost control – the building blocks for compounding shareholder capital through all stages of the economic cycle. These remain constant, regardless of the macroeconomic environment in which we operate.”

    The Bank’s quarterly financial results are summarized in this earnings release, but shareholders are encouraged to read the Bank’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which is generally available several weeks after the earnings release. The Bank expects to file Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on or about August 6, 2025.

    Incorporated in 1834, Hingham Institution for Savings is one of America’s oldest banks. The Bank maintains offices in Boston, Nantucket, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

    The Bank’s shares of common stock are listed and traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol HIFS.

     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Selected Financial Ratios
           
      Three Months Ended
    June 30,
      Six Months Ended
    June 30,
      2024   2025   2024   2025
    (Unaudited)                      
                           
    Key Performance Ratios                      
    Return on average assets (1) 0.38 %   0.85 %   0.50 %   0.75 %
    Return on average equity (1) 3.92     8.43     5.27     7.45  
    Core return on average assets (1) (5) 0.20     0.67     0.20     0.61  
    Core return on average equity (1) (5) 2.08     6.67     2.11     6.12  
    Interest rate spread (1) (2) 0.25     0.95     0.19     0.87  
    Net interest margin (1) (3) 0.96     1.66     0.91     1.58  
    Operating expenses to average assets (1) 0.67     0.68     0.67     0.68  
    Efficiency ratio (4) 68.57     41.17     72.63     43.36  
    Average equity to average assets 9.59     10.05     9.56     10.02  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 119.93     122.94     119.92     122.60  
      June 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2024
      June 30,
    2025
    (Unaudited)                      
               
    Asset Quality Ratios          
    Allowance for credit losses/total loans   0.68 %   0.69 %     0.70 %
    Allowance for credit losses/non-performing loans   1,577.28     1,775.00       86.97  
                         
    Non-performing loans/total loans   0.04     0.04       0.81  
    Non-performing loans/total assets   0.04     0.03       0.70  
    Non-performing assets/total assets   0.04     0.03       0.70  
                         
    Share Related                    
    Book value per share $ 191.34     $ 198.03     $ 204.36  
    Market value per share $ 178.88     $ 254.14     $ 248.35  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   2,180,250       2,180,250       2,181,250  
    (1)   Annualized.
         
    (2)   Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
         
    (3)   Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
         
    (4)   The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure that represents total operating expenses, divided by the sum of net interest income and total other income, excluding the net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.
         
    (5)   Non-GAAP measurements that represent return on average assets and return on average equity, excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.
         
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
               
    (In thousands, except share amounts) June 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2024
      June 30,
    2025
    (Unaudited)                      
    ASSETS  
                           
    Cash and due from banks $ 5,990     $ 4,183     $ 8,470  
    Federal Reserve and other short-term investments   363,151       347,647       352,144  
    Cash and cash equivalents   369,141       351,830       360,614  
                           
    CRA investment   8,722       8,769       8,928  
    Other marketable equity securities   83,860       104,575       113,761  
    Securities, at fair value   92,582       113,344       122,689  
    Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost   6,493       6,493       6,494  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   66,189       61,022       64,659  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $26,940 at June 30, 2024, $26,980 at December 31, 2024 and $27,730 at June 30, 2025   3,933,419       3,873,662       3,931,663  
    Bank-owned life insurance   13,805       13,980       14,143  
    Premises and equipment, net   16,676       16,397       16,180  
    Accrued interest receivable   9,082       8,774       8,962  
    Other assets   13,344       12,269       13,753  
    Total assets $ 4,520,731     $ 4,457,771     $ 4,539,157  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
                           
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 2,075,002     $ 2,094,626     $ 2,040,271  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   343,262       397,469       437,608  
    Total deposits   2,418,264       2,492,095       2,477,879  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,648,675       1,497,000       1,572,000  
    Mortgagors’ escrow accounts   14,577       16,699       18,478  
    Accrued interest payable   12,242       8,244       12,959  
    Deferred income tax liability, net   989       3,787       4,629  
    Other liabilities   8,806       8,191       7,460  
    Total liabilities   4,103,553       4,026,016       4,093,405  
                           
    Stockholders’ equity:                      
    Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 2,500,000 shares authorized, none issued                
    Common stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,180,250 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2024, and 2,181,250 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025   2,180       2,180       2,181  
    Additional paid-in capital   15,467       15,571       15,777  
    Undivided profits   399,531       414,004       427,794  
    Total stockholders’ equity   417,178       431,755       445,752  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,520,731     $ 4,457,771     $ 4,539,157  
                           
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Consolidated Statements of Income
               
          Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
          June 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2024
      2025
      2024   2025
    (Unaudited)                      
    Interest and dividend income:                            
      Loans $ 44,665     $ 46,752     $ 87,785     $ 91,973  
      Debt securities   87       97       132       192  
      Equity securities   1,551       1,365       3,001       2,816  
      Federal Reserve and other short-term investments   2,745       3,072       5,572       6,127  
        Total interest and dividend income   49,048       51,286       96,490       101,108  
    Interest expense:                              
      Deposits   22,141       17,841       43,287       36,462  
      Federal Home Loan Bank   16,539       15,406       33,751       30,571  
        Total interest expense   38,680       33,247       77,038       67,033  
        Net interest income   10,368       18,039       19,452       34,075  
    Provision for credit losses   180       450       288       750  
      Net interest income, after provision for credit losses   10,188       17,589       19,164       33,325  
    Other income:                              
      Customer service fees on deposits   138       139       275       274  
      Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance   82       79       163       163  
      Gain on equity securities, net   2,464       2,516       8,434       3,797  
      Miscellaneous   49       73       104       122  
        Total other income   2,733       2,807       8,976       4,356  
    Operating expenses:                              
      Salaries and employee benefits   4,234       4,392       8,531       8,859  
      Occupancy and equipment   394       417       825       856  
      Data processing   738       758       1,493       1,482  
      Deposit insurance   819       784       1,629       1,532  
      Foreclosure and related   14       14       46       24  
      Marketing   187       222       276       358  
      Other general and administrative   908       959       1,721       1,905  
        Total operating expenses   7,294       7,546       14,521       15,016  
    Income before income taxes   5,627       12,850       13,619       22,665  
    Income tax provision   1,525       3,436       2,649       6,127  
        Net income $ 4,102     $ 9,414     $ 10,970     $ 16,538  
                                       
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.63     $ 0.63     $ 1.26     $ 1.26  
                                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                              
      Basic   2,180       2,181       2,175       2,181  
      Diluted   2,186       2,200       2,189       2,200  
                                       
    Earnings per share:                              
      Basic $ 1.88     $ 4.32     $ 5.04     $ 7.58  
      Diluted $ 1.88     $ 4.28     $ 5.01     $ 7.52  
                                     
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Net Interest Income Analysis
       
      Three Months Ended
      June 30, 2024   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2025
      Average
    Balance
    (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
      Average
    Balance
    (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
      Average
    Balance
    (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
       
    (Dollars in thousands)  
    (Unaudited)                                                    
    Assets                                                    
    Loans (1) (2) $ 3,980,111   $ 44,665   4.49 %   $ 3,929,828   $ 45,221   4.67 %   $ 3,952,477   $ 46,752   4.74 %
    Securities (3) (4)   119,477     1,638   5.48       130,674     1,546   4.80       135,541     1,462   4.33  
    Short-term investments (5)   202,379     2,745   5.43       278,722     3,055   4.45       277,146     3,072   4.45  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,301,967     49,048   4.56       4,339,224     49,822   4.66       4,365,164     51,286   4.71  
    Other assets   66,218                 79,209                 78,230            
    Total assets $ 4,368,185               $ 4,418,433               $ 4,443,394            
                                                         
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                                                    
    Interest-bearing deposits (6) $ 2,149,753   $ 22,141   4.12 %   $ 2,141,294   $ 18,621   3.53 %   $ 2,102,662   $ 17,841   3.40 %
    Borrowed funds   1,437,335     16,539   4.60       1,407,844     15,165   4.37       1,448,078     15,406   4.27  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,587,088     38,680   4.31       3,549,138     33,786   3.86       3,550,740     33,247   3.76  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   346,663                 413,877                 429,537            
    Other liabilities   15,503                 14,464                 16,378            
    Total liabilities   3,949,254                 3,977,479                 3,996,655            
    Stockholders’ equity   418,931                 440,954                 446,739            
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,368,185               $ 4,418,433               $ 4,443,394            
    Net interest income       $ 10,368               $ 16,036               $ 18,039      
                                                         
    Weighted average interest rate spread             0.25 %               0.80 %               0.95 %
                                                         
    Net interest margin (7)             0.96 %               1.50 %               1.66 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities (8) 119.93 %   122.26 %   122.94 %  
    (1)   Before allowance for credit losses.
    (2)   Includes non-accrual loans.
    (3)   Excludes the impact of the average net unrealized gain or loss on securities.
    (4)   Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
    (5)   Includes cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.
    (6)   Includes mortgagors’ escrow accounts.
    (7)   Net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
    (8)   Total interest-earning assets divided by total interest-bearing liabilities.
    (9)   Average balances are calculated on a daily basis.
    (10)   Annualized based on the actual number of days in the period.
         
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Net Interest Income Analysis
         
      Six Months Ended June 30,  
      2024     2025  
      Average
    Balance (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
        Average
    Balance (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
     
    (Dollars in thousands)                                  
    (Unaudited)                                  
                                       
    Loans (1) (2) $ 3,968,123   $ 87,785   4.42 %   $ 3,941,215   $ 91,973   4.71 %
    Securities (3) (4)   117,840     3,133   5.32       133,121     3,008   4.56  
    Short-term investments (5)   205,312     5,572   5.43       277,930     6,127   4.45  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,291,275     96,490   4.50       4,352,266     101,108   4.68  
    Other assets   65,126                 78,717            
    Total assets $ 4,356,401               $ 4,430,983            
                                       
    Interest-bearing deposits (6) $ 2,124,302   $ 43,287   4.08 %   $ 2,121,871   $ 36,462   3.47 %
    Borrowed funds   1,454,181     33,751   4.64       1,428,072     30,571   4.32  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,578,483     77,038   4.31       3,549,943     67,033   3.81  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   346,399                 421,750            
    Other liabilities   14,882                 15,428            
    Total liabilities   3,939,764                 3,987,121            
    Stockholders’ equity   416,637                 443,862            
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,356,401               $ 4,430,983            
    Net interest income       $ 19,452               $ 34,075      
                                       
    Weighted average interest rate spread             0.19 %               0.87 %
                                       
    Net interest margin (7)             0.91 %               1.58 %
                                       
    Average interest-earning assets
    to average interest-bearing
    liabilities (8)
      119.92 %               122.60 %          
    (1)   Before allowance for credit losses.
    (2)   Includes non-accrual loans.
    (3)   Excludes the impact of the average net unrealized gain or loss on securities.
    (4)   Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
    (5)   Includes cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.
    (6)   Includes mortgagors’ escrow accounts.
    (7)   Net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
    (8)   Total interest-earning assets divided by total interest-bearing liabilities.
    (9)   Average balances are calculated on a daily basis.
    (10)   Annualized based on the actual number of days in the period.
         
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
     Non-GAAP Reconciliation
     

    The Bank believes the presentation of the following non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to an investor’s proper understanding of the results of operations and financial condition of the Bank. Management uses these measures in its analysis of the Bank’s performance. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes for the financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other banks.

    The table below presents the reconciliation between net income and core net income, a non-GAAP measurement that represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.

      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      June 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands, unaudited) 2024   2025   2024   2025
                       
    Non-GAAP reconciliation:                      
    Net income $ 4,102     $ 9,414     $ 10,970     $ 16,538  
    Gain on equity securities, net   (2,464 )     (2,516 )     (8,434 )     (3,797 )
    Income tax expense (1)   543       555       1,859       837  
    Core net income $ 2,181     $ 7,453     $ 4,395     $ 13,578  
    (1)   The equity securities are held in a tax-advantaged subsidiary corporation. The income tax effect of the gain on equity securities, net, was calculated using the effective tax rate applicable to the subsidiary.
         

    The table below presents the calculation of the efficiency ratio, a non-U.S. GAAP performance measure that management uses to assess operational efficiency which represents total operating expenses, divided by the sum of net interest income and total other income, excluding net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.

      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended  
      June 30,
      March 31,
      June 30,
      June 30,  
    (In thousands, unaudited) 2024   2025   2025   2024   2025  
                                         
    Non-U.S. GAAP efficiency ratio calculation:                                    
    Operating expenses $ 7,294       $ 7,470       $ 7,546     $ 14,521       $ 15,016    
                                         
    Net interest income $ 10,368       $ 16,036       $ 18,039     $ 19,452       $ 34,075    
    Other income   2,733         1,549         2,807       8,976         4,356    
    Gain on equity securities, net   (2,464 )       (1,281 )       (2,516 )     (8,434 )       (3,797 )  
    Total revenue $ 10,637       $ 16,304       $ 18,330     $ 19,994       $ 34,634    
                                         
    Efficiency ratio   68.57   %     45.82   %     41.17   %   72.63   %     43.36   %
                                                   

    CONTACT: Patrick R. Gaughen, President and Chief Operating Officer (781) 783-1761

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Hingham Savings Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HINGHAM, Mass., July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS (NASDAQ: HIFS), Hingham, Massachusetts announced results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    Earnings

    Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was $9,414,000 or $4.32 per share basic and $4.28 per share diluted, as compared to $4,102,000 or $1.88 per share basic and diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized return on average equity for the second quarter of 2025 was 8.43%, and the annualized return on average assets was 0.85%, as compared to 3.92% and 0.38% for the same period last year. Net income per share (diluted) for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 127.7% compared to the same period in 2024.

    Core net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, which represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized, was $7,453,000 or $3.42 per share basic and $3.39 per share diluted, as compared to $2,181,000 or $1.00 per share basic and per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized core return on average equity for the second quarter of 2025 was 6.67% and the annualized core return on average assets was 0.67%, as compared to 2.08% and 0.20% for the same period last year. Core net income per share (diluted) for the second quarter of 2025 increased by 239.0% compared to the same period in 2024.

    Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $16,538,000 or $7.58 per share basic and $7.52 per share diluted, as compared to $10,970,000 or $5.04 per share basic and $5.01 per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized return on average equity for the first six months of 2025 was 7.45%, and the annualized return on average assets was 0.75%, as compared to 5.27% and 0.50% for the same period in 2024. Net income per share (diluted) for the first six months of 2025 increased by 50.1% over the same period in 2024.

    Core net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, which represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized, was $13,578,000 or $6.23 per share basic and $6.17 per share diluted, as compared to $4,395,000 or $2.02 per share basic and $2.01 per share diluted for the same period last year. The Bank’s annualized core return on average equity for the first six months of 2025 was 6.12%, and the annualized core return on average assets was 0.61%, as compared to 2.11% and 0.20% for the same period in 2024. Core net income per share (diluted) for the first six months of 2025 increased by 207.0% over the same period in 2024.

    See Page 10 for a reconciliation between Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) net income and Non-GAAP core net income. GAAP requires that gains and losses on equity securities, net of tax, realized and unrealized, be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In calculating core net income, the Bank did not make any adjustments other than those relating to the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized. In the first six months of 2024, both net income and core net income were positively impacted by lower income tax expense driven by excess tax benefit associated with the exercise of stock options and the revision of state income tax estimates.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets increased to $4.539 billion at June 30, 2025, representing 3.7% annualized growth year-to-date and a 0.4% increase from June 30, 2024.

    Net loans increased to $3.932 billion at June 30, 2025, representing 3.0% annualized growth year-to-date and stable when compared to June 30, 2024. Origination activity was concentrated in the Boston and Washington D.C. markets and remained focused on stabilized multifamily commercial real estate.

    Retail and commercial deposits were $1.998 billion at June 30, 2025, flat year-to-date and representing 4.0% growth from June 30, 2024. Non-interest-bearing deposits, included in retail and commercial deposits, were $437.6 million at June 30, 2025, representing 20.2% annualized growth year-to-date and 27.5% growth from June 30, 2024, while interest-bearing deposits fell, reflecting some specific customer business needs.

    Growth in non-interest bearing deposits in the first six months of 2025 continued to reflect the Bank’s focus on developing and deepening deposit relationships with new and existing commercial and non-profit customers. The Bank continues to invest in its Specialized Deposit Group, actively recruiting for talented relationship managers in Boston, Washington, and San Francisco, particularly as respected competitors exit these markets or merge with larger regional banks.

    The stability of the Bank’s balance sheet, as well as full and unlimited deposit insurance through the Bank’s participation in the Massachusetts Depositors Insurance Fund, continues to appeal to customers in times of uncertainty.

    Wholesale funds, which includes Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings, brokered deposits, and Internet listing service time deposits, were $2.052 billion at June 30, 2025 representing 6.0% annualized growth year-to-date and a 4.4% decline from June 30, 2024, as the Bank used these funds to replace certain commercial deposits in the second quarter of 2025. In the first six months of 2025, the Bank continued to manage its wholesale funding mix to lower its cost of funds while taking advantage of the inverted yield curve at certain durations by adding lower rate longer term liabilities. Wholesale deposits, which include brokered and Internet listing service time deposits, were $480.1 million at June 30, 2025, representing a 6.0% annualized decline year-to-date and a 3.5% decline from June 30, 2024. Borrowings from the FHLB totaled $1.572 billion at June 30, 2025, representing 10.0% annualized growth from December 31, 2024, and a 4.7% decline from June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2025, the Bank maintained an additional $802.8 million in immediately available borrowing capacity at the FHLB of Boston and the Federal Reserve Bank, in addition to $360.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.

    Book value per share was $204.36 as of June 30, 2025, representing 6.4% annualized growth year-to-date and 6.8% growth from June 30, 2024. In addition to the increase in book value per share, the Bank declared $2.52 in dividends per share since June 30, 2024.

    On June 25, 2025, the Bank declared a regular cash dividend of $0.63 per share. This dividend will be paid on August 13, 2025 to stockholders of record as of August 4, 2025. This will be the Bank’s 126th consecutive quarterly dividend.

    The Bank has also generally declared special cash dividends in each of the last thirty years, typically in the fourth quarter, but did not declare a special dividend in 2024 and 2023. The Bank sets the level of the special dividend based on the Bank’s capital requirements and the prospective return on other capital allocation options, particularly the incremental return on capital from new loan originations and share repurchases. This may result in special dividends, if any, significantly above or below the regular quarterly dividend. Future regular and special dividends will be considered by the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.

    Operational Performance Metrics

    The net interest margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased 16 basis points to 1.66%, as compared to 1.50% in the quarter ended March 31, 2025. This was the fifth consecutive quarter of continued expansion, despite the Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate target range remaining unchanged in 2025. This improvement was the result of a decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, combined with an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities fell 10 basis points in the second quarter of 2025, as the Bank’s retail and commercial deposits continued to reprice at lower rates, and the Bank continued to take advantage of the inverted yield curve by adding lower rate FHLB advances and brokered deposits. The yield on interest-earning assets increased by 5 basis points in the second quarter of 2025, driven primarily by a higher yield on loans, as the Bank continued to originate loans at higher rates and reprice existing loans. The net interest margin in the final month of the second quarter of 2025 was 1.72% annualized.

    Key credit and operational metrics remained acceptable in the second quarter of 2025. At June 30, 2025, non-performing assets totaled 0.70% of total assets, compared to 0.03% at December 31, 2024 and 0.04% at June 30, 2024. Non-performing loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio totaled 0.81% at June 30, 2025, compared to 0.04% at both December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024. The Bank did not record any charge-offs in the first six months of 2025 or 2024. In the second quarter of 2025, the Bank placed a commercial real estate loan with an outstanding balance of $30.6 million on nonaccrual, after the borrower failed to make the full payment due at maturity. This loan is secured by an entitled development site for a significant multifamily development in Washington, D.C. and has an associated conditional guarantee from a large national homebuilder and an affordable housing developer. The Bank is working actively to identify a resolution that protects the Bank’s interests. The remaining non-performing assets and loans cited above were and are residential, owner-occupant loans.

    As of June 30, 2025, the Bank only had the single above-mentioned non-performing commercial real estate loan, and no other commercial real estate delinquent loans. The Bank did not have any delinquent or non-performing commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2024 or June 30, 2024. The Bank did not own any foreclosed property at June 30, 2025, December 31, 2024 or June 30, 2024.

    The efficiency ratio, as defined on page 5 below, decreased to 41.17% for the second quarter of 2025, as compared to 45.82% in the prior quarter and 68.57% for the same period last year. Operating expenses as a percentage of average assets were 0.68% for the second quarter of 2025, as compared to 0.68% for the prior quarter and 0.67% for the same period last year. This reflects, in part, continuing investment in deposit-gathering infrastructure and relatively stable average assets from period to period. As the efficiency ratio can be significantly influenced by the level of net interest income, the Bank utilizes these paired figures together to assess its operational efficiency over time. During periods of significant net interest income volatility, the efficiency ratio in isolation may over or understate the underlying operational efficiency of the Bank. The Bank remains focused on reducing waste through an ongoing process of continuous improvement and standard work that supports operational leverage.

    Chairman Robert H. Gaughen Jr. stated, “Returns on equity and assets in the second quarter of 2025 remained somewhat lower than our long-term performance expectations, although they have recovered significantly. Returns in our core business continue to improve steadily, driven by a continued expansion in the net interest margin through asset repricing, falling funding costs, and growth in non-interest bearing deposits. Our operational leverage remains critical to generating satisfactory returns and we remain focused on rigorous cost control and continuous operational improvement. Although our investment returns are likely to remain volatile in any individual period, they continue to contribute meaningfully to growth in book value per share over time.

    While this period has been extraordinarily challenging, the Bank’s business model has been built to compound shareholder capital over the long-term. We remain focused on careful capital allocation, defensive underwriting and rigorous cost control – the building blocks for compounding shareholder capital through all stages of the economic cycle. These remain constant, regardless of the macroeconomic environment in which we operate.”

    The Bank’s quarterly financial results are summarized in this earnings release, but shareholders are encouraged to read the Bank’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which is generally available several weeks after the earnings release. The Bank expects to file Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on or about August 6, 2025.

    Incorporated in 1834, Hingham Institution for Savings is one of America’s oldest banks. The Bank maintains offices in Boston, Nantucket, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

    The Bank’s shares of common stock are listed and traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol HIFS.

     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Selected Financial Ratios
           
      Three Months Ended
    June 30,
      Six Months Ended
    June 30,
      2024   2025   2024   2025
    (Unaudited)                      
                           
    Key Performance Ratios                      
    Return on average assets (1) 0.38 %   0.85 %   0.50 %   0.75 %
    Return on average equity (1) 3.92     8.43     5.27     7.45  
    Core return on average assets (1) (5) 0.20     0.67     0.20     0.61  
    Core return on average equity (1) (5) 2.08     6.67     2.11     6.12  
    Interest rate spread (1) (2) 0.25     0.95     0.19     0.87  
    Net interest margin (1) (3) 0.96     1.66     0.91     1.58  
    Operating expenses to average assets (1) 0.67     0.68     0.67     0.68  
    Efficiency ratio (4) 68.57     41.17     72.63     43.36  
    Average equity to average assets 9.59     10.05     9.56     10.02  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 119.93     122.94     119.92     122.60  
      June 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2024
      June 30,
    2025
    (Unaudited)                      
               
    Asset Quality Ratios          
    Allowance for credit losses/total loans   0.68 %   0.69 %     0.70 %
    Allowance for credit losses/non-performing loans   1,577.28     1,775.00       86.97  
                         
    Non-performing loans/total loans   0.04     0.04       0.81  
    Non-performing loans/total assets   0.04     0.03       0.70  
    Non-performing assets/total assets   0.04     0.03       0.70  
                         
    Share Related                    
    Book value per share $ 191.34     $ 198.03     $ 204.36  
    Market value per share $ 178.88     $ 254.14     $ 248.35  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   2,180,250       2,180,250       2,181,250  
    (1)   Annualized.
         
    (2)   Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
         
    (3)   Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
         
    (4)   The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure that represents total operating expenses, divided by the sum of net interest income and total other income, excluding the net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.
         
    (5)   Non-GAAP measurements that represent return on average assets and return on average equity, excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.
         
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
               
    (In thousands, except share amounts) June 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2024
      June 30,
    2025
    (Unaudited)                      
    ASSETS  
                           
    Cash and due from banks $ 5,990     $ 4,183     $ 8,470  
    Federal Reserve and other short-term investments   363,151       347,647       352,144  
    Cash and cash equivalents   369,141       351,830       360,614  
                           
    CRA investment   8,722       8,769       8,928  
    Other marketable equity securities   83,860       104,575       113,761  
    Securities, at fair value   92,582       113,344       122,689  
    Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost   6,493       6,493       6,494  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   66,189       61,022       64,659  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $26,940 at June 30, 2024, $26,980 at December 31, 2024 and $27,730 at June 30, 2025   3,933,419       3,873,662       3,931,663  
    Bank-owned life insurance   13,805       13,980       14,143  
    Premises and equipment, net   16,676       16,397       16,180  
    Accrued interest receivable   9,082       8,774       8,962  
    Other assets   13,344       12,269       13,753  
    Total assets $ 4,520,731     $ 4,457,771     $ 4,539,157  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
                           
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 2,075,002     $ 2,094,626     $ 2,040,271  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   343,262       397,469       437,608  
    Total deposits   2,418,264       2,492,095       2,477,879  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,648,675       1,497,000       1,572,000  
    Mortgagors’ escrow accounts   14,577       16,699       18,478  
    Accrued interest payable   12,242       8,244       12,959  
    Deferred income tax liability, net   989       3,787       4,629  
    Other liabilities   8,806       8,191       7,460  
    Total liabilities   4,103,553       4,026,016       4,093,405  
                           
    Stockholders’ equity:                      
    Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 2,500,000 shares authorized, none issued                
    Common stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,180,250 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2024, and 2,181,250 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025   2,180       2,180       2,181  
    Additional paid-in capital   15,467       15,571       15,777  
    Undivided profits   399,531       414,004       427,794  
    Total stockholders’ equity   417,178       431,755       445,752  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,520,731     $ 4,457,771     $ 4,539,157  
                           
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Consolidated Statements of Income
               
          Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
          June 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2024
      2025
      2024   2025
    (Unaudited)                      
    Interest and dividend income:                            
      Loans $ 44,665     $ 46,752     $ 87,785     $ 91,973  
      Debt securities   87       97       132       192  
      Equity securities   1,551       1,365       3,001       2,816  
      Federal Reserve and other short-term investments   2,745       3,072       5,572       6,127  
        Total interest and dividend income   49,048       51,286       96,490       101,108  
    Interest expense:                              
      Deposits   22,141       17,841       43,287       36,462  
      Federal Home Loan Bank   16,539       15,406       33,751       30,571  
        Total interest expense   38,680       33,247       77,038       67,033  
        Net interest income   10,368       18,039       19,452       34,075  
    Provision for credit losses   180       450       288       750  
      Net interest income, after provision for credit losses   10,188       17,589       19,164       33,325  
    Other income:                              
      Customer service fees on deposits   138       139       275       274  
      Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance   82       79       163       163  
      Gain on equity securities, net   2,464       2,516       8,434       3,797  
      Miscellaneous   49       73       104       122  
        Total other income   2,733       2,807       8,976       4,356  
    Operating expenses:                              
      Salaries and employee benefits   4,234       4,392       8,531       8,859  
      Occupancy and equipment   394       417       825       856  
      Data processing   738       758       1,493       1,482  
      Deposit insurance   819       784       1,629       1,532  
      Foreclosure and related   14       14       46       24  
      Marketing   187       222       276       358  
      Other general and administrative   908       959       1,721       1,905  
        Total operating expenses   7,294       7,546       14,521       15,016  
    Income before income taxes   5,627       12,850       13,619       22,665  
    Income tax provision   1,525       3,436       2,649       6,127  
        Net income $ 4,102     $ 9,414     $ 10,970     $ 16,538  
                                       
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.63     $ 0.63     $ 1.26     $ 1.26  
                                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                              
      Basic   2,180       2,181       2,175       2,181  
      Diluted   2,186       2,200       2,189       2,200  
                                       
    Earnings per share:                              
      Basic $ 1.88     $ 4.32     $ 5.04     $ 7.58  
      Diluted $ 1.88     $ 4.28     $ 5.01     $ 7.52  
                                     
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Net Interest Income Analysis
       
      Three Months Ended
      June 30, 2024   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2025
      Average
    Balance
    (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
      Average
    Balance
    (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
      Average
    Balance
    (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
       
    (Dollars in thousands)  
    (Unaudited)                                                    
    Assets                                                    
    Loans (1) (2) $ 3,980,111   $ 44,665   4.49 %   $ 3,929,828   $ 45,221   4.67 %   $ 3,952,477   $ 46,752   4.74 %
    Securities (3) (4)   119,477     1,638   5.48       130,674     1,546   4.80       135,541     1,462   4.33  
    Short-term investments (5)   202,379     2,745   5.43       278,722     3,055   4.45       277,146     3,072   4.45  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,301,967     49,048   4.56       4,339,224     49,822   4.66       4,365,164     51,286   4.71  
    Other assets   66,218                 79,209                 78,230            
    Total assets $ 4,368,185               $ 4,418,433               $ 4,443,394            
                                                         
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                                                    
    Interest-bearing deposits (6) $ 2,149,753   $ 22,141   4.12 %   $ 2,141,294   $ 18,621   3.53 %   $ 2,102,662   $ 17,841   3.40 %
    Borrowed funds   1,437,335     16,539   4.60       1,407,844     15,165   4.37       1,448,078     15,406   4.27  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,587,088     38,680   4.31       3,549,138     33,786   3.86       3,550,740     33,247   3.76  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   346,663                 413,877                 429,537            
    Other liabilities   15,503                 14,464                 16,378            
    Total liabilities   3,949,254                 3,977,479                 3,996,655            
    Stockholders’ equity   418,931                 440,954                 446,739            
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,368,185               $ 4,418,433               $ 4,443,394            
    Net interest income       $ 10,368               $ 16,036               $ 18,039      
                                                         
    Weighted average interest rate spread             0.25 %               0.80 %               0.95 %
                                                         
    Net interest margin (7)             0.96 %               1.50 %               1.66 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities (8) 119.93 %   122.26 %   122.94 %  
    (1)   Before allowance for credit losses.
    (2)   Includes non-accrual loans.
    (3)   Excludes the impact of the average net unrealized gain or loss on securities.
    (4)   Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
    (5)   Includes cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.
    (6)   Includes mortgagors’ escrow accounts.
    (7)   Net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
    (8)   Total interest-earning assets divided by total interest-bearing liabilities.
    (9)   Average balances are calculated on a daily basis.
    (10)   Annualized based on the actual number of days in the period.
         
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
    Net Interest Income Analysis
         
      Six Months Ended June 30,  
      2024     2025  
      Average
    Balance (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
        Average
    Balance (9)
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate (10)
     
    (Dollars in thousands)                                  
    (Unaudited)                                  
                                       
    Loans (1) (2) $ 3,968,123   $ 87,785   4.42 %   $ 3,941,215   $ 91,973   4.71 %
    Securities (3) (4)   117,840     3,133   5.32       133,121     3,008   4.56  
    Short-term investments (5)   205,312     5,572   5.43       277,930     6,127   4.45  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,291,275     96,490   4.50       4,352,266     101,108   4.68  
    Other assets   65,126                 78,717            
    Total assets $ 4,356,401               $ 4,430,983            
                                       
    Interest-bearing deposits (6) $ 2,124,302   $ 43,287   4.08 %   $ 2,121,871   $ 36,462   3.47 %
    Borrowed funds   1,454,181     33,751   4.64       1,428,072     30,571   4.32  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,578,483     77,038   4.31       3,549,943     67,033   3.81  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   346,399                 421,750            
    Other liabilities   14,882                 15,428            
    Total liabilities   3,939,764                 3,987,121            
    Stockholders’ equity   416,637                 443,862            
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,356,401               $ 4,430,983            
    Net interest income       $ 19,452               $ 34,075      
                                       
    Weighted average interest rate spread             0.19 %               0.87 %
                                       
    Net interest margin (7)             0.91 %               1.58 %
                                       
    Average interest-earning assets
    to average interest-bearing
    liabilities (8)
      119.92 %               122.60 %          
    (1)   Before allowance for credit losses.
    (2)   Includes non-accrual loans.
    (3)   Excludes the impact of the average net unrealized gain or loss on securities.
    (4)   Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
    (5)   Includes cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank.
    (6)   Includes mortgagors’ escrow accounts.
    (7)   Net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.
    (8)   Total interest-earning assets divided by total interest-bearing liabilities.
    (9)   Average balances are calculated on a daily basis.
    (10)   Annualized based on the actual number of days in the period.
         
     
    HINGHAM INSTITUTION FOR SAVINGS
     Non-GAAP Reconciliation
     

    The Bank believes the presentation of the following non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to an investor’s proper understanding of the results of operations and financial condition of the Bank. Management uses these measures in its analysis of the Bank’s performance. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes for the financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other banks.

    The table below presents the reconciliation between net income and core net income, a non-GAAP measurement that represents net income excluding the after-tax net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.

      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      June 30,   June 30,
    (In thousands, unaudited) 2024   2025   2024   2025
                       
    Non-GAAP reconciliation:                      
    Net income $ 4,102     $ 9,414     $ 10,970     $ 16,538  
    Gain on equity securities, net   (2,464 )     (2,516 )     (8,434 )     (3,797 )
    Income tax expense (1)   543       555       1,859       837  
    Core net income $ 2,181     $ 7,453     $ 4,395     $ 13,578  
    (1)   The equity securities are held in a tax-advantaged subsidiary corporation. The income tax effect of the gain on equity securities, net, was calculated using the effective tax rate applicable to the subsidiary.
         

    The table below presents the calculation of the efficiency ratio, a non-U.S. GAAP performance measure that management uses to assess operational efficiency which represents total operating expenses, divided by the sum of net interest income and total other income, excluding net gain on equity securities, both realized and unrealized.

      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended  
      June 30,
      March 31,
      June 30,
      June 30,  
    (In thousands, unaudited) 2024   2025   2025   2024   2025  
                                         
    Non-U.S. GAAP efficiency ratio calculation:                                    
    Operating expenses $ 7,294       $ 7,470       $ 7,546     $ 14,521       $ 15,016    
                                         
    Net interest income $ 10,368       $ 16,036       $ 18,039     $ 19,452       $ 34,075    
    Other income   2,733         1,549         2,807       8,976         4,356    
    Gain on equity securities, net   (2,464 )       (1,281 )       (2,516 )     (8,434 )       (3,797 )  
    Total revenue $ 10,637       $ 16,304       $ 18,330     $ 19,994       $ 34,634    
                                         
    Efficiency ratio   68.57   %     45.82   %     41.17   %   72.63   %     43.36   %
                                                   

    CONTACT: Patrick R. Gaughen, President and Chief Operating Officer (781) 783-1761

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 505

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL5

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 505
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1255 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    South-Central and Southeast Iowa
    Far Northwest Illinois
    Far Northern Missouri

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 1255 PM until
    800 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes likely
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm development is anticipated this afternoon in
    close proximity to a surface low over far southwest IA, and
    associated warm front that extends eastward across southern IA into
    far northwest IL. Ample low-level moisture is supporting strong
    buoyancy, and the potential for robust updrafts. Supercells capable
    of all severe hazards, including tornadoes, are possible within this
    environment.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 40 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 45 miles west northwest of Lamoni IA
    to 30 miles northeast of Moline IL. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24035.

    …Mosier

    SEL5

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 505
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1255 PM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    South-Central and Southeast Iowa
    Far Northwest Illinois
    Far Northern Missouri

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 1255 PM until
    800 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes likely
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm development is anticipated this afternoon in
    close proximity to a surface low over far southwest IA, and
    associated warm front that extends eastward across southern IA into
    far northwest IL. Ample low-level moisture is supporting strong
    buoyancy, and the potential for robust updrafts. Supercells capable
    of all severe hazards, including tornadoes, are possible within this
    environment.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 40 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 45 miles west northwest of Lamoni IA
    to 30 miles northeast of Moline IL. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24035.

    …Mosier

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW5
    WW 505 TORNADO IA IL MO 111755Z – 120100Z
    AXIS..40 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    45WNW LWD/LAMONI IA/ – 30NE MLI/MOLINE IL/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 35NM N/S /50ESE OVR – 42NNW BDF/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.

    LAT…LON 41449473 42349009 41189009 40289473

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU5.

    Watch 505 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (20%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kyrgyzstan to fine for disseminating false information in media and online

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BISHKEK, July 11 /Xinhua/ — Kyrgyzstan will impose fines for disseminating unreliable /false/ information in the media and on the Internet. The corresponding law was signed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the official website of the president reported on Friday.

    As noted, the purpose of the law is to ensure information security and the rights of citizens to receive objective, reliable information.

    The law provides for fines for disseminating false information using the media or the Internet that violates public order, the rights and legitimate interests of citizens or organizations, if these actions do not contain signs of a criminal offense. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces prison sentence for York Co. man who solicited teen, hurt two people in a car wreck when he fled policeRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that, on July 9, Hunter Thomas Wallace pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor and two counts of Failure to Stop for Blue Lights with Great Bodily Injury, before the Honorable Perry H. Gravely in York County.

    In May of 2023, the York County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and other law enforcement officers throughout South Carolina, conducted a proactive undercover investigation to combat the online solicitation of minors in York County. A person, later identified as Wallace, contacted an undercover officer who had created an online persona of a 14-year-old female. After the undercover officer informed Wallace that he was speaking to a 14-year-old, Wallace proceeded to solicit sexual activity from and send nude images to the persona. Wallace, after requesting to meet in person to engage in sexual activity, traveled to a predetermined location in York County. After arriving at the location, Wallace drove away without having exited his vehicle. Law enforcement was able to locate the vehicle in a nearby parking lot. When blue lights were activated to initiate a stop, Wallace fled. Shortly thereafter, Wallace ran a red light and struck another vehicle. Two people in the vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries because of the collision.

    Judge Gravely sentenced Wallace to seven years for the Criminal Solicitation of a Minor charge, with credit for 776 days of jail time he’s already served. He was also given a consecutive sentence of 10 years suspended to three years of probation for the charges of Failure to Stop for Blue Lights with Great Bodily Injury. He must register as a sex offender upon release, and his driver’s license will be suspended for three years following the completion of his sentence.

    Assistant Attorney General Anna Sharpe prosecuted the case for the state.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • India releases roadmap for quantum-safe cybersecurity

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a push to secure India’s growing digital economy from the looming threat of quantum computing, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday released a whitepaper that lays out a plan for transitioning to quantum-resilient cybersecurity systems.

    Titled “Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness”, the paper, launched jointly with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and cybersecurity firm SISA, calls on public and private organisations to start identifying vulnerabilities in encryption systems that protect sensitive data, public services, and national security infrastructure.

    India’s rapid shift towards digital payments and online governance has made cybersecurity a pressing concern. Quantum computing, which is advancing from labs to real-world use, is expected to break conventional encryption methods like RSA and ECC within the decade, experts warn.

    ‘Strategic Imperative’

    “Quantum readiness is a strategic imperative as we prepare for the disruptive potential of quantum technologies,” S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said at the launch in Delhi. He called for building resilience into ICT systems with “clarity and agility.”

    The paper details how organisations can analyse risks, adopt quantum-resistant algorithms, and update security frameworks without disrupting operations. It also urges critical sectors — such as finance, defence, and health — to prioritise the transition.

    CERT-In Director General Sanjay Bahl said quantum computing would “fundamentally change the threat landscape”, adding that the partnership with SISA shows why public-private collaboration is key to staying ahead of emerging threats.

    Dharshan Shanthamurthy, CEO of SISA, described quantum computing as the biggest shift in cybersecurity in three decades. “What we are dealing with is not just a faster computer but a complete redefinition of computational boundaries. Our legacy systems are vulnerable by design in a quantum context,” he said.

    Guiding Next Steps

    The whitepaper combines technical advice with practical steps for regulated sectors such as BFSI, healthcare and government. It aims to help organisations begin their quantum-safe migration while maintaining compliance and business continuity.

    CERT-In, which is India’s nodal agency for handling cybersecurity threats under the IT Act, will play a key role in issuing guidelines and coordinating responses.

    SISA, a payment security solutions firm, said its forensic insights would support enterprises in protecting data at the deepest levels as they move towards post-quantum security standards.

    With this roadmap, India joins a growing group of countries stepping up preparations for the disruptive impact of quantum technologies on cybersecurity.

  • India releases roadmap for quantum-safe cybersecurity

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a push to secure India’s growing digital economy from the looming threat of quantum computing, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday released a whitepaper that lays out a plan for transitioning to quantum-resilient cybersecurity systems.

    Titled “Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness”, the paper, launched jointly with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and cybersecurity firm SISA, calls on public and private organisations to start identifying vulnerabilities in encryption systems that protect sensitive data, public services, and national security infrastructure.

    India’s rapid shift towards digital payments and online governance has made cybersecurity a pressing concern. Quantum computing, which is advancing from labs to real-world use, is expected to break conventional encryption methods like RSA and ECC within the decade, experts warn.

    ‘Strategic Imperative’

    “Quantum readiness is a strategic imperative as we prepare for the disruptive potential of quantum technologies,” S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said at the launch in Delhi. He called for building resilience into ICT systems with “clarity and agility.”

    The paper details how organisations can analyse risks, adopt quantum-resistant algorithms, and update security frameworks without disrupting operations. It also urges critical sectors — such as finance, defence, and health — to prioritise the transition.

    CERT-In Director General Sanjay Bahl said quantum computing would “fundamentally change the threat landscape”, adding that the partnership with SISA shows why public-private collaboration is key to staying ahead of emerging threats.

    Dharshan Shanthamurthy, CEO of SISA, described quantum computing as the biggest shift in cybersecurity in three decades. “What we are dealing with is not just a faster computer but a complete redefinition of computational boundaries. Our legacy systems are vulnerable by design in a quantum context,” he said.

    Guiding Next Steps

    The whitepaper combines technical advice with practical steps for regulated sectors such as BFSI, healthcare and government. It aims to help organisations begin their quantum-safe migration while maintaining compliance and business continuity.

    CERT-In, which is India’s nodal agency for handling cybersecurity threats under the IT Act, will play a key role in issuing guidelines and coordinating responses.

    SISA, a payment security solutions firm, said its forensic insights would support enterprises in protecting data at the deepest levels as they move towards post-quantum security standards.

    With this roadmap, India joins a growing group of countries stepping up preparations for the disruptive impact of quantum technologies on cybersecurity.

  • India releases roadmap for quantum-safe cybersecurity

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a push to secure India’s growing digital economy from the looming threat of quantum computing, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday released a whitepaper that lays out a plan for transitioning to quantum-resilient cybersecurity systems.

    Titled “Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness”, the paper, launched jointly with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and cybersecurity firm SISA, calls on public and private organisations to start identifying vulnerabilities in encryption systems that protect sensitive data, public services, and national security infrastructure.

    India’s rapid shift towards digital payments and online governance has made cybersecurity a pressing concern. Quantum computing, which is advancing from labs to real-world use, is expected to break conventional encryption methods like RSA and ECC within the decade, experts warn.

    ‘Strategic Imperative’

    “Quantum readiness is a strategic imperative as we prepare for the disruptive potential of quantum technologies,” S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said at the launch in Delhi. He called for building resilience into ICT systems with “clarity and agility.”

    The paper details how organisations can analyse risks, adopt quantum-resistant algorithms, and update security frameworks without disrupting operations. It also urges critical sectors — such as finance, defence, and health — to prioritise the transition.

    CERT-In Director General Sanjay Bahl said quantum computing would “fundamentally change the threat landscape”, adding that the partnership with SISA shows why public-private collaboration is key to staying ahead of emerging threats.

    Dharshan Shanthamurthy, CEO of SISA, described quantum computing as the biggest shift in cybersecurity in three decades. “What we are dealing with is not just a faster computer but a complete redefinition of computational boundaries. Our legacy systems are vulnerable by design in a quantum context,” he said.

    Guiding Next Steps

    The whitepaper combines technical advice with practical steps for regulated sectors such as BFSI, healthcare and government. It aims to help organisations begin their quantum-safe migration while maintaining compliance and business continuity.

    CERT-In, which is India’s nodal agency for handling cybersecurity threats under the IT Act, will play a key role in issuing guidelines and coordinating responses.

    SISA, a payment security solutions firm, said its forensic insights would support enterprises in protecting data at the deepest levels as they move towards post-quantum security standards.

    With this roadmap, India joins a growing group of countries stepping up preparations for the disruptive impact of quantum technologies on cybersecurity.

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Debates – Thursday, 10 July 2025 – Strasbourg – Revised edition

    Source: European Parliament

    Verbatim report of proceedings
     455k  820k
    Thursday, 10 July 2025 – Strasbourg
    1. Opening of the sitting
      2. Council position at first reading (Rule 64)
      3. Post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (debate)
      4. European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures’ (debate)
      5. Resumption of the sitting
      6. Voting time
        6.1. Motion of censure on the Commission (B10-0319/2025) (vote)
        6.2. Case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai (RC-B10-0328/2025, B10-0328/2025, B10-0333/2025, B10-0336/2025, B10-0340/2025, B10-0341/2025) (vote)
        6.3. Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic (RC-B10-0327/2025, B10-0323/2025, B10-0327/2025, B10-0334/2025, B10-0339/2025, B10-0342/2025) (vote)
        6.4. Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus (RC-B10-0335/2025, B10-0325/2025, B10-0335/2025, B10-0338/2025, B10-0343/2025, B10-0344/2025, B10-0345/2025, B10-0346/2025, B10-0347/2025) (vote)
        6.5. Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies (A10-0134/2025 – Antonio Decaro) (vote)
        6.6. Future of the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector: leveraging research, boosting innovation and enhancing competitiveness (A10-0123/2025 – Hildegard Bentele) (vote)
        6.7. Tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions (RC-B10-0324/2025, B10-0324/2025, B10-0326/2025, B10-0329/2025, B10-0330/2025, B10-0331/2025, B10-0332/2025) (vote)
      7. Resumption of the sitting
      8. Approval of the minutes of the sitting
      9. Composition of committees and delegations
      10. Endometriosis: Europe’s wake-up call on the gender health gap (debate)
      11. Oral explanations of vote (Rule 201)
        11.1. Motion of censure on the Commission (B10-0319/2025)
        11.2. Tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions (RC-B10-0324/2025)
      12. Explanations of votes in writing (Rule 201)
      13. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted
      14. Dates of the next part-session
      15. Closure of the sitting
      16. Adjournment of the session

       

    IN THE CHAIR: CHRISTEL SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

     
    1. Opening of the sitting

       

    (The sitting opened at 09:00)

     

    2. Council position at first reading (Rule 64)

     

      President. – The President has received from the Council its position at first reading regarding amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.

    The President has also received the reasons which led to its adoption and the position and opinion of the Commission. The full title will be published in the minutes of today’s sitting.

    The three-month period available to Parliament to adopt its position begins tomorrow, 11 July 2025.

     

    3. Post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (debate)

     

      Christophe Hansen, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, dear colleagues, thank you very much for putting this important point up for the plenary debate today. I believe this is a testimony of how important the common agricultural policy is for this House. I can reassure you that it is equally important for the European Commission.

    The CAP is one of our oldest policies at the heart of the European project. In December 1964, Sicco Mansholt stated: ‘the governments, the Member countries burnt the individual boats in which they have sailed home to the harbours of national agricultural policy. Henceforth there is only a common policy, a policy of European solidarity.’ This statement is as relevant as it was 60 years ago.

    The CAP is a true common policy, a policy of solidarity, an anchor of European food sovereignty and an integral part of European integration. While in the 1960s, we were rebuilding our continent after the devastation of the war, we are now building a stronger Europe. A stronger Europe, that can withstand the multiple challenges it is facing.

    The security architecture that we relied on for decades can no longer be taken for granted. Russia’s unprovoked aggression has brought war back to our continent. Extreme weather events are more and more frequent due to climate change. The new normal is anything but normal. Therefore, our future budget and our policies must keep pace with that changing world.

    Yet, if the changing geopolitical realities teach us one thing, it is the strategic importance of food production. You cannot build a strong continent on an empty stomach, ladies and gentlemen. This was the driving force behind Mansholt’s policy and it is just as relevant today. Therefore, as the Commission President stated, in our next budget, there will be a central place for cohesion policy and the common agricultural policy.

    Our regions and our farmers will always be at the heart of the Union. The Commission fully acknowledges that the CAP plays a pivotal and strategic role in maintaining Europe’s food sovereignty at all times, in particular in the current challenging geopolitical setting. At the same time, thanks to our farmers, the EU is also a major exporter of food, contributing to global food security. Our farmers and rural areas feel the increasing pressure, from the impact of global uncertainties and climate change to the major challenge of generational renewal. At the same time, they are, as custodians of their land, making great efforts to contribute to our environmental and climate objectives, while ensuring also food security.

    The Commission’s communication, ‘The Road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework’, clearly puts food security among the key priority areas for funding in the future MFF. But our CAP must be modernised and better adapted to today’s challenges. We need a common agricultural policy that is fit for purpose and better targeted, enhances environmental and social outcomes, and fosters thriving rural areas.

    For this, we have over time built a policy with a coherent toolbox that helps provide a fair income for farmers, safe and affordable food for consumers, and respect for the environment we work in. I fully agree that we need to maintain this coherent toolbox, and the commonness and integrity of the common agricultural policy. I want to reassure you that we are working in this direction.

    While we should build our future based on our past successes, we need a CAP that is simpler and finds the right balance between incentives, investment and regulation, and must ensure that farmers have a fair and sufficient income. With the simplification package, we have chartered the way for the future CAP by streamlining overlapping requirements and prioritising incentives, building on the current eco‑schemes and agri‑environmental measures, while reducing red tape for our farmers and administrations.

    We intend to continue on this path and I hope that this Parliament will soon have a common position on that simplification package in order to deliver for our farmers already for the next calendar year. This will be crucial that they feel that our efforts are felt on the farm as well. We will also make sure our policy is better targeted, in particular towards the farmers that actively farm and contribute to our food security and the preservation of the environment.

    We must improve also the fairness in the distribution of funds. Our tools have to deliver the most disadvantaged sectors and regions. We have many regions in the EU that depend on livestock as the only source of income. The added value the EU can bring to these regions is real and is tangible.

    Without agricultural activity, land abandonment will cause demographic, environmental and societal problems. In certain regions, we would even have a security problem on top. Look at our eastern border regions that I visited, the Baltics and Finland, which have a common border to Russia, and I have to say, without agriculture and forestry, there would not be much economic activity and human presence left, and that would represent a huge weakness to us. In this sense, these freedom farmers greatly contribute to the EU’s line of defence.

    I would also like to emphasise the crucial role that cohesion policy plays in strengthening our rural areas and regions. Investments in local infrastructure, transport, clean energy, SMEs, broadband, health and education all enhance economic and societal cohesion. This is of growing importance in the context of ensuring the right to stay for all in the place they call home by supporting what a community needs.

    Furthermore, the mid‑term review of cohesion policy provides incentives and flexibilities for objectives such as water resilience, housing, energy transition, and greater competitiveness and innovation. It also provides specific incentives to eastern border regions, which face the dual challenge of increasing security and relaunching their economies.

    Furthermore, with the rising uncertainties due to climate and geopolitical impacts, the EU must continue ensuring an adequate safety net for our farmers in the form of risk and crisis management – a true unity safety net to alleviate the pressure and de‑risk the operations of our farmers and food industry.

    Honourable Members, these elements must, in my view, be recognised when we shape our future policy and also spend the future budget, while we are building on the success of the CAP. This has brought us up here till today. How exactly to do that will be the subject of the discussion with the co‑legislators and with you. Therefore, I look forward as well to hearing your views.

    In conclusion, I believe that the new financial framework presents an opportunity to build on the current CAP and to strengthen our policy response to achieve competitiveness, resilience, innovation and sustainability objectives in a more effective manner, while also ensuring that solutions are designed by taking into account local specificities and sectorial challenges.

    Finally, I would like to thank as well especially the agriculture committee for accelerating its work on the own‑initiative report by Ms Crespo Díaz. This will also allow me to take on board the main points and the main requests of this House when it comes to designing the future of our common agricultural policy, and that is how it has to be. I would like to thank you as well for that very valuable contribution.

     
       

     

      Herbert Dorfmann, im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, Herr Kommissar, Kolleginnen und Kollegen! In wenigen Tagen werden wir einen Vorschlag für die GAP und deren Finanzierung bis zum Jahr 2035 auf dem Tisch haben, und ich habe den Eindruck, die Vorzeichen sind – gelinde gesagt – nicht die besten. Da plant man wohl offensichtlich aus jenen Politiken, die bisher das Herz der Europäischen Union ausgemacht haben – die Landwirtschaft, aber auch die Kohäsion, grenzüberschreitende Zusammenarbeit, auch andere –, so eine Art Eintopf zu machen, wo man dann nicht mehr sieht, welche Zutaten im Topf wirklich drinnen sind. Ich habe ein bisschen den Eindruck, es ist, wie wenn man so einen Eintopf kocht: Man will den Topf voll haben, aber nicht zeigen, dass man zu wenig Fleisch hat.

    Nur zwei Zahlen: Wenn wir die finanzielle Ausstattung der Gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik in absoluten Zahlen unverändert lassen im Verhältnis zu heute, dann wird diese Politik 2035 rund ein Drittel weniger Geld, in Kaufkraft gemessen, haben als 2020. Wenn wir um 15 % kürzen, dann bleibt noch die Hälfte von dem Geld übrig, das wir in Kaufkraft 2020 hatten. Wir hungern die Politik also systematisch aus.

    Der sichere Zugang zu Lebensmitteln wird aber eine zentrale Herausforderung für die Gesellschaft von morgen werden. Wenn wir in der Europäischen Union nicht mehr bereit sind, in diesen Sektor zu investieren, junge Leute anzuziehen, die bereit sind, in die Landwirtschaft zu gehen, dann werden wir unsere Ernährungssouveränität Schritt für Schritt verlieren.

    Das bedeutet natürlich nicht, Herr Kommissar, da gebe ich Ihnen recht, dass man nicht auch Veränderungen machen muss in der Politik – und meine Fraktion ist bereit, darüber zu diskutieren und auch zu schauen, wie man Geld effizienter ausgeben kann. Aber wir brauchen keinen Finanzierungseintopf, wir brauchen einen gesicherten und ausreichenden Haushalt für die Landwirtschaft. Und wir brauchen vor allem eine eigenständige Gesetzgebung für die gemeinsame Agrarpolitik und keine generellen Richtlinien für nationale Landwirtschaftspolitiken. Wir brauchen keine Renationalisierung dieser Politik, das würde am Ende auch die Regionen schwächen in der Zuständigkeit.

    Ich hoffe wirklich, dass wir am nächsten Mittwoch eine selbstbewusste Kommission erleben, eine Kommission, die ihre Kompetenzen verteidigt und die auch ihre Politiken verteidigt und dafür kämpft, dass diese finanziert werden. Herr Kommissar, seien Sie versichert, dann werden wir mit Ihnen kämpfen. Ich werde aber nicht bereit sein, einer Gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik zuzustimmen, welche die europäische Landwirtschaft aufs Spiel setzt.

     
       

     

      Dario Nardella, a nome del gruppo S&D. – Era per chiarire meglio la nostra preoccupazione sui possibili tagli al bilancio pluriennale per le politiche agricole, una preoccupazione che sappiamo di condividere con il signor Commissario, perché, senza risorse, la redditività dei nostri agricoltori sarà ancora più a rischio, la sicurezza alimentare sarà ancora più a rischio, lo sviluppo delle aree regionali europee sarà ancora più a rischio.

    Dunque, noi diciamo con forza che non accetteremo alcun tipo di taglio e neanche la riduzione o limitazione dell’autonomia legislativa sulla politica agricola attraverso un modello di negoziazione nazionale o un bilancio unificato europeo. Degli indirizzi abbiamo detto con chiarezza che vogliamo un’agricoltura sostenibile, aiutare i piccoli agricoltori, migliorare le condizioni dei consumatori e le filiere.

    Per questo siamo accanto a Lei, signor Commissario, in una battaglia che dobbiamo portare avanti insieme perché l’agricoltura è un pilastro del modello dell’integrazione europea.

     
       

     

      Raffaele Stancanelli, a nome del gruppo PfE. – Signora Presidente, grazie per la Sua presenza, signor Commissario, onorevoli colleghi, lunedì abbiamo votato in commissione la INI sul futuro dell’agricoltura.

    Come Patrioti abbiamo votato a favore per oltre 50 compromessi, apprezzando il no al fondo unico, un budget adeguato nel quadro finanziario pluriennale e la semplificazione amministrativa.

    Ci siamo astenuti, invece, sul voto finale, per il modo vago con cui sono difesi i pagamenti diretti alla presenza ancora del 25 % per gli ecoschemi, un’astensione di denuncia, anche.

    Il Parlamento europeo non può limitarsi ad affrontare una proposta sulla futura PAC discutendola solo in commissione AGRI, senza un voto in plenaria. Il Parlamento, di fatto, ha rinunciato al suo ruolo.

    Questa battaglia la perderemo, se non saremo capaci, Commissario, di contrastare una proposta che stravolge il concetto stesso di sostegno, subordinando i fondi destinati agli agricoltori a una logica di condizionalità. Gli agricoltori ci hanno chiesto una politica agricola più vicina a loro, più concreta: ripristiniamola quale sostegno al reddito e togliamo gli elementi che lo deprivano.

    Si sta perdendo un’occasione per ribadire che il Parlamento vuole una politica diversa da quella di qualche funzionario della Commissione. Non volete affrontare i temi fondamentali che gli agricoltori hanno sollevato nel 2024? Noi siamo al loro fianco, e Le chiedo, signor Commissario, e chiedo a ogni parlamentare che ha a cuore l’agricoltura…

    (La Presidente toglie la parola all’oratore)

     
       

     

      Carlo Fidanza, a nome del gruppo ECR. – Signora Presidente, signor Commissario, onorevoli colleghi, oggi più che mai la politica agricola comune deve essere difesa e rafforzata, perché la PAC – e con essa il cibo che produciamo – non è soltanto uno strumento economico, è una garanzia di stabilità, di autonomia e di sicurezza per l’intera Unione europea.

    La sicurezza alimentare non può essere data per scontata: le guerre alle porte dell’Europa, le tensioni globali sulle catene di approvvigionamento, gli eventi meteorologici estremi, tutto ci dimostra che il cibo non è solo un bene, è una leva geopolitica, è una questione strategica, e non possiamo permetterci di dipendere sempre di più da paesi terzi, se vogliamo garantire cibo a sufficienza buono e sano ai nostri cittadini.

    Per questo, ogni proposta di taglio dei fondi PAC, dentro o fuori dal cosiddetto fondo unico, è non solo inaccettabile, ma miope. Tagliare la PAC significa indebolire i nostri agricoltori, mettere a rischio le aree rurali e consegnare all’instabilità esterna una parte cruciale della nostra sovranità.

    E allora chiediamo una PAC forte, autonoma, adeguatamente finanziata, ma anche una PAC più moderna, indirizzata a chi davvero produce, a chi fa innovazione, a chi fa qualità, a chi deve fare i conti con accordi commerciali senza reciprocità, a crisi di mercato, a patologie animali e calamità naturali sempre più frequenti; una PAC senza più follie ideologiche green, ma con incentivi e premialità per chi investe in sostenibilità.

    Questa è la PAC che chiediamo, questa è la PAC che difenderemo, come ci hanno chiesto e ci chiedono milioni di agricoltori europei.

     
       

     

      Elsi Katainen, Renew-ryhmän puolesta. – Arvoisa puhemies, hyvä komission jäsen, tämä kausi alkoi maatalouden ja ruokapolitiikan osalta todella vahvasti. Strateginen dialogi ja maatalouden visio antoivat ymmärtää, että maatalouden merkitys tässä kriittisessä maailman ajassa on vihdoinkin ymmärretty. Nyt vaikuttaa kuitenkin siltä, että komissio on leikkaamassa rajusti ruokaturvamme rahoituksesta.

    Kokonaisturvallisuuden yksi keskeinen kulmakivi on omavarainen ruuantuotanto. Tuotannosta vastaavat viljelijät kohtaavat epävarmuutta ilmastohaasteista ja geopolitiikasta – varsinkin meillä itärajalla – aina kannattavuusongelmiin saakka. Siksi EU:n on turvattava edellytykset kestävälle ja kannattavalle maataloudelle. On luotava vakaat poliittiset olot ja investointivarmuutta. Epävarmuutta tuovat myös vapaakaupan mukanaan tuoma kaksoisstandardin uhka, jota ei voi hyväksyä. Myös EU:n laajeneminen tuo paljon sumuisia näkymiä eteemme.

    Maatalouspolitiikan yksinkertaistaminen tukee myös ympäristö- ja ilmastotekoja. Digitaalisten työkalujen ja ilmastoälykkäiden ratkaisujen vieminen tilatasolle on jo arkipäivää. Sitä pitää edistää. Paljon on kuitenkin muututtava, jos haluamme nuorten hakeutuvan maaseudun elinkeinojen piiriin. Heille on luotava kannustava ilmapiiri, rahoitusta ja koulutusta niin, että he voivat edelleen kehittää kannattavaa ja kestävää maataloutta. Hyvä komission jäsen, arvostan ponnistelujanne ja toivon myös meidän ryhmämme puolesta, että nämä prioriteetit näkyvät tulevassa maatalouspolitiikassa.

     
       

     

      Thomas Waitz, im Namen der Verts/ALE-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, Herr Kommissar! Dürre, extreme Hitze, Überschwemmungen und dann gefolgt von Hagel – das ist die Realität, mit der unsere Bäuerinnen und Bauern im Moment draußen arbeiten müssen. Sie sind die ersten Betroffenen der Auswirkungen der Klimakrise und des Artenverlustes, gepaart mit unfairen Preisen, mit Preisen, die oft unterhalb der Produktionskosten sind, mit einer Übermacht an Supermärkten. Das erzeugt 800 Betriebe jeden Tag, die in der Europäischen Union zusperren. Derweil liegen Lösungen am Tisch: Durch gestärkte regionale Vermarktung, lokale und regionale Beschaffung, durch Anpassungsmaßnahmen an den Klimawandel können wir unsere Landwirtschaft unterstützen. Eine Landwirtschaft im Einklang mit der Natur ist möglich. Eine Landwirtschaft, die nicht Tiere quält, ist möglich. Innovative Betriebe in ganz Europa zeigen das vor. Ob das regenerative Landwirtschaft, agrarökologische Methoden oder eben der biologische Landbau sind.

    Wir müssen sicherstellen, dass jene Anforderungen, die wir an europäische Landwirte stellen, auch bei importierten Produkten gleichermaßen gelten. Ein verringertes Budget für die europäische Landwirtschaft, gepaart mit Handelsverträgen wie Mercosur oder vielleicht jetzt neuerdings auch einem mit Trump, um Trump in seinem Zollwahnsinn zu beruhigen, das setzt unsere Landwirtschaft und unsere Bäuerinnen und Bauern aufs Spiel. Wir brauchen eine europäische Politik, die europäisches Steuergeld für europäische Bäuerinnen und Bauern, für die Produktion von naturfreundlichen, klimafreundlichen und tierfreundlichen Produkten in Europa unterstützt, für europäische Bürger und Bürgerinnen. Darauf müssen wir uns konzentrieren und endlich aus dieser Weltmarktideologie aussteigen. Europäisches Geld für europäische Landwirtschaft, für europäische Bürger und Bürgerinnen!

     
       

     

      Luke Ming Flanagan, on behalf of The Left Group. – Madam President, Commissioner, good to talk to you again. I actually think that the current structure of CAP could actually be quite good, and I think many of the people who complain about it have never read it and are just being populist. If they did actually read it and look at it, they could see that if it was applied correctly, it could actually be very good, and it’s why I voted for it in the first place.

    When it comes to fairness, the current CAP structure allows for more fairness. We have a maximum convergence rate of 85 %. Ireland never went any further than that. What I would suggest next time around is to put it at 100 %.

    When it comes to smaller farms, in the current CAP structure, we have CRISS, a minimum of 10 % has to go to smaller farms. Very few countries went higher than the 10 %. I would suggest in the new CAP that we actually put it higher than that, and countries and regions that have gone as high as 22 % have actually seen good results.

    When it comes to the environment, eco-schemes, the minimum you can do is 25 %, countries can go further if they wish. And I’ve seen countries with the Green Party in coalition that haven’t gone further – they should have and they could have.

    But ultimately this is about funding. We are at only 40 % of the funding that we were at in 1991 in Ireland. We need to increase that. You talk about strategic autonomy. European countries are talking about spending 5 % of GDP on weapons. We’re not even willing to spend 0.5 % of GDP on our food. We need to spend it on food before we spend it on weapons. That’s our…

    (The President cut off the speaker)

     
       

     

      Arno Bausemer, im Namen der ESN-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, Herr Kommissar, meine sehr verehrten Damen und Herren! Die Zahl der Betriebe in der Landwirtschaft ist rückläufig, und das Durchschnittsalter unserer Landwirte steigt – gerade deshalb ist es wichtig, dass wir in der GAP keine weiteren Kürzungen vornehmen. Wer hier etwa zugunsten von Waffenlieferungen, NGO-Zuschüssen oder grünen Subventionsexzessen die Landwirtschaft opfern will, der muss hier im Parlament Gegenwind bekommen. Und dieser Gegenwind muss stark sein, und dieser Gegenwind muss laut sein!

    Landwirte sind keine Befehlsempfänger links-grüner Fantasieprojekte. Landwirte sind auch keine Bittsteller für ein paar kleine Zuschüsse. Im totalen Gegensatz zu ihren NGOs und fragwürdigen Vereinen schaffen Landwirte jeden Tag Werte, die man greifen, fühlen, riechen und sogar schmecken kann. Gesunde Lebensmittel für 500 Millionen EU-Bürger gibt es nämlich nur mit Landwirten, die auch selbst von ihrer Hände Arbeit leben können.

    Immer neue Ökoauflagen, immer neue Aufnahmefantasien von großen Agrarländern wie Ukraine oder Türkei, immer neue Abkommen zum Schaden unserer Landwirte wie das Billigimporteabkommen Mercosur. Wir werden diesen Unsinn stoppen: AfD, ESN stehen fest an Ihrer Seite.

     
       

     

      Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE). – Señora presidenta, señor comisario, señorías, hemos empezado una legislatura adecuada para la agricultura. Comenzamos claramente teniendo una estrategia para la agricultura para simplificar todas nuestras normas, para dar recursos a los agricultores —hombres y mujeres—, y no podemos torcer esa situación. No se puede torcer con un marco financiero plurianual que mezcle los fondos; no se puede torcer para descafeinar la PAC, que está sirviendo a lo largo de los años para apuntalar las zonas rurales, para dar alimentación sana a los europeos, para exportar y para crear empleo. No se puede torcer porque la seguridad alimentaria es parte de la seguridad de la Unión Europea y, por tanto, tiene que tener un reflejo especial en ese marco financiero plurianual.

    Este Parlamento tiene competencia de codecisión, establecida por el Tratado de la Unión Europea, y la tenemos que ejercer, porque yo sé de la buena voluntad del comisario —sin lugar a dudas— y espero que la tenga también el Consejo. Tenemos que adoptar una decisión que venga a traer la revolución agraria a Europa —la nueva revolución—, que permita que luchemos contra el cambio climático con la economía circular, con las inversiones que propicien nuevos nichos de empleo en las zonas rurales, que permita equilibrar el agua y dar oportunidades a las nuevas generaciones, en este caso.

    Creo que no podemos traicionar lo que hemos empezado a hacer, que es el nuevo diálogo estratégico, bien hecho por parte del comisario, de la Comisión y, además, con el respaldo de este Parlamento.

     
       

     

      Cristina Maestre (S&D). – Señora presidenta, señor comisario, yo sé que usted hace lo que puede, pero los planes de la presidenta son otros: recortes y fondo único. Si no cambia las cosas, Ursula von der Leyen va a pasar a la historia por ser la presidenta que recortó la política agrícola común e hizo pagar a los agricultores la deuda del NextGenerationEU. Esto es una injusticia, porque fue el campo el que alimentó a Europa cuando estábamos encerrados por la COVID-19, porque la política agrícola común surgió para frenar las hambrunas de la posguerra y porque no entendemos a qué viene eso de renunciar a ser la mayor potencia agroalimentaria del mundo.

    Un recorte del 15 % o 20 % dejaría fuera de juego a miles de pequeños agricultores; también dejaría muchas zonas rurales sin inversiones, sin oportunidades y sin futuro. La propuesta de marco único, además de diluir la política agrícola común, rompe el mercado único: es un tremendo error económico, territorial y político. Para colmo, pretenden presentar esta reforma sin esperar la visión del Parlamento, es decir, de espaldas a los ciudadanos europeos.

    Los motores de los tractores empiezan a sonar de nuevo ahí fuera, señor comisario, y esta vez ya no confiarán en su palabra. Por favor, quítense esa idea de la cabeza.

     
       

     

      Mathilde Androuët (PfE). – Madame la Présidente, en tant que rapporteure pour avis de la commission de l’environnement sur la future PAC, je me réjouis d’avoir pu faire voter la fin de cette concurrence malsaine entre le monde agricole et celui de la défense de notre environnement. Pour nous, la ligne est claire: défendre nos agriculteurs, nos éleveurs, nos terroirs, et garantir leur avenir face à une concurrence étrangère qui piétine nos règles et nos traditions agricoles uniques et plus vertueuses.

    Bien que l’opinion change, y compris au sein de cet hémicycle, la Commission européenne s’apprête à faire passer en force l’accord avec le Mercosur, qui menace directement notre souveraineté agricole et sacrifie la qualité de notre production. Nous nous battons contre ce traité et, au minimum, pour l’inscription des clauses miroirs, et défendons cette simple mesure de bon sens: nos paysans d’abord, avant les cargaisons de viande sud-américaines, qui cassent les prix, dégradent la qualité et détruisent nos emplois locaux. Sans cela, pas de souveraineté alimentaire, laquelle est l’objectif initial de la PAC.

    Je le répète ici haut et fort: pas de PAC crédible sans frontières protégées! Pas de PAC ambitieuse sans remettre nos agriculteurs, notamment les jeunes, au centre! Avec le Rassemblement national, nous combattrons jusqu’au bout contre cet accord avec le Mercosur et contre tous les accords qui trahissent nos paysans et menacent de les faire disparaître.

     
       

     

      Arash Saeidi (The Left). – Madame la Présidente, monsieur le Commissaire, vous me trouverez toujours à vos côtés lorsqu’il s’agira de défendre un budget ambitieux pour la politique agricole commune, un soutien public qui s’applique aux deux piliers de la PAC – le revenu et le développement durable – afin de garantir un revenu digne à nos agriculteurs et d’assurer notre souveraineté alimentaire.

    Toutefois, ce soutien doit cesser de nourrir l’injustice. Aujourd’hui, 80 % des aides vont à 20 % des exploitations. Ce modèle favorise l’agrandissement sans fin, l’endettement, l’intensification. Il pousse à bout celles et ceux qui travaillent la terre. Nous voulons donc la fin des aides à l’hectare et une PAC équitable. L’argent public ne doit plus récompenser la taille, mais, comme vous l’avez dit, les agriculteurs actifs. Nous voulons un plafonnement strict des aides, un soutien ciblé aux petites et aux moyennes exploitations, une réforme agraire pour permettre l’installation de nouveaux paysans et une caisse de défaisance pour sortir de l’endettement ceux qui veulent changer de modèle. Nous demandons aussi des prix planchers garantis. Enfin, nous refusons que la PAC serve de variable d’ajustement à des accords de libre-échange potentiellement mortels pour notre agriculture, comme celui impliquant le Mercosur. On ne peut pas prôner de normes strictes ici et importer de la viande issue de la déforestation, d’élevages en batterie et du dumping aussi bien social que chimique.

    Monsieur le Commissaire, nous voulons des moyens pour une PAC juste et vertueuse.

     
       

     

      Sarah Knafo (ESN). – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, à chaque réforme de la PAC, de nouveaux mots, de nouveaux sigles, plus de paperasse, plus de normes, et moins de revenus pour les agriculteurs. Nos agriculteurs sont des acteurs stratégiques essentiels, plus précieux que tous les minerais et que toutes les voitures contre lesquels vous les sacrifiez. Ces travailleurs de la terre magnifiques, vous les négligez. Pis, vous les maltraitez: à coups de normes, et en leur imposant une concurrence déloyale, comme vous vous apprêtez encore à le faire par le biais du traité avec le Mercosur. Vous interdisez le traitement des betteraves sucrières, mais vous allez lever les droits de douane pour importer 16 millions de tonnes de sucre. Vous assommez les éleveurs de normes qui n’existent nulle part ailleurs dans le monde – sur la taille de leurs étables, leur éclairage et leur ventilation, sur le passeport de leurs vaches et le temps qu’elles passent dans les prés –, et vous allez lever les droits de douane sur 99 000 tonnes de bœuf!

    Dans une semaine, les travaux parlementaires s’arrêtent pour les vacances. Vous allez prendre un repos que vous estimez bien mérité. Les agriculteurs, eux, ne partiront pas à la plage. Leur été, ce sera les moissons, les foins, déchaumer, labourer, semer, apporter de l’eau aux vaches et, bien sûr, remplir la paperasse que les bureaucrates éplucheront à la rentrée.

    Sans la politique agricole commune il n’y aurait pas eu d’Union européenne, et sans les agriculteurs il n’y aura plus d’Europe. Pour les aider, libérons-les!

     
       

     

      Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI). – Vážená pani predsedajúca, poľnohospodárstvo je dnes naozaj veľmi inovatívny priestor. Máme nové technológie, máme satelitnú navigáciu a máme rôzne veci, ktoré sa využívajú v poľnohospodárstve. Ja sama som veľmi rada, že veľa mladých ľudí stále chce robiť poľnohospodárstvo. Môj brat si nedávno urobil vodičský preukaz na traktor, pretože sám vidí napríklad práve toto ako príležitosť. Ale aby sme tých mladých ľudí a tých ľudí v poľnohospodárstve zachovali, tak potrebujeme určite zachovať finančnú podporu pre poľnohospodársku politiku aj v Európskej únii. Ja som veľmi rada, pán komisár, že ste povedali, že poľnohospodárska politika bude mať dôležitú a kľúčovú úlohu pre Európsku úniu aj v nasledujúcom rozpočte.

    Ale dôležité je takisto, ako povedalo viacero kolegov predo mnou, aby sme zachovali aj finančnú podporu. Nielen hovorili o nejakom, možno o nejakých nových prioritách, ale takisto aj o tom, aby financie do poľnohospodárstva stále išli. Určite v tejto súvislosti treba hovoriť o dorovnaní priamych platieb a o ich zachovaní, pretože krajiny ako moja – Slovenská republika – po dvadsiatich rokoch členstva v Európskej únii sme stále na 85 % oproti západoeurópskym krajinám, čo sa týka napríklad priamych platieb. Pri medzinárodných zmluvách, ktoré uzatvárame s ďalšími krajinami, takisto musíme dbať na podporu poľnohospodárstva. Ja som veľmi zvedavá, ako dopadne nová zmluva s Ukrajinou, ktorá je podľa môjho názoru dosť nevýhodná. A naozaj, kvóty, ktoré ponúkame Ukrajine, sú oveľa vyššie, ako by bolo vhodné.

     
       

     

      Siegfried Mureşan (PPE). – Madam President, dear colleagues, the common agricultural policy is one of the core competences, the core responsibilities of the European Union. Through our implication in that area, through our support of farmers, we are guaranteeing millions of jobs in Europe in the agriculture sector. We are guaranteeing rural development, which goes way beyond agriculture, and we are guaranteeing food security and high consumer protection. Our food standards, our quality standards here in the European Union are better than anywhere else in the world.

    Let me say very clearly, in times of multiple security risks that we are facing from autocrats around the world, there cannot be national security without food security. Food security is now more important than ever.

    Farmers have faced difficult recent years. They made more efforts. They faced more pressure. They are doing more to protect the environment. They are the first victims, very often, of extreme weather conditions. They are facing price volatility. They are facing high inflation and they are also facing a shortage of labour force. We are asking more from them, so we have a duty to do more for them as well. It is in our fundamental interest. It is in the fundamental interest of the people, no matter what sector they are involved in.

    This is why this European Parliament has a clear position, Commissioner, particularly now with the beginning of the negotiations on the next seven‑year budget. We want to preserve the identity of the common agricultural policy. People in Europe – farmers, specifically – should know exactly that support will be coming in the next seven years as well so that they can plan their investment.

    So our demands are clear: the common agricultural policy should remain as a distinct policy with a separate budget, which is easily identifiable with the two pillars. We want a separate legal base, and in financial terms, the support for farmers should be at least the same as it was now, adjusted to inflation. The Parliament is united behind this position.

     
       

     

      André Rodrigues (S&D). – Senhora Presidente, Senhor Comissário, corremos o risco de ter uma PAC que é pouco mais do que uma sigla. Desfigurá‑la, reduzir‑lhe o orçamento ou transformá‑la num fundo nacional é pôr em causa o rendimento de milhões de produtores e suas famílias, a nossa segurança alimentar e a coesão territorial.

    A PAC pós‑2027 tem de respeitar quem trabalha a terra, tem de contar com um orçamento justo e estável, indexado à inflação, para que os apoios não se tornem cortes disfarçados.

    Uma PAC digna deste nome não pode suportar sozinha o peso da transição justa, nem deixar de apoiar os produtores quando tudo perdem em função das alterações climáticas.

    Uma PAC digna desse nome tem de proteger os pequenos e médios agricultores, garantir a renovação geracional e reforçar programas como o POSEI, essencial para regiões como os Açores.

    A Comissão não se deve iludir, nem deve iludir os outros. Menos regras, com menos apoios, tem apenas um nome: desresponsabilização.

    A História dirá quem defendeu a PAC e quem a abandonou.

     
       

     

      Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE). – Señora presidenta, señor comisario, señorías, ¿cuál fue la primera gran lección que nos dejó la pandemia? Que sin agricultores no hay comida, y sin comida no hay Europa. Y allí estuvieron ellos, nuestros agricultores, los primeros, cuando más los necesitábamos. Y hoy, cinco años después, esta Comisión les da las gracias con un tijeretazo histórico a la PAC. ¿La excusa? Los 30 000 millones de euros que tenemos que pagar en intereses de unos fondos europeos despilfarrados. Y claro, Von der Leyen aprieta el cinturón, pero ¡qué casualidad que siempre al cuello del campo!

    Y mientras todos ustedes aquí asienten, hay una fuerza política en este hemiciclo que no se arrodilla ante burócratas ni ante lobbies ecologistas. Aquí hay un bastión que va a dar la batalla por cada ganadero y por cada agricultor de Europa, porque desde VOX y Patriotas por Europa vamos a seguir defendiendo una PAC digna, una PAC con un presupuesto fuerte que, por lo menos, se ajuste a la inflación. Una PAC libre, sin imposiciones ideológicas, como el Pacto Verde Europeo. Una PAC útil, ágil, productiva y justa, y, sobre todo, una PAC leal con quienes alimentan a Europa, porque ustedes dicen aquí todos los días que el futuro será verde o no será. Yo les digo que el futuro será con ellos o no será.

    (La oradora acepta responder a una pregunta formulada con arreglo al procedimiento de la «tarjeta azul»)

     
       

     

      Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE), respuesta de «tarjeta azul». – Señoría, creo que la respuesta a esa pregunta es evidente: he visto vacas en muchísimas ocasiones, en persona, he visitado un montón de granjas cada semana. Le puedo decir que visito granjas, explotaciones agrarias, ganaderas, etcétera. Los que parece que no han visto una vaca en su vida ni han visitado una explotación agraria son todos ustedes, que legislan a espaldas del campo, que legislan sin hablar con el campo, que legislan totalmente de espaldas a nuestros agricultores y ganaderos, porque si lo hicieran, no aplicarían legislaciones como la del Pacto Verde Europeo y todas esas legislaciones. Solamente hace falta que ustedes salgan a la calle para ver cómo están cada día los tractores en la calle denunciando las políticas que hacen ustedes aquí en sus despachos…

    (la presidenta retira la palabra a la oradora)

     
       

     

      Asger Christensen (Renew). – Fru Formand! Vi skal sikre, at EU’s landbrugspolitik i fremtiden også er fælles. Den fælles landbrugspolitik skal forblive som EU-finansiering. Det skaber lige konkurrencevilkår, og det beskytter det indre marked og forhindrer renationalisering. Vi skal sikre en realistisk grøn omstilling, hvor klima og miljø går hånd i hånd med fødevareproduktion og konkurrenceevne. Og så skal vi sikre, at ny teknologi bliver gangbar for alle landmænd. Budget er fortsat nødvendigt især for unge og aktive landmænd. Vi skal bevæge os mod flere resultatorienterede betalinger som et supplement, og vi skal huske, at fødevareforsyning er sikkerhedspolitik. Europa har brug for stabile fødevarer og forsyningskæder, ikke mindst i denne urolige verden, vi har lige nu. Derfor skal vi simplificere reglerne, så det bliver lettere at være landmand. Lige så vigtigt er det at sikre et stærkt generationsskifte, fordi uden unge er der ingen fremtid for landbruget, sikker adgang til jord og kapital og fremtidstro. Vi skal huske, hvem vi arbejder for. Landmanden med støvlerne på, forbrugeren med indkøbsvognen og fremtidige generationer, som skal have et robust Europa at være i.

     
       

     

      Giuseppe Antoci (The Left). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, mentre si discute sul futuro della PAC, nei nostri territori cresce l’allarme. Le ipotesi di tagli di 80 miliardi alla PAC, con 8 miliardi in meno per l’Italia, rischiano di mettere in ginocchio il sistema agricolo. Non si può investire in armi togliendo risorse a chi lavora per garantire cibo sano, presidio di territorio e coesione sociale.

    Ci sono regioni devastate dalla siccità e dagli incendi e con riserve idriche al collasso e mentre si parla di un fondo unico, l’agricoltura scompare.

    Per questo serve un capitolo autonomo, risorse dedicate e strutturali per affrontare l’emergenza climatica, garantendo la tenuta sociale.

    C’è poi il tema della legalità: ogni euro deve essere tracciabile e protetto da truffe e infiltrazioni mafiose, con un sistema efficace, che non faccia ricadere il costo burocratico sugli agricoltori onesti.

    Difendere l’agricoltura significa difendere il lavoro e la dignità nei nostri territori. Non possiamo permetterci di perdere questo presidio.

     
       

     

      David Cormand (Verts/ALE). – Madame la Présidente, les agriculteurs européens meurent, nos fermes disparaissent, les paysans croulent sous le poids des dettes, et les firmes agroalimentaires, agrochimiques, ainsi que la grande distribution exploitent leur travail. Pendant ce temps-là, la Commission européenne se prépare à les achever. Ursula von der Leyen veut non seulement fusionner les deux piliers de la PAC, mais elle veut en plus diluer celle-ci dans un budget qui va tuer la spécificité du budget européen de l’agriculture.

    Pourtant, cela ne suffit pas: avec le PPE, elle intrigue pour passer en force le traité de libre-échange avec le Mercosur. Au nom des Verts, je dis: «Ça suffit!». Il faut enfin une PAC qui assure des aides mieux réparties, qui rémunère les services rendus à la nature et qui encourage les pratiques vertueuses. Il faut casser les monopoles des mastodontes industriels de l’agro-alimentaire, qui étranglent les paysans en leur imposant des prix qui les spolient de leur travail. Il faut enfin une Europe qui garantisse aux agricultrices et aux agriculteurs une chose simple: leur travail doit payer.

     
       

     

      Camilla Laureti (S&D). – Signora Presidente, signor Commissario, onorevoli colleghi, se flessibilità del bilancio vuol dire meno fondi, noi diciamo no.

    Lunedì abbiamo votato la nostra relazione sulla PAC post‑2027 e il nostro no al fondo unico è stato chiaro da parte di tutti.

    Come socialisti continueremo a chiedere che i fondi dell’agricoltura arrivino a chi coltiva la terra e che accanto al sostegno per ettaro ci siano più fondi per giovani, donne, aree interne rurali e piccole aziende agricole. Abbiamo inserito anche filiere eque e misure anti‑sottocosto, benessere animale ed etichettatura trasparente.

    Al centro resta la condizionalità sociale: abbiamo fatto una visita a Borgo Mezzanone, Foggia, con 5 000 migranti sotto lo schiaffo del caporalato. La condizione ambientale anche resta una priorità, e negarla oggi – e negare la centralità della sfida climatica – è dannoso e irresponsabile.

    Al lavoro in queste direzioni ci vediamo mercoledì per la vostra proposta.

     
       

     

      Gilles Pennelle (PfE). – Madame la Présidente, la crise agricole est profonde, et elle s’aggrave. La PAC actuelle, qui a rompu avec l’esprit de 1962, en est la principale cause. Il faut donc tourner le dos à ses choix, souvent guidés par l’idéologie. Les agriculteurs ne vivront jamais de leur métier tant que vous organiserez la concurrence déloyale, comme l’illustre le funeste traité avec le Mercosur. Ils ne vivront jamais de leur métier tant que vous les étoufferez avec les règles décroissantes du pacte vert.

    Monsieur le Commissaire, nos agriculteurs vous demandent, pour la future PAC, un budget augmenté, un budget ajusté sur l’inflation, un budget sanctuarisé. Non seulement cela ne semble pas être au programme de vos choix futurs, mais votre volonté de faire rentrer l’Ukraine dans l’Union européenne promet en outre un effondrement des aides pour nos agriculteurs.

    L’Europe a besoin d’une agriculture puissante, capable d’assurer sa souveraineté alimentaire avec des produits de qualité. Nos agriculteurs nous demandent – vous demandent – de les protéger et de faire en sorte qu’ils puissent produire – tout ce que vous ne semblez pas vouloir leur assurer.

     
       

     

      Waldemar Buda (ECR). – Pani Przewodnicząca, panie Komisarzu! Wszystkie głosy osób, które wystąpiły przed przede mną, to głosy obawy, to głosy wątpliwości. Dzisiaj okazuje się, że Pan jako komisarz może być tym, który dopuści czy doprowadzi do tego wszystkiego, co poprzedni komisarz blokował, czyli do ograniczenia wspólnej polityki rolnej, do umowy z Mercosurem, liberalizacji handlu z Ukrainą. Czy Pan chce się zapisać w historii jako ten komisarz, który do tego doprowadził i na to się zgodził?

    Dzisiaj mamy głosy protestu i sprzeciwu. Wyraźmy więc ten sprzeciw, doprowadźmy w tym kluczowym momencie Komisję Europejską do realnego działania. Wszyscy mamy wątpliwości, w którym kierunku to idzie. Za chwilkę, w przyszłym tygodniu i w kolejnym, będą podejmowane bardzo ważne decyzje. Jeżeli Państwo nie są przeciwko, niech się Państwo wstrzymają z poparciem dla Komisji Europejskiej Ursuli von der Leyen. Niech się wezmą do roboty. Niech to będzie dla nich sygnał ostrzegawczy.

    Czy Pan naprawdę nie rozumie, że sprowadzanie żywności z całego świata nie jest rozwiązaniem dla Europy? Dzisiaj będzie tanio i wspaniale, ale za chwilę tej żywności po prostu może braknąć. Ona po prostu może nie przypłynąć do Europy, bo będzie jakiś konflikt, który do tego doprowadzi. Czy COVID nas niczego nie nauczył? Czy wojny na świecie nas niczego nie nauczyły? Dzisiaj chcemy handlować z Brazylią? Szanowni Państwo, to nie jest żadne rozwiązanie. Więc dzisiaj pokazujemy żółtą kartkę Ursuli von der Leyen. Doprowadźmy do tego, żeby dzisiaj były ambicje Unii Europejskiej, Komisji Europejskiej, a nie płynięcie i myślenie tak jak 20 lat temu. Świat się zmienił i Unia Europejska też powinna się zmieniać.

     
       

     

      Christine Singer (Renew). – Frau Präsidentin, Herr Kommissar! Die nächste Gemeinsame Agrarpolitik muss eines leisten: die Vielfalt unserer Betriebe erhalten. Europas Stärke liegt in seinen unterschiedlichen Regionen, und genau dort, auf unseren Höfen, entsteht Ernährungssicherheit – Tag für Tag und Generation für Generation. Ernährungssicherheit bedeutet Unabhängigkeit – Punkt.

    Und wenn wir das ernst meinen, dürfen wir keine Region, keinen Betrieb und keinen Standort aufgeben – vom Ackerbau bis zum Grünland und von der Gunstregion bis ins benachteiligte Gebiet. Ein besonderes Augenmerk müssen wir auch auf die Tierhaltung legen. Die Landwirtschaft muss überall möglich bleiben. Gerade Grünlandregionen leisten Enormes für Klima, für Humusaufbau, Biodiversität und für die Eiweißversorgung. Und doch fallen viele dieser Standorte durch das Förderraster – das darf so nicht bleiben.

    Wenn wir die GAP nach 2027 nicht richtig steuern, verlieren wir genau jene Betriebe, die unsere Landwirtschaft stabil und vielfältig machen. Und wer unsere bäuerlichen Strukturen verliert, verliert mehr als nur Lebensmittel: Er verliert Rückhalt, Resilienz und Realitätssinn.

    (Die Rednerin ist damit einverstanden, auf eine Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“ zu antworten.)

     
       

     

      Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la siccità ci sta mettendo in difficoltà, ci sta presentando il conto: 50 miliardi solo nel 2022, 5 milioni di lavoratori agricoli in ginocchio per la mancanza di acqua. I raccolti sono crollati, i suoli si stanno degradando, la perdita di biodiversità accelera: questa è la normalità climatica in Europa, di cui voi siete complici, oggi.

    Chi lavora la terra, prendendosene veramente cura, non viene valorizzato, non viene riconosciuto. Un suolo vivo che trattiene acqua, biodiversità necessaria per produrre cibo, che è bene comune: questo è quello che fanno loro, questi sono gli agricoltori, veri custodi del nostro futuro. E come tali devono essere sostenuti.

    A breve scopriremo la strategia della politica agricola comune del futuro. Servono strumenti concreti, stabili e accessibili, e questa strategia ha un nome: agroecologia. Commissario, smettiamo di rincorrere gli interessi di chi non vuole cambiare e costruiamo finalmente una politica agricola che protegge chi ci protegge.

     
       

     

      Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, κύριε Επίτροπε, είναι πάρα πολύ σημαντικό για τους αγρότες μας, για όλους τους πολίτες, ο στρατηγικός προσανατολισμός της κοινής γεωργικής πολιτικής. Για τη διανομή των ευρωπαϊκών πόρων, δεν θα πρότεινα στον κύριο Weber και σε εσάς, κύριε Επίτροπε, να ζητήσετε το software της ευσυνειδησίας του κυρίου Μητσοτάκη από την Ελλάδα.

    Η ΚΓΠ είναι το βασικό μας εργαλείο χρηματοδότησης στην παραγωγή τροφίμων. Aλλά για μας, τις Ελληνίδες και τους Έλληνες, τους Ευρωπαίους πολίτες του Νότου, είναι καθοριστικός παράγοντας για την αντιμετώπιση του δημογραφικού προβλήματος. Τι κοινή γεωργική πολιτική θέλουμε; Πρέπει να διατηρηθεί ξεχωριστή η διακριτή γραμμή του προϋπολογισμού της ΚΓΠ για να αποτραπεί οποιαδήποτε μείωση του προϋπολογισμού. Χρειάζεται ανακατεύθυνση των πόρων και των πολιτικών της Ένωσης που να συνδέονται με την παραγωγή και να την ενθαρρύνουν χωρίς να αφαιρούν πόρους για εξοπλιστικές δαπάνες.

    Ιδιαίτερη μέριμνα στην ενίσχυση των ορεινών, μειονεκτικών, νησιωτικών περιοχών και των ποιοτικών προϊόντων. Ενίσχυση των παραδοσιακών μεθόδων καλλιέργειας, φιλικές προς το περιβάλλον, καθώς και την παράκτια αλιεία. Είμαστε φυσικά κατά της συμφωνίας Mercosur και, βεβαίως, αυτό το απαράδεκτο πραξικόπημα της κυρίας von der Leyen, που δεν πήρε την έγκριση του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου. Σας έχουμε προτείνει δημιουργία ταμείου για την προσαρμογή της γεωργίας στην κλιματική κρίση με πόρους εκτός ΚΓΠ. Αυτές είναι οι προτάσεις της Αριστεράς.

     
       

     

      Daniel Buda (PPE). – Doamnă președintă, domnule comisar, bugetul Politicii Agricole Comune trebuie să rămână separat, nicidecum diluat în alte politici și, cu atât mai puțin, nu poate fi redus.

    A te atinge astăzi de bugetul PAC înseamnă a slăbi coloana vertebrală a Uniunii Europene. Această politică nu este despre subvenții. Este despre hrană, siguranță și viitorul satelor europene. Iar azi, aceste sate mor încet. 800 de ferme dispar în fiecare zi, punând în pericol securitatea noastră alimentară. Tinerii fermieri nu mai cred azi în noi.

    Dacă vom reduce bugetul, vom accelera abandonul agriculturii europene, satele noastre devenind muzee în aer liber, iar noi vom importa alimente pline de pesticide din țările terțe.

    Vă cer așadar astăzi, ferm, domnule comisar, și fără echivoc, ca bugetul PAC să rămână separat, cu o finanțare adecvată și garantată post-2027. Este o linie roșie, iar cine trece această linie își asumă începutul destrămării Uniunii Europene.

     
       

     

      Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (S&D). – Gerbiama Pirmininke, komisijos nary, be galo dėkui už gerą vizitą Lietuvoj ir puikų dialogą su ūkininkais. Aš paliudijo, kad ir ūkininkai, ir jūs esate už tai, kad žemės ūkis būtų progresyvus, tvarus, produktyvus, teisingas, atsparus ir perspektyvus. Ačiū už visas iniciatyvas, bet mums reikia atskiro biudžeto. Bet koks biudžeto fragmentavimas susilpnintų Europos Sąjungos žemės ūkio politiką, bet koks. Mums reikia didesnio biudžeto. Čia teisingai kalbėjo apie ūkininkus, į kuriuos nekreipiame… didesnio biudžeto. Čia mūsų visų užduotis turėti didesnį MFF, nes tai padėtų apsaugoti konkurencingumą, tvarumą. Kaimui reikia taip pat investicijų į infrastruktūrą, bet ir jaunimo reikia. Reikia patvaraus ūkininkavimo, daugiau inovacijų, daugiau pažangių idėjų, kad jaunimas užsidegtų būti ūkininkais. Ir tiesioginės išmokos, tiesioginių išmokų suvienodinimas yra senas pažadas. Komisare, turime tai padaryti, nes tai yra socialinio teisingumo reikalas visoje Europos Sąjungoje, solidarios Europos reikalas.

     
       

     

      Valérie Deloge (PfE). – Madame la Présidente, monsieur le Commissaire, la PAC est un ADN, la PAC est un esprit. Son ADN, c’est celui des premières nations européennes, qui ont bâti un espace de paix pour leurs peuples. Son esprit, c’est l’esprit PAC. Depuis 1962, cet esprit accompagne nos agriculteurs au rythme de leur développement avec une mission principale: leur garantir un niveau de vie équitable et nourrir notre population, afin de ne pas dépendre de pays tiers.

    La Commission européenne fait aujourd’hui le choix de ne pas augmenter substantiellement le budget de la PAC. Ce choix, c’est bafouer l’esprit de la PAC. Pis encore: ne pas augmenter substantiellement ce budget tout en finançant les concurrents directs de nos agriculteurs, comme l’illustre cette enveloppe de 15 millions d’euros allouée la semaine dernière aux vignobles d’Afrique du Sud, c’est piétiner l’esprit même de la PAC.

    Les Français le savent bien: un budget révèle une politique. Vous leur révélez donc que votre politique agricole n’est pas celle du sursaut, mais bien celle du surplace.

     
       

     

      Martin Häusling (Verts/ALE). – Frau Präsidentin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Wir müssen das Geld besser ausgeben. Was machten wir denn in den letzten Jahren? Wir haben Landbesitz gefördert. Je mehr Landbesitz, desto mehr Geld. Nein, wir müssen die Landwirte fördern, die was für Umwelt, für Klima tun, für Biodiversität. Da muss das Geld hingehen. Ich glaube, da sind wir uns einig: Wir brauchen eine starke zweite Säule. Wir brauchen eine ländliche Entwicklung. Wir müssen für einen Erhalt der Infrastruktur im ländlichen Raum sorgen. Dazu gehören auch Bäcker, Handwerk, und dazu gehört auch ein gutes Internet. Wir brauchen eine stärkere Förderung von jungen Landwirten, auch von Quereinsteigern. Was brauchen die? Die brauchen Kapital, die brauchen Zugang zu Land, und vor allem Förderung von benachteiligten Regionen. Das muss ein Kernanliegen europäischer Agrarpolitik sein. Darauf müssen wir zusammen hinarbeiten.

    Was wir nicht fördern müssen, ist eine intensive Tierhaltung. Was wir auch nicht brauchen, ist eine Landwirtschaft, die auf Gentechnik basiert – ohne Kennzeichnung –und wir brauchen auch keine Patente auf Gentechnik. Das macht keinen Sinn für die Zukunft. Lieber Herr Kommissar, hören Sie nicht nur auf den Bauernverband, hören Sie auf die Ergebnisse des strategischen Dialogs. Dann kommen wir vorwärts und nicht rückwärts.

     
       

     

      Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (PPE). – Senhora Presidente, Senhor Comissário, não há nada mais importante para a segurança e defesa do que colocar comida na mesa dos europeus sem depender de terceiros e quem o faz são os nossos agricultores, tantas vezes maltratados e mal‑amados. É por isso que é tão importante a mensagem positiva que o senhor comissário tem passado da agricultura e do mundo rural.

    A PAC tem de voltar à sua origem, com foco na produção sustentável de alimentos, e todos os restantes serviços que os agricultores prestam devem ser remunerados por outras vias, com incentivos em vez de obrigações. Tem de manter a sua estrutura com um orçamento robusto e recordo que os Estados‑Membros apenas contribuem com 0,36 % do seu PIB para este desígnio maior e tem de ficar de fora de qualquer fundo único. A atração de mais pessoas para o setor tem de ser uma prioridade e conseguimos isto com investigação, inovação e digitalização. E é fundamental termos um seguro europeu.

    E termino com o POSEI, para as regiões ultraperiféricas, que já tem uma depreciação superior a 40 % por não ser atualizado há cerca de 20 anos. O seu aumento é corrigir uma injustiça também para com os agricultores dos Açores.

    Contamos consigo, Senhor Comissário.

     
       

     

      Maria Grapini (S&D). – Doamnă președintă, domnule comisar, stimați colegi, Politica Agricolă Comună după 2027 trebuie să fie în primul rând o politică a echității, a responsabilității față de toți fermierii europeni.

    Vă mulțumesc, domnule comisar, pentru discuțiile pe care le-am purtat și sper să veniți în țara mea, în România, să discutați direct cu fermierii, pentru că iată ce vor fermierii. Eu îi reprezint astăzi pe ei, nu ideile mele. În primul rând, există un tratament inegal, așa cum am spus. Și aceste dezechilibre între zone, est, vest, nord, sud, fac să scadă încrederea în proiectul european, să scadă nu numai veniturile fermierilor, dar și coeziunea în Uniunea Europeană.

    Cred, domnule comisar, că s-a înțeles foarte clar că o linie roșie este să avem buget separat pentru Politica Agricolă Comună, să avem bugete pentru susținerea tinerilor fermieri, pentru că avem generații îmbătrânite, să avem susținerea fermierilor mici cu instrumente financiare directe, evident, să scădem și birocrația.

    Și cred, domnule comisar, că avem nevoie să construim o agricultură europeană puternică, viabilă și unită. Dar pentru asta trebuie să punem în centru fermierii, trebuie să-i ascultăm pe ei. Ei știu ce soluții sunt mai bune.

     
       

     

      Ton Diepeveen (PfE). – Voorzitter, commissaris, collega’s, de Europese landbouw zit klem. De Green Deal heeft de sector op slot gezet. En wat boeren nodig hebben is niet méér ideologie, maar ruimte voor voedselzekerheid, verdienvermogen en de vrijheid om te boeren.

    Het idee van één groot landbouwfonds met meer centralisatie is geen oplossing. Wat nodig is, is het terugdringen van de overregulering die innovatie blokkeert en ondernemerschap verstikt. Innovatie, dat is de sleutel, ook binnen de landbouw. Of het nu gaat om renure, precisielandbouw en NGT’s of om technieken die nog ontwikkeld moeten worden, we moeten ruimte geven. We moeten niet gaan remmen. Ik reken op de Commissie om bestaande wetgeving snel aan te passen, zodat innovatie mogelijk wordt, vandaag en morgen.

    Wat boeren nodig hebben is geen politieke labyrint, maar een duidelijk en werkbaar regelgevend kader. Alleen als we deze wijzigingen doorvoeren, versterken we hun concurrentiekracht, want zonder een duidelijk toekomstperspectief komt er geen nieuwe generatie boeren. Ik wens u succes, commissaris.

     
       

     

      Jacek Ozdoba (ECR). – Pani Przewodnicząca, panie Komisarzu! Będzie Pan grabarzem rolnictwa europejskiego. Ręce precz od polskiego rolnika. Ręce precz od wszystkich rolników Unii Europejskiej. Wasz pomysł w postaci Mercosur doprowadzi do tego, że was po prostu ludzie na taczkach wywiozą. W imię jakiegoś biznesu, który będzie musiał być wyjaśniony, być może komisja śledcza będzie tu najlepszym przedmiotem do tego, aby podjąć tą dyskusję kiedyś, chcecie zabić europejskie rolnictwo. Więc jeszcze raz podkreślę – zostawcie europejskie rolnictwo w spokoju.

    A jeżeli ktoś uważa inaczej, to za dwie godziny macie głosowanie nad Ursulą von der Leyen, wstrzymajcie się chociaż. Ale jeżeli popieracie Mercosur, Zielony Ład, kryzys migracyjny, kryzys ze Stanami Zjednoczonymi, to zagłosujecie za tym, żeby pozostała na stanowisku. A jeżeli chcecie to wszystko wyrzucić do kosza, czyli chcecie Europy, która stawia na rację stanu Europy narodów, zagłosujecie za tym, żeby opuściła budynek Komisji Europejskiej.

     
       

     

      Ciaran Mullooly (Renew). – Madam President, Mr Commissioner, when we speak about the future of agriculture, some suggest only viable professional farmers should receive EU funding.

    But I cannot agree, because in 2023 only 27 % of Irish farmers met that definition. I say so because I reject that approach, because that’s where I’m from. I’m from the centre of a country where arable farmland shares the landscape with peat land, which cannot be farmed. So part-time farmers are a part of the landscape, that is the way it is. We have both an opportunity and a responsibility to secure their future, because when my late brother farmed that land, he also prepared cattle for the factory, he also was part of the food chain, he played his part.

    The CAP budget must be stabilised. We must look at this issue of investment with the same urgency as we do with the EU defence budget. I say we must return to the core purpose of CAP: supporting sustainable food production for consumers. Food security also means generational renewal, and I know you will deliver on this, but I say it to you: new entrants and retiring farmers need strong, targeted incentives at both EU and national level, and I say specifically a CAP package for new entrants that includes at least the minimum, industrial wage so they will stay on the farm.

     
       

     

      Péter Magyar (PPE). – Tisztelt Elnök Asszony! Biztos Úr! A Tisza csak olyan bizottsági javaslatot tud támogatni, amely hozzájárul a magyar mezőgazdaság fejlődéséhez és fenntarthatóságához. Csak olyan javaslatot tudunk elfogadni, amely segíti a magyar termelőket és gazdákat, és hozzájárul ahhoz, hogy a magyar emberek asztalára egészséges és megfizethető élelmiszer kerüljön, és egyben a gazdáknak tisztes megélhetést nyújtson. Elvárjuk, hogy az Unió védje meg a magyar termelőket a külföldről beáramló, sokszor rossz minőségű és szennyezett termékektől. A Tisza-kormány az Orbán-kormánnyal ellentétben mindent meg fog azért tenni, hogy az elavult hűbéres típusú mezőgazdaság helyett egy XXI. századi agrárium alakuljon ki Magyarországon.

    A vidék és a kisgazdák pártjaként nem hagyjuk, hogy Orbánék végképp elsorvasszák az egykor volt világszínvonalú magyar mezőgazdaságot, amely ma csak évtizedek óta nem látott állategészségügyi járványokat, és az elmaradt öntözési beruházásoknak köszönhetően aszálykárokat kap a nyakába, és láthatóan lehúzza az egyébként is gyengélkedő magyar gazdaságot. A Tisza csak olyan javaslatot tud támogatni, amelyben továbbra is megjelenik egy önálló mezőgazdasági alap, és fenntartja a területalapú támogatási rendszert, és amelyből elegendő forrás jut a mezőgazdaság fenntarthatóvá és versenyképessé… (az elnök megvonja a szót a felszólalótól)

     
       

     

      Michal Wiezik (Renew). – Vážená pani predsedajúca, vítam vaše návrhy. Páči sa mi podpora mladých, malých, stredných farmárov, podpora rozvoja vidieka a zatraktívnenie farmárčenia. Nastavenie férových cien a pravidiel s tretími krajinami. No obávam sa, že to nemusí stačiť.

    Žime, prosím, v reálnom svete. V takom svete v roku 2027 bude klimatická kríza horšia, ako je dnes. Budeme čeliť väčším suchám, väčším záplavám, väčším výpadkom komodít a vstupov a potrebujeme sa na to dôsledne pripraviť. No nerobíme to, nerobíme to dostatočne, práve naopak. Uvoľňujeme zelené opatrenia na ochranu pôdy, biodiverzity, zachovávame status quo, nepodporujeme nové udržateľné postupy. Z nevyhnutných opatrení robíme dobrovoľné, a tým ich oslabujeme. Je to škodlivé a nebezpečné.

    A ešte jedna vec. Benevolentné pravidlá a dôvera boli často zneužívané na rozkrádanie dotácií. Slovensko s tým má, žiaľ, veľmi zlé skúsenosti. Preto mám obavy, aby sa ďalšie uvoľňovanie pravidiel nezvrhlo na novú vlnu rozkrádania a neefektívneho prejedania európskych verejných zdrojov. Žime, prosím, v reálnom svete.

     
       

     

      Jessika Van Leeuwen (PPE). – Madam President, Commissioner, the current form of the common agricultural policy was started by Sicco Mansholt, a Dutch visionary that reformed agriculture in Europe. And now we are at a crossroad for agriculture in Europe again.

    On Monday evening, with the vote in the AGRI Committee, we sent a very strong signal to you, Commissioner. A clear signal for an independent, separate agricultural policy and the responsibility of the AGRI Committee for simplification and reduction of bureaucracy, for strengthening agriculture as a strategic sector, for food security, for empowering farmers within the supply chain, for ensuring future for our young farmers – because those were the reasons that farmers took to the streets and we have taken their concerns very seriously. We listened to them, we stood up for them. But this is all now at stake. Losing a separate CAP budget threatens the survival of thousands of European family farms and puts European food sovereignty at risk.

    So, Commissioner, you are our only hope. Don’t let this happen. CAP is the very heart of the European Union. So let’s reform Europe together.

     
       

     

      Csaba Dömötör (PfE). – Tisztelt Elnök Asszony! Hansen biztos úr kedvenc kifejezésével élve, van egy elefánt a szobában. Eléggé nagy. Az a kérdés, hogy tényleg csökkenteni akarják-e az agrártámogatásokat. Brutális terveket hallunk. A Politico azt írja, hogy 20 százalékos vágásra készülnek. Na de miért? Azért, hogy helyet csináljanak az ukrán bővítés költségeinek és a korábban felvett hitelek törlesztőrészleteinek, amelyeket félreszámoltak. Hiába használnak szépen csengő kifejezéseket: célzott támogatások, fairness – mindannyian tudjuk, hogy ez mit jelent. Azt, hogy nem mindenki kap majd támogatást azok közül, akik most kapnak. A területalapú támogatások vannak célkeresztben.

    Önök is tudják, hogy ebből nagy balhé lesz. Nem véletlen, hogy csak az ülésszak vége után mernek előjönni a konkrét javaslatokkal, hogy ne lehessen róluk itt vitatkozni. De én a közzététel előtt megkérdezem biztos úrtól, igaz-e, hogy brutális vágást terveznek az agrártámogatásokban? Hogyha igen, akkor mekkorát? Konkrét válaszát előre is köszönöm!

     
       

     

      Céline Imart (PPE). – Madame la Présidente, monsieur le Commissaire, la PAC, ce sont les racines et les ailes de l’Europe. Soixante ans après ses débuts, elle reste plus stratégique que jamais, à l’heure où l’arme alimentaire est utilisée comme un hochet par les puissances de ce monde. L’agriculture est un pilier, pas une ligne d’ajustement d’un tableau Excel, et le budget qui lui est consacré ne survivrait pas à une baisse de 15 points. Une fusion dans le fonds unique mettrait le soutien à l’agriculture en concurrence avec le soutien à la construction de ronds-points.

    Monsieur le Commissaire, vous êtes un allié sincère du monde agricole. Vous l’avez prouvé en rompant avec les vieux démons du pacte vert et avec les annonces de la simplification, au printemps. Votre intelligence du terrain tranche avec la gestion verticale et déconnectée de la présidente von der Leyen, à qui vous transmettrez de ma part une piste d’économies sur les 5,4 milliards d’euros du programme LIFE. Ces financements servent une nébuleuse d’ONG qui sapent les fondements de notre agriculture en prétendant défendre l’environnement. Un exemple dans ma région, où l’une d’entre elles, qui reçoit 9 millions d’euros, s’engage dans des manifestations interdites pour se confronter aux forces de l’ordre en arborant fièrement des drapeaux palestiniens et LGBT. Cet argent serait mieux employé dans les cours de nos fermes.

     
       

       

    Catch-the-eye procedure

     
       

     

      Gabriel Mato (PPE). – Señora presidenta, señor comisario, todos coincidimos en un mensaje clave: sin agricultura nuestro futuro queda en entredicho y necesitamos un marco financiero adecuado.

    Si bien esto es cierto para la Europa continental, en las regiones ultraperiféricas como Canarias es una realidad más patente, si cabe. En nuestro caso, la necesidad de ser autosuficientes y de proveernos de alimentos de calidad a buen precio es imperativa. Es un objetivo que debemos lograr y que en buena medida logramos gracias al POSEI.

    Por ello es fundamental que, de cara a la revisión de este instrumento, como mínimo se actualice la ficha de financiación —que, le recuerdo, lleva estancada trece años— para poder responder a la inflación y a los aumentos de costes de producción. Necesitamos que esta partida se amplíe para responder a los desafíos.

    Creo que el camino a seguir es obvio: necesitamos una PAC fuerte, bien dotada y menos burocrática y un POSEI que permita asegurar que las regiones ultraperiféricas pueden continuar con su desarrollo rural.

     
       

     

      Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE). – Senhora Presidente, Senhor Comissário, se há alguma coisa que podemos dizer da PAC dos últimos anos é que continuou a beneficiar os grandes latifundiários e deixou de lado os pequenos agricultores. É suficiente ver os dados do meu país, a Galiza. Desde 2009 fecharam 12 000 explorações agrárias. E não é estranho: aumento da burocracia, falta de flexibilidade e falta de políticas para a renovação geracional.

    Que futuro pode ter este setor quando governos, como o galego, querem instalar fábricas de celulose, como a Altri, fábricas do século passado que podem acabar com as terras agrárias mais produtivas do meu país?

    Que futuro pode ter quando esta Comissão quer assinar, a qualquer preço, um acordo com os países do Mercosul, que vai ser para os nossos agricultores uma situação ainda mais desfavorável?

    Que futuro pode ter quando parece que há uma possibilidade de que o fundo de agricultura seja reduzido para financiar o armamento?

    Menos armamentos e mais alimentos, Senhor Comissário.

     
       

     

      Nina Carberry (PPE). – Madam President, Commissioner, if you’re fighting a war, you don’t cut your defence budget. If you’re battling wildfires and drought, you don’t slash your resilience or preparedness funds. And if you’re serious about building a sustainable, secure food system, one that pays farmers fairly and protects rural life, you should not cut the Common Agricultural Policy.

    Yes, the CAP puts food on our tables, but it does so much more. Farmers are the guardians of our land. They are the first hit by climate change. They remain the foundation of our food security. The CAP is not a budget line – it’s a lifeline. It funds greener, smarter practices. It keeps families on their farms across generations.

    As I’ve said many times before, here, we need a ring-fenced CAP, we need an increased CAP, and we must invest in our young farmers. Because without them, without the next generation, there is no future.

     
       

     

      Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR). – Pani Przewodnicząca! Panie Komisarzu! Po 20 latach od rozszerzenia Unii Europejskiej wciąż mamy systemową nierówność między krajami Europy Centralnej – tymi, które dołączyły do Unii Europejskiej – a krajami starej Unii. Dopłaty dla rolników oraz dopłaty inwestycyjne są wciąż wyższe dla rolników starej Unii, niższe dla rolników w Europie Centralnej, chociażby w Polsce. Czas zakończyć tę systemową niesprawiedliwość.

    Drugą rzeczą, co do której wyrażamy głęboki sprzeciw, to uderzenie w rolników z centralnej Europy, zwłaszcza z Polski. Umowa, którą obecnie negocjujecie, umową Mercosur, doprowadzi do gigantycznego napływu taniej, niekontrolowanej żywności do Unii Europejskiej, podobnie jak otwarcie handlu z Ukrainą – te dwa elementy są niszczące dla rolników z Europy Centralnej. Panie Komisarzu, jeśli doprowadzicie do zniszczenia rolnictwa w Unii Europejskiej, to będzie to wasza świadoma decyzja. Dlatego Ursula von der Leyen powinna zostać odwołana.

     
       

       

    PRESIDENZA: PINA PICIERNO
    Vicepresidente

     
       

     

      Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE). – Señora presidenta, señor comisario, es necesario que en el próximo marco financiero plurianual tengamos una PAC sólida, con ayudas directas, en especial para los pequeños agricultores, las explotaciones familiares y las de zonas montañosas. También es importante que se mantenga el pilar del desarrollo rural, esencial para regiones como la mía, Galicia.

    Por otro lado, celebro, comisario, que nos hable de una PAC más simple y menos burocrática; desde el Partido Popular Europeo lo hemos pedido en múltiples ocasiones. Además, la PAC debe adaptarse a la realidad de la agricultura en cada territorio. Por ejemplo, el monitoreo por satélite —que evita controles in situ— puede acabar siendo contraproducente. Por ejemplo, en mi tierra, en Galicia, el minifundismo y los numerosos días nublados provocan numerosos errores de monitoreo. Esto acaba obligando a muchos agricultores a presentar alegaciones de subsanación, es decir, más burocracia.

    Y, para terminar, insisto en una PAC flexible. Por ejemplo, las islas de biodiversidad se compaginan muy mal con los minifundios y el clima de mi tierra, Galicia.

     
       

     

      Maria Walsh (PPE). – Madam President, Commissioner, in just a few days, we’ll know what the Commission’s proposal for the next CAP will look like. And I want to stress, like many colleagues here, how critical it is not to reduce our support to areas that depend on rural development funding.

    Let’s take young farmers: they’re struggling to enter farming and make a real living, yet they’re the ones that put food on our tables and will do so for decades to come. Let’s take women: despite their tremendous contribution to our rural areas, they continue to face challenges in accessing financing, land and training. And third, let’s take the leader programme: their community-led projects are essential for local development and rural employment, but they see their funds being threatened.

    I agree with what my colleague Mr Buda said earlier, without proper funding and effective incentives for them, we risk turning our rural areas into museums, and we cannot afford to leave them behind and still expect a thriving rural economy. So let’s help them. Let’s show that being risk averse is not right now. Let’s show them that we’re there for them.

     
       

     

      Stefan Köhler (PPE). – Frau Präsidentin, sehr geehrter Herr Kommissar Hansen, lieber Christophe! In weniger als einer Woche ist es so weit: Dann wirst du den Vorschlag zu der Gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik nach 2027 vorstellen. Seit dem letzten Herbst brodelt die Gerüchteküche, wie eure Pläne aussehen könnten. Unsere Bäuerinnen und Bauern stehen vor wahnsinnig großen Herausforderungen – es wurde hier schon öfters genannt –, und wir können sie damit einfach nicht alleine lassen. Deswegen möchte ich noch einmal unterstreichen, dass wir unbedingt ein eigenständiges, starkes Agrarbudget mit ausreichenden Mitteln brauchen.

    Die Landwirtschaft – und nicht die Verteidigung – ist eines der Herzstücke der EU-Politik, und wir arbeiten gut zusammen, hier für Vereinfachungen zu sorgen. Ich wurde gewählt als Bauer, um meine Stimme hier im Europäischen Parlament laut zu erheben, und ich möchte mir nicht durch eine Umstrukturierung der Agrargelder diese Stimme nehmen lassen. Ich bitte dich, dir das wirklich zu Herzen zu nehmen! Und wir haben als Landwirte schon gezeigt: Wenn wir nicht einverstanden sind, ist mit uns nicht zu spaßen.

     
       

     

      Λευτέρης Νικολάου-Αλαβάνος (NI). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, ρουσφέτια, εξαγορά, πελατειακές σχέσεις στο σκάνδαλο του Οργανισμού Πληρωμών και Ελέγχων Κοινοτικών Ενισχύσεων, του περιβόητου ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ, τα οποία φύτρωσαν πάνω στη σαπίλα της ευρωενωσιακής ΚΓΠ που τσακίζει τους βιοπαλαιστές αγρότες και κτηνοτρόφους. Με ευθύνη της κυβέρνησης της Νέας Δημοκρατίας, όλων των προηγούμενων που υλοποίησαν αυτή τη στρατηγική και τη συνενοχή της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, επιδοτήθηκε η αποσύνδεση κονδυλίων από την αγροτική παραγωγή και το ζωικό κεφάλαιο.

    Φαινόμενα ανάλογων σκανδάλων υπάρχουν παντού στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. Στην Ελλάδα είναι ένα σκάνδαλο στο οποίο εμπλέκονται κυβερνητικά, πολιτικά και διοικητικά στελέχη, κυβερνητικοί συνδικαλιστές, αγροτοπατέρες, τοπικοί παράγοντες που αποσκοπούσαν να νομιμοποιήσουν στους αγρότες την αντιλαϊκή πολιτική της ΚΓΠ και των κυβερνήσεων με το αζημίωτο. Οι βιοπαλαιστές αγρότες και κτηνοτρόφοι μαζί με τον λαό διεκδικούν, μεταξύ άλλων, να διερευνηθούν οι πολιτικές και ποινικές ευθύνες για όλους τους εμπλεκόμενους, να μην φορτωθούν αυτοί ο λαός τα πρόστιμα, και να δοθούν τα κλοπιμαία στους δικαιούχους βιοπαλαιστές αγρότες που στενάζουν από την κοινή γεωργική πολιτική της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και την αντιαγροτική πολιτική των κυβερνήσεων.

     
       

       

    (Fine della procedura “catch the eye”)

     
       

     

      Christophe Hansen, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, let me first of all start by thanking you for your thoughtful contributions, the broader lines of which I share and the entire Commission shares. I would like to particularly give thanks again to Carmen Crespo Díaz and all the people that have worked together with you to get the report done by this Monday in order to be able to take your input on board. I think it is very important, as I said, that I fully share many of the reflections voiced here, especially the call for a strong CAP able to deliver on multiple economic, social and environmental challenges.

    I quoted Sicco Mansholt at the beginning, and this has been repeated by my colleague Jessika Van Leeuwen and I think also Bert-Jan Ruissen mentioned our Treaty obligations. I think these Treaty obligations ensure food security, ensure a fair income for our farmers, but ensure as well affordable food for our consumers, and this is more important than ever.

    I think what we have to say as well is that you can’t win a war on an empty stomach, and you can’t build a continent on an empty stomach. Therefore, I believe that we are on the same idea that the identity of the common agricultural policy needs to be maintained. Many of you mentioned that – that we also need to maintain a big ‘C’ for common in the common agricultural policy.

    Also, I believe all of you shared that we need a coherent toolbox for the first and the second pillar obligations. I think rural development depends heavily on the common agricultural policy, and that needs to be taken into account. Mr Flanagan also mentioned that the structure of the common agricultural policy currently is not too bad, and that we have to build on the successes and maybe fix what is not working ideally. That is why I always pledge that we need an evolution of the common agricultural policy and not a revolution. This is largely shared as well by the ministers when I meet them at the Agrifish Council.

    Also, what most of you said is that we need the appropriate financial firing power in order to deal with the many challenges. The challenges have not become fewer over the last more than six decades; I think they have become greater. We face huge geopolitical challenges from the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the consequences, but as well from trade tensions with other economies, and also climate change and environmental challenges. I think these challenges have become bigger. Therefore, I also believe that we need to keep up the financial support for our farmers. But as you know, whatever the Commission proposal will be, it will heavily depend on what the Member States will be willing to contribute to that budget. So I think that is very important to recall and to work on that as well.

    Another shared point that I heard from many of you, and that is as well central in the vision for the future of agriculture and food, is the challenge of generational renewal, because currently, less than 12 % of our farmers in the European Union are below the age of 40, and the average age is above 57 years of age. In some Member States it’s better; in some it’s even worse. So I think that is a huge challenge that we need to take into account. But when we speak about that, there will as well be discussions that may be more painful. Some of you ask for more support financially for young farmers. Well, if we give more to one, we have to take it from somewhere. So this discussion will of course have to be addressed; that is very clear.

    Many of you mentioned a fairer distribution as well, but when it becomes fairer, there will always be winners and losers. That is something that we need to address together. In autumn, I will present a strategy for the generation renewal. And many of you have mentioned it is not only the EU policy, it is also initiatives that need to be taken at national level. They need to work together when it comes to, for example, pension systems, etc., and better support for young farmers. I think there is a lot that can be done in synergies between European and national politics. So this is very important to me. It is very dear to my heart because we can always speak about food security, but if there is nobody left to do it anymore, then we have a problem and then we will face dependency. I will never want to be dependent on somebody else outside the European Union for the quantity and the quality of our food that we consume three times a day. I think that has to be acknowledged.

    Also, when it comes to challenges such as climate change and environmental protection, I don’t see the farmers as the problem. They are the first victims of climate change, but I also say they are our best line of defence. So that’s why I want the farmers to be part of the solution and not of the problem. Therefore, it is our common duty to enable our farmers to be part of the solution – to design policies that are up for the task, to give incentives that are up to the task and sufficiently attractive for the farmers to allow them to combine productive agriculture with protecting our resources. I think that will be the key challenge, and therefore I would like to work together with you, and your own-initiative report is very helpful in that sense as well. I, of course, hope for a strong budget for the common agricultural policy to be able to tackle the many challenges that we are facing. Therefore, I am counting on your support and I will continue my fight in that direction.

     
       

     

      Presidente. – La discussione è chiusa.

     

    4. European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures’ (debate)

     

      Francesco Ventola, autore. – Signora Presidente, gentile Commissario, onorevoli colleghi, l’iniziativa dei cittadini europei è uno strumento straordinario che hanno i nostri concittadini per poter avanzare iniziative, proposte, idee e suggerimenti rispetto al percorso legislativo che compete alla Commissione e a noi.

    Anche nell’ambito della politica di coesione, non più tardi del 31 marzo di quest’anno sono state depositate oltre 1 270 000 firme di cittadini dell’Unione europea, di otto Stati diversi, che hanno proposto una serie di iniziative riguardanti la possibilità che ci sia maggiore coesione nelle nostre regioni, che vengano eliminate o superate le differenze tra regione e regione, che vengano valorizzate anche le minoranze linguistiche e tutte le attività socio‑culturali identitarie di ogni singola regione.

    Uno strumento – come dicevo prima – straordinario, perché rappresenta un po’ uno dei pilastri della nostra Unione europea, perché consente ai cittadini di potersi esprimere.

    A noi l’onere e l’onore di poter fare nostre queste iniziative.

    Ebbene, il 25 giugno 2025 la commissione REGI, unitamente alle commissioni LIBE, CULT e PETI, ha avviato un percorso di confronto. Ci sono state diverse audizioni, alle quali hanno partecipato anche i membri della direzione. Sono venuti fuori tantissimi spunti molto interessanti, che credo possano sicuramente far bene e dare suggerimenti importanti alle nuove politiche di coesione.

    Il dibattito di oggi ci offre un’altra occasione, quella non solo di poter ascoltare i commissari, di poter definire quelle che possono essere non voglio dire le conclusioni, ma sicuramente un dibattito proficuo che possa indicare la retta via per eliminare e favorire maggiori uguaglianze.

    Eliminare le disuguaglianze tra le diverse regioni è uno degli obiettivi della politica di coesione, e io aggiungerei anche quello di creare le condizioni affinché tutti i cittadini siano portati a poter scegliere del proprio futuro, dove poter vivere e non essere costretti a dover abbandonare la propria terra natia.

    Concludo: sicuramente è uno strumento straordinario di democrazia che rende ancora più importante la nostra Unione europea.

     
       

     

      Bogdan Rzońca, autor. – Pani Przewodnicząca! Z przyjemnością przyjęliśmy wszyscy informację o tym, że ponad 1,2 miliona Europejczyków poparło Europejską Inicjatywę Obywatelską. Ta inicjatywa wypływa z głębokiego przekonania, że Unia Europejska jest bardzo silna wtedy, kiedy jest różnorodna nie tylko pod względem narodów i języków, ale również regionów – regionów, ich kultur oraz specyfiki społeczno- gospodarczej. Zasada spójności terytorialnej została zapisana w Traktacie o funkcjonowaniu Unii Europejskiej. Jednakże różnice między regionami są nadal znaczne: nierówności gospodarcze, spadek liczby ludności, wyludnienie, ograniczony dostęp do usług publicznych czy erozja kultur lokalnych zagrażają spójności i jedności naszego wspólnego europejskiego projektu.

    Inicjatywa ta wzywa Komisję do podjęcia konkretnych kroków, aby polityka regionalna skuteczniej promowała równość między regionami, w szczególności tymi borykającymi się z trudnościami strukturalnymi, w szczególności gwarantując sprawiedliwy dostęp do funduszy unijnych dla wszystkich regionów, zwłaszcza tych o szczególnych wyzwaniach kulturowych, geograficznych czy gospodarczych, uznając i chroniąc regionalne tożsamości i kulturowe regionalne tradycje jako żywe elementy dziedzictwa kulturowego i społecznego tkanki europejskiej. Promując także zrównoważony rozwój i samowystarczalność regionów poprzez wspieranie lokalnych gospodarek oraz ożywienie demograficzne. Wzmacniając zarządzanie regionów i udział obywateli w kształtowaniu projektów i strategii rozwoju finansowego w Unii Europejskiej.

    Ta inicjatywa nie ma na celu podziału czy separacji. Wręcz przeciwnie – chodzi o wzmocnienie jedności przez sprawiedliwość, o umożliwienie wszystkim częściom Europy rozwoju i znaczącego wkładu w naszą wspólną przyszłość. Inicjatywa ta domaga się równości, a nie jednolitości w polityce unijnej. A polityka spójności powinna odzwierciedlać barwną mozaikę Unii Europejskiej.

     
       

     

      Hadja Lahbib, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, thank you for the opportunity to address you today.

    Cultural and linguistic diversity, respect for the rights of people belonging to minorities: these are founding values of the European Union, as well as the value of participatory democracy. It is in this light that the Commission is carefully examining this citizens’ initiative. Any action we take must be in line with the competences conferred by the Treaties, while matters outside those competences remain the responsibilities of the Member States. Within these limits and the framework set by the registration decision, the Commission is exploring if further measures are necessary to address the concerns raised by the initiative.

    Cohesion policy is Europe’s investment policy for regions, cities and rural areas to give Europeans the right to stay in the place they call home, ensuring access to job opportunities and public services and enhancing the quality of life for EU citizens. The European Regional Development Fund already invests around EUR 22 billion in inclusive growth and the integration of marginalised groups, together with EUR 2 billion from the European Social Fund Plus, which includes support for communities with specific linguistic and cultural characteristics. A further EUR 5.2 billion is being invested in culture and heritage initiatives.

    In delivering these actions, cohesion policy follows the shared management principle, which gives Member States, regional and local authorities key roles in the design and implementation of cohesion policy programmes. One of our key principles is partnership, which requires the meaningful involvement of stakeholders, including civil society and organisations representing marginalised groups, throughout the programme lifecycle.

    We also pay particular attention to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including Article 21, which prohibits discrimination based on membership of a national minority. So cohesion policy already addresses many of the concerns raised by this initiative and, in fact, since this initiative was first discussed many years ago, we have strengthened provisions on non-discrimination. Our current legal framework requires compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the implementation of the funds. Effective mechanisms for compliance with the Charter are a precondition for funding, setting up appropriate measures to prevent discrimination at every stage of the programmes – in preparation, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation. Furthermore, managing authorities must establish and apply transparent and non-discriminatory criteria and procedures for the selection of individual operations, with arrangements in place to ensure the effective examination of complaints.

    In conclusion, we believe that these measures in place – including measures implemented since the citizens’ initiative was introduced – go a large way to addressing these concerns. But the Commission is committed to the principles of non-discrimination and participatory democracy, so we are examining if further measures are necessary. We very much welcome the Parliament’s input and support, of course.

     
       

     

      Iuliu Winkler, a PPE képviselőcsoport nevében. – Tisztelt Elnök Asszony! Biztos Asszony! Teljes mértékben támogatom a „Kohéziós politika a Régiók egyenlőségéért” nevezetű európai polgári kezdeményezés céljait, és arra kérem Önöket is, tisztelt Kollegák, hogy hasonlóképpen tegyenek! Az európai polgári kezdeményezést azért hozta létre a Lisszaboni Szerződés, hogy segítsen közelebb hozni az embereket az Európai Unióhoz. Ma a hibrid háború és a félretájékoztatás korában erre igazán nagy szükség mutatkozik. Közelebb kell hozzuk a nemzeti kisebbségeket is az Unióhoz reájuk szabott eszközökkel, beleértve azokat az őshonos kisebbségeket is, amelyek tagjai nemzeti régiókban élnek. Emiatt csatlakozom a polgári kezdeményezés elindítóihoz, kérve az Európai Bizottságot arra, hogy indítson jogalkotási folyamatot, és keressen uniós hatáskörökön belüli megoldásokat.

    Mivel a kohéziós politika célja a régiók közötti különbségeknek az enyhítése, az egyenlőtlenségek csökkentése. Ezért egy lehetséges megoldás az Interreg programok, különösen a határokon átnyúló és a régiók közötti együttműködési programok kiterjesztése a nemzeti régiókban élő helyi közösségek támogatására. A kohéziós politika alapelve, hogy senki nem maradhat le, és ez nemcsak a társadalmi csoportokra, hanem a sajátos történelmi örökséggel rendelkező régiókra is vonatkozik, tehát a nemzeti régiókra is alkalmazandó. Bízom benne, hogy az Európai Bizottság érdemben fog reagálni a polgári kezdeményezés elindítóinak javaslataira, és jogalkotási folyamat elindításával fog válaszolni azoknak az embereknek az elvárásaira, akik aláírásukkal támogatták a “Kohéziós politika, a régiók egyenlőségéért és a regionális kultúrák fenntarthatóságáért” című kezdeményezést.

     
       

     

      Alex Agius Saliba, f’isem il-grupp S&D. – Sur President, kollegi, l-inizjattiva taċ-ċittadini Ewropej hija tfakkira b’saħħitha tar-rwol ċentrali li ċ-ċittadini għandu jkollhom fil-politika Ewropea. Fejn tidħol il-politika ta’ koeżjoni, ir-rwol taċ-ċittadini tagħna li jiġu affettwati b’mod dirett, fl-aħħar mill-aħħar, fejn tidħol din il-politika, fejn jidħlu l-fondi indirizzati direttament lejn il-koeżjoni, hija kruċjali aktar minn qatt qabel.

    U llum ħa nkun qiegħed nitkellem bħala rappreżentant ġej mill-iżgħar Stat Membru, Malta. Hu pajjiż li jaffaċċja diversi sfidi; sfidi ta’ insularità doppja, il-vulnerabilità demografika tagħna u l-aċċess mhux ugwali għal diversi opportunitajiet, b’mod ċentrali wkoll is-suq komuni Ewropew. U allura l-opportunitajiet u l-politika ta’ koeżjoni għal Stati Membri żgħar, Stati Membri insulari bħal Malta, huma kruċjali. Kruċjali sabiex jiġu protetti r-reġjuni tagħna b’karatteristiċi kulturali differenti, karatteristiċi lingwistiċi differenti, karatteristiċi etniċi li huma distinti.

    U għalhekk l-iffinanzjar, ir-rispett lejn il-vuċijiet lokali u l-preservazzjoni tad-diversità rikka tal-Unjoni Ewropea għandha tibqa’ kruċjali, ċentrali fil-politika ta’ koeżjoni tagħna. Ejja nirrikonoxxu din l-inizjattiva bħala kontribut importanti lejn il-politika ta’ koeżjoni Ewropea, ġustizzja, dinjità, il-progress tanġibbli tar-reġjuni kollha, irrispettivament mid-daqs u mill-istatus tagħhom.

     
       

     

      Kinga Gál, a PfE képviselőcsoport nevében. – Tisztelt Elnök Asszony, Biztos Asszony! Ez az európai polgári kezdeményezés szívügyem. Tizenkét éve követem figyelemmel küzdelmes alakulását, és ellentétben a biztos asszony által mondott szép szavakkal, gyakorlatilag a Bizottság mindent megtett, hogy ellehetetlenítse és akadályozza ezt a polgári kezdeményezést. Édesapám vidéke pedig épp egy olyan magyarlakta régió Romániában, amelynek szüksége lenne a kiemelt figyelemre. Ezek a régiók Európa-szerte ugyanazzal a problémával küzdenek: elvándorolni kényszerülnek a fiatalok, mert nem egyenlőek az esélyeik. Nincs egyértelmű jövőkép. kohéziós politikával és jogszabályalkotással a Bizottságnak meg lennének az eszközei, hogy támogassa e régiókban élő közösségek ügyét, a hagyományos nemzeti és nyelvi kisebbségekhez tartozó mintegy ötvenmillió állampolgárt.

    Sajnos a politikai akarat épp ezen közösségek esetében diszkriminatív módon mindig hiányzik, pedig konkrét helyzetekről és életekről van szó, nem elvont normaalkotásról. Konkrét cselekvésre van végre szükség. Előmozdítani ezen közösségek boldogulását szülőföldjükön, megőrizni a kulturális értékeket és hagyományokat. Olyan beruházásokat eszközölni, amelyekkel megelőzhetőek természeti katasztrófák, mint például a székelyföldi árvizek vagy a parajdi sóbánya esete. A bizottság ellenséges, megkülönböztető hozzáállása elfogadhatatlan. Most itt az idő, hogy végre cselekedjen, és több mint egymillió állampolgár kérését komolyan vegye!

     
       

     

      Antonella Sberna, a nome del gruppo ECR. – Signora Presidente, signora Commissaria, onorevoli colleghi, l’iniziativa dei cittadini europei, di cui discutiamo oggi, solleva un tema che migliaia di persone ci hanno portato all’attenzione con forza e convinzione: gli strumenti europei devono essere strutturati per servire di più e meglio i territori, con particolare riferimento anche alle aree interne.

    La politica di coesione, ad esempio, dispone già oggi di strumenti importanti, quali il principio di partenariato, la clausola di non discriminazione e il sostegno al patrimonio culturale, tutti meccanismi che aiutano a custodire le identità culturali, linguistiche e storiche distintive. Tale politica, nel preservare la ricchezza delle nostre culture regionali, non è solo uno strumento economico, ma un impegno sociale e culturale, che mira a colmare i divari territoriali garantendo pari opportunità di sviluppo e qualità della vita.

    Rafforzare gli strumenti esistenti, semplificare le procedure e valorizzare le diversità come risorsa significa costruire una coesione vera, concreta, decentrata e fondata sulla responsabilità condivisa.

    Il lavoro che ci attende è vigilare affinché ci sia un’applicazione più omogenea ed efficace, affinché nessun territorio venga escluso o trascurato, poiché solo attraverso un equilibrio tra crescita economica sostenibile e rispetto delle specificità culturali potremo costruire un’Europa più equa, inclusiva e forte.

    E il prossimo bilancio post‑2027 dovrà necessariamente tenere conto di queste esigenze, rendendo la coesione ancora più vicina ai cittadini e alle loro identità.

     
       

     

      Gabriella Gerzsenyi (PPE). – Tisztelt Elnök Asszony! Tisztelt Biztos Asszony! Tisztelt Képviselő Társak! Gyermekkoromban megtapasztaltam, milyen egy nemzet része lenni egy országhatáron kívüli régióban. Kárpátaljai magyarként láttam, milyen kihívásokkal kell szembenézni, ugyanakkor azt is, micsoda erőt ad a nemzeti közösség számára a közös nyelv, a kultúra és az összetartozás. A nemzeti régiókról szóló európai polgári kezdeményezést 1,4 millió uniós polgár írta alá. Ez az első lépés a sikerhez. Egyetértek az aláírókkal és az alapelvekkel. A kohéziós politika legfontosabb célja a regionális egyenlőtlenségek leküzdése, ezáltal valósul meg a „senkit nem hagyunk hátra elv. A kezdeményezést tanulmányozva úgy látom, a nemzeti régiók megfelelő jogi elismerése jó lehetőséget teremthet ehhez.

    Hiszem, hogy a kohéziós politika által a nemzeti régiók sokszínűsége erősödhet, kulturális és nyelvi sajátosságaik pedig kiteljesedhetnek. Az uniós támogatásoknak helyben kell hasznosulniuk, a közösségi összetartozást erősítve. Ez alól pedig a nemzeti régiók sem lehetnek kivételek. Biztosítani kell számukra az uniós forrásokhoz való egyenlő hozzáférést.

     
       

     

      Marcos Ros Sempere (S&D). – Señora presidenta, señora comisaria, la Unión Europea es la unión de nuestras culturas, un crisol de diferentes patrimonios que nos convierte en la tierra más rica del mundo.

    Sin embargo, en las regiones más pequeñas el acervo cultural está en riesgo: tradiciones, rituales, lenguas, canciones… constituyen una parte de la inmensa riqueza cultural de la Unión Europea y no podemos consentir que se pierdan.

    El mejor salvavidas para nuestras regiones es la política de cohesión; pero, comisaria, una política de cohesión que hoy, más que nunca, está en riesgo ante la propuesta del nuevo marco financiero. Necesitamos reforzar los fondos de la política de cohesión para proteger nuestro acervo cultural, que está en riesgo en muchas regiones. No podemos consentir que se pierda la política de cohesión y se diluya en un fondo único por Estado.

    Las regiones y ciudades deben seguir siendo el eje central de una política de cohesión modernizada, descentralizada y adaptada a los nuevos retos de la Unión Europea; porque perder cultura es perder Unión Europea.

     
       

     

      André Rougé (PfE). – Madame la Présidente, Madame le Commissaire, chers collègues, adapter la politique de cohésion de l’Union européenne aux nouveaux défis du temps est une ambition légitime. Nous y sommes d’autant plus sensibles que nos régions ultrapériphériques – je veux bien sûr parler ici des outre-mer français – cumulent les handicaps de l’insularité et de l’éloignement. La richesse de leur patrimoine culturel, valeur ajoutée pour la France, demeure aussi par trop méconnue.

    Parents pauvres de la politique de cohésion, ces régions doivent faire l’objet d’une meilleure attention. Des adaptations du cadre réglementaire, comme celles annoncées par le commissaire Fitto, vont dans le bon sens. Cependant, le principe de solidarité entre régions ne saurait se traduire éternellement par un transfert systématique des fonds des États contributeurs nets, comme la France, vers les mêmes bénéficiaires nets, au détriment de nos territoires en difficulté.

    Quant à la conditionnalité liée à l’état de droit, qui punit les peuples par le gel des fonds pour des motifs idéologiques, elle constitue un détournement inacceptable de la vocation de la politique de cohésion, qui est de réduire les écarts de développement.

    (L’orateur accepte une question carton bleu)

     
       

     

      Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew), blue-card question. – I will be speaking in English. Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, colleague, for your intervention. I appreciate your concern with cohesion policy and I really appreciate you mentioning the outermost regions, because the outermost regions are one of the most affected regions by climate change.

    And as the group of the Patriots, it’s very surprising to see that you’re so interested in the well-being of the outermost regions, also in France, but not the well-being of outermost regions when it comes to protecting them from climate change, which the European Union is trying to do. So could you please explain how you see the difference there working?

     
       

     

      Guillaume Peltier (ECR). – Madame la Présidente, «culture régionale», cette triste expression qui traduit le froid mépris de Bruxelles pour ce que nous appelons, nous les peuples, l’«identité des nations».

    Après des mois d’hiver dans les couloirs gris d’une institution déracinée, venez avec moi visiter les grandeurs de la France. Écoutez la petite fille Espérance qui vous conduit sur les chemins de notre apanage, par les pierres de saint Bernard à Vézelay, par les souvenirs de Jeanne d’Arc à Vaucouleurs, par la grand-route des cathédrales et des calvaires qui tissent le manteau éternel de la France. Vous y croiserez le Mont-Saint-Michel, les arènes de Nîmes, les hautes tuiles de mille couleurs des Hospices de Beaune, Notre-Dame ressuscitée ou encore le château des rois, à Chambord, bien sûr.

    Vous communierez avec l’héritage de la France et de la seule Europe que nous aimons, celle de la civilisation. Vous verrez que tout se réconcilie et s’éclaire au-devant des trésors de nos pères. La France n’est pas une culture régionale, elle est la fille aînée de la beauté du monde!

     
       

     

      Joachim Streit (Renew). – Frau Präsidentin! Diese Bürgerinitiative bietet uns die Möglichkeit, die Schätze unserer Regionen, unser kulturelles und geographisches Erbe, ins Licht zu rücken. Denken Sie nur an die Weinstraße in der Pfalz, die Mosel, die Nahe, die Lahn-Region, den Westerwald und die Eifel und viele mehr – das sind unsere Schätze, die nachhaltige Reiseziele sind. Wir brauchen mehr davon. Wir brauchen andere von der EU unterstützte Reiseziele in Rheinland-Pfalz und in ganz Deutschland. Darin liegt unser ungenutztes touristisches Potenzial.

    Es ist sicherlich nicht alles Gold, was glänzt, aber man muss das Quorum hier senken. Wir haben so viele Ziele, auf die wir stolz sein können. Mithilfe der EU werden wir diese Sterne glänzen lassen. Und als Freie Wähler in der künftigen Regierung von Rheinland-Pfalz werden wir einen Euro pro Übernachtung zusätzlich in das Marketing des Tourismus investieren. Denn Tourismus ist eine Leitökonomie des 21. Jahrhunderts.

     
       

     

      Volker Schnurrbusch (ESN). – Frau Präsidentin, meine Damen und Herren! Ich komme aus einer Region, in der nationale Minderheiten besonders geschützt sind. Ihre ethnische, kulturelle und sprachliche Eigenart ist es wert, erhalten zu werden. Sie gehören zu den 340 autochthonen Minderheiten mit 100 Millionen Menschen, die zur Kultur Europas beitragen. Sie stehen für echte Vielfalt und nicht irgendwelche absurden Umzüge unter der Regenbogenfahne. Die vorliegende Bürgerinitiative will, dass nationale Minderheiten in der Kohäsionspolitik besser berücksichtigt werden. Es ist eine Schande, dass diese Kommission eine ähnliche Bürgerinitiative vor vier Jahren abgelehnt hat. Ob es die ungarische Minderheit in Rumänien ist oder die deutschen Minderheiten in Schlesien, Südtirol oder Siebenbürgen – diese kulturellen Schätze müssen geschützt und gefördert werden. Ansonsten ist das Versprechen der EU, für gleiche Lebensverhältnisse zu sorgen, nicht mehr als bloßes Gerede. Übrigens: Das Land in Europa, das die Rechte der nationalen Minderheiten am meisten mit Füßen tritt, ist die Ukraine. Auch aus diesem Grund hat die Ukraine nichts in der EU zu suchen.

     
       

     

      Fidias Panayiotou (NI). – Madam President, the European Union wants to take money from its development funds and use it for war.

    Yes, my friends, it’s true: the European Union intends to take money from its cohesion policy, which accounts for 30 % of its total budget. This budget is meant for the development of Europe’s poorest regions, but they will use part of it for defence, which essentially means war.

    In fact, the reason why we are here today in the European Parliament debating it is because of an initiative signed by more than 1.2 million European citizens who have got together to give a clear message to us, the European politicians: they want our cohesion policy to focus on the development of our regions and the preservation of their culture.

    But here comes the European Commission and, instead of listening to its citizens, it proposes to use its cohesion funds for re-armament and war. I will be very clear with my message: forget about using our money for warmongering, be more creative. Thank you, I love you all.

     
       

     

      Daniel Buda (PPE). – Doamnă președintă, stimați colegi, doamnă comisar, Uniunea Europeană s-a construit pe principiul solidarității și al egalității. Politica de coeziune este menită să reducă decalajele dintre regiuni pe baza nevoilor obiective, economice și sociale, și nicidecum pe alte criterii.

    Am luat notă de această inițiativă și, respectând și susținând principiul diversității Europei, nu cred că fondurile europene pot fi alocate în funcție de criterii etnice sau identitare, deoarece acest lucru, în opinia mea, ar duce la o izolare a acestor regiuni. Europa înseamnă unitate în diversitate. Regiunile au nevoie de sprijin pentru a combate sărăcia, izolarea sau lipsa infrastructurii, indiferent de limbă sau religie. Politica de coeziune nu trebuie să fie transformată într-un instrument de fragmentare ori de creare a unor regiuni privilegiate, în care apartenența la o anumită minoritate să conteze mai mult decât nevoile reale ale populației.

    Minoritățile naționale, fără discuție, au nevoie de un cadru legal care să permită păstrarea valorilor tradiționale, culturale și identitare. Și mă bucur că astăzi țara mea, România, este un exemplu de bune practici la nivel internațional. Învățământul garantat în limba minorităților naționale, accesul în forurile de decizie, inclusiv la nivel guvernamental, dar și regional sunt doar câteva exemple.

    Înainte de toate însă, doamnă comisar, trebuie să spunem un lucru foarte clar. Avem nevoie de o politică de coeziune care să nu fie diluată în alte politici. Avem nevoie de o finanțare adecvată a acestei politici de coeziune, astfel încât să putem susține toate regiunile Uniunii Europene.

     
       

     

      Hannes Heide (S&D). – Frau Präsidentin, Frau Kommissarin! In Vielfalt geeint ist die Grundlage der Europäischen Union. So wie Kohäsion, also Zusammenhalt, das Herz der Europapolitik ist und auch bleiben muss. Sie darf sich nicht allein an wirtschaftlichen Kennzahlen orientieren, muss alle Bürgerinnen und Bürger erreichen und hat somit auch auf sprachliche, kulturelle und historische Besonderheiten einzugehen.

    Diese Bürgerinitiative richtet den Blick auf Regionen mit historisch gewachsenen kulturellen, sprachlichen oder religiösen Identitäten mit wenig oder keiner ausreichenden politischen Vertretung oder administrativen Zuständigkeit. Zu Recht setzt sich die Bürgerinitiative für einen Zugang zu EU-Fördermitteln ein. Das aktuelle Eurobarometer bestätigt diesen Anspruch eindrucksvoll: 79 % der Bürgerinnen und Bürger, die von der EU geförderte Projekte kennen, erleben sie als positiv für ihre Region, und fast zwei Drittel fordern, dass EU-Investitionen in alle Regionen fließen sollen.

    Das ist ein klarer Auftrag. Kohäsionspolitik muss gerecht, gezielt und sensibel kulturelle Vielfalt fördern und regionale Besonderheiten schützen.

     
       

     

      Rody Tolassy (PfE). – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, la Commission européenne a une nouvelle fois démontré son incapacité à répondre aux besoins spécifiques des régions ultrapériphériques. Malgré les promesses de cohésion et d’égalité, les territoires d’outre-mer restent les oubliés de l’Europe. Les règles européennes, rigides et uniformes, ignorent nos réalités géographiques, économiques et culturelles. Où sont les adaptations concrètes des fonds structurels pour compenser leur éloignement? Où est le soutien spécifique pour préserver leur identité unique face à la mondialisation?

    La Commission se contente de belles paroles, mais les chiffres parlent: chômage endémique, dépendance économique et sous-financement chronique. Il est temps que Bruxelles cesse de traiter ces régions comme des marges et qu’elle propose des mesures audacieuses, taillées sur mesure, pour leur développement et pour leur dignité. Il a fallu l’initiative citoyenne et l’engagement des députés du groupe des Patriotes pour faire valoir ce droit: l’adaptation.

    Je demande ainsi, entre autres, à la Commission l’amplification du dispositif Archipel.eu pour soutenir une politique régionale ambitieuse en faveur de la culture et de la création. L’Europe doit être celle de toutes ses régions, pas seulement des capitales.

     
       

     

      Nora Junco García (ECR). – Señora presidente, señora comisaria, señorías, ¿de qué sirve tener la política de cohesión más ambiciosa del mundo si luego los Gobiernos no ejecutan ni un euro? España es el ejemplo más escandaloso: de los más de 36 000 millones EUR asignados en el período 2021‑2027, el Gobierno solo ha solicitado un 2,7 % y ha gastado exactamente 0 EUR.

    Lo ha dicho y nos lo está advirtiendo el Banco de España, no la oposición: nuestros pueblos pierden servicios, las provincias están más despobladas y en desigualdad, mientras que los fondos duermen en cajones. Esto es un insulto a los ciudadanos y a los principios de la Unión. Lo que tenemos no es falta de dinero, es falta de gobierno, incompetencia, propaganda y abandono del territorio.

    Comisión, desde aquí les pido con toda claridad que presionen al Gobierno español para que active de inmediato los mecanismos de ejecución. La política de cohesión solo tiene sentido si llega a la ciudadanía, si se ejecuta y si se transforma. Y para eso hacen falta Gobiernos que trabajen, no que vivan del relato.

     
       

     

      Rosa Estaràs Ferragut (PPE). – Señora presidenta, señor comisaria, la diversidad cultural y lingüística de toda la Unión Europea y el respeto a las personas que pertenecen a minorías son valores fundacionales de nuestra Unión. Velar por la conservación y el desarrollo del patrimonio cultural europeo es una prioridad.

    La política de cohesión ha sido, sin duda, un instrumento de inversión —uno de los más importantes de la Unión— para poder conseguir que no haya diferencias entre las regiones y para poder conseguir un crecimiento más equitativo de la Unión donde sea una realidad la cohesión económica, social y territorial.

    Sin duda, no se entiende la política de cohesión sin las regiones; tiene una dimensión territorial y, por esto, se hace un esfuerzo inversor precisamente con las regiones que tiene más dificultades: insulares, ultraperiféricas, de montaña y un sinfín.

    Como ya han dicho el comisario Fitto en la propia Comisión de Desarrollo Regional y la comisaria, aquí, se ha evolucionado mucho desde la petición que presentaron los peticionarios, con mucha fuerza y, además, en tiempos de pandemia. Con esta evolución, se ha apostado por un crecimiento inclusivo, por un crecimiento donde el patrimonio cultural y el patrimonio cultural regional sean una prioridad junto con la participación de toda la sociedad civil.

    La política de cohesión es el mejor antídoto contra los muros, contra la fragmentación de nuestros territorios. Saben que provengo de Baleares, yo amo profundamente la lengua que allí se habla, el mallorquín propio de las islas, pero también el español. Las lenguas tienen que ser siempre vehículo de comunicación, nunca de confrontación. Hay dos enemigos de las lenguas: los que las imponen y los que las prohíben, y también los que mercadean con ellas.

     
       

     

      Sabrina Repp (S&D). – Frau Präsidentin! Dat Plattdüütsch mutt blieven und eine starke Kohäsionspolitik auch. Kommende Woche werden die Vorschläge zum mehrjährigen Finanzrahmen seitens der Kommission vorgestellt. Der Eingangssatz steht nicht nur für eine Sprache, sondern für ein ganzes Lebensgefühl. Dass Sprache, Kultur und Zugehörigkeit nicht altmodisch sind, sondern ein Teil von dem, was Europa stark macht. Ob in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, bei den Sorben oder anderswo: Überall in Europa gibt es Menschen, die ihre Sprache, ihre Traditionen und ihre regionale Identität bewahren wollen – oft ohne viel Unterstützung. Genau da setzt Kohäsionspolitik an. Sie will, dass auch kleine Regionen, kulturelle Minderheiten und regionale Sprachen in der EU endlich ernst genommen werden. Regionale Kultur und Sprache sind kein Luxus, sie sind Teil unserer gemeinsamen europäischen Identität. Wir brauchen eine Politik, die genau das unterstützt, mit Sichtbarkeit, mit Zugang zu Bildung, zu Förderung, zu grenzüberschreitender Kooperation und mit dem Raum, die eigene Sprache zu leben und zu sprechen – ganz selbstverständlich. Dat Plattdüütsch mutt blieven und all die anderen Sprachen und Kulturen auch. Das geht nur, wenn die Regionen auch im künftigen mehrjährigen Finanzrahmen eine zentrale Rolle spielen. Dazu rufe ich die Kommission auf. Denn das, was Europa stark macht, ist seine Vielfalt und sein Zusammenhalt. Das geht nur Seite an Seite mit den Regionen.

     
       

     

      Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D). – Señora presidenta, señora comisaria, es una iniciativa ciudadana. Consigue un millón de firmas en siete Estados miembros, al menos. Por tanto, merece respeto, además de ejercer un derecho reconocido en el artículo 11 del Tratado de la Unión Europea.

    Pero, además, se hace eco de preocupaciones muy compartidas en este Parlamento Europeo, entre ellas las mías: la primera, con un presupuesto de apenas un 1 % del PIB europeo, el contraste entre las ambiciones proclamadas y los medios es insoportable; la segunda, no se puede hacer más con menos, de manera que si tenemos nuevas ambiciones, como defensa y seguridad, no se puede hacer en perjuicio de la política de cohesión y de la política regional, que son la razón de ser de la Unión Europea —lo que incluye la política regional del artículo 164 del Tratado de Funcionamiento de la Unión Europea y la política social (que quiere crecer hacia la vivienda, un derecho), a que se refiere el artículo 162—; y la tercera, no puede haber sobres nacionales bajo ningún concepto, porque hace falta incluir activamente a las regiones, ese modelo de gobernanza multinivel que atiende las especialidades y las singularidades, incluidas las regiones ultraperiféricas, como es el caso de Canarias.

    Por tanto, un mensaje muy claro: la política regional debe preservarse y el Fondo Social Europeo también. Esa es la razón de ser de Europa.

     
       

     

      Loránt Vincze (PPE). – Madame la Présidente, madame la Commissaire, l’égalité est au cœur du projet européen. Pourtant, 50 millions de citoyens, issus des minorités traditionnelles des différentes régions d’Europe, restent ignorés par la Commission. Vous avez été mandatés pour défendre toutes les minorités, mais, lorsqu’il s’agit des communautés historiques enracinées depuis des siècles en Europe, on ne vous entend plus.

    Pourtant, ces communautés représentent près de 90 % de notre diversité linguistique et culturelle. Elles ne se manifestent pas bruyamment, mais elles défendent leurs langues, leurs traditions, leur identité avec dignité. Elles sont bretonne, alsacienne, frisonne, hongroise, sud-tyrolienne… Beaucoup d’entre elles subissent encore des discriminations et la perte de leur langue. L’exemple de la communauté germanophone de Belgique – aus Belgien –, avec ses droits garantis et ses institutions solides, prouve qu’une autre voie est possible.

    Il est temps que la Commission prenne ses responsabilités. Pas une seule des 11 initiatives citoyennes européennes n’a donné lieu à une initiative législative. Il est temps d’agir. Cette initiative le mérite pleinement.

     
       

     

      Isilda Gomes (S&D). – Senhora Presidente, a política de coesão é uma conquista fundamental do projeto europeu.

    O seu objetivo é que nenhuma região fique para trás, corrigindo desequilíbrios agravados pelo efeito centrípeto do mercado único, que são agravados pela deficiente arquitetura do euro. Os objetivos desta política estão consagrados nos Tratados porque são fundamentais, não podendo ser subordinados a outras prioridades.

    A coesão não é apenas uma questão económica. É uma condição de justiça social e territorial e de confiança dos cidadãos no projeto europeu.

    Apelo, por isso, à Comissão Europeia para reforçar a ambição da política de coesão na proposta que apresentará na próxima semana, em particular no que respeita ao Fundo Social Europeu Mais e na dotação de verbas suficientes para responder à crise de habitação, que é o problema mais premente que enfrentam as nossas regiões.

    Precisamos de mais coesão, mais solidariedade, para mais Europa.

     
       

     

      Łukasz Kohut (PPE). – Zjednoczona w różnorodności. To jest motto Unii Europejskiej. Taka powinna być Unia Europejska. Niestety, w zeszłej kadencji, mimo że tutaj, w Parlamencie Europejskim, przegłosowaliśmy inicjatywę obywatelską Minority Safe Park, Komisja zawetowała ten projekt. A to dla mniejszości narodowych i etnicznych w Europie jest ogromny problem.

    Jestem ze Śląska, reprezentuję tutaj nieuznaną śląską mniejszość etniczną. W ostatnim spisie powszechnym 600 tysięcy obywateli Polski zadeklarowało śląską tożsamość. Pół miliona ludzi zadeklarowało, że godo po śląsku. [Mówca wypowiada się w języku niebędącym językiem urzędowym UE.] Domagamy się zrozumienia i funduszy na nasze potrzeby.

    I najwyższy czas, 80 lat po czystkach etnicznych, które na Śląsku przeprowadzili Sowieci ręka w rękę z polskimi komunistami, uznać Ślązaków za mniejszość etniczną, a nasz język za język regionalny. Dlatego wzywam prezydenta elekta Karola Nawrockiego do podpisania ustawy o języku śląskim. I wzywam Komisję do ochrony mniejszości etnicznych i narodowych w całej Unii Europejskiej, bo my umieramy w ciszy. Pieknie dziekuja.

     
       

     

      Sandra Gómez López (S&D). – Señora presidenta, hoy hablamos de una iniciativa ciudadana europea. Eso significa que no surge de ningún Gobierno ni de ninguna élite, sino que surge de la voz directa de la ciudadanía: ciudadanos y ciudadanas que han dicho que valoran nuestras políticas de cohesión, pero que, además, quieren que respondan a la diversidad y a la riqueza de nuestros territorios.

    Yo, como valenciana, sé lo que es tener una identidad cultural y una riqueza lingüística propia dentro de un Estado miembro. Por lo tanto, les puedo decir que, si la ciudadanía pide más descentralización, ¿cómo puede la Comisión plantearse para el próximo marco financiero un único plan nacional centralizado? No tiene ningún sentido.

    Europa debe escuchar y debe defender la cohesión. Eso no significa imponer uniformidad, sino proteger la diversidad que nos une y… (la oradora se expresa en una lengua no oficial).

     
       

     

      Andi Cristea (S&D). – Doamnă președintă, „coeziune”, ce cuvânt frumos! Dar dincolo de coeziune este despre ce fel de jocuri alegem să jucăm. Vrem să alegem jocurile cooperării europene sau vrem să săpăm în același loc, să ne săpăm un șanț, să ne săpăm o groapă și după aceea să ne uităm la ceilalți cum se dezvoltă, iar noi rămânem pe loc?

    Vin din București, vin din România și în anul 2000, produsul intern brut al Bucureștiului era de 6 miliarde de euro. Anul acesta, anul trecut, Bucureștiul produce mai mult decât Bulgaria, mai mult decât Serbia, mai mult decât Moldova. Bucureștiul produce cât jumătate din Ungaria. De ce? Pentru că România a ales NATO, a ales Uniunea Europeană și a ales jocurile cooperării europene, jocurile competiției.

    Când tu ai o identitate unică, mai specială decât a celorlalți, acest lucru nu te duce la câștig. Câștigătorii sunt cei care aleg să coopereze și au mai mulți prieteni și aliați. Succes!

     
       

       

    Procedura “catch-the-eye”

     
       

     

      Gabriel Mato (PPE). – Señora presidenta, señora comisaria, en los últimos cinco años, Canarias se ha enfrentado a enormes desafíos: una crisis migratoria persistente, una erupción volcánica devastadora en la isla de La Palma, mi isla, sequías prolongadas y los efectos crecientes del cambio climático.

    Los canarios cumplimos los mismos requisitos que cualquier europeo, pero con muchas más dificultades derivadas de la lejanía y de la insularidad. Por eso, las ayudas de la Unión Europea no son un privilegio, son una necesidad. Canarias necesita asegurar su conectividad, su capacidad para afrontar la transición a una nueva economía verde y digital o la crisis generada por la falta de vivienda y el desempleo juvenil. Y todo ello pasa por recibir y aprovechar plenamente la ayuda que viene de la Unión Europea.

    Por todo ello, Canarias, como el resto de las regiones ultraperiféricas, necesita que los fondos de cohesión se mantengan y, además, que se refuercen y se nos permita adaptarlos a nuestras prioridades. Solo así podremos avanzar al mismo ritmo que el resto de Europa.

     
       

     

      Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR). – Pani Przewodnicząca, pani Komisarz! Wysoka Izbo! Chcę nawiązać do sprawy historycznej, która ma też związek z polityką spójności. W 40. roku dekretem Hermana Göringa został zdelegalizowany i znacjonalizowany Związek Polaków w Niemczech. Dziesiątki Polaków zostało zamordowanych, a ich majątek został zagrabiony przez nazistowskie Niemcy. I do dzisiaj, mimo upływu 80 lat, Niemcy nie chcą zwrócić tego majątku. Nie chcą zrehabilitować działaczy Związku Polaków w Niemczech.

    Mimo tego, iż niemal 2 miliony Polaków żyje w Niemczech, Niemcy nie chcą uznawać, że jest to mniejszość, mniejszość polska. W związku z powyższym nie desygnują środków na naukę języka polskiego, a w urzędach niemieckich nie ma informacji w języku polskim.

    Pani Komisarz, liczę, że zwróci się Pani do kanclerza Niemiec i zapyta co się dzieje ze Związkiem Polaków w Niemczech i dlaczego Niemcy nie chcą się rozliczyć z majątku zrabowanego podczas II wojny światowej.

     
       

     

      Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew). – Señora presidenta, nos alegramos muchísimo de que haya llegado esta iniciativa hoy aquí, al Parlamento Europeo, porque se le han puesto muchas dificultades en el camino y ya el Partido Nacionalista Vasco la apoyó en el año 2014.

    Somos muchos y muchas los que creemos en las regiones nacionales europeas y vamos a defender, siempre y en todos los sitios, el artículo 3 del Tratado de la Unión Europea, que habla de respetar su rica diversidad cultural y lingüística. Las regiones nacionales, las identidades nacionales europeas diversas, las culturas y las lenguas minorizadas deben reconocerse como parte del propio potencial europeo en esta nueva Europa reforzada que necesitamos. Son regiones transfronterizas, son macrorregiones, son regiones nacionales: la realidad va mucho más allá de los sentimientos y la Unión Europea debe atenderlas. Tiene la oportunidad de liderar este cambio y reforzar el proyecto europeo desde el reconocimiento de identidades nacionales diversas y realidades regionales diversas.

     
       

     

      Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI). – Doamnă președintă, în general, apreciez inițiativele cetățenești, numai că în această situație a fost inițiată de către etnici maghiari din România și vreau să vă spun că Transilvania este România. Și nu, nu suntem de acord cu autonomia, pentru că în România, etnicii maghiari au cele mai multe drepturi pe care le puteți afla în orice țară. Suntem exemplu de cum respectăm etnicii maghiari, de la limbă, până când, în aceste județe, Harghita, Covasna, Mureș, efectiv se vorbește numai maghiara și nu ai voie să vorbești româna.

    În acest context, am auzit-o pe o colegă din Ungaria vorbind de Salina Praid. Păi Salina Praid este administrată de un ONG numit Cholnoky Jenő, care funcționează cu bani din Ungaria. Îl pot admira pe Viktor Orbán pentru politica sa externă, dar nu pentru ceea ce face în România. Îi spun: România, Transilvania e România.

    Iar în ceea ce privește regiunile, uitați-vă în Ucraina. România are acolo Bucovina de Nord, Herța, Bugeacul și Hotinul, unde un milion de români sunt discriminați, nu au voie să vorbească limba română, nu au voie să se roage…

    (Președinta a retras cuvântul vorbitoarei)

     
       

     

      Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR). – Arvoisa puhemies, mikä tekee Euroopasta Euroopan? Onko se paisuva unioni, virkamiehet ja heidän tuhannet toimistonsa Brysselissä?

    Ei, Euroopasta tekee Euroopan sen kansat.

    Huoli pienten kulttuurien, kielten ja perinteiden säilymisestä on täysin oikeutettua, mutta niiden säilyminen ei voi riippua liittovaltion rahasta. Se riippuu menestyvistä valtioista, jotka pystyvät huolehtimaan kansoista, kulttuureista ja perinteistä.

    EU:n koheesiorahaa ollaan nyt viemässä oikeaan suuntaan. Rahaa lisätään muun muassa puolustukseen ja itärajan alueiden tukemiseen.

    Koheesiorahasto ei kuitenkaan saa olla pohjaton sampo. Euroopan kulttuurien säilymistä voidaan tukea toistakin kautta: tiukemmalla maahanmuuttopolitiikalla, islamistisen kulttuurin leviämisen ehkäisemisellä ja liittovaltiokehityksen lopettamisella. Tehokkaita keinoja, jotka eivät vaadi yhtäkään uutta EU-rahastoa.

     
       

       

    (Fine della procedura “catch the eye”)

     
       

     

      Hadja Lahbib, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, thank you for this very rich debate. The Commission takes good note of the points you raised.

    The Commission, as you know, is currently reviewing the instruments and safeguards for partnership and non‑discrimination in light of this citizens’ initiative. We take the principle of non‑discrimination very seriously and we’ll assess how we can help advance the goal of the initiative.

    I would like also to reassure you that we take our citizens’ concerns very seriously. Since the launch of European citizens’ initiatives in 2012, the Commission replied to 10 successful initiatives – those that collected over 1 million verified signatures – and committed to follow up actions for nine of them.

    Our diversity is our power, ‘united in diversity’ is our motto, and respect of the rights of persons belonging to minorities is one of the founding values of the EU.

    All European regions are eligible for cohesion policy support. The cohesion policy funds can support specific linguistic cultural characteristics.

    As I said in my introduction, the EU Regional Development Fund already invests around EUR 22 billion in inclusive growth and integration of marginalised groups, EUR 2 billion to support communities with specific linguistic and cultural characteristics, and a further EUR 5.2 billion in cultural heritage initiatives.

    So, I will conclude by saying that the views expressed here in the European Parliament will feed our assessment and the Commission will present its conclusions by 4 September.

     
       

       

    (La seduta è sospesa alle 11:51)

     
       

       

    IN THE CHAIR: ROBERTA METSOLA
    President

     

    5. Resumption of the sitting

       

    (The sitting resumed at 12:00)

     
       

     

      President. – Dear colleagues, as we mark one year since this legislature began, I want to thank you all, your staff and Parliament’s services for your tireless work. When Europeans voted last year, they asked us to build a stronger, smarter and safer Europe, and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing. We’ve accelerated reforms. We’ve passed legislation to improve people’s lives, safeguard our industries, protect our neighbours and our way of life. I’m proud of what we have achieved together. Thank you very much to all of you.

    Our work continues. Next week, the Commission will present its proposal on the multiannual financial framework in our House. This period will be critical as we negotiate the EU’s long-term budget to match people’s priorities, and I’m counting on all of you to help get it right, because – and it is important that we say it today – regardless of where we sit in this chamber, we are all here for the same reason: to make a real difference in people’s lives. So thank you again, dear colleagues. Let’s keep delivering.

     

    6. Voting time

     

      President. – The next item is the vote.

     

     

      Özlem Demirel (The Left). – Frau Präsidentin! Ich berufe mich auf Artikel 188 Absatz 2. Sie haben unseren Änderungsantrag für unzulässig erklärt. Einen Antrag, der klarmacht, Rückführungen nach Syrien sind angesichts systematischer Gewalt gegen Alewiten, Drusen und Christen unverantwortlich. Ihre Entscheidung, Frau Präsidentin, war keine formale, sondern eine politische Entscheidung. Ja, unser Antrag hat den Finger in die Wunde gelegt. Die syrische Übergangsregierung besteht aus früheren Al-Qaida-Milizen und wird trotzdem von Trump und EU‑Präsidentinnen und ‑Präsidenten hofiert. Es geht Ihnen wie immer um geopolitischen Einfluss im Nahen Osten und um schnelle Rückführungen und Abschiebungen von geflüchteten Menschen um jeden Preis. Wenn die Linke das benennt in einer Entschließung, Frau Präsidentin, sagen Sie uns dann, das habe nichts mit dem Thema zu tun? Oh doch, Frau Präsidentin, das hat es. Schutz und das elementare Menschenrecht auf Asyl sind nicht politischer Willkür untergeordnet. Wir verteidigen universelle Menschenrechte. Die Politik der EU ist zynisch und Frau Präsidentin, es tut mir leid, aber Ihre Entscheidung zu unserem Änderungsantrag war klar und deutlich politisch von Ihnen motiviert. Das finden wir inakzeptabel. Wir werden weiterhin die Finger in die Wunde legen.

     
       

     

      President. – I can assure you that we take our job extremely seriously, especially on declaring and questioning the admissibility of amendments.

    Your amendment was declared inadmissible according to Rule 188(1)(a) of the Rules of Procedure, because it does not directly relate to the text which it seeks to amend.

     

     

      President. – The next vote is on the case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai (see minutes, item 6.2).

     

     

      President. – The next vote is on the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic (see minutes, item 6.3).

     

     

      President. – The next vote is on the urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus (see minutes, item 6.4).

     

    6.5. Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies (A10-0134/2025 – Antonio Decaro) (vote)

     

      President. – The next vote is on amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies (see minutes, item 6.5).

     

    6.6. Future of the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector: leveraging research, boosting innovation and enhancing competitiveness (A10-0123/2025 – Hildegard Bentele) (vote)

       

    – Before the vote:

     
       

     

      Hildegard Bentele, rapporteur. – Madam President, dear colleagues, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for, hopefully, the broad support for this report on the future of biotechnology and manufacturing in Europe. With this report, we are a big step ahead of the European Commission. We are defining the criteria for our European biotechnology act, which will see the light only in a year’s time. Not least, the swift development and production of COVID vaccines in Europe has shown us the strong performance, the innovation potential and the huge productivity of this sector.

    But biotechnology is not only about pharma and life science. Thank you for subscribing, hopefully, to the broad scope we are advocating for in this report. This report is about a growth strategy for Europe about further igniting, but also about faster commercialising, innovation, about securing supply and value chains, about smarter financing, about globally compatible and lean regulation, and about speeding up our internal procedures.

    Thank you, colleagues, for sending – in the first year of our mandate – this clear signal of willingness to be competitive in one of the strategic future industry sectors, which provides solutions for our economic and food security, for sustainability and for public health. Let us now make sure that the Commission follows up closely, and I hope to see you all back full of energy in September.

     

       

    (The vote closed)

     
       

       

    (The sitting was suspended at 12:18)

     
       

       

    PRÉSIDENCE: YOUNOUS OMARJEE
    Vice-Président

     

    7. Resumption of the sitting

       

    (La séance est reprise à 15:00)

     

    8. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

     

      Le Président. – Le procès-verbal de la séance d’hier et les textes adoptés sont disponibles. Y a-t-il des observations?

    Il n’y en a pas. Le procès verbal est approuvé.

     

    9. Composition of committees and delegations

     

      Le Président. – Les députés non inscrits ont communiqué à la Présidente une décision relative à des modifications apportées aux nominations au sein des commissions et délégations. Ces décisions figureront au procès-verbal de la séance d’aujourd’hui et prendront effet à la date de cette annonce.

     

    10. Endometriosis: Europe’s wake-up call on the gender health gap (debate)

     

      Hadja Lahbib, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members, endometriosis impacts millions of women across the EU. It puts a heavy burden on their health and well‑being, with consequences for their fertility and even their lives. This, in turn, has a wider impact on gender equality and on women’s empowerment.

    The Commission adopted the Roadmap for Women’s Rights on International Women’s Day this year. One of its key principles is to ensure high standards of physical and mental health for girls and women by taking into account their perspective and needs throughout research, health policies and actions.

    Some EU countries have launched respective national actions like France, Ireland and Spain. These actions reflect the fact that responsibility for health and social policies and for healthcare services lies with Member States. Union action complements national health policies. We do this, for instance, by helping Member States share knowledge and coordinate between themselves.

    For a long time, the EU has supported research into new treatments to improve citizens’ health. The Commission launched the EU‑wide ‘healthier together’ initiative in 2022 to help address the burden of non‑communicable diseases, which includes endometriosis. The EU4Health funding programme has allocated over EUR 280 million to this initiative.

    The Commission also hosts the EU Best Practice Portal on Public Health, where Member States can share information and insights. And in its meeting in June last year, the Expert Group on Public Health endorsed a comprehensive, prevention‑focused approach to non‑communicable diseases.

    On top of this, over EUR 2 million have been invested in more than 1 000 research and innovation projects on women’s health through Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. This portfolio includes 15 projects, worth EUR 47 million, conducting research related to endometriosis.

    Last but not least, in Horizon Europe, the integration of a gender dimension in R&I is a mandatory requirement. This ensures that women’s specific needs are consistently considered across all research domains, thereby promoting more inclusive, equitable and scientifically robust research outcomes.

    Honourable Members, I want to acknowledge the impact of endometriosis on women’s health and on society as a whole as well. We have come a long way, but more could still be done. Further research is needed to better understand the disease pathways and develop targeted treatments and prevention strategies. And we must make women and health professionals aware of the disease and the symptoms for earlier diagnosis and more accurate information.

    From the Commission side, we will keep supporting Member States’ work to address endometriosis and other non‑communicable diseases.

     
       

     

      András Tivadar Kulja, a PPE képviselőcsoport nevében. – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! Tisztelt Bizottság! Az endometriózis minden tizedik nőt érint. Nők százezrei szenvednek hazánkban, Magyarországon és milliók az Európai Unió más tagállamaiban. Egy olyan betegségtől, amely súlyos vakfolt az egészségpolitikában.

    Az endometriózis nem csupán fájdalmas menstruációt jelent. A valóság sokkal riasztóbb. Az endometriózis azt jelenti, hogy méhszövet jelenik meg a hasüregben vagy a test más pontjaiban, amely ugyanúgy menstruál, mint a méh. Ezzel pedig iszonyatos fájdalmat okoz az érintetteknek, hosszú távon pedig súlyosan károsítja szervezetüket. A diagnózisig gyakran 6-8 év is eltelik, miközben az érintettek folyamatosan együtt élnek a tudattal, hogy a fájdalom hónaprólhónapra visszatér. Fiatal lányok ezreinek tanulmányait akadályozza, mert hiányoznak az iskolából. Felnőtt nők egyenlő munkavállalását és nemi életét teszi tönkre a betegség.

    Mindennapos szorongást okoz azoknak is, akik családot, gyermeket szeretnének, ugyanis a késői felismerés meddőséget, hosszútávon más szervek súlyos károsodását is jelenti, miközben a terápiás lehetőségek szűkösek, sokszor műtétekkel járnak.

    Az Európai Unió több tagállama felismerte, milyen fontos időben cselekedni. Mégis azt látjuk, hogy egyesek csak szóban aktívak. A magyar kormány is többször ígérte, hogy segít az érintetteknek, azonban adókedvezményen kívül valódi támogatást nem nyújtott. És ahogy Európa sok más tagállamában, nálunk is hiányoznak a korai felismerést segítő oktatási és szűrési programok, a korszerű diagnosztikához való hozzáférés, és sok esetben éveket kell várni, hogy megfelelő orvoshoz jussanak el a betegek. Ez pedig súlyos társadalmi egyenlőtlenséghez vezethet.

    A valódi családcentrikus politika alapja a női egészség segítése. Az Európai Uniónak pedig kötelessége kiállni az érintett nők mellett, és segíteni a korai felismerést, az ellátáshoz való hozzáférést, hogy bármely tagállamban is éljenek az érintettek, egyenlő esélyeket kapjanak az életben.

     
       

     

      Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, on behalf of the S&D Group. – Mr President, dear Commissioner, let me start with some sentences. It is incredibly frustrating to see such a sensitive topic as women’s health repeatedly scheduled for the very end of the European Parliament plenary agenda. This consistent demotion of health-related discussions suggests a worrying undervaluation of their importance. Why are these vital conversations related to health being marginalised in this way? It is not the first time it is put last at the end of plenaries. It is such an important topic.

    I want to extend my congratulations to the Commission for taking new steps to address endometriosis, but only with robust actions at EU level do we have the potential to transform the lives of approximately 14 million women. To truly confront this debilitating condition across the EU, we need a focused, multi-pronged strategy that directly improves the daily reality for those affected.

    First and foremost, we must dramatically increase both EU and national funding for endometriosis research. More research will lead to a deeper understanding of this complex disease, paving the way for more effective treatment and, of course, crucially, to create hope because it is such a complicated issue – hope for a cure.

    The EU must also champion and implement supportive policies like paid menstrual leave, as just mentioned. France, Ireland and Spain did it. Furthermore, we need to ensure free and accessible fertility treatment and prioritise robust mental health support because a lot of women suffer. These aren’t just administrative measures; they are about restoring dignity, protecting livelihoods and, of course, offering a brighter future for women.

    Women’s health is so important, and of course the gap exists. We can’t be blind to this very sensitive topic.

     
       

     

      Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, en nombre del Grupo PfE. – Señor presidente, señora comisaria, señorías, llevamos décadas escuchando hablar de igualdad de género y de millones destinados supuestamente a mejorar la vida de las mujeres, pero este gasto no ha estado enfocado en algo tan importante como es nuestra salud. Hemos visto campañas dirigidas muchas veces a una ingeniería social, mientras los problemas reales que afectan a tantas mujeres, como la endometriosis, siguen completamente invisibilizados.

    Una de cada diez mujeres sufre esta enfermedad, con un dolor intenso y crónico e infertilidad. Sin embargo, no existe un diagnóstico precoz efectivo. La inversión es insuficiente para conseguir tratamientos eficaces. Yo le pregunto lo siguiente: ¿por qué no destinar el gasto en ideología para investigar sobre enfermedades que afectan a la mujer? En la última década, la Unión Europea ha invertido más de 400 000 millones de euros en proyectos relacionados con la igualdad de género y la promoción de políticas de igualdad de género. ¿Dónde está la urgencia política cuando el dolor es real y no solo es un eslogan? Reconozcamos que es poco lo que se ha invertido, pero, claro, ¿qué podemos esperar cuando se trata de una ideología que no puede acordar ni siquiera una definición para lo que quiere decir ser mujer?

    Es vital y urgente una reorientación clara de los fondos públicos de la Unión Europea. Las mujeres necesitamos soluciones reales para problemas reales. Esta enfermedad afecta a millones de mujeres en Europa y representa un coste anual estimado de 30 000 millones de euros solo en bajas laborales. Estoy segura de que toda mujer agradecería que se profundizara sobre las causas, la prevención y el tratamiento. La incidencia no para de aumentar y no se sabe todavía qué factores pueden estar afectando a que esto sea así.

     
       

     

      Chiara Gemma, a nome del gruppo ECR. – Signor Presidente, signora Commissaria, onorevoli colleghi, sei ipocondriaca? Hai la soglia del dolore bassa? Non esagerare, che cosa sarà mai?

    Con queste frasi superficiali e offensive si minimizza un problema molto serio, che può diventare addirittura invalidante. L’endometriosi colpisce oltre 14 milioni di donne in Europa e causa dolori pelvici per i quali si fa fatica persino a stare sedute, stanchezza, emicrania e, in alcuni casi, anche infertilità.

    Eppure, c’è chi ancora stenta a credere che si tratti di una patologia invalidante e da prendere in seria considerazione. Se colpisse gli uomini con la stessa incidenza, avremmo già linee guida uniformi, diagnosi tempestive e accesso garantito a cure e tutele lavorative. Per le donne, nulla.

    E allora è tempo che l’Unione europea riconosca l’endometriosi come una priorità di salute pubblica e promuova una strategia europea specifica. Abbiamo bisogno di più ricerca, più formazione per i medici e politiche concrete per il riconoscimento dei diritti delle donne che ne soffrono, anche in ambito lavorativo.

    Non possiamo più lasciare milioni di cittadine nel dolore invisibile. Abbattiamo questo muro di silenzio, qui, in Europa.

     
       

     

      Billy Kelleher, on behalf of the Renew Group. – Mr President, Commissioner Lahbib, gender inequality in our health system is systemic. It permeates from research through to diagnosis, from treatment to prognosis. There is a lot of research now which identifies the causes, both societal and medical. It is now for us as policymakers to address the root causes of these problems.

    The topic at hand today is endometriosis, a painful, progressive condition that can be debilitating at times and can affect fertility. It can plague women from their first menstrual cycle in their teens to their last menstrual cycle in life. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women, that’s 14 million women in Europe and around 155 000 in Ireland alone. And on average, Commissioner, it takes about eight years for diagnosis. And that is a significant issue in itself alone.

    So there are promising studies taking place in Europe at the moment, including the University College, Cork, University College Dublin, that these studies are making more use of machine learning and AI to find novel ways to identify endometriosis and the means of easing the pain.

    I see four things we should strive for: increase the funding in female‑specific health issues, and identifying the differences in how symptoms present and reactions to treatments and drugs; move away from the male‑centric approach to treatment and listen to women and their experience, give them back control of their health and their treatment; make it not into a postcode lottery ‑ have common guidelines for treatment and for gender‑specific health issues across the EU; and eliminate the taboo, many gender‑specific health issues are mired in stigma and secrecy.

    Society needs to work to eliminate the stigma, and we can start by enshrining sexual and reproductive health rights in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

    Commissioner, I do have to say that I am worried sometimes from the tone of debates in this House and coming from some in the Commission as well, with regard to reproductive and sexual health rights for women. There can be no backsliding on this. There can be no weakening of a fundamental principle that a woman has a choice, and it is non-negotiable from my perspective. And I do find in terms of debates in this House, a disturbing drift to undermine all that we’ve achieved to ensure that women can make that choice.

    From an Irish perspective, we had this debate. We had a debate where we had to move from a very restrictive, aggressive view of a woman’s entitlement to abortion services, where it was completely banned by our Constitution, to a point where we now facilitate and support choice.

    But I do detect at times, particularly in this House and from the right, may I say, that they are trying to undermine and roll back on this, and that I hope the Commission and this Parliament will continue to stand up and vindicate sexual, reproductive and health rights for women across the entirety of the Union and promote and facilitate the basic principle of women having a choice. It is, in my view, a fundamental aspect of what we are as a European Union in terms of ensuring that women are put first and centre in control of their lives.

    So while I support and ensure that we find funding for endometriosis in terms of research, I think the broader issue of ensuring that women are put at the centre of health and sexual‑reproductive rights is a fundamental principle on which I, or my group, will not be bend.

     
       

     

      Majdouline Sbai, au nom du groupe Verts/ALE. – Monsieur le Président, Madame la Commissaire, chers collègues, une femme sur dix en Europe vit avec l’endométriose. Une femme sur dix souffre donc de douleurs chroniques invalidantes qui entravent sa vie quotidienne, son travail, sa santé mentale. L’endométriose est responsable de 40 % des cas d’infertilité, et pourtant il faut en moyenne sept ans pour obtenir un diagnostic. Sept ans à entendre que «c’est normal», sept ans à se débrouiller avec la souffrance et le silence.

    Non, ce n’est pas «normal»! Imaginez que cette pathologie touche les hommes, que chaque mois ils ressentent des douleurs équivalentes à celles d’un accouchement sans péridurale. Nous aurions eu un grand plan européen, des sommes colossales auraient été investies… Mais voilà, les 10 % d’Européennes concernées n’ont pas eu cette chance.

    Même si, grâce aux associations de patientes, des progrès ont été réalisés, l’avenir ne semble pas plus radieux. En effet, la Commission européenne envisage d’assouplir le contrôle des perturbateurs endocriniens, qui sont présents dans nos produits du quotidien et altèrent le système hormonal des femmes. L’endométriose est un révélateur de nos failles dans l’égalité réelle entre les femmes et les hommes. Je demande à la Commission européenne qu’elle s’exprime en faveur d’une stratégie européenne de lutte contre l’endométriose.

    Madame la Commissaire, imaginez que l’Europe contribue à trouver un traitement pour guérir l’endométriose. Imaginez qu’elle prévienne sa survenue. Imaginez que nous garantissions l’inclusion professionnelle pour les patientes, que nous prenions réellement en charge les soins: nous changerions la vie des Européennes et celle des générations futures!

     
       

     

      Catarina Martins, em nome do Grupo The Left. – Senhor Presidente, as dores menstruais foram historicamente invisibilizadas. A desvalorização das dores menstruais e da endometriose são mais uma expressão da desigualdade imposta pela sociedade patriarcal, que continua a desvalorizar a saúde das mulheres, e esse preconceito tem de ser combatido. Quando células do tecido endometrial, o tecido que reveste o útero, crescem anormalmente e noutros lugares, a menstruação é dolorosa — nalguns casos uma dor incapacitante. A endometriose é uma doença crónica e debilitante com impactos graves na qualidade de vida, incluindo na liberdade reprodutiva, e só o preconceito explica que continue a ser ignorada.

    Em Portugal, aprovámos uma lei para proteger mulheres nesta situação, garantindo três dias de faltas justificadas e pagas por mês a quem sofra de endometriose e de adenomiose. A lei é recente e as notícias são preocupantes. Não só há empregadores que recusam cumprir a lei, como há médicos que recusam passar a declaração e até escolas que também estão a recusar as declarações para justificar faltas de alunas que sofrem da doença. Uma enorme crueldade, assente em puro preconceito.

    Esse preconceito, infelizmente, estende‑se ainda por toda a Europa. Estima‑se que haverá cerca de 14 milhões de mulheres com endometriose na União Europeia, mas falta financiamento para o seu estudo. Ainda se sabe pouco sobre a doença e sobre como lidar com ela. O diagnóstico chega a demorar sete anos e, mesmo depois de feito, faltam as terapias. Na verdade, falta o reconhecimento do problema. Preconceito, pois. O preconceito patriarcal está presente em tudo, incluindo na saúde. E se hoje começamos a falar sobre esta desigualdade, é graças ao ativismo feminista, que impôs na agenda política o que estava condenado a um muro de silêncio.

    Mas se falamos hoje, temos também de agir. Falta investigação sobre a saúde das mulheres e sobre os seus corpos. O corpo e as condições de saúde dos homens não podem continuar a ser a medida da investigação médica e da prática clínica. Falta reconhecimento e valorização dos sintomas e condições de saúde das mulheres. Falta estabelecer metas concretas para a formação de profissionais de saúde e falta resposta nos sistemas públicos de saúde. Falta educação sexual e para a saúde nas escolas, incluindo educação menstrual. Falta reconhecer a todas as mulheres o direito ao seu corpo e aos cuidados de saúde que necessitem, incluindo o aborto.

    Senhora Comissária, a declaração da Comissão, reconhecendo a necessidade de acordar para a desigualdade de género persistente, também na saúde, é fundamental. Abordar a questão da endometriose é um passo importante e ainda bem que o fazemos hoje, mesmo que já no fim da sessão plenária e com tão pouca gente em Estrasburgo. Mas ainda bem que falamos.

    Mas o outro passo essencial será uma estratégia global para a saúde das mulheres, incluindo o direito à saúde sexual e reprodutiva em todo o espaço da União Europeia. E é para isso que vamos continuar a trabalhar.

     
       

     

      Tomasz Froelich, im Namen der ESN-Fraktion. – Frau Kommissarin, Herr Präsident! Ich kenne Personen, die an Endometriose leiden – in der Familie und im Freundeskreis. Und als ich mich das erste Mal intensiver mit dieser Krankheit auseinandergesetzt habe, war ich regelrecht schockiert. Bis zu 15 % der Frauen in Europa leiden darunter, also gut jede siebte Frau. Und ja, es ist richtiges Leid: schwere Schmerzen im Beckenbereich, Darmbeschwerden und ein massiv erhöhtes Risiko für Unfruchtbarkeit. Viele Frauen wollen Mütter werden, aber sie können es nicht wegen Endometriose. Aber gibt es etwas Schöneres auf der Welt, als Kinder zu haben? Als stolzer Vater einer kleinen Tochter kann ich Ihnen versichern: Nein, definitiv nicht. Der unerfüllte Kinderwunsch vieler Frauen schlägt oft in psychischen Schmerz über – ich wünsche das wirklich keiner Frau.

    Neben dem individuellen Leid verursacht Endometriose einen enormen volkswirtschaftlichen Schaden. Durch Krankheitsausfall entsteht EU-weit ein Verlust in Höhe von etwa 30 Milliarden Euro. Umso erstaunlicher ist es, dass seit Jahrzehnten so wenig in Endometriose-Forschung investiert wird. In Deutschland beispielsweise waren es bis zum Jahre 2022 über Jahrzehnte hinweg gerade einmal 500 000 Euro. 500 000 Euro über Jahrzehnte hinweg – das ist nichts, wirklich nichts. Danach wurde es zwar etwas mehr, aber immer noch deutlich zu wenig. Vor allem, wenn man bedenkt, für welchen Quatsch die deutsche Bundesregierung sonst so ihr Geld ausgibt. Brüssel macht es übrigens auch nicht wesentlich besser. Nur 0,02 % der geförderten Projekte betreffen Endometriose – viel zu wenig.

    Das ist einfach eine falsche Prioritätensetzung – falsche Prioritätensetzung zulasten wirklicher Probleme von Frauen, zulasten der Gesundheit, zulasten der Demokratie und zulasten der Wirtschaft. Hier muss also ein Umdenken stattfinden, und zwar wirklich über alle politischen Gräben hinweg. Deshalb habe ich auch im Juni eine entsprechende Entschließung hier im EU-Parlament eingereicht, die von Abgeordneten unterschiedlicher Fraktionen unterstützt wurde. Dafür an dieser Stelle mein ausdrücklicher Dank. Und wahrscheinlich war dieser Druck auch notwendig, damit das Parlament diese Debatte endlich auf die Tagesordnung setzt. Richtig so!

    Endometriose-Forschung ist chronisch unterfinanziert. Wir brauchen hier stärkere finanzielle Unterstützung, mehr Forschung, mehr Bewusstsein, mehr Aufklärung. Es ist in unser aller Interesse, und insbesondere die betroffenen Frauen haben das verdient.

     
       

     

      Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE). – Arvoisa puhemies, erittäin kivuliaasta ja arkipäivästä elämää haittaavasta elinikäisestä jatkuvasta vaivasta, endometrioosista, kärsii kymmenen prosenttia hedelmällisessä iässä olevista naisista. Sen lisäksi se on merkittävä lapsettomuuden aiheuttaja. Se on alitutkittu, alidiagnostisoitu ja alihoidettu.

    Toivon, että tämä keskustelu todellakin toimii herätyskellona siihen, millainen sukupuolten välinen terveyskuilu meillä on. Naiset käyvät useammin lääkärissä, ovat puolikuntoisempia ja tulevat huonommin hoidetuiksi siksi, että heidän oireitaan tai sairauksiaan ei ymmärretä niin hyvin. Miehet taas käyvät lääkärissä usein liian myöhään ja liian vähän, ja lopputulos on aivan yhtä huono, luonnollisesti heidän kannaltaan.

    Kysymys ei ole siis siitä, kumpia hoidetaan, vaan meidän on hoidettava hyvin sekä miehiä että naisia, eurooppalaisia ihmisiä.

    Siksi toivonkin, että tämä toimii herätyskellona komissiolle ja komissio sitten myös valmistelee jatkossa kokonaisen naisten terveysohjelman, jossa kiinnitetään huomio tarvittavaan lisätutkimukseen eri sairauksien, hoitokeinojen, diagnostisoinnin, lääkärien koulutuksen ja yleisen tietoisuuden herättämisen osalta ja myös lääketutkimuksen osalta, jossa naiset ovat selvästi räikeästi aliedustettuina. Näitä ongelmia emme ratkaise yksin jäsenvaltioissa. Me tarvitsemme yhteistä eurooppalaista tahtoa, ja uskon, että komissiolta tätä myös löytyy.

     
       

     

      Evelyn Regner (S&D). – Herr Präsident, Frau Kommissarin! Stell dir vor, du hast jeden Monat so starke Schmerzen, dass sie dein Leben bestimmen, und niemand nimmt dich so richtig ernst. So geht es Millionen von Frauen mit Endometriose. 10 % aller Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter sind davon betroffen. Dennoch kennen viele Menschen nicht einmal den Begriff. Der Weg zur Endometriose-Diagnose dauert durchschnittlich sechs Jahre, begleitet von Schmerzen, von Falschdiagnosen und dem Gefühl, nicht so richtig ernst genommen zu werden. Starke Schmerzen während der Periode gelten oftmals als normal. Als Gesellschaft müssen wir umdenken. Schmerzen sind nie normal. Dazu kommt, dass Endometriose einen Kinderwunsch gefährden kann. Einen Lebenstraum, der wie eine Seifenblase platzen kann. All das zeigt ein strukturelles Problem. Frauen und ihre Beschwerden werden im Gesundheitssystem oft nicht ernst genommen. Das ist der Gender Health Gap. Es ist Zeit, ihn zu schließen – mit Forschung, Aufklärungskampagnen und mit echter Gleichstellung in der Medizin.

    (Die Rednerin ist damit einverstanden, auf eine Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“ zu antworten.)

     
       

     

      Petras Gražulis (ESN), pakėlus mėlynąją kortelę pateiktas klausimas. – Gerbiama pranešėja, aš manau, kad Europos Sąjungoje į visus žmones – vaikus, senelius, vaikus, moteris vyrus, atkreipiamas vienodas dėmesys ir niekas nediskriminuoja. Aš suprantu, kad kiekvienas dar žmogus ir serga įvairiomis ligomis. Ir man keista, kad čia labai skundžiasi moterys. Bet tikrai turėtų būti atkreiptas dėmesys, tikrai turėtų gydyti visas ligas, neišskiriant nei moterų, nei vaikų. Kodėl čia toks atskiras dėmesys? Tuo labiau, kad Jūs anksčiau va kėlėte, kad nėra nei vyrų, nei moterų. Jau dabar daug lyčių.

     
       

     

      Marie Dauchy (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, elles ne simulent pas, elles hurlent en silence; elles s’effondrent dans les toilettes d’un lycée, sur leur lieu de travail, dans un bus; elles encaissent; elles s’isolent; elles s’en veulent. Non, ce n’est pas dans leur tête. Voilà ce que vivent des millions de femmes atteintes d’endométriose. Parfois, oui, elles finissent par renoncer: à leur emploi, à leur maternité, à leur couple, voire dans certains cas à leur vie. C’est une souffrance invisible mais écrasante, qui se heurte à un mur d’indifférence. Depuis des années, nous avons les chiffres: sept à dix ans de retard de diagnostic, aucun traitement curatif, ce à quoi il faut ajouter les errements médicaux, la culpabilité, l’isolement, etc.

    J’ai moi-même déposé ici, il y a deux ans, une proposition de résolution pour réclamer une stratégie européenne, mais vous l’avez rejetée, en prétextant qu’il s’agissait d’une maladie parmi tant d’autres. Aujourd’hui, M. Froehlich reprend ces constats dans sa résolution, et je salue cette initiative. Mais posons les choses clairement: rien n’a changé. Depuis plus de dix ans, vous empilez les déclarations, les engagements creux, les rapports oubliés dans les tiroirs, mais, dans la vie réelle – celle des femmes, des mères, des jeunes filles –, le quotidien reste un parcours d’obstacles et d’humiliations.

    Vous ne pouvez plus continuer à détourner les yeux, et nous n’allons plus nous contenter d’un mot-dièse une fois par an. Nous réclamons des actions concrètes. Assez de mots: il est temps d’agir pour toutes celles qui souffrent en silence. Il est temps que vous preniez au sérieux la souffrance des femmes!

     
       

     

      Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR). – Signor Presidente, signora Commissaria, onorevoli colleghi, in Italia oltre 1,8 milioni di donne in età fertile – 15‑50 anni – hanno una diagnosi confermata di endometriosi, in Europa 14 milioni e quasi 200 milioni nel mondo. Ecco perché dobbiamo iniziare a trattarla come un problema di salute pubblica.

    La malattia colpisce tra il 10 e il 20 % delle donne in età riproduttiva, ma la diagnosi richiede circa otto‑dieci anni, nei quali si hanno conseguenze fisiche, psicologiche, sociali e professionali.

    È anche dimostrato che le donne con endometriosi hanno un aumentato rischio di sviluppare il cancro alle ovaie, alla tiroide e al seno. L’endometriosi è anche causa di infertilità, tranne se la diagnosi è tempestiva, ma le terapie per affrontarla sono, ad oggi, ancora lunghe e costose.

    La mancanza di conoscenza della malattia e la sottovalutazione del dolore espresso dalle donne hanno contribuito a un lungo ritardo nella diagnosi e nella ricerca e a un’assistenza sanitaria inadeguata. L’accesso alle cure è iniquo per le donne che vivono in Stati membri con sistemi sanitari pubblici più deboli o economicamente svantaggiati.

    L’Europa deve pertanto fare di più per colmare l’accesso alle cure e alle terapie nei diversi Stati membri dell’UE, per garantire un’assistenza uniforme e un’alta qualità, implementando i finanziamenti dedicati, come ad esempio TRENDO Project o Horizon Europe.

    Quanto fatto ad oggi, evidentemente, non basta. È necessario intervenire con misure adeguate, non solo per l’impatto fortemente negativo della malattia per la singola persona, ma anche per combattere l’inverno demografico, infatti, il saldo naturale è da anni fortemente negativo.

     
       

     

      Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE). – Mr President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, today I’m here to speak for millions of women across Europe. Women who have been ignored, misdiagnosed and dismissed for far too long. They are called hypochondriacs, pill poppers, hysterics or attention seekers simply because they are in pain. Real, chronic, paralysing pain.

    Women with endometriosis are told, that’s just the way you are. They are told pain is part of being a woman. They are told to keep on going because suffering has been normalised as feminine, but endometriosis is not an issue to endure. It is a disease, a disease that affects one out of ten women in the EU, a disease that can take up to a decade to diagnose, a disease that has destroyed organs, careers, relationships and lives.

    We face a gender‑health gap that is killing trust, delaying treatment, and violating the rights of women. The pain of women has been underestimated, pathologised and ignored simply because it is felt by women. There is not enough attention for endometriosis. Not enough research funding goes to women’s health research in general.

    For far too long, research has concentrated on male bodies. We must change that. It is changing already, but not fast enough. We call for investment in research both on diagnosis and treatment, but also on awareness raising about women’s health.

     
       

     

      Günther Sidl (S&D). – Herr Präsident, geschätzte Frau Kommissarin! Wir reden heute über die bessere Behandlung von Endometriose und in Wahrheit reden wir dabei gleichzeitig über ein tiefgreifendes Problem in unserer Gesundheitsversorgung. Unser Gesundheitssystem ist auf einem Auge ziemlich blind, nämlich auf dem Auge, das die weibliche Perspektive in der Medizin sehen sollte. Das kommt davon, weil wir die medizinische Sehschärfe bis jetzt immer nur auf den Prototyp Mann abgestimmt haben.

    Eine Medizin, die nicht erkennt, dass es unterschiedliche Ansätze braucht, um den Bedürfnissen von Frauen und Männern gerecht zu werden, wird am Ende gar keinem wirklich gerecht. Hier braucht es aber auch unter Männern eine noch viel stärkere Sensibilität. Jede Initiative, die dazu einen Beitrag liefert, ist herzlich willkommen.

    Entscheidend ist auch, dass wir als Parlament gemeinsam mit der EU-Kommission weiter Initiativen für mehr Forschung zur Endometriose setzen, auch in Zeiten von engen Budgetrahmen. Es gibt leider noch immer zu viele offene Fragen. Wir haben hier wirklich eine sehr große Verantwortung.

     
       

     

      Maria Grapini (S&D). – Domnule președinte, doamnă comisar, stimați colegi, sigur, dezbatem, așa cum spunea colegul meu, poate prea târziu. Și în ultima zi a plenarei noastre.

    Dar trebuie să punem odată la punct această problemă. Este o boală ignorată de prea mult timp, doamnă comisar. Și îmi amintesc că în 2023 am adresat scrisori și întrebări cu solicitare de răspuns oral Comisiei. Totuși, milioane de femei trăiesc în tăcere, fără diagnostic, fără tratament adecvat. Această lipsă de recunoaștere arată clar cât de profund este decalajul de gen în cercetare, finanțare și în prioritățile politicilor publice de sănătate.

    Eu cred că nu se mai poate ignora această realitate și avem nevoie de investiții în cercetare specifică pe sănătatea femeilor, formare medicală care să includă în mod serios bolile ginecologice. Simptomele, știți bine, sunt și la alte boli și de multe ori nu se cunosc. Apoi, educație sanitară. Femeile, mai ales în mediul rural, să poată să știe că trebuie să meargă. Prevenția este totdeauna mai bună decât tratamentul. Din păcate, această boală duce și la infertilitate și știm bine ce decalaj demografic, ce cădere demografică avem în Uniunea Europeană.

    Doamnă comisar, eu m-aș bucura dacă ne-ați da un răspuns. Concret, ce măsuri putem lua? Parlamentul European a calculat costuri de 30 de miliarde de euro pe concedii medicale. Și nu e vorba atât de problema banilor, cât de problema infertilității, suferinței femeilor. De aceea, vă rog, doamnă comisar, veniți către Parlament cu niște răspunsuri concrete. Ce măsuri vrem să luăm pentru această boală a femeilor, femei care suferă de mult timp în tăcere?

     
       

     

      Hadja Lahbib, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members, thank you for this debate. It may be late, but let’s say that we keep the best for the end.

    I would like to say, first of all, that I’m glad to see so many men taking the floor with passion and awareness. Thank you Mr Kelleher and thank you Mr Andriukaitis for your awareness. I’m glad also to see that we all share a common starting point, because indeed it concerns all of us, not only women. We want to ease the burden of non-communicable diseases, we want to improve health equity and better address specific matters of women’s health, and we want to give citizens a better quality of life.

    The Commission is fully committed to these goals, as we build a strong European health union that supports every citizen. We can invest in support and early diagnosis, we can invest in high-quality treatments and in training and educating health professionals, and we will continue working towards lifelong prevention and pursuing innovation in health, because, indeed, health is one of the most important treasures in our life. And yet, in recent years, it is becoming increasingly clear that we often overlook differences between women and men when it comes to research, treatments, medical care and medical conditions. Biological differences that affect diagnosis, response to treatment or to rehabilitation have been completely Ignored. Women have been excluded as research subjects, for instance, for reasons related to hormonal cycles, which would entail a potential unpredictability of the results.

    That is why principle 2 of the roadmap for women’s rights focuses on ensuring the highest standards of physical and mental health for women. It promotes that a gender lens should be embedded in all health policies and actions, and this means the promotion of gender-sensitive medical research, clinical trials, diagnostics and treatments, and a systematic collection of sex-disaggregated data.

    The roadmap furthermore commits to supporting and complementing the health action by the Member States regarding women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights in full respect of the Treaties. This includes respectful and high-quality obstetric, gynaecological, antenatal, childbirth and postnatal care, free from discrimination and combating harmful practices.

    This roadmap, as you know, will pave the way for the next gender equality strategy to be adopted ahead of International Women’s Day next year. It will be an excellent opportunity to develop concrete actions and measures that promote fairness and inclusion in health policy and contribute to creating this European health union. I look forward to receiving the European Parliament’s input on this matter. Let’s keep up this important work together.

     
       

     

      Le Président. – Le débat est clos.

     

    11. Oral explanations of vote (Rule 201)

     

      Le Président. – L’ordre du jour appelle à présent les explications de vote.

     

     

      Cristian Terheş (ECR). – Domnule președinte, am semnat și am votat în favoarea moțiunii de demitere a Ursulei von der Leyen, pentru că și ea, asemenea oricărui oficial public, trebuie să răspundă pentru acțiunile sale contrare interesului public din perioada pandemiei COVID.

    Aceasta a susținut în pandemie, ca președintă a Comisiei Europene, că produsele medicale etichetate ca vaccinuri ar fi fost, citez, „sigure și eficiente”, lucru neadevărat. În privința eficacității, cu toții am văzut că acestea nu au oprit reinfectarea și transmisia virusului, persoane injectate cu aceste produse medicale reinfectându-se și transmițând virusul. Mai mult chiar, Pfizer a recunoscut în acest Parlament că ei nici nu au testat dacă produsul lor oprește transmisia virusului.

    Referitor la siguranța acestor produse medicale, zeci de mii de europeni au murit spontan la scurt timp după injectare, după cum arată statisticile EMA. Alte foarte multe persoane au complicații și probleme de sănătate după ce s-au injectat, lucru recunoscut de tot mai multe studii.

    Contractele pentru achizițiile acestor pretinse vaccinuri conțin clauze încă nepublice, astfel încât cei care suferă după vaccinuri nu știu pe cine să tragă la răspundere. Pentru aceste abuzuri, Ursula von der Leyen trebuie să răspundă.

     

    11.2. Tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions (RC-B10-0324/2025)

     

      Le Président. – Ce point de l’ordre du jour est clos.

     

    12. Explanations of votes in writing (Rule 201)

       

    (Les explications de vote données par écrit figurent sur les pages réservées aux députés sur le site internet du Parlement.)

     

    13. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

     

      Le Président. – Le procès-verbal de la présente séance sera soumis à l’approbation du Parlement au début de la prochaine séance. S’il n’y a pas d’objection, je transmettrai dès à présent à leurs destinataires les résolutions adoptées au cours de la séance d’aujourd’hui.

     

    14. Dates of the next part-session

     

      Le Président. – La prochaine période de session aura lieu du 8 au 11 septembre 2025 à Strasbourg. À chacune et à chacun d’entre vous je souhaite de bonnes vacances et j’adresse également mes remerciements à toutes celles et à tous ceux qui ont assuré le bon fonctionnement de notre session.

     

    15. Closure of the sitting

       

    (La séance est levée à 15:47)

     

    16. Adjournment of the session

     

      Le Président. – Je déclare interrompue la session du Parlement européen. La séance est levée.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 11, 2025 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Jul 11, 2025

    Updated: Fri Jul 11 08:42:03 UTC 2025

     .

    D4
    Mon, Jul 14, 2025 – Tue, Jul 15, 2025
    D7
    Thu, Jul 17, 2025 – Fri, Jul 18, 2025

    D5
    Tue, Jul 15, 2025 – Wed, Jul 16, 2025
    D8
    Fri, Jul 18, 2025 – Sat, Jul 19, 2025

    D6
    Wed, Jul 16, 2025 – Thu, Jul 17, 2025
    (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)

    Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.

    PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.

    POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.

     Forecast Discussion

    ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
    ACUS48 KWNS 110840
    SPC AC 110840

    Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0340 AM CDT Fri Jul 11 2025

    Valid 141200Z – 191200Z

    …DISCUSSION…
    A surface cold front across the southern Great Plains early in the
    period will quickly redevelop northward into the northern Plains in
    response to strong lee cyclogenesis across the northern High Plains.
    This cyclogenesis will occur in response to a positive-tilt
    short-wave trough moving through the broadly zonal mid-level flow
    across the northern US.

    This front will move back south during the period as a seasonably
    strong high pressure builds southward into the central US in the
    wake of the aforementioned short-wave trough. Thunderstorms are
    likely to develop in the vicinity of the front/aggregate outflow
    boundary each afternoon as it moves south. However, given the lack
    of significant flow amplification as the mid-level wave crosses the
    northern US, it is likely that thunderstorms will remain displaced
    south of the requisite effective-layer shear needed to promote an
    organized severe threat identifiable at this time range.

    One exception to the idea that storms will be displaced from the
    better shear may take place on Monday/Day-4 across portions of North
    Dakota. Here, low-level moisture will surge northward in response to
    the aforementioned northern High Plains lee cyclogenesis. Steep
    mid-level lapse rates will overspread the northern Great Plains
    during the day, yielding most-unstable CAPE values ranging from 1000
    J/kg to perhaps 3000 J/kg depending on model guidance.

    However, run-to-run inconsistency in the space and time evolution of
    relevant features leads to little confidence in identifying where
    any overlap of thunderstorms, instability, and effective-layer shear
    might support severe thunderstorms. However, if model guidance
    begins to converge on potential scenarios, probabilistic delineation
    may become warranted in subsequent forecasts.

    ..Marsh.. 07/11/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vietnamese gold medalist Do The Manh: “Polytech taught me to boldly move forward”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    SPbPU Master’s graduate Do The Manh received one of the university’s highest awards – a gold medal. He studied at the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications in the field of “Secure Telecommunication Systems”. In an interview, he spoke about his path, his love for St. Petersburg and advice to future international students.

    — Congratulations on the gold medal! This is an outstanding achievement. Tell us why you chose Russia, St. Petersburg and the Polytechnic?

    — For the Vietnamese, Russia is a friendly country. Historical ties are very strong. We know that Russia has powerful technologies, especially in telecommunications — reliable, excellent systems. First, I chose a direction, then decided to study in Russia, and then I learned about the Polytechnic. It attracted me not only by the level of science, but also by the atmosphere, the beauty of the city and student life.

    — You went from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree at the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications. Why telecommunications?

    — I became interested in it back in school. I liked how Wi-Fi and the Internet worked. I wanted to understand the principles, how it was installed and how it could be improved. That’s how I decided on the direction.

    — Have your expectations from studying been met now, with a master’s degree in hand?

    – Absolutely! The knowledge turned out to be deep and very important for a future career. Expectations were fully met.

    — What were your first impressions of St. Petersburg and the Polytechnic University seven years ago?

    — The city captivated me with its beauty right away: the streets, the architecture, the sights. The number of foreign students at the Polytechnic was astounding — over 5,000! We lived in a dormitory. The Russian language was not easy, especially because of the Cyrillic alphabet. But the teachers at the preparatory faculty were amazingly kind and patient, they explained everything very specifically. It helped a lot.

    — The path to the gold medal was clearly not easy. What was the most difficult?

    — It was very difficult to combine studies with social work. I was the chairman of the Association of Vietnamese Students in St. Petersburg and a member of the association in Russia. There were many organizational matters, and sometimes the balance between studies and social work failed.

    — How did you manage to overcome this imbalance?

    — The teachers and the management helped. I knew that I could turn to them for help or advice. And I am very grateful for such support — without it, it would have been more difficult to get a medal.

    — Which subjects or teachers did you remember the most?

    — The classes of my scientific supervisor Alexander Leonidovich Gelgor were especially inspiring. He taught several subjects both in the bachelor’s and master’s programs. His lectures and seminars were incredibly interesting because they combined theory and practice. I think that not only I, but also most of the group appreciated them for this.

    — Besides the language, what difficulties did you face as a foreign student?

    — At first, it was difficult to communicate with Russian classmates. My Vietnamese friend and I stuck together, there was a certain wall. But it collapsed after a semester. We started communicating about our studies — we helped each other with assignments, we had a good school base. And then our friendship went beyond the classroom. We went for walks, spent time together.

    — Climate, food, everyday life — what was the most unusual?

    — The climate! Definitely! In Vietnam, the minimum temperature is 10°C, and in my first winter here I encountered -30°C! It was a shock. But by the second winter I got used to it — it was freezing outside, but the hostel was always warm. There were no problems with food. I really loved borscht! And Russian shashlik is not just food, but a whole atmosphere: company, new places, laughter… A special tradition.

    — Did you learn Russian from scratch at the preparatory faculty?

    — Almost. In Vietnam, I spent six months learning the basics: the alphabet, basic phrases. Serious grammar and practice began here. I even walked and talked to people on the streets on purpose — I practiced and learned a lot of interesting things about their lives and experiences. The preparatory course gave me much more than just the language.

    — What did you like most about St. Petersburg?

    — I love everything here! Over the course of seven years, the city, the people, the university, the teachers, the friends — everything has become familiar and dear.

    — Did you manage to get to know Russian culture more deeply?

    — Yes! Thanks to our work in the association, we were often invited to events by the Committee on External Relations and the Committee on Youth Policy of St. Petersburg. We tried national cuisine and learned about traditions. It is amazing how history is honored and culture is preserved here. This largely explains Russia’s place in the world.

    — What have these seven years been like for you?

    — It was a path from a schoolboy to a specialist. I matured internally, learned to manage my time, earned the respect of those around me. I received a colossal amount of baggage — not only knowledge, but also life experience.

    — What skills, professional and personal, do you consider the most valuable?

    — The ability to plan studies and life, to manage time. And respect for people — beyond any doubt.

    — What would you tell yourself 7 years ago, on your first day at the Polytechnic?

    – Don’t be shy! Act! There were moments when shyness prevented me from doing something, and then I regretted it. If you want something, do it boldly!

    — Was there anything completely unexpected, good or difficult?

    — The most unexpected and pleasant surprise was the gold medal! I didn’t even know it existed at first. I found out later, but the main goal was always to gain knowledge in order to apply it in Vietnam. The medal is a wonderful bonus to that.

    — What are your plans now? Is a Polytechnic diploma an advantage in Vietnam?

    — I’m going back to Vietnam soon to work in my specialty. There’s already a place. A Polytechnic diploma is certainly a strong advantage. Russia is known for its technologies, and Polytechnic has a high rating and teachers recognized in our field. This is appreciated.

    — Will you maintain contact with Russia?

    — Definitely! With friends, teachers, the university. And if the work requires deepening of knowledge, perhaps I will return to graduate school.

    — What is your main advice to future foreign students of the Polytechnic University?

    — Learn Russian. Don’t be shy about communicating with Russians! Plan your studies. Know how to manage your time. And most importantly: don’t be afraid to ask your teachers. They are friendly and will always help you figure things out.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Zhang Guangqing: 13 years of grassroots work, addressing people’s problems

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Zhang Guangqing, from the Dongsheng District Judicial Bureau in Ordos City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is a judicial worker with 13 years of grassroots experience. He has successfully resolved more than 1,200 different conflicts and disputes, totaling over 100 million yuan, with a settlement success rate of 96% and a 100% implementation of settlement agreements and satisfaction rate.

    Zhang Guangqing boldly innovates the work of people’s mediation, cleverly develops a new model of “Internet Mediation”, uses an online mediation platform, overcomes space-time barriers, allows data to “run” more and people to “run” less, and realizes the principle of “solving problems without leaving home”.

    In March 2023, he was recognized as the Chief People’s Mediator by the Ministry of Justice of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Through his actions, he has proven that people’s mediators are the “first line of defense” in maintaining social harmony and stability, and an indispensable force in building a rule-of-law state and a secure China.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shatters the church’s century-long effort to curate its own image

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University

    Hulu

    Reality TV series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives follows a number of social media influencers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who rose to prominence through social media, and particularly TikTok.

    The show is based in Utah, United States, where the church has its headquarters. But it stands in stark contrast with the stereotypical perception of Mormons – and especially Mormon women – the church has promoted for more than a century.

    Through its exploration of traditionally “taboo” topics such as sex, marital issues, mental illness and sexual abuse, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives clashes against the church’s carefully curated public image.

    Historical pariahs

    Historically, the church’s practice of polygamy placed it at odds with the mainstream sexual and familial norms of 19th century America.

    Polygamy had been practised by Mormons since at least the 1830s, and was officially announced as permissible by the church in 1852. The church now acknowledges its founder, Joseph Smith, married almost 40 women and teenage girls before his death in 1844.

    When Mormon missionaries began to proselytise throughout the world, newspapers criticised the practice, and Mormons were framed as sexual deviants and racialised “pariahs”. In other words, Mormons were presented as being racially different to the rest of white American society. This claim was even supported by doctors at the time.

    1904 Time cartoon by C.J. Rudd, captioned: ‘Mormon Elder Berry – out with his six year olds, who take after their mothers.’
    KUER/Religion of a Different Color: Mormonism and the Struggle for Whiteness’ (2017) by W. Paul Reeve.

    To Mormons, however, polygamy was a reintroduction of the correct form of marriage, and they pointed to biblical prophets to justify it.

    In 1862, the US congress passed a series of laws aimed at abolishing polygamy. This resulted in the arrest of church leaders and the confiscation of church-owned funds and properties in Utah.

    Then, in the 1870s, exposés written by former Mormons (particularly women) decried polygamy as evil, increasing hostility against Mormon leaders.

    Ann Eliza Webb Young, ex-wife of Mormon prophet Brigham Young, wrote the exposé ‘Wife No. 19, Or The Story of Life in Bondage’.
    Internet Archive Open Library

    In 1890, church leader Wilford Woodruff announced in a revelation known as the Manifesto that polygamy would cease. The Manifesto was accepted by most Mormons as the government’s harassment increased. However, breakaway groups called “fundamentalists” continued the practice.

    Today, Mormon scriptures continue to state polygamy is the correct form of marriage, and will exist in the afterlife.

    The stereotypical Mormon

    Since the ending of polygamy, the church has sought to establish itself as a moral equal to mainstream Christian norms, especially sexual norms. In 1995, it released a document titled Family: A Proclamation to the World which emphasised the view that heterosexual marriage and strict gender roles are divinely ordained.

    The 1995 official Mormon document, ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World’.
    BYU Scholar Arcive

    As the church has grown, it has presented its members as model citizens of the nations they reside in.

    In doing so, it has promoted unique doctrines and practices, such as sexual abstinence before marriage, and a particular health code called the Word of Wisdom which bars alcohol, tea, coffee and tobacco.

    These doctrines, and existing stereotypes of Mormons, are examined in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

    Colliding perceptions

    The 2024 release of the series caused waves in the Latter-day Saints community, with a number of Mormon-focused publications condemning it.

    Before the show was released, the church published a general statement saying media portrayals of Mormons “often rely on sensationalism and inaccuracies that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members”. It has yet to directly comment on the show.

    Nonetheless, the representation of Mormons in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is problematic for the church, because it transgresses its highly curated image of Mormonism.

    As the influencers put it, there is a desire to push back against stereotypes around Mormonism, and particularly Mormon women. These stereotypes have been crystallised by the church to combat perceptions of Mormons as sexually abhorrent, due to past practices of polygamy.

    The women in the show wear clothing that would not cover “temple garments”, the mandatory Latter-day Saint undergarments which seek to impose sexual modesty.

    There is also a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement that while the church prohibits stimulants such as tea, coffee and alcohol, Mormons within Utah and surrounds still consume other, somewhat surprising, substances. For instance, the use of ketamine in therapy is allowed when administered by a healthcare professional.

    The series also engages with topics considered taboo in the church, such as marital issues, mental health struggles and consensual sex. Even if these are being played up by the cast or producers, such discussions are lacking in broader Mormon circles.

    Importantly, there are admissions by some cast members, including one of the husbands, of being sexually abused as children. According to the cast members themselves, these disclosures are intended to empower viewers who may have had similar experiences.

    This is a powerful critique, because the Mormon church has come under intense scrutiny for its failure to properly respond to child sexual assault, both in the US and globally.

    The next steps

    The show is having a marked impact on perceptions of Mormonism, despite the church’s stance it doesn’t represent the beliefs and lifestyle of Mormons more broadly.

    For many viewers, it might be their introduction to the religion. This is concerning for adherents, and particularly for the church’s leadership.

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reunion special aired earlier this month.
    Hulu

    There are internal tools the church could use against the show’s cast members, such as disciplinary councils or excommunication. But these would be ineffective since only about half the members consider themselves “faithful” Mormons.

    It’s interesting the church has yet to condemn the show. Perhaps maintaining an image of reluctant acceptance is more important, as in recent years the church has been criticised for overreach against its own members.

    In this case, the show would be an uncomfortable reality the church will just have to live with. Either way, the damage to the stereotypical Mormon image is done.

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is available to stream on Disney+.

    Brenton Griffin was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is no longer a practising member of the church. His research is focused on the religion’s place in Australian and New Zealand popular culture, politics, and society from the 19th century to present.

    ref. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shatters the church’s century-long effort to curate its own image – https://theconversation.com/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-shatters-the-churchs-century-long-effort-to-curate-its-own-image-260418

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Announces Arrest of East Idaho Man for Alleged Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Announces Arrest of East Idaho Man for Alleged Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced that investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit arrested twenty-three-year-old Luke Birch on Thursday, June 26, 2025, for alleged sexual exploitation of a child.
    Luke Birch was charged with ten counts of possession of child exploitation material and one count of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor.
    “These charges demonstrate the excellent work our ICAC team does protecting Idaho families,” said Attorney General Labrador. “I’m grateful for our partnership with federal and local agencies who work with our ICAC Task Force to make arrests like this one.”
    The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations assisted the Idaho ICAC Task Force in the arrest. Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.  The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit works with the Idaho ICAC Task Force, a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children. Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, ICACIdaho.org. The charges listed above are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Investigators Arrest Canyon County Man for Alleged Child Sexual Exploitation

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Investigators Arrest Canyon County Man for Alleged Child Sexual Exploitation

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced that investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit arrested twenty-seven-year-old James Halma on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, for alleged child sexual exploitation. James Halma was charged with ten counts of possession of child exploitation material, one count of possession of obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children, and one count of child enticement.  “I thank my ICAC investigators for their work arresting this suspect and for the collaboration between the Nampa Police Department, Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, and our team,” said Attorney General Labrador. The Nampa Police Department and Canyon County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Idaho ICAC Task Force in the arrest. Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.  The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit works with the Idaho ICAC Task Force, a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children. Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, ICACIdaho.org. The charges listed above are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 501

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL1

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 501
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    310 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Western Iowa
    Northeast Nebraska
    Extreme Southeast South Dakota

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 310 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80
    mph likely
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter likely

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm development is anticipated within the very
    unstable airmass across central/northeast NE this afternoon.
    Environmental conditions support initial supercells capable of all
    severe hazards, including large to very large hail and tornadoes.
    Upscale growth is anticipated after the initial cellular mode, with
    the resultant convective line progressing quickly eastward. Strong
    wind gusts are possible within this line, including gusts over 75
    mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 5 miles north northwest of Broken Bow
    NE to 10 miles east of Denison IA. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 27035.

    …Mosier

    SEL1

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 501
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    310 PM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Far Western Iowa
    Northeast Nebraska
    Extreme Southeast South Dakota

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 310 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80
    mph likely
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter likely

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorm development is anticipated within the very
    unstable airmass across central/northeast NE this afternoon.
    Environmental conditions support initial supercells capable of all
    severe hazards, including large to very large hail and tornadoes.
    Upscale growth is anticipated after the initial cellular mode, with
    the resultant convective line progressing quickly eastward. Strong
    wind gusts are possible within this line, including gusts over 75
    mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 5 miles north northwest of Broken Bow
    NE to 10 miles east of Denison IA. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 27035.

    …Mosier

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW1
    WW 501 TORNADO IA NE SD 102010Z – 110300Z
    AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    5NNW BBW/BROKEN BOW NE/ – 10E DNS/DENISON IA/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM N/S /52ENE LBF – 55NNE OVR/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..70 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27035.

    LAT…LON 42589967 43079519 40899519 40419967

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU1.

    Watch 501 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (60%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Gibson Energy Confirms 2025 Second Quarter Earnings Release Date and Provides Conference Call & Webcast Details

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gibson Energy Inc. (TSX:GEI) (“Gibson” or the “Company”) announced today that it expects to release its 2025 second quarter financial and operating results on Monday, July 28, 2025, after the close of North American markets. The 2025 second quarter management’s discussion and analysis and unaudited consolidated financial statements will be available on the Company’s website at www.gibsonenergy.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Earnings Conference Call & Webcast Details
    A conference call and webcast will be held to discuss the 2025 second quarter financial and operating results at 7:00am Mountain Time (9:00am Eastern Time) on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

    To register for the call, view dial-in numbers, and obtain a dial-in PIN, please access the following URL:

    Registration is currently open and recommended at least five minutes prior to the conference call.

    This call will also be broadcast live on the Internet and may be accessed directly at the following URL:

    The webcast will remain accessible for a 12-month period at the above URL.

    About Gibson
    Gibson is a leading liquids Infrastructure company with its principal businesses consisting of the storage, optimization, processing, and gathering of liquids and refined products, as well as waterborne vessel loading. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the Company’s operations are located across North America, with core terminal assets in Hardisty and Edmonton, Alberta, Ingleside and Wink, Texas, and a facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

    Gibson shares trade under the symbol GEI and are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.gibsonenergy.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Phone: (403) 776-3077
    Email: investor.relations@gibsonenergy.com

    Media
    Phone: (403) 476-6334
    Email: communications@gibsonenergy.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Gibson Energy Confirms 2025 Second Quarter Earnings Release Date and Provides Conference Call & Webcast Details

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gibson Energy Inc. (TSX:GEI) (“Gibson” or the “Company”) announced today that it expects to release its 2025 second quarter financial and operating results on Monday, July 28, 2025, after the close of North American markets. The 2025 second quarter management’s discussion and analysis and unaudited consolidated financial statements will be available on the Company’s website at www.gibsonenergy.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Earnings Conference Call & Webcast Details
    A conference call and webcast will be held to discuss the 2025 second quarter financial and operating results at 7:00am Mountain Time (9:00am Eastern Time) on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

    To register for the call, view dial-in numbers, and obtain a dial-in PIN, please access the following URL:

    Registration is currently open and recommended at least five minutes prior to the conference call.

    This call will also be broadcast live on the Internet and may be accessed directly at the following URL:

    The webcast will remain accessible for a 12-month period at the above URL.

    About Gibson
    Gibson is a leading liquids Infrastructure company with its principal businesses consisting of the storage, optimization, processing, and gathering of liquids and refined products, as well as waterborne vessel loading. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the Company’s operations are located across North America, with core terminal assets in Hardisty and Edmonton, Alberta, Ingleside and Wink, Texas, and a facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

    Gibson shares trade under the symbol GEI and are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.gibsonenergy.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Phone: (403) 776-3077
    Email: investor.relations@gibsonenergy.com

    Media
    Phone: (403) 476-6334
    Email: communications@gibsonenergy.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Tallahassee Man of Attempting to Entice a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity

    Source: US FBI

    TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jelani Amari Petersen, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am proud of the great work by my office and our state and federal law enforcement partners to take this sex offender off our streets. This case exemplifies the mission set forth by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pamela Bondi: protect America’s children against predators like this defendant. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute such offenses to keep our most vulnerable members of the community safe from the predations of these sick individuals.”

    Trial testimony demonstrated that in September 2024, federal, state, and local law enforcement executed Operation Lifeguard, an undercover operation designed to apprehend individuals who use the Internet to sexually exploit children online. During the operation, Petersen communicated with an undercover officer who he believed to be a minor female, and expressed interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child in exchange for money. When Petersen arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location, law enforcement arrested him and searched his car. A subsequent search of his cellular phone, confirmed his communication with the undercover officers.

    Petersen faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life imprisonment, followed by a term of five years to life of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

    The case involved a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin M. Keen and Meredith Steer.

    Sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2025, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former School Custodian Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Wednesday sentenced a former high school custodian who bought child sexual abuse material to 63 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

    Bernard Ray Mennemeier uploaded five videos containing child sexual abuse material to Dropbox, triggering an FBI investigation. The FBI conducted a court-approved search of Mennemeier’s Dropbox account, and then Mennemeier’s home. Mennemeier was in possession of both child pornography and child erotica. He admitted messaging someone on Twitter who sold him child sexual abuse material “numerous” times, his plea agreement says.

    “This case was especially concerning given that Bernard Mennemeier was working in a high school at the time he possessed child sexual abuse material,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “In addition to spending 63 months in federal prison, Mennemeier will never be allowed to work around children again because he will have to register as a sex offender.”

    Mennemeier, 58, of O’Fallon, Missouri, pleaded guilty in April to one count of possession of child pornography.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former School Custodian Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Wednesday sentenced a former high school custodian who bought child sexual abuse material to 63 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

    Bernard Ray Mennemeier uploaded five videos containing child sexual abuse material to Dropbox, triggering an FBI investigation. The FBI conducted a court-approved search of Mennemeier’s Dropbox account, and then Mennemeier’s home. Mennemeier was in possession of both child pornography and child erotica. He admitted messaging someone on Twitter who sold him child sexual abuse material “numerous” times, his plea agreement says.

    “This case was especially concerning given that Bernard Mennemeier was working in a high school at the time he possessed child sexual abuse material,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “In addition to spending 63 months in federal prison, Mennemeier will never be allowed to work around children again because he will have to register as a sex offender.”

    Mennemeier, 58, of O’Fallon, Missouri, pleaded guilty in April to one count of possession of child pornography.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN calls for reversal of US sanctions on Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese

    Source: United Nations 2

    They’re calling for the decision to be reversed, warning it could undermine the wider international human rights system.

    The sanctions were announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday under a Presidential Executive Order.

    Mr. Rubio alleged that Ms. Albanese had “directly engaged with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel, without the consent of those two countries,” which he called a “gross infringement” on national sovereignty.

    The US and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute, the international treaty that established the ICC.

    Call for reversal

    In a statement issued on Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for the “prompt reversal” of the sanctions against the Human Rights Council-appointed Special Rapporteur “in response to work she has undertaken under the mandate” she is tasked with.

    Even in face of fierce disagreement, UN Member States should engage substantively and constructively, rather than resort to punitive measures,” he said.

    The UN rights chief also called for an end to attacks and threats against mandate holders appointed by the council, as well as key institutions like the ICC.

    The solution is not less, but more, debate and dialogue on the very real human rights concerns they address,” Mr. Türk urged.

    Cooperation, not reprisal

    Jürg Lauber, President of the UN Human Rights Council, also voiced regret over the punitive move by the US.

    In a statement, he highlighted that Special Rapporteurs “are an essential instrument” in fulfilling the Council’s mandate and urged all nations to “fully cooperate” with them.

    I call on all UN Member States…to refrain from any acts of intimidation or reprisal against them,” he said.

    Independent Special Rapporteurs

    Special Rapporteurs are appointed under what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.

    They are independent experts appointed to monitor and report on human rights issues worldwide. These experts serve in their personal capacity, are not UN staff and receive no financial remuneration for their work.

    They regularly report to the Geneva-based council as well as to the UN General Assembly in New York.

    In addition to the mandate on the occupied Palestinian territory, mandates exist to monitor human rights in countries such as Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Afghanistan. In all there are 46 thematic and 14 different country-based mandates.

    MIL OSI United Nations News