Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar planted a sapling in Port of Spain as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.
In a post on X, PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar for participating in the campaign.
“Grateful to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for joining the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. India and Trinidad & Tobago understand the adverse impacts of climate change and we will continue to do our utmost to make our planet greener and better”, the PM said.
Earlier on Friday, PM Modi met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Red House in Port of Spain. He congratulated her on assuming office for a second term following her recent election victory.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of potential areas for cooperation, including agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, UPI, capacity building, culture, sports, and people-to-people ties.
Sharing details of the meeting, PM Modi said in a post on X that they held discussions on all aspects of India–Trinidad and Tobago friendship. “We agreed on the need to further accelerate our economic partnership and focus on areas such as disaster management, climate change, and defence.”
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
RHODES /Greece/, July 4 /Xinhua/ — China hopes to strengthen cooperation ties with Greece, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday on the Greek island of Rhodes.
During the meeting with Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hadzidakis, Li Qiang stressed that China is willing to work with the Greek side to better give play to their complementary advantages, advance the implementation of the Piraeus Port Project in a high-quality manner, and promote a more optimized and balanced development of trade between the two countries.
The head of the Chinese government recalled the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit to China in November 2023, during which important agreements were reached on deepening bilateral relations.
According to Li Qiang, over the past two years, China and Greece have actively implemented the results of this visit and promoted high-quality development of cooperation under the joint construction of the Belt and Road, bringing more benefits to the peoples of both countries.
Noting that next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, Li Qiang said China is willing to work with Greece to continue to firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, expand practical cooperation in various fields and achieve greater tangible results.
China is also willing to work with Greece to expand cooperation in areas such as clean energy, power transmission and conversion, and artificial intelligence, cultivating new economic growth points, Li Qiang continued, adding that China supports and encourages more Chinese enterprises with relevant capabilities to actively increase investment in Greece based on market principles.
The Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China called on both sides to strengthen mutual learning between civilizations, increase cultural and humanitarian exchanges in such areas as tourism, and strengthen friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
Pointing out that China and the EU have a wide range of common interests, Li Qiang said that against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism, China and the EU should jointly send a positive signal of support for multilateralism and free trade, and jointly uphold economic globalization and the international economic and trade order.
He also expressed hope that Greece will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-EU relations.
K. Hadzidakis, for his part, stated that both Greece and China are ancient civilizations, and Greece attaches great importance to the development of relations with the PRC.
He noted that Greece is willing to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, and pointed out that Greece intends to further strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen practical cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, shipping, energy and tourism, promote cultural and humanitarian exchanges, strengthen dialogue between civilizations, thereby advancing the development of the Greek-Chinese comprehensive strategic partnership.
China is a large country with significant international influence, K. Hadzidakis continued, adding that Greece is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China, jointly uphold the goals and principles of the UN Charter, and jointly counter global challenges such as climate change.
Greece is also ready to contribute to the development of relations between the EU and China, he added.
Earlier in the day, the Chinese premier left Beijing for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he will attend the 17th BRICS summit at the invitation of the leaders of the BRICS countries. On the way, the Chinese leader made a stop on the Greek island of Rhodes. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
RHODES /Greece/, July 4 /Xinhua/ — China hopes to strengthen cooperation ties with Greece, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday on the Greek island of Rhodes.
During the meeting with Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hadzidakis, Li Qiang stressed that China is willing to work with the Greek side to better give play to their complementary advantages, advance the implementation of the Piraeus Port Project in a high-quality manner, and promote a more optimized and balanced development of trade between the two countries.
The head of the Chinese government recalled the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit to China in November 2023, during which important agreements were reached on deepening bilateral relations.
According to Li Qiang, over the past two years, China and Greece have actively implemented the results of this visit and promoted high-quality development of cooperation under the joint construction of the Belt and Road, bringing more benefits to the peoples of both countries.
Noting that next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, Li Qiang said China is willing to work with Greece to continue to firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, expand practical cooperation in various fields and achieve greater tangible results.
China is also willing to work with Greece to expand cooperation in areas such as clean energy, power transmission and conversion, and artificial intelligence, cultivating new economic growth points, Li Qiang continued, adding that China supports and encourages more Chinese enterprises with relevant capabilities to actively increase investment in Greece based on market principles.
The Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China called on both sides to strengthen mutual learning between civilizations, increase cultural and humanitarian exchanges in such areas as tourism, and strengthen friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
Pointing out that China and the EU have a wide range of common interests, Li Qiang said that against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism, China and the EU should jointly send a positive signal of support for multilateralism and free trade, and jointly uphold economic globalization and the international economic and trade order.
He also expressed hope that Greece will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-EU relations.
Earlier in the day, the Chinese premier left Beijing for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he will attend the 17th BRICS summit at the invitation of the leaders of the BRICS countries. On the way, the Chinese leader made a stop on the Greek island of Rhodes. –0–
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain, where the two leaders held wide-ranging talks aimed at boosting cooperation in areas from agriculture and healthcare to digital payments and cultural exchanges.
he meeting took place at the historic Red House, where PM Modi congratulated his counterpart on assuming office for the second time following her recent electoral victory and thanked her for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of areas for potential cooperation, including agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), capacity building, culture, sports, and people-to-people ties. Development cooperation remains a vital aspect of the India–Trinidad & Tobago partnership, both sides noted. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar remarked that Prime Minister Modi’s visit would reinvigorate the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
Regional and global issues also featured in the talks, with both leaders calling for enhanced cooperation on shared challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cybersecurity. PM Modi appreciated Trinidad & Tobago’s strong support for India following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, and the leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. They also agreed to work together to promote greater solidarity among countries of the Global South and to strengthen the India–CARICOM partnership.
Following the discussions, both countries exchanged six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering pharmacopoeia cooperation, Quick Impact Projects, cultural exchanges, sports, diplomatic training, and the establishment of ICCR Chairs for Hindi and Indian Studies in Trinidad & Tobago.
In a move to further deepen ties with the Indian diaspora, India also announced the extension of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin living in Trinidad & Tobago.
PM Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to visit India, which she accepted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain, where the two leaders held wide-ranging talks aimed at boosting cooperation in areas from agriculture and healthcare to digital payments and cultural exchanges.
he meeting took place at the historic Red House, where PM Modi congratulated his counterpart on assuming office for the second time following her recent electoral victory and thanked her for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of areas for potential cooperation, including agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), capacity building, culture, sports, and people-to-people ties. Development cooperation remains a vital aspect of the India–Trinidad & Tobago partnership, both sides noted. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar remarked that Prime Minister Modi’s visit would reinvigorate the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
Regional and global issues also featured in the talks, with both leaders calling for enhanced cooperation on shared challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cybersecurity. PM Modi appreciated Trinidad & Tobago’s strong support for India following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, and the leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. They also agreed to work together to promote greater solidarity among countries of the Global South and to strengthen the India–CARICOM partnership.
Following the discussions, both countries exchanged six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering pharmacopoeia cooperation, Quick Impact Projects, cultural exchanges, sports, diplomatic training, and the establishment of ICCR Chairs for Hindi and Indian Studies in Trinidad & Tobago.
In a move to further deepen ties with the Indian diaspora, India also announced the extension of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin living in Trinidad & Tobago.
PM Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to visit India, which she accepted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain, where the two leaders held wide-ranging talks aimed at boosting cooperation in areas from agriculture and healthcare to digital payments and cultural exchanges.
he meeting took place at the historic Red House, where PM Modi congratulated his counterpart on assuming office for the second time following her recent electoral victory and thanked her for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of areas for potential cooperation, including agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), capacity building, culture, sports, and people-to-people ties. Development cooperation remains a vital aspect of the India–Trinidad & Tobago partnership, both sides noted. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar remarked that Prime Minister Modi’s visit would reinvigorate the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
Regional and global issues also featured in the talks, with both leaders calling for enhanced cooperation on shared challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cybersecurity. PM Modi appreciated Trinidad & Tobago’s strong support for India following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, and the leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. They also agreed to work together to promote greater solidarity among countries of the Global South and to strengthen the India–CARICOM partnership.
Following the discussions, both countries exchanged six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering pharmacopoeia cooperation, Quick Impact Projects, cultural exchanges, sports, diplomatic training, and the establishment of ICCR Chairs for Hindi and Indian Studies in Trinidad & Tobago.
In a move to further deepen ties with the Indian diaspora, India also announced the extension of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin living in Trinidad & Tobago.
PM Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to visit India, which she accepted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain, where the two leaders held wide-ranging talks aimed at boosting cooperation in areas from agriculture and healthcare to digital payments and cultural exchanges.
he meeting took place at the historic Red House, where PM Modi congratulated his counterpart on assuming office for the second time following her recent electoral victory and thanked her for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of areas for potential cooperation, including agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), capacity building, culture, sports, and people-to-people ties. Development cooperation remains a vital aspect of the India–Trinidad & Tobago partnership, both sides noted. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar remarked that Prime Minister Modi’s visit would reinvigorate the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
Regional and global issues also featured in the talks, with both leaders calling for enhanced cooperation on shared challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cybersecurity. PM Modi appreciated Trinidad & Tobago’s strong support for India following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, and the leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. They also agreed to work together to promote greater solidarity among countries of the Global South and to strengthen the India–CARICOM partnership.
Following the discussions, both countries exchanged six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering pharmacopoeia cooperation, Quick Impact Projects, cultural exchanges, sports, diplomatic training, and the establishment of ICCR Chairs for Hindi and Indian Studies in Trinidad & Tobago.
In a move to further deepen ties with the Indian diaspora, India also announced the extension of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin living in Trinidad & Tobago.
PM Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to visit India, which she accepted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago at the President’s House in Port of Spain. The meeting underscored the longstanding ties between the two countries and was marked by warm exchanges.
The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and conveyed his sincere gratitude for the conferment of the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,’ describing it as an honour for the 1.4 billion people of India.
The PM congratulated President Kangaloo on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year and expressed deep appreciation for her distinguished public service. President Kangaloo, in turn, appreciated the Prime Minister’s leadership and vision for India.
The two leaders reflected on the enduring bonds shared by the two countries, anchored in strong people-to-people ties.
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s continued support for Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM in strengthening the Global South partnership. He also invited President Kangaloo to visit India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago at the President’s House in Port of Spain. The meeting underscored the longstanding ties between the two countries and was marked by warm exchanges.
The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and conveyed his sincere gratitude for the conferment of the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,’ describing it as an honour for the 1.4 billion people of India.
The PM congratulated President Kangaloo on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year and expressed deep appreciation for her distinguished public service. President Kangaloo, in turn, appreciated the Prime Minister’s leadership and vision for India.
The two leaders reflected on the enduring bonds shared by the two countries, anchored in strong people-to-people ties.
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s continued support for Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM in strengthening the Global South partnership. He also invited President Kangaloo to visit India.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
RHODES /Greece/, July 4 /Xinhua/ — China hopes to strengthen cooperation ties with Greece, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday on the Greek island of Rhodes.
During the meeting with Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hadzidakis, Li Qiang also said that China is willing to work with Greece to advance the implementation of the Piraeus Port project in a high-quality manner and promote a more optimized and balanced development of trade between the two countries. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with German Chancellor’s Foreign Policy Adviser Gunther Sautter in Berlin on Friday. The two sides agreed to promote the steady, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties.
The interlocutors stressed that they attach great importance to the Chinese-German comprehensive strategic partnership and positively assessed its maturity and stability, which is growing day by day.
They agreed to make thorough preparations for the next stage of high-level exchanges, make full use of the mechanisms of intergovernmental consultations and strategic dialogue, strengthen strategic communication and deepen mutual understanding, so as to jointly promote the sustainable, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties.
The parties also agreed to resolve differences constructively and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, said that China-Germany relations go beyond bilateral cooperation, and expressed hope that Germany will play a constructive role in the European Union to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of both sides and jointly respond to challenges. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Berlin on Friday, vowing to work with China to uphold openness and mutual benefit, promote fair trade and jointly address global crises and challenges.
F. Merz stated that the efforts aimed at this are in the interests of both countries, noting the positive development of German-Chinese relations and the continuous development of cooperation in various areas, including politics, economics and trade.
The Chancellor also reaffirmed the new German government’s commitment to the one-China policy.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, recalled that Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently held an important telephone conversation, which provided strategic guidance and political guarantees to bilateral relations.
China-Germany relations, as a mature and successful relationship between great powers, do not target, depend on or obey any third party, Wang said, adding that the relations have strong internal momentum and exhibit a high degree of stability.
China highly appreciates the constructive and pragmatic approach of the new German government in promoting China-Germany ties, Wang continued, adding that China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges and make full use of various consultation mechanisms to promote the steady, healthy and stable development of China-Germany relations.
According to him, this will not only serve the interests of both countries, but will also benefit Europe and the whole world.
Wang Yi also noted that China is pleased to see Germany developing and prospering and playing an increasingly important role in Europe and the world.
The minister expressed confidence that the new German government will positively assess China’s development, adhere to a rational and pragmatic policy towards it, respect China’s fundamental interests in practice, support China in achieving national reunification just as China once unconditionally supported the reunification of Germany, and continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle.
China is committed to building a new open economic system at a higher level, and the doors of its openness will be opened wider and wider, Wang Yi assured, adding that China is willing to share its market opportunities with Germany and jointly create new development prospects.
During the meeting, the parties also exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis and agreed to maintain strategic communication to facilitate its peaceful resolution. –0–
Question for written answer E-002583/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Loucas Fourlas (PPE)
There has been an increase in the number of cases of second-hand vehicles being illegally imported from the United Kingdom into the Republic of Cyprus via non-EU countries – mainly Bulgaria. Some cases show that administrative loopholes and rules governing the movement of vehicles in the EU are being exploited to avoid customs and fiscal checks. These practices undermine public security, tax fairness and transparency in the second-hand vehicle market.
In view of this, can the Commission answer the following:
1.Is it aware of these practices and the dangers they pose?
2.Does it intend to strengthen the framework for cooperation between customs authorities in the Member States to deal with such phenomena?
3.What measures does it propose to ensure the traceability of a vehicle’s movements between countries in the EU?
Question for written answer E-002583/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Loucas Fourlas (PPE)
There has been an increase in the number of cases of second-hand vehicles being illegally imported from the United Kingdom into the Republic of Cyprus via non-EU countries – mainly Bulgaria. Some cases show that administrative loopholes and rules governing the movement of vehicles in the EU are being exploited to avoid customs and fiscal checks. These practices undermine public security, tax fairness and transparency in the second-hand vehicle market.
In view of this, can the Commission answer the following:
1.Is it aware of these practices and the dangers they pose?
2.Does it intend to strengthen the framework for cooperation between customs authorities in the Member States to deal with such phenomena?
3.What measures does it propose to ensure the traceability of a vehicle’s movements between countries in the EU?
Question for written answer E-002586/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Rody Tolassy (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Auke Zijlstra (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), France Jamet (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Catherine Griset (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE), Virginie Joron (PfE), António Tânger Corrêa (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Jana Nagyová (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE), Hermann Tertsch (PfE), Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE), Jorge Martín Frías (PfE), Christophe Bay (PfE)
On 28 April 2025, a major power outage affected almost all of the Iberian Peninsula and part of south-west France. According to several analysts, this instability was caused by rapid synchronisation failures in the grid, which is highly dependent on intermittent production from renewable sources.
In February 2024, Redeia, the Spanish operator, warned that the electricity system was becoming increasingly vulnerable due to the lack of dispatchable capacities and the difficulty of maintaining a balance between production and consumption in real time.
In parallel, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) sets a renewable energy use target of 42.5 % for each Member State by 2030. Several countries, including Spain, have already surpassed this threshold, even though their grid infrastructure or dispatchable capacity might not be entirely suitable.
In view of the above:
1.Does the Commission have a consolidated assessment of grid imbalance incidents in the Member States linked to predominantly intermittent production?
2.Does it believe that it is possible to meet the renewable energy target of 42.5 % by 2030, when several national electricity grids are already struggling to integrate a high share of intermittent energy without compromising the system’s stability?
3.Will it take account of reliability, flexibility or security of supply when assessing the national plans to contribute to the RED III goals?
1. The Commission is not aware of an inadequate functioning of the checks in road transport in Greece. In line with Article 2(3) of Directive 2006/22/EC[1], Member States are required to carry out a minimum number of checks at the roadside and at the premises of road transport undertakings to verify compliance of drivers and operators with the EU social rules in the road transport sector. The 32nd report from the Commission on the implementation of the social legislation relating to road transport[2] based, as regards Greece, on the Greek national report, shows that Greece complied with the minimum level of checks in the period 2021-2022. Member States must submit to the Commission, by 30 September 2025, their national report covering the period 2023-2024.
2. The Commission may decide to take any appropriate action, including infringement proceedings, against Greece in case of failure to comply with the minimum control requirements set out in Article 2(3) of Directive 2006/22/EC.
3. The European Labour Authority can help the Greek authorities by further promoting the exchange of experience, best practices and information, and by involving them in concerted checks and joint training initiatives .
[1] Directive 2006/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on minimum conditions for the implementation of Council Regulations (EEC) No 3820/85 and (EEC) No 3821/85 concerning social legislation relating to road transport activities and repealing Council Directive 88/599/EEC (OJ L 102 of 11.4.2006, p. 35).
[2] Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation in 2021-2022 of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and of Directive 2002/15/EC on the organisation of the working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities (32nd report from the Commission on the implementation of the social legislation relating to road transport) COM/2024/405 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2024:405:FIN.
Under the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)[1], the ‘Tourism Development’[2] and ‘Upgrade Interventions for Regional Ports’[3] measures support significant port investments aiming to extend the tourism season in Greece beyond the summer months and promote alternative forms of tourism, contributing to economic resilience, sustainable growth and social and territorial cohesion. These investment measures provide funding for infrastructures and interventions in regional ports, tourist ports and marinas.
The EU Cohesion Policy also supports investments in port infrastructure to enhance access to coastal and island regions and strengthen local economies.
In Greece, around EUR 228 million has been allocated through national and regional programmes to improve port facilities, aiming to boost connectivity, foster economic development in island areas, and stimulate tourism growth.
In particular, funding programmes support sustainable maritime tourism such as a call for Green Transition Projects under the Interreg NEXT MED to tackle climate challenges across the Mediterranean region[4].
Under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), regional flagship projects[5] have been supported to strengthen the competitiveness of coastal tourism as well as to promote sustainable transport and ports in the Mediterranean.
The Transition Pathway for Tourism and EU Agenda for Tourism 2030 emphasises the need to transition to a sustainable development model that includes island and coastal economies, considering that 45% of nights spent in the EU are in coastal destinations.
Under the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)[1], the ‘Tourism Development’[2] and ‘Upgrade Interventions for Regional Ports’[3] measures support significant port investments aiming to extend the tourism season in Greece beyond the summer months and promote alternative forms of tourism, contributing to economic resilience, sustainable growth and social and territorial cohesion. These investment measures provide funding for infrastructures and interventions in regional ports, tourist ports and marinas.
The EU Cohesion Policy also supports investments in port infrastructure to enhance access to coastal and island regions and strengthen local economies.
In Greece, around EUR 228 million has been allocated through national and regional programmes to improve port facilities, aiming to boost connectivity, foster economic development in island areas, and stimulate tourism growth.
In particular, funding programmes support sustainable maritime tourism such as a call for Green Transition Projects under the Interreg NEXT MED to tackle climate challenges across the Mediterranean region[4].
Under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), regional flagship projects[5] have been supported to strengthen the competitiveness of coastal tourism as well as to promote sustainable transport and ports in the Mediterranean.
The Transition Pathway for Tourism and EU Agenda for Tourism 2030 emphasises the need to transition to a sustainable development model that includes island and coastal economies, considering that 45% of nights spent in the EU are in coastal destinations.
Freedom of expression and information is a pillar of democracy and protected under the EU Charter.1 The Digital Services Act (DSA)[1] helps create a safer digital space where the fundamental rights of users are protected online. The DSA defines the responsibilities of online platforms and specifically helps to ensure freedom of expression online.
Under the DSA the Commission monitors the compliance of all designated Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Search Engines (VLOSEs) including TikTok.[2]
In order to address harmful and potentially illegal content under the DSA, the providers of online platforms, including social media platforms need to put in place an easy-to-use reporting tool for users to notify them about the presence of illegal content on the platform.
In addition, competent authorities in each Member State may order providers to take action against certain items of illegal content and provide them with specific information.
As VLOP, TikTok has to comply with additional obligations. Namely, the diligent assessment and effective mitigation of the systemic risks, including in relation to the freedom of expression and the removal of illegal content. Mitigation measures can include the automatic detection of harmful content.
Digital Services Coordinators (DSC) are the competent authorities to monitor compliance with the DSA in each Member State. They also gather complaints from individual cases like the one you mentioned and assesses the need for further action.
In Italy, the communications Regulatory Authority (AGCOM) is the designated DSC. Users also have the right to go through out-of-court dispute settlement bodies in case of disagreement with the platform’s actions.
The Commission underlines that the responsibility for rail safety lies with the Member States and relevant actors, as set out in Article 4 of Directive 2016/798[1]. Neither the Commission nor the European Union Agency for Railways (the Agency) can replace these actors in their roles .
The Commission does assess the compliance of the national measures transposing the Rail Safety Directive[2], whereas the Agency audits its implementation and application by the national safety authorities, which play a pivotal role in ensuring safety of the national rail systems.
On request of the Commission, the Agency may perform complex assessments of the entire rail sector in Member States. To rectify non-compliance, Member States must implement an Action Plan.
In case of deficiencies in the implementation of EU law, the Commission may take the necessary measures, as it was done for Greece by opening an infringement case (INFR(2023)2036 of 16 December 2024[3]).
The Commission considers that the legislative framework concerning rail safety is mature and contains strong control mechanisms. However, it should be improved by EU-wide safety occurrence reporting for early alerts and by measures enhancing the risk-based monitoring capabilities of the Agency.
In the Commission’s view, the 2024 trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation[4] introduced a solid framework to ensure the development of an efficient, digital and resilient rail network in the European Union.
[4] Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj.
All sectors, including waterborne activities, need to contribute to the EU climate neutrality goal by 2050.
The Commission announced in the European Ocean Pact[1] that it will propose measures to decarbonise and modernise the fisheries fleet, supported by the Energy Transition Partnership for the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
In addition, it recalled the importance of the recent extension of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to maritime and the implementation of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation[2] to accelerate the decarbonisation of the EU maritime transport sector.
Furthermore, the Commission is launching a study on greenhouse gas emission reduction costs and pathways for EU fisheries to achieve net zero by 2050[3].
The ETS2 — which will be fully operational from 2027 onwards — will cover and address the CO2 emissions from fuel combustion in buildings, road transport and industry not covered by the existing EU ETS.
While emissions from waterborne activities are not included in its scope, Member States can decide, on a voluntary basis, to opt-in additional emissions. Some Member States, including Austria, Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden, have already decided to include, within the scope of ETS2, emissions from some smaller vessels, inland navigation and/or fishing.
In addition, the Commission will examine, no later than end of 2026, the feasibility and economic, environmental and social impacts of including ships below 5 000 gross tonnage within the scope of the ETS Directive[4].
The Commission will notably build its analysis on its recent report[5] looking at the potential inclusion of small ships, including fishing vessels, in the scope of the EU regulation for the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of maritime emissions.
[1] COM(2025) 281 final — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=comnat:COM_2025_0281_FIN.
[3] The study is expected to be published by the end of 2025 and will explore complementary scenarios, including the introduction of fisheries into the MRV and ETS systems.
[4] Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
[5] COM(2025) 109 final — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0109&qid=1749048682099.
Question for written answer E-002579/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Kostas Papadakis (NI)
The introduction of the SAFE Regulation is evidence of the EU’s deeper involvement in dangerous war planning and a shift to the ‘war economy’, in the context of competition with Russia, China and the US. The regulation envisages the participation of ‘like-minded third countries’, such as Türkiye – a country which challenges the borders and sovereign rights of Member States such as Greece, while occupying 37 % of the territory of Cyprus without recognising it.
In view of this, can the Commission say:
1.What view does it take of the fact that the SAFE Regulation intensifies competition between the EU and China, Russia and the US, promoting dangerous planning and a deeper involvement in war, actions which are already jeopardising – and harming – the safety ordinary people?
2.What view does it take of the need – which is at odds with the EU’s war economy plans – to raise salaries and pensions, to reinstate 13th and 14th salaries and pensions for public sector employees and to increase health, education and welfare expenditure in order to meet the needs of workers rather than to finance groups in the EU’s war industry, which, through their dangerous planning, create new avenues for profit, with unpredictable risks for ordinary people?
3.What view does it take of the fact that the SAFE Regulation involves so-called ‘third countries’, including Ukraine on the grounds of Russia’s invasion and occupation of its territories, while Türkiye – a country which has, among other things, invaded and occupied territories of Cyprus, an EU Member State, since 1974 and which challenges the borders and sovereign rights of Greece – is participating in the same programme?
Question for written answer E-002602/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE)
In the EU, the management of waste from the extractive industries is governed by legislation based on the Extractive Waste Directive, under which Member States must ensure that extractive waste is managed without endangering human health and without using methods which could harm the environment, in particular water, air, soil, fauna and flora – also after mining has ceased[1].
In Finland, hazardous waste from mines is often dealt with inadequately and the long-term effects of mining waste are not properly assessed. For example, Terrafame’s mine has produced huge areas of waste rock, which pose a risk of major accidents[2] – hazardous substances could leach into watercourses when it rains on the masses of waste rock[3].
Extractive waste can be hazardous for the environment over hundreds of years. Although the masses of waste rock at Terrafame’s mine are set to be covered in summer 2025, the plans for the safe treatment of mining waste once mining activities have ceased are inadequate, and in this respect are in breach of the EU’s Extractive Waste Directive.
In addition, mines are increasingly being established in areas with fewer mineral deposits, meaning that mining generates more waste rock and waste in general and may not even be economically viable. This problem is a relevant one because the expansion of Terrafame’s mine has been selected as a strategic project under the Critical Raw Materials Act[4].
How will the Commission ensure that the Member States comply with the Extractive Waste Directive, especially after mining activities have ceased?
Question for written answer E-002607/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Raffaele Topo (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Antonio Decaro (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Romana Jerković (S&D), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Kateřina Konečná (NI), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Flavio Tosi (PPE), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Aurelijus Veryga (ECR)
In a report published in 2016[1], the Commission defined arduous work as follows:
‘Occupations involving the exposure of the worker over a period of time to one or several factors leading to professional situations susceptible to leave long-lasting and irreversible effects on his/her health; these factors are related to physical constraints, psychosocial risks, an aggressive physical environment, working organisation and working rhythms, including shift work’.
According to a recent study conducted by the European Federation of Salaried Doctors (FEMS), the working conditions of doctors meet all of these criteria, particularly in the more demanding medical specialisations. Furthermore, the current shortage of doctors has further deteriorated their working conditions, increasing the physical and psychological demands of their profession[2].
In light of the above:
1.Does the Commission intend to promote an EU initiative to define common criteria for fair remuneration, safe working hours, and the recognition of the physical and psychological risks faced by doctors as arduous or hazardous work?
2.Does the Commission plan to initiate a dialogue with the Member States and social partners with a view to harmonising the implementation of national legislative standards on this issue?
Submitted: 27.6.2025
[1] European Commission: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Applica, Liser, Ose, Spasova, S. et al., Retirement regimes for workers in arduous or hazardous jobs in Europe – A study of national policies 2016, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2016, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2767/978434.
[2] European Federation of Salaried Doctors (FEMS), European Doctors Working Conditions – A FEMS White Book, 2024.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising many sectors of the economy, including the energy sector. The exponential growth of data centres around the world and in Europe is driving up electricity demand, raising questions about its impact on existing infrastructure and on sustainability. At the same time, AI can help transform energy systems by boosting energy efficiency, facilitating the integration of renewables and optimising electricity networks. According to the International Energy Agency, data centres currently account for only 1.5 % of global electricity consumption, but their electricity demand is expected to more than double by 2030. In the EU, data centres account for around 3 % of total electricity demand, but this varies between countries and is over 20 % in Ireland. AI-focused data centres tend to cluster in geographical locations, contributing to pressure on local grids and involving trade-offs with climate goals, land use and energy affordability. A ChatGPT query uses 10 times more electricity than a traditional Google search, although that depends on the complexity of the question and the format used (text vs. multimedia). A large data centre is estimated to consume as much electricity annually as 100 000 households. Data centres use energy not only to train and run AI models but also to cool servers and maintain equipment. Renewables and natural gas are the main energy sources used to power data centres globally, although nuclear (and, in the future, small modular reactors) is also on the rise. The EU’s 2020 digital strategy called for data centres to become climate neutral by 2030. The 2023 EU Energy Efficiency Directive requires data centres to report on their energy consumption, water usage and use of renewable energy, and a 2024 EU scheme for rating the sustainability of data centres requires them to report on key performance indicators on energy and sustainability. Upcoming EU initiatives aim to balance ambitions on competitiveness and concerns over decarbonisation. The Cloud and AI Development Act, expected in the coming months, will aim to triple EU data centre capacity in the next 5-7 years, while the ‘strategic roadmap for digitalisation and AI for the energy sector’ and the ‘data centre energy efficiency package’, planned for early 2026, will address the energy impacts.
This is the first tranche of a total approved loan of €245 million to co-finance projects under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The financing will enable the Castilla y León regional government to co-finance projects to modernise farms, recover forest land and facilitate climate change mitigation and adaptation in rural areas.
The agreement stands out for its contribution to climate action and environmental sustainability, support for agriculture and the bioeconomy, and promotion of cohesion, all of which are EIB Group strategic priorities.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €74 million loan with the government of the Spanish region of Castilla y León (Junta de Castilla y León) to co-finance rural and agricultural and forestry sector investment under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) operational plan for 2023-2027. This is the first tranche of total approved EIB financing of €245 million.
The EIB loan and Junta de Castilla y León co-financing will provide support for projects to modernise farms across the region, as well as for climate change adaptation and natural resource management. They will also make it easier to access financing for forest land planting and recovery projects and agroforestry land conversions. In addition, the loan will back climate change mitigation and adaptation investment in rural areas and the LEADER local development programme.
The agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to climate action and environmental sustainability, economic, social and territorial cohesion, and support for agriculture and the bioeconomy, three of the eight priorities set out in the Group’s Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027. All of the operations will take place within the Castilla y León region.
This co-financing agreement under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development comes in addition to the agreement to support the dual green and digital transition, education and innovation in the region signed by the Junta de Castilla y León and the EIB in June 2024. The 2024 agreement was signed under the 2021-2027 operational plan of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other EU funds.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impactprojects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.
EIB has signed a Host Country Agreement with the government of Montenegro
EIB will provide a loan of €18 million loan and a grant of €2.3 million for the Montenegro’s education system
Montenegro will use the loan for nationwide school renovations, while UNOPS will deploy the grant to provide technical assistance
Today at the European Investment Bank (EIB Global)’s Headquarters in Luxembourg, EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot and Montenegro’s Minister of Finance Novica Vukovic signed a Host Country Agreement between the EIB and Montenegro. This milestone reaffirms EIB Global’s commitment to supporting Montenegro on its path towards convergence with the EU, while paving the way for an EIB Representative to be based in the country for closer collaboration in the future.
In the presence of Montenegro’s Minister of Education Andjela Jaksic-Stojanovic and UNOPS Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director for Delivery and Partnerships Kirstine Damkjaer, EIB Global signed a €20.3 million for the Montenegrin education sector. These funds comprise of an €18 million loan to the Montenegrin government and a grant to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for €2.3 million for technical assistance ensuring that the funds are used a strategically and impactfully.
The loan will go towards the renovation and digitalisation of pre-primary, primary and secondary schools in Montenegro, as well as to energy-efficiency improvements and the installation of new equipment for vocational training. Provided under the EIB’s Economic Resilience Initiative, the grant will be used by UNOPS to deliver technical support to the Montenegrin Ministry of Education in assessing existing school infrastructure and preparing key investment projects, while ensuring a strategic and impactful deployment of funds
“The Host Country Agreement signed today formalises the strong EIB support to Montenegro and marks a new chapter in our longstanding cooperation. This, alongside today’s new financing for Montenegro’s education sector, is set to bolster the country’s economic resilience. By creating a cutting-edge learning environment, we will deliver immediate and lasting benefits for students and teachers across Montenegro, while fostering youth employability and economic sustainability in response to evolving market demands.,” EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot said.
“Today’s signing of the loan agreement to improve education infrastructure, along with a Host Country Agreement establishing the EIB’s presence in Montenegro, strongly reaffirms the strategic partnership and mutual trust we have built over the years. These investments are not just about renovating schools – they are about investing in people, in knowledge, and in Montenegro’s future. The EIB’s physical presence in our country will further strengthen cooperation and ensure more effective implementation of development projects that serve our citizens and accelerate our path toward EU integration.”, said Finance Minister Novica Vuković.
The new accords bring total EIB Global support for education in Montenegro to €55 million since 2019, including an EU grant for €11 million provided under the Western Balkans Investment Framework. One result of previous financing in this area is the opening of Vladimir Nazor primary school in Podgorica
“The project entitled “Enhancing the Montenegrin Education System,” implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and the European Investment Bank, is already producing tangible results. We are building new schools, renovating existing facilities, modernizing vocational schools, and investing in advanced equipment and infrastructure. This represents the most comprehensive investment in education infrastructure in the history of our country. My special thanks go to the EIB and UNOPS for their continued trust, support, and commitment to our shared vision for the future of education in Montenegro,” said Education Minister Andjela Jakšić-Stojanović.
UNOPS has years of experience working with the Montenegrin government to advance a range of areas including education.
“This agreement marks a milestone in UNOPS’ partnership with the EIB and the Government of Montenegro. UNOPS is proud to play a role in driving a transformative shift in Montenegro’s education system to ensure that appropriate infrastructure addresses the needs of people and becomes the enabler of key reforms in the country,” said Kirstine Damkjaer, UNOPS Deputy Executive Director for Delivery and Partnerships Kirstine Damkjaer.
“With this new investment, the European Union is helping Montenegro improve everyday conditions of pupils and teachers across the country. Renovated classrooms, energy-efficient buildings, and modern equipment are not only vital for quality education — they also support long-term economic development and social cohesion. This is a strategic investment in Montenegro’s future, and a clear sign of our continued partnership on the path to EU membership.”, said EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johan Sattler.
Background information
About the EIB and EIB Global
The EIB is the long-term financing institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. The EIB supports projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through its offices around the world.
The Economic Resilience Initiative, which backs the grant awareded, was established by the EIB in 2016 to channel donors’ resources to impactful projects in the Southern Neighbourhood and Western Balkans to help meet the challenges posed by forced displacement and migration. ERI has measurable economic, social and environmental outcomes that contribute to sustainable development goals relating to clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, and sustainable cities and communities.
About UNOPS
UNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners, such as the European Union, its Member States and financial institutions like the European Investment Bank, to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world.
Priority question for written answer P-002710/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Matjaž Nemec (S&D)
The provincial parliament of the Austrian province of Styria has adopted a proposal by the ruling Freedom Party (FPÖ), a member of the Patriots Group, and the People’s Party (ÖVP), a member of the EPP Group, to include the controversial Dachsteinlied in the law on provincial symbols.
The song is controversial for Slovenia because the lyrics, which date from the 19th century, refer to the land of Austrian Styria extending ‘to the banks of the Sava and the Drava’, in other words to encompass present-day Slovenian territory.
By adopting this measure, the provincial government and parliament have taken a step in the direction of nationalist rhetoric, historical revisionism and politically motivated provocation, contrary to the fundamental principles and values of the European Union, including the principle of sincere cooperation between Member States, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Laws that can be understood as an expression of territorial claims or encroachment on the territorial integrity of another Member State have no place in the EU.
1.Is the Commission aware of the adoption of this law and of its content?
2.Is the law compatible with the values and legal order of the EU, in particular the principles of sincere cooperation and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Member States?
3.What steps does the Commission intend to take to ensure that Austria respects its obligations under the Treaties, and is the Commission considering initiating infringement proceedings before the Court of Justice of the EU?
Estonia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) – one of the last NRRPs submitted to the European Commission – sets out the reforms and public investment projects Estonia intends to implement with the support of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The RRF is one of the main components of Next Generation EU, an EU instrument to counter the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Estonia’s plan is one of the smallest in the EU in terms of the total amount allocated. However, when taking into account its number of inhabitants, the country is a medium-sized beneficiary. Initially, Estonia requested €982.5 million in grants but in the modified version, submitted to the European Commission in March 2023, Estonia reduced this amount to €953.3 million (-1.7 % compared with the original plan). The modified plan takes into account the updated maximum financial contribution published on 30 June 2022 (€863.5 million, down from €969.3 million) which reflects changes in real gross domestic product (GDP) over time. Furthermore, it includes a REPowerEU chapter to reinforce the plan’s energy dimension. Estonia’s modified plan represents 0.1 % of the entire RRF, equal to 3.4 % of the country’s GDP in 2019 (the RRF being 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP in 2019). Estonia did not request any RRF loans. The Council approved Estonia’s initial plan on 25 October 2021 and the modified plan on 16 June 2023. The European Commission disbursed €126 million (13.2 % of the resources of the revised plan) in pre-financing on 17 December 2021, the first payment of €239 million on 6 November 2023, REPowerEU chapter pre-financing of 18 million on 14 December 2023, the second payment of €122 million on 18 April 2024, and the third payment of €122 million on 18 March 2025. In total, Estonia has so far received €627 million (65.8 % of the resources). The European Parliament, which was a great supporter of the creation of a common EU recovery instrument, participates in interinstitutional cooperation and discussions on its implementation, and scrutinises the European Commission’s work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Third edition. The ‘Monitoring EU recovery’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans.
The Working Party on Collaboration and Cooperation in Tuna Fisheries (WPCCTF) from the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC), met in Mauritius to continue its work on strengthening regional cooperation for the effective management of tuna fisheries and other highly migratory fish in the region.
The 13th Session of the WPCCTF brought together during two days (17-18 June 2025) 11 from the 12 SWIOFC countries – Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania. Partner organizations, namely the World Bank, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nairobi Convention – UNEP, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the South West Indian Ocean Tuna Forum (SWIOTUNA) attended the meeting as SWIOFC Observers. Other Regional Fishery Bodies – the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)- actively participated in the discussion with members, specifically regarding SWIOFC compliance and reporting requirements.
Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the WPCCTF as a platform for dialogue and collective action, underscoring the need for coastal states to manage tuna stocks responsibly within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and to collaborate regionally to rebuild overexploited stocks, particularly yellowfin tuna. Talla stressed the importance of strengthening national capacities to comply with Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) and to implement effective Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) systems.
Mbuli Charles Boliko, FAO Representative in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, highlighted the significance of the Indian Ocean as the second-largest tuna-producing region globally, playing a vital role in supporting national economies and livelihoods. Boliko stressed that challenges such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate-induced migratory shifts, and external competition require a unified regional response grounded in science, cooperation, and shared commitment.
The Working Party members acknowledged the progress made in the region, including the adoption and progressive implementation of the SWIOFC-led instrument, the MTC Guidelines, and the regional effort for jointly regulating and managing foreign fishing access for the best interest of the region. The MTC Guidelines (the Guidelines for Minimum Terms and Conditions for foreign fishing access) were officially adopted by all SWIOFC member countries in February 2019. WWF, a long-standing partner of the WPCCTF, presented recent work conducted on this subject, which was led by the Minimum Terms and Conditions Task Force (MTCTF) of the SWIOFC. This work received technical support from NFDS and focused on the joint and concerted actions required for the implementation of the priority provisions of the SWIOFC instrument, such as the provisions regulating licensing requirements, the use of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), transshipments and compensations and access fees.
Other subject thoroughly discussed was the cooperation between SWIOFC, SADC and IOC on regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) initiatives. The new workplan for 2025–2026 was adopted, and the WP formulated joint recommendations for the upcoming plenary session of the SWIOFC, scheduled to take place in November 2025.
The event was supported by the SWIOFish5 TRANSFORM project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by IOC with technical assistance from FAO. The project, ending in 2030, has the objective of strengthening regional, evidence-based fisheries management in the region.
– on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.