[PRESS RELEASE] – As it continues to improve services at its domestic ports in Mulifanua and Salelologa, for the convenience and accessibility of the general public, the Samoa Ports Authority completes the construction of the new Public Restroom Facilities at Mulifanua, while other developments continue.
The new public restroom facilities are now open for public use since Friday, 9th May 2025, replacing the old restrooms. The new restroom facilities have nine (9) toilets on each side for females and males, and are accessible from the left corner of the main building.
The Security Hut at the gate is now fully operational monitoring the vehicles entering and exiting the Mulifanua wharf at all times for safety and security reasons.
The Authority also provides Free Wifi services at the departure terminals in Mulifanua and Salelologa for the travelling public easy access and better communication at all times.
The other developments at Mulifanua that are still in progress to be completed soon, include;
1. Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles under the EV Project facilitated by the United Nation and funded by the Government of Japan;
2. Sheltered / secured Parking Lot for vehicles at $10 fee a night;
3. Re-fencing of the whole compound
Apart from these developments for the general public, the Authority also provides opportunities for our business community, to promote their services, through advertising at the domestic ports.
“We are currently contracting out, advertising services at Mulifanua and Salelologa for our business community as well as our Government Ministries and Corporations.” said the General Manager, So’oalo Falelima Kuresa So’oalo.
Interested advertisers may contact our contractor – EMD Samoa or contact our Office for further information.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ9: Provision of sports facilities Question:
While the Government has indicated that it has all along been committed to promoting “Sports for All”, there are views pointing out that there has been a persistent short supply of sports venues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), and in particular, popular sports facilities such as badminton courts and basketball courts are in high demand. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
[Government Press Secretary]- Fui Mau Tupai Simanu will remain as Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure (MWTI) for the next three years.
A Master in Engineering Management from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, Fui’s re-appointment was sealed by Cabinet this week.
Fui is a dedicated public servant having worked in Government for more than 30 years.
He started as a senior lecturer at the former Samoa Polytechnic and continued to serve his country later on in his public service career as Chief Engineer with the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) for over 10 years.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Joephy Chan and a reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):
Question: Reply:
President,
My consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Joephy Chan is as follows:
Operated by the Digital Policy Office, the 1823 one-stop platform provides 24-hour cross-departmental customer service to help answer public enquiries about the services of 23 government bureaux/departments (B/Ds), and receive complaints and service requests for all B/Ds. In addition to telephone hotline, citizens can now use 1823 service through channels such as mobile app, website, email and e-form. In 2024, the total usage volume of 1823 reached 7.55 million.
Generally speaking, upon receipt of public enquiries or complaints from various channels, 1823 will classify them into two broad types for processing. For public enquiries concerning participating B/Ds, 1823 will answer them directly; for complaints regarding government services, 1823 will refer them to the relevant B/Ds for relevant follow-up.
Currently, 1823 has widely adopted artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies in various service areas to make its work process more automated and smart. These measures include: The effectiveness of technological applications in enhancing 1823 service performance is also reflected in our customer satisfaction survey. On a five-point scale, the 1823’s overall customer satisfaction score in 2024 was 4.60, up from 4.56 in 2023 and 4.52 in 2022.
The enhancement of 1823 service will continue. We will further strengthen the 1823 mechanisms for case classification, triage and referral, focusing on operational data analysis and case handling process. In addition, we will further expand the use or trial of AI in different service areas and interfaces. For example, we will use AI to capture case information from emails for inputting to the case management system; provide digital self-service for case progress tracking; and enhance the question-answering capabilities of chatbot, etc, to improve operational efficiency and user experience.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yung and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):
Question:
There are views that the official public debut of Hong Kong’s first pair of locally born giant panda twins, elder sister Jia Jia and little brother De De, has sparked a new wave of “panda fever” in the city, which is currently home to six giant pandas, and the authorities should seize this opportunity to develop the panda tourism industrial chain, promote the growth of the panda tourism and related industries in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) since Hong Kong became home to six giant pandas, whether the authorities have compiled statistics on the direct economic benefits they have brought to Ocean Park; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) whether the authorities have compiled statistics on the direct and indirect economic benefits brought to Hong Kong as a whole by the six giant pandas respectively (including the sales of panda merchandise and revenue growth across various trades and industries); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) whether the Government has further plans for the future to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the panda tourism and related industries in Hong Kong, e.g. Ocean Park’s subsequent plans to optimize facilities and services, as well as budget arrangements, or plans to develop the panda tourism industrial chain in collaboration with various trades and industries; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The reply to the questions raised by the Hon Chan Yung is as follows:
The giant pandas An An and Ke Ke made their debut on December 8, 2024 at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures at Ocean Park, followed by the debut of the pigeon pair of giant panda twin cubs Jia Jia and De De on February 16, 2025 at the “Giant Panda Adventure” of the park. They have been well received by both locals and visitors, and Ocean Park’s attendance has since then increased by around 19 per cent over the same period last year. Together with giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le, the Hong Kong giant panda family has brought additional revenue to Ocean Park by way of admission tickets, merchandise, etc. The Ocean Park Corporation’s overall financial performance for its Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, including the revenues on admission, food and beverages as well as merchandise in the same FY, will be reported in its 2024-25 Annual Report.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa
[PRESS RELEASE APIA, SAMOA] – A bold and promising new chapter in Samoa’s democratic journey begins this Thursday, 5 June, with the official soft launch of the Samoa Uniting Party (S.U.P.) at 10:00am at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Ballroom, Apia.
With deep roots in Samoa’s recent era of stable governance, the Samoa Uniting Party enters the political space as a force of principled leadership, inclusive development, and unwavering respect for the rule of law. The party builds on the legacy of Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa and her Cabinet — one defined by competence, accountability, and courage in governance.
At the heart of S.U.P.’s vision is a steadfast belief in the rule of law as the cornerstone of national unity and public trust. This principle is not merely a legal formality, it is the foundation of responsible leadership, and the mechanism by which all Samoans are protected, empowered, and treated with dignity.
Throughout the past five years, adherence to the rule of law has been more than a value, it has been a guiding force in decision-making, institutional reform, and the upholding of Samoa’s democratic integrity.
Under Fiame’s leadership, Samoa has restored and strengthened its legal institutions, reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary, and placed constitutional responsibility above political convenience.
The Samoa Uniting Party is committed to preserving and deepening this legacy, ensuring that no one is above the law, and that government is bound by clear, fair, and enforceable rules. The party will continue to advocate for transparent processes, respect for judicial rulings, and accountability in all arms of public service.
“When leaders govern with respect for the rule of law, citizens can trust their institutions, their freedoms are safeguarded, and national development can move forward on solid ground,” said Hon. PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa. “That trust is something we will never take for granted.”
S.U.P. was founded with a commitment to inclusive governance and remains grounded in the values of Christianity and fa’a Samoa, ensuring that leadership reflects the heart and soul of the people it serves.
Under the leadership of Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa as Prime Minister, in the XVII Parliament, Samoa made considerable national economic improvements through:
I. A higher economic growth than global average, even in the face of global challenges such as the pandemic and national political crisis;
II. The strongest period of employment growth through the establishment of new small businesses, and increase in overseas seasonal workers;
III. Increase partnerships with civil society organisations and empowerment of district development programs;
IV. Unprecedented increase in national revenue that has seen GDP growing from over $800m in 2021 to over $1.2billion in only 4 years;
V. Increase in donor support funding for national development programs, and
VI. Reducing the national debt whilst not taking out any additional loans.
These achievements reflect Samoa’s growing reputation for fiscal responsibility, legal transparency, and delivery capability.
The Samoa Uniting Party lead by Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa warmly invites the public, members of the media, community leaders, and stakeholders to attend the soft launch event. This will be an opportunity to hear directly from party representatives and learn more about their policies, priorities, and guiding values.
FAALAUILOA LE VAEGA UPUFAI FOU ALE SAMOA UA POTOPOTO ( SAMOA UNITING PARTY,) S.U.P. – Aso 5 Iuni 2025.
I lalo o le ta’ita’iga a le Tama’itai Palemia, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa
[PEPA O FA’AMATALAGA]- O se taeao fou i le folauga a Samoa i mataupu tau faaupufai a Malo, ua amatalia lea i lenei taeao, i le faalauiloaina o le faatuina o se Vaega Faaupufai fou ua ta’ua o le “Samoa Uniting Party” (S.U.P) po’o le “Samoa Ua Potopoto”, i le faletalimalo o le Sheraton, i le 10 i le taeao o le Aso Tofi 5 Iuni 2025.
O le Samoa Uniting Party (S.U.P), e fa’avae i luga o le usita’ia ma le amanaia o le Tulafono, ma agatausili e pine i luga o le alofa, faamaoni ma taitaiga lelei auā le atina’eina o le manuia o tagata uma ae le na o se vaega to’aitititi.
O nei vaega tāua uma, o loo tumatila i le silasila a le Tamaitai Palemia ma le Kapeneta, e lima taitaiina ai le faamoemoe o le Vaega Faaupufai. O se taʻitaʻiga e fusia i le agavaa, le tali atu i tagata, ma le loto tele i le tautuaina o le atunuʻu, i pulega lelei e faavaeina i ala o le Tulafono.
I le lima tausaga ua tuana‘i, o le usitaʻia o le Tulafono ua avea ma fetu taiala i fa’ai’uga, suiga talafeagai mo fa’alapotopotoga, ma le fa’amautuina o le fa’avae temokalasi o Samoa.
I lalo o le taʻitaʻiga a le Afioga Fiame, ua toe fausia ma fa’amalosia ai fa’avae fa’aletulafono a le atunuʻu, toe fa’amausali ina le tutoʻatasi o le Fa’amasinoga, aemaise le fa’atāuaina o aiaiga o le Faavae, na i lo’o faiga fa’apolokiki.
O le naunautaiga o le S.U.P. o le fa’aauau lea o galuega lelei mo le manuia o le atunuu, ina ia ogatasi ma le Tulafono ina ia mautinoa ai e leai se tasi e sili atu i le Tulafono, auā o le Tulafono e maua ai le manino ma le tonu e mafai ai ona faatino ana galuega.
Saunoa le Tamaitai Palemia, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa e faapea, “A puleaina e Ta’ita’i le Malo i ala e usita’ia ai le Tulafono, o le a mafai e tagatanu’u ona fa’atuatuaina lona Malo.
O le a malu faiga ma galuega faatino a Matagaluega ma Faalapotopotoga, e malu aia tatau a tagata, ma e mafai foi ona sologa lelei le atina’e o le atunuu i luga o se faavae malosi. O lenā faatuatuaga o se mea e le mafai ona tatou manatu faatauvaa i ai”.
Ua faavaeina le S.U.P ma le naunautaiga i pulega lelei e aofia uma ai le mamalu o le atunuu mo le atina’eina o se lumana’i manuia ma le fa’atumauina pea o tu ma aga fa’aKerisiano ma le fa’a Samoa, aemaise le fa’amautinoaina o ta’ita’iga e atagia ai loto ma agaga o tagata o lo’o tautuaina.
I lalo o le ta’ita’iga a le Tama’itai Palemia, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa, i totonu o le Paeaiga XVII a le Palemene, sa mafai e Samoa ona ausia ni tulaga iloga i le faaleleia o le atina’eina o lona tamaoaiga, e pei ona molimauina i vaega nei:
I. Siitia o lona tamaoaiga i se tulaga e silia atu nai lo le averesi o le lalolagi e ui i luitau i le lalolagi e pei o fa’ama’i ma fa’alavelave fa’apolokiki a le atunu’u;
II. Faamalosia le faatupulaia o galuega e ala i le fa’atuina o pisinisi laiti fou, ma le fa’ateleina o tagata faigaluega e agavaa i galuega faavaitaimi;
III. Fa’ateleina faiga fa’apa’aga ma fa’alapotopotoga lautele ma fa’amalosia polokalame mo
le atina’eina o Itumalo;
IV. Si’itaga e le’i tupu muamua i tupe maua a le atunu’u, sa fa’atupula’ia ai le fua o le tamaoaiga o le atunuu (GDP) mai luga atu o le $800 miliona i le tausaga 2021, i le sili atu i le $1.2 piliona i le totonu o le na o le 4 tausaga;
V. Fa’ateleina tupe lagolago sa foaiina mai e paaga faava-o-malo a Samoa, mo polokalame mo le atina’eina o le atunu’u, ma
VI. Fa’aitiitia tupe aitalafu a le atunu’u ae aunoa ma le toe faia o ni nonogatupe fa’aopoopo.
O ia taunu’uga sa mafai ona ausia e le faiga Malo a le Afioga a le Palemia o Fiame ma lana Kapeneta, ua atagia mai ai le fa’atupuina o le ta’uleleia o Samoa i le faasoasoaina o ana alagaoa tau tupe, manino fa’aletulafono aemaise tomai i le fa’atinoina o galuega.
O lo’o vala’aulia e le Samoa Uniting Party poo le Samoa ua Potopoto, o loo taitaiina e le Afioga a Fiame Naomi Mataafa le mamalu o le atunu’u, sui o fa’asalalauga, ta’ita’i o nu’u ma pa’aga e auai mai i lea fa’amoemoe. O le a avea lea ma avanoa e fa’afofoga ai i sui o le vaega faaupufai mo le fa’amatala atili o a latou taiala o loo fa’avae ai lo latou fa’amoemoe.
[PRESS RELEASE] – Samoa became one of the first Pacific Island nations to adopt a legally binding Marine Spatial Plan — a milestone step to fully protect 30% and ensure sustainable management of 100% of its vast ocean 120,000-square-kilometer ocean territory.
The adoption of the plan under the Lands, Survey and Environment Act 1989 was endorsed by Samoa’s Cabinet, setting a global blueprint for how large ocean states can sustainably manage their ocean and their resources.
Hon. Toeolesulsulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster, Samoa’s Minister for Natural Resources and Environment announced the legal adoption of the plan, stating, “Samoa is a large ocean state, and our way of life is under increased threat from climate change, overfishing, habitat degradation and more. This Marine Spatial Plan marks a historic step towards ensuring that our ocean remains prosperous and healthy to support future generations of Samoans‒just as it did for us and our ancestors.”
The Marine Spatial Plan includes the establishment of nine new fully protected Marine Protected Areas, covering 36,000 square kilometers of ocean. It integrates traditional management systems by incorporating existing nearshore community-managed areas such as Fish Reserves and District MPAs, ensuring these culturally important practices are preserved and strengthened.
Traditional knowledge and the best available science together with input from stakeholders and communities from across 185 communities guided and shaped the Plan. Its implementation will be led by the MNRE in close collaborations with other Ministries and national and local stakeholders.
Leilani Duffy-Iosefa, Country Director of Conservation International Samoa, emphasized the importance of Samoa’s legal commitment and the broader implications for global marine governance, “This example shows what true delivery and accountability look like and Conservation International is excited to continue the partnership to support Samoa’s goals to protect 30% and sustainably manage 100% of its ocean.”
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, acknowledged Samoa’s leadership and the significance of this achievement in the global context, “Today, Samoa has established itself as a leader in sustainable ocean management. We are proud to support Samoa’s visionary leadership and decisive action towards securing a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and a prosperous future for its people and the planet.”
The legal establishment of Samoa’s Marine Spatial Plan comes ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference taking place this June in France. The conference, aptly themed “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” will provide a platform for Samoa to inspire countries across the globe to advance their ocean protection targets as the deadline for the 30×30 conservation goals rapidly approaches.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa
Rev. Peter Gafa Lokeni,
The President of the Fiji Medical Association, Dr Alipate Vakamocea,
The Visiting Specialist from Cairns Australia, Dr Ben Vogler,
The WHO Representative,
The President and Members of the Samoa Medical Association Committee,
Honorary Members, Medical Professionals & Doctors of the Samoa Medical Association,
Parents and families of graduating interns,
Distinguished guests,
Talofa lava,
O lea ua uma ona toto le niu i le tuaoi. Ua maea foi ona talatala le upega talatala ma’a, o le faasoa o le talalelei e sula ai le alofa ma le agalelei o Le Atua i lenei taeao.
It is an honor to be at the opening of the Samoa Medical Association’s Annual General and Scientific Meeting, 78 years today – an event of immense importance to the medical community and also to the health and well-being of Samoa.
I am informed the Annual Scientific meeting will discuss a wide range of topics relating to the burden and impact of ‘Sepsis’ in Samoa. Sepsis is a silent and devastating threat. It claims lives swiftly and often without warning. Every effort made to better understand, detect, and treat sepsis is an effort to save lives as per the theme of this year’s event – “Act Fast, Save a life. Recognize Sepsis.”
I want to affirm the government’s unwavering support for the healthcare sector in addressing this challenge. We are committed to strengthening early warning systems, investing in sepsis education, supporting research into rapid diagnostics and treatments, and ensuring frontline workers have the tools and resources they need. But policy alone is not enough. It is knowledge shared here, the partnerships formed, and the ideas born from conferences like this that will ultimately drive progress. Your expertise and leadership are what turn strategy into action and hope into healing.
Today, we are gathered to share knowledge and forge stronger networks of action, innovation, and collaboration. Across the country – and the world – doctors, nurses, researchers and policy makers are joining forces in this vital fight. Your presence here is a testament to the dedication, courage and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the medical profession.
Today, we also celebrate years of great service of 9 Honorary Life members of the Samoa Medical Association, who are all above 70 years of age – In recognition of their dedication and hard work for the community and our country, as well as welcoming new doctors to the medical fraternity and workforce.
In closing, I thank each of you for your service, your dedication, and your continued efforts to combat Sepsis. Let this conference be a catalyst for change and a milestone in our collective journey towards a future where sepsis no longer takes any of us too soon.
I wish you all a productive and inspiring meeting.
Soifua.
END
Photo by the Government of Samoa [Leota Marc Membrere]
Question for written answer E-002188/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew)
In its reply to the Parliamentary question of 27 January 2025 (‘Environmental vignettes for low-emission zones’, No E‑000355/2025), the Commission mentioned a study seeking to ‘identify and map EU interoperable technical solutions for demonstrating compliance with access rules’.
Dated 11 March 2025, the Commission’s answer added that the study’s results would – once they had been ‘further analysed’ – be made available ‘in the coming weeks’ on the Publications Office’s website.
In the light of the above:
Is the Commission in possession of the aforementioned results? If so, what interoperable technical solutions has it been able to identify and map?
Question for written answer E-002193/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Elio Di Rupo (S&D), Chloé Ridel (S&D), Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE), Nora Mebarek (S&D), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Marc Botenga (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Wouter Beke (PPE), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Carola Rackete (The Left), Thomas Bajada (S&D), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), André Rodrigues (S&D), Liesbet Sommen (PPE), Brando Benifei (S&D), Carla Tavares (S&D), Nikos Papandreou (S&D), Alex Agius Saliba (S&D)
On 19 May 2025, Prime Minister Netanyahu cynically invoked the need to prevent famine for diplomatic reasons, authorising a derisory resumption of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, while declaring Israel’s aim to take full control of the territory.
This minimal easing follows a critical crisis caused by Israel’s total blockade for over two months, violating Article 59(1) of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
This deliberate obstruction of aid to over two million Palestinians has created a situation of near starvation, with 4 000 children suffering from severe malnutrition. Meanwhile, over 90 % of the population has been forcibly displaced, 400 humanitarian workers have been killed since 7 October 2023, and constant bombing has destroyed 60 % of the building stock.
Given the intensification of violence announced by Israel, but also considering the small success of diplomatic pressure, enabling limited humanitarian aid in the area:
1.Will the Commission intensify diplomatic pressure through economic measures and implement an arms embargo to force more humanitarian aid access?
2.Will the Commission invoke Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement to suspend it until Israel complies with its international obligations?
3.Will Commissioner Lahbib travel to Gaza to negotiate further humanitarian aid access, as she did in Darfur in April?
Question for written answer E-002305/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Kathleen Funchion (The Left)
Transport infrastructure connecting the South East of Ireland to Dublin is important for Ireland’s connectivity to Europe. Ireland’s National Development Plan specifically mentions increasing the capacity of the N11 national road and the M11 motorway, but to date there has been very little progress. Additionally, the train that is on this route has an average speed of just 56 km/h and the journey takes roughly three hours.
1.Has the Commission done an impact assessment on the lack of road and rail connectivity between the South East of Ireland and Dublin?
2.If not, does the Commission plan to carry out such an impact assessment?
3.Are there opportunities to integrate Rosslare port and the route between it and Dublin into EU transport corridors?
Question for written answer E-002304/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Kathleen Funchion (The Left)
Since the last reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) and the implementation of that reform at the national level, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) in Ireland has had several issues. There are still farmers who have not received payments since 2023.
1.Has the Commission investigated the causes of these delays?
2.What assessment did the Commission carry out when this scheme was proposed?
3.In the upcoming reform of the CAP, will the Commission fully take into account that changes at the EU level can have long-term impacts on the ground for farmers, due to delays in their implementation at national level and additional administrative challenges, in order to ensure we do not have a repeat of these issues with ACRES?
Question for written answer E-002187/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE)
The number of people with rare diseases in the EU is estimated at 30 million, while the number of rare diseases is estimated at 6-8000. Diagnosis can take more than five years, while many people never receive a timely or adequate diagnosis. At the same time, the high cost of treatments, unequal access to treatments and the limited availability and geographical dispersion of specialists and centres of expertise mean that people with rare diseases have difficulty accessing care and support.
In view of this:
1.Following the adoption of the resolution on rare diseases by the World Health Assembly, will the Commission draw up an action plan on rare diseases with a view to implementing the provisions of the resolution?
2.How will the Commission contribute to improving timely access of patients with rare and undiagnosed diseases to diagnosis, care, treatment and support services?
3.Following successful national prevention programmes for other diseases, such as Greece’s ‘Prolamvano’, how does the Commission intend to provide technical support for the strengthening and implementation of national policies on rare diseases and how will it enhance collaboration, networking and knowledge exchange between specialist healthcare providers to improve expertise in the field of diagnosis?
Question for written answer E-002192/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Christine Schneider (PPE), Lena Düpont (PPE)
If a goose holding wishes to make use of the option to have its parent geese vaccinated against avian influenza in future, the young geese may only be moved to other holdings 21 days after vaccination in accordance with Annex XIII Part 5 Number 4.1 letter e of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/361. Up until now, young animals have been moved much earlier, which is why goose holdings are not tailored to the 21-day waiting period.
1.Would it be feasible to shorten the period of 21 days following an avian influenza vaccination, and if so, under what conditions?
2.Why was a period of 21 days fixed in the regulation?
3.If a shortening of the period is inconceivable, what is the reason for this?
Question for oral answer O-000020/2025 to the Commission Rule 142 Tom Berendsen on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
European industry is currently facing enormous challenges. The Clean Industrial Deal sets out the long-awaited joint plan to strengthen Europe’s industrial decarbonisation and competitiveness, foster clean innovation, safeguard jobs and boost resilience and strategic autonomy. But time is running out. We therefore urge the Commission to move swiftly from strategy to delivery, with greater ambition and concrete, accelerated action.
1.How does the Commission plan to ensure the rapid and effective implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal and related measures across Member States?
2.When will financing and support be made available to industry via the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank? What role does the Commission envisage for the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank within the governance of the Competitiveness Fund?
3.How will the Commission incentivise renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production and usage? How will the Commission follow up on the study on renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) to increase renewable hydrogen production and lower its prices for consumers?
4.How will the Commission support the creation of lead markets for EU-made clean, circular and low-carbon products, apart from voluntary carbon intensity labels and sustainability and resilience criteria and standards?
5.What specific measures will the Commission take to coordinate and support the upskilling and reskilling of workers for the clean industrial transition, including in rural industrial regions?
6.How will the Commission address permitting bottlenecks for industrial access to energy and industrial decarbonisation in the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act while respecting environmental safeguards and protecting human health, and will the Commission assess criteria for targeted exemptions for construction emissions and depositions for clean and net-zero projects, storage and grid projects?
7.What measures does the Commission plan to propose under the Electrification Action Plan, such as integrating flexibility? What additional efforts are proposed to support the energy-efficiency sector?
8.How will the Commission ensure the effective and proactive use of trade defence instruments to protect European industry from unfair competition and industrial overcapacity from non-EU countries while upholding a level playing field in the internal market?
9.Will the Commission propose a workable export solution before the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) enters into force, and what workable solutions is it considering?
EIB increases intermediated loans and guarantees available for key defence-industry segment to €3 billion from €1 billion.
Move to support small and medium-sized businesses that serve major European defence manufacturers in partnership with commercial banks across EU.
First agreement with Deutsche Bank to enable €1 billion financing for defence research, as well as military and police infrastructure.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is tripling to €3 billion the intermediated financing available to Europe’s defence-industry suppliers in a fresh move to bolster security on the continent. The EIB is also triggering the new facility through an inaugural agreement with Deutsche Bank, providing long-term liquidity earmarked for security and defence investment projects.
The EIB’s increase in intermediated financing targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are a pillar of Europe’s defence industrial base. The EIB is providing a €500 million loan to Deutsche Bank, in a partnership that will enable €1 billion in financing and working capital for SMEs throughout the European Union security and defence supply chain, as well as military and police infrastructure such as training facilities for military personnel.
The new partnership was unveiled at the European Defence and Security Summit in Brussels today by EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. It will support improved access to finance for security and defence projects, addressing the urgent need for investment in innovation, supply chain resilience, and strategic autonomy amid increased geopolitical uncertainty.
“Strengthening Europe’s security and defence is central to our mission,” said President Nadia Calviño. “We’re scaling up financing to record levels, and through intermediated lending and partnerships with banks across the EU, we ensure that SMEs in the defence supply chain have access to the financing they need.”
“With this framework loan, Deutsche Bank will be able to deploy capital to clients at all stages of the supply chain throughout Europe, where it is most needed,” said Fabrizio Campelli, Deutsche Bank’s Head of Corporate Bank and Investment Bank and Member of the Management Board of Deutsche Bank AG. “It will support the comprehensive efforts our bank is deploying to advise and finance the sector at this crucial moment for Europe. Deutsche Bank is honoured to be the first European bank to partner with the EIB under its Pan-EU Security & Defence Lending scheme. The message is clear: we stand ready to reinforce the resilience of Europe’s security and defence.”
The threefold increase in the EIB’s €1 billion “Pan-European Security and Defence Lending Envelope” approved in December 2024 reflects exceptionally strong interest by commercial banks across Europe in leveraging the EIB’s resources, freeing up liquidity to support investments in the sector. The defence financing cooperation with Deutsche Bank is the first with a commercial bank under the EIB’s expanded lending scheme, with further partnerships currently due to follow shortly.
It follows the agreement announced last week between the EIB and the national promotional institutions of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain on a pan-European approach to strengthening European security and defence. Ther EIB and the five long term investors – Caisse des Depôts, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) and Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) – agreed to work together on areas of investment and on potential joint financing in sectors such as research and development, industrial capacity, and infrastructure.
The EU has more than 2,500 SMEs that are essential suppliers for major defence manufacturers such as Airbus, Thales, Rheinmetall and Leonardo. The SMEs provide key components, technologies and services, underpinning jobs, innovation and growth in the sector.
The boost in potential EIB lending to defence SMEs is meant to help them counter traditional funding obstacles that larger companies in Europe are generally spared. The move also covers Mid-Caps, another segment of the EU defence industry that has faced financing hurdles on the market.
Background information
About the EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The EIB finances investments in eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the 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. The EIB Group stepped up its support to Europe’s security and defence industry in 2024 by enlarging the scope of projects eligible for financing and setting up a one-stop shop to streamline processes, doubling investment to €1 billion. The EIB Group expects to multiply this amount in 2025 to new record.
The Board of Directors in March approved a series of additional measures to further contribute to European peace and included peace and security as a cross-cutting Public Policy Goal to finance large-scale strategic projects in areas such as land-border protection, military mobility, critical infrastructure, military transport, space, cybersecurity, anti-jamming technologies, radar systems, military equipment and facilities, drones, bio-hazard and seabed infrastructure protection, critical raw materials and research.
In addition to financing, the EIB offers advisory services that help public and private partners develop and implement high-quality, investment-ready projects. In 2024 alone, EIB advisory teams helped mobilise over €200 billion of investment across Europe and beyond.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.
About Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank provides retail and private banking, corporate and transaction banking, lending, asset and wealth management products and services as well as focused investment banking to private individuals, small and medium-sized companies, corporations, governments and institutional investors. Deutsche Bank is the leading bank in Germany with strong European roots and a global network.
Rural areas are home to 25 % of people in Europe and occupy 83 % of the EU’s territory. They face a number of economic, social, demographic and structural challenges that hinder their economic growth and development. With the appropriate policy and financial tools, rural areas will be able to explore their full potential and move to a situation of sustainable long-term growth. In June, Parliament is due to consider an own-initiative report on strengthening rural areas through cohesion policy.
During Parliament’s June plenary session, MEPs will pose oral questions to the Commission on the UK’s accession to the 2019 Hague Judgments Convention and will vote on a resolution on this issue. The convention aims to facilitate the recognition and enforcement of court decisions in civil and commercial matters among its parties.
In July 2024, the Commission adopted its fifth annual rule of law report, covering all Member States plus four candidate countries. The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) has tabled a motion for a resolution on the report, highlighting progress and identifying areas for possible further improvement.
Moldova submitted its membership application in 2022 and began EU accession negotiations in 2024. The country is progressing steadily on its European path, despite being targeted by Russian interference campaigns. Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) adopted its report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Moldova on 13 May 2025. A debate and vote on the report are due to be held in plenary in June 2025.
Montenegro began EU accession negotiations in 2012. In April 2023, after securing 59 % of votes in a presidential election run-off, Montenegro’s pro-European former Economy Minister Jakov Milatović declared victory over the incumbent, Milo Đukanović, who had been president or prime minister for more than three decades. The current Prime Minister, Milojko Spajić, leader of the political party ‘Europe Now!’, took office in October 2023. The European Commission’s latest report notes that the government has accelerated preparations on EU accession. Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) adopted its report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Montenegro on 13 May 2025. A debate and vote on the report are due to be held in plenary in June.
In February 2024, the European Commission submitted a proposal for a recast of Directive 2011/93/EU on combating child sexual abuse. The recast directive would include measures to harmonise definitions of and punishments for crimes, both online and offline, broadening the current scope of the offences, ensuring more effective investigation and prosecution, and strengthening the protection of victims. The European Parliament is set to vote on its negotiating mandate on the legislative proposal during the June plenary session.
European Commission Press release Brussels, 11 Jun 2025 Today, the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthen migration and border management cooperation by signing a new Status agreement between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On Thursday, 19 June 2025, 09.30-11.30, the DAFR delegation will hold an Ordinary meeting in Strasbourg (room: WEISS N1.3). It will be an in camera meeting (restricted to Members/Substitute Members of the DAFR delegation and the political group advisors).
Priority question for written answer P-002242/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Daniel Obajtek (ECR)
Media reports indicate that Prime Minister Donald Tusk has been allowed to make statements that call the Green Deal into question. This would be deemed unacceptable from other leaders yet Ursula von der Leyen has deliberately not objected so as not to undermine Tusk. In addition, the publication of a CO₂ emissions reduction report that would portray Poland unfavourably has been postponed, despite the fact that it was meant to be announced in Q1.
1.Was the report postponed for political reasons?
2.Does the Commission apply the same standards to all Member State leaders?
3.What mechanisms are in place to tackle political favouritism?
During the June plenary session, Parliament is due to discuss the joint report of the Committees on Budgets (BUDG) and Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) on the implementation of the RRF, which lays out Parliament’s views on the RRF′s progress so far, proposes improvements for its remaining lifetime, and draws lessons for possible future performance-based budgetary instruments.
This study focuses on the recent development of the market for plant-based seafood substitutes and the challenges that it has generated for the EU fisheries sector in terms of labelling. The study shows that potentially non-compliant marketing strategies indeed exist on a large scale, and provides an overview of national initiatives to tackle such issues. Finally, it proposes some adjustments to the current EU legal framework, to ensure that the labelling of novel products provides accurate information to consumers.
On Tuesday, 24 June 2025, the Committee on Fisheries will hold a public hearing entitled “Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Fisheries”. The speakers will give concrete examples of recent developments and innovative projects, as well as upcoming challenges and possibilities.
They will showcase new technologies and how more data can be gathered, processed and analysed, including identification of species throughout fishing, processing and marketing activities, and give an overview of the industrial and scientific ecosystem needed to keep strategic control over the data and their use. The speakers will also present their findings on how artificial intelligence can contribute to better fisheries management, monitoring and control and achieve a more sustainable sector, both at European and international level.
LONDON, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — We are pleased to invite you to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (VEIL), taking place at 12:00 PM (UK time) on 18 June 2025 at The Stationers’ Hall, Ave Maria Lane, London EC4M 7DD, United Kingdom.
The meeting will be chaired by Sarah Arkle, Chair of VEIL, and will include a presentation on Vietnam’s dynamic economic landscape by Dominic Scriven, Chair of Dragon Capital Group. Following this, Tuan Le, VEIL’s Lead Portfolio Manager, will provide an update on the fund’s performance and the outlook for Vietnam’s stock market.
After the formal proceedings and Q&A session, we warmly invite you to join us for a Vietnamese buffet lunch at 1:15 PM, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow investors and industry experts.
A Key Vote on VEIL’s Future This year’s AGM includes a vote on the Trust’s continuation. Given Vietnam’s strong domestic growth, ongoing government reforms, and compelling long-term potential, the Board believes VEIL is well-positioned for the future and recommends shareholders vote against discontinuation. We encourage all shareholders to participate in this important decision.
Who Should Attend? The event is open to existing VEIL shareholders as well as those interested in learning more about investment opportunities in Vietnam. If you have colleagues who may wish to attend, please feel free to share this invitation and direct them to register via the link below.
Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (VEIL) is a closed-end fund listed on the London Stock Exchange and one of the longest-running and largest funds focused on Vietnam. Since its launch in 1995, VEIL has invested in high-growth, well-governed Vietnamese companies, offering investors exposure to the country’s vibrant economy.
CHICAGO, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Americans who relocated in 2024 sought out new locales, with the three most popular locations in the state of Texas—North Houston, Fort Worth and Austin. Overall, consumers left pricier and densely populated urban areas in favor of more affordable cities and suburbs in the southern U.S., according to TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) research focused on migration and its implications for insurers.
While migration rates have decreased steadily since pre-pandemic 2019, a significant number of consumers are making bold moves. More than a quarter (26%) of Americans who moved in 2024 relocated by distances ranging from 51 miles to 250 miles and beyond.
“As consumers continue to find new places to settle, it’s important for insurers to stay on top of the trends across segments,” said Patrick Foy, senior director of strategic planning for TransUnion’s Insurance business. “These changes can have implications for customer acquisition, risk and engagement.”
Top Five Inbound and Outbound Markets in 2024
Inbound
Outbound
North Houston, TX
Miami, FL
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Queens, NY
Phoenix, AZ
South Florida, FL
Nashville, TN
Oakland, CA
Gen Z goes against the grain The research found migration trends among consumers aged 30 and older largely held true. The majority left locales like New York, Chicago and Miami, with some slight variations in where they ended up. Baby Boomers and Silent Generation consumers primarily moved to smaller locales in South Carolina and Florida. Gen Xers also moved to those states, but Texas was their top destination. Millennials seemed to avoid Florida, instead dispersing across suburban markets Texas and North Carolina.
However, many Gen Z consumers moved in the opposite direction, landing in the same cities older Americans were leaving, like New York and Chicago.
“Gen Z’s migration patterns more closely reflect those of Millennials back in 2010,” said Foy. “And they are likely going for the same reasons: the allure of big city living and the prospect of work opportunities to help launch their careers.”
Staying connected to life insurance beneficiaries When consumers move across state lines, public records do not always update accordingly. This can create problems for life insurance providers who then may not be able to locate a beneficiary or receive notification of death for their policyholder.
The majority of states require life insurers to monitor mortality status of policy holders and to conduct due diligence to contact beneficiaries. However, over recent years the federal government has limited access to the Social Security Death Master File (SS DMF). Those records now account for only 12% of TransUnion’s deceased file data—compared to 2010 when they accounted for 95%.
Additionally, nearly six out of 10 consumers don’t even know how to find out if they are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. This is underscored by the fact that each year tens of millions of dollars in life insurance payments go unmatched with beneficiaries.1
TransUnion’s TruLookup™ Deceased Data utilizes multiple sources, including TransUnion proprietary data, obituary data, funeral home listings, state level sources, and more. Insurers who rely solely on the SS DMF are at a significant disadvantage for uniting benefits to beneficiaries.
“Life insurance companies that rely on public records alone will likely fail to deliver on their promise to customers,” said Karen Malone, senior director of strategic planning for TransUnion’s life insurance business. “They need a robust identity solution to give them real time updates on the status of their insureds and the location of their beneficiaries.”
Understanding a driver’s risk Similarly, when a consumer with prior traffic violations moves to a new state or receives a traffic violation outside of their license state, their motor vehicle report (MVR) does not always capture those events.
Prior TransUnion research found that violations increased by 8% in 2024 compared to 2023—their highest point since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The study highlighted the strong correlation between traffic enforcement and roadway safety, along with reaffirming the power of violation data to predict future insurance losses.
TransUnion research notes that auto insurers should look beyond MVRs and investigate court records when assessing the risk of a new customer as they are less expensive than MVRs and provide a more comprehensive history. In addition, traffic violations have reached their highest point since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, suggesting there are increasingly more insights into drivers’ behavior on the road.
Learn more about TransUnion Insurance Risk solutions, including TruVision™ Driving History, here. Learn more about TransUnion solutions for life insurance here.
“What to Know About Life Insurance Beneficiaries,” National Association of Insurance Commissioners, September 12, 2023
About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business