Source: United Nations (Video News)
Comments to the media by Georgios Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic and President of the Security Council for the month of May, on behalf of the Security Council members signatories to the Joint Pledges related to Climate, Peace & Security on Protection of Civilians and Denmark, Guyana, Panama, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and United Kingdom.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001960/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kostas Papadakis (NI)
The vast majority of school buildings in Greece are in a deplorable condition. 30 % of schools do not comply with any earthquake code at all, and 30 % were built in line with the 1959 code, which is outdated and obsolete. The vast majority of schools are not in line with modern scientific knowledge on earthquake-proofing and protection, leaving pupils and teachers at risk.
Can the Commission therefore answer the following:
Submitted: 15.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Prevention of international child abduction and the regulation of cross-border issues related to parental responsibility are an essential part of the EU policy to promote the rights of the child and a core feature of EU judicial cooperation, including with third countries.
At EU level, the Brussels IIb Regulation establishes very strict rules concerning the return of the child after abduction[1] which supplement the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction in relations between EU Member States.
The regulation, which is directly applicable to Member States, is constantly monitored by the Commission and discussed in the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters (EJN-civil) to ensure correct application in the Member States. To date, no complaints have been received on its implementation by France.
The Commission has taken several initiatives to inform and train judges, lawyers and Central Authorities, including via the 2022 practice guide[2] to improve the application of the regulation.
The Hague Convention is subject to the monitoring of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Special Commissions to identify problems and best practices are convened on a regular basis, most recently in 2023[3], and the Commission proactively participates to ensure proper implementation and enforcement.
Source: European Commission
European Commission Press release Brussels, 22 May 2025 Today, Member States endorsed the Commission’s proposal to mobilise €15 million from the agricultural reserve to support farmers in Czechia, Slovenia and Germany affected by adverse weather events and a recent animal disease outbreak.
Source: European Parliament
An Employment and Social Affairs Committee delegation is travelling to Germany’s Ruhr area to visit chemical and steel plants and educational facilities.
Five MEPs from Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee will be in the Ruhr area from 26 to 28 May 2025 to meet with business leaders, trade union representatives and the state government. The delegation will be led by Dennis Radtke (EPP, DE). The other four members of the delegation are:
Interested journalists can accompany the delegation or join the concluding press briefing on 27 May.
On Monday 26 May, MEPs will visit the Chemical Park Marl, one of the largest chemical industry centres in Europe. They will also visit thyssenkrupp Duisburg, an international industrial and technology group.
On Tuesday 27 May, the parliamentarians will meet workers and trade union representatives for a discussion at the Quaz-Ruhr Qualification Centre in Bochum. The delegation will also stop at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), where they will visit the Worldfactory Start-up-Center and Makerspace, both central RUB hubs for start-ups and technology transfer.
In the afternoon, the MEPs will visit DASA − Germany’s largest exhibition on the world of work, where they will have a debate with the North Rhine-Westphalia State Minister for Labour, Health, and Social Affairs, Karl-Josef Laumann.
Press briefing
On Tuesday 27 May, at around 17:30, there will be a press briefing with Dennis Radtke (EPP, DE), the head of the delegation, and State Minister Karl-Josef Laumann at DASA, Working World Exhibit.
For any media questions, or to register for the press briefing, you are kindly advised to get in touch with Parliament’s press officer in Germany, Thilo Kunzemann (email: thilo.kunzemann@europarl.europa.eu; phone: +49 171 388 4775).
Background
Historically, the Ruhr area is well-known across Europe for its production of coal, iron, and steel. Production reached peak levels in the 1950s, when the sector accounted for about 70% of the Ruhr’s total workforce. With decarbonisation, jobs in the sector have since decreased drastically, and the region has shifted from an industry-based economy to one based on services and knowledge. The region is often seen as a successful example of the just transition, having transformed into a major “green hub”.
Source: European Parliament
Housing Committee to discuss housing needs in Barcelona A delegation from the Committee on Housing is travelling to Barcelona to meet local, regional and national governments, economic and social actors and education and research institutions.
Source: NATO
On Thursday 22 May, Major General Christophe Hintzy from France assumed command of NATO Mission Iraq, at a change of command ceremony in Baghdad. He succeeds Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs from the Netherlands, who had been in post since May 2024. The ceremony was attended by Iraqi officials, Ambassadors from Allied and partner countries, NATO officials, and other representatives from the international community in Baghdad.
“For France and for me personally, it is an honour and immense privilege to take over command of the NATO Mission in Iraq, a country often regarded as the cradle of civilization,” Major General Hintzy said. “Together with Iraqi security institutions and Iraqi Security Forces, we share a common goal. Our success will never be an individual success, but rather a collective one to develop tailored and sustainable solutions that will help Iraq as a valued partner for NATO,” he pointed out.
The outgoing commander, Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs, thanked his Iraqi counterparts for their hospitality and excellent cooperation and praised them for their commitment to the cooperation with NATO and to further strengthening the Iraqi security forces and institutions. “To our Iraqi partners — your resilience and leadership inspire us. We have learned much from you, and it has been a privilege to serve alongside you. To our Allies and partners — thank you for investing in Iraq’s future and in our shared security,” he said. “Christophe, I pass this command to you with full confidence. You inherit a team of dedicated professionals and a resilient network of partnerships. I know you will lead with vision and respect for both NATO’s principles and the Iraqi context. This mission is about people — about trust, support, and sovereignty. I know you will carry it forward with the integrity it deserves,” Lieutenant General Schreurs added.
At the NATO Summit in Brussels in July 2018, Allied leaders launched NATO Mission Iraq, following a request and upon invitation from the Government of Iraq. The mission was established in Baghdad, in October 2018. It is a non-combat, advisory, and capacity-building mission that assists Iraq in building more sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective security institutions and forces, so that they themselves are able to stabilise their country, fight terrorism, and prevent the return of ISIS/Daesh.
All efforts of NATO Mission Iraq are carried out with the consent of the Iraqi government and conducted in full respect of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ahead of the change of command ceremony of NATO Mission Iraq, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Tom Goffus, participated in the second meeting of the High-Level Dialogue for Partnership between NATO and Iraq, held in Baghdad, on 21 May. “This second meeting of the High-Level Dialogue for Partnership, here in Baghdad, is a testimony to our partnership with Iraq and to cementing this dialogue,” he said, adding that “NATO continues to stand prepared to support the Government of Iraq and its security institutions into the future through NATO Mission Iraq.”
The High-Level Dialogue for Partnership between NATO and Iraq was launched in Brussels on 27 August 2024. It provides an additional framework for consultations and exchange of views on issues of mutual interest – including stability across the Middle East.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DUBLIN, Ireland, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN – Fusion Fuel Green PLC (Nasdaq: HTOO) (“Fusion Fuel” or the “Company”), a leading provider of full-service energy engineering, advisory, and utility solutions, today announced that its majority-owned operating subsidiary, Al Shola Al Modea Gas Distribution LLC (“Al Shola Gas”), has secured an estimated $2.7 million in new engineering contracts since the beginning of March 2025, and, since the beginning of January 2025, has added more than 1,800 residential service contracts and two commercial service contracts to its portfolio for estimated recurring revenue of more than $0.9 million. The Company also provided an update on Al Shola Gas’ bulk LPG supply.
Overview of New Contracts – Engineering Projects
Since March 2025, Al Shola Gas has signed contracts for design, supply, installation, maintenance, and operations with an estimated total value of approximately $2.7 million.
“The award of these market-leading contracts exemplifies Al Shola Gas’s capability to undertake and execute the industry’s most exemplary and demanding projects. We continue to expand our operations as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) benefits from increased migration and construction sector growth,” added Al Shola Gas, Managing Director, Sanjeeb Safir.
Overview of New Contracts – Residential Utilities
Since the commencement of the current year, Al Shola Gas has signed contracts for the supply and maintenance of LPG utility solutions for over 1,800 new apartments situated in 16 buildings throughout Dubai, UAE. The anticipated annual recurring revenue generated from the new contracts is projected to be approximately $0.9 million. Consequently, with the incorporation of these new contracts, the current billings for utility solutions rendered by Al Shola Gas will increase to encompass over 12,000 customers.
Overview of New Contracts – Commercial Utilities
Furthermore, since the beginning of 2025, Al Shola Gas has signed commercial LPG supply and maintenance contracts for two food and beverage facilities in Dubai. With the addition of these properties, Al Shola Gas now manages monthly billing for over 170 food and beverage outlets.
Overview of Bulk LPG Supply
Bulk LPG supplied by Al Shola Gas to its current customers has consistently exceeded 600 MT monthly. Bulk LPG supply has been organically growing at a rate of 10 to 20 MT per month. With new bobtail trucks purchased and expected to join the Al Shola Gas fleet in the coming months, the company expects to reach 800 MT per month in bulk LPG supply by the end of the year.
“Al Shola Gas continues to deliver impressive operational results and commercial traction,” said John-Paul Backwell, CEO of Fusion Fuel. “These new contracts reflect the market’s trust in our capabilities and contribute meaningful value to our long-term revenue base through project and recurring utility income.”
About Fusion Fuel Green PLC
Fusion Fuel Green PLC (NASDAQ: HTOO) is an emerging leader in the energy services sector, offering a comprehensive suite of energy supply, distribution, and engineering and advisory solutions through its Al Shola Gas and BrightHy brands. Al Shola Gas provides full-service industrial gas solutions, including the design, supply, and maintenance of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems, as well as the transport and distribution of LPG to a broad range of customers across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. BrightHy, the Company’s newly launched hydrogen solutions platform, delivers innovative engineering and advisory services enabling decarbonization across hard-to-abate industries.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target”, “may”, “intend”, “predict”, “should”, “would”, “predict”, “potential”, “seem”, “future”, “outlook” or other similar expressions (or negative versions of such words or expressions) that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Fusion Fuel has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations, are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, those set forth in Fusion Fuel’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2025, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements.
Wire Service Contact:
IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xinhua | 22.05.2025
Key words: China-France
Source: Xinhua
Lightning: China, France should jointly safeguard international trade rules and world economic order, practice true multilateralism – Xi Jinping Lightning: China, France should jointly safeguard international trade rules and world economic order, practice true multilateralism – Xi Jinping
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xinhua | 22.05.2025
Key words: China-France
Source: Xinhua
Flash: Xi Jinping calls on China, France to be reliable forces to uphold international order, open forces to promote global growth, and progressive forces to lead multilateral cooperation Flash: Xi Jinping calls on China, France to be reliable forces to uphold international order, open forces to promote global growth, and progressive forces to lead multilateral cooperation
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: First aid and emergency response in focus of OSCE Training of Trainers Course for border guards in Turkmenistan
Participants during a practical exercise with simulation of various injuries and conditions held as part of an OSCE-organized Tactical Medical Training of Trainers Course, Ashgabat, 22 May 2025, OSCE (OSCE) Photo details
An OSCE-organized Tactical Medical Training of Trainers (ToT) Course, took place from 20 to 22 May 2025 in Ashgabat. The course brought together thirty-one participants, including border guards who work in remote areas serving as first responders to emergencies and incidents, and specializing in rescue operations as well as doctors from the Central Hospital for Border Guards.
The course aimed to enhance trainees’ practical skills focusing on tactical medical content, pre-hospital emergency medical care, modern and effective methods of first aid and emergency response. Participants were trained in first aid skills with simulation of various injuries in demanding environmental and emergency conditions complemented by practical training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and procedures for moving patients to the next level of care.
In his address at the opening of the ToT course, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: “There are a number of OSCE Commitments related to border security and management, including those outlined in the “Border Security and Management Concept” adopted by the OSCE Ministerial Council in December 2005.”
“Clearly, the work of the border guards entails specific risks to health and physical safety, since border guards serve in different climatic and geographical conditions at any time of the day.” stressed MacGregor”.
“When you are out of range of immediate medical support and face real risk in remote environments with prolonged time to evacuation, knowing how to respond in the first minutes after an injury can save lives and mitigate the losses.” he added.
The course was facilitated by an international medical expert from Uzbekistan. Applying an experiential learning method, the expert involved trainees in simulation exercises that were carefully tailored to climatic and geographical conditions of the region.
The ToT course was organized within the framework of the Centre’s extrabudgetary project “Strengthening State Border Service Capacities of Turkmenistan” and financially supported by the Government of Germany.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Astronomers have observed two distant galaxies – both possessing roughly as many stars as our Milky Way – careening toward each other before their inevitable merger at a time when the universe was about a fifth its current age, a scene resembling two knights charging in a joust.
The galaxies, observed using two Chile-based telescopes, were seen as they existed about 11.4 billion years ago, approximately 2.4 billion years after the Big Bang event that initiated the universe.
At the heart of one of the galaxies resides a quasar, a highly luminous object powered by gas and other material falling into a supermassive black hole. The intense radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum unleashed by the quasar is seen disrupting clouds of gas and dust, known as molecular clouds, in the other galaxy.
It is molecular clouds that give rise to stars. But the effects of the quasar’s radiation turned the clouds in the affected region into “only tiny dense cloudlets that are too small to form stars,” said astrophysicist Sergei Balashev of the Ioffe Institute in Saint Petersburg, Russia, co-lead author of the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.
This is the first time such a phenomenon has been observed, Balashev said.
Stars form by the slow contraction under gravity of these clouds, with small centers taking shape that heat up and become new stars. But the galaxy affected by the quasar’s radiation was left with fewer regions that could serve as such stellar nurseries, undermining its star formation rate.
The interaction between the two galaxies reminded the researchers of a medieval joust.
“Much like jousting knights charging toward one another, these galaxies are rapidly approaching. One of them – the quasar host – emits a powerful beam of radiation that pierces the companion galaxy, like a lance. This radiation ‘wounds’ its ‘opponent’ as it disrupts the gas,” said astronomer and co-lead author Pasquier Noterdaeme of the Paris Institute of Astrophysics in France.
Supermassive black holes are found at the heart of many galaxies, including the Milky Way. The researchers estimated the mass of the one that serves as the engine of the quasar studied in this research at about 200 million times that of our sun.
The intense gravitational strength of the supermassive black hole pulls gas and other material toward it. As this stuff spirals inward at high speed, it heats up due to friction, forming a disk that emits extremely powerful radiation in two opposite directions, called biconical beams.
The ultraviolet light from one of these beams is what played havoc with the gas in the companion galaxy.
This supermassive black hole is much more massive than the one at the center of the Milky Way – called Sagittarius A*, or Sgr A* – which possesses roughly 4 million times the mass of the sun and is located about 26,000 light-years from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).
The researchers used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, or ALMA, to characterize the two galaxies and used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope, or VLT, to probe the quasar as well as the gas in the companion galaxy.
The configuration of the galaxies as viewed from the perspective of Earth enabled the researchers to observe the radiation from the quasar passing directly through the companion galaxy.
Most galactic mergers that have been observed by astronomers occurred later in the history of the universe.
“Galaxies are typically found in groups, and gravitational interactions naturally lead to mergers over cosmic time,” Noterdaeme said. “In line with current understanding, these two galaxies will eventually coalesce into a single larger galaxy. The quasar will fade as it exhausts the available fuel.”
(Reuters)
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alastair Bonnett, Professor of Geography, Newcastle University
Anti-environmentalism is gaining ground. Attacks on the net zero goal and hostility to conservation measures and anti-pollution targets are becoming more common. And, as recent election results have shown, these tactics are reshaping politics in Britain and across the west.
Anti-environmentalism is a rejection of both environmental initiatives and activism. But despite its sudden rise and bold rhetoric, it is built on shaky foundations. The messages it offers are often contradictory and row against the tide of everyday experience.
Take the US president, Donald Trump. He dismantled many environmental protections in his last term of office, and is now removing those that are left – including support for research that even mentions the word climate. Yet he told a rally in Wisconsin in 2024: “I’m an environmentalist. I want clean air and clean water. Really clean water. Really clean air.”
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Some of the contradictions of anti-environmentalism reflect its departure from traditional conservatism. Although routinely identified as “conservative”, the populist anti-green politics of Republicans in the US and Reform in the UK, along with the AfD in Germany and National Rally in France, represent a radical challenge to the ideals of continuity and conservation that were once at the heart of conservatism.
The Conservative Environment Network is an organisation which pitches itself as an “independent forum for conservatives in the UK and around the world who support net zero, nature restoration and resource security”. Much of this network’s work involves reminding people that important environmental protections, from America’s national parks to controls on pollution and climate change in Britain and elsewhere, were introduced by conservatives.
But few on the right appear to be listening. A populist tide is washing this conservative tradition away, despite the fact that support for environmental protection remains very popular.
Polling indicates that 80% of people in the UK worry about climate change. Public backing for the work of the US Environmental Protection Agency is also overwhelming, including among Republican voters.
In part, this support reflects the fact that environmental damage is an everyday reality: unpredictable weather, the collapse of animal and insect populations, and a range of other challenges are not just on the TV, they are outside the window.
In my research for a forthcoming book on environmental nostalgia across the world, I keep bumping into an irony. In western nations, voices from the right say they want their country back, yet appear hostile to environmental policies that would protect their country and ensure its survival.
There are many reasons for this disconnect, including resentment against initiatives that require lifestyle and livelihood changes. However, the enmity and disengagement is more complicated than a simple rejection of nature.
Many people – including Trump himself – claim they are environmentalists even when the evidence suggests otherwise. The signs and symbols of environmental care are knitted into every aspect of our commercial and cultural life: if wildlife could sue for copyright, there would a lot of rich bears.
I argue that a distinction can be made between what I call “cold” and “hot” forms of environmentalism. The former values and mourns the loss of nature, but as a spectacle to be observed – a set of appealing images of flora and fauna – while the latter feels implicated and anxious.
The former position allows people to claim they love nature yet be indifferent or even hostile to initiatives to save it. However, the line between cold and hot, or between anti- and pro-environmentalist, is neither fixed nor hard.
Another quality of anti-environmentalism is that its beliefs are changeable, even quixotic. Climate change is an example.
Reform’s leaders have long flirted with climate change denial. “Climate change has happened for millions of years,” explained former Reform UK leader Richard Tice in 2024, adding that “the idea that you can stop the power of the Sun or volcanoes is simply ludicrous”. Tice has not changed his views but later the same year, the party’s new leader, Nigel Farage, told the BBC that he was “not arguing the science”.
Like other populist parties, Reform adopts a mobile position on the environment, moving between denying that climate change is happening or that humans are causing it, and the very different contention that anthropogenic climate change is real but that environmental targets are unreachable and unfair, given that other nations (China is often mentioned) supposedly do so little.
Researchers are only just starting to think about anti-environmentalism. One key analysis is environmental politics researcher John Hultgren’s The Smoke and the Spoils: Anti-Environmentalism and Class Struggle in the United States. This new book explains how Republicans managed to convince working-class voters that there is “zero-sum dichotomy between jobs and environmental protection, workers and environmentalists”.
This kind of binary has also been found by contributors to The Handbook of Anti-Environmentalism, who identify and critique the stereotyping of environmentalism as middle-class and elite in several western countries.
Yet the geographical focus of these pioneering works misses yet another of the paradoxes of anti-environmentalism: that although its rhetoric often accuses China and other non-western countries of doing little, there has been a significant environmental turn in both policy and public attitudes beyond Europe and the US.
Environmentalism is becoming post-western. This is partly because the realities of environmental damage are so stark across much of Asia and Africa.
Extreme temperatures and unpredictable rainfall are leading to food insecurity and community displacement. Environmentalism in the African Sahel and south Asia might better be called “survivalism”.
And despite its continuing reliance on fossil fuels, China’s state-led vision of a transition to a conservationist and decarbonised “ecological civilisation” is positioning it as a global environmental leader.
Stereotypes of environmentalism being primarily a western concern are crumbling. Because of this, along with the many contradictions that beset it, the rise of anti-environmentalism appears not only complex, but curious and unsustainable.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
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Alastair Bonnett does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Anti-environmentalism is on the rise but it’s full of contradictions – https://theconversation.com/anti-environmentalism-is-on-the-rise-but-its-full-of-contradictions-256911
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Helen Dawes, Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter
Walking is one of the most important things we do for our quality of life. In fact, research shows it contributes more than any other physical activity to how well we live day to day. Yet one in three people over the age of 60 report having some difficulty walking.
As we age, gradual changes in our bodies and health can alter how we walk, often without us realising. But the way we walk, known as our gait pattern, matters more than we might think. Poor gait doesn’t just make walking harder and more tiring; it can lead to joint strain, instability, and a greater risk of falls.
Think of your gait like a heart rhythm. Just as an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows whether your heart is functioning properly, your gait also has a rhythm. When that rhythm is off, it may be one of the earliest signs that you’re not ageing as well as you could be.
Thanks to new technology, we can now measure gait quality more easily and precisely. One promising tool is the Heel2Toe wearable sensor. This small device attaches to your shoe and tracks the movement of your ankle as you walk, capturing your gait cycle in real time.
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A healthy step begins with a strong heel strike. Your weight then rolls across the sole of your foot, ending with a push-off from the toes. As your foot lifts, it swings forward cleanly – no dragging or scuffing. This smooth sequence creates a rhythm in your ankle movements, one that, when consistent, resembles a kind of “walking ECG”.
But over time, many people unconsciously adopt less efficient movement patterns. These altered gaits may feel normal, but they’re often unstable, tiring or unsafe.
Poor gait reduces confidence, increases fall risk, and can discourage people from walking at all. And the less we walk, the weaker our muscles become – making the problem worse. It’s a vicious cycle.
The good news is that we can retrain our gait.
The Heel2Toe sensor doesn’t just monitor your movements – it also encourages better walking. When it detects a good step (one that begins with a strong heel strike), it delivers an audio cue as positive feedback. Over time, these cues help you rediscover a stronger, steadier walking pattern. Good gait becomes your new normal. Tools like Heel2Toe help people tune in to their body’s signals and make sustainable progress.
The goal isn’t just to move more – it’s to move better.
Of course, being physically active is only one aspect of what it means to live well as we grow older.
To get a more complete picture of healthy ageing researchers have developed a tool that measures how often older adults experience key aspects of wellbeing. This tool – the Opal measure (Older Persons for Active Living) – goes beyond tracking what people do. It asks how they feel about their lives.
Opal can help people understand their own wellbeing and it offers policymakers and communities a way to evaluate how well their services support older citizens – not just physically, but socially and emotionally too.
For people, this means that even small improvements, like better gait, can lead to meaningful changes in how you feel: more confident, more mobile and more independent.
For communities, it’s a reminder that promoting physical activity is important – but not enough. We also need programs, spaces and services that foster connection, purpose, creativity and joy.
In a 2024 international study, older adults in Canada, UK, US and the Netherlands shared what “active living” means to them – across four languages and cultural contexts.
They identified 17 distinct “ways of being” that contribute to feeling active. Physical health was just one part. Others included feeling: confident, connected, creative, energised, encouraged, engaged, happy, mentally healthy, independent, interested, mentally sharp, motivated, resilient and self-sufficient.
In other words, active living isn’t just about taking (or counting) steps, it’s about how you feel while taking them.
Ageing is inevitable. But ageing well? That’s something we can shape – step by step.
Helen Dawes is Director of International Affairs of PhysioBiometrics Inc. she receives funding from NIHR Exeter Biomedical Resarch Council and NIHR Exeter Sustainable Health Technology Centre.
Nancy Mayo is co-founder and President of PhysioBiometrics Inc. a company that commercializes the Heel2Toe sensor to make it available for all. She has received funding from Healthy Brains for Health Lives (HBHL), McGill University, to develop and test the Heel2Toe sensor.
– ref. Why gait quality matters as you age – https://theconversation.com/why-gait-quality-matters-as-you-age-256636
Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh
The brightest, hottest and happiest season is here…hello summer!! For children and young people across the borough, it’s that long-awaited season of freedom. It’s goodbye school, hello pool; it’s memories made in flip flops, topped off with ice-cream, picnics and never-ending days of playing and exploring!
Let the experienced and energised getactiveabc coaches make it a summer to remember with a wonder world of summer experiences!
Multi-sports, gymnastics and dance camps
Through energetic sessions that feel more like fun than fitness, kids will learn about movement, co-ordination, teamwork and self-expression, all of which will boost their confidence (suitable for 5–11-year-olds. Various locations available). Find out more!
Wet and wild watersports
In, on and off the water, make a splash with South Lake Watersports! Hit the water or the road with kayak, paddleboard and bicycle hire (free for getactiveabc members); dip your toe into something new with the ‘Learn to’ sessions; achieve your ‘Start, Discover and Paddle Safer’ qualification from Paddle UK; join South Lake Paddlers Club; take on the giant inflatable (free for getactiveabc members) or have a blast at the multi-activity sessions of wet and dry adrenaline pumping fun with aqua inflatables, archery, mountain bikes, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing! Find out more!
Stay cool in the pool!
Our crazy £2 swims at Banbridge, Orchard and South Lake Leisure Centres are here! Boost water confidence with swimming courses and lessons, gain a lifeguard qualification and take on ‘The Beast’ – the new 50m indoor inflatable obstacle course that lets you bounce, slide and giggle through the challenge! Additional needs and quiet sessions are also available. Find out more!
Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre
Summer fun specials continue at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre for kids, families, parties and youth clubs. Individual/family/group tubing and footgolf mean lots of laughs and fun for everyone on and off the slopes! Find out more!
Inclusive summer scheme
The ABC Inclusive Summer Schemes, taking place in Dromore and Richhill, provide inclusive sports and physical activity opportunities for children with a disability, along with siblings and friends. Find out more!
The getactiveabc sizzling programme of activities and events continues to soar throughout the summer! Watch out for special offers and more with Love Parks Week, The South Lake Junior Triathlon, indoor inflatables, Craigavon Lake Run, Bike Week, Oxford Island Nature activities, Men’s Health Week, All Out Trekking at Gosford, Teen Gym, Get Girls Moving, golf at Loughgall and Silverwood and much more!
Click here to read all about the getactiveabc summer programme!
Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry
22 May 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council is reminding residents that bin collections and Recycling Centres will continue as normal on the upcoming May Bank Holiday, Monday 26th May 2025.
Residents are advised to leave out their bins as usual on collection day. The Council is encouraging everyone to stay committed to recycling by using Blue and Brown bins correctly, helping reduce household waste over the holiday weekend.
Please note that Council offices on Strand Road, Derry, and Derry Road, Strabane, will be closed on Monday 26th May and will reopen on Tuesday 27th May. Registry Offices in both Derry and Strabane will also be closed on the Monday, reopening the following day.
For those enjoying local attractions, the Guildhall and Tower Museum will remain open and welcoming visitors over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Council-operated cemeteries will remain open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm throughout the holiday period.
The Council’s Out of Hours Dog Warden Service will be in operation to respond to ongoing dog attacks on people or animals. To report an incident, call 07734 128096. Please note that while the Council is not obligated to respond to other reports outside of normal hours, serious voicemails will be assessed.
All Council parks and greenways will be open, and the public is encouraged to enjoy these spaces responsibly keeping them clean by using the bins provided.
The Alley Theatre will also be open throughout the weekend, with Encore’s The Little Mermaid showing on Saturday 24th May.
Leisure Services Opening Times – Bank Holiday Monday 26th May:
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, encouraged residents to make the most of the long weekend:
“I’d like to wish everyone across our city and district a relaxing and enjoyable Bank Holiday. Let’s continue taking pride in our beautiful environment by recycling, respecting public spaces, and supporting our local attractions and services.”
For full and up-to-date service details, please visit the Council website:
www.derrystrabane.com/services/opening-hours
Source: IMF – News in Russian
A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.
The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.
Paris, France – May 22, 2025
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Manuela Goretti and comprising Florian Misch, Rasmane Ouedraogo, Maryam Vaziri, and Torsten Wezel, conducted discussions during May 12-22 for the 2025 Article IV Consultation with France. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:
The French economy has demonstrated resilience despite high uncertainty, with disinflation progressing well and the labor market remaining robust. However, high and rising public debt, combined with significant domestic and external headwinds to the recovery, highlights the need to strengthen public finances and pursuing structural reforms to foster sustainable growth. The French authorities’ commitment to bring the deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2029 is welcome and should be supported by a credible and well-designed package of measures. Advancing France’s structural reform agenda will be crucial to boost productivity and facilitate fiscal consolidation. While the financial sector remains resilient, strong supervisory practices need to continue adapting to an increasingly complex financial landscape. France’s sustained efforts to deepen the European single market remain critical to support the economy and strengthen its ability to withstand shocks.
Economic Outlook
High domestic and external uncertainty is expected to continue weighing on the short-term economic outlook. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.6 percent in 2025 and reach 1 percent in 2026. These projections reflect a delayed recovery in private consumption and investment due to weak confidence and fiscal tightening this year, despite some uplift from monetary policy easing. Weaker external demand, amid trade tensions, market volatility, and geo-economic uncertainty, is expected to further dampen exports and investment prospects. These projections are based on the April World Economic Outlook global assumptions and do not reflect the latest trade policy announcements. Over the medium term, growth is projected to converge to around 1.2 percent, before decelerating towards its long-term potential of 1 percent reflecting both demographic trends and need for further structural reforms. The disinflationary process is progressing well, with average headline inflation projected at 1.2 percent in 2025, due to base effects and lower energy prices, and core inflation at 1.9 percent.
The outlook remains subject to significant downside risks, notwithstanding potential upsides. Deepening geoeconomic fragmentation and rising trade tensions could disrupt trade and financial flows and dampen economic activity. In such an environment, uncertainty would increase, and financial conditions could tighten further, reducing domestic demand and worsening debt dynamics. Political fragmentation and social tensions could delay fiscal consolidation and reform efforts, further weighing on confidence and the outlook, raising fiscal risks. On the upside, easing trade tensions and renewed structural reform momentum could improve growth prospects over the medium term. Domestic reforms could be strengthened through deeper coordination and integration at the EU level. Consumption could be stronger if household saving rates eased more rapidly on the back of dissipating uncertainty. Business investment and export performance could also surprise on the upside, driven by higher demand—in France and in the rest of Europe—including for defense as well as digital and green technologies.
Fiscal Policy: Reducing Debt while Refocusing Spending Priorities
Building on the 2025 budget, the authorities are committed to implementing their Medium-term Fiscal Structural Plan (MTFSP) to bring the deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2029. While the envisaged adjustment is appropriate to improve debt dynamics and strengthen France’s resilience to shocks, it needs to be supported by a credible and well-designed package of measures and remains subject to implementation risks, as evidenced by recent setbacks. Under staff’s current policy baseline scenario, which incorporates only legislated and clearly specified measures, the deficit is projected to decline to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2025, in line with the budget target. However pending approval of significant additional measures, it would remain around 6 percent of GDP in the medium-term, keeping debt on an upward trend until 2030. While short-term risks remain manageable, debt dynamics have weakened significantly, following consecutive fiscal slippages in 2023 and 2024, and remain highly sensitive to the real interest rate and growth path. In this context, France’s commitment to undertake further fiscal consolidation, as per EU rules, represents an important mitigating factor.
Significant additional fiscal efforts will be crucial to preserve fiscal space and create room to absorb rising spending demands, while placing debt on a downward path. Staff recommends a frontloaded structural fiscal effort of 1.1 percent of GDP in 2026, followed by an average of about 0.9 percent of GDP per year over the medium term, broadly in line with the authorities’ plans. The recommended adjustment would allow the country to exit the excessive deficit procedure by end-2029, as targeted. Staff’s debt sustainability analysis indicates that the recommended fiscal path would markedly reduce medium-term debt sustainability risks, with the debt-stabilizing primary balance being reached in 2027.
Achieving this substantial fiscal consolidation will require decisive actions and difficult decisions to ensure equity and fairness amid challenging trade-offs:
Given France’s already high tax-to-GDP ratio, any new tax measures should be focused on reducing inefficient tax expenditures and tackling tax avoidance while improving equity. While exceptional temporary revenue measures can help kickstart much needed fiscal adjustment, France’s level of taxation—among the highest in the EU—indicates that sustained tax-based fiscal consolidation, of the magnitude necessary to advance France’s medium-term plans, would hamper business confidence, household consumption, and growth potential. Building on recent experiences, the authorities should continue to monitor and evaluate tax expenditure programs to address inefficiencies vis-à-vis intended objectives and generate savings. This approach would also simplify the tax system and facilitate revenue forecasting.
The authorities should focus on rationalizing spending and strengthening its efficiency, with concerted action across all government levels: central government, social security, and local governments. France has the highest spending-to-GDP ratio among EU countries. There are several avenues to rationalize spending and improve its quality, while preserving growth-enhancing investment in key priority areas and mitigating distributional impacts on the most vulnerable. The planned expansion of spending reviews and efforts to minimize overlaps across government entities, including local governments, can streamline spending by addressing inefficiencies and reducing red tape. There is also scope to further improve the targeting of social benefits, including by reviewing eligibility and duration of unemployment benefits, to better target active labor market initiatives, as well as to further simplify and harmonize pension schemes, while ensuring a balanced system, building on the 2023 pension reform. These efforts would foster less fragmented and longer careers while enhancing the sustainability and intergenerational equity of the social security system. Enhanced monitoring and financial coordination can also generate savings at the local and national levels.
The authorities’ initiatives to reinforce public finances forecasting and budget controls, in response to recent fiscal slippages, are welcome. The March 2025 Action plan by the authorities aims at enhancing monitoring of tax revenue, fostering greater transparency, and reinforcing the role of the High Council for Public Finances. Sustained efforts in these areas are essential to identify and proactively address fiscal risks, strengthen public finance management, and enhance fiscal policy credibility. Contingency plans will be also needed to ensure that pressing priority spending needs, including in defense, are met without compromising public finances.
Macrostructural Policies to Support Jobs and Productivity Growth
Raising weak productivity growth is critical for sustaining France’s economic prospects, in the face of substantial fiscal consolidation needs. The per capita income gap between France and the US has increased since the early 2000s and now exceeds 20 percent, primarily due to lower productivity and employment in France. Macro-structural reforms can play a critical role in lifting potential output, while facilitating fiscal consolidation efforts. For example, an increase in potential GDP growth of 0.3 percentage points could help reduce public debt by nearly 10 percent of GDP over the long term.
France is well-positioned to capitalize on the green and digital transitions through greater efforts to support innovation and access to capital. France’s comparative advantage in low-carbon technologies and its potential to become a European hub for Artificial Intelligence can foster the development of new technologies and support growth. Ongoing efforts by the authorities to review and rationalize state aid and R&D tax expenditures by focusing on the most impactful schemes and better targeting eligibility criteria can boost innovation and help close gaps with peers. Enhancing access to finance and reducing financing costs for productive but credit-constrained firms is crucial and should be supported by advancing the EU Savings and Investment Union which can increase the availability of capital and its efficient allocation.
To support entrepreneurship, policies should focus on easing entry barriers and reducing the regulatory burden. France performs relatively well in terms of product market regulation, but reducing administrative market entry barriers for firms, especially in some services sectors, is crucial for boosting business dynamism and productivity growth. The Simplification Bill, currently under discussion, would be an important step towards further reducing the regulatory burden and streamlining requirements, particularly for small and medium size firms. At the European level, deepening the single market through the removal of remaining intra-EU trade barriers and greater harmonization of regulations can help firms achieve economies of scale and incentivize innovation by expanding market size.
Sustained efforts to promote employment and job quality remain critical to facilitate green and digital transitions, amid an aging workforce, and boost productivity growth. While employment rates have increased, they remain low in segments of the population compared to other countries. Possible areas for policy intervention include further social benefit reforms to enhance work incentives and reduce career fragmentation, particularly among younger and older individuals. These measures can be complemented by efforts to further raise labor force participation of women, including through recent initiatives to support STEM careers, and better integrate migrants into the labor market. Promoting workforce skills and healthy aging would also contribute to job quality.
Adapting to a Complex Financial Landscape
The banking sector has demonstrated resilience to recent shocks, supported by prudent lending standards and strong precautionary buffers. While profitability remains below the EU average, banks’ solvency and liquidity positions are robust, with adequate buffers. Sound prudential measures are mitigating housing market risks as property prices stabilize, while risks to the banking sector from corporate indebtedness and sovereign exposures remain manageable. Notwithstanding high uncertainty, financial stability risks remain contained, with French banks showing resilience under severe geopolitical and recessionary stress test scenarios, applied in the context of the IMF’s 2025 Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP).
The connections between the banking system, insurance firms, and domestic funding markets warrant continued close monitoring. The FSAP stress test indicates that investment funds possess sufficient liquidity to withstand large redemption shocks, and French banks’ liquidity buffers can absorb potential market shocks from associated fixed-income sell-offs. Moreover, liquidity management tools to contain redemption risks have been widely adopted. Nevertheless, amid global uncertainty and episodes of high market volatility, there is scope to further strengthen oversight through greater monitoring and data sharing on fund liability structures as well as closer collaboration among non-bank financial institutions supervisors in France and at the EU level.
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/22/CS-France-2025
Source: European Parliament
Mauritania is a solid and priority partner for the European Union in the region of West Africa and the Sahel. The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and the response to drivers of fragility combining humanitarian-development-peacebuilding will be the focus of a DEVE mission to the country.
The mission will be composed of the following Members:
For the content of the mission please refer to the link below:
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001950/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
François-Xavier Bellamy (PPE)
On 13 April 2021, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) invited Member States to re-evaluate their international agreements involving transfers of personal data, in particular agreements struck with the United States under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), in order to make these agreements compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Four years later, and not a single Member State has published the required evaluation. This inaction constitutes a blatant violation of the obligation of responsibility laid down in Article 24 of the GDPR. During this time, the data of thousands of EU citizens continues to be passed on to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the US tax authority, without demonstrated legal safeguards.
In France, the Finance Act for 2022 required the French Government to submit a report on the implementation of its information exchange commitments, in line with the GDPR and the recommendations of the EDPB. This report has never seen the light of day. The lack of political will to protect fundamental rights is clear.
At the same time, the IRS publicly asserts its right to collect data outside the United States, in total disregard of EU legislation.
Submitted: 14.5.2025
Source: Thales Group
Headline: Thales Reinforces Commitment to Malaysia at LIMA 2025
with New Leadership and Contracts Awarded
On the occasion of the LIMA 2025 exhibition in Langkawi, Thales’ commitment to Malaysian defence is once again recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces. With a steady economic growth outlook, the Malaysian government is keen to advance the country’s military modernisation and Thales remains at the forefront of this, with the Memorandum of Understanding & Letter of Award received for equipment ranging from radars to radios.
I. Two additional GM400α long-range radars for superior situational air awareness
To strengthen the air surveillance and air defence capabilities of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Thales will supply two additional long-range air surveillance GM400α radars, following the ceremony held on Day 3 of LIMA 2025, in presence of Francois-Xavier Boutes, Country Director of Thales Malaysia and YBhg Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali, Secretary General from the Ministry of Defence, and witnessed by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Minister of Defence. The award of these two additional radars underscores the trust held by the RMAF in Thales’ radar technology, following the first GM400α contract signed at the end of 2023. Thanks to its high mobility, high availability, easy upgradeability and seamless integration, the GM400α offers armed forces with a valuable tool to gain tactical advantage, detecting all types of threats early and providing precious minutes for decision-making and action (515km range). Today more than 270 Ground Master field-proven family air surveillance radars have been sold worldwide.
In Malaysia, Thales will partner Weststar Group once again to deploy the radars in line with the operational requirements of the RMAF. Thales will also engage in the Transfer of Knowledge and Train-the-Trainer courses delivered under the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), while strengthening its installed base in Malaysia for long-range surveillance radars. By building local expertise, Thales will enhance the efficiency of radar maintenance, enhance the autonomy of the RMAF and ensure timely on-ground maintenance support close to the end-users. Thales’ radar expertise in Malaysia runs deep, as the country was also the launch customer for the precursor GM400 radar in 2009.
II. Enhancing tactical and radio communications for Malaysia
To further deepen its expertise in radio and tactical communications, Thales has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with partner ADS Sdn. Bhd. Signed on Day 2 of LIMA between Brig Gen Dato’ Abdul Hadi bin Abdul Razak (R), ADS and Nicolas Bouverot, VP Thales Asia, the collaboration will see both parties working on the latest digital technologies for handheld radios and other tactical communications.
III. A helicopter training simulator marks a first contract with Royal Malaysian Police (RMP)
Pascale Sourisse, CEO, Thales International witnessed the signing of an LOA, together with Malaysian partner Novatis Resources to deliver a Reality-H® AW139 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) to be used for pilot training with the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). The Thales Reality H Full Flight Simulator is the world’s most advanced commercial helicopter simulator, and will be qualified to meet Level D standard, the highest level of qualification for a simulator. This marks a first engagement with the RMP, where pilots of the Police Air Wing Training Academy and other government agencies including the fire brigade and coast guard can benefit from realistic and immersive training, customised to the Malaysian environment and terrain.
IV. New leadership for Thales in Malaysia
To drive the growing business in Malaysia, Florian Riou has been appointed Country Director for Thales in Malaysia and Brunei and will effectively take on the role on 1st of July 2025. Florian brings close to 18 years of professional experience in foreign trade policy and trade compliance, with roles held in the French Ministry of Economics and Finance and Safran Group. With Thales since 2017, Florian’s most recent role was as Group Trade Compliance Director for Thales, based in France.
“These latest agreements are recognition of how Thales’ solutions are supporting the needs of the Malaysian government and Malaysian forces. Our air surveillance radars are bringing air superiority to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in some of most challenging tropical environments. In addition, our history in tactical radio communications dates back several decades in Malaysia and looks set to continue as we collaborate with strong local partners to develop home-grown expertise and joint solutions to support the Army. We appreciate the renewed trust established with Thales to help drive the modernisation of its armed forces.” Pascale Sourisse, CEO, Thales International.
Source: Amnesty International –
116 leading UK and Irish creatives have urged Keir Starmer to act over Israel’s escalating atrocities in Gaza, criticising UK arms exports, settlement trade, and lack of ICC support – open letter
Riz Ahmed, Dame Harriet Walker, Maxine Peake, Nish Kumar, Paloma Faith and others condemn UK government inaction on Gaza
The Prime Minister must ‘stand up for justice and human rights’ and ‘words are no longer enough; we need to see action’ – Creatives
Artists gather outside Downing Street to hold placards urging the PM to act to stop the genocide and human rights abuses in Gaza
Over 100 leading voices from across the UK and Ireland’s film, television, and creative industries including Riz Ahmed, Dame Harriet Walker, Maxine Peake, Nish Kumar, Paloma Faith, Juliet Stevenson and many more have united to call on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take urgent action in response to Israel’s escalating atrocities in Gaza and the wider Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
In a public letter, the group condemn “all attacks on civilians” but emphasise that as well as Israel’s decades-long military occupation, expansion of illegal settlements, and system of apartheid, Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, as described by Amnesty International in its report “You feel Like You Are Subhuman”.
“We are deeply troubled by your lack of meaningful action to help deter Israel’s horrifying and calculated violations of Palestinian rights,” the letter states to the Prime Minister.
Since October 2023, more than 20,000 children have reportedly been killed in Gaza. The group point to the use of 2,000lb bombs dropped from F-35 fighter jets – supplied with UK-made components – as part of a devastating campaign that includes siege tactics blocking access to food, water, electricity, and medicine for over two million civilians.
“You know what is happening,” they write to the Prime Minister, and state “your Government is failing to fulfil its obligation to prevent the ongoing genocide in Gaza.”
The letter also highlights a stark double standard in UK policy: banning imports from Russian-occupied Crimea, while allowing trade with Israeli settlements in the illegally Occupied Palestinian Territory. The International Court of Justice has made clear that countries must not support illegal occupations – including through trade.
In addition to arms and trade, the group call on the UK government to fully support the International Criminal Court’s investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region.
Their demands include:
The group implores the Prime Minister “to stand up for justice and human rights” and that “words are no longer enough; we need to see action”.
Artists gather outside Downing Street to deliver the letter and hold placards urging the PM to act to stop Israel’s genocide and human rights abuses in Gaza.
The artists held placards bearing messages from residents of Gaza that capture the urgency and human toll of the crisis:
These statements are a stark reminder of the daily reality for civilians under Israel’s illegal blockade.
About the Signatories
This statement by Amnesty International has been endorsed by a coalition of UK-based professionals across the creative industries – filmmakers, actors, writers, artists and cultural leaders – who believe in the power of art, law, and collective voice in the face of injustice.
Ahmed Masoud; Aisling Bea; Aiysha Hart; Alan Moore; Alexander McKinnon; Alexei Sayle; Alice Roberts; Alisdair Beckett; King Amrita Acharia; Andrea Arnold Anjli; Mohindra Anneika; Rose Annie Mac; Sir Anish Kapoor CBE; Anoushka Shankar; Dr Ariel Caine; Bernadette O’Brien; Bertie Carvel; President of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation; Brian Eno; Briony Hannah; Brona C Titley; Charlotte Church; Chipo Chung; David Morrissey; Deborah Frances-White; Declan McKenna; Denise Gough; Emma D’Arcy; Esther Freud; Esther Manito; Fionn O’Loinsigh; Francesca Martinez; Frankie Boyle; Frederico Gaggio; Grace Petrie; Dame Harriet Walter; Himesh Patel; Ian Rickson; Imran Yusuf; Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness; Inua Ellams MBE; Ivor Graeme; Jackie Clune; James Acaster; Jan Pearson; Janie Dee; Jason Fleming; Jay Griffiths; Jen Brister; Jessica Fostekew; Jim Loach; John Higgs; Josie Long; Jolyon Rubinstein; Juliet Stevenson CBE; Kathy Lette; Kerry Godliman; Khalid Abdalla; Ken Loach; Lise Meyer; Lolly Adefope; Louisa Young; Love Ssegga; Mae Martin; Mahtab Hussain; Manjinder Virk; Mariam Haque; Marnie Dickens; Max Porter; Maxine Peake; Dr Michael Hrebeniak; Misan Harriman; Mystery Jets; Nadia Sawalha; Nicola Thorp; Nikesh Patel; Nikesh Shukla; Nikita Gill; Nimmi Harasgama; Nish Kumar; Paapa Essiedu; Paloma Faith; Paul Laverty; Penny Woolcock; Peter Wyer; Rebecca O’Brien; Rida Hamidou; Riz Ahmed; Robin Ince; Robin Morrissey; Roger Hartley; Roisin O’Loughlin; Ruth Lass; Salena Godden; Sam Spruell; Sara Masry; Sarah Agha; Sasha Behar; Selma Dabbagh; Shazia Mirza; Simon Rix; Sonali Bhattacharyya; Stewart Lee; Steve Coogan; Susan Lynch; Suzi Ruffell; Thomas Browne; Thomas Combes; Thusitha Jayasundera; Tobias Menzies; Dame Tracey Emin; Tracey Seaward; Vijay Mistry; Vivian Munn; Young Fathers (all members); Zainab Hassan
Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry
22 May 2025
The launch of LGBTQIA+ Awareness Week took place last week with a special event and exhibition of a section of the Pride Quilt, created over thirty years ago.
The event was attended by members of UNISON who first initiated Awareness Week, LGBTQIA support organisations Rainbow and Foyle Pride, and members of the Council’s recently established LGBTQIA+ Working Group, plus many friends and supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The section of the Quilt on display is a tribute to those who sadly lost their lives to AIDS and members of the family of one of the event’s founders Patrick Doherty were present at the launch. Patrick, who died from the disease, was fondly remembered by his family at the event, in particular his sister Karen who gave a moving speech about the ongoing need for support for the LGBTQIA+ community locally.
Also speaking at the launch, Martin McConnelogue and Michael McLaughlin, fellow co-founders of LGBTQIA+ Awareness Week, stressed the importance of providing support for a marginalized community. They welcomed the event and the presence of the Doherty family and also thanked local organisations and Council for making a local launch possible. This was echoed by Jason Dunne of Foyle Pride.
Source: US State of California
Defendant Admits Concealing 50% Ownership of $7B Defense Contracting Business to Evade Taxes
A former defense contractor pleaded guilty today to tax crimes related to his scheme to defraud the United States and evade taxes on income that he earned from his contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Douglas Edelman founded and owned 50% of Mina Corp. and Red Star Enterprises (Mina/Red Star), a defense contracting business that received more than $7 billion from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide jet fuel in the United States’ post-9/11 military efforts in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Working with others, Edelman engaged in a lengthy scheme to hide his Mina/Red Star profits to evade U.S. taxes, including by concealing his income in undisclosed foreign bank accounts, creating false documents and making false statements that one of his co-conspirators — a French citizen residing abroad and without U.S. tax obligations — founded and owned Mina/Red Star.
For example, when the company became profitable in 2005, Edelman began taking distributions which he deposited into Swiss bank accounts, primarily at Credit Suisse, in the name of other companies he owned. In 2008, Credit Suisse informed Edelman that he had to either close his accounts or disclose them to U.S. authorities. Rather than come into compliance with his tax and reporting obligations, Edelman closed his accounts and opened new ones at Bank Julius Baer in Singapore in the name of a nominee entity, the beneficiaries of which were purportedly Edelman’s daughters. He then directed the subject income he earned from Mina/Red Star to those bank accounts.
In 2010 the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs began investigating allegations of corruption in connection with Mina/Red Star’s contracts with the Department of Defense. As part of this inquiry, the subcommittee became interested in the identity of Mina/Red Star’s owners. At this time, Edelman had not filed U.S. tax returns to report the millions of dollars he had earned from Mina/Red Star and had not paid U.S. taxes on his income.
Rather than disclose his ownership, Edelman caused his attorneys to tell Congress a false story that a French co-conspirator who had no U.S. tax or reporting obligations founded and co-owed Mina/Red Star with another individual. To corroborate the false story, Edelman and a co-conspirator caused false and backdated paperwork to be created.
To continue the scheme, Edelman conveyed the false story about Mina/Red Star’s ownership to other arms of the U.S. government, including to the Department of Defense during contract negotiations in 2010 and 2011, to the IRS in a 2016 application to the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, and to the Justice Department in a 2018 presentation.
In conjunction with his 2016 application to the IRS’s Voluntary Disclosure Program, Edelman filed false tax returns for several prior years that only reported income from gifts or purported consulting payments, continuing to conceal the millions he had earned from his company. On the returns, he also concealed profits he had earned from a separate business to provide internet service to members of the armed forces at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan.
Instead of paying the taxes that he knew he owed, Edelman used the money to fund his lifestyle and additional investments. He invested in a music television franchise in Eastern Europe, a land venture in Tulum, Mexico, and a farm in Kenya, and purchased property around Europe, including a home in Ibiza, Spain, and a townhouse in London.
Edelman faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count to which he has pleaded. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.
Special agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., that is dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, along with the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted in the investigation. Also providing assistance were His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs of the United Kingdom; the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which brings together the taxing authorities of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States; and authorities from Belize, Israel, and Cyprus.
The Government of the Kingdom of Spain arrested and extradited Edelman to the United States. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided substantial assistance in securing Edelman’s arrest and extradition.
Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
Source: Interpol (news and events)
Europol, INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported investigators from 23 countries in the fight against criminals who exploit humanity’s cultural heritage
LYON, France – The ninth edition of Operation Pandora, an international operation targeting the trafficking of cultural goods, has led to 80 arrests and the seizure of 37,727 items including archaeological pieces, artworks, coins and musical instruments.
Codenamed Pandora IX and carried out throughout 2024, the operation involved law enforcement and customs authorities from 23 countries. It was coordinated by Spain (Guardia Civil), with operational support from Europol, INTERPOL and the WCO through its Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Central Europe.
Authorities also confiscated 69 metal detectors and 23 tools commonly used for illegal excavations, underlining the persistent threat of looting to cultural sites.
In total, 258 cases were reported by the participating countries. Many investigations are still ongoing, with further arrests and seizures expected.
The Italian Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC) in coordination with the Italian Customs and Monopolies agency (ADM) seized a painting attributed to renowned artist Jannis Kounellis during a joint border operation. Upon inspection, it was determined to be inauthentic. Had it been genuine, its estimated value would have been around EUR 100,000. In a separate investigation, the Carabinieri TPC seized more than 300 items, including coins, metal and ceramic fragments such as arrowheads and spearheads dating back to the Roman and Punic periods. These artifacts were being offered for sale on e-commerce platforms and were discovered in a private apartment.
The Spanish Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting in the province of Cáceres. Six individuals were arrested, and three others are under investigation. During the operation authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, primarily Roman coins minted in the Celtiberian city of Tamusia. These artifacts had been looted from protected archaeological sites in the province of Caceres using metal detectors and were being sold illegally through social media platforms.
Also in Spain, the Guardia Civil intercepted a passenger attempting to fly from Palma de Mallorca to Germany carrying 55 ancient coins and a ring. A subsequent investigation led to an indictment for crimes against cultural heritage and plundering underwater wrecks and archaeological sites. In total, 64 objects of historical value and 1,576 ancient coins were confiscated.
In Greece, the Department of Cultural Heritage and Antiquities of Athens recovered five Byzantine icons. Acting on intelligence and using special investigative techniques, including an undercover officer, three individuals were arrested while attempting to sell the icons for EUR 70,000.
Ukrainian customs authorities seized 87 cultural goods that were being illegally transported out of the country to Poland, Moldova and Romania.
In addition to on-the-ground actions, dedicated cyber patrols were carried out during the operation to identify potential illicit online sales of cultural property. These virtual investigations led to the opening of new cases, demonstrating how digital platforms are quickly becoming a channel of choice by traffickers to market and sell looted artefacts. A total of 4,298 cultural goods were seized as a result of the cyber patrols.
Operation Pandora IX was carried out in the framework of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT). Europol facilitated the exchange of information and provided analytical and operational support to the national investigations. Furthermore, one cyber patrol week was hosted by Europol.
INTERPOL coordinated cross-border actions and offered tools such as its Stolen Works of Art database and on the ground ID-Art mobile application.
The WCO’s secure communication tool, CENcomm, was made available to all participants while its Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Central Europe compiled, refined and shared information provided by Customs administrations
Since its launch in 2016, Operation Pandora has become a key global initiative to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking.
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Ukraine, United States.
Europol, INTERPOL, World Customs Organization
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings in Denmark on Wednesday, aimed at deepening Indo-Danish ties and reinforcing strategic cooperation on key global challenges, including counter-terrorism and green partnerships.
Jaishankar’s visit to Copenhagen is part of his ongoing three-nation tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. After concluding a successful two-day official visit to the Netherlands, where he engaged in bilateral discussions, Jaishankar reached Denmark to further India’s diplomatic outreach in Europe.
Jaishankar was received by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen, where the two leaders held discussions aimed at advancing the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership. The talks highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable development and climate action. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Thank PM Mette Frederiksen for warmly receiving me in Copenhagen this evening. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Thank Denmark for its solidarity and support in combating terrorism.”
A key highlight of the visit was Jaishankar’s meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. The two ministers discussed ways to further strengthen India-Denmark relations and exchanged views on key global developments. Jaishankar lauded Denmark’s consistent support for India’s stand against terrorism. “Delighted to meet FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Copenhagen this evening… Our wide-ranging conversation on bilateral ties and global issues testifies to the strength of our relationship,” he said on X.
Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar also met Morten Bodskov, Denmark’s Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. The meeting explored ways to enhance existing collaborations and identify new areas of economic cooperation between the two countries. “Pleased to meet Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bodskov in Copenhagen today. We discussed deepening existing areas of cooperation and exploring new possibilities,” Jaishankar said.
The foreign minister also held talks with Soren Gade, Speaker of the Danish Parliament (Folketing). He expressed appreciation for Denmark’s consistent support and solidarity with India’s counter-terrorism efforts. “A very warm meeting with Speaker Soren Gade in Copenhagen today. Appreciate his solidarity as India resolutely combats terrorism. Also value his sustained support for building India-Denmark relations,” he said.
Additionally, the external affairs minister interacted with members of the Indian community in Copenhagen. He lauded their role in strengthening people-to-people connections and enhancing India’s image abroad. “Great to meet with Indian community representatives in Copenhagen. They hold the Indian flag high in Denmark and shape our positive image in this country,” he said.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
The remains of Private (Pte) Harry James Birch of the Cheshire Regiment, and four unknown soldiers were recovered during roadworks in the Poelcapelle-Hulsthoutseweg area of Belgium in 2018.
A musician from The Band of the Mercian Regiment sounds the Last Post (Crown Copyright)
The service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Poelcapelle British Cemetery near Ypres, Belgium today (21 May 2025).
The bearer party, standard bearers, and Padre laying Private Birch and his comrades to rest (Crown Copyright)
Pte Birch, who served with the 16th Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, died on 22 October 1917 during the Third Battle of Ypres. Pte Birch was formally identified using DNA provided by his great-nephew, but the first clue to his identity was a leather belt found with him which bore traces of his regimental number and part of his name.
Alexia Clark, MOD War Detective said:
It has been a privilege to organise this burial service for Pte Birch. When you consider the half-a-million men still missing from the First and Second World Wars, every one we can identify feels like an achievement. I am delighted that Pte Birch’s military family have now been able to give him the dignified burial he had been denied for so long.
Sadly, despite extensive research, it has not been possible to identify the four men found alongside Pte Birch. In total 2,068 men lost their lives in Belgium between 22 and 24 October 1917 and more than 1,000 of those remain missing.
The military party who were involved in the burial service, from 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Crown Copyright)
Reverend Gary Birch, Senior Chaplain, Head Quarters South West, said:
It is always a sobering privilege to officiate at any service person’s funeral, but even more so to give a WW1 soldier the proper dignity and respect they deserve. Although we’re not related, the fact that I share two names with Private Harry James Birch brings an even greater poignancy to the service for me, and a reminder that any of us who serve in the armed forces may one day be asked to offer the greatest sacrifice in service to others.
Although the other men buried next to Pte Birch today remain unnamed, it is important and right that each one is given the same respect and honour. Each one who fell whilst serving their country is worthy of full respect and it is my great honour to lead these moments of reflection and reverence.
The graves will now be cared for by CWGC. Dr Daniel Seaton, Commemorations Case Officer at the CWGC, said:
We are deeply honoured to have these four unknown soldiers and Private Birch of the Cheshire Regiment laid to rest at Poelcapelle British Cemetery, after they tragically lost their lives more than a century ago. Their graves will be cared for by us, in perpetuity. We would also like to thank our Belgium Area Operations Team and Recovery Unit for their part in preparing the cemetery – with this ceremony speaking to the Commission’s work of ensuring that those who gave their lives in the world wars continue to be remembered.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
On 30 April 2025 the General Shareholders Meeting of Invalda INVL (identification code 121304349, address Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius, Lithuania) decided to allocate EUR 1.25 dividend per share.
Dividends will be paid to the shareholders who were shareholders of Invalda INVL at the end of the tenth business day following the day of the General Shareholders Meeting that adopted a decision on dividend payment, i.e. on 15 May 2025.
From 23 May 2025 the dividends will be paid in the following order:
– to the shareholders, whose Invalda INVL shares are accounted by a financial brokerage company or credit institutions, which provide securities accounting services, the amount of dividend, after deduction of Personal or Corporate withholding income tax applicable by the laws of Lithuania, will be transferred to the shareholders’ account held with a respective financial brokerage company or credit institution;
– to the shareholders whose Invalda INVL shares on behalf of the company are accounted by the authorised custodian AB Artea Bank, the dividend amount, after deduction of Personal or Corporate withholding income tax applicable by the laws of Lithuania, will be transferred to the shareholders’ account with Lithuanian commercial bank as indicated by the shareholders (requests for transfer of dividends to the account specified by the shareholder can be submitted to the nearest customer service department of AB Artea Bank).
Dividend taxation procedure for the year 2024:
– dividends paid to natural persons–residents of the Republic of Lithuania and natural persons–residents of foreign countries are subject to withholding Personal income tax of 15%;
– dividends paid to legal entities of the Republic of Lithuania and legal entities–residents of foreign countries are subject to withholding Corporate income tax of 16%, unless otherwise provided for by the laws.
The person authorized to provide additional information is:
Raimondas Rajeckas, CFO of Invalda INVL
raimondas@invaldainvl.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Press Release
Nokia and Three Sweden expand access to fast broadband through 5G Fixed Wireless Access for improved connectivity
22 May 2025
Espoo, Finland: Nokia has been selected by Hi3G Access AB (known as ‘Three’ in Sweden) to supply its high-performance Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology towards Three’s Business to Business (B2B) customers. The collaboration enables Three Sweden to offer faster, more accessible, reliable high-capacity broadband to households and small businesses across the country – particularly in areas not yet covered by fiber networks.
This milestone deployment brings a new, trusted Western vendor into the Swedish FWA market and strengthens Nokia’s position in one of the most competitive broadband markets in Europe. With Nokia’s FastMile 5G Gateway 2, users will benefit from easier access to reliable, high-speed internet where fiber is not available or would be too expensive to deploy. For consumers and businesses, this means the ability to stream, work, study and connect faster than ever before, even in hard-to-reach or underserved areas.
“Our goal is to give customers broadband they can trust, which is fast, reliable and ready to support whatever they want to do online. Nokia’s solution gives us the quality and performance we need, and it’s backed by a company we know we can trust to scale with us,” said Patrik Flodin, Product Manager at Three Sweden.
“Welcoming Three Sweden as a new customer is a significant moment in our FWA journey. This project reflects our shared ambition to deliver dependable, high-performance broadband experiences using mobile networks as the foundation. With one of the best 5G FWA solutions in the market, Nokia supports operators who want to scale fixed, wireless and mobile broadband quickly and cost-effectively,” added Peter Wennerström, Country Manager for Sweden at Nokia.
This cooperation reinforces Nokia’s commitment to supporting service providers across Europe as they address the digital divide and offer high-performance connectivity to more users more efficiently.
Multimedia, technical information and related news
Product Page: Fixed Wireless Access
About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.
As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.
With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.
About Hi3G Access AB (known as ‘Three’ in Sweden)
Three Scandinavia (Hi3G Access AB) was founded in December 2000 with the vision of creating an entirely new platform for mobile communication. Today, Three owns and operates 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile networks in Sweden and Denmark and has approximately 2,000 employees. Three Scandinavia, part of the global 3 Group with operations in eleven countries, is owned by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison (60%) and Swedish Investor AB (40%). Learn more about Three at www.tre.se and about the 3 Group at www.three.com.
Media inquiries
Nokia Press Office
Email: Press.Services@nokia.com
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Municipality Finance Plc
Stock exchange release
22 May 2025 at 10:00 am (EEST)
Municipality Finance issues a NOK 500 million social bond tap under its MTN programme
On 23 May 2025 Municipality Finance Plc issues a new tranche in an amount of NOK 500 million to an existing social bond issued on 20 February 2024. With the new tranche, the aggregate nominal amount of the social bond is NOK 2.5 billion. The maturity date of the social bond is 20 February 2029. The social bond bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.00 % per annum.
The new tranche is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.
MuniFin has applied for the new tranche to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 23 May 2025. The existing notes in the series are admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.
Nordea Bank Abp acts as the Dealer for the issue of the new tranche.
MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC
Further information:
Joakim Holmström
Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
tel. +358 50 444 3638
MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland.
The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.
MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. Our customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.
MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.
Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/
Important Information
The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
You can find details of the tender online here.