Question for written answer E-002469/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Alex Agius Saliba (S&D)
Following reports[1] in my Member State, Malta, on the topic of waste incineration, and false claims that this facility can negatively affect the population, I would like to request some clarification in order to be able to debunk potential misinterpretation of the European rules. In the particular case of Malta, due to the limited physical space on the islands, we cannot rely on landfill for non-recyclable waste as a solution, and waste incineration is an important part of our waste management system.
1.Could the Commission confirm that waste incineration will continue to be allowed under the relevant EU rules, such as the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) or other legal requirements?
2.Does the Commission take into account the physical limitations of small island Member States when making its policy on waste management and circularity?
3.Could the Commission clarify what is expected from waste incineration plants to comply with European requirements under, for example, the best available techniques principles and how the prescribed environmental impact assessment (EIA) gives assurances on air quality and other aspects that are important for neighbouring inhabitants?
Submitted: 18.6.2025
[1] https://timesofmalta.com/article/no-ecohive-save-lives-residents-protest-planned-waste-incinerator.1109520, and https://timesofmalta.com/article/wasteserv-complains-standards-commissioner.1109939.
Priority question for written answer P-002235/2025/rev.1 to the Commission Rule 144 Tiemo Wölken (S&D)
In March 2025, Investigate Europe[1] and other media outlets revealed that Soft2bet, a gambling firm headquartered in Cyprus and Malta, is linked to 114 online casinos that have been blacklisted by Member States. Since the publication of the investigation, anonymous actors have filed false US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaints to de-index these news articles from Google in the EU. In over 60 complaints, fake claimants copied the original investigation and backdated it, making Google believe that their copy was the original article and/or posed as Investigate Europe, filing infringement claims against outlets that co-published or shared the investigation. This has led to the de-indexing of genuine articles about Soft2bet in Greece[2], Poland[3], Malta[4], Estonia[5] and other countries.
1.How will the Commission ensure that journalistic work published within the EU is not subject to false copyright complaints, so as to guarantee that Google and other search engines properly filter false infringement claims in the future?
2.Is the Commission aware of Google’s use of potentially error-prone algorithmic or AI filtering systems to assess copyright claims?
3.Is the Commission aware of any other cases of systematic abuses of copyright protections in the EU aimed at censoring the press?
Priority question for written answer P-002466/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Gabriela Firea (S&D)
In the space of less than a month, two pregnant women in Romania were killed by their partners. These shattering tragedies oblige us to act decisively to prevent such incidents and protect women in real time.
Therefore:
1.How does the Commission intend to transfer good practices between Member States that have implemented real-time protection measures for women, and what support can the Commission offer so that Romania can develop discreet mobile alert applications, electronic tags for attackers and digital monitoring systems along the lines of VioGén/AlertCops in Spain?
2.What specific financing lines, especially within the CERV programme or other existing mechanisms, can be activated immediately to help Member States to develop these tools, with a focus on countries in central and eastern Europe, where femicide is increasing?
3.How does the Commission intend to monitor the implementation of these measures fairly between Member States, so that women all over the EU, including in Romania, can benefit effectively from real-time protection, and not just from limited pilot projects?
Priority question for written answer P-002466/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Gabriela Firea (S&D)
In the space of less than a month, two pregnant women in Romania were killed by their partners. These shattering tragedies oblige us to act decisively to prevent such incidents and protect women in real time.
Therefore:
1.How does the Commission intend to transfer good practices between Member States that have implemented real-time protection measures for women, and what support can the Commission offer so that Romania can develop discreet mobile alert applications, electronic tags for attackers and digital monitoring systems along the lines of VioGén/AlertCops in Spain?
2.What specific financing lines, especially within the CERV programme or other existing mechanisms, can be activated immediately to help Member States to develop these tools, with a focus on countries in central and eastern Europe, where femicide is increasing?
3.How does the Commission intend to monitor the implementation of these measures fairly between Member States, so that women all over the EU, including in Romania, can benefit effectively from real-time protection, and not just from limited pilot projects?
Since 2015, the Commission and the EU Agencies active in the field of migration[1] have provided significant operational support, while the financial support made available to Greece under the Home Affairs Funds is over EUR 5 billion[2], providing Greece with the means for an ambitious and comprehensive migration management policy.
In the context of the reform of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the EU has a permanent, legally binding but flexible solidarity mechanism as laid down in the Asylum[3] and Migration Management Regulation[4], guaranteeing that no Member State will be left alone when under pressure.
Greece has so far benefitted from various solidarity schemes, for example the relocation schemes established by the 2015 Commission Decisions, the 2020 voluntary relocation scheme[5], and the ongoing Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism (VSM)[6].
The Commission supports external border management through policy, funding, and operational support. This support includes the multiannual strategic policy for European integrated border management by the European Border and Coast Guard[7], strengthened European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) operations, and deploying digitalised systems[8].
Under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, Greece is benefitting from more than EUR 1.1 billion under the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI)[9] to implement measures related to border surveillance and integrated border management.
The Commission also enhances cooperation with third countries and implements crisis response mechanisms to address irregular migration, migrant smuggling, and security risks.
Finally, the management of EU external borders is closely linked to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, particularly through the Screening Regulation[10] and contingency planning.
[1] EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol).
[2] During the 2014-2020 programming period, more than EUR 3.39 billion were made available to Greece to manage migration and borders under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), the Internal Security Fund (ISF- Borders and Visa, Police) and the Emergency Support Instrument (ESI). Under the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, so far more than EUR 1.66 billion have been made available under the Home Affairs Funds (AMIF, Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument, ISF) to support the implementation of existing and upcoming priorities in the area of migration, border management and internal security.
[3] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, COM/2020/609 final.
[4] Regulation (EU) 2024/1351 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on asylum and migration management, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1147 and (EU) 2021/1060 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, PE/21/2024/REV/1, OJ L, 2024/1351, 22.5.2024; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1351/oj.
[5] More than 5,300 vulnerable persons were relocated from Greece, including 1,500 unaccompanied minors (UAMs).
[7] The national authorities of Member States responsible for border management, including coast guards to the extent that they carry out border control tasks, the national authorities responsible for return and Frontex constitute the European Border and Coast Guard.
[8] Like the Entry Exit System and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
[9] Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy PE/57/2021/INIT, OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, p. 48-93.
[10] Regulation (EU) 2024/1356 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 introducing the screening of third-country nationals at the external borders and amending Regulations (EC) No 767/2008, (EU) 2017/2226, (EU) 2018/1240 and (EU) 2019/817, PE/20/2024/REV/1, OJ L, 2024/1356, 22.5.2024.
The loan will co-finance projects included in the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other EU funds.
The EIB loan will enable the Andalusia regional government to co-finance projects in various provinces of the region, from healthcare and education infrastructure improvement to sustainable urban transport and digitalisation.
The agreement highlights efforts to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, one of the EIB Group’s cross-cutting strategic priorities.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €133 million loan with the Andalusia regional government (the Junta de Andalucía) to co-finance social, green and digital investment in the Spanish region. The EIB loan and co-financing from the Junta de Andalucía will make it possible to back projects contributing to the dual green and digital transition, social infrastructure development, jobs and training, and cohesion in Andalusia.
The loan is part of the EU operational programme for cohesion policy funding 2021-2027, particularly the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund.
The loan will co-finance projects in various provinces of the autonomous community, including the renovation and improvement of infrastructure like hospitals, health centres, music conservatories or primary and secondary schools where climate change adaptation works will also be undertaken; job incentives, training and labour inclusion; support for research, development and innovation in universities; and digitalisation, sustainable urban mobility and energy transition projects.
The agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to economic, social and territorial cohesion, which is one of the cross-cutting priorities set out in the Group’s strategic roadmap for 2024-2027. All the projects will be implemented in Andalusia, which is considered to be a cohesion region by the European Union.
This is the third loan signed by the Junta de Andalucía and the EIB under the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund, with the first €195 million loan being signed in December 2022, and the second €215 million loan signed in April 2024.
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 Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition , economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for citizens in Spain.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the EIB Group’s headquarters for media use are available here.
The loan will co-finance projects included in the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other EU funds.
The EIB loan will enable the Andalusia regional government to co-finance projects in various provinces of the region, from healthcare and education infrastructure improvement to sustainable urban transport and digitalisation.
The agreement highlights efforts to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, one of the EIB Group’s cross-cutting strategic priorities.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €133 million loan with the Andalusia regional government (the Junta de Andalucía) to co-finance social, green and digital investment in the Spanish region. The EIB loan and co-financing from the Junta de Andalucía will make it possible to back projects contributing to the dual green and digital transition, social infrastructure development, jobs and training, and cohesion in Andalusia.
The loan is part of the EU operational programme for cohesion policy funding 2021-2027, particularly the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund.
The loan will co-finance projects in various provinces of the autonomous community, including the renovation and improvement of infrastructure like hospitals, health centres, music conservatories or primary and secondary schools where climate change adaptation works will also be undertaken; job incentives, training and labour inclusion; support for research, development and innovation in universities; and digitalisation, sustainable urban mobility and energy transition projects.
The agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to economic, social and territorial cohesion, which is one of the cross-cutting priorities set out in the Group’s strategic roadmap for 2024-2027. All the projects will be implemented in Andalusia, which is considered to be a cohesion region by the European Union.
This is the third loan signed by the Junta de Andalucía and the EIB under the 2021-2027 plan of the European Regional Development Fund, with the first €195 million loan being signed in December 2022, and the second €215 million loan signed in April 2024.
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 Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition , economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for citizens in Spain.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of the EIB Group’s headquarters for media use are available here.
Question for written answer E-002422/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Liudas Mažylis (PPE)
Since the Russian Federation began its occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in 2022, this piece of strategically important infrastructure has become the focus of constant military action and geopolitical blackmail. On 6 June 2025, Russian nuclear energy chief Alexey Likhachev informed the IAEA that a detailed plan to restart the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant had been drawn up. There have also been reports that Russia intends to disconnect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from Ukraine’s electricity grid and integrate it into Russia’s energy system. Given Russia’s ongoing military operations around the nuclear power plant, restarting it would only increase the risk of a nuclear disaster.
In light of this, could the Commission answer the following questions:
1.Is the Commission aware of Russia’s plans to restart the reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and has an assessment been carried out in cooperation with the IAEA on the possible consequences for nuclear safety?
2.How does the Commission assess the role of Rosatom in this process, and would it consider urgently adding this company and its subsidiaries in Europe to the EU sanctions list for its direct involvement in the reckless operation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant?
3.Given that some Member States, such as Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland, have already imposed national sanctions on Rosatom and its management, will the Commission consider adopting measures to coordinate these national decisions at EU level in order to ensure the overall effectiveness of the sanctions regime?
Question for written answer E-002413/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Marco Squarta (ECR), Pietro Fiocchi (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Mario Mantovani (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Lara Magoni (ECR), Denis Nesci (ECR)
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has had serious educational consequences in recent months in that it has jeopardised access to higher education for thousands of young people. Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2021/817 governing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2021‑2027 provides for the possibility of targeted measures being triggered in crisis situations or exceptional circumstances so as to ensure continuity of education.
Such flexibility has already been used in response to the Ukraine crisis, through ad hoc measures such as Erasmus 4Ukraine, extraordinary scholarships and facilitated mobility.
In view of the need to support the right to education of young people impacted by conflicts in order to promote academic cohesion, resilience and cooperation at international level, it would be appropriate to consider extraordinary instruments for Gaza too, without ignoring the need to carefully check that all the requisite security conditions are fulfilled.
In the light of the above, can the Commission state whether it plans to assess, within the framework of the Erasmus+ Regulation and its flexibility clauses, the possibility of triggering an extraordinary call for proposals or specific measures to support the academic mobility of students from Gaza, conceivably also through hybrid (online or in person) learning, in partnership with European universities?
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, on the margins of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Building on the two countries’ already strong ties, the Prime Minister and the President discussed deepening the Canada-Latvia partnership, with a focus on increasing trade and investment, including in defence and energy.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional security and underscored the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also discussed the need to increase pressure on Russia, including through sanctions.
Prime Minister Carney reiterated Canada’s support for Euro-Atlantic security, as demonstrated by its leadership through the Canada-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. He thanked the President for Latvia’s exemplary role in hosting Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members serving under Operation REASSURANCE. The operation includes approximately 2,000 personnel, making it the largest deployment of CAF members overseas.
The Prime Minister also outlined Canada’s plan to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the CAF – meeting the NATO 2 per cent target this year and accelerating defence investments in the years ahead.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, was received by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands for an audience ahead of his participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The Prime Minister thanked Their Majesties for the hospitality. The Prime Minister and Their Majesties reflected on the enduring friendship between Canada and the Netherlands – rooted in shared history, including during the Second World War, and deepened through decades of partnership.
Prime Minister Carney and Their Majesties discussed deepening co-operation, free trade, and innovation between the two nations.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, on the margins of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The prime ministers discussed deepening economic and security ties between their two countries. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening NATO and maritime defence across the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. They also discussed bolstering co-operation on defence procurement.
The leaders reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine and agreed on the imperative of achieving a just and lasting peace.
Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Kristersson agreed to remain in close contact.
DURANGO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced that Kalin Burton Goodtracks, age 36, of Ignacio, Colorado, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a Justice of Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) assessment of $10,000, after pleading guilty to two charges of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in Indian Country.
According to the plea agreement, on separate incidents in 2019, Goodtracks sexually abused two minors under the age of 12 who were under his supervision. He committed the offenses at his home on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Both children were related to Goodtracks.
“Mr. Goodtracks deserves to spend a long time in federal prison because he preyed upon children he was supposed to protect,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “Pursuing justice for the most vulnerable in Colorado—and especially our children—remains one of our top priorities.”
“This case is a clear reminder that those who exploit children — including those on tribal lands—will find no safe haven from justice, no matter where they are,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “These predators pose a serious threat to the safety of our communities and the FBI will aggressively pursue anyone who targets children.”
United States District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher sentenced the defendant on June 16, 2025.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Southern Ute Investigations Division within the Southern Ute Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey K. Graves and Lisa Franceware handled the prosecution of the case.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
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His Excellency Mr. Pirkka Tapiola, Ambassador of Finland to Seychelles, paid a farewell courtesy call on President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House this morning, marking the conclusion of his diplomatic mission of just over three years.
During the cordial meeting, President Ramkalawan expressed profound gratitude for Ambassador Tapiola’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Seychelles and Finland. The Head of State commended the Ambassador’s pivotal role in fostering strong diplomatic ties and extended his best wishes for success in his upcoming posting.
The substantive discussions encompassed Seychelles’ economic development and social transformation. Ambassador Tapiola commended the nation’s exemplary democratic governance, recognizing Seychelles as a beacon of democratic leadership across the African continent. The dialogue addressed contemporary global challenges, including maritime security and sustainability initiatives, and strengthening collaboration through EU channels.
President Ramkalawan conveyed appreciation for the enduring friendship between the two nations, which established bilateral ties on March 27, 1987. He extended best wishes for Ambassador Tapiola’s continued diplomatic endeavors.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Ambassador Vivianne Fock-Tave, Director General for Bilateral Affairs Ms. Lindy Ernesta, and Desk Officer for Finland Mr. James Carpin.
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, on the margins of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Prime Minister Carney thanked Prime Minister Schoof for hosting the NATO Summit at such a pivotal time for the Alliance and global security.
Prime Minister Carney underscored the importance of strengthening ties with the Netherlands, as Canada deepens its partnerships with the European Union. The leaders discussed opportunities to bolster economic co-operation across key sectors, including critical minerals and defence.
They affirmed their commitment to trans-Atlantic security and their support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also discussed the situation in the Middle East and stressed the importance of de-escalation.
Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Schoof agreed to remain in close contact.
BILLERICA, Mass., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — E Ink (8069.TW) the originator, pioneer, and global commercial leader in electronic paper (ePaper) technology, today announced, in collaboration with Oricom Co., Ltd., a vanguard in the Japan ad agency scene, the next-generation advertising medium via the Sustainable Board. Featuring E Ink’s most vivid color ePaper, Spectra TM 6, Oricom will produce the Sustainable Board as a new channel for advertisers, offering an unprecedented, environmentally conscious advertising method. The product is an innovative, sustainability-dedicated medium for companies using Oricom’s brand, Mirapale. While being conscious of energy consumption, it actively communicates sustainable priorities and initiatives.
Sustainable Board is ultra-low-power digital signage that uses E Ink’s ePaper technology. E Ink’s Spectra 6 offers a wide viewing angle similar to paper and enables vivid color expression like a print-quality poster. Because it’s a reflective display that doesn’t use a backlight, it achieves especially high sunlight readability. Additionally, it only requires power when content is updated, and image content remains visible once displayed without consuming any energy. This allows for substantial energy savings compared to conventional displays. Moreover, signage products equipped with E Ink’s ePaper, which boasts these features, can operate on batteries or renewable energy sources like solar. This makes it possible to choose their installation locations with more flexibility and mobility in mind.
“We are very grateful to collaborate with Oricom, a leader in the advertising industry, in the electronic paper signage area,” said JM Hung, Vice President of Business Center at E Ink. “As we enter an era of global environmental preservation and environmentally conscious solutions are increasingly sought, our ePaper is a display technology that aligns with a more environmentally-friendly future. Through our collaboration with Oricom, we are confident we can contribute to advancing SDG activities in society.”
Expected installation sites range from company receptions, lobbies, and showrooms to commercial facilities and tourist destinations. This product is recognized as a novel method that aligns corporate branding with environmental responsiveness by making sustainability tangible. Providing sustainable advertising mediums will generate a new market in the advertising industry. Oricom intends to promote broader Sustainable Development Goals by enabling companies and local governments to leverage this environmentally conscious advertising platform.
“Amidst the expansion of corporate activities with a long-term vision, prioritizing environmental protection and social responsibility, advertising is similarly called upon to contribute from this perspective,” said Akemi Nakajima, President of Oricom. “We developed the Sustainable Board alongside E Ink as a specific method for this. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen the relationship between both companies, supporting corporate growth while contributing to realizing a sustainable society.”
E Ink’s ePaper draws power only when the screen updates, and no energy-hungry backlight is required. This ultra-efficient, non-emissive design reduces both electricity use and carbon footprint versus paper or LCDs. Guided by its PESG (Product, Environment, Social, and Governance) framework, E Ink delivers low-carbon solutions that speed the world’s sustainable transition. FTSE Russell classifies 99.9 % of the company’s revenue as green, and Moody’s has confirmed E Ink’s loans align with global Green Loan Principles—clear proof of its industry-leading environmental performance.
Installation trials at major stations in Japan are underway for Sustainable Board. The future goal is to expand into places with high advertising needs, such as commercial facilities.
About E Ink E Ink Holdings Inc. (8069.TWO), based on technology from MIT’s Media Lab, provides an ideal display medium for applications spanning eReaders and eNotes, retail, home, hospital, transportation, logistics, and more, enabling customers to put displays in locations previously impossible. E Ink’s electrophoretic display products make it the worldwide leader for ePaper. Its low power displays enable customers to reach their sustainability goals, and E Ink has pledged using 100% renewable energy in 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. E Ink has been recognized for their efforts by receiving, validation from Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and is listed in both the DJSI World and DJSI Emerging Indexes. Listed in Taiwan’s Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and the Luxembourg market, E Ink Holdings is now the world’s largest supplier of ePaper displays. For more information please visit www.eink.com. E Ink. We Make Surfaces Smart and Green.
Oricom Co., Ltd. Oricom Co., Ltd. is a general advertising agency with its head office in Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. It was founded in 1922. It has a history of being at the vanguard of the industry in commercializing newspaper insert advertising and transit hanging advertisements. With the mission of creating as many good relationships in society as possible, Oricom is involved in many business activities related to the media, OOH (out-of-home advertising), digital solutions, creative support, promotions, and other domains. The Oricom Group consists of Oricom, which has the functions of a general advertising agency at its core, and three group companies, each with specialized expertise in their respective domains. With Oricom, which is capable of building marketing strategy from a wide perspective, and each group company, a powerful specialist in its domain acting as one, the total force of the Oricom Group will come into play. We aim to propose the best solutions to the various challenges confronting our clients by leveraging the collective strength of the Oricom Group. For more information, please visit https://www.oricom.co.jp/.
Oricom Co., Ltd GX Business Development TEL：03-6733-2000 Email：sustainableboard@oricom.co.jp
NEWARK, N.J. — Following an ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark investigation, six people were charged for conspiring to transport stolen property derived from burglarized consignment shops across multiple states.
The subjects were charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property that had crossed state lines. Marco Honesty, 28, Richard Francis, 35, Dominique Hayes, 29, Deandre Dudley, 32, Ilon Coles-Melson, 21, and Marcus Gallmon, 21, residents of Washington, D.C. and Maryland, were charged at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark.
“Our law enforcement partnerships across the East Coast in this investigation led to the successful apprehension of six suspects and dismantled an interstate burglary ring behind a string of consignment store thefts across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania Maryland and Delaware,” said ICE HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “The criminals hoping to line their own pockets by selling millions of dollars in stolen merchandise will now face the consequences of their illicit schemes.”
According to the investigation, the defendants are part of a commercial burglary ring that committed at least 18 burglaries in multiple states between March 2024 and November 2024, including in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. On several dates, the defendants broke into the consignment shops in the middle of the night using sledgehammers and other objects, stole dozens of designer handbags and other items from each shop, and transported the stolen goods across state lines.
HSI Newark led the investigation with the assistance of HSI Baltimore, HSI Malta, HSI Washington D.C. and HSI Wilmington. Many law enforcement partners from five states also supported the investigation.
HSI Newark’s law enforcement partners in New Jersey who assisted in the investigation include the New Jersey State Police, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Cape May Police Department, Cherry Hill Police Department, Colts Neck Police Department, Englewood Police Department, Haddonfield Police Department, Livingston Police Department, Manalapan Police Department, Margate Police Department, Millburn Police Department, Montclair Police Department, Roxbury Township Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Tenafly Police Department, Warren Police Department, and Watchung Police Department for their assistance.
New York partners include Guilderland Police Department, North Castle Police Department and Saratoga Springs Police Department. Pennsylvania partners include Philadelphia Police Department. Delaware partners include Delaware State Police. Maryland partners include Prince George’s County Police Department and Baltimore County Police Department.
Honesty appeared in Newark federal court June 13 and was detained. Hayes appeared in Newark federal court May 22 and was detained. Coles-Melson appeared n Newark federal court April 11 and was detained. Gallmon, Dudley and Francis also appeared in court earlier this year but were later released on a $100,000 unsecured bond. The charge of conspiracy to sell or receive stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of up to a $250,000 fine, or twice the amount of money involved in the offense, whichever is greater.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim, or has information about the theft group or burglaries, is asked to call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or call a local field office.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Joint stakeout by Climate, Peace and Security Group on Libya, led by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, and accompanied by Security Council Members including Denmark, Ecuador, France, Greece, Guyana, Malta, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, the United Kingdom.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, June 24 (Xinhua) — China is acting as a “peace broker” in the Ukrainian crisis and is making efforts to facilitate peace talks, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in a written interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia on Monday.
“Since the comprehensive escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, China has been acting as a ‘peace broker’ and has been making consistent efforts to end the fighting and facilitate peace talks,” he said.
The Chinese ambassador stressed that China’s position on the Ukrainian issue is consistent and clear: the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be observed, reasonable security concerns of all countries must be taken seriously, and all efforts for a peaceful settlement deserve support. “This is the authoritative position and fundamental principle of the Chinese side on the Ukrainian issue,” the ambassador explained, adding that China welcomes and supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace, and will continue to take an objective and fair position, promote consensus building and create conditions for resolving the crisis.
According to Zhang Hanhui, Li Hui, the special representative of the PRC government for Eurasian affairs, has already conducted four rounds of “shuttle diplomacy,” covering four continents – Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. He visited both the parties to the conflict – Russia and Ukraine – and key European countries, including France and Germany. In addition, deep exchanges of views were held with countries of the Global South, such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa. “These efforts have received wide approval and high praise from the international community, including Russia,” the diplomat noted.
In addition, in 2024, China and Brazil jointly established the Friends of Peace platform through the UN to seek ways to peacefully resolve the Ukrainian crisis, and several meetings have already been held. According to the ambassador, this group has become an important mechanism through which the countries of the Global South express their position on the Ukrainian issue and which reflects the common desire of the international community for a ceasefire and peace. “In its work, the group invariably adheres to an impartial, objective and open position, and is always ready to listen to the views and positions of all parties to the conflict, including Russia. The group adheres to the principle of consensus and focuses on promoting all actions that contribute to a political settlement and the restoration of peace,” the ambassador added.
At the same time, Zhang Hanhui confirmed that China did not participate in the discussions on sending peacekeeping forces to the conflict zone. “The Chinese side believes that three basic principles must be observed when sending peacekeeping forces: consent of the parties to the conflict, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense. At present, there are serious disagreements between the parties concerned on the issue of post-war peacekeeping, there is no sign of an end to hostilities, and the number of casualties continues to rise,” the diplomat noted, adding that China calls on all parties to continue efforts to reduce tensions, create favorable conditions for dialogue, and open a “window” of opportunity for peace.
The Chinese ambassador acknowledged that the causes of the Ukrainian crisis are complex. He recalled the Chinese proverb that “a meter-thick layer of ice does not form in a day,” so “melting” it also takes time. “The end point of any conflict is the negotiating table. The Chinese side welcomes the holding of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul and hopes that all parties can reach a fair, sustainable, binding and mutually acceptable peace agreement through dialogue and negotiations,” he said.
Zhang Hanhui pointed out that following the direct talks in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine reached agreements on issues such as prisoner exchange, which created favorable conditions for establishing peace and was an important step forward. As the Chinese ambassador emphasized, China calls on the parties to the conflict to demonstrate a desire for negotiations, and also hopes that the parties concerned can provide favorable external conditions for the negotiation process, jointly support the trend towards peaceful negotiations, and ultimately come to a political settlement.
According to the diplomat, China hopes that peace and stability will be restored on the European continent as soon as possible, and is ready to continue to make constructive contributions to this. “Regardless of how the situation develops, China will always stand on the side of peace, on the side of dialogue, and on the right side of history. We will continue to make efforts to resolve the crisis and end the fighting, maintain contact with all parties, and contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to promoting a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis,” Zhang Hanhui assured. –0–
June 24, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, will make his inaugural visit to Latvia from June 25 to 26, 2025. During his trip, he will participate in a flower laying ceremony ahead of his first bilateral meeting with Andris Sprūds, Defence Minister of Latvia. Minister McGuinty will also personally thank Canadian Armed Forces members deployed in the country for their service.
The Minister will attend the Transfer of Command Authority ceremony for the Canadian-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization Multinational Brigade in Latvia, where he will deliver remarks. Following the ceremony, Minister McGuinty will hold an audio-only callback with media.
Minister McGuinty’s visit underscores Canada’s steadfast dedication to NATO and its commitment to supporting deterrence and defence efforts in the region.
Media Callback Details:
Date: June 26, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. EEST
Registration: Media are requested to pre-register by emailing mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca. Further information will be provided upon registration.
STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. and EDMONTON, Alberta, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, sonnen, a global leader in energy storage and virtual power plant (VPP) technology, launched its first VPP in Canada at Blatchford Lands, a master planned community designed for net-zero living and a reduced environmental footprint. Landmark Homes, a recognized leader in sustainable and innovative home construction and the builder behind Blatchford Lands, collaborated with sonnen, along with utility provider EPCOR, electric retail provider Solartility and the University of Alberta. Together, these energy leaders developed the VPP that can be considered the vanguard of a newly decentralized and digitalized clean energy system for the future of Canada.
With this inaugural VPP launch into Canada, sonnen once again sets the standard for innovation in solar powered battery storage systems deployed across master planned communities as a virtual power plant. The Blatchford Lands VPP is the first of its kind on scope and scale for Canada. As a primer for broad adoption throughout the EPCOR service territory, this project constitutes the beginning of renewable energy and grid coordination’s evolution. sonnen, with its partners, is providing the community and its residents with emergency back-up power, daily management of peak energy use and demand response, among other grid services, for the overall management of the electric grid.
As a prototype, the Blatchford Lands VPP begins with 100 sonnen batteries deployed throughout the master planned community, representing nearly a half a megawatt (MW) of power and over two megawatt hours (MWh) of storage capacity that will support the Canadian energy grid. Following this initial deployment, sonnen plans to launch VPPs throughout Alberta and into other Canadian regions, with potential to reach over 3,000 individual sites, providing more than18 MW of energy and 60 MWHs of grid support over the next 3 years.
“What has been achieved at Blatchford Lands is extremely special, and even beyond many of the VPP market designs in America,” said Blake Richetta, Chairman and CEO of sonnen Inc. USA. “sonnen proudly stands behind our Canadian colleagues and customers, as our sister market, and as the closest of friends to the American people.”
sonnen, Solartility and the University of Alberta envision this highly innovative master planned community VPP project to become a replicable model for communities across the province and throughout Canada. This model can also be replicated in select U.S. markets, like Texas, where sonnen recently announced a Virtual Power Plant Power Purchase Agreement (VPA) and launched behind-the-meter, battery-enabled VPPs.
“Canada has developed into a rich and innovative VPP market thanks to the pioneering efforts and support from great partners,” said Geoff Ferrell, Senior Vice President – Global C&I and VPP Project Business of sonnen Inc. USA. “The coming together of builders like Landmark Homes, the utility EPCOR, retail providers like Solartility, and academics like those at the University of Alberta, are working together to build this innovative VPP program at Blatchford Lands and beyond.”
With awards from Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), the Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), among others, Blatchford Lands has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovative community planning. Residents can enjoy diverse housing options equipped with renewable energy sources for heating and cooling—all in a centrally located neighborhood that once served as Edmonton’s municipal airport, now reimagined as a model for sustainable urban development.
Blatchford Lands is the latest sonnen VPP to launch at a master planned community, following wildly successful deployments at Soleil Lofts and Soleil Tech Park in Utah, Pearl Homes’ nationally renowned Hunters Point in Cortez Florida, and Mandalay Homes in Arizona, among other projects.
ABOUT sonnen sonnen is a global leader in smart energy storage systems for residential use and a pioneer in residential battery-based virtual power plants. The sonnen VPP is recognized as a model for the decentralized, digitalized, and decarbonized energy system of the future. As one of the most experienced and rapidly growing VPP energy storage companies worldwide, sonnen has earned numerous international awards for its technological achievements. The sonnenCommunity, a network of visionaries worldwide, utilizes sonnen’s products and services to promote clean and affordable energy for all. With offices in Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the USA, sonnen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell. Learn more at: https://sonnenusa.com
Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa as the geopolitical and economic landscape in the region shifts. In Senegal, the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation has entered a key partnership in the oil and gas sector. Meanwhile, Karpowership, a company providing electricity via floating power plants, now supplies energy to eight African countries. But Turkey’s not stopping there. As part of its soft power strategy, it is also winning hearts and minds through education and culture while deepening trade and security ties.
Historian Issouf Binaté, who has studied Turkey’s growing presence in west Africa, breaks down how Ankara is positioning itself as an alternative to both former colonial powers and newer global players competing for influence on the continent.
What drives Turkey’s growing influence in west Africa?
Turkey’s foreign policy in west Africa leans on two main pillars.
The other is more grassroots, led by non-state actors such as religious foundations and NGOs.
These groups laid the groundwork for Turkey’s African expansion long before Ankara officially stepped in.
A key player in Turkey’s earlier outreach was the Gülen movement, named after preacher Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024). The Gülen movement pioneered Turkey’s soft power approach with “Turkish schools”, starting with the Yavuz Sultan Selim and Yavuz Selim-Bosphore high schools in Dakar in 1997.
Also at the end of the 1990s a network composed of Turkish business leaders and social activists under the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists, which claimed over 100,000 member companies, expanded Turkey’s influence across Africa. At that time, Turkey had only three diplomatic representations for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.
The more recent contact with Africa comes at a time when western hegemony faces growing criticism from a new generation of Africans engaged in decolonial movements. Gülen-affiliated institutions now number 113, alongside religious and secular schools run by other groups like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi. Since the 2016 political rift between Gülen and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, these schools were gradually transferred to Maarif Foundation, Turkey’s state-run overseas education arm.
Back in 2003, Turkey had only 12 diplomatic missions across Africa. Today, that number has grown to 44, bolstered by Turkish religious foundations (like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi), NGOs, and entrepreneurs who have filled the gap left by the Gülen movement.
Another powerful player in Turkey’s Africa strategy is Turkish Airlines, now one of the top carriers on the continent. It is now flying to 62 airports in 41 African countries.
What role do west African students trained in Turkey play?
By investing in education, Turkey didn’t just open its doors to African students. It also planted the seeds for a long-term influence strategy. These students, and more broadly young African migrants trained in Turkey, are now among the key messengers of “Turkishness” back home.
In doing so, Ankara is following a familiar path once used by colonial powers. They used student mobility as a powerful tool for their diplomacy.
Then, in the 1990s, Turkey continued this effort through a scholarship programme for African students, supported by the Islamic Development Bank. During this period, Turkey launched the Büyük Öğrenci Projesi (Great Student Project), which provided scholarships to international students.
Starting in 2012, this programme was re-branded as YTB (Yurtdışı Türkler ve Akraba Topluluklar Başkanlığı, or Directorate for Turks Abroad and Related Communities). It introduced reforms, including a digital application process for scholarships via an app on the YTB website. This shift caused a dramatic spike in interest. Applications soared from 10,000 to 155,000 between 2012 and 2020.
For non-scholarship students, Turkey simplified visa processes, reduced tuition fees, and offered other incentives. These measures contributed to a significant increase in the number of applicants to study in Turkey. As the number of universities in Turkey jumped from 76 to 193 between 2003 and 2015, the country became increasingly attractive.
By 2017, Turkey had become the 13th most popular destination for students from sub-Saharan Africa, according to Campus France (a platform that supports international students studying in France). By 2019, there were an estimated 61,000 African students studying in Turkey.
Now, nearly three decades into this strategy, many of these former students are stepping into new roles. They are taking over from Turkish entrepreneurs in fostering socioeconomic ties with Africa. They also act as bridges, promoting Turkish universities and supporting visitors in areas like medical and industrial tourism.
In Istanbul, some run cargo companies – some of them informal – that ship goods to Africa. Others are working to formalise these ventures and build long-term economic bridges. Groups like Bizim Afrika, a network of African Turkish-speakers, and the Federation of African Students in Turkey (founded in 2019), are playing key roles in shaping this next chapter of Turkey–Africa relations.
How is Turkey’s strategy in west Africa different from that of China or France?
In substance, Turkey’s strategy isn’t so different from that of France or China. It also carries traces of colonial thinking, even though its approach leans more on religious soft power like building mosques across Africa. Unlike France, which used force in its colonial past, Turkey is trying to gain influence through other means. It uses familiar tools: embassies, schools, cinema, security services, and development agencies.
While access to Europe, the US and Canada has become more difficult due to stricter visa rules, Turkey has opened its doors. It eased visa procedures for African business people, expanded its universities, and promoted medical tourism.
Turkey has become a hub for several sectors. It’s a major centre for nose surgery (rhinoplasty), hair transplants, and textiles. Its textile industry now supplies traders at Makola Market in Accra, Adjamé’s Forum in Côte d’Ivoire, and the Grand Marché in Bamako.
Turkey’s presence in Africa is now visible in several symbolic ways. You can see it in Maarif schools, murals at Abidjan airport, the “Le Istanbul” restaurant in Niamey’s government district, or the National Mosque in Accra, modelled after Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.
Turkey’s engagement is a work in progress. But its outreach to Africa is already yielding results. Trade volume reached US$40.7 billion in 2022. The return of the first waves of African students trained in Turkey has shifted the dynamic. Cooperation no longer relies solely on Turkish business people and social entrepreneurs.
Even though African elites often speak English, French or Arabic, new voices are emerging. Young people trained in Turkey are beginning to find their place. Many work in import-export, construction, and even Islamic religious leadership. This trend points to promising prospects for long-term ties.
For Turkey, Africa represents a continent with major economic opportunities. Becoming a trusted partner is now a key goal. On the diplomatic level, Turkey gained observer status at the African Union in 2005 and has hosted Turkey-Africa summits in Istanbul since 2008.
This growing involvement suggests that Turkey’s role in Africa is likely to last. It will depend on the continent’s market needs, especially at a time when many African countries are rethinking their relationships with traditional western powers and international institutions.
Issouf Binaté 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.
Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa as the geopolitical and economic landscape in the region shifts. In Senegal, the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation has entered a key partnership in the oil and gas sector. Meanwhile, Karpowership, a company providing electricity via floating power plants, now supplies energy to eight African countries. But Turkey’s not stopping there. As part of its soft power strategy, it is also winning hearts and minds through education and culture while deepening trade and security ties.
Historian Issouf Binaté, who has studied Turkey’s growing presence in west Africa, breaks down how Ankara is positioning itself as an alternative to both former colonial powers and newer global players competing for influence on the continent.
What drives Turkey’s growing influence in west Africa?
Turkey’s foreign policy in west Africa leans on two main pillars.
The other is more grassroots, led by non-state actors such as religious foundations and NGOs.
These groups laid the groundwork for Turkey’s African expansion long before Ankara officially stepped in.
A key player in Turkey’s earlier outreach was the Gülen movement, named after preacher Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024). The Gülen movement pioneered Turkey’s soft power approach with “Turkish schools”, starting with the Yavuz Sultan Selim and Yavuz Selim-Bosphore high schools in Dakar in 1997.
Also at the end of the 1990s a network composed of Turkish business leaders and social activists under the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists, which claimed over 100,000 member companies, expanded Turkey’s influence across Africa. At that time, Turkey had only three diplomatic representations for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.
The more recent contact with Africa comes at a time when western hegemony faces growing criticism from a new generation of Africans engaged in decolonial movements. Gülen-affiliated institutions now number 113, alongside religious and secular schools run by other groups like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi. Since the 2016 political rift between Gülen and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, these schools were gradually transferred to Maarif Foundation, Turkey’s state-run overseas education arm.
Back in 2003, Turkey had only 12 diplomatic missions across Africa. Today, that number has grown to 44, bolstered by Turkish religious foundations (like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi), NGOs, and entrepreneurs who have filled the gap left by the Gülen movement.
Another powerful player in Turkey’s Africa strategy is Turkish Airlines, now one of the top carriers on the continent. It is now flying to 62 airports in 41 African countries.
What role do west African students trained in Turkey play?
By investing in education, Turkey didn’t just open its doors to African students. It also planted the seeds for a long-term influence strategy. These students, and more broadly young African migrants trained in Turkey, are now among the key messengers of “Turkishness” back home.
In doing so, Ankara is following a familiar path once used by colonial powers. They used student mobility as a powerful tool for their diplomacy.
Then, in the 1990s, Turkey continued this effort through a scholarship programme for African students, supported by the Islamic Development Bank. During this period, Turkey launched the Büyük Öğrenci Projesi (Great Student Project), which provided scholarships to international students.
Starting in 2012, this programme was re-branded as YTB (Yurtdışı Türkler ve Akraba Topluluklar Başkanlığı, or Directorate for Turks Abroad and Related Communities). It introduced reforms, including a digital application process for scholarships via an app on the YTB website. This shift caused a dramatic spike in interest. Applications soared from 10,000 to 155,000 between 2012 and 2020.
For non-scholarship students, Turkey simplified visa processes, reduced tuition fees, and offered other incentives. These measures contributed to a significant increase in the number of applicants to study in Turkey. As the number of universities in Turkey jumped from 76 to 193 between 2003 and 2015, the country became increasingly attractive.
By 2017, Turkey had become the 13th most popular destination for students from sub-Saharan Africa, according to Campus France (a platform that supports international students studying in France). By 2019, there were an estimated 61,000 African students studying in Turkey.
Now, nearly three decades into this strategy, many of these former students are stepping into new roles. They are taking over from Turkish entrepreneurs in fostering socioeconomic ties with Africa. They also act as bridges, promoting Turkish universities and supporting visitors in areas like medical and industrial tourism.
In Istanbul, some run cargo companies – some of them informal – that ship goods to Africa. Others are working to formalise these ventures and build long-term economic bridges. Groups like Bizim Afrika, a network of African Turkish-speakers, and the Federation of African Students in Turkey (founded in 2019), are playing key roles in shaping this next chapter of Turkey–Africa relations.
How is Turkey’s strategy in west Africa different from that of China or France?
In substance, Turkey’s strategy isn’t so different from that of France or China. It also carries traces of colonial thinking, even though its approach leans more on religious soft power like building mosques across Africa. Unlike France, which used force in its colonial past, Turkey is trying to gain influence through other means. It uses familiar tools: embassies, schools, cinema, security services, and development agencies.
While access to Europe, the US and Canada has become more difficult due to stricter visa rules, Turkey has opened its doors. It eased visa procedures for African business people, expanded its universities, and promoted medical tourism.
Turkey has become a hub for several sectors. It’s a major centre for nose surgery (rhinoplasty), hair transplants, and textiles. Its textile industry now supplies traders at Makola Market in Accra, Adjamé’s Forum in Côte d’Ivoire, and the Grand Marché in Bamako.
Turkey’s presence in Africa is now visible in several symbolic ways. You can see it in Maarif schools, murals at Abidjan airport, the “Le Istanbul” restaurant in Niamey’s government district, or the National Mosque in Accra, modelled after Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.
Turkey’s engagement is a work in progress. But its outreach to Africa is already yielding results. Trade volume reached US$40.7 billion in 2022. The return of the first waves of African students trained in Turkey has shifted the dynamic. Cooperation no longer relies solely on Turkish business people and social entrepreneurs.
Even though African elites often speak English, French or Arabic, new voices are emerging. Young people trained in Turkey are beginning to find their place. Many work in import-export, construction, and even Islamic religious leadership. This trend points to promising prospects for long-term ties.
For Turkey, Africa represents a continent with major economic opportunities. Becoming a trusted partner is now a key goal. On the diplomatic level, Turkey gained observer status at the African Union in 2005 and has hosted Turkey-Africa summits in Istanbul since 2008.
This growing involvement suggests that Turkey’s role in Africa is likely to last. It will depend on the continent’s market needs, especially at a time when many African countries are rethinking their relationships with traditional western powers and international institutions.
Issouf Binaté 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.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Issouf Binaté, enseignant-chercheur, Université Alassane Ouattara de Bouaké
Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa as the geopolitical and economic landscape in the region shifts. In Senegal, the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation has entered a key partnership in the oil and gas sector. Meanwhile, Karpowership, a company providing electricity via floating power plants, now supplies energy to eight African countries. But Turkey’s not stopping there. As part of its soft power strategy, it is also winning hearts and minds through education and culture while deepening trade and security ties.
Historian Issouf Binaté, who has studied Turkey’s growing presence in west Africa, breaks down how Ankara is positioning itself as an alternative to both former colonial powers and newer global players competing for influence on the continent.
What drives Turkey’s growing influence in west Africa?
Turkey’s foreign policy in west Africa leans on two main pillars.
The other is more grassroots, led by non-state actors such as religious foundations and NGOs.
These groups laid the groundwork for Turkey’s African expansion long before Ankara officially stepped in.
A key player in Turkey’s earlier outreach was the Gülen movement, named after preacher Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024). The Gülen movement pioneered Turkey’s soft power approach with “Turkish schools”, starting with the Yavuz Sultan Selim and Yavuz Selim-Bosphore high schools in Dakar in 1997.
Also at the end of the 1990s a network composed of Turkish business leaders and social activists under the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists, which claimed over 100,000 member companies, expanded Turkey’s influence across Africa. At that time, Turkey had only three diplomatic representations for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.
The more recent contact with Africa comes at a time when western hegemony faces growing criticism from a new generation of Africans engaged in decolonial movements. Gülen-affiliated institutions now number 113, alongside religious and secular schools run by other groups like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi. Since the 2016 political rift between Gülen and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, these schools were gradually transferred to Maarif Foundation, Turkey’s state-run overseas education arm.
Back in 2003, Turkey had only 12 diplomatic missions across Africa. Today, that number has grown to 44, bolstered by Turkish religious foundations (like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi), NGOs, and entrepreneurs who have filled the gap left by the Gülen movement.
Another powerful player in Turkey’s Africa strategy is Turkish Airlines, now one of the top carriers on the continent. It is now flying to 62 airports in 41 African countries.
What role do west African students trained in Turkey play?
By investing in education, Turkey didn’t just open its doors to African students. It also planted the seeds for a long-term influence strategy. These students, and more broadly young African migrants trained in Turkey, are now among the key messengers of “Turkishness” back home.
In doing so, Ankara is following a familiar path once used by colonial powers. They used student mobility as a powerful tool for their diplomacy.
Then, in the 1990s, Turkey continued this effort through a scholarship programme for African students, supported by the Islamic Development Bank. During this period, Turkey launched the Büyük Öğrenci Projesi (Great Student Project), which provided scholarships to international students.
Starting in 2012, this programme was re-branded as YTB (Yurtdışı Türkler ve Akraba Topluluklar Başkanlığı, or Directorate for Turks Abroad and Related Communities). It introduced reforms, including a digital application process for scholarships via an app on the YTB website. This shift caused a dramatic spike in interest. Applications soared from 10,000 to 155,000 between 2012 and 2020.
For non-scholarship students, Turkey simplified visa processes, reduced tuition fees, and offered other incentives. These measures contributed to a significant increase in the number of applicants to study in Turkey. As the number of universities in Turkey jumped from 76 to 193 between 2003 and 2015, the country became increasingly attractive.
By 2017, Turkey had become the 13th most popular destination for students from sub-Saharan Africa, according to Campus France (a platform that supports international students studying in France). By 2019, there were an estimated 61,000 African students studying in Turkey.
Now, nearly three decades into this strategy, many of these former students are stepping into new roles. They are taking over from Turkish entrepreneurs in fostering socioeconomic ties with Africa. They also act as bridges, promoting Turkish universities and supporting visitors in areas like medical and industrial tourism.
In Istanbul, some run cargo companies – some of them informal – that ship goods to Africa. Others are working to formalise these ventures and build long-term economic bridges. Groups like Bizim Afrika, a network of African Turkish-speakers, and the Federation of African Students in Turkey (founded in 2019), are playing key roles in shaping this next chapter of Turkey–Africa relations.
How is Turkey’s strategy in west Africa different from that of China or France?
In substance, Turkey’s strategy isn’t so different from that of France or China. It also carries traces of colonial thinking, even though its approach leans more on religious soft power like building mosques across Africa. Unlike France, which used force in its colonial past, Turkey is trying to gain influence through other means. It uses familiar tools: embassies, schools, cinema, security services, and development agencies.
While access to Europe, the US and Canada has become more difficult due to stricter visa rules, Turkey has opened its doors. It eased visa procedures for African business people, expanded its universities, and promoted medical tourism.
Turkey has become a hub for several sectors. It’s a major centre for nose surgery (rhinoplasty), hair transplants, and textiles. Its textile industry now supplies traders at Makola Market in Accra, Adjamé’s Forum in Côte d’Ivoire, and the Grand Marché in Bamako.
Turkey’s presence in Africa is now visible in several symbolic ways. You can see it in Maarif schools, murals at Abidjan airport, the “Le Istanbul” restaurant in Niamey’s government district, or the National Mosque in Accra, modelled after Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.
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Turkey’s engagement is a work in progress. But its outreach to Africa is already yielding results. Trade volume reached US$40.7 billion in 2022. The return of the first waves of African students trained in Turkey has shifted the dynamic. Cooperation no longer relies solely on Turkish business people and social entrepreneurs.
Even though African elites often speak English, French or Arabic, new voices are emerging. Young people trained in Turkey are beginning to find their place. Many work in import-export, construction, and even Islamic religious leadership. This trend points to promising prospects for long-term ties.
For Turkey, Africa represents a continent with major economic opportunities. Becoming a trusted partner is now a key goal. On the diplomatic level, Turkey gained observer status at the African Union in 2005 and has hosted Turkey-Africa summits in Istanbul since 2008.
This growing involvement suggests that Turkey’s role in Africa is likely to last. It will depend on the continent’s market needs, especially at a time when many African countries are rethinking their relationships with traditional western powers and international institutions.
– Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa – what’s behind its bid for soft power – https://theconversation.com/turkey-is-stepping-up-its-influence-in-west-africa-whats-behind-its-bid-for-soft-power-256929
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that the government has drawn up plans to build tunnel projects worth Rs 2.5–3 lakh crore over the next 10 years as part of the country’s infrastructure development.
Speaking at the inauguration of the International Workshop on ‘Sustainable Tunnelling for Better Life’ at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), the minister said, “India is entering a golden era of infrastructure development, with tunnels playing a crucial role in connectivity, safety, and sustainability.”
Gadkari highlighted the need to reduce construction costs without compromising quality. “That means using new technologies and sustainable fuels like CNG, ethanol, hydrogen, and electric alternatives to diesel. We should also refurbish old tunnelling machines, import used ones from European countries like Austria, Norway, and Spain, and eventually manufacture our own,” he explained.
The minister pointed out that India’s geology varies by region, so research and training are essential. Industry experts and experienced engineers should guide students alongside faculty.
“My ministry is ready to support this initiative with equipment and training. Together, with innovation, research, and commitment, we can make India self-reliant in tunnelling technology and infrastructure development,” Gadkari said.
He also lauded MIT-WPU for taking the first step towards research in sustainable tunnelling technology, which is the need of the hour for a developing country like India.
Earlier, Gadkari inaugurated the International Workshop on ‘Sustainable Tunnelling for Better Life’ at MIT-WPU. The two-day event was organised in collaboration with the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association’s Committee on Education and Training (ITA-CET).
The workshop brought together global experts from India, Europe, the UK, and the US.
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for Tunnelling and Underground Construction at MIT-WPU — India’s first-of-its-kind facility featuring a Tunnel Monitoring Laboratory and a Drilling and Blasting Laboratory. The Centre of Excellence, set up in collaboration with Sandvik and Tata Projects Ltd, aims to support advanced research and training in underground construction technologies.
The workshop featured technical sessions, keynote addresses, and panel discussions led by eminent experts such as Arnold Dix (Past President, International Tunnelling Association) and other noted figures in the field.
Dix said, “This Centre of Excellence is of global importance, as it addresses the disconnect between engineering expertise and practical skills. Too often, young workers are placed at risk because they lack the training needed to safely construct what has been so carefully designed.”
Today ageas SA/NV successfully placed its inaugural debt securities in the form of GBP 400 million Senior Fixed Rate Notes (the “Notes”) maturing in December 2028 and with a first call date in September 2028. The issuance generated substantial interest from UK institutional investors.
The Notes will be issued in denominations of GBP 100,000 at a re-offer price of 99.963 with a fixed coupon rate of 4.75% payable annually, with a first coupon payment scheduled for December 2025.
Standard and Poor’s assigned an A+ rating and Moody’s assigned an A1 rating to the Notes. Application has been made for the Notes to be listed on the official list of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and to be admitted to trading on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange’s Euro MTF market. The Notes are expected to be issued and settled on 1 July 2025.
The net proceeds of the Notes complete the financing of the acquisition of esure and will also be used for general corporate purposes.
Ageas is a listed and Belgian rooted international insurance Group with a heritage spanning of 200 years. It offers Retail and Business customers Life and Non-Life insurance products designed to suit their specific needs, today and tomorrow, and is also engaged in reinsurance activities. As one of Europe’s larger insurance companies, Ageas concentrates its activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the major part of the global insurance market. It operates successful insurance businesses in Belgium, the UK, Portugal, Türkiye, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and long-term partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors. Ageas ranks among the market leaders in the countries in which it operates. It represents a staff force of about 50,000 people and reported annual inflows of EUR 18.5 billion in 2024.
Disclaimer
THIS COMMUNICATION IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH DISTRIBUTION IS PROHIBITED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.
The issue, exercise or sale of securities in the offering mentioned in this press release are subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. The information contained herein shall not constitute or form part of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities referred to herein, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ageas SA/NV assumes no responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe for, securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities referred to herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered, exercised or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. There is no intention to register any portion of the offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.
This communication may only be communicated, or caused to be communicated, to persons in the United Kingdom in circumstances where the provisions of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “Financial Services and Markets Act”) do not apply to ageas SA/NV and is directed solely at persons in the United Kingdom who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments, such persons falling within the definition of “investment professionals” in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”) or (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order or other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). This communication is directed only to relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons.
The securities referred to herein are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the European Economic Area. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended (“MiFID II”) or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, as amended (the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II.
The securities referred to herein are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the United Kingdom. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”) or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act and any rules or regulations made under the Financial Services and Markets Act to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA.
The securities referred to herein are also not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available, and will not be offered, sold or otherwise made available, in Belgium to “consumers” (consumenten/consommateurs) within the meaning of the Belgian Code of Economic Law (Wetboek van economisch recht/Code de droit économique), as amended.
The securities referred to herein may be held only by, and transferred only to, eligible investors referred to in Article 4 of the Belgian Royal Decree of 26 May 1994, holding their securities in an exempt securities account that has been opened with a financial institution that is a direct or indirect participant in the securities settlement system operated by the National Bank of Belgium or any successor thereto.
This press release is not a prospectus nor an advertisement for the purpose of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to suspension, reduction or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Austrian Foot and Mouth Disease controls amended
Foot and mouth disease controls have been amended for Austria
Following rigorous technical assessment, the UK has lifted the commercial import restrictions that were applied to Austria as a result of outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) near the Austria-Hungary border earlier this year.
This means that the export of affected commodities from Austria can take now place, provided that all other import conditions are met and attestations in the relevant export health certificate can be certified.
Personal import restrictions still apply for the entire EU area.
FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.
Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:
Crowds of people flocked to the first Tak£500+ Market Stall and Decision Making event last weekend in Banbridge – and the next event takes place this Saturday 28th June, 10am – 2pm in Armagh City Hotel.
Come along and check out all the projects within the Armagh area and vote for your favourite to receive up to £1000! See you there!
Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs took part in the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) held on June 23 in Brussels.
With regard to the situation in Ukraine, the Ministers underscored the EU and its Member States’ continued support for Ukraine more than three years after the start of the Russian war of aggression. The Member States agreed to step up pressure on Russia and the third countries that support it economically through the swift adoption of large-scale sanctions targeting the Russian economy.
The situation in the Middle East and the troubling escalation between Iran and Israel were also discussed. Coming a day after the joint statement issued on June 22 by the leaders of the E3 (Germany, France and the United Kingdom) on the situation in the Middle East, the meeting emphasized the importance of de-escalation and the need to achieve a diplomatic solution with regard to oversight of the nuclear program and stressed the need for Iran to cease its destabilizing actions.
The Minister reiterated that the current escalation must not overshadow the intolerable situation in Gaza, and particularly the intolerable obstacles hindering access to humanitarian aid, as well as continued settlement activity in the West Bank. The Ministers took note of the report by the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission, which states that article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement, dealing with human rights, is not being respected. They authorized Kaja Kallas to hold talks with the Israeli authorities to obtain concrete improvements in the situation and in respect for international humanitarian law. The Ministers will decide on this basis how they will follow up at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting in July.
Lastly, with regard to Georgia, the Ministers expressed their concern over the serious deterioration in the rule of law, violence against protesters and arbitrary arrests.
Capitalised terms used herein shall have the meaning specified for such terms in the Caisse Française de Financement Local base prospectus to the €75,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme dated 10 June 2025 (the “Base Prospectus”).
Caisse Française de Financement Local has decided to issue on 26 June 2025 – Euro 10,000,000 Fixed Rate Obligations Foncières due 26 June 2048.
The Base Prospectus dated 10 June 2025 approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers is available on the website of the Issuer (https://sfil.fr/caffil-notre-filiale/), at the registered office of the Issuer: 112-114, avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris, France, and at the office of the Paying Agent indicated in the Base Prospectus.
The Final Terms relating to the issue will be available on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (www.bourse.lu), at the office of the Issuer and at the office of the Paying Agent.