Source: US State of California 2
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria.
A copy of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria compact can be found here.
Source: US State of California 2
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria.
A copy of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria compact can be found here.
Source: US State of Hawaii
Posted on Jul 14, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
KA ʻOIHANA PONO LIMAHANA
JADE T. BUTAY
DIRECTOR
KA LUNA HOʻOKELE
STATE RELEASES FORECAST FOR JOBS AND INDUSTRIES THROUGH 2032
Hawai‘i Projects 41,000 New Jobs by 2032, Led by Health Care and Food Services
News Release 2025-07
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2025
HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Research and Statistics Office has released its latest statewide employment projections for industries and occupations. The projections are based on 2022 employment data and forecast trends through 2032. Statewide projections are published in even-numbered years, while county-specific projections are issued in odd-numbered years.
Key Highlights:
Hawai‘i’s total employment is projected to grow by 6.1% over the next decade, increasing from 671,010 jobs in 2022 to 712,200 by 2032 — an addition of 41,190 jobs. Each year, the state is expected to see approximately 83,050 job openings. These openings will primarily result from workers changing jobs (55%) and exiting the labor force (40%), while just 5% will stem from actual job growth. This breakdown highlights the importance of workforce replacement and job mobility in the state’s labor market.
Top Growing Industries:
In contrast, government and retail trade employment are projected to decline, influenced by federal policies and continuing shift toward e-commerce.
The projections are a valuable tool for:
Key highlights, comprehensive data tables and other Labor Market Information (LMI) tools — such as Best Job Opportunities to 2032 — can be accessed on the Employment Projections page of the Hawai‘i Workforce Infonet (HIWI): www.hiwi.org.
Detailed narrative reports will be available by the end of July.
This effort is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, through the Workforce and Labor Market Information Grants to States (WIGS) program, with a total award of $321,585 for Program Year 2024.
# # #
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
TDD/TTY Dial 711 then ask for 808-586-8842
View DLIR news releases:
http://labor.hawaii.gov/blog/category/news/
Media Contact:
Chavonnie Ramos
Public Information Officer, State of Hawai‘i
Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Phone: 808-586-9720
Email: [email protected]
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
National Drought Group steps up operational response and asks people to play their part in managing the drought and use water wisely
The National Drought Group (NDG) met today (15 July) as a drought is declared in the West and East Midlands. Dry weather continues to impact water resources across England requiring water companies to take action to manage demand with the public being urged to use water wisely.
Since the group last met on 5 June, the situation has deteriorated, with further areas, including the West and East Midlands, now officially in drought and recently three more areas moved into prolonged dry weather status (Lincs and Northants, East Anglia, and Thames area). A hosepipe ban is set to be introduced from 22nd July by Thames Water following a period of prolonged dry weather in the area.
Across England, rainfall was 20% less than long term average for June. June was also the hottest on record for England, with two heatwaves driving unusually high demand for water. Reservoir levels continue to fall, with overall storage across England at 75.6% and at 53.8% in Yorkshire necessitating a Temporary Use Ban (TUB).
The National Drought Group heard that without further substantial rain, some water companies may need to implement further drought measures, including more Temporary Use Bans (TUBs) to conserve supplies. The Environment Agency expects and will ensure that water companies follow their drought management plans. Water companies need to step up their work to fix leaks and adjust their operations to conserve water.
The public is being asked to think about how they use water at home and in the garden, and to comply with any local restrictions. The less water you use at the home, the more water there is in your local environment. The National Drought Group is also asking recreational water users – such as anglers, swimmers, and boaters to remain vigilant and report any environmental issues they see, such as fish in distress, acting as important eyes and ears on the ground.
Farmers are using water efficiently, supporting one another, and looking to trade water and welcome the support from the Environment Agency. However, without further rain, the agricultural community are facing a range of challenges due to the dry weather including concerns about irrigation reservoir levels. It is likely that yields will be lower than last year, particularly non-irrigated grains and straw
Environment Agency teams are out on the ground actively monitoring river levels, with staff working with the water sector to ensure there is enough water for the people and the environment. Teams are also supporting farmers and abstractors with advice on how to manage abstraction during prolonged dry weather and low flows. Fisheries teams are responding where necessary to protect fish which are struggling due to reduced oxygen or moving them if the river has dried up and they have become stranded.
Impacts across wildlife away from rivers and reservoirs have been seen since March. Wildfires, drying up wetlands and coastal sites, with the loss of breeding seasons for rare species have all been seen.
This has been the driest start to the year since 1976, and we need to make sure our water supplies can sustain us through the summer.
Today I have asked all the partners who make up the national drought group to step up their operational response to manage the drought and use water wisely. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground actively monitoring river levels and working to ensure there is enough water for the people and the environment.
I have asked the National Drought Group to step up its response to ensure we are successfully managing the impacts of ongoing dry weather. Water companies must now take action to follow their drought plans – I will hold them to account if they delay.
We face a growing water shortage in the next decade. That’s why we are pushing ahead with urgent water reforms under our Plan for Change, which includes £104 billion of private investment to build nine reservoirs and new pipes to cut leaks.
Although some areas saw rainfall at the start of July, for many the month so far has been fairly dry, continuing a pattern seen through spring and June. We’ve now recorded our third heatwave of the summer and following a period of fresher, more unsettled conditions it’s likely to turn warmer and more humid again across many parts of England later this week. There’s also the possibility of heavy, thundery showers for some places too.
It does look as though we’ll see typical changeable weather during the latter third of July and into early August with a mix of rain, showers. Confidence in details inevitably gets lower, the further ahead we look, but this would be consistent with our seasonal expectations.
The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, CRT, angling groups and conservation experts. With further warm, dry weather expected, the NDG will continue to meet regularly to coordinate the national response and safeguard water supplies for people, agriculture, and the environment.
A decision to declare drought is taken based on reservoir levels, river flows, groundwater levels, how dry soils are, environmental incidents and water resources position along with consideration of the long-term weather forecasts. These are based on Environment Agency Area classifications.
Temporary Use Bans ( TUBs) are a decision for the water companies and must be made in line with their drought plans
More information on how drought is defined can be found here: Drought: how it is managed in England – GOV.UK
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Event languages: English, French
The government of Senegal and the Santiago network will host a capacity building workshop for LDCs and SIDS in Africa, with a specific focus on their unique challenges and opportunities. The workshop will introduce Santiago network operative guidelines and assist countries and other stakeholders in understanding the processes for making requests for technical assistance and becoming a Member of the Santiago network.
The key objectives of the workshop are:
The workshop will be run in an interactive ‘write-shop’ format with a focus on developing demand-driven technical assistance requests by countries. Every session will be structured around introductory presentations to provide an overview, followed by interactive discussion and exchanges and write-up exercises to complete the technical assistance template.
This workshop is targeted at representatives from LDCs and SIDS in Africa, particularly national liaisons to the Santiago network Secretariat, loss and damage contact points and disaster risk reduction focal points.
Participation: in-person, upon invitation only
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Mission
Green Transformation and Sustainability Network (GXS) is a pioneering organisation driving the green economy, circular economy, biodiversity conservation, energy transition, social impact business, climate resilience, climate solutions, technology, governance, investment, sustainable development and green innovation across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
The GXS Network focuses on empowering local businesses and communities, building collaborative networks for sustainable living and development. Its primary activities include promoting green economy initiatives, fostering circular economy practices, and implementing climate and sustainable solutions that align with the Vietnamese government and international commitments
DRR activities
the Making Cities Resilience 2030 program by UNDRR. It fosters policy, technology, and capacity building in disaster risk reduction for Vietnamese authorities and businesses. GXS founder Son Nguyen has completed some UNDRR training courses in the
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MIAMI, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing, today announced a corporate rebrand that aligns the Company’s external positioning with its strategic focus on energy and digital infrastructure through an integrated platform model focused on disciplined capital allocation, operational rigor, and relentless performance optimization.
“Our new brand enables us to more clearly express what has always set Hut 8 apart: a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating next-generation digital infrastructure,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “Since our merger of equals, we have scaled with discipline across each layer of our platform, institutionalized the broader business, and executed with the rigor we believe is required to deliver outsized long-term value for our investors. Our new brand embeds our platform-driven strategy into our external positioning and sharpens how we articulate our business model, structural advantages, and approach to long-term value creation to the market.”
The Company’s rebrand follows over a year of disciplined strategic, operational, and capital markets execution under new leadership, which has solidified Hut 8’s position as a power-first, innovation-driven developer of energy and digital infrastructure. Since the merger of Hut 8 Mining Corp. with U.S. Data Mining Group, Inc. (“US Bitcoin Corp”) in November 2023, the Company has:
The Hut 8 name remains unchanged, reflecting the Company’s continued alignment with the legacy of technical innovation that defines its namesake. Named for the building at Bletchley Park where Alan Turing led foundational work in computer science and artificial intelligence during World War II, the Company carries forward that legacy today at the intersection of energy and technology.
The rebrand does not impact Hut 8’s existing relationships, agreements, and operations. The Company’s updated website is now live at hut8.com.
About Hut 8
Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing. We take a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating the critical infrastructure that underpins the breakthrough technologies of today and tomorrow. Our platform spans 1,020 megawatts of energy capacity under management across 15 sites in the United States and Canada: five Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, four power generation assets in Ontario, and one non-operational site in Alberta. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X at @Hut8Corp.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information
This press release includes “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws, respectively (collectively, “forward-looking information”). All information, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events, or developments that Hut 8 expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including statements relating to the Company’s strategic focus on energy and digital infrastructure through an integrated platform model focused on disciplined capital allocation, operational rigor, and relentless performance optimization, the viability of the Company’s proprietary system to support future iterations of liquid-cooled infrastructure to meet emerging HPC workloads and next-generation AI data center design, the ability of American Bitcoin to scale without diverting capital from the Company’s core Power and Digital Infrastructure businesses, and other such matters is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “allow”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “predict”, “can”, “might”, “potential”, “predict”, “is designed to”, “likely,” or similar expressions.
Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events based on certain material factors and assumptions at the time the statement was made. While considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, failure of critical systems; geopolitical, social, economic, and other events and circumstances; competition from current and future competitors; risks related to power requirements; cybersecurity threats and breaches; hazards and operational risks; changes in leasing arrangements; Internet-related disruptions; dependence on key personnel; having a limited operating history; attracting and retaining customers; entering into new offerings or lines of business; price fluctuations and rapidly changing technologies; construction of new data centers, data center expansions, or data center redevelopment; predicting facility requirements; strategic alliances or joint ventures; operating and expanding internationally; failing to grow hashrate; purchasing miners; relying on third-party mining pool service providers; uncertainty in the development and acceptance of the Bitcoin network; Bitcoin halving events; competition from other methods of investing in Bitcoin; concentration of Bitcoin holdings; hedging transactions; potential liquidity constraints; legal, regulatory, governmental, and technological uncertainties; physical risks related to climate change; involvement in legal proceedings; trading volatility; and other risks described from time to time in Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the Company’s recent and upcoming annual and quarterly reports and other continuous disclosure documents, which are available under the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Hut 8 Corp. Investor Relations
Sue Ennis
ir@hut8.com
Hut 8 Corp. Public Relations
Gautier Lemyze-Young
media@hut8.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MIAMI, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing, today announced a corporate rebrand that aligns the Company’s external positioning with its strategic focus on energy and digital infrastructure through an integrated platform model focused on disciplined capital allocation, operational rigor, and relentless performance optimization.
“Our new brand enables us to more clearly express what has always set Hut 8 apart: a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating next-generation digital infrastructure,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “Since our merger of equals, we have scaled with discipline across each layer of our platform, institutionalized the broader business, and executed with the rigor we believe is required to deliver outsized long-term value for our investors. Our new brand embeds our platform-driven strategy into our external positioning and sharpens how we articulate our business model, structural advantages, and approach to long-term value creation to the market.”
The Company’s rebrand follows over a year of disciplined strategic, operational, and capital markets execution under new leadership, which has solidified Hut 8’s position as a power-first, innovation-driven developer of energy and digital infrastructure. Since the merger of Hut 8 Mining Corp. with U.S. Data Mining Group, Inc. (“US Bitcoin Corp”) in November 2023, the Company has:
The Hut 8 name remains unchanged, reflecting the Company’s continued alignment with the legacy of technical innovation that defines its namesake. Named for the building at Bletchley Park where Alan Turing led foundational work in computer science and artificial intelligence during World War II, the Company carries forward that legacy today at the intersection of energy and technology.
The rebrand does not impact Hut 8’s existing relationships, agreements, and operations. The Company’s updated website is now live at hut8.com.
About Hut 8
Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing. We take a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating the critical infrastructure that underpins the breakthrough technologies of today and tomorrow. Our platform spans 1,020 megawatts of energy capacity under management across 15 sites in the United States and Canada: five Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, four power generation assets in Ontario, and one non-operational site in Alberta. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X at @Hut8Corp.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information
This press release includes “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws, respectively (collectively, “forward-looking information”). All information, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events, or developments that Hut 8 expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including statements relating to the Company’s strategic focus on energy and digital infrastructure through an integrated platform model focused on disciplined capital allocation, operational rigor, and relentless performance optimization, the viability of the Company’s proprietary system to support future iterations of liquid-cooled infrastructure to meet emerging HPC workloads and next-generation AI data center design, the ability of American Bitcoin to scale without diverting capital from the Company’s core Power and Digital Infrastructure businesses, and other such matters is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “allow”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “predict”, “can”, “might”, “potential”, “predict”, “is designed to”, “likely,” or similar expressions.
Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events based on certain material factors and assumptions at the time the statement was made. While considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, failure of critical systems; geopolitical, social, economic, and other events and circumstances; competition from current and future competitors; risks related to power requirements; cybersecurity threats and breaches; hazards and operational risks; changes in leasing arrangements; Internet-related disruptions; dependence on key personnel; having a limited operating history; attracting and retaining customers; entering into new offerings or lines of business; price fluctuations and rapidly changing technologies; construction of new data centers, data center expansions, or data center redevelopment; predicting facility requirements; strategic alliances or joint ventures; operating and expanding internationally; failing to grow hashrate; purchasing miners; relying on third-party mining pool service providers; uncertainty in the development and acceptance of the Bitcoin network; Bitcoin halving events; competition from other methods of investing in Bitcoin; concentration of Bitcoin holdings; hedging transactions; potential liquidity constraints; legal, regulatory, governmental, and technological uncertainties; physical risks related to climate change; involvement in legal proceedings; trading volatility; and other risks described from time to time in Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the Company’s recent and upcoming annual and quarterly reports and other continuous disclosure documents, which are available under the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Hut 8 Corp. Investor Relations
Sue Ennis
ir@hut8.com
Hut 8 Corp. Public Relations
Gautier Lemyze-Young
media@hut8.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MIAMI, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing, today announced a corporate rebrand that aligns the Company’s external positioning with its strategic focus on energy and digital infrastructure through an integrated platform model focused on disciplined capital allocation, operational rigor, and relentless performance optimization.
“Our new brand enables us to more clearly express what has always set Hut 8 apart: a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating next-generation digital infrastructure,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “Since our merger of equals, we have scaled with discipline across each layer of our platform, institutionalized the broader business, and executed with the rigor we believe is required to deliver outsized long-term value for our investors. Our new brand embeds our platform-driven strategy into our external positioning and sharpens how we articulate our business model, structural advantages, and approach to long-term value creation to the market.”
The Company’s rebrand follows over a year of disciplined strategic, operational, and capital markets execution under new leadership, which has solidified Hut 8’s position as a power-first, innovation-driven developer of energy and digital infrastructure. Since the merger of Hut 8 Mining Corp. with U.S. Data Mining Group, Inc. (“US Bitcoin Corp”) in November 2023, the Company has:
The Hut 8 name remains unchanged, reflecting the Company’s continued alignment with the legacy of technical innovation that defines its namesake. Named for the building at Bletchley Park where Alan Turing led foundational work in computer science and artificial intelligence during World War II, the Company carries forward that legacy today at the intersection of energy and technology.
The rebrand does not impact Hut 8’s existing relationships, agreements, and operations. The Company’s updated website is now live at hut8.com.
About Hut 8
Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing. We take a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating the critical infrastructure that underpins the breakthrough technologies of today and tomorrow. Our platform spans 1,020 megawatts of energy capacity under management across 15 sites in the United States and Canada: five Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, four power generation assets in Ontario, and one non-operational site in Alberta. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X at @Hut8Corp.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information
This press release includes “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws, respectively (collectively, “forward-looking information”). All information, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events, or developments that Hut 8 expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including statements relating to the Company’s strategic focus on energy and digital infrastructure through an integrated platform model focused on disciplined capital allocation, operational rigor, and relentless performance optimization, the viability of the Company’s proprietary system to support future iterations of liquid-cooled infrastructure to meet emerging HPC workloads and next-generation AI data center design, the ability of American Bitcoin to scale without diverting capital from the Company’s core Power and Digital Infrastructure businesses, and other such matters is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “allow”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “predict”, “can”, “might”, “potential”, “predict”, “is designed to”, “likely,” or similar expressions.
Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events based on certain material factors and assumptions at the time the statement was made. While considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, failure of critical systems; geopolitical, social, economic, and other events and circumstances; competition from current and future competitors; risks related to power requirements; cybersecurity threats and breaches; hazards and operational risks; changes in leasing arrangements; Internet-related disruptions; dependence on key personnel; having a limited operating history; attracting and retaining customers; entering into new offerings or lines of business; price fluctuations and rapidly changing technologies; construction of new data centers, data center expansions, or data center redevelopment; predicting facility requirements; strategic alliances or joint ventures; operating and expanding internationally; failing to grow hashrate; purchasing miners; relying on third-party mining pool service providers; uncertainty in the development and acceptance of the Bitcoin network; Bitcoin halving events; competition from other methods of investing in Bitcoin; concentration of Bitcoin holdings; hedging transactions; potential liquidity constraints; legal, regulatory, governmental, and technological uncertainties; physical risks related to climate change; involvement in legal proceedings; trading volatility; and other risks described from time to time in Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the Company’s recent and upcoming annual and quarterly reports and other continuous disclosure documents, which are available under the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Hut 8 Corp. Investor Relations
Sue Ennis
ir@hut8.com
Hut 8 Corp. Public Relations
Gautier Lemyze-Young
media@hut8.com
Source: Amnesty International –
Ahead of a vote in Thailand’s House of Representatives on five bills to grant amnesty for criminal offences related to political activities, Amnesty International’s Regional Researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said:
“Since 2020, various national security and criminal laws have been weaponized to rob Thailand’s peaceful protesters of their freedom, simply for exercising their right to speak out. Now is the moment for the government to make amends.
“In this pivotal vote, Thai lawmakers must ensure the new law allows for the full dismissal of all criminal charges against peaceful protesters – without exempting the lèse-majesté law.
“This law should also be an opportunity for Thai lawmakers to ensure that authorities who perpetrated human rights violations against protesters are not granted immunity for their crimes.”
Source: Amnesty International –
Ahead of a vote in Thailand’s House of Representatives on five bills to grant amnesty for criminal offences related to political activities, Amnesty International’s Regional Researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said:
“Since 2020, various national security and criminal laws have been weaponized to rob Thailand’s peaceful protesters of their freedom, simply for exercising their right to speak out. Now is the moment for the government to make amends.
“In this pivotal vote, Thai lawmakers must ensure the new law allows for the full dismissal of all criminal charges against peaceful protesters – without exempting the lèse-majesté law.
“This law should also be an opportunity for Thai lawmakers to ensure that authorities who perpetrated human rights violations against protesters are not granted immunity for their crimes.”
Source: Amnesty International –
Ahead of a vote in Thailand’s House of Representatives on five bills to grant amnesty for criminal offences related to political activities, Amnesty International’s Regional Researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said:
“Since 2020, various national security and criminal laws have been weaponized to rob Thailand’s peaceful protesters of their freedom, simply for exercising their right to speak out. Now is the moment for the government to make amends.
“In this pivotal vote, Thai lawmakers must ensure the new law allows for the full dismissal of all criminal charges against peaceful protesters – without exempting the lèse-majesté law.
“This law should also be an opportunity for Thai lawmakers to ensure that authorities who perpetrated human rights violations against protesters are not granted immunity for their crimes.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
New changes to how the UK Internal Market Act works to benefit businesses across the four nations.
Businesses trading across the UK’s four nations will benefit from clearer and more certain rules, following government changes to how the UK Internal Market Act works today [15 July].
Following extensive feedback from businesses – including calls for greater clarity, consistency, and collaboration – the UK Government has completed a review of the Act ahead of schedule, ensuring seamless trading between the nations.
The updated approach puts business needs at the forefront, while also enabling devolved governments to shape laws which align with their own priorities. A transparent and well-managed internal market will help to minimise the risk of unnecessary trade barriers, providing certainty for businesses to invest, boosting growth and raising living standards as the government delivers on its Plan for Change.
In response to businesses’ asks, the rules will now be made in a way that is more transparent, streamlined, and considers a broader evidence base, encouraging open conversations between governments and making it easier for businesses to engage with and understand how decisions are made and applied across the UK.
Protecting the environment and public health will be taken into account alongside economic factors when a government proposes excluding an area from the UK Internal Market Act. In addition, if a proposed change has only a limited economic impact, this can now be agreed through a streamlined process.
This updated approach will better enable all four governments to agree shared rules across a wide range of areas including chemicals and pesticides and provide more flexibility to legislate.
“A thriving internal market is essential to the UK’s economic success, so we’ve listened to what businesses want — and we’re acting ahead of schedule.
“These reforms will keep trade flowing, reduce friction, and unlock growth across all four nations.
“We’ve also worked closely with devolved governments to ensure they can deliver on their priorities.”
“Trade between the nations of the UK is vital to the health of our overall economy and a key driver of growth. Businesses want to see devolved and UK governments working together to ensure there are no unnecessary barriers to the flows of goods and services between us.
“The UK Internal Market Act is key to this, setting the foundations which underpin over £100bn of trade. This new streamlined approach to rulemaking will give businesses the certainty they need so they can grow, invest, and prosper.”
This is just another example of how we’re making things better for business, alongside cutting regulation and reducing administrative costs to boost businesses and growth across the country for big and small firms.
The UK internal market supported over £129 billion of trade between the four nations in 2019 — equivalent to around 6% of the UK economy. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sales to the rest of the UK make up a major share of their external sales — typically around 60%. The reforms published today aim to protect and grow that vital trade, ensuring businesses can operate with confidence and certainty.
This announcement follows a wide-ranging consultation launched in January 2025 and a statutory review announced in December 2024. The consultation received almost a hundred responses, from businesses, academics, environmental groups and the devolved governments. The improvements made to the operation of the Act are a result of those responses.
Together, these steps mark a shift toward a more business-led, cooperative approach to managing the internal market — one that supports economic growth while respecting devolved powers.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Ms Alexandra Coles has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher.
Ms Alexandra Cole has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Cole will take up her appointment during September 2025.
Full name: Alexandra Pamela Cole
| Year | Role |
|---|---|
| 2024 to present | Pre-posting training |
| 2023 to 2024 | FCDO, Head of Contingency Planning, MENA |
| 2020 to 2023 | Doha, Deputy Head of Mission |
| 2018 to 2020 | Tbilisi, Deputy Head of Mission |
| 2013 to 2018 | UK Mission to the UN in Geneva, Counsellor Specialised Agencies |
| 2011 to 2013 | FCO, Policy Unit |
| 2008 to 2010 | Cairo, Consular Regional Director |
| 2006 to 2008 | FCO, Engaging with Islamic World Group |
| 2004 to 2006 | Islamabad, Second Secretary Human Rights |
| 2002 to 2004 | Sarajevo, Second Secretary Political |
| 2001 to 2002 | Pre-posting training (including Bosnian language training) |
| 1999 to 2001 | FCO, Personnel Management Unit |
| 1996 to 1999 | Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer |
| 1994 to 1995 | FCO, Trade Union Side |
| 1996 to 1999 | Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer |
| 1992 to 1994 | FCO, Finance Department |
| 1990 to 1992 | FCO, Migration and Visa Department |
| 1990 | Joined FCO |
Media enquiries
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This photo taken on Oct. 4, 2024 shows the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. [Photo/Xinhua]
The European Union (EU) has proposed a new round of tariffs on U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros (84 billion U.S. dollars), amid the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s largest economy and its biggest trading partner.
EU trade ministers met in Brussels on Monday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement over the weekend of new tariffs on the bloc. Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade chief, said after the meeting that it was “very obvious from the discussions today, the 30 percent is absolutely unacceptable.”
He said that the commission was sharing proposals with the 27 members “for the second list of goods accounting for some 72 billion euros (84 billion dollars) worth of U.S. imports. They will now have a chance to discuss it. This does not exhaust our toolbox and every instrument remains on the table.”
Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister of Denmark, which recently assumed the EU presidency, said the bloc views the new tariff as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified” and is prepared to respond if talks with Washington fail to produce a viable outcome.
“We are committed to continuing working with the United States on a negotiated outcome,” he said, adding that the agreement has to be “mutually acceptable” on both sides.
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday morning, Trump announced a 30 percent tariff on the EU as of Aug. 1, blaming the bloc for causing “long-term, large, and persistent Trade Deficits.”
“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,” he wrote in the letter. “The EU will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States, with no Tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large Trade Deficit.”
In response to Trump’s latest deadline, the EU decided to postpone retaliatory counter tariffs on 21 billion euros (24.5 billion dollars) of U.S. goods that had been due to kick in at midnight on Monday until Aug. 1.
The EU is open to trade talks with the United States for an agreement before the deadline, but won’t rule out taking countermeasures, said Von der Leyen.
“We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by Aug. 1,” the EU leader said in a statement. “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
The proposed tariff threatens to take a heavy toll on the EU economy. An analysis by the Milan-based Institute for International Political Studies suggested that Italy would be among the EU countries most affected by the U.S. tariffs.
Under a 30-percent duty scenario, Germany’s GDP would contract by an estimated 0.5 percent compared to a no-tariff baseline, while Italy’s GDP would shrink by approximately 0.36 percent, said the think tank.
On Monday, the Association for the Development of Industry in the Mezzogiorno (SVIMEZ) released its estimate of the impact of the U.S. tariffs on Italy’s exports, projecting a reduction of nearly one-fifth in export volume and a loss of 12.4 billion euros (14.48 billion U.S. dollars) in trade once the tariffs take effect.
SVIMEZ also warned of broader macroeconomic consequences, estimating a 0.5-percent reduction in Italy’s GDP in 2026 and the potential loss of up to 150,000 jobs, including some 13,000 in the country’s southern regions.
“Our government is in close contact with the European Commission and all parties involved in the tariff negotiations,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement.
“A trade war within the West would make us all weaker in the face of global challenges we are addressing together. Europe has the economic strength to protect its interests and reach a fair agreement,” she said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This photo taken on Oct. 4, 2024 shows the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. [Photo/Xinhua]
The European Union (EU) has proposed a new round of tariffs on U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros (84 billion U.S. dollars), amid the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s largest economy and its biggest trading partner.
EU trade ministers met in Brussels on Monday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement over the weekend of new tariffs on the bloc. Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade chief, said after the meeting that it was “very obvious from the discussions today, the 30 percent is absolutely unacceptable.”
He said that the commission was sharing proposals with the 27 members “for the second list of goods accounting for some 72 billion euros (84 billion dollars) worth of U.S. imports. They will now have a chance to discuss it. This does not exhaust our toolbox and every instrument remains on the table.”
Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister of Denmark, which recently assumed the EU presidency, said the bloc views the new tariff as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified” and is prepared to respond if talks with Washington fail to produce a viable outcome.
“We are committed to continuing working with the United States on a negotiated outcome,” he said, adding that the agreement has to be “mutually acceptable” on both sides.
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday morning, Trump announced a 30 percent tariff on the EU as of Aug. 1, blaming the bloc for causing “long-term, large, and persistent Trade Deficits.”
“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,” he wrote in the letter. “The EU will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States, with no Tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large Trade Deficit.”
In response to Trump’s latest deadline, the EU decided to postpone retaliatory counter tariffs on 21 billion euros (24.5 billion dollars) of U.S. goods that had been due to kick in at midnight on Monday until Aug. 1.
The EU is open to trade talks with the United States for an agreement before the deadline, but won’t rule out taking countermeasures, said Von der Leyen.
“We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by Aug. 1,” the EU leader said in a statement. “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
The proposed tariff threatens to take a heavy toll on the EU economy. An analysis by the Milan-based Institute for International Political Studies suggested that Italy would be among the EU countries most affected by the U.S. tariffs.
Under a 30-percent duty scenario, Germany’s GDP would contract by an estimated 0.5 percent compared to a no-tariff baseline, while Italy’s GDP would shrink by approximately 0.36 percent, said the think tank.
On Monday, the Association for the Development of Industry in the Mezzogiorno (SVIMEZ) released its estimate of the impact of the U.S. tariffs on Italy’s exports, projecting a reduction of nearly one-fifth in export volume and a loss of 12.4 billion euros (14.48 billion U.S. dollars) in trade once the tariffs take effect.
SVIMEZ also warned of broader macroeconomic consequences, estimating a 0.5-percent reduction in Italy’s GDP in 2026 and the potential loss of up to 150,000 jobs, including some 13,000 in the country’s southern regions.
“Our government is in close contact with the European Commission and all parties involved in the tariff negotiations,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement.
“A trade war within the West would make us all weaker in the face of global challenges we are addressing together. Europe has the economic strength to protect its interests and reach a fair agreement,” she said.
Source: European Parliament
Greece is an active user of Copernicus Emergency Management Services (CEMS)[1], including its on-demand mapping services. For example, in 2024, the Greek national civil protection authority, which is the national CEMS’ focal point, activated the rapid mapping service 14 times.
For the time being, the Commission has not yet received a request from the Greek national civil protection authorities for CEMS risk and recovery services to monitor land deformation or for drawing up evacuation plans for a potential future incident in Santorini.
However, Greece is aware of this option and has used this service in the past to develop, amongst others, evacuation plans, for example for two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage sites (Delphi and Ancient Olympia), and to assess their exposure to several hazards, including earthquakes.
Under its Cohesion Policy thematic and regional programmes for the 2021-2027 period, Greece earmarked approximately EUR 130 million for the prevention and management of non-climate-related risks, such as earthquakes.
In accordance with the shared management procedures, the selection of specific projects is a national competence.
Source: European Parliament
Greece is an active user of Copernicus Emergency Management Services (CEMS)[1], including its on-demand mapping services. For example, in 2024, the Greek national civil protection authority, which is the national CEMS’ focal point, activated the rapid mapping service 14 times.
For the time being, the Commission has not yet received a request from the Greek national civil protection authorities for CEMS risk and recovery services to monitor land deformation or for drawing up evacuation plans for a potential future incident in Santorini.
However, Greece is aware of this option and has used this service in the past to develop, amongst others, evacuation plans, for example for two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage sites (Delphi and Ancient Olympia), and to assess their exposure to several hazards, including earthquakes.
Under its Cohesion Policy thematic and regional programmes for the 2021-2027 period, Greece earmarked approximately EUR 130 million for the prevention and management of non-climate-related risks, such as earthquakes.
In accordance with the shared management procedures, the selection of specific projects is a national competence.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, began his visit to Hainan Province yesterday (July 14).
Mr Chan first met with the Party Secretary and Chairman of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Li Rongcan, in Haikou to exchange views on the latest developments in the two places, and discuss promoting and deepening the partnership between Hong Kong and Hainan Province. Mr Chan said that there is a frequent flow of people, logistics and capital between the two places, and with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments in March this year, the exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan Province will be closer in future. Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and will work with Hainan Province to achieve results attributable to the two places’ advantages, deepen economic, trade and cultural exchanges, and make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.
Mr Chan then visited the Hainan Chronicles Museum to learn about the patriotic and revolutionary tradition education work there as well as the construction and development progress of the Hainan Special Economic Zone and Hainan as an international tourism island. Mr Chan then departed for Wenchang to meet with the Secretary of the CPC Wenchang Municipal Committee, Mr Wang Peng. Mr Chan introduced the latest situation of Hong Kong, and exchanged views with Mr Wang on further promoting exchanges between the two places and exploring more co-operation and development opportunities.
Mr Chan visited the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform early today (July 15) to join a science exploration activity of the Hainan Aerospace Science and Research Study Tour under the Strive and Rise Programme. Mr Chan engaged with the participants and encouraged them to grasp this valuable learning opportunity to learn and understand the country’s robust developments and significant achievements in the field of aerospace. He also encouraged the participants to continue to work hard in the future to cultivate a sense of contributing to the country and serving the society, and become a new generation with a sense of social responsibility and contributions. Mr Chan said he believed that the experience of joining this meaningful aerospace science and research study tour will boost the participants’ sense of patriotism and national pride.
Mr Chan will depart for Heilongjiang Province today.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, began his visit to Hainan Province yesterday (July 14).
Mr Chan first met with the Party Secretary and Chairman of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Li Rongcan, in Haikou to exchange views on the latest developments in the two places, and discuss promoting and deepening the partnership between Hong Kong and Hainan Province. Mr Chan said that there is a frequent flow of people, logistics and capital between the two places, and with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments in March this year, the exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan Province will be closer in future. Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and will work with Hainan Province to achieve results attributable to the two places’ advantages, deepen economic, trade and cultural exchanges, and make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.
Mr Chan then visited the Hainan Chronicles Museum to learn about the patriotic and revolutionary tradition education work there as well as the construction and development progress of the Hainan Special Economic Zone and Hainan as an international tourism island. Mr Chan then departed for Wenchang to meet with the Secretary of the CPC Wenchang Municipal Committee, Mr Wang Peng. Mr Chan introduced the latest situation of Hong Kong, and exchanged views with Mr Wang on further promoting exchanges between the two places and exploring more co-operation and development opportunities.
Mr Chan visited the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform early today (July 15) to join a science exploration activity of the Hainan Aerospace Science and Research Study Tour under the Strive and Rise Programme. Mr Chan engaged with the participants and encouraged them to grasp this valuable learning opportunity to learn and understand the country’s robust developments and significant achievements in the field of aerospace. He also encouraged the participants to continue to work hard in the future to cultivate a sense of contributing to the country and serving the society, and become a new generation with a sense of social responsibility and contributions. Mr Chan said he believed that the experience of joining this meaningful aerospace science and research study tour will boost the participants’ sense of patriotism and national pride.
Mr Chan will depart for Heilongjiang Province today.
Source: APO
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has published the findings of an internal review into the brutal killing of three of our staff members — María Hernández Matas, Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, and Yohannes Halefom Reda — in central Tigray, Ethiopia, on 24 June 2021.
The review confirmed that the attack was an intentional and targeted killing of three clearly identified aid workers. It also established that a convoy of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) was present at the time of the incident, on the same road where the MSF personnel were killed.
María, Tedros, and Yohannes were working with MSF to provide medical care in the conflict-affected region of Tigray. On 24 June 2021, they were travelling in a clearly marked MSF vehicle to a village near Abi Adi town in central Tigray to refer patients who had been wounded in recent fighting. During their journey, their vehicle was intercepted, and they were killed.
Four years on, MSF still does not have credible answers about what happened to our colleagues, despite tireless attempts to engage with both the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) — both of whose forces were present in the wider conflict zone.
“Despite repeated assurances from the Ethiopian authorities that an investigation was underway, four years on, neither MSF nor the victims’ families have received any credible answers,” says Paula Gil, President of MSF Spain. “We can only assume that there is insufficient political will to share the findings of a completed investigation.”
“In the absence of any official account, we have a moral obligation towards our staff and the families of our late colleagues to make our own findings public – a necessary step to shed light on a brutal killing that must not be ignored or buried,” says Gil.
Immediately after the incident, MSF launched an internal review – our standard practice following a critical security incident. The evidence confirmed that the attack on the MSF team was intentional and targeted. The victims — all wearing white vests clearly marked with the MSF logo and traveling in a vehicle visibly displaying the MSF logo and flag — were shot multiple times at close range, while facing their attacker. Their bodies were found up to 400 metres from their vehicle, which was burned and riddled with bullets.
“This was not the result of crossfire, nor was it a tragic mistake. Our colleagues were killed in what can only be described as a deliberate attack,” adds Gil.
MSF’s internal review also clearly established that a large retreating convoy of the ENDF was moving south on the same stretch of road where MSF’s staff members were killed on the day of the attack. This was corroborated by multiple sources available in the public domain, including media reports and open-source satellite imagery, as well as several civilian witnesses.
Beyond the confirmed presence of the ENDF in the area, what remains to be clarified is the extent and nature of their involvement in the attack. MSF received concerning witness accounts — including from civilians travelling with the ENDF convoy in various capacities — that directly implicated ENDF soldiers in the attack. One witness reported overhearing a radio exchange where an ENDF commander gave orders to “shoot” at an approaching white car and “remove them”.
Since 2021, MSF has held over 20 high-level meetings with officials in the Ethiopian government and submitted numerous formal requests for a credible, transparent investigation to be carried out, and for findings to be shared.
“Over the past four years, we have done everything in our power to engage constructively with the Ethiopian authorities, including sharing the findings of our internal review on several occasions between November 2021 and October 2023, along with supporting materials, with the Ministry of Justice,” says Gil.
“MSF’s review clearly demonstrates that it was — and remains — feasible to establish the facts about the incident,” says Gil. “Given this, and the substantiated information confirming ENDF presence at the time of the attack, it is both unconscionable and unacceptable that the Ethiopian authorities have consistently failed to conclude a credible investigation and share its findings.”
MSF is making this internal review public not only out of moral obligation, but also to demand that governments protect humanitarian workers and medical facilities and that those responsible for attacks on humanitarians and medical staff are held accountable. Attacks on humanitarian personnel are rising globally, while states increasingly neglect their duty to investigate and prosecute violations of international humanitarian law, and the international community continues to look away.
The brutal killing of María, Tedros, and Yohannes is an emblematic case of the dangers faced by humanitarian workers. If there is no investigation of such an egregious attack, it sets a dangerous precedent in Ethiopia and reinforces an alarming pattern of impunity for attacks on healthcare globally.
“María, Tedros, and Yohannes lost their lives while helping people in crisis,” says Gil. “They are in our thoughts every day. Their murder must not be forgotten or met with silence. MSF hopes that by pursuing the truth of what happened to them, we can contribute to building a safer environment for humanitarians — not only in Ethiopia, but in conflict zones around the world.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).
Source: European Parliament
The Authority for European Political Parties and Foundations is the independent body responsible for monitoring the compliance of European Political Parties and Foundations with Regulation No 1141/2014. Not national parties.
The Commission is aware of media reports concerning the allegations referred to in this question. However, under the EU Treaties, the Commission has no general powers to examine how individual cases are investigated by the authorities of a Member State, as specific cases fall under the responsibility of the competent authorities of each Member State.
The Commission monitors significant developments concerning the rule of law in Member States, including the anti-corruption framework, in the context of the annual Rule of Law Report.
In December 2023, the Commission published a recommendation on inclusive and resilient elections[1] addressed to Member States, political parties, political foundations and campaign organisations.
That Recommendation promotes high democratic standards for elections in the EU, including measures regarding funding of political parties and encouraging election integrity and fair campaigning.
The Commission is preparing the European Democracy Shield, which will provide a strategic approach to safeguard and strengthen democracy in the EU.
In this context, the Commission will also continue to support Member States to strengthen the fairness and integrity of electoral processes, including through the European Cooperation Network on Elections.
Source: European Parliament
The EU is concerned about the draft law in the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) which could impose a tax up to 80% on donations from foreign entities to non-governmental organisations and prevent organisations primarily funded by foreign entities from accessing petition courts. In March 2025, the EU conducted an official demarche on the bill led by the EU Delegation with 15 Member States.
The EU continues to share its concerns with the Israel authorities on the proposed bill. If passed, the bill will have deep repercussions on EU support to civil society in Israel, in particular on EU-funded projects promoting peace, human rights, environmental policies, gender equality, and social inclusion of marginalised groups.
As with all its partner countries, the EU will continue to promote a safe and conducive environment for civil society organisations to operate and to safeguard shared values of democracy, freedom of expression and association.
Due to the untenable situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) launched a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement[1].
The review, presented at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June 2025, concluded that there are indications that Israel would be in breach of Article 2.
The HR/VP will communicate the result of the review to Israel and discuss options to improve the humanitarian situation. Foreign Ministers will revert to the issue in July 2025, as necessary.
Source: European Parliament
The EU is concerned about the reports on the drone attack on the ship carrying humanitarian aid and activists heading for Gaza. Humanitarian aid is needed in Gaza to help people in desperate need. The EU has consistently called on the Israeli government to lift the blockade on Gaza to allow humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout the strip[1][2][3].
The EU discourages flotillas as a means for aid delivery. They risk the safety of their participants and carry the potential for escalation. However, nothing justifies attacking participants of flotillas with drones.
The EU has consistently reiterated that in exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of all civilians, including humanitarian workers and their facilities, at all times . Any investigation into the attack must happen in an impartial and fully transparent manner.
Source: European Parliament
At EU level, asbestos is recognised as a hazardous carcinogen. The Commission is promoting the protection of people and the environment by adopting and enforcing EU legislation related to asbestos management and control.
In its communication on working towards an asbestos-free future[1], the Commission called upon all EU institutions, Member States, social partners and other stakeholders to accelerate action to achieve an asbestos-free EU for current and future generations.
As regards the complete removal of asbestos from public buildings, considering that the magnitude of the asbestos presence, as well as screening, registration and removal strategies, differs considerably among Member States, the Commission is examining different possibilities to create a common EU framework to support Member States in monitoring and registering the presence of asbestos in buildings.
Currently no obligation has been established at EU level in this regard and Member States, including Greece, are free to implement any action needed to completely remove asbestos from public buildings.
The EU provides significant funding through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which can be used to support national measures for the removal of asbestos in the context of renovations.
In addition, Cohesion policy supports measures related to renovations and the modernisation of public infrastructure, including educational buildings.
If asbestos is present in buildings undergoing energy renovation works financed by EU funds[2], its removal could be undertaken as part of the renovation.
As Cohesion policy Funds are implemented under shared management between the Commission and Member States, and the latter are responsible for the selection of projects.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002758/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marieke Ehlers (PfE)
Article 226 TFEU and Article 3 of the Decision of 6 March 1995 on the detailed provisions governing the exercise of the European Parliament’s right of inquiry state that a parliamentary committee of inquiry investigates alleged contraventions of Union law or instances of maladministration in the implementation of Union law, except where the alleged facts are being examined before a court and while the case is still subject to legal proceedings.
Since the exception applies to FACTS that are being examined before a court, does this mean that facts that are being examined in appeal proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union fall outside this exception, and thus do fall within the remit of parliamentary inquiry law, since in such appeal proceedings the facts themselves are not re-examined, as these appeal proceedings are limited solely to questions of law?
Submitted: 7.7.2025
Source: APO
In South Sudan, entrenched patriarchal norms and the effects of years of conflict continue to hinder women from participating in peacebuilding and governance. Early marriages, widespread gender-based violence, and exclusion from decision-making remain real hurdles for the implementation of their substantially increased and meaningful inclusion in matters that matter.
The slow progress does not, however, deter women in Unity State from advocating for their rights and building informal networks of influence at the grassroots level. Some, like the young teacher Elizabeth Nyatab, are prepared to play the long game – if that is what it takes.
“I encourage parents to educate their daughters, because without schooling, it will be difficult also for future generations of women to play prominent roles in decision-making, We have no choice but to break the cultural norms that confine many of us to the domestic sphere,” she said.
In fact, Ms. Nyatab made her point on behalf of a group of women leaders representing local authorities, state institutions and civil society groups. Together, they, and other similar small groups, were presenting their findings resulting from discussions on how to increase women’s real participation in peace, security and other processes of public interest.
Of much such interest are South Sudan’s first post-independence elections, another subject that sparked lively debate during a week of civic engagement activities in Bentiu, Rubkona and Rotriak/Lalop. While many saw elections as a path to legitimacy and stability, others voiced concerns about prevailing insecurity and political divisions.
“If our country wants credible elections, political detainees must be released and the army united under one national command. Conditions for the free and fair participation for all are also essential for this dream to come true,” opined Angelina Nyawuora Turoal, former Chairperson of a network of civil society organizations in Rubkona.
The dialogue sessions were conducted by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and counted on the support of its Electoral Affairs Division.
“This week of conversations made it clear that women, on the rise and challenging norms in Unity State and elsewhere, must have their voices heard. And there is more, because their words need to be acted on as well,” concluded Alexandre Marie Rose Fernande Alexandre, a Civil Affairs Officer serving with the UN peacekeeping mission.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The decision was made on the instructions of the President.
The implementation period of the state program “Socio-economic development of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol” has been extended until 2030. The order to this effect was signed by the Chairman of the Government Mikhail Mishustin. The previous version of the state program assumed the completion of its activities in 2027.
Continuing the implementation of the state program will make it possible to create new educational and medical institutions, build more than 160 km of gas supply and distribution networks, repair 628 km of water supply and sanitation networks, and bring more than 1.2 thousand km of roads into compliance. It is also planned to implement projects to create six tourist infrastructure facilities and carry out major repairs to five cultural heritage sites.
In addition, it is planned to complete the development of part of the exits from the Tavrida highway, continue the construction of treatment facilities for the medical cluster facilities in Sevastopol, and finance the restoration of coastal protection structures located in Crimea and on the territory of the yacht marina in Sevastopol.
The President instructed the Government to ensure the extension of the state program implementation period until 2030 following a meeting devoted to issues of socio-economic development of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol. It took place in January 2025.
“With the support of the President and the Prime Minister, we are creating the necessary conditions for a comfortable life on the Crimean Peninsula. Over the years of the state program for the development of Crimea and Sevastopol, more than 700 objects and events have been completed, which have eliminated basic infrastructure restrictions on the peninsula, including ensuring the energy security of the region, transport accessibility with the mainland of Russia. It is important that the program works comprehensively: it not only modernizes the infrastructure, but also creates new opportunities for business – for this, a free economic zone is in place. Extending the program until 2030 is an important step to complete the projects that have been started and launch new ones. We are planning large-scale work: from road construction to modernization of social facilities. This will improve the quality of life of people and give an additional boost to the region’s economy,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
The signed document introduces changes toGovernment Order of November 11, 2010 No. 1950-r.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Since 2020, 296 educational facilities have been built in the city – 49 were put into operation in 2024 alone. The new Moscow schools and kindergartens are conveniently located, they have comfortable conditions, and use modern technologies. Sergei Sobyanin reported this in on your telegram channel.
“During this time, over 100 thousand places for schoolchildren and preschoolers have been created in Moscow. All buildings are constructed taking into account modern requirements. These are spacious and light premises with thoughtful zoning and all the necessary equipment,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.
Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin
Schools have universal and specialized classrooms, laboratories for studying natural sciences. Kindergartens have sports grounds and spaces for the comprehensive development of children.
The largest number of schools and kindergartens were built in Troitsky and Novomoskovsky, as well as in the Northern and Western administrative districts.
One of the largest schools was built in Rasskazovka: it is designed for 2,100 children. A kindergarten for 220 children opened between Kaluzhskoe and Kievskoe highways, another one for 300 children – in Izmailovo. A new building appeared in Begovoy district Cadet School No. 1784 named after Army General V.A. Matrosov.
The facilities are being built both with funds from the capital’s Targeted Investment Program and by investors. By the end of 2026, it is planned to build about 160 more schools and kindergartens.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, today announced the upcoming listing of T3RN (TRN) alongside an exclusive Launchpool staking event. The comprehensive initiative will offer users the opportunity to earn from a substantial total prize pool of 190,000 TRN tokens.
T3RN: Pioneering Universal Web3 Protocol
T3RN is the world’s first Universal Execution Protocol that enables atomic cross-chain smart contract execution across multiple blockchain networks without relying on wrapped tokens or trust assumptions. Unlike traditional bridge solutions that often create fragmented user experiences, T3RN’s protocol ensures that every cross-chain transaction either fully succeeds or fully reverts, eliminating the risk of partial execution failures that have plagued multi-chain operations. The protocol addresses a critical pain point in the current Web3 infrastructure by allowing users and developers to execute complex, multi-chain transactions seamlessly.
The TRN token serves as the native utility token powering the entire T3RN ecosystem, with a fixed maximum supply of 100 million tokens facilitating network security through staking, enabling protocol-level payments, and providing governance rights to holders.
T3RN (TRN) Launchpool Event
MEXC’s TRN Launchpool event runs from July 15, 2025, 11:00 UTC to July 23, 2025, 11:00 UTC, featuring dual staking pools with 95,000 TRN rewards each. New users can participate in both USDT and TRN staking pools, while all users can participate in the TRN pool. The event offers a historical average APR of up to 500% for Launchpool events, with participants able to re-stake in the TRN pool for additional rewards.
Who Can Join
How to Participate
This event launch demonstrates MEXC’s commitment to providing users with exclusive opportunities for early participation in high-quality cryptocurrency projects. Known for rapid token listings, extensive token variety, strong market depth, and competitive fees, MEXC consistently puts user experience first. Through frequent airdrops and diverse event offerings, the platform supports emerging Web3 ventures while helping users unlock profit potential. This strategy reinforces MEXC’s position as a gateway to cutting-edge opportunities in the fast-moving crypto space.
Interested users can visit here to register and participate in the staking event.
About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
Risk Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0d93893-a036-4d2a-91f7-8630087c175f