At its meeting this week in Hai Phong, Viet Nam, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) calls on APEC Leaders to reaffirm their commitment to open, predictable, rules-based, non-discriminatory and competitive markets.
The Chair of ABAC’s Regional Economic Integration Working Group, Anna Curzon of ABAC New Zealand, noted the region’s remarkable success in raising living standards and creating jobs and opportunities has been grounded in open markets and underpinned by the global system of trade rules. But that is now in jeopardy in the face of mounting trade tensions, policy volatility and global uncertainty.
“The current turmoil, including rising protectionism, is a distraction from the critical work of revitalizing businesses and our economies, and tackling critical challenges to achieving a prosperous, sustainable future. It poses substantial threats to the international economic outlook,” said Curzon.
“In our Open Markets Statement, we are presenting our Leaders with more than recommendations—we are offering a strategic roadmap to restore the economic dynamism that defines our region. Our ask is simple. We are urging our Leaders to help create the breathing room we need to get back to work,” concluded Curzon.
Stephanie Honey (Ms), REIWG Lead Staffer at +64 21 352 633 and [email protected] Antonio Basilio (Mr), Director of the ABAC Secretariat at +63 917 849 3351 and [email protected]
At its meeting this week in Hai Phong, Viet Nam, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) calls on APEC Leaders to reaffirm their commitment to open, predictable, rules-based, non-discriminatory and competitive markets.
The Chair of ABAC’s Regional Economic Integration Working Group, Anna Curzon of ABAC New Zealand, noted the region’s remarkable success in raising living standards and creating jobs and opportunities has been grounded in open markets and underpinned by the global system of trade rules. But that is now in jeopardy in the face of mounting trade tensions, policy volatility and global uncertainty.
“The current turmoil, including rising protectionism, is a distraction from the critical work of revitalizing businesses and our economies, and tackling critical challenges to achieving a prosperous, sustainable future. It poses substantial threats to the international economic outlook,” said Curzon.
“In our Open Markets Statement, we are presenting our Leaders with more than recommendations—we are offering a strategic roadmap to restore the economic dynamism that defines our region. Our ask is simple. We are urging our Leaders to help create the breathing room we need to get back to work,” concluded Curzon.
Stephanie Honey (Ms), REIWG Lead Staffer at +64 21 352 633 and [email protected] Antonio Basilio (Mr), Director of the ABAC Secretariat at +63 917 849 3351 and [email protected]
Amnesty’s briefing urges action to pressure Israel to end its ongoing genocide in Gaza, lift the humanitarian blockade, and dismantle its unlawful occupation and apartheid system over Palestinians
‘With the very survival of Palestinians at stake, there’s no time to waste with false promises or platitudes’ – Agnès Callamard
Amnesty International has called for next week’s high-level UN conference to discuss the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the two-state solution to focus squarely on the immediate and effective enforcement of international law – including governments’ obligations to prevent and punish genocide and apartheid, and to end Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory.
In a new briefing, Amnesty outlines a series of recommendations for governments to take meaningful action and exert the necessary pressure on Israel to end its ongoing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, lift the inhumane humanitarian blockade and dismantle its unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory and its system of apartheid imposed on all Palestinians whose rights it controls.
Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:
“If the ministers gathering in New York next week are truly committed to forging just, comprehensive and lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, the first priority must be to take concrete action to end Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and its unlawful military occupation of Palestinian territory, which has fuelled mass violations against Palestinians and enabled and entrenched Israel’s cruel system of apartheid.
“The current catastrophic crisis created by Israel in Gaza is unbearable, and states must act with urgency and resolve. Statements, condemnation and limited government actions are failing to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law.
“Genuine and meaningful action by governments must begin, first and foremost, with the demand for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, as well as the lifting of Israel’s illegal blockade. Without these fundamental urgent steps, any process aimed ataddressing the future of Palestinians lacks credibility. How such process be considered meaningful when Palestinians are being slaughtered, starved and forcibly displaced into ever-shrinking pockets of land on a daily basis?
“Governments must be unequivocal: Israel is not above the law and accountability is a priority. They must seize the opportunity presented by this conference to end their active or tacit support for Israeli violations or their self-imposed inertia. The conference must lead to a clear commitment by all states to suspend all economic activity that contributes to or is directly linked to Israel’s illegal occupation, its system of apartheid or its genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.
“With the very survival of Palestinians at stake, there’s no time to waste with false promises or platitudes. As people continue to take to the streets to demand global action and as more and more states are recognising Israel’s genocide for what it is, an empty, performative exercise would not be just tone-deaf, it would be unconscionable.
“For this conference to be anything more than a charade, governments must heed our calls. They must turn words into action that is firmly rooted in international law and protection of human rights.”
Among the recommendations, Amnesty is urgently calling on governments to:
Demand an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, ensure full, unimpeded access to all areas of Gaza and firmly reject Israel’s military-controlled, non-neutral aid distribution model. A principled, UN-led humanitarian response must be immediately restored, and funding for impartial humanitarian organisations must be maintained and expanded.
End any trade or transfers that contribute to or are linked to the genocide, apartheid or the unlawful occupation. This includes in the first place banning all weapons and surveillance equipment transfers and any military assistance to Israel. States must end preferential trade agreements and cooperation deals with Israel, including the EU-Israel Trade Agreement.
Adopt targeted sanctions against those Israeli officials most implicated in international crimes and cooperate with the International Criminal Court, including by implementing its arrest warrants.
Commit to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the rehabilitation of its people while opposing any forced displacement of Palestinians within or outside of Gaza.
Establish mechanisms for reparations and rehabilitation of Palestinians, with Israel bearing the primary financial responsibility.
Amnesty is also urgently calling on corporations and civil society:
Corporations must refuse any involvement in, or direct linkage to Israel’s unlawful actions and ensure that they are not contributing to serious human rights violations themselves.
Civil society and the public at large must continue mobilising and campaigning to demand that governments abide by their legal obligations under international law and denounce companies, banks and other economic actors that contribute to or are directly linked to Israel’s violations of international law, and demand that they stop.
Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution will take place in New York from 28 to 29 July. Agnès Callamard and other Amnesty International spokespeople will be available for interviews.
Amnesty’s Briefing and Recommendations: July 2025 High-Level Conference on the Question of Palestine and the Two-State Solution available here.
Four years since they were imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and political participation, Amnesty International today designated Eswatini Members of Parliament Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, as prisoners of conscience.
By designating Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube as prisoners of conscience, Amnesty International affirms that they should never have been arrested in the first place.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
“The imprisonment of MPs simply for speaking out is a red line that must never be crossed. Authorities must quash their convictions and sentences and immediately and unconditionally release them. Authorities must repeal or amend legislation that criminalizes human rights and political activism and bring any such legislation in line with international human rights standards.”
Their continued arbitrary detention shows Eswatini’s deepening climate of repression and misuse of the justice system to punish those who dare criticize the government.
Tigere Chagutah
“By designating Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube as prisoners of conscience, Amnesty International affirms that they should never have been arrested in the first place,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “Their continued arbitrary detention shows Eswatini’s deepening climate of repression and misuse of the justice system to punish those who dare criticise the government.”
“Amnesty International has repeatedly raised concerns over the Eswatini authorities’ increasing intolerance of peaceful dissent, including the arbitrary detention, harassment, and prosecution of activists, opposition leaders, and pro-democracy campaigners.
Background
Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested on 25 July 2021 following their vocal support for legal reforms and calls for constitutional change in Eswatini. They were convicted of trumped-up charges, including those under the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938 – laws that have been widely criticised for their vague definitions and chilling effect on human rights including the right to freedom of expression.
On 31 July 2024, the High Court of Eswatini sentenced Mabuza and Dube to 85- and 58-year jail terms, respectively.
Amnesty International’s designation of “prisoner of conscience” applies to individuals who are imprisoned or otherwise physically restricted because of their political, religious or other conscientiously held beliefs, ethnic origin, sex, colour, language, national or social origin, economic status, birth, sexual orientation, or other status – provided they have neither used nor advocated violence.
IMF endorses Plan for Change growth mission and fiscal reforms.
The IMF’s Article IV surveillance report has stated that economic recovery in the UK is underway, with growth projected at 1.2% in 2025 before gaining momentum next year.
The IMF also endorsed the government’s fiscal plans which it says strike a balance between supporting growth and safeguarding fiscal sustainability, and the Growth Mission covers the right areas to lift productivity.
Since the election the government has been clear on the need to kickstart economic growth, built on stability and investment to deliver on the Plan for Change. The publication of the IMF’s first Article IV surveillance report on the UK economy since last year’s election reveals that the UK’s economic recovery is underway, and will see the third fastest economic growth in the G7 and the fastest growth among European G7 countries.
The IMF have also endorsed the government’s fiscal framework as growth-friendly, as well as appropriately accommodating spending pressures and investment needs, while safeguarding fiscal sustainability.
Structural reform and government strategy
Through the Growth Mission, the government is restoring stability, increasing investment, and reforming the economy to drive up prosperity and living standards across every region of the UK.
The IMF recognised the bold reforms that we have launched since taking office in July 2024. We have been clear that planning reform is central to unlocking private investment. The IMF has stated that the UK’s new industrial strategy has real potential to unlock private investment and boost UK productivity in key sectors.
Trade, global integration, and external environment
Given the high level of uncertainty emanating from the external environment, the IMF has stated that the government should continue advocating for a stable global trading system and welcomes recent efforts to strike trade agreements with key partners, including the EU, India, and the US, demonstrating a commitment to finding common ground and establishing a more predictable environment for UK exporters.
Scotland gets £66 million transport boost as part of record Spending Review settlement
Today (25 July) the Chancellor will visit Paisley to announce £66 million of investment in Scottish transport.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces millions for West of Scotland transport links and extra funding to explore upgrades to the A75.
Investment follows the Industrial Strategy which boosted Advanced Manufacturing clusters and the Spending Review which delivered a record settlement for Scottish public services.
Funding is part of Government’s plan to invest in the economy right across the UK.
The investment will help workers access jobs in high growth sectors supercharged by the government’s modern Industrial Strategy and Spending Review.
The UK Government is boosting investment across Scotland through two investment zones and multiple industrial sites from the North East of Scotland Investment Zone to the Prestwick Aerospace Cluster.
This £66 million will work alongside these investments to fund three Scottish transport schemes and create direct links between towns and economic hubs in the West of Scotland.
Renfrewshire Council will get £38.7 million to link Paisley town centre with Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. New walking, cycling, bus and car links will be built so local people can benefit from the growth of high value manufacturing in Renfrewshire.
Another £23.7 million will be given to North Ayrshire Council to upgrade the B714. This upgrade will see a much faster route between the Three Towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston to Glasgow, and cut traffic in Kilwinning. The Chancellor prioritised finding this cash during last month’s Spending Review, which also saw billions invested in Scotland’s growth sectors.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:
We’re pledging billions to back Scottish jobs, industry and renewal – that’s why we’re investing in the major transport projects, including exploring upgrades to the A75, that local communities have been calling for.
Whilst previous governments oversaw over a decade of decline of our transport infrastructure, we’re investing in Britain’s renewal. This £66 million investment is exactly what our Plan for Change is about, investing in what matters to you in the places that you live.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government will be given an extra £3.45 million to suggest upgrades to the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway. The key road, which links the Cairnryan port serving Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK, is vital to UK connectivity and growing the economy. This new money comes on top of the up-to-£5 million announced at the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024.
As part of a wider investment strategy in Scotland the Spending Review saw around £200 million committed to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, subject to business cases, and £8.3 billion confirmed for Great British Energy, strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the UK’s clean energy revolution.
A multi-decade, multi-billion project to secure jobs at HM Naval Base Clyde was also kickstarted with an initial £250 million investment.
Whilst in Scotland the Chancellor will also visit the Edinburgh Supercomputer, which will receive up to £750 million in UK Government funding, later on Friday. The funding, announced during the Chancellor’s Spending Review will ensure that Scotland becomes home to the UK’s most powerful Supercomputer, supporting Scottish research and development, and industry.
The Spending Review delivered a record settlement for Scottish public services, with the Scottish Government’s largest settlement, in real terms, since devolution in 1998. Scottish Government’s settlement is growing in real terms between 2024-25 and 2028-29. This translates into an average of £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29.
Scotland Secretary, Ian Murray, said:
This £66 million investment in Scotland’s roads demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and driving economic growth in all parts of the UK as part of our Plan for Change. This investment will make a real difference to people’s daily lives and to the local economies of the South of Scotland, Ayrshire and Renfrewshire.
New road links will connect Paisley town centre with Glasgow Airport and the new advanced manufacturing innovation district, to boost high value manufacturing in Renfrewshire. The upgrade to the B714 will speed up journeys between Glasgow and the three towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston, as well as cutting traffic in Kilwinning. And the A75 is strategically important just not within but beyond Scotland. Its upgrading is long overdue. I am pleased that the UK Government has stepped up to fund the delivery of the A75 feasibility study in full.
This investment is yet another example of how the UK Government is building the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous future that benefits communities right across Scotland.
More information
As strategic roads in Scotland are the Scottish Government’s responsibility, any future upgrades to the A75 will be funded from the Scottish Government’s block grant.
The Ayrshire and Renfrewshire projects are part of a £378m UK-wide Levelling Up Fund cash boost, upgrading transport links across Britain, which will also be announced today.
Building work on the LUF projects will be able to start as final business cases are given the green light by the Department for Transport.
Crime cutting courts to target prolific offending hotspots
Communities blighted by prolific offenders will be better protected as part of an expansion of revolutionary new courts aimed at cutting less serious crime.
Tough Texas-style courts to be rolled out across the country
Less serious offenders to be strictly monitored by judges or risk returning to prison
New sites to target communities tormented by prolific offending and make streets safer, as part of Plan for Change
The expansion of the Intensive Supervision Courts – which are based on tough Texas-style punishment – builds on Plans for Change aims to tackle the root causes of criminal behaviour and slash reoffending.
This will see offenders found guilty of committing crimes such as theft while facing issues like addiction or trauma attend necessary treatments and regularly appear before the same judge who can track their behaviour. Those who fail to attend will face tough consequences including time in prison.
This crime-cutting model, will target communities tormented by prolific offending and will combine strict judicial oversight with tailored support, led by the Probation Service.
These tough community sentences have seen positive results in reducing reoffending across the world, with countries using this model seeing further arrests cut by a third compared to people on a standard sentence.
The announcement follows the Lord Chancellor’s record £700m investment in the Probation Service and is the first measure to be rolled out by the Government in response to David Gauke’s Independent Sentencing Review, which recommended further use of the crime cutting courts.
The Lord Chancellor and former Justice Secretary David Gauke visited Texas in February to see first-hand how its expansion of problem-solving courts had helped drive a significant reduction in the prison estate and a 25% drop in drug charges over a 15-year period.
Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending Minister, Lord Timpson said:
Drug and alcohol addiction fuels much of the crime we see, and we won’t cut crime until repeat offenders face up to their behaviour.
Intensive Supervision Courts demand more than a short prison stay; they demand real work. As part of our Plan for Change, we are increasing the number of these courts, which will see prolific offenders doing the hard work to turn their lives around under vigorous supervision and held accountable for their actions.
The expansion builds on the success of four existing pilots, in Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Teesside which have seen more than 200 offenders receive tough supervision in a bid to help them leave behind a life of crime.
A recent evaluation of the pilot scheme showed offenders with significant addiction issues received a clean drug test two-thirds of the time and were only sanctioned for bad behaviour less than a quarter of the time, clear evidence that the model is working.
Additionally, probation staff, the judiciary and local services like drug treatment providers have reported that offenders’ drug and alcohol use has reduced and those requiring help with their mental health were now receiving the right support to help cut their offending.
Commenting on the expansion, Pavan Dhaliwal, Chief Executive of Revolving Doors said:
Intensive Supervision Courts offer the opportunity to tackle the unmet health and social needs that trap people in the revolving door of reoffending and instead divert people into the support they need.
There is promising evidence of such success in the existing pilot areas, so a further expansion of ISCs is a welcome step towards the wraparound support which is key to tackling the root causes of offending and breaking the cycle of crisis and crime.
Revolving Doors is a national charity dedicated to breaking the cycle of crime, they carried out an evaluation report on Intensive Supervision Courts.
The £700 million pledge for the Probation Service, an almost 45% increase in funding, will support the expansion of these courts and see tens of thousands more offenders can be tagged and monitored in the community.
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Polytechnic University received a delegation from the regional branch of the Young Industrialists Club in St. Petersburg. The visit included a rich program aimed at developing sustainable professional ties between the university and representatives of the industrial sphere.
The key event was the signing of a cooperation agreement, which secured the course for long-term cooperation between the Polytechnic University and the club.
“Today, it is especially important not only to maintain ties between the university and industry, but also to translate them into a format of real joint action. Signing an agreement with the Young Industrialists Club is a step towards strengthening mutual understanding, sharing experience and project cooperation. We view this cooperation as long-term and strategically important for both parties,” shared SPbPU First Vice-Rector Vitaly Sergeev.
“Cooperation with the Polytechnic University is an important stage in the implementation of our ambitious goals. I am confident that live interaction with the engineering and scientific community of SPbPU will become a solid foundation for further development,” said Ilya Vinogradov, head of the regional branch of the Young Industrialists Club in St. Petersburg, co-founder of ZD Vision Distribution, and a Polytechnic University graduate.
The guests visited the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, including the laboratory of lightweight materials and structures and the laboratory of “Design of materials and additive manufacturing”. The delegates also inspected the site of the research laboratory “Laser and additive technologies” (NRL “LiAT” IMMiT).
During the tour, the polytechnicians paid special attention to technological solutions in the field of additive manufacturing and laser welding, which are actively developing at the university.
“We see the club not just as partners, but as allies in the implementation of advanced technological solutions in the real sector of the economy. Such cooperation is a resource that strengthens both sides,” emphasized Mikhail Kuznetsov, head of the Research Laboratory “LiAT” of IMMiT.
At the end of the visit, the parties discussed areas of future cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects and the integration of scientific solutions into business practice.
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.
This narrative analysis highlights how twelve countries are confronting the realities of extreme heat through diverse governance models, partnerships, and innovations. The case studies span multiple regions and development contexts-Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Ecuador, Egypt, France, India, Senegal, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States-offering a cross-cutting view of what’s working, where gaps remain, and how national strategies are evolving in the face of escalating climate threats.
Some of the common lessons from the case studies include:
Successful implementation of heat action plans requires active engagement and participation of local communities.
Addressing extreme heat requires coordinated involvement from sectors including health, urban planning, agriculture, and disaster management.
Robust early warning systems are essential for prompt and effective dissemination of heat alerts and advisories
Investing in heatresilient infrastructure, such as green spaces, cool roofs, and energy-efficient buildings, helps mitigate the impacts of extreme heat
Enhancing the capacity of healthcare systems to manage heat-related illnesses through training, resource allocation, and infrastructure improvements is critical for reducing heatrelated morbidity and mortality.
This synthesis report identifies best practices and persistent challenges to provide a structured framework for improving heat resilience based on evaluations of heat action plans from six countries-Australia, Canada, France, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It advocates for an adaptable governance framework, proposing that national guidance related to HAPs incorporate adaptable core elements, such as standardized heat risk definitions, clear agency roles, multi-sector coordination, and early warning systems
Key takeaways for future action
Harmonizing Short-Term Response with Long-Term Planning – While immediate interventions like cooling centres and health advisories effectively mitigate acute health risks, incorporating durable infrastructure and climate-resilient urban planning into HAPs will better prepare communities for evolving climate realities
Advancing Sectoral Integration for Comprehensive Heat Management – A multi-sectoral approach, encompassing health, urban infrastructure, emergency response, and social services, is essential for addressing heat impacts holistically.
Aligning National HAPs with International Standards – Global standards, such as WHO’s health guidelines, UNDRR’s resilience frameworks, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, provide valuable benchmarks for HAP design and evaluation.
Opportunities for Strategic Public-Private Engagement Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are instrumental in addressing specific needs within HAPs, from deploying cooling solutions to advancing predictive technologies for early warning systems.
This report examines the current landscape of extreme heat management among United Nations entities and International Organizations (UN entities and IOs), identifying challenges, opportunities, and strategies for improving collaboration and governance to support this call to action.
Key finidngs from the report include:
Collaboration & Engagement – UN and other entities have produced substantial work related to extreme heat, but much of this is conducted with limited inter-organizational collaboration, reducing its impact. Entities at lower stages on the heat resilience curve tend to have fewer collaborative relationships, indicating a need for targeted support and partnership building.
Resource & Capacity Challenges – Current efforts within UN and other entities are hampered by limited funding, expertise, and institutional support. While most entities agree that extreme heat aligns with their mission and mandate, competing priorities challenge resource allocation.
Governance & Integration – Heat resilience efforts are typically integrated into broader climate resilience initiatives rather than developed as stand-alone programmes. UN and other entities recognize the critical importance of strengthening heat risk governance and promoting integrated planning at national and local levels.
Building on OECD indicators monitoring historical exposure to climate-related hazards, this paper develops forward-looking indicators to monitor exposure of people and agriculture (cropland and livestock) to three major climate-related hazard types (extreme temperature, extreme precipitation, and drought). The methodology relies on climate multi-model ensembles covering a range of emission scenarios, from very low to very high. Results indicate that exposure to extreme temperature, precipitation, and drought is projected to worsen over the century in many countries, with considerable variation within and between countries.
The presentation of indicator results in this paper focusses on 50 OECD member and partner countries but results for all countries globally are available online. Mean temperatures are projected to increase by +4.2°C across the OECD and +3.5°C in OECD partner countries by the end of the century under a high-emissions scenario. Cold and polar regions are expected to warm more than tropical and temperate regions, with faster warming at Earth’s poles. Extreme precipitation events are projected to increase in certain regions, especially Northern Europe, while prolonged hydrological drought is likely in regions such as Southern Europe and central parts of South America, under a high-emissions scenario. Projected data carry more uncertainty than historical observations due to model structure, climate scenario assumptions and natural climate variability. Further research is needed to address data gaps and model uncertainties, particularly given the growing urgency of adapting to worsening climate-related hazards.
The era of completely free digital transactions via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) may not last forever, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday, adding that the UPI framework should be made financially sustainable going forward.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Malhotra said the current model—where users pay no fees and the government subsidises banks and other stakeholders—may not be viable in the long run.
“Costs will have to be paid. Someone will have to bear the cost,” he said, adding that while UPI is currently a zero-charge platform, it comes with operational expenses.
“Payments and money are a lifeline. We need a universally efficient system. As of now, there are no charges. The government is subsidising various players such as banks and other stakeholders in the UPI payments system. Obviously, some costs have to be paid,” the RBI Governor said.
“Any important infrastructure must bear fruits,” he added. “For any service to be sustainable, its cost should be paid—whether collectively or by the user.”
Malhotra’s remarks come at a time when UPI has reached unprecedented scale, with the backend infrastructure—largely maintained by banks, payment service providers, and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)—under increasing pressure.
Since the government mandated zero Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for RuPay debit cards and BHIM-UPI transactions in December 2019, there has been no revenue stream for service providers. The MDR, typically ranging from 1–3% of the transaction value, was earlier borne by merchants.
Industry players have flagged the financial unsustainability of the model and have urged the reintroduction of MDR or an alternative cost-sharing mechanism. It remains unclear whether the government plans to revise the current policy or pass on some of the burden to users.
UPI processed over ₹24.03 lakh crore through 18.39 billion transactions in June, surpassing global payment giants like Visa. The platform now accounts for nearly 85% of India’s digital transactions and about 50% of all real-time digital payments globally.
Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone by successfully testing the nation’s first hydrogen-powered coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Friday.
“First hydrogen-powered coach (Driving Power Car) successfully tested at ICF, Chennai. India is developing a 1,200 HP hydrogen train. This will place India among the leaders in hydrogen-powered train technology,” Vaishnaw shared in a post on X.
The test marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to transition towards clean and green transportation alternatives. The hydrogen coach is part of a broader vision by Indian Railways to deploy 35 hydrogen-powered trains under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative. These trains are intended to operate on heritage and hill routes across the country, with an estimated cost of ₹80 crore per train and an additional ₹70 crore for supporting ground infrastructure per route.
Indian Railways has also initiated a pilot project to retrofit an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) with a hydrogen fuel cell. The project, including the installation of ground infrastructure, is being implemented at a cost of ₹111.83 crore and is planned to run on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway.
While the running cost of hydrogen-based trains is yet to be firmly established in the Indian context, initial estimates suggest higher operational costs that are expected to decrease as the number of hydrogen trains increases. Beyond economic considerations, hydrogen fuel is widely recognized for its environmental benefits, including zero carbon emissions, making it a key component of India’s clean energy transition strategy.
India’s push toward hydrogen mobility extends beyond the railway sector. In 2024, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, showcased the country’s progress in green hydrogen energy push by presenting a hydrogen-fuelled bus, developed by Indian Oil, to the visiting Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, during his official visit.
The Government’s Employment Linked Incentive Scheme, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, will come into effect from August 1.
With a significant outlay of ₹99,446 crore, PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) is expected to generate over 3.5 crore jobs across sectors in the next two years. Out of these, 1.92 crore beneficiaries are projected to be first-time entrants into the formal workforce. The scheme will be applicable to all eligible jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.
The PM-VBRY is structured in two parts. Part A focuses on first-time employees registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). These individuals, earning up to ₹1 lakh per month, will receive EPF-linked incentives up to ₹15,000 in two installments – after six and twelve months of continuous service. The second installment will be released only after successful completion of a financial literacy programme. To promote saving habits, part of the benefit will be locked in a fixed deposit or savings instrument, to be withdrawn later.
Part B of the scheme targets employers across sectors, especially manufacturing, by offering incentives for creating new jobs. Employers registered with EPFO will be eligible for financial support of up to ₹3,000 per new employee per month for a period of two years, with an extended benefit up to four years for those in manufacturing. To qualify, establishments with fewer than 50 employees must hire at least two new workers, while those with 50 or more employees must hire at least five, with sustained employment for a minimum of six months.
The incentive amount will vary based on the employee’s EPF wage slab – ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per month. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System will be used for transferring funds to employees, while employers will receive payments directly into their PAN-linked accounts.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, July 25 — General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), met with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir in Beijing on Friday.
General Zhang congratulated Asim Munir on his appointment as Field Marshal of the Pakistani Army, stating that military relations between China and Pakistan are an important pillar of bilateral relations and that military cooperation between the two sides have achieved fruitful results in various fields. The two sides should resolutely implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen strategic communication, enhance exchanges and interactions, and deepen practical cooperation.
General Zhang noted that the Chinese side will adhere to the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and work together with Pakistan to promote regional peace and development, and build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. China is willing to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan and hopes that the Pakistani side will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.
Asim Munir said that the ironclad brotherhood between China and Pakistan is comprehensive and the Pakistani people have special friendly feelings to China. Pakistan highly appreciates and supports the major concepts and initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and is willing to deepen and expand practical cooperation with China in all fields to promote the bilateral relations between the two countries and their militaries to new heights. Pakistan will make all efforts to combat terrorism and protect the Chinese friends in Pakistan.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC) and relevant central ministries held the eighth Joint Conference on Advancing Hong Kong’s Full Participation in & Contribution to the Belt & Road Initiative in Beijing today.
NDRC Vice Chairman Zhou Haibing attended the conference, together with representatives from the commission, the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State-owned Assets Supervision & Administration Commission of the State Council, and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, in his capacity as chairperson of the Working Group on Belt & Road Development under the Steering Group on Integration into National Development, led Hong Kong officials to attend the conference.
He pointed out that the Hong Kong SAR Government has been taking forward Belt-Road collaboration to go deeper and deliver outcomes, fully participating in and contributing to the initiative under the guidance of the major steps the country has taken to support high-quality co-operation, so as to facilitate Hong Kong’s integration into overall national development.
With the country’s support, Hong Kong will deepen international exchanges and actively utilise its advantages to exert a greater role in the nation’s high-level opening up to the world, Mr Lam added.
The justice chief also said the Hong Kong SAR Government is exploring emerging markets such as the Middle East, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other Belt & Road countries, while making full use of the city’s professional services, thereby building it as a gateway between the country and the world.
He expressed gratitude to the central government for the staunch support of hosting the International Organization for Mediation headquarters in Hong Kong, which will strengthen its roles as an international dispute resolution services centre and a hub for international mediation.
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, who was also at the conference, noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will fully capitalise on the 10th Belt & Road Summit to showcase the city’s roles as an active participant and the premier platform to the Mainland and overseas.
At the meeting, Mr Yau reported on Hong Kong’s progress in carrying out Belt & Road work, including the ongoing pursuit of Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, pursuit of early conclusion of ongoing negotiations for free trade and investment agreements, and more.
Today’s session also covered the work proposals on further promoting the Belt & Road Initiative put forward for consideration by central ministries. Relevant Mainland ministries introduced their work in supporting Hong Kong’s participation in and contribution to the initiative and provided feedback on the work proposals.
The EIB has approved a new €100 million credit line to Banca Ifis to make it easier for Italian pharmacies to access finance.
Banca Ifis will match the EIB’s contribution with its own resources, bringing the total funding for businesses to €200 million.
At least €60 million will go to pharmacies managed by women. This operation brings the total investments supported by the EIB and Banca Ifis to €800 million since 2019.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banca Ifis have signed a €200 million agreement to back the development of pharmacies in Italy, with a particular focus on female entrepreneurs and cohesion. The signature was announced today by EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Banca Ifis Vice-President Rosalba Benedetto.
“This agreement marks a further step towards a more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable economy. Backing small and medium companies strengthens a country’s business environment and becomes even more of a strategic imperative when access to finance means new opportunities for female entrepreneurs, promoting growth, innovation and social cohesion,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti.
“This agreement confirms our support for Italian small and medium companies and our commitment to backing gender equality and female entrepreneurship. The pharmacies we are backing with sector specialist Banca Credifarma provide access to local primary care services and are a vital focal point for local communities. This agreement reinforces our years-long journey with an institution at the highest echelons of the European Union – the EIB – which has always put environmental, social and governance issues at the heart of its initiatives with the aim of accelerating the sustainable transition of our economy,” said Banca Ifis Vice-President Rosalba Benedetto.
In concrete terms, the agreement states that EIB will provide Banca Ifis with €100 million by signing two contracts of €50 million each, opening a credit line with favourable interest rates. Banca Ifis will match the amount provided by the EIB, bringing the total funding offered to Italian pharmacies to €200 million. The loan will be granted by Banca Credifarma, a Banca Ifis-controlled financial institution specialised in supporting the needs of pharmacies.
Of the €200 million total, at least 30% (over €60 million) will back female entrepreneurs in pharmacies meeting the following criteria: i) at least 51% owned by women; ii) managed by a woman; iii) implementing inclusive policies promoting female employment, exceeding the national sector average. A particular focus will be placed on pharmacies located in cohesion regions.
The agreement signed today is the sixth between the EIB and Banca Ifis, with the two organisations providing over €800 million to Italian small and medium companies since 2019. This is also the EIB’s first credit line to focus solely on the Italian pharmacy sector.
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality. In the last five years, the EIB Group has provided more than €58 billion in financing for projects in Italy. All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. The EIB Group does not fund investments in fossil fuels. We are on track to deliver on our commitment to support €1 trillion in climate and environmental sustainability investment in the decade to 2030 as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Over half of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a healthier environment. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower.
Banca Ifis
Banca Ifis is an Italian challenger bank providing specialty finance services for the real economy. Founded in 1983, it is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange and has around 2 000 employees. Banca Ifis’ business model mainly focuses on three pillars: commercial and corporate banking services; acquisition and management of non-performing loan portfolios in the small tickets unsecured segment; and retail savings solutions with the Rendimax 20-year deposit account. Its 40-year presence on the market means that Banca Ifis can anticipate businesses’ needs, supporting them on a day-to-day basis with tailored financial solutions. Technological innovation research and ongoing digital transformation are enabling the bank to expand its range of products and services and to improve the quality and speed of service to businesses. It implements its sustainable business approach by seeking solutions promoting the environmental transition and inclusion.
To this end, Banca Ifis created the Kaleidos social impact lab to help spread of a more equitable, inclusive and supportive culture. Created under the auspices of Chairman Ernesto Fürstenberg Fassio, the initiative is backed by a proprietary social impact measurement model enabling Banca Ifis to measure positive impact inside and outside the company. In 2025, the bank successfully acquired illimity Bank in a public takeover and exchange offer that launched a new development phase in which Banca Ifis aims to consolidate its leadership in the Italian specialty finance market.
The European Investment Bank is investing €20 million in Greek foodtech company STIQ to support innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable food delivery solutions.
The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will help STIQ scale up its technology platform, reduce food waste, and expand into new European markets.
The project promotes digital transformation and economic cohesion, by supporting a Greece-based start-up bringing cutting-edge innovation to the traditional food services sector.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is investing €20 million in STIQ, a fast-growing Greek foodtech company pioneering AI-powered cloud kitchen technology. The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will support the company’s R&D, digital innovation and international expansion, helping transform the future of food delivery in Europe through smarter, more sustainable and scalable operations.
The investment is part of the EIB’s strategic focus on digital transformation, innovation and cohesion, and reflects its continued support for high-potential technology ventures in Southern and Eastern Europe. Structured as venture debt with quasi-equity features, the financing will enable STIQ to accelerate the development of its proprietary platform, deploy advanced AI features, and expand its operational footprint beyond Greece into new EU markets.
EIB Vice-President Yiannis Tsakiris, said: “This investment reflects the EIB’s firm commitment to supporting innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship across Europe. STIQ is reshaping the food delivery model through technology, and we are proud to support a Greek company that is building scalable, sustainable solutions with European reach.”
Strategic impact and EU policy alignment
The EIB financing is backed by the InvestEU programme under the “Future Technologies” window and addresses key market gaps in access to growth capital for early-stage European tech companies. It reflects the EU’s broader commitment to:
Accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence and advanced digital services
Enhancing food system resilience through innovation and data
Reducing environmental impact in urban logistics and delivery networks
· Supporting economic cohesion by investing in regions with high growth potential but limited access to venture financing.
Scaling foodtech innovation from Greece to Europe
Founded in Athens in 2022, STIQ has quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the virtual restaurant (cloud kitchen) space. Its model integrates software, logistics and food operations into a single platform that allows multiple digital restaurant brands to be prepared and delivered efficiently from a network of culinary hubs.
Key features of the platform include:
AI-powered demand forecasting, dynamic menu engineering and inventory optimisation
Smart routing and grouped order delivery, reducing CO₂ emissions and delivery time
Data-driven operations that enhance consistency, food safety, and customer satisfaction.
With five live kitchen hubs in Athens, serving over 20 brands to a potential market of 3 million residents, STIQ currently employs 200 staff and plans to reach 30 hubs across Europe by 2029. The company is scaling rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on food quality, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, including zero-waste targets and the adoption of electric delivery fleets.
Konstantinos Davaris, Founder & CEO of STIQ said: “We are thrilled to welcome the European Investment Bank as a strategic partner in our mission to redefine fast-casual dining. At StiQ, we’re leading a new era of healthy eating by blending cutting-edge technology and AI with culinary excellence. Through our diverse portfolio of brands, including Protein Garden, Dinas, Healthy Concept, and more, we deliver
delicious, nutritious, and affordable meals that make healthy dining accessible to everyone. With EIB’s support, we’re ready to scale our vision, fostering a more sustainable, health-conscious future for communities worldwide.”
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers.Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
About InvestEU
The InvestEU programme brings together EU financial tools to support investment, innovation and job creation. Through an EU budget guarantee and cooperation with partners such as the EIB, it aims to mobilise more than €372 billion in investment during 2021–2027 across strategic sectors and regions.
About STIQ
STIQ is an AI-driven foodtech company operating a digital platform of cloud kitchens and virtual restaurant brands. Headquartered in Cyprus and founded in Athens, it combines technology, culinary expertise and logistics to deliver smarter, faster and more sustainable food services. The company has raised over €10 million to date and is now entering its European growth phase.
The European Investment Bank is investing €20 million in Greek foodtech company STIQ to support innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable food delivery solutions.
The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will help STIQ scale up its technology platform, reduce food waste, and expand into new European markets.
The project promotes digital transformation and economic cohesion, by supporting a Greece-based start-up bringing cutting-edge innovation to the traditional food services sector.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is investing €20 million in STIQ, a fast-growing Greek foodtech company pioneering AI-powered cloud kitchen technology. The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will support the company’s R&D, digital innovation and international expansion, helping transform the future of food delivery in Europe through smarter, more sustainable and scalable operations.
The investment is part of the EIB’s strategic focus on digital transformation, innovation and cohesion, and reflects its continued support for high-potential technology ventures in Southern and Eastern Europe. Structured as venture debt with quasi-equity features, the financing will enable STIQ to accelerate the development of its proprietary platform, deploy advanced AI features, and expand its operational footprint beyond Greece into new EU markets.
EIB Vice-President Yiannis Tsakiris, said: “This investment reflects the EIB’s firm commitment to supporting innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship across Europe. STIQ is reshaping the food delivery model through technology, and we are proud to support a Greek company that is building scalable, sustainable solutions with European reach.”
Strategic impact and EU policy alignment
The EIB financing is backed by the InvestEU programme under the “Future Technologies” window and addresses key market gaps in access to growth capital for early-stage European tech companies. It reflects the EU’s broader commitment to:
Accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence and advanced digital services
Enhancing food system resilience through innovation and data
Reducing environmental impact in urban logistics and delivery networks
· Supporting economic cohesion by investing in regions with high growth potential but limited access to venture financing.
Scaling foodtech innovation from Greece to Europe
Founded in Athens in 2022, STIQ has quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the virtual restaurant (cloud kitchen) space. Its model integrates software, logistics and food operations into a single platform that allows multiple digital restaurant brands to be prepared and delivered efficiently from a network of culinary hubs.
Key features of the platform include:
AI-powered demand forecasting, dynamic menu engineering and inventory optimisation
Smart routing and grouped order delivery, reducing CO₂ emissions and delivery time
Data-driven operations that enhance consistency, food safety, and customer satisfaction.
With five live kitchen hubs in Athens, serving over 20 brands to a potential market of 3 million residents, STIQ currently employs 200 staff and plans to reach 30 hubs across Europe by 2029. The company is scaling rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on food quality, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, including zero-waste targets and the adoption of electric delivery fleets.
Konstantinos Davaris, Founder & CEO of STIQ said: “We are thrilled to welcome the European Investment Bank as a strategic partner in our mission to redefine fast-casual dining. At StiQ, we’re leading a new era of healthy eating by blending cutting-edge technology and AI with culinary excellence. Through our diverse portfolio of brands, including Protein Garden, Dinas, Healthy Concept, and more, we deliver
delicious, nutritious, and affordable meals that make healthy dining accessible to everyone. With EIB’s support, we’re ready to scale our vision, fostering a more sustainable, health-conscious future for communities worldwide.”
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers.Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
About InvestEU
The InvestEU programme brings together EU financial tools to support investment, innovation and job creation. Through an EU budget guarantee and cooperation with partners such as the EIB, it aims to mobilise more than €372 billion in investment during 2021–2027 across strategic sectors and regions.
About STIQ
STIQ is an AI-driven foodtech company operating a digital platform of cloud kitchens and virtual restaurant brands. Headquartered in Cyprus and founded in Athens, it combines technology, culinary expertise and logistics to deliver smarter, faster and more sustainable food services. The company has raised over €10 million to date and is now entering its European growth phase.
Question for written answer E-002938/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 José Cepeda (S&D)
During the exchange of views on the priorities of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 15 July 2025 in the Committee on Legal Affairs, the current Council Presidency stated that it was ready to restart negotiations on the ‘standard essential patents’ file once the Commission definitively decides whether or not to withdraw the proposal.
The problems that arise during negotiations between companies that hold essential patents and other companies that need to use patent-protected technology to develop their products, for example in the automotive and domestic appliance industries, remain unresolved. The regulation would help many EU companies, particularly SMEs, by balancing their positions in negotiations with third parties on an issue as sensitive as telecommunications patents.
In light of the answer to question E-001708/2025[1] and the answer given by the EU Council Presidency:
What is the Commission planning to do in relation to the proposal?
Question for written answer E-002933/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Carolina Morace (The Left)
An Italian resident in Greece has reported serious incidents of domestic violence by her former spouse, including documented beatings of their children, who are minors. Despite complaints, psychological reports and statements from children, the man has been acquitted, against a backdrop that suggests a biased approach to justice and that external pressure was applied .
The Istanbul Convention, ratified by the EU and Greece, imposes clear prevention and victim protection measures. It is complemented by Directive (EU) 2024/1385, which lays down binding obligations on Member States with regard to the protection of victims, the recognition of the rights of child witnesses and victims of violence, along with effective and non-discriminatory judicial procedures.
The case also raises doubts about observance of fundamental rights, including the protection of children and the prohibition of inhuman treatment, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
In the light of the above:
1.Is the Commission aware of any similar cases, particularly in Greece?
2.Does it take the view that Greece is in breach of its obligations under EU law, the Istanbul Convention and Directive (EU) 2024/1385?
3.What instruments will it use to ensure that European children exposed to domestic violence are properly protected?
Question for written answer E-003001/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE)
The cold treatment applied to certain citrus fruit imports from third countries is an essential tool that prevents pests from entering the Union and threatening EU production. However, this mandatory procedure currently only applies to products such as oranges and not to equally vulnerable citrus fruits such as mandarins and grapefruits. Excluding these fruits is a source of concern for EU producers, who warn that the practice could lead to phytosanitary risks and unfair competition, especially in production regions such as southern and eastern Spain. In recent months, over 70 % of interceptions of pests in imported citrus fruit from third countries was connected to mandarins and grapefruits.
In light of these concerns:
1.Will the Commission reinforce and extend the mandatory cold treatment procedure to all citrus fruit imports – including mandarins and grapefruits – to ensure effective phytosanitary protection?
2.What control and monitoring mechanisms is the Commission applying to ensure that cold treatments are done on the product and not simply in the container?
Question for written answer E-002781/2025/rev.1 to the Commission Rule 144 Lina Gálvez (S&D)
The Granada municipal council has approved a project to build three photovoltaic plants covering over 30 000 m² in Granada’s Albaicín district – more specifically, in the Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicín UNESCO World Heritage site as well as in the Darro valley, which is a Spanish Site of Cultural Interest.
This project affects the view of a World Heritage site (Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicín) and a Spanish Site of Cultural Interest (Darro valley), as well as their respective buffer zones.
In light of reports warning about the impact the project will have on an area at high risk of desertification, the damage it will cause to the surrounding landscape and the existence of a unique archaeological site in the same area:
1.Does the Commission believe that this project complies with EU legislation protecting cultural heritage, in particular the Council of Europe Landscape Convention (ETS 174) and environmental legislation?
2.What action could the Commission take to both ensure the project complies with EU rules safeguarding cultural heritage and landscapes of outstanding value, and review the legality of the project’s approval under the existing legal framework?
The financing will be used to build five innovative plants that will convert more than 200 000 tonnes of waste a year into raw materials for industry.
Approximately 50% of the financing will come from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the other 50% from Santander.
The project supports the circular economy, climate action and cohesion between regions.
Greene Enterprise has signed a €224 million financing deal with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Santander to build five innovative industrial plants in Spain for the treatment of non-recyclable waste. Greene is a Spanish company offering an innovative technology solution for the treatment and recycling of industrial and urban solid waste, biomass and sludge, diverting it from incineration and landfill.
Expected to be operational between 2026 and 2029, the plants will convert this waste into high-value industrial products through advanced pyrolysis technology. They will all concentrate on extracting value from the reject fraction – waste that would otherwise be sent to landfills or incinerated.
The total treatment capacity of the five plants will exceed 200 000 tonnes a year. The waste will be converted into pyrolytic oil, char and other reusable materials for industry, supporting the circular economy and helping reduce CO2 emissions.
The projects to be financed are located in Muel (Zaragoza), La Selva del Camp (Tarragona), San Cristóbal de Entreviñas (Zamora), Madridejos (Toledo) and As Somozas (A Coruña). The Valogreene CML Madridejos and Valogreene Recinor As Somozas plants are in the final phase of construction and are expected to be commissioned in 2026. Two of the plants have been designated as priority interest projects by the autonomous communities of Aragón and Galicia, underscoring their strategic nature.
The construction and commissioning of the Valogreene plants will help boost the local economy and create jobs in the towns where they are located. Once operational, each plant is expected to create more than 20 direct jobs and more than 40 indirect jobs.
The project supports the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and contributes to the EIB’s strategic priorities of climate action and cohesion between regions set out in its Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027.
Photo legend: Valogreene Recinor As Somozas plant
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impactprojects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for citizens.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.
Greene
Greene Enterprise was founded in 2011 by four chemistry entrepreneurs from Elche, Alicante. Its shareholders include two major investment groups. Greene currently has more than 130 employees.
The company provides the market with an innovative and efficient technology that addresses the need to manage and eliminate materials classified as waste, diverting them from landfill and incineration. This solution applies to various types of waste, notably industrial solid waste, urban solid waste, biomass and water treatment sludge.
Our technology enables the efficient conversion of solid waste into high-quality raw materials. We use an integrated approach that combines advanced separation techniques and innovative chemical processes to extract reusable materials.
The Valogreene solid waste material recovery plants developed by Greene target the currently non-recoverable reject fraction of waste and convert it into sustainable raw materials such as oils, calcium carbonate-rich materials, activated carbon, synthetic waxes and hydrogen. This is achieved through a sustainable and profitable thermosconversion process that aligns with circular economy principles and supports 2030 targets.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters and projects for media use are available here: https://www.greene.es/multimedia/
Santander
Banco Santander (SAN SM) is a leading commercial bank founded in 1857, headquartered in Spain. It is one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalisation. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform, providing services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising €220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030. In the first quarter of 2025, Banco Santander had €1.4 trillion in total funds, 175 million customers, 7 900 branches and 207 000 employees.
Question for written answer E-002925/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Petra Steger (PfE)
On 9 July 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned of a coordinated attack by China and Russia against the West in the event of war, following a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Rutte has stated that the Western alliance assumes that: ‘If Xi Jinping would attack Taiwan, he would first make sure that he makes a call to his very junior partner in all of this, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin … telling him … ‘I need you to keep them busy in Europe’[1]. On 5 July 2025, Rutte told the New York Times that such a scenario was highly likely[2]. In view of the ever closer security ties between the EU and NATO, such statements paint a highly dangerous picture of escalation based not on sound analysis but rather on politically motivated speculation that is frightening the European public and further aggravating the foreign policy climate.
1.Does the Commission share the assessment that Russia and China would launch a double military strike against the West in the event of war?
2.How does the Commission assess the impact on the European public of security policy speculation such as that made by Rutte, particularly with regard to scaremongering and the risk of escalation?
3.Does the Commission acknowledge that security and defence policy is primarily the responsibility of the Member States and that, for neutral states such as Austria, any political or institutional rapprochement with NATO structures would undermine their neutrality?
Question for written answer E-002936/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Brando Benifei (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Catarina Martins (The Left), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D), Thomas Bajada (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Daniel Attard (S&D), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Nela Riehl (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (S&D), Lucia Yar (Renew), Udo Bullmann (S&D), Rima Hassan (The Left), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Nikos Pappas (The Left), Estrella Galán (The Left), Marta Temido (S&D), Michael McNamara (Renew)
The UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, an Italian citizen, has been targeted by coordinated smear campaigns and deceptive paid advertisements linked to the Israeli government[1][2]. This targeting of a European citizen engaged in vital human rights work undermines her safety, professional reputation and the EU’s duty to shield its citizens from harassment and disinformation online.
Since October 2023, Israeli government-affiliated actors have conducted extensive digital advertisement campaigns targeting EU users on platforms such as Google, YouTube and X. The campaigns feature graphic war imagery and emotionally charged, sometimes misleading claims, and they often lack clear ‘political’ labelling. Reports indicate possible misuse of advertising accounts, microtargeting of EU citizens and missing entries in transparency databases, with some advertisements impersonating trusted entities such as the UNRWA.
This pattern raises concerns about compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly on advertisement transparency (Article 26), systemic risk mitigation (Articles 34 and 35) and crisis response (Article 36).
1.How is the Commission investigating potential DSA breaches by very large online platforms related to transparency, targeting and circumvention of political advertisment rules by Israeli state actors?
2.What steps is the Commission taking to ensure platforms address systemic risks, including disinformation, manipulative advertisement formats and exposure of minors to harmful content?
Submitted: 16.7.2025
[1] The Guardian, article entitled ‘UN expert on Palestine targeted by coordinated smear campaign, investigation finds’, 13 March 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/13/un-expert-palestine-coordinated-smear-campaign-francesca-albanese.
[2] Fanpage.it article entitled ‘Il governo israeliano sta comprando annunci su Google per screditare Francesca Albanese: l’indagine di Fanpage.it’, 9 July 2025, https://www.fanpage.it/innovazione/tecnologia/il-governo-israeliano-sta-comprando-annunci-su-google-per-screditare-francesca-albanese-lindagine-di-fanpage-it/.
Met officers arrested three men within minutes of a burglary at a phone shop in the West End.
We were called at 19:17hrs on Thursday, 24 July to reports of a burglary at the O2 store in Tottenham Court Road.
Officers responded quickly and detained the suspects nearby in Cranleigh Street. They were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and taken into custody where they remain.
The men, aged 25, 24 and 18, reportedly entered the store wearing balaclavas and were reported to have stolen around 100 iPhones and a number of Apple Watches with an estimated value of £100,000.
These were recovered from a car stopped by officers. A large machete was also found.
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, responsible for policing in Camden, said:
“We know people are concerned about crime in the West End and these arrests are just one example of the hard work officers are doing every day to proactively target offenders and make the area safer.
“We’re working closely with businesses to focus on tackling the crimes that cause a misery to the lives of their staff, as well as residents and visitors.
“Across London we’re arresting 1,000s more criminals each month, neighbourhood crime is down 19 per cent and we’ve solved 163 per cent more shoplifting cases this year.
“Through precise community crimefighting we will continue to focus our resources and bear down on prolific offenders and criminal gangs.”
Last month the Met arrested 10 men as part of a separate investigation into robberies at phone shops in London and across the south of England.
Flying Squad detectives worked to identify an organised crime group believed to be behind 13 robberies between February and early June.
The Met’s relentless focus on driving down crimes that matter most to the public in first six weeks of this financial year has seen promising reductions in a number of crime types compared to the same period last year across London:
Knife crime – down by 18.1 per cent
Residential burglary – down by 17.7 per cent
Theft from the person – down by 15.6 per cent
Personal robbery – down by 12.8 per cent
Shoplifting – solved 163 per cent more cases this year than in the same period as last year
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Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Thursday reaffirmed India’s global leadership in wetlands conservation at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Addressing the High-Level Ministerial Segment in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the Minister highlighted India’s message of “Oneness with Nature” and the country’s integrated approach to sustainable lifestyles in wetland management.
India currently hosts 91 Ramsar Sites covering 1.36 million hectares—forming Asia’s largest, and the world’s third-largest, network of protected wetlands. Over the past decade, this network has expanded by 250 percent. Yadav proudly noted that for the first time, two Indian cities—Indore and Udaipur—have been internationally recognised as Wetland Cities, underscoring the nation’s commitment to conserving urban wetlands.
The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, referencing key environmental campaigns such as Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. He urged the global community to embrace nature-friendly living and symbolic actions like tree plantation in honor of one’s mother.
India’s citizen-led initiatives, including Mission Sahbhagita and the Save Wetlands Campaign, have mobilised over two million people. These efforts have resulted in the mapping and boundary demarcation of over 170,000 wetlands across the country, contributing significantly to informed conservation strategies.
Yadav emphasized that India’s wetlands conservation efforts are firmly grounded in constitutional mandates, legal instruments, and policy frameworks. Wetlands are an integral part of national plans such as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the National Wildlife Action Plan. He also highlighted India’s support for the UNEA Resolution 6/8 on promoting sustainable lifestyles, reiterating the importance of integrating such values into conservation policies.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Minister held bilateral meetings with representatives of key global environmental conventions, including the Ramsar Secretariat, CITES, and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). He also met with Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, to discuss enhanced cooperation in wetland restoration and knowledge exchange.
Highlighting India’s broader global environmental initiatives, Yadav urged international participation in platforms such as the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and global movements for sustainable living.
COP15 of the Ramsar Convention has brought together 172 contracting parties, international organisations, scientists, and civil society representatives to chart out the wetland conservation agenda for the next triennium.
Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned on Friday till July 28 amid continued protests by opposition MPs demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar. The Lok Sabha was adjourned twice – first at 11 a.m. and then for the day at 2 p.m. following relentless sloganeering in the well of the House. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned at 2 p.m. and will now reconvene on Monday.
Lok Sabha Chairperson Jagdambika Pal, presiding in the absence of Speaker Om Birla, appealed to opposition members to maintain decorum and allow the introduction of private members’ bills. He highlighted that over 200 MPs were scheduled to present their proposals, calling Friday an important day for legislative discussion. However, protests continued, leading to a complete halt in proceedings.
Earlier in the day, Speaker Om Birla convened an all-party meeting to resolve the stalemate and emphasized the need for cooperation to allow the House to function. He also urged MPs to let the scheduled 16-hour debate on “Operation Sindoor” take place on July 28.
In the Rajya Sabha, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s remarks were interrupted by opposition MPs demanding a discussion under Rule 267 on the Bihar SIR. Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh rejected the notices, calling out members for breaches of decorum.
Meanwhile, actor-politician Kamal Haasan took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP in Tamil, along with other newly elected members from the DMK.
Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, staged protests outside the Parliament.
Parliament has seen repeated disruptions since the Monsoon Session began on July 21, with little legislative business conducted so far.