NewzIntel.com

Category: Science

  • MIL-OSI Global: How might Israel attack Iran’s underground nuclear plant? A 2024 raid in Syria could be a template

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Clive Jones, Professor of Regional Security, Durham University

    Operation rising lion has been a concerted effort by the Israel Defense Forces to degrade Iran’s nuclear programme. Launched on June 13, the operation has targeted key nuclear installations, logistical hubs and Iranian nuclear scientists, key intelligence and military personal.

    Israel has justified the attack by claiming that Iran was on a verge of a “breakout” in its nuclear programme. This means it would be able to break out of its commitments under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which it ratified in 1970.

    This contradicts the threat assessment briefing delivered by the director of US national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, on March 25 when she said: “Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003.”

    But whatever the veracity of claim and counter claim, Israel has been able to combine precise intelligence with the effective suppression of Iran’s air defence network. This has enabled the Israeli air force to inflict extensive damage on the uranium enrichment facility at Natanz and the heavy water plant at Arak, as well as associated research facilities in Tehran.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The attacks have also destroyed two-thirds of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers, according to the latest Israeli estimates. In response, Iran has fired salvoes of ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which have penetrated the much-vaunted Iron Dome missile defence system, due to the sheer number of missiles launched.

    But despite causing between 20 and 30 civilian casualties in Israel (compared to more than 600 in Iran), and despite the fear of attack among much of Israel’s population, little strategic damage appears to have been inflicted.

    Within three days of launching operation rising lion, Israel claimed complete aerial supremacy over Iran. But despite this, the key enrichment facility at Fordow, close to the ancient religious city of Qom has proved impervious to Israel’s existing military capabilities.

    The facility is buried hundreds of metres inside a mountain and designed to survive a full scale aerial bombardment. All reports are that besides some limited damage to the ground-level entrance and ventilation shafts, Israeli attacks on the site have failed to affects its operational capacity.

    Another enrichment facility near Natanz at Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, or “Pickaxe Mountain,” is thought to be even deeper inside a mountain.

    Only the US, with 30,000lb GBU-57 massive ordnance penetrator bomb caried by the B-2 stealth bomber is reckoned to have the capability to inflict lasting damage on these underground nuclear facilities. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyhu, has appealed to the US president, Donald Trump, for help in destroying these nuclear assets. Trump has said he is still considering his decision.

    Operation many ways

    US help is clearly Netanyahu’s main option for neutralising these underground plants. But don’t rule out a ground attack by Israeli special forces. A template for how Israel might deal with Fordow was revealed last year.

    Launched on September 8 2024, operation many ways destroyed an underground missile facility that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps had built into a mountainside in the Masyaf area of Syria, just west of Hama and around 125 miles north of the disputed Golan Heights. This facility was responsible for producing sophisticated surface-to-surface missiles for use by Hezbollah as well as by the regime of Bashar al-Asad, Iran’s ally.

    After months of surveillance, 200 soldiers from the Shaldag (Kingfisher) special forces unit of the Israeli Air Force were helicoptered to the site under the cover of a series of diversionary airstrikes. The surprise attack quickly overwhelmed defensive forces and used around 600kg of explosives to destroy the underground facility. The unit also collected a considerable amount of intelligence documents which they transferred back to Israel. There were no Israeli casualties.

    Greater risk

    Would Israel risk a similar operation against Fordow? The risks undoubtedly are far greater. The operation would have to be carried out at a much longer range – the enrichment facility is more than 1,000kms from Israel.

    Such an operation would need to involve far more troops than operation many ways. And the operational requirement to ensure sufficient air-to-air refuelling capacity for the air force’s heavy lift “Yasur” helicopters would add a layer of logistical complexity.

    But the IDF’s ability to innovate around the use of longer-range C130 transport aircraft that can land in rough areas should not be underestimated. They showed this as long ago as 1976 when mounting the famous hostage rescue mission at Entebbe in Uganda.

    Also on the plus side for Israel is its air superiority. The country is also a leader in electronic counter warfare measures which would allow it to blind or jam Iranian communications.

    But while the Iranian armed forces have suffered heavy blows, the ground defences around Fordow will still be formidable. To gain access to and destroy the centrifuges widely believed to be at Fordow with sufficient explosives runs the risks of heavy casualties on all sides. So the calculation Israel’s military planners would have to make is the strategic gain relative to the cost in blood.

    Yet given Fordow has long been recognised by Israel as the jewel in Iran’s nuclear crown this too might be another gamble Netanyahu is willing to take in a war that, whatever its outcome, is already reshaping much of the Middle East.

    Clive Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How might Israel attack Iran’s underground nuclear plant? A 2024 raid in Syria could be a template – https://theconversation.com/how-might-israel-attack-irans-underground-nuclear-plant-a-2024-raid-in-syria-could-be-a-template-259456

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A pink diamond just sold for over US$ 14 million – no wonder, when you look at the mysteries behind their chemistry

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Elton Santos, Reader in Theoretical and Computational Condensed Matter Physics, University of Edinburgh

    Diamonds might be forever but that doesn’t stop them being bought and sold. One stone thought to have once belonged to Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, has just sold for US$14 million (£10 million) at an auction in New York – about three times the asking price. Set into a platinum ring and weighing a total of 15.5 grams, the clue to the diamond’s uniqueness is in its name: the Marie-Thérèse pink.

    This 10.38 carat pink diamond has been changing hands for generations, and previously sold at an auction in Geneva for an unknown amount. Pink diamonds are very rare and there are many things that scientists still don’t know about them.

    Diamonds are generally formed under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle, roughly 150–200 kilometres below the surface. Most natural diamonds crystallise over billions of years, composed almost entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a tightly packed, cube-like structure.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Coloured diamonds are geological anomalies. Variations include pink, blue, orange, yellow, red, green, brown and black, most of which can be explained by impurities in their crystal lattice. Yellow diamonds contain nitrogen, for example, while blue ones contain boron.

    Pink diamonds are not caused by such impurities. Scientists believe that the pink hue arises from a distortion in the diamond’s atomic lattice structure. Intense pressure deep underground creates forces (known as shear forces) that twist and compress atomic layers, which alter how the stone reflects light.

    It’s this “plastic deformation” which results in the pink coloration, reducing the green light in the visible spectrum so that it shifts the overall colour that we see towards pink.

    Only a small fraction of diamonds undergo such extreme and precise pressure and temperature conditions during their formation. These factors make them very difficult to be created and even harder to predict where they will be formed. As a result, pink diamonds are the rarest of all coloured diamonds apart from red ones, which are formed by an even more intense version of the same process.

    Aussie rules

    For decades, the Argyle mine in western Australia was the world’s primary source of pink diamonds (and also red ones), producing over 90% of the global supply. The mine is located at a unique geological area by a so-called lamproite volcanic pipe, as opposed to the more common kimberlite pipes found at most other diamond mines. Without getting too much into the technicalities, lamproite pipes tend to be less explosive and have more unusual minerals like leucite and rich potassium.

    The Argyle mine is located in the Kimberley region, which experienced intense tectonic activity during the Paleoproterozoic era, over 1.6 billion years ago. This meant that the lamproite pipe was formed under extreme pressures and temperatures.

    This is believed to have caused the lattice defects in the diamonds that were pushed to the Earth’s surface, which are responsible for their pink and red colours. The deep mantle depths in the mine were also crucial, since this translates into higher internal pressures and temperatures.

    Even so, less than 0.1% of the diamonds extracted from Argyle were classified as pink (and only 0.00000002% were red, if you calculate the proportion of red carats found). The mine then closed in 2020 after 37 years of production because its reserves were exhausted, making pink diamonds even more scarce and valuable.

    Other known sources include Brazil, India, Russia and South Africa, but these mines yield pink diamonds far less frequently. The rarity of high-quality pink diamonds has made them highly sought-after by collectors and investors alike, as demonstrated by the high sale price of the Marie-Thérèse pink. That diamond was actually pink-purple, with the purple hue caused by hydrogen being absorbed into the atomic structure during the stone’s formation, making it rarer still.

    Advanced techniques involving shining infrared light and X-rays into the stones – respectively known as infrared spectroscopy and high-resolution X-ray diffraction – have provided scientists with insights into the structural changes that cause pink and red diamonds.

    Yet many questions remain unanswered, and the study of pink diamonds continues to be an active area of scientific investigations in mineral physics and crystallography. This has included creating pink diamonds (and other colours such as blues) in the laboratory by replicating the natural processes that form them, but in a more controlled, accelerated way.

    These lab-grown pink diamonds look nearly identical to their natural versions to the human eye, but can yet be differentiated through optical techniques. One method is infrared absorption, which detects how the diamond absorbs light and vibrates at specific frequencies.

    Another clue is the presence of sharp peaks in the visible light spectrum that indicate certain impurities, like hydrogen or nitrogen, which are often found in natural stones. In the same style as a CSI investigation, these techniques provide the last word in whether a pink diamond is from a mine such as Argyle, a lab-grown pink, or a clear natural diamond that has been treated pink artificially.

    Even after years of improving the process for making pink diamonds synthetically, the mechanical distortions responsible for their exotic colour still can’t be replicated precisely under laboratory conditions. Scientists
    don’t understand all the atomic processes involved in their colouring becoming permanent to be able to recreate them perfectly.

    The same is actually also true for other synthetic diamonds, though they are becoming harder and harder to detect as the technology improves. In short, pink diamonds (and red ones) remain among the most remarkable precious stones in the world. Unless and until that changes, we can keep expecting them to change hands for ridiculous amounts of money.

    Elton Santos receives funding from EPSRC, Royal Society, and is affiliated with the Donostia International Physics Center, San Sebastián, Spain.

    – ref. A pink diamond just sold for over US$ 14 million – no wonder, when you look at the mysteries behind their chemistry – https://theconversation.com/a-pink-diamond-just-sold-for-over-us-14-million-no-wonder-when-you-look-at-the-mysteries-behind-their-chemistry-259392

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways to keep teenagers safe by the water

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jill Nash, Senior Lecturer in Advertising and Marketing Communications, Bournemouth University

    frederikloewer/Shutterstock

    As temperatures soar around the UK and Ireland due to climate change, warnings about the dangers of drowning are being issued and one Labour MP is calling for water safety lessons to be made compulsory in schools.

    Teaching children to swim is essential, but it’s not enough to save them from drowning. Water safety is about judgement, impulse control, peer influence and understanding your limits. Peer pressure, social situations and a false sense of confidence can all put young people in danger.

    My research highlights how we’re not talking enough to young people, especially teenage boys, about the emotional and cognitive risks of making decisions around water. The National Water Safety Forum reports that young males aged between 10-19 are one of the highest groups at risk from drowning, as they assert their independence and test personal boundaries.

    Drowning happens quickly, often without adults watching, when kids are hanging out by rivers and lakes, tombstoning off bridges, or misjudging their abilities when trying to impress friends.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Leading water safety organisations like the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and HM Coastguard run education campaigns about the dangers of the ocean. The Canal & River Trust, the UK’s largest canal charity, recently developed a school education pack for teenagers highlighting water safety.

    Parents can also shape how teens interact with water. In Nottingham, the charity called Open Water Education Network was founded in memory of Owen Jenkins, a 12-year-old boy who drowned while trying to save two girls in difficulty. As well as teaching young people about the dangers of open water and the importance of self rescue, this charity empowers parents to talk to teens even if they seem to ignore parental advice.

    Talking to teenagers about safety isn’t easy. Here’s how to do it in a way that’s honest, effective and grounded in care.

    1. Talk just before they go

    Rules work best when they’re short, consistent and repeated. Before a trip to the beach or river, take five minutes to remind your teen of your family’s water safety rules. Repetition builds habits. Remind them not to swim after dark or alone and explain what to do if someone’s in trouble (call for help, don’t jump in).

    2. Share real-life stories

    Stories help bring home the reality of water risk, especially for teens who can feel invincible in an all-male group without any supervision. While on a lads holiday on the Northumberland coast, 16-year-old called Evan saved himself from drowning in a rip tide by laying on his back to stay afloat. Eventually, a surfer managed to paddle out and reach him, and an rescue lifeboat also came to the scene. Evan recovered after treatment in hospital for hypothermia.

    Teenager Evan explains how he escaped drowning in a rip tide.

    Another heartbreaking story of Liam Hall, a teenager who drowned while out in a dinghy with friends in Sunderland, demonstrates how quickly things can escalate in the sea.

    Not all stories end in tragedy. A group of teenagers from East Sussex made the life-saving decision to stay out of the water, using a life ring to help two swimmers in trouble, proving that staying on shore can save lives.

    Some teens might not want to listen to advice about water safety.
    oneinchpunch/Shutterstock

    3. Discuss group dynamics

    Female teens can play a powerful role in promoting water safety, especially in mixed-gender peer groups where social dynamics can significantly influence behaviour. Research shows that all-boy groups are more likely to engage in risk-taking activities. When girls are present, especially those who feel confident speaking up, risky behaviour often decreases.

    Parents can empower girls to speak up if someone suggests swimming in dangerous conditions or places and promote safety strategies like the RNLI’s “call, tell and throw” approach. By reinforcing these behaviours, teen girls can become leaders in lifesaving culture, not only keeping themselves safe but influencing their peers to make smarter choices too.

    4. Deflate false sense of confidence

    Stick to the facts and be honest about the dangers. Drowning can happen within seconds, even when someone is a strong swimmer. Most drownings occur in open water, not swimming pools. Teenagers need to understand how the effects of cold water shock, fast currents and submerged objects can quickly turn a fun day into a fatal one.

    5. Make brave choices

    Teens don’t drown because they’re bad swimmers. They drown because they made a poor decision in a high-risk moment. Teaching safety early (before they start taking unsupervised risks) helps shape smarter thinking later.

    Parents can model care, calmness and emotional awareness. Show them that bravery isn’t about bravado. It’s about looking out for your mates and making good choices. Fathers can play a powerful role in framing what strength looks like. Research shows that fathers who show empathy and emotional intelligence teach children how to be resilient during high-pressure moments. Emphasise that calm decision-making when in danger or choosing not to jump into the water under peer pressure doesn’t make a boy weak. It makes him wise. Talk to your sons about how real masculinity means thinking clearly, not reacting emotionally.

    Teenagers can feel invincible. Be honest. Tell them you love them and that you trust them to make good decisions. Talking about safety is one of the most powerful things a family can do. Water safety begins at home with all of us.

    Swimming, sailing, even just building a sandcastle – the ocean benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. Curious about how a strong coastal connection helps drive marine conservation, scientists are diving in to investigate the power of blue health.

    This article is part of a series, Vitamin Sea, exploring how the ocean can be enhanced by our interaction with it.

    Jill Nash does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Five ways to keep teenagers safe by the water – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-keep-teenagers-safe-by-the-water-256837

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Elon Musk’s US$34 billion loss wasn’t really that – and what it tells us about the philanthropy of the ultra-wealthy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tobias Jung, Professor of Management, University of St Andrews

    Photo Agency/Shutterstock

    Following a sharp drop in Tesla’s share price, outlets reported that the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, had “lost” US$34 billion (£25 billion) in a single day. That figure exceeds the annual GDP of countries like Iceland, Jamaica or Mauritius. Gaining or losing even 0.001% of that wealth would be life-changing for most people.

    But, this “loss” is entirely nominal. A decline in share prices means Musk is technically worth less. If prices rebound, so does his net worth.

    While such volatility can devastate smaller investors reliant on their portfolios, it is a recurring feature of ultra-wealth. Consider the US$100 billion decline in Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s fortune during his Metaverse pivot, or the US$18 billion drop Microsoft founder Bill Gates experienced during the 2008 financial crisis.

    These share price shifts may reduce billionaires’ net worth on paper, but they rarely affect their lifestyle. Where they do matter however is in philanthropy. Here, timing is everything. The higher the share price at the point of donation, the greater the tax benefit, and the more reputational capital to be locked in.

    This raises deeper questions about how philanthropic incentives are structured, and who ultimately benefits.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Although philanthropy is often associated with generosity, legacy or moral responsibility, these are only part of the picture. This is particularly true when it comes to major giving by the ultra-wealthy.

    Instead, from a wealth advisory perspective, one of the most strategically valuable (yet less publicly discussed) motivations is tax management. And, while many assume that philanthropy means donating money, tax systems often encourage the donation of appreciated assets, particularly shares, instead.

    As a worked example by the Bank of America illustrates, a US$50,000 donation in appreciated stock might easily present a tax benefit of almost US$10,000 over and above the tax benefits of donating the same amount in cash.

    Why is that? First of all, there is the potential of a tax deduction equal to the fair market value at the point of donation. The value of the asset at the point of donation is important for your tax deduction, not what you actually paid for it or whether its value is going to plunge in future.

    On top of that, there are opportunities to reduce other taxes too. This includes capital gains or inheritance taxes, the latter illustrated in the establishment of one of the world’s largest foundations, the Ford Foundation and its use as a vehicle to manage both inheritance tax and maintain corporate control.

    But the benefits of donating shares and other appreciated assets are not just financial. For high-profile donors, philanthropy also serves as a powerful tool for shaping public perceptions, projecting images of civic virtue, moral leadership, and social responsibility. It allows them to convert one form of capital, such as financial wealth, into others – social status, cultural influence or symbolic legitimacy.

    Converting capital into cultural influence: Carnegie Hall in New York was funded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie.
    Victoria Lipov/Shutterstock

    Volatile, appreciated and often bound-up assets can be unlocked and transformed into something far more enduring – a philanthropic legacy. Even if share prices plunge after the donation, the donor has already secured both a substantial tax benefit and a lasting philanthropic image.

    Tax management is a longstanding concern in philanthropy, particularly in relation to philanthropic foundations. But it really is donor advised funds (DAFs) that now warrant closer scrutiny as the real “warehouses of wealth”. Constituting one of the fastest-growing vehicles for philanthropy, DAFs act as “giving accounts”. They allow donors to claim charitable contributions and receive immediate tax deductions but without actually making an immediate charitable contribution to society.

    While donors technically give up ownership of these assets, they retain advisory privileges over whether and when resources are granted, to whom, and in what amounts. DAFs have no legal requirement to disburse funds within a specific timeframe. That means that any charitable spending can be delayed, potentially indefinitely, despite the upfront public subsidy via tax relief.

    Time for reform?

    All of these issues raise serious questions as to whether philanthropic architecture is ripe for reform. When donors can receive substantial tax and social benefits by donating volatile assets, regardless of whether or when they benefit the public, it seems that both society and the philanthropy field are shortchanged.

    First, significant resources are diverted from the public purse into privately controlled channels, often with limited oversight. Second, charitable giving is decoupled from charitable action or impact. Third, influence is consolidated – decisions about how public-subsidised funds are used are made not through democratic processes, but through private choice.

    The most corrosive effect, however, may be on philanthropy itself. As financial incentives and personal benefits are recast and presented as altruistic, the perception, purposes and potential of philanthropy for the public good risk being eroded and replaced by cynicism.

    This brings us back to Musk’s US$34 billion “loss”. While headlines framed it as a dramatic reversal of fortune, the real story lies not in the number but in the system behind it. For those whose wealth is held in stock, market volatility presents a tool for tax planning, image-making, strategic giving and long-term influence. What looks like loss may in fact be leverage.

    Tobias Jung does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why Elon Musk’s US$34 billion loss wasn’t really that – and what it tells us about the philanthropy of the ultra-wealthy – https://theconversation.com/why-elon-musks-us-34-billion-loss-wasnt-really-that-and-what-it-tells-us-about-the-philanthropy-of-the-ultra-wealthy-259176

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s fiscal revenue down 0.3 pct in first 5 months

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China’s fiscal revenue edged down 0.3 percent year on year to over 9.66 trillion yuan (about 1.35 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first five months of the year, according to data from the Ministry of Finance that was released on Friday.

    The central government collected nearly 4.15 trillion yuan in fiscal revenue, down 3 percent year on year, while local governments collected over 5.51 trillion yuan, up 1.9 percent year on year.

    China’s fiscal expenditure expanded 4.2 percent year on year to near 11.3 trillion yuan in the first five months. The central government’s fiscal expenditure rose 9.4 percent year on year, and there was a 3.4 percent increase in local government expenditure during the same period.

    Spending on education came in at approximately 1.75 trillion yuan, up 6.7 percent year on year. Science and technology expenditure exceeded 360.9 billion yuan, a 6.5 percent year-on-year increase. And spending on social security and employment topped 2 trillion yuan, up 9.2 percent year on year. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Horizons of Cooperation: Polytech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On June 20, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University continued its work at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    At the forum, the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the chairman PSB Petr Fradkov signed a partnership agreement aimed at developing and scaling digital twin technology for defense industry enterprises and civilian high-tech industries. The document sets out the creation of a joint ecosystem for technological development that meets the priorities of the Russian Federation in the field of digital transformation and technological leadership:

    Russia’s entry into the top 10 countries in terms of R&D volume; accelerated implementation of technological innovations; formation of long-term demand and supply for high-tech products.

    All joint initiatives of SPbPU and PSB will be focused on the implementation and financial support of “cross-cutting” projects: from technological innovations to the creation and technical support in the operation of promising military and military-technical equipment and dual-use products.

    Polytechnic has been building a world-class ecosystem around key scientific and technological direction— system digital engineering and digital twin technology. PSB support will give our projects strategic and financial acceleration and will allow us to transform our scientific and technological groundwork, created digital platforms, digital test benches and testing grounds not only into a tool for developing high-tech products and implementing R&D, but also into state standards. After all, our common goal is to increase business investment in R&D, to make digital twin technology not only a language of communication between science, production and business, but also a basis for effective cooperation in order to ensure a high level of defense capability and technological leadership of the country, — noted Andrey Rudskoy.

    For systematic work in this direction, PSB will create specialized structures within its framework by the end of the year – the Sovereign Technologies Development Agent and the Innovation Diffusion Accelerator, which will form cooperation chains of qualified customers and qualified performers, developers and manufacturers of high-tech products, and will also develop specialized financial instruments for the implementation of technological innovations using digital twin approaches.

    For PSB, the backbone bank of the military-industrial complex, the role of an agent for the development of sovereign technologies is a responsibility and a growth point. Based on the expertise of the Polytechnic University andCML-Bench® digital platform, we consolidate engineering and financial data in a single digital circuit so that bold scientific and technological ideas quickly become competitive products. Our goal is to create and test a convenient “short route” from development to serial production and ensure the country’s technological leadership, which today is measured, among other things, by the ability to create the future in digital form, said Pyotr Fradkov.

    The most important link that translates the country’s priorities from the highest level into an effective project format should be the Interdepartmental Comprehensive Target Program for the Implementation of Digital Twin Technology, which is being developed on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation by federal executive bodies under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia.

    Digital twin technology plays an important role in the development of industry and is aimed primarily at reducing the cost and development time of high-tech products, improving the characteristics of created and modernized models, which will lead to ensuring technological sovereignty and technological leadership. I would like to note that within the framework of the activities of TC 700, RFNC-VNIIEF and SPbPU were the first in the world to develop National standard “Digital twins of products”, which was officially recognized in the PRC and served as the basis for the creation of the standard “Digital Twins of Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines”. In this regard, the signed Agreement on Cooperation between PSB and SPbPU in the field of development and application of digital testing technologies and digital twins at defense industry enterprises will play a major role and will be of great importance in the implementation of the Interdepartmental Comprehensive Target Program for the Implementation of Digital Twin Technology, – commented Kirill Lysogorsky, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Chairman of TC 700 “Mathematical Modeling and High-Performance Computing Technologies”.

    Also at the forum, two agreements on joining the consortium “Russian-African Network University” were signed: with the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics and the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography. The documents were signed by the Chairman of the Presidium of RAFU, Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy, Rector of SPbGEU Igor Maksimtsev and Rector of MIIGAiK Nadezhda Kamynina.

    The Russian-African Network University is proud to welcome new members to its ranks. This event is of great importance. The main value lies in the professional activities of the University of Economics. The Ministry instructed us to conduct research to assess the economic and cultural damage inflicted on Africa by centuries of colonial rule. Our President rightly noted that Africa is the future of our planet and the most populated continent. Africa has enormous intellectual potential, which in the near future may occupy leading economic and intellectual positions. Our network university should contribute to this process, – noted Andrey Rudskoy.

    The Russian-African Network University consortium was created on the initiative of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation in 2021.

    Its goal is to develop partnerships between Russian and African universities in the field of higher education and research, and to create a unified educational space for training highly qualified personnel. RAFU includes more than 90 Russian educational, scientific organizations and companies, and on the African side – 45 universities and organizations from 15 African countries.

    Andrey Rudskoy also became an expert in the session “Welcome, or No Trespassing: A Challenge for Science” with the participation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov. The conversation was devoted to the problem of communications in the field of science as an important part of international relations.

    At the forum, the rector of SPbPU held a series of productive meetings where they discussed current tasks for ensuring the country’s technological leadership, as well as the interaction of science, education and business.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Quietum Plus 2025: Exploring the Science and Safety behind a Popular Natural Hearing Supplement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Aurora, Colorado, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a significant advancement within the natural health supplement industry, Quietum Plus has emerged as a frontrunner in auditory wellness. As hearing health gains prominence among aging populations and wellness-conscious consumers alike, Quietum Plus is positioning itself as a transformative solution—bringing renewed attention to natural alternatives in an era increasingly reliant on pharmaceutical intervention and electronic aids.

    Over the past year, the conversation around hearing support has evolved beyond conventional devices. Where traditional approaches have centered largely on amplification through hearing aids or temporary symptom relief, Quietum Plus introduces a foundational rethinking of ear health: addressing potential root causes through targeted nutrition and internal balance. This shift marks a notable moment for both the supplement sector and the broader hearing wellness market.

    The formulation behind Quietum Plus has been carefully developed to support the auditory system’s function and longevity. The company behind the supplement emphasizes that its research has focused not merely on masking hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms, but instead on fostering the internal conditions that enable long-term auditory clarity. While Quietum Plus is not positioned as a medical treatment or cure, its natural formula has sparked attention among professionals in wellness and alternative health domains.

    Quietum Plus draws on the principles of plant-based and neuro-nutritional science. By utilizing a blend of botanicals, vitamins, and minerals sourced from clean environments and manufactured under stringent standards, the product aims to restore harmony between the ear, brain, and circulatory system. According to the brand’s creators, the inner workings of the ear require not only mechanical support, but also nourishment to maintain auditory processing efficiency over time. The supplement was designed with this philosophy at its core.

    The growing visibility of Quietum Plus reflects a broader cultural pivot toward proactive health maintenance. Rather than reacting to the onset of serious symptoms with hardware-based solutions or invasive clinical measures, more consumers are seeking early intervention via natural supplementation. This aligns with data indicating rising demand for alternative hearing health strategies—particularly among individuals in their 40s and 50s who are beginning to experience subtle declines in auditory sharpness.

    In the competitive market of wellness supplements, Quietum Plus has distinguished itself by focusing on a singular goal: comprehensive auditory system nourishment. Its formulation reportedly supports blood flow to the inner ear, promotes healthy inflammation response, and helps maintain nerve signaling vital to sound interpretation. Each of these mechanisms, according to the developers, plays a role in how effectively the ear and brain communicate under daily life stressors.

    The product’s emergence also coincides with shifting public perceptions of aging and sensory wellness. Hearing loss, once seen as an unavoidable consequence of growing older, is now being examined as a potentially manageable condition when addressed through supportive daily habits. Quietum Plus leverages this perspective, presenting itself not just as a supplement, but as part of a broader lifestyle movement rooted in longevity and preventative care.

    Industry observers have noted that Quietum Plus is helping shape a new narrative around hearing support—one that reframes the condition not as a stigma or limitation, but as a call for more thoughtful self-care. This fresh framing has appealed particularly to mid-life adults who want to maintain control of their health without relying on external devices or prescriptions.

    The product’s branding also reinforces this shift in mindset. Rather than adopting the clinical tone often associated with hearing treatments, Quietum Plus presents itself with a message of empowerment and renewal. The name itself—derived from the Latin word for “quiet”—evokes serenity, control, and balance, themes echoed in its visual identity and educational materials.

    Beyond branding, the Quietum Plus organization has expressed commitment to consumer transparency. The supplement is produced in FDA-registered and GMP-compliant facilities, a factor that has been emphasized in its marketing and packaging. Furthermore, each batch undergoes rigorous third-party testing to ensure ingredient integrity and safety—practices that reflect the brand’s ongoing efforts to align with evolving industry standards.

    While Quietum Plus is not intended to replace medical treatments, it has gained attention from holistic practitioners and integrative health coaches as a supportive tool. As alternative health gains traction within mainstream discourse, products like Quietum Plus are bridging the gap between traditional wellness disciplines and modern consumer expectations.

    In addition to its internal development efforts, the company has also focused on education and outreach. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Quietum Plus has launched a series of digital awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging regular hearing check-ups, promoting noise exposure reduction, and supporting dietary habits known to benefit cognitive and neurological function. These initiatives signal the brand’s aspiration to position itself as not only a product provider, but a thought leader in hearing wellness.

    The product’s current market availability is managed exclusively through its official website. This direct-to-consumer model has allowed the brand to maintain tighter control over quality, pricing, and customer service—a strategy that aligns with broader trends across the supplement industry. The official website offers bundled purchasing options and informational resources designed to help users understand the supplement’s role within a larger health framework.

    Looking ahead, Quietum Plus plans to expand its educational outreach while continuing to refine its core offering. Though the company has not announced additional product lines, its leadership has indicated interest in further research collaborations and clinical studies to deepen its understanding of auditory nutrition. This focus on science-backed development could provide new momentum for natural hearing solutions across the global health marketplace.

    As the broader wellness industry continues to evolve, Quietum Plus represents a growing interest in preventative sensory care—particularly in areas that have traditionally been underserved by the supplement category. By bringing focus to an issue that often goes unnoticed until it becomes disruptive, the brand is helping reshape how individuals approach and prioritize their hearing.

    In an increasingly noisy world, Quietum Plus arrives with a message that resonates: that hearing, like any other element of health, deserves proactive attention, natural nourishment, and thoughtful support. As the health-conscious consumer of 2025 seeks options that go beyond temporary fixes, the emergence of Quietum Plus signals a new direction—one where hearing support can be both natural and effective, personal and preventative, scientific and sustainable.

    For more information, educational content, and direct purchasing, visit the official Quietum Plus website.

    Company: Quietum Plus
    Website – https://quietumplus.com/
    Address: 19655 E 35th Dr. #100,
    Aurora,
    CO 80011 USA
    Email: contact@quietumplus.com Order
    Phone Support: 1-800-390-6035 or +1 208-345-4245 

    Disclaimer The information provided in this review is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, dietary change, or health program—especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have existing health conditions, or are taking medications. Results may vary among individuals.

    The statements made regarding Quietum Plus have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Quietum Plus is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any claims made within this article about symptom relief, hearing improvement, or related health benefits are based on the product’s formulation and individual testimonials and not on conclusive clinical evidence. 

    This content does not constitute professional health or medical advice and should not be interpreted as such. Readers should always perform their own due diligence and consult medical professionals before making decisions related to health products.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: At Antarctica’s midwinter, a look back at the frozen continent’s long history of dark behavior

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniella McCahey, Assistant Professor of History, Texas Tech University

    Is this visitor to Antarctica going crazy or having a good time? Tim Bieber/Photodisc via Getty Images

    As Midwinter Day approaches in Antarctica – the longest and darkest day of the year – those spending the winter on the frozen continent will follow a tradition dating back more than a century to the earliest days of Antarctic exploration: They will celebrate having made it through the growing darkness and into a time when they know the Sun is on its way back.

    The experience of spending a winter in Antarctica can be harrowing, even when living with modern conveniences such as hot running water and heated buildings. At the beginning of the current winter season, in March 2025, global news outlets reported that workers at the South African research station, SANAE IV, were “rocked” when one worker allegedly threatened and assaulted other members of the station’s nine-person winter crew. Psychologists intervened – remotely – and order was apparently restored.

    The desolate and isolated environment of Antarctica can be hard on its inhabitants. As a historian of Antarctica, the events at SANAE IV represent a continuation of perceptions – and realities – that Antarctic environments can trigger deeply disturbing behavior and even drive people to madness.

    Long hours of constant near-darkness take their toll in the Antarctic winter.
    Andrew Smith, via Antarctic Sun, CC BY-ND

    Early views

    The very earliest examples of Antarctic literature depict the continent affecting both mind and body. In 1797, for instance, more than two decades before the continent was first sighted by Europeans, the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” It tells a tale of a ship blown by storms into an endless maze of Antarctic ice, which they escape by following an albatross. For unexplained reasons, one man killed the albatross and faced a lifetime’s torment for doing so.

    In 1838, Edgar Allan Poe published the story of “Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket,” who journeyed into the Southern Ocean. Even before arriving in Antarctica, the tale involves mutiny, cannibalism and a ship crewed by dead men. As the story ends, Pym and two others drift southward, encountering an enormous, apparently endless cataract of mist that parts before their boat, revealing a large ghostly figure.

    H.P. Lovecraft’s 1936 story “At the Mountains of Madness” was almost certainly based on real stories of polar exploration. In it, the men of a fictitious Antarctic expedition encounter circumstances that “made us wish only to escape from this austral world of desolation and brooding madness as swiftly as we could.” One man even experiences an unnamed “final horror” that causes a severe mental breakdown.

    The 1982 John Carpenter film “The Thing” also involves these themes, when men trapped at an Antarctic research station are being hunted by an alien that perfectly impersonates the base members it has killed. Paranoia and anxiety abound, with team members frantically radioing for help, and men imprisoned, left outside or even killed for the sake of the others.

    Whether to gird themselves for what may come or just as a fun tradition, the winter-over crew at the United States’ South Pole Station watches this film every year after the last flight leaves before winter sets in.

    A trailer for the 1982 film ‘The Thing,’ set at an Antarctic research station.

    Real tales

    These stories of Antarctic “madness” have some basis in history. A long-told anecdote in modern Antarctic circles is of a man who stabbed, perhaps fatally, a colleague over a game of chess at Russia’s Vostok station in 1959.

    More certain were reports in 2018, when Sergey Savitsky stabbed Oleg Beloguzov at the Russian Bellingshausen research station over multiple grievances, including the one most seized upon by the media: Beloguzov’s tendency to reveal the endings of books that Savitsky was reading. A criminal charge against him was dropped.

    In 2017, staff at South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island station reported that a team member smashed up a colleague’s room with an ax over a romantic relationship.

    Mental health

    Concerns over mental health in Antarctica go much further back. In the so-called “Heroic Age” of Antarctic exploration, from about 1897 to about 1922, expedition leaders prioritized the mental health of the men on their expeditions. They knew their crews would be trapped inside with the same small group for months on end, in darkness and extreme cold.

    American physician Frederick Cook, who accompanied the 1898-1899 Belgica expedition, the first group known to spend the winter within the Antarctic Circle, wrote in helpless terms of being “doomed” to the “mercy” of natural forces, and of his worries about the “unknowable cold and its soul-depressing effects” in the winter darkness. In his 2021 book about that expedition, writer Julian Sancton called the ship the “Madhouse at the End of the Earth.”

    Cook’s fears became real. Most men complained of “general enfeeblement of strength, of insufficient heart action, of a mental lethargy, and of a universal feeling of discomfort.”

    “When at all seriously afflicted,” Cook wrote, “the men felt that they would surely die” and exhibited a “spirit of abject hopelessness.”

    And in the words of Australian physicist Louis Bernacchi, a member of the 1898-1900 Southern Cross expedition, “There is something particularly mystical and uncanny in the effect of the grey atmosphere of an Antarctic night, through whose uncertain medium the cold white landscape looms as impalpable as the frontiers of a demon world.”

    Footage from 1913 shows the force of the wind at Cape Denison, which has been called ‘the home of the blizzard.’

    A traumatic trip

    A few years later, the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, which ran from 1911 to 1914, experienced several major tragedies, including two deaths during an exploring trip that left expedition leader Douglas Mawson starving and alone amid deeply crevassed terrain. The 100-mile walk to relative safety took him a month.

    A lesser-known set of events on that same expedition involved wireless-telegraph operator Sidney Jeffryes, who arrived in Antarctica in 1913 on a resupply ship. Cape Denison, the expedition’s base, had some of the most severe environmental conditions anyone had encountered on the continent, including winds estimated at over 160 miles an hour.

    Jeffryes, the only man in the crew who could operate the radio telegraph, began exhibiting signs of paranoia. He transmitted messages back to Australia saying that he was the only sane man in the group and claiming the others were plotting to kill him.

    In Mawson’s account of the expedition, he blamed the conditions, writing:

    “(T)here is no doubt that the continual and acute strain of sending and receiving messages under unprecedented conditions was such that he eventually had a ‘nervous breakdown.’”

    Mawson hoped that the coming of spring and the possibility of outdoor exercise would help, but it did not. Shortly after his return to Australia in February 1914, Jeffryes was found wandering in the Australian bush and institutionalized. For many years, his role in Antarctic exploration was ignored, seeming a blot or embarrassment on the masculine ideal of Antarctic explorers.

    After five months of isolation in trying conditions on a remote Antarctic island, 22 men rejoice at their rescue in August 1916.
    Frank Hurley, Underwood & Underwood, via Library of Congress

    Wider problems

    Unfortunately, the general widespread focus on Antarctica as a place that causes disturbing behavior makes it easy to gloss over larger and more systemic problems.

    In 2022, the United States Antarctic Program as well as the Australian Antarctic Division released reports that sexual assault and harassment are common at Antarctic bases and in more remote field camps. Scholars have generally not linked those events to the specifics of the cold, darkness and isolation, but rather to a continental culture of heroic masculinity.

    As humans look to live in other extreme environments, such as space, Antarctica represents not only a cooperative international scientific community but also a place where, cut off from society as a whole, human behavior changes. The celebrations of Midwinter Day honor survival in a place of wonder that is also a place of horror, where the greatest threat is not what is outside, but what is inside your mind.

    Daniella McCahey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. At Antarctica’s midwinter, a look back at the frozen continent’s long history of dark behavior – https://theconversation.com/at-antarcticas-midwinter-a-look-back-at-the-frozen-continents-long-history-of-dark-behavior-253906

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: At Antarctica’s midwinter, a look back at the frozen continent’s long history of dark behavior

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniella McCahey, Assistant Professor of History, Texas Tech University

    Is this visitor to Antarctica going crazy or having a good time? Tim Bieber/Photodisc via Getty Images

    As Midwinter Day approaches in Antarctica – the longest and darkest day of the year – those spending the winter on the frozen continent will follow a tradition dating back more than a century to the earliest days of Antarctic exploration: They will celebrate having made it through the growing darkness and into a time when they know the Sun is on its way back.

    The experience of spending a winter in Antarctica can be harrowing, even when living with modern conveniences such as hot running water and heated buildings. At the beginning of the current winter season, in March 2025, global news outlets reported that workers at the South African research station, SANAE IV, were “rocked” when one worker allegedly threatened and assaulted other members of the station’s nine-person winter crew. Psychologists intervened – remotely – and order was apparently restored.

    The desolate and isolated environment of Antarctica can be hard on its inhabitants. As a historian of Antarctica, the events at SANAE IV represent a continuation of perceptions – and realities – that Antarctic environments can trigger deeply disturbing behavior and even drive people to madness.

    Long hours of constant near-darkness take their toll in the Antarctic winter.
    Andrew Smith, via Antarctic Sun, CC BY-ND

    Early views

    The very earliest examples of Antarctic literature depict the continent affecting both mind and body. In 1797, for instance, more than two decades before the continent was first sighted by Europeans, the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” It tells a tale of a ship blown by storms into an endless maze of Antarctic ice, which they escape by following an albatross. For unexplained reasons, one man killed the albatross and faced a lifetime’s torment for doing so.

    In 1838, Edgar Allan Poe published the story of “Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket,” who journeyed into the Southern Ocean. Even before arriving in Antarctica, the tale involves mutiny, cannibalism and a ship crewed by dead men. As the story ends, Pym and two others drift southward, encountering an enormous, apparently endless cataract of mist that parts before their boat, revealing a large ghostly figure.

    H.P. Lovecraft’s 1936 story “At the Mountains of Madness” was almost certainly based on real stories of polar exploration. In it, the men of a fictitious Antarctic expedition encounter circumstances that “made us wish only to escape from this austral world of desolation and brooding madness as swiftly as we could.” One man even experiences an unnamed “final horror” that causes a severe mental breakdown.

    The 1982 John Carpenter film “The Thing” also involves these themes, when men trapped at an Antarctic research station are being hunted by an alien that perfectly impersonates the base members it has killed. Paranoia and anxiety abound, with team members frantically radioing for help, and men imprisoned, left outside or even killed for the sake of the others.

    Whether to gird themselves for what may come or just as a fun tradition, the winter-over crew at the United States’ South Pole Station watches this film every year after the last flight leaves before winter sets in.

    A trailer for the 1982 film ‘The Thing,’ set at an Antarctic research station.

    Real tales

    These stories of Antarctic “madness” have some basis in history. A long-told anecdote in modern Antarctic circles is of a man who stabbed, perhaps fatally, a colleague over a game of chess at Russia’s Vostok station in 1959.

    More certain were reports in 2018, when Sergey Savitsky stabbed Oleg Beloguzov at the Russian Bellingshausen research station over multiple grievances, including the one most seized upon by the media: Beloguzov’s tendency to reveal the endings of books that Savitsky was reading. A criminal charge against him was dropped.

    In 2017, staff at South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island station reported that a team member smashed up a colleague’s room with an ax over a romantic relationship.

    Mental health

    Concerns over mental health in Antarctica go much further back. In the so-called “Heroic Age” of Antarctic exploration, from about 1897 to about 1922, expedition leaders prioritized the mental health of the men on their expeditions. They knew their crews would be trapped inside with the same small group for months on end, in darkness and extreme cold.

    American physician Frederick Cook, who accompanied the 1898-1899 Belgica expedition, the first group known to spend the winter within the Antarctic Circle, wrote in helpless terms of being “doomed” to the “mercy” of natural forces, and of his worries about the “unknowable cold and its soul-depressing effects” in the winter darkness. In his 2021 book about that expedition, writer Julian Sancton called the ship the “Madhouse at the End of the Earth.”

    Cook’s fears became real. Most men complained of “general enfeeblement of strength, of insufficient heart action, of a mental lethargy, and of a universal feeling of discomfort.”

    “When at all seriously afflicted,” Cook wrote, “the men felt that they would surely die” and exhibited a “spirit of abject hopelessness.”

    And in the words of Australian physicist Louis Bernacchi, a member of the 1898-1900 Southern Cross expedition, “There is something particularly mystical and uncanny in the effect of the grey atmosphere of an Antarctic night, through whose uncertain medium the cold white landscape looms as impalpable as the frontiers of a demon world.”

    Footage from 1913 shows the force of the wind at Cape Denison, which has been called ‘the home of the blizzard.’

    A traumatic trip

    A few years later, the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, which ran from 1911 to 1914, experienced several major tragedies, including two deaths during an exploring trip that left expedition leader Douglas Mawson starving and alone amid deeply crevassed terrain. The 100-mile walk to relative safety took him a month.

    A lesser-known set of events on that same expedition involved wireless-telegraph operator Sidney Jeffryes, who arrived in Antarctica in 1913 on a resupply ship. Cape Denison, the expedition’s base, had some of the most severe environmental conditions anyone had encountered on the continent, including winds estimated at over 160 miles an hour.

    Jeffryes, the only man in the crew who could operate the radio telegraph, began exhibiting signs of paranoia. He transmitted messages back to Australia saying that he was the only sane man in the group and claiming the others were plotting to kill him.

    In Mawson’s account of the expedition, he blamed the conditions, writing:

    “(T)here is no doubt that the continual and acute strain of sending and receiving messages under unprecedented conditions was such that he eventually had a ‘nervous breakdown.’”

    Mawson hoped that the coming of spring and the possibility of outdoor exercise would help, but it did not. Shortly after his return to Australia in February 1914, Jeffryes was found wandering in the Australian bush and institutionalized. For many years, his role in Antarctic exploration was ignored, seeming a blot or embarrassment on the masculine ideal of Antarctic explorers.

    After five months of isolation in trying conditions on a remote Antarctic island, 22 men rejoice at their rescue in August 1916.
    Frank Hurley, Underwood & Underwood, via Library of Congress

    Wider problems

    Unfortunately, the general widespread focus on Antarctica as a place that causes disturbing behavior makes it easy to gloss over larger and more systemic problems.

    In 2022, the United States Antarctic Program as well as the Australian Antarctic Division released reports that sexual assault and harassment are common at Antarctic bases and in more remote field camps. Scholars have generally not linked those events to the specifics of the cold, darkness and isolation, but rather to a continental culture of heroic masculinity.

    As humans look to live in other extreme environments, such as space, Antarctica represents not only a cooperative international scientific community but also a place where, cut off from society as a whole, human behavior changes. The celebrations of Midwinter Day honor survival in a place of wonder that is also a place of horror, where the greatest threat is not what is outside, but what is inside your mind.

    Daniella McCahey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. At Antarctica’s midwinter, a look back at the frozen continent’s long history of dark behavior – https://theconversation.com/at-antarcticas-midwinter-a-look-back-at-the-frozen-continents-long-history-of-dark-behavior-253906

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer D. Oliva, Professor of Law, Indiana University

    Evidence suggests that insurance companies use AI to delay or limit health care that patients need. FatCameraE+ via Getty Images

    Over the past decade, health insurance companies have increasingly embraced the use of artificial intelligence algorithms. Unlike doctors and hospitals, which use AI to help diagnose and treat patients, health insurers use these algorithms to decide whether to pay for health care treatments and services that are recommended by a given patient’s physicians.

    One of the most common examples is prior authorization, which is when your doctor needs to
    receive payment approval from your insurance company before providing you care. Many insurers use an algorithm to decide whether the requested care is “medically necessary” and should be covered.

    These AI systems also help insurers decide how much care a patient is entitled to — for example, how many days of hospital care a patient can receive after surgery.

    If an insurer declines to pay for a treatment your doctor recommends, you usually have three options. You can try to appeal the decision, but that process can take a lot of time, money and expert help. Only 1 in 500 claim denials are appealed. You can agree to a different treatment that your insurer will cover. Or you can pay for the recommended treatment yourself, which is often not realistic because of high health care costs.

    As a legal scholar who studies health law and policy, I’m concerned about how insurance algorithms affect people’s health. Like with AI algorithms used by doctors and hospitals, these tools can potentially improve care and reduce costs. Insurers say that AI helps them make quick, safe decisions about what care is necessary and avoids wasteful or harmful treatments.

    But there’s strong evidence that the opposite can be true. These systems are sometimes used to delay or deny care that should be covered, all in the name of saving money.

    A pattern of withholding care

    Presumably, companies feed a patient’s health care records and other relevant information into health care coverage algorithms and compare that information with current medical standards of care to decide whether to cover the patient’s claim. However, insurers have refused to disclose how these algorithms work in making such decisions, so it is impossible to say exactly how they operate in practice.

    Using AI to review coverage saves insurers time and resources, especially because it means fewer medical professionals are needed to review each case. But the financial benefit to insurers doesn’t stop there. If an AI system quickly denies a valid claim, and the patient appeals, that appeal process can take years. If the patient is seriously ill and expected to die soon, the insurance company might save money simply by dragging out the process in the hope that the patient dies before the case is resolved.

    Insurers say that if they decline to cover a medical intervention, patients can pay for it out of pocket.

    This creates the disturbing possibility that insurers might use algorithms to withhold care for expensive, long-term or terminal health problems , such as chronic or other debilitating disabilities. One reporter put it bluntly: “Many older adults who spent their lives paying into Medicare now face amputation or cancer and are forced to either pay for care themselves or go without.”

    Research supports this concern – patients with chronic illnesses are more likely to be denied coverage and suffer as a result. In addition, Black and Hispanic people and those of other nonwhite ethnicities, as well as people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, are more likely to experience claims denials. Some evidence also suggests that prior authorization may increase rather than decrease health care system costs.

    Insurers argue that patients can always pay for any treatment themselves, so they’re not really being denied care. But this argument ignores reality. These decisions have serious health consequences, especially when people can’t afford the care they need.

    Moving toward regulation

    Unlike medical algorithms, insurance AI tools are largely unregulated. They don’t have to go through Food and Drug Administration review, and insurance companies often say their algorithms are trade secrets.

    That means there’s no public information about how these tools make decisions, and there’s no outside testing to see whether they’re safe, fair or effective. No peer-reviewed studies exist to show how well they actually work in the real world.

    There does seem to be some momentum for change. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, which is the federal agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid, recently announced that insurers in Medicare Advantage plans must base decisions on the needs of individual patients – not just on generic criteria. But these rules still let insurers create their own decision-making standards, and they still don’t require any outside testing to prove their systems work before using them. Plus, federal rules can only regulate federal public health programs like Medicare. They do not apply to private insurers who do not provide federal health program coverage.

    Some states, including Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Maine and Texas, have proposed laws to rein in insurance AI. A few have passed new laws, including a 2024 California statute that requires a licensed physician to supervise the use of insurance coverage algorithms.

    But most state laws suffer from the same weaknesses as the new CMS rule. They leave too much control in the hands of insurers to decide how to define “medical necessity” and in what contexts to use algorithms for coverage decisions. They also don’t require those algorithms to be reviewed by neutral experts before use. And even strong state laws wouldn’t be enough, because states generally can’t regulate Medicare or insurers that operate outside their borders.

    A role for the FDA

    In the view of many health law experts, the gap between insurers’ actions and patient needs has become so wide that regulating health care coverage algorithms is now imperative. As I argue in an essay to be published in the Indiana Law Journal, the FDA is well positioned to do so.

    The FDA is staffed with medical experts who have the capability to evaluate insurance algorithms before they are used to make coverage decisions. The agency already reviews many medical AI tools for safety and effectiveness. FDA oversight would also provide a uniform, national regulatory scheme instead of a patchwork of rules across the country.

    Some people argue that the FDA’s power here is limited. For the purposes of FDA regulation, a medical device is defined as an instrument “intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Because health insurance algorithms are not used to diagnose, treat or prevent disease, Congress may need to amend the definition of a medical device before the FDA can regulate those algorithms.

    If the FDA’s current authority isn’t enough to cover insurance algorithms, Congress could change the law to give it that power. Meanwhile, CMS and state governments could require independent testing of these algorithms for safety, accuracy and fairness. That might also push insurers to support a single national standard – like FDA regulation – instead of facing a patchwork of rules across the country.

    The move toward regulating how health insurers use AI in determining coverage has clearly begun, but it is still awaiting a robust push. Patients’ lives are literally on the line.

    Jennifer D. Oliva currently receives funding from NIDA to research the impact of pharmaceutical industry messaging on the opioid crisis among U.S. Military Veterans. She is affiliated with the UCSF/University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy and Georgetown University Law Center O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law.

    – ref. How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage – https://theconversation.com/how-artificial-intelligence-controls-your-health-insurance-coverage-253602

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer D. Oliva, Professor of Law, Indiana University

    Evidence suggests that insurance companies use AI to delay or limit health care that patients need. FatCameraE+ via Getty Images

    Over the past decade, health insurance companies have increasingly embraced the use of artificial intelligence algorithms. Unlike doctors and hospitals, which use AI to help diagnose and treat patients, health insurers use these algorithms to decide whether to pay for health care treatments and services that are recommended by a given patient’s physicians.

    One of the most common examples is prior authorization, which is when your doctor needs to
    receive payment approval from your insurance company before providing you care. Many insurers use an algorithm to decide whether the requested care is “medically necessary” and should be covered.

    These AI systems also help insurers decide how much care a patient is entitled to — for example, how many days of hospital care a patient can receive after surgery.

    If an insurer declines to pay for a treatment your doctor recommends, you usually have three options. You can try to appeal the decision, but that process can take a lot of time, money and expert help. Only 1 in 500 claim denials are appealed. You can agree to a different treatment that your insurer will cover. Or you can pay for the recommended treatment yourself, which is often not realistic because of high health care costs.

    As a legal scholar who studies health law and policy, I’m concerned about how insurance algorithms affect people’s health. Like with AI algorithms used by doctors and hospitals, these tools can potentially improve care and reduce costs. Insurers say that AI helps them make quick, safe decisions about what care is necessary and avoids wasteful or harmful treatments.

    But there’s strong evidence that the opposite can be true. These systems are sometimes used to delay or deny care that should be covered, all in the name of saving money.

    A pattern of withholding care

    Presumably, companies feed a patient’s health care records and other relevant information into health care coverage algorithms and compare that information with current medical standards of care to decide whether to cover the patient’s claim. However, insurers have refused to disclose how these algorithms work in making such decisions, so it is impossible to say exactly how they operate in practice.

    Using AI to review coverage saves insurers time and resources, especially because it means fewer medical professionals are needed to review each case. But the financial benefit to insurers doesn’t stop there. If an AI system quickly denies a valid claim, and the patient appeals, that appeal process can take years. If the patient is seriously ill and expected to die soon, the insurance company might save money simply by dragging out the process in the hope that the patient dies before the case is resolved.

    Insurers say that if they decline to cover a medical intervention, patients can pay for it out of pocket.

    This creates the disturbing possibility that insurers might use algorithms to withhold care for expensive, long-term or terminal health problems , such as chronic or other debilitating disabilities. One reporter put it bluntly: “Many older adults who spent their lives paying into Medicare now face amputation or cancer and are forced to either pay for care themselves or go without.”

    Research supports this concern – patients with chronic illnesses are more likely to be denied coverage and suffer as a result. In addition, Black and Hispanic people and those of other nonwhite ethnicities, as well as people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, are more likely to experience claims denials. Some evidence also suggests that prior authorization may increase rather than decrease health care system costs.

    Insurers argue that patients can always pay for any treatment themselves, so they’re not really being denied care. But this argument ignores reality. These decisions have serious health consequences, especially when people can’t afford the care they need.

    Moving toward regulation

    Unlike medical algorithms, insurance AI tools are largely unregulated. They don’t have to go through Food and Drug Administration review, and insurance companies often say their algorithms are trade secrets.

    That means there’s no public information about how these tools make decisions, and there’s no outside testing to see whether they’re safe, fair or effective. No peer-reviewed studies exist to show how well they actually work in the real world.

    There does seem to be some momentum for change. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, which is the federal agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid, recently announced that insurers in Medicare Advantage plans must base decisions on the needs of individual patients – not just on generic criteria. But these rules still let insurers create their own decision-making standards, and they still don’t require any outside testing to prove their systems work before using them. Plus, federal rules can only regulate federal public health programs like Medicare. They do not apply to private insurers who do not provide federal health program coverage.

    Some states, including Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Maine and Texas, have proposed laws to rein in insurance AI. A few have passed new laws, including a 2024 California statute that requires a licensed physician to supervise the use of insurance coverage algorithms.

    But most state laws suffer from the same weaknesses as the new CMS rule. They leave too much control in the hands of insurers to decide how to define “medical necessity” and in what contexts to use algorithms for coverage decisions. They also don’t require those algorithms to be reviewed by neutral experts before use. And even strong state laws wouldn’t be enough, because states generally can’t regulate Medicare or insurers that operate outside their borders.

    A role for the FDA

    In the view of many health law experts, the gap between insurers’ actions and patient needs has become so wide that regulating health care coverage algorithms is now imperative. As I argue in an essay to be published in the Indiana Law Journal, the FDA is well positioned to do so.

    The FDA is staffed with medical experts who have the capability to evaluate insurance algorithms before they are used to make coverage decisions. The agency already reviews many medical AI tools for safety and effectiveness. FDA oversight would also provide a uniform, national regulatory scheme instead of a patchwork of rules across the country.

    Some people argue that the FDA’s power here is limited. For the purposes of FDA regulation, a medical device is defined as an instrument “intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Because health insurance algorithms are not used to diagnose, treat or prevent disease, Congress may need to amend the definition of a medical device before the FDA can regulate those algorithms.

    If the FDA’s current authority isn’t enough to cover insurance algorithms, Congress could change the law to give it that power. Meanwhile, CMS and state governments could require independent testing of these algorithms for safety, accuracy and fairness. That might also push insurers to support a single national standard – like FDA regulation – instead of facing a patchwork of rules across the country.

    The move toward regulating how health insurers use AI in determining coverage has clearly begun, but it is still awaiting a robust push. Patients’ lives are literally on the line.

    Jennifer D. Oliva currently receives funding from NIDA to research the impact of pharmaceutical industry messaging on the opioid crisis among U.S. Military Veterans. She is affiliated with the UCSF/University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy and Georgetown University Law Center O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law.

    – ref. How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage – https://theconversation.com/how-artificial-intelligence-controls-your-health-insurance-coverage-253602

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia is becoming a key player in the new architecture of the global economy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The geopolitical fragmentation of the global economy opens up new opportunities for Russia to cooperate with the countries of the Global South and strengthen its own role in global processes. This is stated in the HSE report presented at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum as part of the VTB session.

    Analysts emphasize that the global economy is currently divided into three large blocs – the United States, China and non-aligned countries, which is accompanied by a reduction in trade and investment between them by 12% and 20% since 2022. Despite this, developing countries are increasing their share in world trade: the volume of trade between the countries of the Global South has grown from $2.3 trillion in 2007 to $5.6 trillion in 2023. This indicates the formation of new economic ties and growth centers.

    The report notes that the reversal of trade imbalances in 2024 – with the US deficit widening and China’s surplus rising, and the EU moving into positive balance – creates risks of new trade wars and investment reallocation, requiring companies to diversify supplies and expand their partner networks. Logistics challenges caused by conflicts in the Middle East and problems in the Suez and Panama Canals are stimulating the development of alternative routes, including the Northern Sea Route and “green corridors” for the accelerated delivery of critical cargo.

    Particular attention is paid to the role of the so-called connector countries – Malaysia, Vietnam and India, which are strengthening trade ties with individual partners, while Russia, Australia and the EU are reducing their dependence on traditional markets, which contributes to the formation of sustainable regional trade turnover.

    In the Russian context, experts note that human capital is becoming the main resource for economic growth: the average length of education for Russians aged 25–44 is 14 years, which is higher than in the US and Europe, but further investment in science and R&D is needed to realize this potential. In the context of the crisis, Russia has seen an increase in the production of high-tech products, the development of domestic tourism and paid services, as well as an increase in exports, which are less sensitive to sanctions.

    Investment activity is most noticeable in the small and medium enterprise sector and in the production of investment goods, which contributes to the diversification of the economy and the creation of new jobs. Key challenges include tightening monetary policy, rising credit costs, labor shortages and tax pressure, especially in the manufacturing industry.

    The authors of the report emphasize that a balanced budget policy and support for those employed in the public sector are necessary for macroeconomic stability, and sustainable growth is possible only with the simultaneous strengthening of the internal and external sustainability of the economy. In conditions of turbulence, Russia can play a key role in the formation of a new architecture of the global economy, focused on cooperation with the countries of the Global South and the creation of alternative development models.

    The report was prepared as part of the VTB session “In Search of New Sources of Growth: Is a Different Model of Global Financial and Trade Architecture Possible” at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The session was attended by: Andrey Kostin, President and Chairman of the Management Board of VTB Bank; Yaroslav Kuzminov, Academic Director of the Higher School of Economics; Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayyed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of Qatar; Oleg Deripaska, Founder, En Group; Serhat Keksal, President of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank; Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank; Anton Siluanov, Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 3rd China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicks off 2025-06-20 19:28:59 The third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicked off in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      By Wang Hui and Xing Yang

      The third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicks off in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025.

      GUIYANG, China, June 20 — The third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicked off in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025. More than 160 participants including defense policy officials, relevant experts and scholars, and representatives of think tanks from China, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste attended the event.

      Themed on “Jointly Promote Regional Peace and Build a Safe and Secure Home”, the three-day event is hosted by the Academy of Military Sciences of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

      During the event, the representatives had in-depth discussions on the central topic of “Shared Future: Current Situation and Vision of China-ASEAN Defense Cooperation”. They reviewed the positive progress made in China-ASEAN defense cooperation, analyzed new opportunities and challenges in the current regional security situation, and shared views on how to deepen mutual trust, expand fields of cooperation, innovate in cooperation mechanisms, and effectively respond to common security threats. They will also have deeper exchanges on four key topics, namely “Roles of ASEAN in the Evolving International Landscape”, “Institutional Innovation in Regional Security Architecture”, “Cooperation in Maritime Security and Crisis Management”, and “Military Applications and Governance of Emerging Technologies”.

      The first China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange was held in October 2019.

      Participants from home and abroad attend the third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025.

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Joint Media Statement of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21)

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    1. The 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) was held on 20 June 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia, chaired by H.E. Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, AMMSTI Chair and Chairman of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia. The Meeting was attended by ministers, high level representatives from all 10 ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.
     
    2. The Meeting congratulated Indonesia on successful hosting of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) and the 87th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-87) and related meetings, held from 16 to 20 June 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia.
     
    Download the full statement here.
    The post Joint Media Statement of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPIEF-2025: Integration of Education, Science and Business

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The first day of the Polytechnic University at the Expoforum site during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was eventful. Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy took part in several events organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and also signed a number of cooperation agreements.

    In the morning, experts discussed the topic of personnel training to ensure technological leadership. Opening the session, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova noted that one of the key steps taken to synchronize the personnel training process with the demands of industrial customers and taking into account the challenges associated with the reset of the geopolitical situation was the creation of advanced engineering schools. The Deputy Minister also mentioned the Priority 2030 program, which was reconfigured this year in the direction of technological leadership. And in all projects launched on January 1, 2025, special attention is paid to personnel training. Therefore, the key principles in the new model of higher education are fundamentality, practice-orientedness and flexibility, which allows for the formation of an optimal personnel training scheme in communication with industrial partners.

    Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy developed the topic, sharing the Polytechnic University’s experience in implementing practice-oriented learning, students completing real projects and R&D for industry, for which new educational technologies are used.

    “Each university has its own forms and formats of training that are closely related to the implementation of real industrial or technological tasks. The general public should know about this,” says Andrey Rudskoy. “The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has created a media activity rating, and it shows how a particular university works with different audiences, including future engineers or industrialists. I cannot help but note that Polytechnic University has been in the top three for the second year, including holding first place. We also won a grant from the ministry for the popularization of science, and I think that at the end of the year, a large work by our teachers, scientists, and colleagues from the industrial sector will be published, which will be called “Popularization of Digital Engineering Tools in the Activities of a Modern Engineering University within the Framework of the Concept of Achieving Technological Leadership in Russia.” A serious work, serious reviewers from the Academy of Sciences. Of course, we will send this book to all engineering universities so that they can learn something useful for themselves.”

    The discussion was also attended by Rector of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Vladimir Shevchenko, Vice-Rector for Science and Digital Development of Bauman Moscow State Technical University Pavel Drogovoz, Acting Rector of Tomsk Polytechnic University Leonid Sukhikh, Director of the Young Professionals Department of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Alexander Vaino. The session was moderated by Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Zemtsov.

    The topic of interaction between universities and businesses was developed at the afternoon session “Cooperation between universities and industries to achieve technological leadership goals,” which was held by Andrey Sharonov, CEO of the National Alliance for Social and Environmental Responsibility, Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Digital Platforms.

    In order for Russia to achieve technological leadership and move to a modern system of higher education, it is necessary not only to reform the work of universities from within, but also to significantly strengthen their ties with the business community. The session participants discussed which forms of interaction between universities and businesses show the best results in strengthening the country’s technological potential; how partnerships with companies affect the level of professional training of students, the relevance of curricula, and graduates’ chances of finding a job; how to organize the productive participation of business representatives in the development of educational programs, the educational process, and students’ project activities; what role the state should play in the development and dissemination of effective models of interaction between universities and industry, etc.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Dmitry Afanasyev named the principles of strategic reorientation. The first is focusing on state and industry priorities of technological development, the second is building a unique architecture of interaction with partners by universities. It is important to take into account that the work should be carried out for the future, including the creation of those industries and specialties that do not yet exist, but there is an understanding that they will be needed. It is necessary to reboot all key development programs, such as Priority 2030, PIS, Campus, etc. And, finally, this is a new model of higher education, which is being built in an active dialogue with employers, industrial partners and represents a single fundamental, professional and socio-ideological core with a real practice-oriented educational programs and early professionalization, immersion in real projects and tasks, while being flexible, with the ability to adjust educational programs and sets of competencies to the tasks of technological development of industries.

    SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, using the example of the Polytechnic University, showed that effective interaction with partner companies makes it possible to promptly update educational programs, making them as compliant as possible with the requirements of the modern labor market, and also contributes to the faster implementation of innovative developments.

    Ensuring technological leadership is a common task, and the university today is an active participant in this large-scale work, Andrey Ivanovich emphasized.

    The session was also attended by Olga Dergunova, Senior Vice President — Head of VTB-Education at VTB Bank, Director of the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg State University; Dmitry Zauers, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Gazprombank; Rostislav Kovalevsky, Director of Innovations at EFKO Management Company; Oleg Krestinin, CEO of METALLOINVEST Management Company; and Kirill Menshov, Senior Vice President, Head of the Technology Block at Sberbank.

    In addition to participating in panel discussions, the rector of SPbPU met with business partners at the St. Petersburg stand to conclude cooperation agreements. As the head of the university coordinating the activities of the consortium “Russian-African Network University” (RAFU), Andrey Rudskoy signed an agreement on the accession of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences to RAFU. The agreement was also signed by the director of the Institute of Africa Irina Abramova.

    Currently, the consortium includes more than 90 Russian educational, scientific organizations and companies, and on the African side – 45 universities and organizations from 15 countries. The Institute of Africa’s accession to the consortium is very important, because it is focused specifically on working with African countries, studying their history, culture, and everyday life. I am confident that our new partner will make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of this continent and the peoples inhabiting it, – commented Andrey Rudskoy.

    “It is a great honor for me to become a member of this network university, because Africa is, first and foremost, people. In 2100, 40 percent of the world’s population will live in Africa, which means that a lot will change, and we need to prepare for this now,” added Irina Abramova. “The most important thing is, what will the people who make up 40 percent of the population be like? First of all, they must be educated, they must be self-sufficient, but at the same time, they must preserve their culture and traditions. And it is precisely the preparation of such friendly elites who protect national interests and look to the future that the network university is engaged in.”

    At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Andrey Rudskoy represents not only the Polytechnic University, but also the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which he has headed since 2023. As Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, he signed several cooperation agreements.

    The subject of the agreement with the Archival Committee of St. Petersburg was the establishment of partnership relations and the development of long-term and effective cooperation, which includes educational activities and the holding of popular science events.

    Andrey Rudskoy and the Chairman of the Archive Committee of St. Petersburg Pyotr Tishchenko agreed that the goal of cooperation would be to unite the efforts of the scientific and educational community to improve the scientific, educational and cultural level of the population of the Russian Federation; dissemination of knowledge about the history of Russia and its achievements, milestones in the development of the Russian Academy of Sciences; objective coverage of historical facts and events; development of scientific, educational and educational projects; holding joint cultural and educational events; popularization of domestic science; assistance in increasing the prestige of scientific activity, etc.

    After the signing ceremony, Andrey Rudskoy shared a secret: We are currently deciding on the creation of a museum of the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences on 5 University Embankment. And without the Central Archive, it will be difficult for us, because it contains a huge mass of documents that reflect the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences: personal files, letters of outstanding people, academics, travelers. I hope that we will creatively bring this project to life together.

    Pyotr Tishchenko said that on June 9, thanks to the help of scientists from the Institute of History, a decree from the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great, on how to build in the Northern capital was discovered in the Central Archive.

    “Without a scientific basis, we will not be able to extract more benefit from the treasure that archives store,” the head of the Archives Committee believes. “But the most difficult thing is to capture our history in a world where digital has become a part of life as reliably as our predecessors preserved the memory of the past. Science should help build archives of the future and teach how to work in them using modern tools, so we are joining forces.”

    A cooperation agreement was also concluded between the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The signing was attended by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Katenev.

    The agreement provides for the development of a strategic partnership for the joint implementation of scientific, applied and innovative projects; assistance in bringing high-tech solutions developed on the basis of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the market; the formation of a sustainable ecosystem of interaction between science, industry, business support institutions and education; support for the export potential of science-intensive products and competencies; the development of mechanisms for certification, independent assessment and promotion of scientific results; joint training and retraining of specialists taking into account modern industrial requirements and technological trends.

    The partners hope that the cooperation will contribute to strengthening the interaction between science and business, developing innovative and technological cooperation, popularizing the results of scientific activity and supporting entrepreneurship.

    “The Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites all the leading enterprises of St. Petersburg, it is at the forefront of all projects that are being implemented in the industry and economy of our city,” Andrey Rudskoy noted after the signing. “And, of course, this is of utmost importance to us, because I am sure that our science in symbiosis with enterprises, in addition to the fundamental, has great practical significance. Most importantly, we are faced with a colossal task – to achieve technological leadership, and here we must jointly make every effort.”

    “Maybe I’ll say it pragmatically, but our task is to monetize the achievements that exist in our big science, so that it doesn’t turn out like in the story of Lefty, who shoed a flea, and that’s where the business ended,” Vladimir Katenyov supported. “We must bring the achievements of science to the people, to our industry, we really value this cooperation and will work with great pleasure.”

    The work at the stand ended with the signing of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, OOO Expert Analytics Center and Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District.

    The documents were signed by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy, the General Director of the Expert Analytics Center Kristina Muravyova and the Director of the Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Shchelkanov.

    The ceremony participants confirmed their desire to improve the quality and depth of scientific and analytical research, expand areas and directions of cooperation, create intra-Russian scientific collaborations, and support joint projects, competitions, and awards.

    “For us, the analysis of the activities of academic institutes is very important, this will allow them to find partners from among enterprises, on the basis of which they could realize their interests,” commented Andrey Rudskoy. “The second point is that we are interested in international activities. Here we must be careful, but, on the other hand, expand contacts between organizations. And the third, of course, is the popularization of science.”

    “The TechUspekh award is already successfully operating at the federal level, and we would like to hold it in the regions as well,” Aleksandr Shchelkanov supported. “Our format is to popularize technologies, investments, what is interesting to the business audience, but we need to strengthen expertise. That is why we have had the Opinion Leader award for two years now, and I think that an entire nomination will be dedicated to science, and it will be possible to compete in a fair and competitive struggle, because both readers and the expert community vote.”

    “In addition to information support, we will be directly involved in scientific and analytical work,” Kristina Muravyova revealed the details of the cooperation. “Working with RAS academicians gives us the opportunity to apply real research in big science in practice and show businesses that innovations can be quickly applied and it is not necessary to wedge in only at the stage when you can make a profit from it, but sometimes it is profitable to stand at the origins of fundamental research in order to be ahead of the rest of the world. And given that technological progress is now moving at a rapid pace, we hope that the combination of academicians’ expertise in fundamental science and experts with deep industry knowledge will allow the academy to participate, among other things, in monitoring the formation of routing maps for project implementation at all stages, including investment and commissioning. In order to understand whether it is worth launching a project or not, such an expert association, in our opinion, will be as comfortable as possible for both business and the state. And here the academy takes on the main role in order to be a guarantor of security.”

    Read about other events of SPIEF-2025 in our next publications.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Central Asia embrace new cooperation opportunities

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    XI’AN, June 20 — The rhythmic clatter of wheels on rail tracks echoed the fading tinkle of camel bells, heralding a renaissance of the ancient and timeless Silk Road, invigorated by blossoming cooperation between China and Central Asian countries.

    With the second China-Central Asia Summit having concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan earlier this week, both sides are seizing fresh opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, vowing to uphold multilateralism, consolidate the multilateral trading system, and deepen cooperation in key areas such as agriculture and energy.

    Since the inaugural summit held two years ago in Xi’an, a historic city in northwest China, cooperation between China and Central Asia has drawn these land-linked economies closer to each other, yielding mutually beneficial outcomes across various sectors.

    ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY

    Xi’an, once a bustling gateway to the Silk Road, is witnessing the revival of this ancient trade route, with a recently launched international tourist train service making exchanges between China and Kazakhstan easier.

    As a hallmark achievement of the 2023 summit, this 3,000-kilometer journey connects Xi’an in Shaanxi Province with Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Traversing snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, what makes this train route truly special is the opportunities it provides for cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries. Such cultural interactions can, notably, also translate into valuable business opportunities.

    During the train’s maiden journey in 2025, Yuan Li, head of a Xi’an-based home furnishings company, immersed herself in Central Asian culture. She drew design inspiration from Kazakh embroidery to enrich her business options, saying that her company would invite artisans from both China and Kazakhstan to co-design a Silk Road-themed home collection.

    This train route is one of many vivid examples of enhanced regional connectivity between China and Central Asian countries. In December 2024, the commencement ceremony of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan. The railway is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic link between China and Central Asia.

    Once completed, the railway will become a strategic corridor benefiting all the three countries and their peoples, contributing to regional economic and social development and playing a significant role in promoting infrastructure connectivity, economic and trade exchanges, and high-quality development of the Belt and Road.

    On a broader scale, cooperation between China and Central Asia is bringing Asia and Europe closer together and at a faster pace, thanks to the China-Europe freight train service. This train service passes through cities like Almaty and Tashkent, transforming them into bustling transit hubs. It now reaches 229 cities in 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.

    Central Asia serves as a hub connecting China with the Eurasian continent, and cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has promoted connectivity in infrastructure, energy and trade, said Xu Xiaotian, a researcher with Heilongjiang University in northeast China. “Through economic integration, security collaboration and cultural exchanges, China and Central Asian nations are establishing a tighter network of cooperation,” Xu said.

    “China’s cooperation with Central Asian countries contributes to mutual development and strengthens ties in science, education, culture and socio-economic fields, which are crucial for the stability, development, well-being and prosperity of the entire region,” said Rashid Yusupov, director of the Center for Belt and Road Studies of Kyrgyz State University.

    SHARED PROSPERITY

    In March, a shipment of 16,000 apple seedlings from the city of Weinan, Shaanxi Province, entered Tajikistan through the Karasu Port in northwest China’s Xinjiang. This marked the province’s first-ever export of apple saplings to Tajikistan. Historically, Central Asia is one of the regions from which apples migrated to China.

    According to Liu Zhanyuan, an official with Xi’an customs, these saplings will be planted in an apple orchard commemorating the friendship between China and Tajikistan. The orchard is a project to implement the outcomes of the 2023 China-Central Asia Summit.

    “By sharing advanced apple cultivation techniques and management expertise with Tajikistan, the project will help local farmers improve apple yields and quality,” Liu added.

    The apple orchard project exemplifies the deepening ties between China and Central Asia, where cooperation across various sectors is translating into tangible economic benefits.

    According to China’s General Administration of Customs, China-Central Asia trade reached 94.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, marking an increase of 5.4 billion year on year. In the first four months of this year, bilateral trade hit 173.05 billion yuan (about 24.13 billion U.S. dollars), a 37.3-percent surge compared to the same period last year.

    China and Central Asian countries have not only seen a significant increase in trade value but also expanded their economic cooperation into various sectors — creating a comprehensive and multifaceted mutually beneficial economic relationship, Xu said.

    Looking ahead to future cooperation between China and Central Asia, Li Ziguo, an expert with the China Institute of International Studies, said that driven by a new wave of technological revolution, digital economy and e-commerce are emerging as new growth areas for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

    Moving forward, a series of big data cooperation projects will provide a more efficient and stable network environment for information exchange and resource sharing between China and Central Asian countries, thereby further unlocking digital dividends in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and e-commerce, Li added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Nominate Next-Gen Scientists Driving AI and Biotech Innovation Singapore | 20 June 2025 APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    The search is underway for outstanding young scientists whose cross-border research in artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology is addressing some of the Asia-Pacific’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

    Nominations are now open for the 2025 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education, or ASPIRE, under the theme “Toward AI-Bio Convergence: AI-based Inclusive Biotechnology Solving Social Challenges.” In line with APEC 2025’s focus on digital innovation and inclusive growth, this year’s theme highlights the potential of AI-powered biotechnology to improve health equity, food security, sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience across the region.

    “This year’s ASPIRE theme reflects the growing need for policy-relevant science that bridges disciplines and borders,” said Rahima Kandahari, Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI).

    “By highlighting the convergence of AI and biotechnology, we aim to draw attention to innovations that can deliver practical, inclusive solutions to complex regional challenges, and also reinforces the importance of scientific cooperation and innovation in advancing shared APEC goals.”

    Each APEC economy may nominate one scientist under the age of 40 for the annual prize. Nominees will be evaluated for their excellence in scientific research, evidenced by scholarly publications, and their dedication to cross-economy collaboration, particularly on interdisciplinary projects aligned with the year’s theme.

    “Korea places great importance on empowering young researchers to develop innovative solutions to address complex global challenges. That is why we are proud to support this year’s ASPIRE, which recognizes excellence in cross-border, interdisciplinary science,” said Sunghoon Hwang, Director General of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea.

    “AI-bio convergence is a key emerging technology with the potential to transform how economies address longstanding issues such as aging populations, health inequities and sustainable agriculture,” Hwang added.

    Now in its 15th year, the prize supports APEC’s broader goals of enhancing science and technology cooperation, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Past winners have contributed to advancements in fields such as nutrition, renewable energy, nanotechnology, and public health.

    Recent awardees include Dr Zheng Liu of Singapore, who won the 2023 ASPIRE for his pioneering work on two-dimensional materials for sustainable energy and advanced electronics; and Dr Jingzheng Ren of Hong Kong, China, who received the 2022 prize for developing new models that balance economic development with environmental sustainability. Both exemplify the power of cross-border scientific collaboration to solve regional and global challenges.

    The winner of this year’s prize will receive USD 25,000, with prize funding provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, and will be recognized during the upcoming meeting in Korea on 13 August 2025.

    Nominations must be submitted by 1 July 2025 at 17:30 Singapore time. For eligibility requirements and submission guidelines, please visit the ASPIRE 2025 web page or contact your economy’s PPSTI representative.

     

    For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-71 AG ANNE LOPEZ CONCLUDES MAUI WILDFIRE ANALYSIS

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-71 AG ANNE LOPEZ CONCLUDES MAUI WILDFIRE ANALYSIS

    Posted on Jun 19, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    Video of today’s news conference is on the Department of the Attorney General’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiAttorneyGeneral/videos/1206910971211978

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

     

     

    ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNE LOPEZ CONCLUDES INVESTIGATION INTO THE AUGUST 8, 2023 MAUI WILDFIRES

     

    News Release 2025-71

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

    June 19, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez today announced the conclusion of the Department of the Attorney General’s investigation of state and county government response to the August 2023 Lahaina Fire. Attorney General Lopez also announced the official transition of future wildfire analysis, mitigation and coordination efforts to the new state fire marshal and the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO).

     

    “Shortly after the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfires, Governor Josh Green, M.D., and I agreed that understanding how the state and county agencies responded during and in the immediate aftermath was crucial to secure the safety of the residents and visitors now and into the future,” said Attorney General Lopez. “The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, was the most capable organization that could provide the state with an objective, evidence-based understanding of the response of state and county agencies and provide recommendations and best practices for Hawaiʻi going forward. FSRI has done just that.”

     

    On April 17, 2024, the Department released FSRI’s Lahaina Fire Comprehensive Timeline Report (Phase 1) that provided a minute-by-minute accounting of state and county

     

    actions. On September 13, 2024, FSRI’s Lahaina Fire Incident Analysis Report (Phase 2) was released, which incorporated a science- and evidence-based analysis of the events, including subjects such as preparedness efforts, weather and its impact to infrastructure, and other fires simultaneously occurring on Maui. This report included 84 findings, and 140 recommendations designed to mitigate the issues identified by FSRI and make recommendations to move forward. At the same time, the department released all of the images, audio and documents* received and prepared by FSRI, totaling 850 gigabytes of data.

     

    In January, FSRI’s Lahaina Fire Forward-Looking Report (Phase 3) was released. This report prioritized the 84 findings and 140 recommendations from the Phase 2 report, to improve Hawaiʻi’s ability to be better prepared for and respond to wildfires. Governor Green requested that FSRI identify its top 10 immediate priorities.

     

    The top two recommendations for actionable success were: (1) the state should engage HWMO to share a leadership role with the state in this effort, and (2) hire a state fire marshal to ensure continued work and long-term planning. HWMO has been engaged and has already started work. In the last legislative session, the governor introduced a bill to amend Hawaiʻi’s state fire marshal statute to empower the fire marshal to have more independence and broaden the fire marshal’s responsibilities. Following robust legislative hearings, the legislature passed H.B. 1064.

     

    “I am proud of the work that my department and FSRI have completed over the last two years,” said Attorney General Lopez. “I will now be handing off the work to State Fire Marshal Dori Booth and HWMO. I am fully confident in their ability to collaborate and lead state and county agencies, communities, and other nonprofits into a safer, healthier future.”

     

    Since the Phase Three report was released, FSRI has begun work in collaboration with the Maui Fire Department (MFD) and Kauaʻi Fire Department (KFD) to complete their Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover plans. These analyses will be conducted in cooperation with MFD and KFD alongside local residents and businesses and will ultimately identify where the relevant risks to the community are and how county fire departments can effectively address them. Following this work, a comprehensive Community Risk Reduction plan will be developed that provides realistic actions that can be taken by individuals, community organizations and governmental agencies to mitigate risk and increase resiliency.

     

    “Our role in the Lahaina fire independent analysis is complete and we have provided forward looking recommendations. Now we’re collectively transitioning from research to implementation for a more fire safe Hawai‘i,” said Derek Alkonis, Research Program Manager at FSRI. “UL Research Institutes and FSRI will continue supporting next steps in operational readiness and community risk assessment planning.”

     

    “We are proud to be part of this next chapter for Hawai‘i,” said Elizabeth Pickett, co-director of HWMO. “Our job now is to support the state in developing a cohesive wildfire strategy that brings together public agencies, private partners, and expertise from our academic and community partners — so that we’re all working in sync, informed by best practice, and building upon existing efforts and local knowledge. Some departments will be stepping into new roles, while others — who’ve been doing this work for decades — will finally get the support and alignment they’ve long needed. This is about learning together, building systems that last, and finally connecting our collective efforts into one coordinated path forward. Becoming a wildfire-ready and wildfire-resilient state starts with thoughtful, informed and collaborative planning. This is good governance at its best.”

     

    “We recommended HWMO because of their deep experience, trusted relationships, and ability to coordinate across agencies,” said Alkonis. “They’re embedded in Hawai‘i’s wildfire network and well-positioned to align efforts quickly. HWMO was selected in part because of its long-standing and ongoing leadership in the area of wildfire prevention and vegetation management — they’ve been deeply engaged in this work for years and are well-equipped to move the state forward on some of its most urgent needs. Their work complements the new State Fire Marshal’s Office and helps drive action on the priorities we identified — a strong example of collaborative leadership for wildfire resilience.”

     

    “It’s an honor to serve as Hawai‘i’s state fire marshal at this pivotal moment,” said Dori Booth. “The 10 wildfire priorities identified in the Phase Three report provide a critical foundation, and my role — as well as the work of the full office when it is in place — will both support those efforts and extend beyond them. We are building the State Fire Marshal’s Office from the ground up, with a focus on regulatory clarity, modernized codes and standards, and a legislative framework that strengthens long-standing efforts already underway, while also guiding future improvements identified through the statewide wildfire strategy now in development. I’m grateful to all of the agencies and partners contributing to this effort, and I look forward to working closely with the State Fire Council, county fire departments, HWMO, and others to ensure a coordinated, capable, and resilient fire safety system for Hawai‘i.”

     

    All of the images, audio and documents* included in the media database containing approximately 850 gigabytes of data can be found on the Department of the Attorney General’s Maui Wildfire Investigation page here.

     

    *Only images of the deceased and the personal identifying information of individuals were redacted.

     

    About Fire Safety Research Institute

    Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, strives to advance fire safety knowledge and strategies in order to create safer environments. Using advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach and education in collaboration with an international network of partners, the organization imparts stakeholders with knowledge, tools, and resources that enable them to make better, more fire safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. To learn more, visit fsri.org. Follow FSRI on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

     

    About UL Research Institutes

    UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing the UL public safety mission through scientific discovery and application. With best-in-class experts, we are the world’s premier safety science research organization. We conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data and explore at the edges of technology to be the first to uncover and act on emerging risks to human safety. To learn more, visit ul.org.

     

    # # #

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
    Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office: 808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
    Email:     [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The challenges of vaccine production in Africa

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 19 June 2025

    World Health Organization (WHO)

    by Cosimo GrazianiAbuja (Agenzia Fides) – In recent weeks, a Lassa fever vaccine developed by local researchers in Nigeria has shown initial signs of effectiveness in combating the disease, which recorded 747 new cases and 142 deaths in the African country in the first half of 2025. This was announced by Simeon Agwale, CEO of the Nigerian pharmaceutical company Innovative Biotech. The vaccine was developed under license from the University of Melbourne, and test doses were produced in the United States until the necessary infrastructure is established in Nigeria.For the African giant, the possibility of developing and producing this vaccine locally represents a significant achievement for the country, especially considering that the mortality rate has increased compared to 2024. This progress reflects a positive trend regarding the development of vaccines across the continent.Several African countries are striving to increase domestic vaccine production, a priority that has gained importance since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) initiative was launched, aiming to produce 60 percent of Africa’s vaccine needs by 2040 (currently just 1 percent).The challenge of vaccine manufacturing is also related to the planning and development phase.According to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the African Union department that deals with disease prevention and control, in 2024 there were 25 vaccine projects across the continent: 15 in early stages of development, five with production capacity but no transfer capacity, and five with both production and transfer capacity. These figures are positive and are underpinned by the fact that there are at least a dozen active pharmaceutical companies across the continent in countries such as Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, and Algeria. All of these aspects contribute to strengthening the vaccine ecosystem, which has already borne fruit in the past, such as the Ebola vaccine developed after the 2013 outbreak in West Africa.Three major agreements to strengthen vaccine production capacity in Africa were recently announced, one signed in December 2024 and two in February of this year. The first involved the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the African Development Bank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). It provided $45 million to VaxSen, a subsidiary of the Dakar-based Pasteur Institute in Senegal, a country also very active in vaccine research. The agreement was intended to strengthen production capacity, support the local supply chain, and create a strong vaccine distribution network, as envisioned in the African Union’s 2040 Strategy, of which PAVM is a part. In addition to its impact on healthcare, the agreement should also have an impact on the creation of skilled jobs, as the Pasteur Institute’s facilities are being expanded. The question arises whether this project will also be scaled back or even canceled following the Trump administration’s cuts in international cooperation in recent months.The first of the agreements signed in February concerns a $1.2 billion investment by Gavi-the Vaccine Alliance, a public-private partnership that supports vaccination projects worldwide, particularly for children. According to this agreement, the funds will be used to establish an RNA vaccine production platform in Africa, involving both private African companies such as the Egyptian company EVA Pharma and foreign companies such as the French company DNA Script and the Belgian companies Unizima and Quantoom Biosciences. A second agreement signed in February, however, is a purely African collaboration: Egyptian Biogeneric Pharma and South African Afrigen will expand the development of RNA vaccines to also strengthen continental expertise in manufacturing and application to combat diseases plaguing the continent.These initiatives were listed in the report published by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) in February this year. The Oslo-based foundation pointed out that among the issues that need to be resolved to develop a self-sufficient vaccine industry in Africa are problems with access to finance, production restrictions, tariffs, and customs duties and uncertain demand. The problem of the vaccine market in Africa has a major impact on the decisions of various vaccine companies around the world, also taking into account the fact that Africa’s population, especially its young population, will continue to grow strongly in the coming years. (Agenzia Fides, 19/6/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • British lawmakers to vote on landmark assisted dying law

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British lawmakers held their final debate ahead of a historic vote on Friday on whether to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people, in what would be a major step toward the biggest social reform in the country for a generation.

    The vote is expected at about 2:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) and if it goes in favour, the proposed new law will have cleared its biggest parliamentary hurdle. That would pave the way for Britain to follow Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as some U.S. states in permitting assisted dying.

    A vote against would stop the bill in its tracks.

    Last November, lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in favour of the principle of allowing assisted dying, but since then the bill has been scrutinised and amended, and some lawmakers have publicly changed their position, citing changes to provisions that they say weaken protections for vulnerable people.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is neutral on the legislation meaning politicians can vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Last year, Starmer voted in favour of the legislation and has indicated he continues to support it.

    The law was proposed under a process led by an individual member of parliament rather than being government policy, which has limited the amount of parliamentary time allocated to it.

    Some lawmakers have said that such a major social change should be allocated more parliamentary time for debate and involve a greater degree of ministerial involvement and accountability.

    If Friday’s vote is in favour, assisted dying stays on the road to legalisation, a process that could still take months.

    The Labour lawmaker who proposed the new law, Kim Leadbeater, said there could be a reduction in the number of members of parliament who support the bill on Friday compared with last year’s vote, but that she was confident it would still be approved.

    Opening the debate, Leadbeater said that the legislation was “desperately needed” and would provide dignity and compassion to people suffering. She argued it had robust safeguards that made it practical and safe.

    “This is not a choice between living and dying. It is a choice for terminally ill people about how they die,” she said.

    On Thursday, four Labour lawmakers switched sides to oppose the bill, joining the dozens who earlier this month said there had not been enough time to debate the details of such a consequential law change.

    “The bill before us simply does not do enough to safeguard people who may want to choose to live,” the four lawmakers said in a letter.

    Leadbeater said her biggest fear was that if the legislation was voted down, it could be another decade before the issue returns to parliament. It was last considered in 2015, when lawmakers voted against it.

    PUBLIC SUPPORT

    Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying, and supporters say the law needs to catch up with public opinion.

    Under the proposed law, mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live would be given the right to end their lives with medical help.

    In the original plan, an assisted death would have required court approval. That has been replaced by a requirement for a judgement by a panel including a social worker, a senior legal figure and a psychiatrist, which is seen by some as a watering down.

    Lawmakers have also raised questions about the impact of assisted dying on the finances and resources of Britain’s state-run National Health Service and on the need to improve palliative care.

    If the vote passes, the proposed new law is sent to the House of Lords, parliament’s upper chamber. But the unelected Lords will be reluctant to block legislation that has been passed by elected members of the House of Commons.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPIEF-2024: Integration of Education, Science and Business

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The first day of the Polytechnic University at the Expoforum site during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was eventful. Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy took part in several events organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and also signed a number of cooperation agreements.

    In the morning, experts discussed the topic of personnel training to ensure technological leadership. Opening the session, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova noted that one of the key steps taken to synchronize the personnel training process with the demands of industrial customers and taking into account the challenges associated with the reset of the geopolitical situation was the creation of advanced engineering schools. The Deputy Minister also mentioned the Priority 2030 program, which was reconfigured this year in the direction of technological leadership. And in all projects launched on January 1, 2025, special attention is paid to personnel training. Therefore, the key principles in the new model of higher education are fundamentality, practice-orientedness and flexibility, which allows for the formation of an optimal personnel training scheme in communication with industrial partners.

    Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy developed the topic, sharing the Polytechnic University’s experience in implementing practice-oriented learning, students completing real projects and R&D for industry, for which new educational technologies are used.

    “Each university has its own forms and formats of training that are closely related to the implementation of real industrial or technological tasks. The general public should know about this,” says Andrey Rudskoy. “The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has created a media activity rating, and it shows how a particular university works with different audiences, including future engineers or industrialists. I cannot help but note that Polytechnic University has been in the top three for the second year, including holding first place. We also won a grant from the ministry for the popularization of science, and I think that at the end of the year, a large work by our teachers, scientists, and colleagues from the industrial sector will be published, which will be called “Popularization of Digital Engineering Tools in the Activities of a Modern Engineering University within the Framework of the Concept of Achieving Technological Leadership in Russia.” A serious work, serious reviewers from the Academy of Sciences. Of course, we will send this book to all engineering universities so that they can learn something useful for themselves.”

    The discussion was also attended by Rector of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Vladimir Shevchenko, Vice-Rector for Science and Digital Development of Bauman Moscow State Technical University Pavel Drogovoz, Acting Rector of Tomsk Polytechnic University Leonid Sukhikh, Director of the Young Professionals Department of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Alexander Vaino. The session was moderated by Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Zemtsov.

    The topic of interaction between universities and businesses was developed at the afternoon session “Cooperation between universities and industries to achieve technological leadership goals,” which was held by Andrey Sharonov, CEO of the National Alliance for Social and Environmental Responsibility, Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Digital Platforms.

    In order for Russia to achieve technological leadership and move to a modern system of higher education, it is necessary not only to reform the work of universities from within, but also to significantly strengthen their ties with the business community. The session participants discussed which forms of interaction between universities and businesses show the best results in strengthening the country’s technological potential; how partnerships with companies affect the level of professional training of students, the relevance of curricula, and graduates’ chances of finding a job; how to organize the productive participation of business representatives in the development of educational programs, the educational process, and students’ project activities; what role the state should play in the development and dissemination of effective models of interaction between universities and industry, etc.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Dmitry Afanasyev named the principles of strategic reorientation. The first is focusing on state and industry priorities of technological development, the second is building a unique architecture of interaction with partners by universities. It is important to take into account that the work should be carried out for the future, including the creation of those industries and specialties that do not yet exist, but there is an understanding that they will be needed. It is necessary to reboot all key development programs, such as Priority 2030, PIS, Campus, etc. And, finally, this is a new model of higher education, which is being built in an active dialogue with employers, industrial partners and represents a single fundamental, professional and socio-ideological core with a real practice-oriented educational programs and early professionalization, immersion in real projects and tasks, while being flexible, with the ability to adjust educational programs and sets of competencies to the tasks of technological development of industries.

    SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, using the example of the Polytechnic University, showed that effective interaction with partner companies makes it possible to promptly update educational programs, making them as compliant as possible with the requirements of the modern labor market, and also contributes to the faster implementation of innovative developments.

    Ensuring technological leadership is a common task, and the university today is an active participant in this large-scale work, Andrey Ivanovich emphasized.

    The discussion was also attended by Olga Dergunova, Senior Vice President — Head of VTB-Education at VTB Bank, Director of the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg State University; Dmitry Zauers, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Gazprombank; Rostislav Kovalevsky, Director of Innovations at EFKO Management Company; Oleg Krestinin, CEO of METALLOINVEST Management Company; and Kirill Menshov, Senior Vice President, Head of the Technology Block at Sberbank.

    In addition to participating in panel discussions, the rector of SPbPU met with business partners at the St. Petersburg stand to conclude cooperation agreements. As the head of the university coordinating the activities of the consortium “Russian-African Network University” (RAFU), Andrey Rudskoy signed an agreement on the accession of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences to RAFU. The agreement was also signed by the director of the Institute of Africa Irina Abramova.

    Currently, the consortium includes more than 90 Russian educational, scientific organizations and companies, and on the African side – 45 universities and organizations from 15 countries. The Institute of Africa’s accession to the consortium is very important, because it is focused specifically on working with African countries, studying their history, culture, and everyday life. I am confident that our new partner will make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of this continent and the peoples inhabiting it, – commented Andrey Rudskoy.

    “It is a great honor for me to become a member of this network university, because Africa is, first and foremost, people. In 2100, 40 percent of the world’s population will live in Africa, which means that a lot will change, and we need to prepare for this now,” added Irina Abramova. “The most important thing is, what will the people who make up 40 percent of the population be like? First of all, they must be educated, they must be self-sufficient, but at the same time, they must preserve their culture and traditions. And it is precisely the preparation of such friendly elites who protect national interests and look to the future that the network university is engaged in.”

    At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Andrey Rudskoy represents not only the Polytechnic University, but also the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which he has headed since 2023. As Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, he signed several cooperation agreements.

    The subject of the agreement with the Archival Committee of St. Petersburg was the establishment of partnership relations and the development of long-term and effective cooperation, which includes educational activities and the holding of popular science events.

    Andrey Rudskoy and the Chairman of the Archive Committee of St. Petersburg Pyotr Tishchenko agreed that the goal of cooperation would be to unite the efforts of the scientific and educational community to improve the scientific, educational and cultural level of the population of the Russian Federation; dissemination of knowledge about the history of Russia and its achievements, milestones in the development of the Russian Academy of Sciences; objective coverage of historical facts and events; development of scientific, educational and educational projects; holding joint cultural and educational events; popularization of domestic science; assistance in increasing the prestige of scientific activity, etc.

    After the signing ceremony, Andrey Rudskoy shared a secret: We are currently deciding on the creation of a museum of the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences on 5 University Embankment. And without the Central Archive, it will be difficult for us, because it contains a huge mass of documents that reflect the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences: personal files, letters of outstanding people, academics, travelers. I hope that we will creatively bring this project to life together.

    Pyotr Tishchenko said that on June 9, thanks to the help of scientists from the Institute of History, a decree from the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great, on how to build in the Northern capital was discovered in the Central Archive.

    “Without a scientific basis, we will not be able to extract more benefit from the treasure that archives store,” the head of the Archives Committee believes. “But the most difficult thing is to capture our history in a world where digital has become a part of life as reliably as our predecessors preserved the memory of the past. Science should help build archives of the future and teach how to work in them using modern tools, so we are joining forces.”

    A cooperation agreement was also concluded between the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The signing was attended by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Katenev.

    The agreement provides for the development of a strategic partnership for the joint implementation of scientific, applied and innovative projects; assistance in bringing high-tech solutions developed on the basis of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the market; the formation of a sustainable ecosystem of interaction between science, industry, business support institutions and education; support for the export potential of science-intensive products and competencies; the development of mechanisms for certification, independent assessment and promotion of scientific results; joint training and retraining of specialists taking into account modern industrial requirements and technological trends.

    The partners hope that the cooperation will contribute to strengthening the interaction between science and business, developing innovative and technological cooperation, popularizing the results of scientific activity and supporting entrepreneurship.

    “The Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites all the leading enterprises of St. Petersburg, it is at the forefront of all projects that are being implemented in the industry and economy of our city,” Andrey Rudskoy noted after the signing. “And, of course, this is of utmost importance to us, because I am sure that our science in symbiosis with enterprises, in addition to the fundamental, has great practical significance. Most importantly, we are faced with a colossal task – to achieve technological leadership, and here we must jointly make every effort.”

    “Maybe I’ll say it pragmatically, but our task is to monetize the achievements that exist in our big science, so that it doesn’t turn out like in the story of Lefty, who shoed a flea, and that’s where the business ended,” Vladimir Katenyov supported. “We must bring the achievements of science to the people, to our industry, we really value this cooperation and will work with great pleasure.”

    The work at the stand ended with the signing of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, OOO Expert Analytics Center and Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District.

    The documents were signed by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy, the General Director of the Expert Analytics Center Kristina Muravyova and the Director of the Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Shchelkanov.

    The ceremony participants confirmed their desire to improve the quality and depth of scientific and analytical research, expand areas and directions of cooperation, create intra-Russian scientific collaborations, and support joint projects, competitions, and awards.

    “For us, the analysis of the activities of academic institutes is very important, this will allow them to find partners from among enterprises, on the basis of which they could realize their interests,” commented Andrey Rudskoy. “The second point is that we are interested in international activities. Here we must be careful, but, on the other hand, expand contacts between organizations. And the third, of course, is the popularization of science.”

    “The TechUspekh award is already successfully operating at the federal level, and we would like to hold it in the regions as well,” Aleksandr Shchelkanov supported. “Our format is to popularize technologies, investments, what is interesting to the business audience, but we need to strengthen expertise. That is why we have had the Opinion Leader award for two years now, and I think that an entire nomination will be dedicated to science, and it will be possible to compete in a fair and competitive struggle, because both readers and the expert community vote.”

    “In addition to information support, we will be directly involved in scientific and analytical work,” Kristina Muravyova revealed the details of the cooperation. “Working with RAS academicians gives us the opportunity to apply real research in big science in practice and show businesses that innovations can be quickly applied and it is not necessary to wedge in only at the stage when you can make a profit from it, but sometimes it is profitable to stand at the origins of fundamental research in order to be ahead of the rest of the world. And given that technological progress is now moving at a rapid pace, we hope that the combination of academicians’ expertise in fundamental science and experts with deep industry knowledge will allow the academy to participate, among other things, in monitoring the formation of routing maps for project implementation at all stages, including investment and commissioning. In order to understand whether it is worth launching a project or not, such an expert association, in our opinion, will be as comfortable as possible for both business and the state. And here the academy takes on the main role in order to be a guarantor of security.”

    Read about other events of SPIEF-2025 in our next publications.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Debates – Thursday, 19 June 2025 – Strasbourg – Revised edition

    Source: European Parliament
    Verbatim report of proceedings
     391k  736k
    Thursday, 19 June 2025 – Strasbourg
    1. Resumption of the sitting
      2. Institutional and political implications of the EU enlargement process and global challenges (debate)
      3. The United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (debate)
      4. Resumption of the sitting
      5. Voting time
        5.1. Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli (RC-B10-0282/2025, B10-0282/2025, B10-0283/2025, B10-0287/2025, B10-0288/2025, B10-0289/2025, B10-0290/2025, B10-0295/2025) (vote)
        5.2. Case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran (RC-B10-0284/2025, B10-0280/2025, B10-0284/2025, B10-0285/2025, B10-0286/2025, B10-0296/2025, B10-0299/2025, B10-0300/2025) (vote)
        5.3. Dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali (RC-B10-0291/2025, B10-0281/2025, B10-0291/2025, B10-0292/2025, B10-0293/2025, B10-0294/2025, B10-0297/2025, B10-0298/2025) (vote)
        5.4. Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability (A10-0104/2025 – Veronika Vrecionová) (vote)
        5.5. Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system (A10-0091/2025 – Anna Stürgkh) (vote)
        5.6. Clean Industrial Deal (B10-0277/2025, B10-0278/2025) (vote)
        5.7. The United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (B10-0273/2025) (vote)
      6. Resumption of the sitting
      7. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting
      8. Protecting bees: advancing the EU’s New Deal for Pollinators (debate)
      9. Oral explanations of vote (Rule 201)
        9.1. Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system (A10-0091/2025 – Anna Stürgkh)
        9.2. Clean Industrial Deal (B10-0277/2025, B10-0278/2025)
      10. Explanations of votes in writing (Rule 201)
      11. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted
      12. Dates of the next part-session
      13. Closure of the sitting
      14. Adjournment of the session

       

    SĒDI VADA: ROBERTS ZĪLE
    Priekšsēdētāja vietnieks

    		  
    1. Resumption of the sitting

       

    (Sēde tika atsākta plkst. 09.00.)

    		  

    2. Institutional and political implications of the EU enlargement process and global challenges (debate)

    		 

      Ekaterina Zaharieva, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members, the global balance of power is shifting rapidly, challenging our democratic values and institutions. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is a stark reminder of the importance of enlargement. Now, more than ever, a larger and stronger EU is a strategic imperative. It is clearly in the EU’s interests. Both the EU and future Member States should be ready at the time of accession.

    In March last year, the Commission therefore adopted a first communication of the pre‑enlargement policy reviews covering four strands: values, policies, budget and governance. That communication was our contribution to the discussion that led to the adoption by EU leaders of a roadmap for future work on enlargement and reform in June 2024.

    In July last year, President von der Leyen announced that the new college will present the pre‑enlargement policy reviews focusing on individual sectors such as the rule of law, the single market, food security, defence and security, climate and energy, and migration, as well as social, economic and territorial cohesion more broadly.

    As announced in our work programme for 2025, the Commission is currently carrying out in-depth policy reviews in view of future enlargement. Allow me to make a few comments without prejudging the outcome of the reviews, in particular on institutional reform.

    Mr President, honourable Members, I am aware that the question of institutional reform and treaty change has been key to Parliament in particular during the last legislature. In November 2023, this House adopted a resolution with proposals for amendments of the treaties. As President von der Leyen stated in her political guidelines, we need treaty change where it can improve our Union. So in order to prepare the Union for enlargement, we need to examine all options, starting with using the full potential of the current treaties.

    We first need to focus on what can already be done under the current treaties. In that regard, the Commission believes we need to extend the use of qualified majority voting in the Council in some areas, moving away from unanimity. This could in particular mean activating so-called passerelle clauses. The position of the Commission is well known: if the Union wants to play its role quickly, efficiently and therefore strategically, we need we need to decrease the number of decisions where unanimity is needed. But we also need to acknowledge the sensitivities among Member States on this topic. We have to discuss the question of unanimity with the objective of finding a way to address Member States’ legitimate concerns.

    We remain committed to engage in a constructive dialogue with both Parliament and the Council on these important matters. The Commission welcomes the ongoing reflections on these issues in the AFCO Committee, and in particular, the upcoming report on the institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations.

    		  
       

    		 

      Željana Zovko, u ime kluba PPE. – Poštovani predsjedavajući, u posljednja dva desetljeća Europska unija suočila se s nizom kriza: od financijske krize 2008., preko migrantske krize 2015., do pandemije COVID-a te rata u Ukrajini. Unatoč svemu, Europska unija je iz tih izazova izašla izgubivši samo jednu članicu, ali sačuvala je jedinstvo svojih temeljnih vrijednosti.

    Kao posljednja zemlja koja je pristupila Europskoj uniji, Hrvatska itekako dobro zna koliko je vrijedilo prolaziti kroz nužne reforme i ispunjavati kriterije za punopravno članstvo te na kraju, u ključnim trenucima imati zaštitu i sigurnost koju članstvo u Europskoj uniji donosi.

    S jedne strane imamo zemlje Istočnog partnerstva koje zbog svojih demokratskih težnji plaćaju visoku cijenu životima svojih građana zbog autoritativnih režima u susjedstvu. S druge strane, zemlje zapadnog Balkana koje su već prošle kroz ratna razaranja, a danas su žrtve birokratske inertnosti Europske unije i neriješenih povijesnih nesuglasica koje usporavaju njihovu integraciju i potkopavaju njihovu institucionalnu obnovu.

    Poštovane kolege, naš najveći izazov danas je nedostatak vizije. Vizije koja će Uniju vratiti njezinim izvorištima – ideji mira i sigurnosti, ne samo unutar Europske unije već i na njezinim granicama. Ako zemlje kandidatkinje ostavimo u rukama onih koji žele razgraditi Europu izvana i iznutra, mir i sigurnost više neće imati tko braniti. Naš ego mora odstupiti pred zajedničkom odgovornošću u odnosima stare i nove Europe.

    Često se postavlja pitanje je li moguće proširenje bez produbljenja. Ta dilema je apsurdna. Nijedan čovjek nije otok, kako je rekao engleski pjesnik John Donne. Tako ni jedna zemlja ne može sama. Od samih početaka europskog kontinenta stvarale su se unije s ciljem zaštite građana. Najuspješniji projekt u toj povijesti upravo je Europska unija, koja je kroz proces proširenja postala najpoželjnije mjesto za življenje. Kao što se naš mir brani na ukrajinskoj granici, tako se i naša sigurnost čuva na granicama zapadnog Balkana.

    Ovo nije mjesto na kojem odlučujemo tko je više, a tko manje privilegiran da bude Europljanin. Ovo je mjesto na kojem odlučujemo što mi možemo učiniti za Europsku uniju kako bi ostala kao projekt mira, solidarnosti i pomirenja.

    		  
       

    		 

      Kathleen Van Brempt, on behalf of the S&D Group. – Mr President, Commissioner, EU enlargement – when it’s done right – is a game changer. It brings peace, prosperity, strength across Europe. And today, with Russia tightening its grip in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries, the stakes are even higher.

    The momentum is real and we cannot afford to make the same mistakes we made in the past. So no shortcuts on our values. The rule of law, independent courts, freedom of speech, freedom of media, fundamental rights, democracy: they are non-negotiable. Even now – especially now – if a candidate country slides back on these values, we must act.

    When Serbia’s President shows up at Putin’s parade, while silencing democracy back home, the EU must respond. No more appeasement! Our credibility is on the line, and so is Serbia’s future.

    And at the same time – as you mentioned, Commissioner – we need to reform ourselves. We can’t demand from others when we ignore it ourselves. We need stronger tools to address democratic backsliding in the EU itself.

    And let’s be honest: enlargement means readiness on our side, too. As candidate countries prepare, so must we, by reforming our institutions in parallel, updating the EU budget, making it fit for a bigger Union and, yes, moving beyond unanimity, as you mentioned.

    Dear Commissioner, people also need to see the benefits of enlargement – both in the EU and in the candidate and future Member States. So let’s act: speed up access to the single market, give candidate countries observer seats in the EU institutions and let them be part of the project as they work towards full membership.

    And I would like you to convey the message to the Commissioner for Enlargement that she has the backing of the S&D Group to do all that in the coming months and years.

    		  
       

    		 

      Kinga Gál, a PfE képviselőcsoport nevében. – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! A Patrióták nem támogatják a bővítéspolitika geopolitikai érdekek szerinti gyorsítását. Ez hitelteleníti az Uniót a térség azon országainak szemében, mint a Nyugat-Balkán országai, amelyek évek óta kitartóan dolgoznak a tagság feltételeinek teljesítésén.

    Nem ez az első eset, hogy az Unió politikai iránytűje rossz irányba fordul, figyelmen kívül hagyva az európai polgárok valós érdekeit. Például szükséges lenne, hogy a Bizottság haladéktalanul készítsen egy átfogó hatástanulmányt Ukrajna esetleges csatlakozásának várható következményeiről. Ukrajna semmilyen csatlakozási kritériumnak nem felel meg. Egy háború sújtotta országról beszélünk, így a gyorsított csatlakozásával a háborút is importálnánk. Elégtelen például a nemzeti kisebbségi jogok helyzete. Az ukrán munkaerő beáramlása veszélyezteti a munkahelyeket, az agrártermékek tömeges beáradása és az agrártámogatások elvesztése pedig a gazdák megélhetését. Aránytalanul nagymértékben vonnának el kohéziós forrásokat más tagállamoktól.

    Az emberek feje felett nem születhetnek meg elhamarkodott döntések. Ezért kezdeményeztünk Magyarországon, Európában egyedülálló módon véleménynyilvánító népszavazást erről. Nem engedjük, hogy a kierőltetett ukrán uniós tagság árát a magyar emberek fizessék meg, mint ahogy azt sem engedhetjük meg, hogy újabb lopakodó hatáskörelvonással csorbuljon a szuverenitásunk. A bővítéspolitikában csak egyhangúsággal lehet döntéseket hozni, nem pedig a tagállamokat megkerülve, politikai alapon. Ez a tagállamok és az egész Unió alapvető érdeke.

    		  
       

    		 

      Alberico Gambino, a nome del gruppo ECR. – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, signora Commissaria, l’allargamento dell’Unione europea è una delle grandi sfide geopolitiche e politiche del nostro tempo. Non riguarda solo i paesi candidati. Riguarda il futuro dell’Europa stessa e la sua capacità di essere protagonista nello scenario globale, di difendere i suoi interessi e garantire stabilità.

    L’Italia ha sempre sostenuto con convinzione il cammino europeo dei Balcani occidentali e degli altri paesi candidati. Ma è giusto che questo percorso sia serio, graduale, basato su impegni concreti e su un’autentica volontà di avvicinamento ai valori e agli standard europei. Perché chi chiede di entrare nell’Unione deve dimostrare di voler essere parte integrante di una comunità politica, non solo economica.

    In questo processo strumenti come Twinning, TAIEX e il Fondo INCE, che l’Italia finanzia interamente, hanno un ruolo fondamentale. Progetti reali che aiutano questi paesi a costruire amministrazioni solide, capaci ed efficienti.

    Ma l’allargamento è anche una questione strategica, vista la situazione geopolitica che viviamo, piena di instabilità e di minacce ibride. Rafforzare i legami con i paesi del vicinato è anche un modo per rendere più sicura e resiliente l’Unione europea.

    L’Italia continuerà a contribuire con determinazione a questo percorso comune. In questo scenario è l’intera Europa che deve riaffermare il proprio ruolo da protagonista, promuovendo un allargamento che sia realmente utile, credibile e sostenibile.

    		  
       

    		 

      Sandro Gozi, au nom du groupe Renew. – Monsieur le Président, chaque jour on fait le constat d’une Union pas assez efficace, pas assez puissante et pas assez démocratique. Ceci est d’autant plus vrai face aux défis de l’unification continentale et du nouveau désordre mondial. Comment pouvons-nous convaincre nos citoyens et nous-mêmes que tout d’un coup, l’Europe peut survivre à ces nouveaux défis sans résoudre les anciens problèmes?

    Nous avons besoin d’une Union plus efficace, avec moins de veto et plus de vote à la majorité, d’une Union plus puissante, avec plus de ressources pour une véritable Europe de la défense et des investissements. D’une Union plus démocratique avec une nouvelle loi électorale. Si les réformes sont nécessaires à 27, elles le deviennent encore plus dans une Union à 30, 32 ou davantage de pays. Il n’y a jamais eu un élargissement dans l’histoire de l’Union européenne qui n’a pas été précédé par des réformes institutionnelles et des réformes des traités.

    Donc, je dis à la Commission: plus de courage, plus de courage. Soyez explicites, vous savez bien que la réforme des traités est nécessaire. Assumez vos responsabilités et, ensemble, réformons l’Union pour unifier l’Europe.

    		  
       

    		 

      Daniel Freund, im Namen der Verts/ALE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Zwischen Trumps America First und Putins Angriffen auf Zivilisten in der Ukraine – es zeigt doch: Wir brauchen ein stärkeres Europa. Bei allen großen Fragen unserer Zeit, ob nun beim Kampf gegen den Klimawandel, dafür zu sorgen, dass auch die größten Konzerne ihren fairen Anteil an Steuern zahlen, und leider ja auch wieder bei der Frage, für die die Europäische Union mal gegründet wurde – die Frage von Stabilität, von Frieden, von Freiheit, von Demokratie auf diesem Kontinent –, bei all diesen Fragen können wir wenig bis gar nichts machen ohne eine starke Europäische Union. Kleinstaaterei ist ein Sicherheitsrisiko. Nur gemeinsam sind wir stark. Wir können auch den Verteidigungshaushalt von Estland oder Litauen verdoppeln, wir können ihn verdreifachen – es wird Putin nicht abschrecken.

    Was Putin abschrecken wird, ist, wenn wir in Europa stärker zusammenarbeiten – auch in Verteidigungsfragen. Und vor allen Dingen, wenn wir ein paar grundsätzliche Konstruktionsfehler der Europäischen Union endlich angehen. Die Einstimmigkeit abzuschaffen, die ist doch das größte Geschenk an Putin: Er muss nur einen einzigen von 27 Staats- und Regierungschefs bestechen, erpressen, irgendwie auf seine Seite ziehen.

    Wir müssen endlich bei der Demokratie Fortschritte machen. Denn wenn die Demokratie von außen und von innen angegriffen wird, dann müssen wir doch in der Europäischen Union damit reagieren, dass wir die EU demokratischer machen, dass wir endlich ein Initiativrecht bekommen für dieses Europäische Parlament, dass wir endlich wirkliche Europawahlen bekommen, dass wir endlich sehen können, was die Regierungen im Rat eigentlich genau machen, wo stimmen sie zu, wo lehnen sie ab. Und für all diese Fragen braucht es am Ende Vertragsänderungen, und das wollen die Bürgerinnen und Bürger; die Zustimmungswerte für die Europäische Union sind so hoch, wie wir sie noch nie gesehen haben in der Geschichte der Europäischen Union. Lassen Sie uns diesen Moment nutzen!

    Das Europäische Parlament hat ja bereits Vorschläge gemacht. Wir wollen die Verträge ändern. Und wenn wir es am Ende ernst meinen mit unserem Versprechen an die Ukraine, an den Balkan, an die Länder, die in die Europäische Union wollen, wenn wir dieses Versprechen ernst meinen, dann müssen wir die Verträge ändern. Und es ist der Rat, der blockiert, der heute nicht mal hier zu dieser Debatte auftaucht, Sonntagsreden hält, am Ende aber nicht das liefert, was die Bürgerinnen und Bürger wollen. Das müssen wir angehen.

    		  
       

    		 

      Anthony Smith, au nom du groupe The Left. – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, Madame la Commissaire, l’élargissement ne sera un succès que s’il est au service des peuples et de l’amélioration des conditions de vie, et non uniquement vu comme un outil géopolitique au service de votre logique bloc contre bloc, logique guerrière qui est à des années-lumière des aspirations des peuples d’Europe. La clé du succès de l’élargissement sera d’abord conditionnée par une Europe plus démocratique, avec des institutions au service des citoyens et non un marché au service des industriels.

    Mais, disons le d’emblée, votre Union européenne peut aujourd’hui se résumer à un ensemble de moyens permettant une concurrence libre et non faussée au service d’une vision impérialiste. Notre Europe, celle que nous défendons, porte un projet de paix, de partage des richesses, de démocratie, d’accueil et d’humanité. À l’heure où les extrêmes droites arbitrent les décisions de notre institution, nous ne pouvons que constater les régressions de toutes parts, acclamées par les conservateurs et par les libéraux.

    Voilà l’Europe que vous proposez aux peuples de notre continent, celle de la catastrophe climatique et de la pauvreté généralisée, celle de la corruption et des discriminations, bref, une union à l’image d’Orbán et de Nawrocki. L’accueil de nouveaux États doit se faire autour d’un socle commun ambitieux de droits sociaux dans lequel la démocratie sociale, et notamment la négociation collective, doivent jouer tout leur rôle. Sinon, c’est l’exploitation des travailleurs, la course au moins‑disant social et environnemental qui s’imposera.

    Cela exige que les aides de préadhésion servent aussi à construire cette Europe du commun, avec des institutions fortes, transparentes, intègres, des inspections efficaces, des systèmes judiciaires indépendants. L’élargissement doit être un levier de construction d’un continent plus juste, où les droits sociaux et les contre-pouvoirs démocratiques soient la règle, qui rejette la concurrence généralisée, le dumping social, la corruption. En un mot, pas d’élargissement sans projet social ambitieux.

    		  
       

    		 

      Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, w imieniu grupy ESN. – Panie Przewodniczący! Szanowni Państwo! Ostatnie rozszerzenie Unii Europejskiej miało miejsce w 2013 r., gdy do Wspólnoty dołączyła Chorwacja. W kolejce do wejścia w tym momencie czeka 10 państw. Tylko pytanie: do czego jest ta kolejka? Od 2015 r. Unia Europejska pogrąża się w coraz większym kryzysie. To wtedy najeźdźcy napływali masowo do Europy, niszcząc bezpieczeństwo wewnętrzne Grecji i Włoch w nieodwracalny sposób. To była pierwsza fala uderzeniowa multikulti. Fala, której skutki odczuwamy do dziś.

    Od tego momentu Unia Europejska ma twarz Junckera, który pijany wychodził na międzynarodowe konferencje. Ma twarz Timmermansa, który zaciekle atakował Polskę i Węgry i bardzo agresywnie forsował szkodliwą, niebezpieczną, zieloną politykę. Unia Europejska ma twarz korupcji, autorytarnego zamordyzmu, moralnego zepsucia, lobbingu zagranicznego, niebezpieczeństwa, głupoty i nakrętek przymocowanych do plastikowych butelek. Unia Europejska ma twarz Ursuli von der Leyen, która nie nadąża za światowymi zmianami i pcha Europę ku samozagładzie.

    To nie jest ta sama Unia Europejska, do której Polska wchodziła w 2004 r. Wchodziliśmy na konkretnych zasadach, które dziś leżą w koszu, zastąpione autorytaryzmem i lewacką agendą. Dziś Unia Europejska przestaje być dobrym miejscem do życia. I pytanie: czy do takiej struktury rzeczywiście jakieś państwo chce wejść i powinno wejść? Najpierw trzeba Unię Europejską naprawić.

    Musimy wrócić do naszego DNA, do wspólnoty suwerennych państw narodowych. Cywilizacja życia musi wygrać z cywilizacją śmierci. Musimy ochronić nasze rodziny, nasze bezpieczeństwo i nasze granice. W przeciwnym razie po prostu nie będzie do czego wchodzić. I tyle.

    		  
       

    		 

      Rasa Juknevičienė (PPE). – Mr President, I’ll start with a Ursula von der Leyen quote: ‘EU enlargement is an investment in our collective security’. I completely agree. A bit late, but very true words.

    One of the reasons why Putin started this war is the grey areas of insecurity in Europe. If we had had such an understanding and decisions, at least immediately after the annexation of Crimea, there is a high probability that Ukraine would not be attacked today.

    Not too late. We have that chance. It is necessary to seek consensus in our societies that enlargement is as important for the future of the EU as defence. In essence, enlargement is an integral part of our defence union. The unification of the European continent on the basis of democracies is in our own interests. Either a larger, secure, strong EU or Russia and China closer to our borders.

    Such an understanding requires leaders in each Member State. That’s why I end my speech with a James Freeman Clark quote: ‘A politician thinks of the next election, a statesman of the next generation’. At least, let’s think about both, about the elections and about the next generations.

    (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question)

    		  
       

    		 

      Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D). – Señor presidente, señora comisaria, hace escasas fechas, el 12 de junio, se cumplieron cuarenta años de la adhesión de España y Portugal a las entonces Comunidades Europeas.

    Esto muestra con claridad el éxito de la política de ampliación, ¿verdad? Porque supuso no solamente un impulso a reformas políticas y a la modernización económica, sino también, y sobre todo, a la estabilización de las democracias en los dos países ibéricos, que contribuyeron desde su adhesión a mejorar la construcción europea.

    De modo que la política de cohesión debe muchísimo a España y Portugal. El refuerzo de la política agrícola y también la ciudadanía y el programa Erasmus tienen, por tanto, una deuda clara con esta adhesión.

    Pero, cuarenta años después, la Unión Europea creció. ¡Vaya si creció! Llegamos a ser veintiocho, y ahora somos veintisiete. Pero hay, al menos en estos momentos, candidatos en la lista de espera hasta sumar treinta y cinco.

    Y lo primero que hace falta es un ejercicio de realismo, no engañarse con placebos. Es una hipocresía que Turquía continúe formalmente en la lista de espera como país candidato, cuando es evidente que hace tiempo que abandonó toda expectativa y se ha cualificado como un actor regional por sí mismo.

    Pero hay otros países candidatos a los que hay que exigir, por supuesto, la adhesión a los valores europeos: artículo 2 del Tratado; esa idea europea de democracia que incluye pluralismo, que incluye pluralismo informativo, que incluye independencia judicial y estrategias contra la corrupción.

    Y, por eso, la adhesión tiene que ser muy exigente. Pero, para empezar, tiene que ser exigente para la propia Unión Europea. Y esto exige, si queremos ser treinta y cinco, cambiar los métodos de decisión. Porque, si el contraste entre nuestros objetivos y ambiciones proclamados y nuestro método de decisión disfuncional e impracticable es insoportable a veintisiete, ¿cómo será a treinta y cinco?

    Lo pone de manifiesto Hungría: cuando hace falta unanimidad, Hungría es el missing link, el eslabón fallido de la cadena, y obliga a todos los demás a formar una coalition of the willing para hacer lo que Hungría veta.

    Por tanto, es imprescindible un ejercicio de seriedad para que esa reforma institucional sea previa a toda ampliación de la construcción europea. Esa es la exigencia.

    		  
       

    		 

      António Tânger Corrêa (PfE). – Senhor Presidente, Senhora Comissária, caros colegas, o alargamento é estrategicamente essencial para a União Europeia.

    Nós falamos por nós próprios e por aquilo que Portugal ganhou em aderir à União Europeia, e queremos que os outros países candidatos também ganhem quando aderirem à União Europeia. Mas essa adesão tem de ser feita no estrito cumprimento dos critérios de Copenhaga e nos timings exatamente iguais uns aos outros. Não deve haver primeiras e segundas velocidades, não deve haver filhos e enteados nessa adesão, por um lado.

    Por outro lado, é preciso que nós arrumemos a casa –– a nossa casa europeia –– porque a nossa casa europeia, como qualquer outra casa, precisa de manutenção, e essa manutenção não tem sido feita. Essa manutenção é absolutamente necessária, antes de qualquer alargamento.

    Temos de rever os Tratados, temos de rever a nossa própria União e os princípios e valores pelos quais nos regemos, pois muitos anos se passaram desde o início deste grande projeto que é a União Europeia, e o mundo mudou. O mundo global mudou.

    Estrategicamente, temos outros desafios que não tínhamos nessa altura, e é preciso enfrentar esses desafios de uma forma mais moderna, mais proativa e, principalmente, de uma forma mais eficaz e ativa para nós próprios europeus.

    Portanto, queria deixar aqui esta mensagem e dizer sim ao alargamento, mas a um alargamento à medida do século XXI e não a um alargamento à medida do século XX.

    		  
       

    		 

      Ивайло Вълчев (ECR). – Г-н Зиле, г-жо Захариева, ще започна с един цитат от г-жа Марта Кос. Тя наскоро заяви, че Македония е цитирам „тъжна приказка“. Тя забрави обаче да спомене, че на Балканите ние имаме една поговорка: „Каквото си направиш сам и Господ не може да ти го направи“.

    Ситуацията, в която се намира Скопие в момента, е резултат единствено и само на техните собствени действия или по-право – бездействия. Днес Скопие можеше да бъде рамо до рамо с Тирана и Подгорица, можеха да бъдат здраво стъпили на своя европейски път. Не го направиха, защото в крайна сметка не искат. Няма отстъпки, които биха довели до това те да изпълнят своите вече поети ангажименти. Ето защо аз бих помолил госпожа Кос следващия път да попита правителството в Скопие директно: „Искате ли да бъдете част от Европейския съюз или не?“ Защото отговорът е прост: ако искате, просто изпълнете своите ангажименти. България вече направи компромиси и няма да отстъпи и на йота от тях, защото няма причина да вярва, че официално Скопие ще промени политиката си и говора си на омраза спрямо българите и България.

    Последните събития – присъдата срещу Любчо Георгиевски и тежкото състояние на македонските българи, са най добрата илюстрация за това защо искахме допълнителните условия от Скопие в преговорната рамка.

    		  
       

    		 

      Thomas Waitz (Verts/ALE). – Mr President, Madam Commissioner, in times of rising authoritarianism, in times where we see brutal warfare in our immediate neighbourhood on European soil, if we European states want to defend our way of life, the rule of law, democracy, human rights, we have to stand together and we have to speak with a united voice. And yes, for this, we need to rethink whether majority voting in terms of foreign policy should not be the next step for reforms.

    But we also have to see that most of these countries that are seeking accession are making great progress. And we have two candidate states that have a realistic chance to join this European Union until 2028: clearly Montenegro and maybe – if they keep the ambition – Albania. I want to say these are two countries that have been reliable partners, that have been sharing our CFSP, so foreign policy, standpoints. They have shown their commitment to the European Union and they have a realistic chance to come as 28th and 29th members into the European Union.

    Yes, we need reforms of the Treaty, but we also need a signal to the region that enlargement is possible based on merits, based on the rule of law, but that we’re acting in terms of enlargement and we’re not kicking the can down the road when it comes to reforms. So, let’s keep the door open for Montenegro and Albania. The region needs this signal.

    		  
       

    		 

      Li Andersson (The Left). – Arvoisa puhemies, oikeistolaiset voimat tekevät tällä hetkellä parhaansa muuttaakseen EU:n sellaiseksi, mitä se huonoimmillaan voi olla: vain markkinoiden ja suuryritysten unioniksi. Mutta Itä-Euroopassa ja Balkanilla monet katsovat meitä kuitenkin toisesta syystä. He hakevat turvallisuutta poliittisesta yhteistyöstä. He haluavat vahvaa suojaa oikeusvaltioperiaatteelle, ihmisoikeuksille ja riittäville ympäristövaatimuksille.

    Putinin autoritaarisuuden voimistuessa ihmiset ovat valmiita lähtemään kaduille puolustamaan oikeuttaan valita, vapauttaan ja eurooppalaisia arvoja, ja siksi laajentuminen on nyt niin tärkeä kysymys.

    Kysymys on myös Ukrainasta. Jos ja kun ukrainalaiset haluavat liittyä EU:hun, meidän on oltava valmiina toivottamaan heidät tervetulleeksi. Samalla meidän tulee varmistaa, että jäsenyyskriteerit täyttyvät. Me tarvitsemme avointa keskustelua laajentumisen tuomista muutoksista unionin päätöksentekoon ja budjettiin.

    Mutta aiempien laajentumisprosessien virheistä pitää myös oppia. Tarvitsemme parempia välineitä ja yhteisiä digitaalisia järjestelmiä rajatylittävän työvoiman hyväksikäytön torjumiseksi. Kun otetaan huomioon, kuinka kauan sisämarkkinoilla on ollut vapaata liikkuvuutta, on käsittämätöntä, ettemme ole edistyneet tämän pidemmälle tämän ongelman ratkaisussa.

    		  
       

    		 

      Thomas Geisel (NI). – Herr Präsident, Frau Kommissarin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Die Erweiterungsdiskussion schadet der Europäischen Union vor allem deshalb, weil sie unehrlich ist. Sie ist unehrlich, weil sie politisch motiviert ist. Über eine EU‑Mitgliedschaft der Ukraine beispielsweise würden wir ohne den russischen Angriffskrieg gar nicht diskutieren, denn sie würde das Ende der gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik bedeuten – das will niemand, und deswegen wird es dazu auch nicht kommen.

    Die Diskussion ist auch unehrlich, weil wir sie uns nicht leisten können. Kein Mitgliedstaat wird bereit sein, seinen Beitrag zum EU‑Haushalt zu erhöhen oder auf Leistungen der Union zu verzichten. Wie auch, wenn 5 % der nationalen Etats für Verteidigungsausgaben ausgegeben werden sollen!

    Und sie ist drittens unehrlich, weil sie in Wahrheit keiner will, nicht einmal die Menschen in den Beitrittskandidatenländern. Schauen Sie sich doch nur die letzten Wahlergebnisse in Georgien und Moldawien an!

    Die Wachstumsschmerzen der Europäischen Union sind schon heute unverkennbar. Noch mehr Mitgliedsländer sind keine geeignete Therapie – im Gegenteil, dadurch werden sie weiter verschlimmert.

    		  
       

    		 

      Lukas Mandl (PPE). – Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, we need a Europe with more strength to the outside and more freedom to the inside. And at the moment, we are experiencing an era when the European Commission contributes a lot to a Europe with more freedom to the inside: deregulation, simplification, competitiveness – that’s what we were thriving for for a long time and what’s happening now.

    But we also need a Europe with more strength to the outside for the sake of European values, for the sake of the interests of the Europeans of this generation and of generations to come, and that means fostering the enlargement process.

    We have to be aware of the fact that the so-called ‘methodologies’ of accession to the European Union just haven’t worked. They haven’t worked for many years. I remember at the beginning of the last mandate, here, we were more or less obliged to define a new methodology for the enlargement process. Did it help? No, not at all.

    While many European countries, nearly all of them, want to be part of the integrated Europe, of the European Union, the best shape our continent ever had in history, while this is the case on one side, on the other side, we are reluctant and stuck in bureaucracy, in so-called ‘methodologies’, when it comes to enlargement. We need a more holistic and a more visionary approach here.

    (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question)

    		  
       

    		 

      Petras Gražulis (ESN), pakėlus mėlynąją kortelę pateiktas klausimas. – Gerbiamas pirmininke, pranešėjau, aš jau gal ketvirtą kartą klausiu ir negaunu atsakymo. Europos Parlamentas ir Europos Komisija labai myli Ukrainą ir nėra dienos, kad nepriimtume kokios nors rezoliucijos dėl meilės Ukrainai. Tačiau prezidentas Zelenskis neprašo rezoliucijų, prašo narystės Europos Sąjungoje. Kas kaltas, kad po šiai dienai nėra priimta Ukraina į Europos Sąjungą – Putinas, Trumpas, Ukraina ar Europos Sąjunga? Ir pasakykit, galų gale, kada nuo žodžių prieisite prie realių darbų?

    		  
       

    		 

      Кристиан Вигенин (S&D). – Г-жо Комисар, разширяването е не само исторически ангажимент, но и стратегически приоритет. То е инвестиция в сигурността, стабилността и просперитета на целия континент. Разширяването на Съюза обаче поставя пред нас и редица институционални предизвикателства: по-сложни механизми за взимане на решения, необходимост от адаптиране на бюджета и засилване на демократичната легитимност. В този контекст често се предлага премахването на принципа на единодушие като универсално решение. Но нека бъдем честни, това няма да отстрани най-съществения проблем –липсата на достатъчно доверие между страните членки. Договорите и сега предлагат редица инструменти като засилено сътрудничество, конструктивно въздържане, които можем да използваме. Те дават възможност да се премине към решение с квалифицирано мнозинство по всеки въпрос, стига това да се реши с единодушие.

    Промяната на договорите е сложен и бавен процес без гаранции за крайния резултат. Затова трябва да използваме максимално сегашната правна рамка, иначе има риск да отслабим Европейския съюз и да блокираме процеса на разширяване за неопределено време.

    Като представител на България – една от последните присъединили се държави, искам ясно да подчертая: отговорността, в случая, е двустранна. Кандидатките за членство също трябва да си свършат работата и да предприемат необходимите промени, за да прилагат европейските стандарти във всяка една сфера. Само така процесът ще запази подкрепата на гражданите, което е най-важно, както в страните кандидатки, така и в държавите членки, за да постигнем заедно едно демократично, солидарно и добро бъдеще за всеки един европеец.

    		  
       

    		 

      Anders Vistisen (PfE). – Mr President, before we open the door to yet another massive EU enlargement, let’s take a sober look at the facts. We are talking about eight candidate countries with a combined population of more than 90 million people, and at extra cost for the European taxpayers of above EUR 75 billion.

    And all the countries are below EU standards in all key areas. Take corruption: according to Transparency International, these countries rank among the worst in Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina is at 108th place, lower than countries like Algeria or Zambia. Ukraine and Serbia share 104th place, and Albania ranks 98th. By comparison, Denmark is number one!

    In terms of median income, these countries are light years behind: Ukraine has an average monthly salary of only EUR 380, Moldova EUR 330, and even the most developed, Montenegro, has an average below EUR 800.

    Opening the single market to these countries will only lead to massive social dumping and welfare tourism in Europe.

    		  
       

    		 

      Cristian Terheş (ECR). – Domnule președinte, stimați colegi, proiectul european a fost vizionar, inițiat de lideri creștini practicanți după Al Doilea Război Mondial. Ei au visat la o comunitate de state suverane unite prin libertatea circulației bunurilor, persoanelor, serviciilor și capitalului, o unire care să aducă prin prosperitatea tuturor, pacea ‑ și au reușit. De la șase state vest-europene fondatoare, această comunitate, începută în 1951, a tot crescut, iar cu fiecare extindere toate statele membre și-au consolidat stabilitatea, solidaritatea și bunăstarea.

    Din păcate, cortina de fier și ocupația sovietică a estului Europei au blocat peste 200 de milioane de europeni în afara acestui spațiu al libertății și prosperității. A fost nevoie să cadă comunismul și să treacă aproape 50 de ani de la înființare, pentru ca fostele state comuniste captive să înceapă să facă parte din această comunitate. Astăzi, integrarea Republicii Moldova, Ucrainei și a Balcanilor de Vest este pasul firesc al unui proiect politico-economic care a demonstrat că unitatea aduce forță și crește prosperitatea tuturor statelor membre.

    		  
       

    		 

      Reinier Van Lanschot (Verts/ALE). – Mr President, dear colleagues, what could the EU look like in 2030? A new European Union from Greenland in the Atlantic to Ukraine in the Black Sea, a new Union with more countries. For the countries joining, it means new opportunities, new freedoms and new responsibilities – 35 countries collaborating together. But we know the EU is already dysfunctional.

    There’s only one solution: reform, treaty reform. Let’s create a Europe 2.0 with a European Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, free from the oppressive veto, a Europe that speaks with one voice. This could become a reality by enlarging and reforming the Union – in other words, a new Europe that is bigger and better. Parliament voted for treaty reform already, but the Council refuses to act. They are not even present at this debate, only thinking about the next election, not thinking about the next generation.

    		  
       

    		 

      Alexander Sell (ESN). – Herr Präsident! Deutschland ist pleite. Die Rentenversicherung ist pleite, Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung – pleite, Arbeitslosenversicherung – pleite. Wir Deutschen zahlen mit die höchsten Steuern weltweit, 1000 Milliarden Euro im Jahr, und trotzdem fehlt es an allen Ecken und Enden. Brücken und Straßen verfallen, Schulen sind marode, über 7 Millionen Rentner haben weniger als 1000 Euro im Monat, Wohneigentum gibt es kaum. Gleichzeitig zahlen wir auch den höchsten Beitrag zur EU, mit weitem Abstand, fast 30 Milliarden Euro im Jahr, obwohl wir laut Europäischer Zentralbank eines der ärmsten Länder Europas sind.

    Aber statt die deutschen Steuerzahler zu entlasten, wollen Sie uns immer neue Lasten aufbürden. Moldawien, Albanien oder die Ukraine sollen jetzt Mitglied in der Europäischen Union werden, weil sich Frau von der Leyen mehr Gewicht auf der weltpolitischen Bühne erhofft. Das wird nicht funktionieren; wir Deutschen werden uns nicht länger ausplündern lassen. Wir werden Ihrem Größenwahnsinn den Geldhahn abdrehen. Darauf können Sie sich verlassen, denn dafür wird meine Partei gewählt. Sagen Sie bitte Ihrer Kommissionspräsidentin: Wer untergehen soll, der wird vorher hochmütig, und Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.

    		  
       

    		 

      Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus (NI). – Domnule președinte, doamnă comisară, stimați colegi, ieri au fost bătuți preoți la Cernăuți, în Ucraina, preoți ortodocși ai comunității românești. Anul trecut, mitropolitul Longhin Jar a fost bătut și este târât prin procese fictive de ani de zile. Minoritatea românească a fost întotdeauna oropsită în Ucraina. Eu acum nu înțeleg, statele acestea care urmează să adere la Uniunea Europeană nu trebuie să respecte drepturile minorităților? Tot timpul vorbim de minoritățile LGBT, dar nu vorbim de o minoritate atât de importantă, ca cea românească, de peste jumătate de milion de oameni din Ucraina.

    Au inventat încă și o limbă moldovenească. Nu există o limbă moldovenească, după cum nu există o republică moldovenească. Moldova este o regiune din România. Faptul că există o Republică Moldova, asta se întâmplă doar pentru că un bolșevic și cu un nazist au făcut un Pact Ribbentrop-Molotov și un Dictat de la Viena acum 85 de ani și pentru România acest pact nu este încă denunțat. Așa că, să nu fiu prost înțeles, eu sunt de acord ca Moldova să adere și am votat în acest sens la Uniunea Europeană, dar totuși, nu era mai simplu să se unească cu România? Era mult mai simplu, mă gândesc.

    		  
       

    		 

      Karlo Ressler (PPE). – Poštovani predsjedavajući, kolegice i kolege, ruski utjecaj, kineske investicije i protueuropski regionalni akteri koji ne dijele naše europske vrijednosti jačaju svoju prisutnost upravo ondje gdje Europa oklijeva. Vjerodostojnost europske politike proširenja gradi se upravo kroz čvršće partnerstvo s državama i akterima koji dijele težnju prema zajedničkoj budućnosti, ali isto tako i čvršćim politikama prema onima koji podrivaju Europu i koji podrivaju europske vrijednosti.

    U tom kontekstu, plan rasta za zapadni Balkan svakako predstavlja priliku za dublju integraciju i konkretne promjene, no bez jasne političke poruke, bez jasne težnje i traženja jasnog opredjeljenja, ostat će tek okvir bez sadržaja.

    Sjeverna Makedonija, država koja unatoč višestrukim preporukama Komisije još uvijek čeka početak pregovora, primjer je političke nepravde koja također potkopava vjeru u europski projekt. U Bosni i Hercegovini iscrpljuju se separatističke poruke, separatističke politike s jedne strane, ali isto tako nerealne unitarističke ambicije s druge. Crna Gora bori se za svoju europsku i prozapadnu orijentaciju.

    Naivno i u ovoj raspravi zvuče iluzije da će preglasavanje unutar Europske unije dovesti do većeg jedinstva. To nije moguće, to je kontraproduktivno ne samo za manje i srednje velike države članice nego isto tako i za cijelu Europu. Zbog toga moramo biti jasni, moramo biti prisutni, ali isto tako moramo zajedno raditi na uvažavanju svih stajališta.

    (Govornik je pristao odgovoriti na pitanje postavljeno podizanjem plave kartice.)

    		  
       

    		 

      Petras Gražulis (ESN), pakėlus mėlynąją kortelę pateiktas klausimas. – Gerbiamas Pirmininke. Aš jūsų, kolegos iš EPP partijos, klausiau, kada priimsite Ukrainą į Europos Sąjungą. Jis atsakė, kad reakcingas mano klausimas. O tų rezoliucijų, kaip ir minėjau, Ukrainos prezidentas Zelenskis, kurias mes kasdien priiminėjame, kaip mylime Ukrainą, neprašo. Tai gal jūs galite tada viešai visiems pasakyti, kad jūs nežadate priimti Ukrainos į Europos Sąjungą? Ir kas tai trukdo? Ar tai ne tokia veidmainystė, kada viena kalbam, o visiškai veiksmai yra kitokie? Tik rezoliucijomis mes mylim… (posėdžio pirmininkas iš kalbėtojo atima žodį)

    		  
       

    		 

      Karlo Ressler (PPE), odgovor na pitanje postavljeno podizanjem plave kartice. – Ne čini mi se dobronamjernim, zapravo, vaše pitanje. Ono što svakako možemo reći je da i Ukrajina, koja se bori i za svoju opstojnost, ali koja se bori tj. njezin narod i za europske vrijednosti, ima ambiciju ući u Europsku uniju. Kada i kako će se to dogoditi nije jednostavno odgovoriti, neće se u svakom slučaju dogoditi preko noći.

    Međutim, ono što postoji kao ambicija mislim da treba poštivati i s naše strane da moramo napraviti reda i kod politike proširenja. I u tom smislu, državi koja je sada u ratnom stanju trebamo učiniti sve da joj pomognemo, a nadamo se da će jednoga dana naši kolege ovdje dolaziti i iz Ukrajine.

    		  
       

    		 

      Tonino Picula (S&D). – Poštovani predsjedavajući, geopolitička situacija u svijetu je dobar argument u korist nastavka politike proširenja. Međutim, to ne znači da treba odstupati od „kopenhaških kriterija”, upravo suprotno – treba ih dosljedno provoditi u praksi.

    Europska unija treba pružati podršku samo stvarnim, a ne fiktivnim reformama, i odmah pozitivno reagirati kada se kriteriji ispune.

    Premda je proširenje opet strateški prioritet Europske unije, gotovo transakcijski se dugo odnosila prema ovoj politici, vođena pogrešnim uvjerenjem da će europskim novcem riješiti sve unutarnje probleme država kandidata.

    Tako na liste strateški važnih projekata stavljamo one koje građani ne podržavaju ili preporučujemo zatvaranje poglavlja o javnoj nabavi neposredno nakon sklapanja ugovora s trećom zemljom koji se izuzima od tih pravila.

    Inzistiranje na vladavini prava i europskim vrijednostima, ali usklađenom geopolitičkom orijentacijom, moraju biti temelji za nastavak politike proširenja.

    Ako se politika proširenja provodi na taj način, interna reforma institucija Europske unije ne bi trebala biti ni prepreka ni alibi za odgađanje novog proširenja Europske unije.

    		  
       

    		 

      Tomislav Sokol (PPE), pitanje koje je podizanjem plave kartice postavio. – Gospodine Picula, često se govori da je novo proširenje nemoguće bez institucionalnih reformi koje bi, između ostalog, značile ukidanje prava jednoglasnosti u Vijeću, dakle ukidanje prava veta za male države članice.

    Vi ste mnogo puta govorili o toj temi, ali znamo da postoje različiti pogledi na samo to pitanje. Recimo, predsjednik Republike Hrvatske Zoran Milanović je rekao da oni koji su za ukidanje prava veta čine veleizdaju ili nešto u tom smislu.

    Možete li mi Vi ovdje reći, jeste li Vi za ukidanje prava veta za male države članice, nešto što ide protivno njihovim nacionalnim interesima, ili ste za to da male države uspiju zaštititi svoja prava i dalje u Europskoj uniji? Hvala lijepa.

    		  
       

    		 

      Marjan Šarec (Renew). – Gospod predsednik, širitev Evropske unije danes ni več samo birokratski postopek, Je ključni geopolitični korak, ki pomeni utrjevanje stabilnosti, varnosti in demokratičnih vrednot Evropske unije.

    Države, ki že dokazujejo evropsko zavezanost, potrebujejo jasna sporočila in spodbudne korake iz Bruslja. Obljuba članstva v Evropski uniji mora biti resnična in zanesljiva. Sicer tudi sistem postavljanja zahtev ne deluje.

    Poznamo primere držav kandidatk, ki so sledile pomembnim reformam, nato pa obtičale v vmesnem prostoru. Severna Makedonija je kričeč primer.

    Medtem pa drugi akterji krepijo svoj vpliv in alternativne poti, ki lahko ogrozijo stabilnost in dragocene vrednote Evropske unije. Tiste vrednote, ki jih prepogosto jemljemo za samoumevne. To moramo znova in znova sporočati tudi evropskim državljankam in državljanom.

    Skupna prihodnost z državami kandidatkami pomeni močnejšo, varnejšo in bolj enotno Evropo.

    		  
       

    		 

      Marc Botenga (The Left). – Monsieur le Président, Madame la Commissaire, quand je vous entends parler de l’élargissement de l’Union européenne, ça a l’air chouette comme idée, mais je trouve que vous passez un peu vite sur les conséquences réelles que cela peut avoir sur les travailleurs. Parce que le salaire minimum en Ukraine n’arrive pas à 200 euros, je pense, en Moldavie, ça dépasse un peu les 300 euros.

    Dans le contexte des règles actuelles du marché européen, qui ne garantit même pas qu’aujourd’hui un travailleur qui va travailler dans un autre État membre ait droit aux mêmes règles de protection, à la même sécurité sociale qu’un autre, que va-t-il se passer dans le cadre d’un élargissement? Tout simplement que des entreprises – d’ailleurs, il y a pas mal de sociétés «boîtes aux lettres», comme on les appelle – vont en profiter pour faire baisser, pour faire empirer les conditions de travail des travailleurs un peu partout en Europe.

    Et ça, ça serait l’impact concret en Europe, aujourd’hui, d’un élargissement pour les travailleurs. Ne cachez pas ça, ne faites pas des rêves de grandeur sur combien l’Europe sera jolie à 200 États. C’est pas ça, ce que vivent les travailleurs. Les travailleurs veulent aujourd’hui que vous changiez cette Europe; non plus de la concurrence, mais de la coopération, de la sécurité sociale.

    		  
       

    		 

      Tomislav Sokol (PPE). – Poštovani predsjedavajući, povjerenice, kolegice i kolege, u izmijenjenim geopolitičkim okolnostima proširenje Europske unije je ponovno postalo aktualno. Međutim, jasno treba reći da se proces proširenja treba promatrati za svaku državu zasebno i temeljiti se isključivo na sposobnostima države kandidatkinje da usvoji europske standarde.

    Nažalost, po tom pitanju ne da ne vidimo napredak, nego, nažalost, uglavnom vidimo nazadovanje. Srbija je i dalje apsolutno najveći destabilizacijski faktor u jugoistočnoj Europi. Hegemonistička politika koju vodi Beograd ugrožava neovisnost i suverenost okolnih država te je jasno da ovakvoj Srbiji nije mjesto u Europskoj uniji.

    Nadalje, Bosna i Hercegovina razapeta je između bošnjačkog unitarizma i srpskog separatizma. U toj državi Hrvati su jedini narod koji istinski, bez fige u džepu gleda prema Europskoj uniji i zapadu.

    Crna Gora i Albanija, pak, najdalje su odmakle na europskom putu, s time da je Crna Gora ipak spremnija za zaključenje pregovora, iako je pred njom još uvijek puno posla.

    Međutim, ono što je važno reći je da proširenje Europske unije nema apsolutno nikakve veze s ukidanjem jednoglasnosti odlučivanja. Tvrdnja da je proširenje nemoguće bez ukidanja prava veta je naprosto netočna. 2004., kada je pravo veta bilo puno raširenije, dogodilo se najveće proširenje Europske unije u povijesti.

    Ukidanje prava veta i uvođenje preglasavanja negiralo bi temeljne dimenzije nacionalnog suvereniteta, povećalo podjele u Europskoj uniji te ugrozilo sam njezin opstanak. U konačnici, ako netko smatra da proširenjem uvodimo trojanskog konja u Uniju, onda do takvog proširenja vjerojatno ne treba niti doći. Europa mora ostati zajednica slobodnih suverenih naroda, a ne zajednica u kojoj veliki odlučuju umjesto malih.

    		  
       

    		 

      Francisco Assis (S&D). – Senhor Presidente, Senhor Comissário, o processo de alargamento é intrínseco ao projeto europeu e até ao próprio espírito europeu que subjaz a esse projeto.

    Não foram só os países que foram entrando que beneficiaram das vantagens da integração europeia; os próprios países fundadores beneficiaram, desde logo, dessa vantagem.

    Basta olhar para o caso alemão: foi a sua integração nas instituições europeias que permitiu a sua reinserção na comunidade internacional após o tenebroso período nazi.

    Trata-se, afinal, de acolher agora no seio da UE novos países e novos povos. O novo alargamento que temos agora no horizonte deve inspirar-se no mesmo espírito de partilha e fraternidade. Mas dificilmente poderemos acomodar novos membros com a mesma arquitetura institucional e o mesmo acervo tratadístico.

    O problema é que andamos a navegar as águas tumultuosas dos últimos anos –– o Brexit, a pandemia, a crise energética, a invasão da Ucrânia –– com uma carta de marear desenhada há quase 15 anos para um clima previsível e pacificado.

    Nesse sentido, quero aqui recordar o pedido formal feito por esta Casa em 2022, e pela primeira vez na sua história, apelando ao Conselho para iniciar uma convenção para a revisão dos Tratados, em linha com as conclusões da Conferência sobre o Futuro da Europa. Esse pedido tem sido menosprezado pelo Conselho.

    Está, provavelmente, na hora de este Parlamento ser mais ouvido pelo Conselho Europeu.

    		  
       

    		 

      Marieke Ehlers (PfE). – Voorzitter, opnieuw klinkt de roep om méér Europese Unie. Meer landen, meer bureaucratie, maar minder inspraak voor de landen die deze Unie hebben opgebouwd. De eurocraten bestempelen uitbreiding als een noodzaak en zien het vetorecht als een hinderpaal. Terwijl het systeem kraakt in zijn voegen, stormt Brussel vooruit, alsof uitbreiding een morele plicht is en geen politieke keuze.

    De EU verder uitbreiden is als het toelaten van passagiers op een zinkend schip. Wat ons te wachten staat, is een versnelde weg richting een transferunie, omdat nieuwe lidstaten vrijwel zonder uitzondering netto-ontvanger zullen zijn. En wie draait op voor de kosten? Nettobetalers zoals Nederland.

    Als we dan ook nog het vetorecht afschaffen, creëren we een systeem waarin nettobetalers steeds meer betalen, maar steeds minder te zeggen hebben. Dit is niet het Europa waar wij voor gekozen hebben. Het is de hoogste tijd dat we het roer terugpakken, vóór onze belangen definitief overboord gaan.

    		  
       

    		 

      Małgorzata Gosiewska (ECR). – Panie Przewodniczący! Rozszerzenie Unii Europejskiej o nowe państwa, takie jak Ukraina, jest uzasadnione z punktu widzenia geopolitycznego. Niesie jednak za sobą poważne konsekwencje gospodarcze, szczególnie dla takich krajów jak Polska. Już teraz obserwujemy wpływ rosnącej konkurencji ze strony Ukrainy w kluczowych sektorach, takich jak transport drogowy czy rolnictwo.

    W odpowiedzi na rosyjską agresję Unia Europejska w 2022 r. zliberalizowała dostęp Ukrainy do jednolitego rynku, całkowicie znosząc cła i kontyngenty oraz rezygnując z systemu licencji w transporcie drogowym. Działania te, oficjalnie motywowane solidarnością, wywołały istotne napięcia społeczne w państwach członkowskich. Największymi beneficjentami tych działań okazały się potężne agroholdingi, w tym te kontrolowane przez międzynarodowy kapitał.

    Twierdziliście, że troszczycie się o ukraińskich rolników, że to wyraz solidarności z walczącym krajem. W rzeczywistości było to wsparcie dla międzynarodowych graczy w umacnianiu ich pozycji na rynku europejskim kosztem naszych rolników, kosztem naszych przetwórców. Nie na tym polega solidarność międzynarodowa. Nie tak powinien przebiegać proces rozszerzania Unii Europejskiej.

    		  
       

    		 

      Илхан Кючюк (Renew). – Г-жо Комисар, от началото на дебата се опитвам да разбера за какво не е този дебат: не е „за“ или „против“ за политиката по разширяване, не е за Украйна, за Турция, не и за готовността на страните членки да бъдат част от Европейския съюз. То е за нещо друго: за институционалната и политическата подготвеност на Европейския съюз да приеме нови страни членки.

    Нека заедно да си зададем този въпрос и тук не гледам крайното ляво или крайното дясно, политическият център, който трябва да донесе необходимите реформи за бъдещето на Европейския съюз. Можем ли при тази институционална подредба да си позволим 35 държави в рамките на Европейския съюз? Отговорът е „не“. Погледнете само дебата, който тече в момента за Многогодишната финансова рамка. Искаме старите приоритети, искаме нови приоритети и на всичкото отгоре трябва да вземем решение в един Съюз с 35 държави в едно обозримо бъдеще. Как е възможно това?

    Погледнете санкционната политика на Европейския съюз. Колко пъти ние се проваляме в идеята си да имаме еднопосочно послание към нас в Европейския съюз и към тези, които искат да се присъединят към нас? И да ми кажете, че това е демократично? Орбан постоянно да ни изнудва за нещо. Не го приемаме. Трябва да има реформа …

    (Председателят отнема думата на оратора)

    		  
       

    		 

      Sebastian Everding (The Left). – Herr Präsident, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Wenn wir über EU‑Erweiterungsstrategien reden, dann müssen wir viel mehr über den Umwelt‑, Klima‑ und auch den Tierschutz sprechen. Es ist schockierend, dass in vielen Berichten zu Kandidatenländern diese Themen nur am Rande oder, wie im Falle des Tierschutzes, gar nicht erwähnt werden. Selbstverständlich müssen alle Kandidatenländer Kriterien in Bezug auf Rechtsstaatlichkeit, Korruptionsbekämpfung usw. erfüllen, aber es ist inakzeptabel, dass in Ländern wie der Türkei, Albanien, dem Kosovo, Moldau, Serbien oder auch Bosnien streunende Hunde und Katzen brutal getötet werden. Es gibt einen chronischen Mangel an Tierheimen, keine Maßnahmen zur Populationskontrolle wie Kastrationsprogramme und keine Aufklärungs‑ und Sensibilisierungskampagnen für die Bevölkerung.

    Darüber hinaus dürfen Abfallwirtschaft und Umweltschutz bei Beitrittskandidaten nicht vernachlässigt werden. Profit darf dort niemals vor der Umwelt stehen, wie es im Fall des Lithiumabbaus im Jadar‑Tal in Serbien oder beim Bau des Flughafens in einem Naturschutzgebiet in der Vjosa-Narta in Albanien der Fall ist. Wir müssen diesen Ländern eine klare Botschaft vermitteln, dass Tierschutz- und Umweltschutzstandards ebenso wichtig sind. Diesen Stellenwert sollten sie auch hier im Parlament bekommen.

    		  
       

    		 

      Андрей Ковачев (PPE). – Г-жо Комисар, пред лицето на нарастващата заплаха от Русия и усилващото се влияние на Китай, интеграция на страните кандидат членки в нашия Съюз е наложителна като стратегическа инвестиция в обединена и силна Европа. В този исторически момент разширяването на Европейския съюз е един от най-силните ни външнополитически инструменти. Но ако този инструмент не се използва внимателно, ако правим компромиси със собствените си принципи и ценности, ще подкопаем бъдещето си, като се опитваме да изградим нещо единно, а в същото време внесем повече разединение в Европейския съюз.

    И тук бих искал да се спра на актуалния пример с Република Северна Македония. За съжаление, манипулативното интерпретиране от страна на министър-председателя г-н Мицковски на проектотекстове на този Парламент води до повече напрежение и повече разединение, освен че поставя в неудобно положение докладчиците.

    Г-н Мицковски, в проектотекстовете, които явно Вие имате, никъде Европейският парламент не сертифицира многовековна идентичност или език. Това не е институт по история или академия на науките. Затова пък има международноправни договори и това е договорът между България, където има платформа, това е мултидисциплинарната академична комисия, където тези две решения трябва да бъдат взети от специалистите. Затова призовавам: вместо да инвестираме толкова много време и енергия – дипломатична и финансова в лобизъм и борба, да се концентрираме в изпълнение на преговорната рамка, започване на преговори, договорите между двете страни и разбира се, взаимно уважение между нас.

    Тук не мога да не кажа и крещящия например за присъдата срещу Любчо Георгиевски, един македонски българин, който беше осъден на първа инстанция само за това, че във Фейсбук поста си беше цитирал историческа личност и истината за нашата обща история.

    		  
       

    		 

      Thijs Reuten (S&D). – Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, if enlargement is the EU’s strongest geopolitical tool, we must urgently make it credible again.

    History shows enlargement works only when domestic reformers see real rewards and when backsliding carries consequences, when citizens feel tangible benefits, and when EU institutions and Member States speak with one voice – clearly, consistently and honestly, to reinforce local ownership.

    Instead, what we see is shifting goalposts, appeasement and double standards, especially on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Georgia. This Parliament has sounded the alarm again and again. Reforms cannot succeed without deep democratic transformation. And yet, too often, the EU enables autocrats, excuses kleptocrats and ignores those fighting for the rule of law.

    Citizens are not blind. They won’t wait forever. Enlargement processes have a shelf life and we are close to the expiry date. And meanwhile, Russia and China are more than happy to fill the vacuum we are leaving.

    So let’s be honest, with ourselves and our partners. We need a hard look at what has worked, what has not and what needs fixing. And we need to show enlargement is real by ensuring that at least two countries can join the Union before 2030.

    Let enlargement become the transformative force it was meant to be, fulfilling the promise of a united Europe as we started working on over 75 years ago.

    		  
       

    		 

      Csaba Dömötör (PfE). – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! Úgy beszélnek itt az ukrán bővítésről, mintha már eldöntött tény lenne. Gyorsított eljárást akarnak, és a bővítési biztos azt is elmondta, hogy a Bizottságnál ezer ember dolgozik ezen. Ráadásul, amint ma is hallhattuk, ki akarják iktatni a tagállami vétó lehetőségét. Igazán demokratikus, mondhatom.

    Egyvalamiről azonban nem beszélnek. A gazdasági következményekről.

    Az itteni Költségvetési Bizottságnak vannak számításai, amelyek szerint a kohéziós források 24%-kal, az agrártámogatások pedig 15%-kal csökkennének a mostani tagországokban.

    Azután történne ez, hogy Európa elköltött 150 milliárd eurót a háborúra.

    Miért gondolják azt itt, hogy az európai emberek minden pénzügyi terhet elbírnak? Ki fog a szemükbe nézni és bevallani, hogy milyen terhekkel járna mindez?

    Magyarországon már több mint kétmillióan vettek részt az ukrán tagságról szóló szavazáson. Mi megkérdeztük, hogy mit gondolnak a bővítésről azok, akik a számlát állják.

    A választól egy kicsit félve teszem fel a kérdést: Önök meg merik ezt tenni?

    		  
       

    		 

      Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR). – Domnule președinte, stimați colegi, extinderea Uniunii Europene este un proiect cu implicații strategice și istorice profunde. Avem datoria să sprijinim aspirațiile europene ale unui stat precum Republica Moldova, care împărtășește cu România aceeași limbă și cultură, și destin istoric.

    Din punctul nostru de vedere, ajutorul acordat Moldovei în procesul de integrare este mai mult decât un obiectiv de politică externă, este o datorie față de identitatea și dreptul istoric al națiunii române. Dar tocmai pentru că ne pasă atât de mult, trebuie să spunem adevărul: Uniunea Europeană nu este astăzi pregătită instituțional pentru o extindere masivă. Fără o reformă reală a mecanismelor decizionale, a alocării bugetare, fără un control democratic real, riscăm să transformăm extinderea într-o nouă amenințare pentru stabilitatea Uniunii.

    Așadar, susținem extinderea, dar cerem o reformă serioasă și o consolidare a proceselor decizionale în structurile Uniunii, respect pentru suveranitatea statelor membre și o viziune clară asupra viitorului european.

    		  
       

    		 

      Petras Auštrevičius (Renew). – Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, history has shown us the value of European unification and the importance of preparing EU institutions to address emerging challenges. Although managing a union of 30 or more members may seem challenging, these are the same concerns we had 20 years ago, prior to the big bang enlargement.

    However, improving the EU’s institutional functioning and political processes cannot be postponed or made dependent on enlargement, budgeting or other issues.

    Colleagues, I find today’s debate, with the extreme focus on enlargement only, a bit misleading. It’s too narrow. Let’s look broader, face all the challenges we have. We must look into a long, be ready to face any future challenges to the security and prosperity of our citizens in the long term, when our bold actions will bear fruit, and seize the opportunity to improve the efficiency of EU decision-making and policy implementation. So let’s look at the broader picture.

    		  
       

    		 

      Seán Kelly (PPE). – A Uachtaráin agus a Choimisinéir, tá sé tábhachtach dóchas a thabhairt do thíortha a bhfuil ag teastáil uathu teacht isteach san Aontas, because enlargement is one of the EU’s greatest achievements. It has extended peace, democracy and shared prosperity across Europe, making it stronger, more united and better equipped to face global challenges. Ireland has always backed enlargement, but on principle. Accession must be earned: each candidate must meet our agreed standards in the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. That remains essential.

    The strategic case is clearer than ever. Russia’s war in Ukraine shows that peace in Europe cannot be assumed. Bringing in countries like Ukraine and Moldova, and the Western Balkans, once ready, serves both their interests and ours. It strengthens our security, economy and global influence. We cannot let radical voices hijack this debate with fearmongering about migration or budgets. That distorts the truth.

    Past enlargements reduced poverty, grew trade and created new opportunities, including for Ireland, which has been transformed and modernised since we joined in 1973. Conversely, the United Kingdom has suffered greatly since it left the European Union a few years ago. The path ahead must be rigorous, but the door must stay open.

    Míle buíochas á Uachtaráin, agus go n-éirí libh. Maith thú.

    		  
       

    		 

      Marc Angel (S&D). – Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, every single enlargement of our Union has been a major success story, and enlargement has now become a geopolitical necessity to protect ourselves and our neighbours against interference from autocratic regimes.

    It is important and good that enlargement is, again, high on the agenda. War on our continent, the rise of fascism, the shift in transatlantic relations – all this reminds us that enlargement is in our own strategic interest.

    There will be no shortcuts on EU values and fundamental principles. Accession to the EU must always remain a merit-based process and, therefore, as EU institutions and Member States, we must support the candidate countries.

    We also have homework to do: institutional and financial reforms are needed to absorb new members. Our Union is barely functioning at the current state with 27, so what about 30, 32 or 35? We need to change our way of working so that every citizen, every worker, every business and society as a whole can continue to benefit from our European project.

    So let’s have the courage to adopt targeted treaty changes, move away from unanimity, deepen the social dimension of our Union and strengthen the union of equality, and we must live up to our promises to citizens and to the candidate countries.

    		  
       

    		 

      Pascale Piera (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, l’élargissement de l’Union européenne devait être un catalyseur de progrès, nous promettait Ursula von der Leyen. Qui peut encore le croire?

    Si l’élargissement de l’Union européenne est un catalyseur, c’est celui de la dilapidation de l’argent public. Des milliards dont on perd la trace, alors qu’on enjoint aux peuples européens de se serrer la ceinture. Une note du Conseil européen chiffre le coût de cet élargissement à la somme de 264 milliards d’euros sur sept ans.

    Si l’élargissement de l’Union européenne est un catalyseur, c’est celui de l’instabilité et de l’insécurité pour nos concitoyens avec les gangs venus de pays qui ne respectent pas nos lois. Ne soyons pas dupes.

    L’élargissement, et notamment celui à l’Ukraine, est enfin le catalyseur de la destruction de notre agriculture. En cas d’adhésion, l’Ukraine deviendrait le premier bénéficiaire de la politique agricole commune, avec 10 à 12 milliards d’euros d’aides par an, c’est 20 % du budget de la PAC.

    Cette concurrence si déloyale, venue de pays qui ne respectent ni nos normes environnementales ni nos normes sociales, c’est un crime organisé contre notre agriculture et nous n’accepterons pas cela.

    		  
       

    		 

      Mario Mantovani (ECR). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, signor Commissario, l’allargamento dell’Unione europea è un processo di grande rilevanza strategica, che va affrontato con realismo e con rigore, soprattutto alla luce delle crescenti sfide economiche e geopolitiche.

    L’ingresso di nuovi Stati membri comporta senza dubbio opportunità per promuovere e consolidare quei valori di democrazia e di libertà propri di questa Unione, ma anche opportunità di crescita ed espansione dei mercati e rafforzamento del proprio peso politico europeo.

    In quest’ottica occorre una revisione delle politiche comuni, affinché non diventino strumenti di ridistribuzione di inefficienza, ma leve per innovazione, produttività e sviluppo dell’occupazione.

    È altresì essenziale una governance economica, che garantisca condizioni eque di concorrenza del mercato interno e garantisca la tutela degli investimenti comunitari che faremo in quei paesi.

    In conclusione, un allargamento non governato indebolisce, un allargamento accompagnato da riforme aiuta l’Unione europea.

    		  
       

       

    PRESIDE: ESTEBAN GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vicepresidente

    		  
       

    		 

      Mika Aaltola (PPE). – Arvoisa puhemies, arvoisat kollegat, Eurooppa on uhattuna. Vapautemme on vaakalaudalla. Laajentuminen ei ole hyväntekeväisyyttä. Se on kylmää, kovaa, strategista harkintaa.

    Vahvan Ukrainan tuominen joukkoomme on suoraan meidän turvallisuutemme tae. Venäjän uhka vaanii porteillamme odottaen otollista hetkeä. Suomi tietää tämän historiansa kautta. Meillä on puolet EU:n ja Naton Venäjä-rajasta. Suomi on se valli, jonka on kestettävä, tai kansojen vapaus on vaakalaudalla. Samoin on Ukrainan laita. Yhtenäisyys on voimaa. Integroimalla Ukrainan lähetämme Putinille selkeän viestin: emme anna periksi, emme pelkää.

    Muistakaamme Winston Churchilliä, jonka muistoksi täällä on rakennus nimettynä. Hän ymmärsi integraation geopoliittisen syvän ytimen: padota idän uhkaa ja torjua totalitarismin vaaroja. Meidän on ymmärrettävä, että EU ei ole pelkkä rauhanprojekti, vaan ytimessä on pelote, jonka pitää ylläpitää rauhaa. Epäröinnin aika on ohi. Meidän on toimittava – tarvittaessa myös ilman Yhdysvaltoja.

    		  
       

    		 

      Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (S&D). – Gerbiamas posėdžio pirmininke, gerbiama komisare, kolegos. Europos Sąjunga trūkčioja vietoje. Pasauliniai iššūkiai ir Europos Sąjungos piliečiai reikalauja stipresnės ir veiksmingesnės Europos ir veiksmų. Europos Parlamentas dar 2023 m. pateikė konkrečius pasiūlymus Europos Vadovų Tarybai su rekomendacijomis, atsižvelgdamas ir į piliečių, ir į Konferencijos dėl ateities siūlymus, ir į Rusijos karą prieš Ukrainą. Ukrainos pergalės laidas yra jos narystė Europos Sąjungoje – šimtu procentų. Vadovų Tarybai perduoti pasiūlymai reikalauja veiksmų iš jos pusės. Komisijos Pirmininkės, Draghi, Lettos pranešimuose yra pasakyta, kad sutarčių keitimas yra būtinas viskam – ir investicijoms, ir taip toliau. Europoje yra tik dvi rūšys valstybių – mažos ir tos, kurios nesupranta, kad jos yra mažos. Ir čia nacionalistai ir patriotai nesupranta šito ir patys kalba niekus tam, kad Europos Sąjungą atvestų į dar didesnę krizę. Todėl mums reikia žengti abu žingsnius – ir sutarčių keitimą, ir plėtrą, sinchronizuoti, daryti pagal kriterijus. Ir tik toks kelias sustiprins Europos Sąjungą kaip pasaulinį žaidėją.

    (Kalbėtojas sutiko atsakyti į mėlynosios kortelės klausimą)

    		  
       

    		 

      Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN), Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“. – Herr Kollege, danke, dass Sie die Frage annehmen! Ich weiß nicht, aus welchem Land Sie kommen, aber ich komme aus dem größten Mitgliedsland, dem stärksten Mitgliedsland der EU, und ich stelle nicht fest, dass die Bürger meines Landes in der Mehrheit mehr EU wollen. Also das zur Einordnung.

    Sie haben gesprochen vom Sieg der Ukraine, und der Sieg der Ukraine hängt von deren Mitgliedschaft in der EU ab. Ist Ihnen eigentlich bewusst, dass Sie dort eines der größten korrupten Regimes derzeit an der Regierung haben, die zusammen mit Bandera, also mit ehemaligen Faschistenverehrern, die Regierung bilden? Wollen Sie wirklich dieses Land um den Preis dieser Gemeinschaft in die …

    (Der Präsident entzieht dem Redner das Wort.)

    		  
       

    		 

      Marie Dauchy (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, qui oserait dire que l’Union européenne est une institution qui fonctionne? Aucune crise, qu’elle soit migratoire, sanitaire ou économique, n’a été résolue par le secours de l’Union. Pire encore, sur le pacte vert, sur la montée de l’islamisme ou sur les délocalisations, vous n’avez été qu’un accélérateur du chaos.

    Comme l’URSS à la fin de sa vie qui pensait résoudre les problèmes du communisme par plus de communisme, vous persistez à croire que l’Union réglera les échecs de l’Union et vous vous acharnez à nous imposer votre modèle que le peuple refuse. Vous voulez encore élargir cette machine folle à des pays comme la Turquie ou la Moldavie, qui ne partagent ni notre culture ni nos intérêts.

    Ce que les Français attendent, ce n’est pas plus d’intégration, c’est plus de protection. Et ce que l’histoire retiendra, c’est que votre idéologie aura détruit l’idée européenne bien plus sûrement que tous vos adversaires réunis.

    		  
       

    		 

      Hildegard Bentele (PPE). – Sehr geehrter Herr Präsident, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Die Erweiterung der Europäischen Union ist kein Selbstzweck, sie ist ein strategisches Angebot für Frieden, Demokratie, Rechtsstaatlichkeit und wirtschaftliche Entwicklung. Am Beginn von Beitrittsverhandlungen steht eine erste, einladende politische Entscheidung der EU, sie sind aber kein technokratischer Automatismus; sie beruhen auf klaren Bedingungen und auf politischem Willen. Wenn es dabei auch um Geopolitik gehen sollte, dürfen wir uns nicht hinter den einzelnen Verhandlungskapiteln verstecken.

    Gerade auf dem Westbalkan ist Vertrauen ein knappes Gut. Wenn wir es verspielen, gefährden wir die europäische Perspektive dieser Region. Das Beispiel Serbien zeigt, wie schwierig das Gleichgewicht ist. Einerseits steht der Kurs der serbischen Führung zu Russland und zum Kosovo in direktem Widerspruch zu unseren europäischen Werten, andererseits sprechen geostrategische Überlegungen dafür, Serbien enger an Europa zu binden, etwa als potenziellen Partner im Bereich kritischer Rohstoffe. Doch gerade in diesem sensiblen Sektor sind funktionierende, unabhängige Institutionen sowie das Vertrauen und die Unterstützung der Bevölkerung für das Gelingen gemeinsamer Projekte entscheidend.

    Die EU sollte hier sehr viel entschiedener auftreten. Sie könnte in den Augen der Bevölkerung viel an Ansehen gewinnen, wenn sie denn über den Hebel des Beitrittsprozesses ganz klar auf Korruptionsbekämpfung, Pressefreiheit und Rechtsstaatlichkeit dringen würde, die ja auch für eine echte, gesunde wirtschaftliche Entwicklung und damit für die Zukunftsfähigkeit des Landes entscheidend sind. Wir müssen Handlungsbereitschaft, Glaubwürdigkeit und strategische Verlässlichkeit zeigen – nur dann werden wir als der Partner wahrgenommen, der wir sein wollen und sein müssen.

    (Die Rednerin ist damit einverstanden, auf eine Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“ zu antworten.)

    		  
       

    		 

      Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN), Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“. – Frau Kollegin, vielen Dank! Sie sprachen vom Frieden in der EU. Ich nehme das im Barbarossa-, also im Verteidigungsausschuss, ganz anders wahr: Dort wird in regelmäßiger Einheit von Kriegstüchtigkeit, Kriegsfähigkeit gesprochen. Ihr Parteichef und unser Bundeskanzler sprach davon, dass aktuell Israel die Drecksarbeit für uns mache. Wie passt denn das zusammen, einmal die Rhetorik Krieg, Aufrüstung, Kriegstüchtigkeit und das Friedensgesäusel, was Sie gerade hier präsentieren? Wie passt das zusammen?

    		  
       

    		 

      Nicola Zingaretti (S&D). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, l’Europa è l’unico processo della storia che ha unito 450 milioni di persone, non perché costrette, ma perché convinte, contro le guerre, senza violenza, ma proponendo la forza della democrazia. Passare da 6 a 27 Stati ha rappresentato uno straordinario processo che ha garantito pace, prosperità e benessere.

    L’Europa dunque ci è servita ad arrivare fino a qui, ma la sua crescita senza riforme e un salto in avanti nell’integrazione rappresenta un rischio per la sua stessa esistenza. Quindi bene continuare ad aprirsi, ma è fondamentale rilanciare i suoi valori, un’identità comune europea e darsi regole nuove per essere più efficaci: riforma del diritto di veto, politica estera e di difesa davvero comuni, nuove risorse proprie destinate a investimenti per il nostro sistema produttivo e modello sociale e quindi riforme verso gli Stati Uniti d’Europa.

    L’Europa non è una cappa, come dicono i nazionalisti, è lo scudo che ci ha permesso di esistere da persone libere. Ma ora, per non tradire la sua storia, deve cambiare ed andare avanti. E se non si vuole andare avanti in 27, con cooperazioni rafforzate, cominciamo con chi ci sta a cambiare questa Europa.

    		  
       

    		 

      Alexandre Varaut (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, l’Union européenne aime à croire qu’elle incarne le sens de l’histoire et qu’il ne peut pas en être autrement. La gifle du Brexit, qui démentait cette prétention de la manière la plus nette, l’a un temps sonnée, mais l’étrange illusion a repris. Elle s’est même aggravée, comme le prouve le débat de ce matin, qui associe l’élargissement de l’Union aux défis mondiaux. Cette association est une plaisanterie. Qui peut croire que l’Union européenne cherche à s’émanciper de la tutelle américaine?

    Lorsque les États-Unis ont menacé de s’emparer par la force du Groenland, l’Union européenne n’a rien fait, sinon acheter tout de suite davantage d’armes aux Américains en pensant les amadouer. Et même si l’Union européenne s’émancipait, il ne faut pas que ce soit pour devenir elle-même un bloc qui écraserait les peuples et les nations qui la composent.

    À ce messianisme politique et à cette boulimie impuissante, nous opposons un pragmatisme qui s’appuie sur la raison. Les peuples européens sont une famille que rapprochent des liens civilisationnels naturels. Poursuivre l’intégration ne sera envisageable qu’une fois le cadre intégrateur lui-même redressé. Réparons l’Europe d’abord, voyons le reste après.

    		  
       

    		 

      Davor Ivo Stier (PPE). – Poštovani predsjedavajući, uspjeh proširenja ovisi o četiri ključna čimbenika: političkoj volji država članica, volji kandidata, apsorpcijskom kapacitetu Unije i administrativnom kapacitetu kandidata. Situacija je tu različita i zato pristup mora ostati individualan.

    U slučaju Ukrajine suočavamo se s problemom donošenja odluka u Vijeću, a njezino članstvo vjerojatno traži i prilagodbu nekih europskih politika poput poljoprivredne. No, EU bi strateški pogriješio ako ne bi uočio da unatoč ratu, Ukrajina pokazuje kapacitet za EU reforme i svaki dan na bojištu pokazuje privrženost europskoj ideji.

    Moldova također pokazuje snažnu političku volju, dok je proces s Gruzijom morao biti zaustavljen zbog potpunog nedostatka političke volje vlasti.

    Kod Srbije problem je također u političkoj volji, no u ovom slučaju bilo bi kontraproduktivno zaustaviti pregovore. Ali moramo biti svjesni da sama Srbija zasad ne želi ispuniti ključne kriterije, posebice u vanjskoj politici i u području vladavine prava. Stoga, umjesto grandioznih izjava i nerealnih očekivanja i kasnijih frustracija, puno je bolje prihvatiti realnost da je Srbija država koja se ne želi svrstati s Europskom unijom, a tu ni opozicija ne nudi jasnu alternativu. I stoga, na temelju te realnosti moramo pragmatično oblikovati naše odnose.

    No, EU mora istovremeno više učiniti da takva nesvrstana politika Beograda ne utječe negativno na BiH, Crnu Goru, Kosovo i Sjevernu Makedoniju i na njihov europski put.

    Na kraju, važno je nastaviti s novim tempom pregovora s Albanijom. Ona postaje lider u procesu i tu treba inzistirati na kriterijima, ali ostati ambiciozan za završetak pregovora u ovom mandatu.

    		  
       

    		 

      Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D). – Pirmininke, pone komisare, kolegos. Mano šalies Lietuvos prisijungimas prie Europos Sąjungos prieš dvidešimt vienerius metus išgelbėjo šalį nuo Ukrainos likimo. Mes tapome stipresni tiek ekonomiškai, tiek politiškai bei labiau atsparūs išorės grėsmėms. To paties tikisi ir Ukraina, Moldova, Balkanų šalys. Taipogi plėtra yra reikalinga ir Europos Sąjungai. Todėl Europos Sąjunga privalo būti pasirengusi plėtrai, kaip ir tos šalys, kurios siekia narystės. Tačiau plėtra tikrai nebus įmanoma be sutarčių keitimo, be išsamių institucinių reformų. Matome, kad dabar jau yra sudėtinga Taryboje greitai priimti sprendimus. Kai kurie sprendimai yra vilkinami, kai kurios valstybės naudojasi veto teise vien dėl savo siaurų interesų, ir tai tikrai neprisideda prie Europos Sąjungos gebėjimo laiku ir veiksmingai reaguoti bei prisitaikyti prie pokyčių. Kad išliktume reikšmingi politiniame žemėlapyje, privalome keistis patys, keisti savo institucijas ir užtikrinti greitą ir veiksmingą sprendimų priėmimą.

    		  
       

    		 

      Liudas Mažylis (PPE). – Pirmininke, komisare, kolegos. Svarstydami įstrigusios plėtros šiandieninę būklę, turime sau atsakyti – ar yra politinė valia plėtrai. Kai ji būdavo, tai ir institucinės problemos išsispręsdavo. Sakome, kad šiandien europinių institucijų veiklą trikdo viena valstybė narė ar netgi vienas politikas, ir daro tai sistemiškai, o mes nerandame teisinių būdų tam įveikti. Bet, kita vertus, tai liudytų apie „beveik konsensusą“. Panašiai būta daugelį kartų: ir de Golio sukelta tuščios kėdės krizė, ir Danijos išlygos Mastrichto sutarčiai, ir Konstitucijos Europai sustojęs ratifikavimas, ir poros valstybių užsispyrimas neatsitraukti nuo QMV pagal Nicos sutartį. O triumfuodavo daugumos sutarimas.

    Per tai visa ligšiolinė plėtros istorija beveik išimtinai – sėkmės istorija. Europa kaskart tapdavo ir stipresnė, ir labiau integruota. Struktūriniai fondai, sanglauda – tasai pozityvas radosi kaip tik per plėtros iššūkius.

    Be abejo, būtų idealu iš anksto eksplicitiškai sutarti dėl palankiausios institucinės sąrangos, bet prisiminkime ratifikavimo trikdžius, ypač, kai, nepaisant oficialios valstybės pozicijos, ji būdavo paneigiama referendumais. Man tikrai skaudu, kad tiesioginės išmokos Lietuvos ūkininkams per mažos, bet tokia gi ir būna derybų dėl narystės kaina.

    Dėl institucinės sąrangos diskutuokime, bet netrukdykime brandinti politinę valią plėtrai.

    		  
       

    		 

      Łukasz Kohut (PPE). – Panie Przewodniczący! Kto stoi w miejscu, ten się cofa. Dlatego Europa musi ruszyć z kopyta! Prawdziwym celem Unii na 2035 rok powinien być konkret, czyli przyłączenie Islandii i Norwegii do Unii – oczywiście, jeżeli społeczeństwa tych krajów będą za.

    Europa potrzebuje nowego, mocnego impulsu. Unia powinna pokazać, że jest atrakcyjna nie tylko dla biedniejszych, ale także dla zamożnych krajów. Bo rozszerzenie to nie tylko Wschód i Południe – dalsza integracja to powinna być przede wszystkim Północ.

    To Północ jest kluczowa dla bezpieczeństwa Europy. Norwegia to żelazny sojusznik z NATO, z którym łączą nas nie tylko wspólne wartości, ale także wspólne zagrożenie – agresywna Rosja.

    Flagi NATO-wskie w Sztokholmie i w Helsinkach to był czarny sen Putina, który się ziścił. Warto być konsekwentnym. Pora, żeby kolejny sen o europejskich flagach w Oslo i w Reykjaviku się spełnił. To jest możliwe.

    		  
       

       

    Solicitudes incidentales de uso de la palabra («catch the eye»)

    		  
       

    		 

      Sunčana Glavak (PPE). – Poštovani predsjedavajući, kolegice i kolege, proširenje Europske unije nije samo tehnički proces, to je duboka politička odluka s dalekosežnim posljedicama. U vremenu kada se Europa suočava s ratom na istoku, pritiscima s juga i rastućim globalnim rivalstvima, proširenje je i ulaganje u sigurnost.

    Hrvatska je najmlađa članica Europske unije, ali ima i posebnu odgovornost da bude most između Unije i naših susjeda. U Bosni i Hercegovini, primjerice, i Crnoj Gori žive aktivne hrvatske zajednice koje nisu samo most identiteta već i most povjerenja. Njihova integracija, pravna i kulturna vidljivost moraju ostati dio europske agende.

    Ako proširenje ne napreduje, prostor neće ostati prazan i ispunit će ga drugi koji nemaju interes za demokraciju, već za utjecaj. Zato moramo ubrzati integracijske procese, ali uz jasna pravila, institucionalnu sigurnost i političku volju.

    Ako želimo da Europa ostane globalni akter, a ne birokratski projekt, proširenje mora biti strateški prioritet, ali uz paralelnu reformu institucija i jačanje unutarnje kohezije. Jer ako se ne širimo, to znači da stagniramo, a stagnacija u geopolitici znači povlačenje. Europa se ne smije povući.

    		  
       

    		 

      Viktória Ferenc (PfE). – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! Pontosan egy éve megkezdődtek a csatlakozási tárgyalások Ukrajnával, és a magyar diplomácia sikere nyomán a Nyugat-Ukrajnában élő kárpátaljai magyar közösség védelmében megfogalmazott tizenegy pontból álló javaslatainkat beépítették az általános csatlakozási tárgyalási keretbe. Ezzel a kárpátaljai magyarság jogainak védelme hivatalosan is Ukrajna csatlakozási folyamatának részévé vált.

    Csalódottan látjuk azonban, hogy az elmúlt 365 nap során nem történt érdemi előrelépés ebben a kérdésben, csupán látszatintézkedések történtek. A nemzeti kisebbségek jogainak védelmére irányuló cselekvési tervet ugyan elfogadta a kijevi vezetés, azonban diszkriminatív módon a kárpátaljai magyar közösség legnagyobb érdekvédelmi szervezetét nem vonták be a tárgyalásokba. Így Önök, kollégáim, amikor az európai uniós vezetők, politikusok szemet hunynak Ukrajna nemzeti kisebbségeit érintő kirakatintézkedései fölött, sőt támogatják azokat, veszélybe sodorják az uniós intézmények hitelességét, és valójában Önök saját maguk akadályozzák Ukrajna valódi demokratizálását.

    		  
       

    		 

      Lukas Sieper (NI). – Mr President, dear people of Europe, it really drives me crazy when some people here in this debate say that the EU was never able to fix the big problems of our time, when it’s the same people that, when we ask for a strong and robust financial mandate for the European Union, say no. When we asked to unify the European Union’s competences on cross-border challenges, they say no. So the same people that sabotage the constant updating of this Union now claim that this Union is not able to solve anything and therefore should not be extended.

    The second thing that drives me crazy every time I hear it is when they say, ‘Oh, we cannot do this enlargement because it will cost us money’, and they throw around these big numbers. I’m a jurist; I do not come from the economy, but what I understand is that you have to invest if you want to grow your business. And investing in enlargement is investing in the future of Europe, of the European Union.

    		  
       

       

    (Fin de las intervenciones con arreglo al procedimiento de solicitud incidental de uso de la palabra («catch the eye»))

    		  
       

    		 

      Ekaterina Zaharieva, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members, thank you for this debate, and comments certainly confirmed the importance and necessity to reflect on how to prepare the Union for enlargement.

    And I also think that this debate confirmed that most of you support enlargement, and it shows that an enlarged Union will be a stronger and more efficient Union.

    But to do so, we should really reflect on how we prepare our Union for environment. As I mentioned in my introduction, actually, later this year, the Commission will present the communication on pre-enlargement policy review. And we are always ready to debate with this House, how best to ensure that the Unions remains able to take decisions fast, swiftly, efficiently in benefits of our citizens.

    So once again, thanks for this debate, it was really very, very needed, and we are going to present the pre-enlargement policy review later this year.

    		  
       

    		 

      President. – Thank you very much, Commissioner.

    The debate is closed.

    		  

    3. The United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (debate)

    		 

      Ilhan Kyuchyuk, author. – Mr President, Madam Commissioner, dear colleagues, on 27 June 2024, the United Kingdom signed and ratified the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in civil or commercial matters, known as the Judgments Convention, which has also been signed by Uruguay, Israel, Costa Rica, Russia, the United States and Ukraine. The Judgments Convention entered into force on 1 September 2023, one year after the first two parties deposited their instruments of ratification.

    In accordance with Article 29(2) of the Judgments Convention, the EU can notify the depositary, before 27 June 2025, that the ratification by the UK does not have the effect of establishing treaty relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union. If no such notification is issued – that is, if the EU tacitly accepts the UK’s accession – the Judgments Convention will begin to apply between the two parties on 1 July 2025.

    Parliament understands that the Commission’s assessment of the UK’s accession is positive and that the Commission would be in favour of tacitly accepting it. However, the significance of private international law rules for EU citizens in this particular area also has a political and legal impact, not only on the area of judicial cooperation but also beyond, bearing in mind the relevance of relations between the UK and the European Union in a volatile international context.

    With respect for each EU institution’s prerogatives and Parliament’s consistent position, a statement would allow the Commission to tacitly accept the UK’s accession to the Judgments Convention on the EU’s behalf, under the relevant provisions of that Convention.

    Given the deadline laid down in the Judgments Convention, the need for the EU institutions to act without delay to ascertain the EU’s acceptance of the UK’s accession to the Convention, and Parliament’s intention to make an appropriate statement in this regard, could the Commission confirm its assessment of the UK’s accession to the Convention?

    Secondly, Madam Zaharieva, having regard to the commitments made here in November 2024 by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič with regard to third countries’ accession to conventions and respect for Article 218(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, what concrete steps does the Commission intend to take in future to ensure that Parliament’s prerogatives relating to third countries’ accession to the Judgments Convention are always fully and formally respected under the Treaties, and what timetable does it envisage for taking these steps?

    		  
       

    		 

      Ekaterina Zaharieva, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members, thank you for this debate on the accession of the United Kingdom to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters.

    In its written assessment of the United Kingdom’s certification of the Judgments Convention, which the Commission transmitted to the Committee of Legal Affairs of the European Parliament and to the Council, the Commission concluded that the UK has systematic capability to apply the Judgments Convention and to deal satisfactorily with individual problematic cases.

    The Commission therefore sees no obstacle for the European Union to establish Treaty relations with the United Kingdom based on the Judgments Convention.

    As regards the procedure to be followed when a third country joins the Judgments Convention, this issue was discussed during the process leading to the EU accession to the Judgments Convention with the European Parliament consent and on several occasions after that. The Judgments Convention is based on the principle of the acceptance of accession by other contracting parties, and only envisages an objection procedure in exceptional cases.

    The Commission therefore takes the view that formal decisions under Article 218 of the Treaty are required only where the EU intends to object to the establishment of such Treaty relations. This approach is in line with the need to implement the EU obligations under international law in good faith.

    At the same time, the Commission is committed to consulting Parliament and to take its views into account in full compliance with the Treaties and, notably, the duty of sincere cooperation. This is why, when deciding whether to propose an objection decision, we committed to consistently inform the Parliament of each intended accession of a third country to the Judgments Convention, taking full account of the views expressed by this House.

    I therefore look forward to the Parliament’s views in the debate today.

    		  
       

    		 

      Axel Voss, im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Es ist mir eine große Freude, unter Ihrer Aufsicht heute hier auch entsprechend vortragen zu können. Frau Kommissarin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, lassen Sie mich eines bitte klarstellen: Es geht hier nicht nur um die Bereitschaft des Vereinigten Königreiches, dem Übereinkommen über Gerichtsstandsvereinbarungen beizutreten; wir sind uns, glaube ich, alle darüber einig, dass Großbritannien dazu in der Lage ist. Die eigentliche Frage ist, wie die Kommission mit dem Beitritt von Drittstaaten umgeht und ob sie die Rolle des Parlaments entsprechend respektiert.

    Die schriftliche Bewertung, die wir erhalten haben, folgt nicht dem Verfahren gemäß Artikel 218 Absatz 6 AEUV. Es gibt keinen Vorschlag an den Rat, kein Ersuchen um die Zustimmung des Parlaments, lediglich eine Informationsnotiz. Das mag der derzeitigen Praxis durchaus entsprechen, aber ist eben nicht wirklich geltendes Recht. Und der Gerichtshof hatte ja bereits schon einmal klargestellt: Selbst eine sogenannte Nichtbeanstandung stellt ein internationales Abkommen dar. Also, das Parlament muss einbezogen werden, und das ist keine freiwillige Entscheidung.

    Deshalb hat der Rechtsausschuss eine Anfrage zur mündlichen Beantwortung mit der Entschließung eingebracht, um die Kommission aufzufordern, ihren rechtlichen Ansatz zu bestätigen, und sie daran zu erinnern, dass Gesetzgebungsbefugnisse des Parlaments in diesem Bereich auch nicht umgangen werden sollten. Wir unterstützen natürlich den Beitritt des Vereinigten Königreiches, aber diese Unterstützung darf eben nicht zulasten eines ordnungsgemäßen Verfahrens gehen.

    		  
       

    		 

      Ana Catarina Mendes, em nome do Grupo S&D. – Senhor Presidente, Senhora Comissária, caros colegas, julgo que a Cimeira, de 19 de Maio de 2025, entre a União Europeia e o Reino Unido marca uma nova etapa das nossas relações após o Brexit de reforço da nossa cooperação em diversas áreas.

    Seja o reforço na área da segurança e da juventude, que deve ser mesmo feito, seja o reforço no domínio da política de defesa e segurança –– sabemos como o contexto internacional o exige ––, seja o reforço das históricas relações com o Reino Unido.

    Assim, desse ponto de vista, e da parte do S&D, queria deixar aqui um sublinhado de congratulação pelo êxito desta cimeira, mas também pelo regresso às boas relações de cooperação, de solidariedade e de vizinhança, se quisermos, com o Reino Unido.

    É nesse quadro que se insere esta vontade expressa do Reino Unido de aderir à Convenção de Haia, que também quero aqui, em nome do S&D, saudar. Aquilo que se espera, como o colega anterior aqui disse, é saber qual é a posição da Comissão e se a Comissão, tão brevemente quanto possível, aceita esta vontade expressa e confirma com brevidade a sua avaliação favorável da aceitação da adesão do Reino Unido à Convenção de Haia.

    No entanto, como o colega anterior também disse, Senhora Comissária, é preciso que as relações institucionais sejam respeitadas; o artigo 218.º, parágrafo seis, estabelece muito claramente que este Parlamento tem também um papel a desempenhar neste contexto, não apenas para aplaudir, não apenas para saudar, mas sobretudo para estar empenhado e comprometido no reforço desta relação.

    Por isso, Senhora Comissária, a minha intervenção visa solicitar que a boa cooperação institucional continue a existir e que não se ignore o papel extraordinário que o Parlamento Europeu também pode ter na ratificação desta Convenção por parte do Reino Unido, a qual, volto a dizer, saúdo com grande alegria.

    		  
       

    		 

      Dainius Žalimas, on behalf of the Renew Group. – Mr President, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, we cannot defend the rule of law externally, failing to follow it in our own decision-making. The third country’s accession to the Judgements Convention is a test of our compliance with the EU Constitution, the founding Treaties. The EU acceded to the Judgements Convention with Parliament’s consent. Indeed, the consent to be bound by international agreements is a typical function of a democratic parliament. This consent has to be required also when the convention’s scope – including scope of application – is changed, for example by the accession of third countries.

    However, as in the case of Ukraine’s accession, we are again confronted with the Commission’s refusal to recognise this inherent function of the Parliament as provided by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. In this way, the Commission undermines the principle of representative democracy, including institutional balance and accountability to EU citizens. The Commission, as a guardian of the Treaties, must fully respect them without improvisation beyond its mandate.

    Therefore, with today’s oral question and resolution, we not only support the accession of the UK, but we also are defending our parliamentary prerogatives and the rule of law.

    		  
       

    		 

      Ville Niinistö, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Mr President, today we welcome a step forward for Justice Beyond Borders. The UK’s accession to the Hague Convention is not just good news, it’s a win for legal certainty for businesses, families and individuals on both sides of the Channel.

    But let’s be clear: this debate is not about the UK today. It is about us, about our role as Parliament in shaping how the EU builds binding legal ties with the rest of the world.

    We believe in the rule of law. We believe that judgments recognised across borders must be rooted in fairness, due process and human rights. And we also believe that the European Parliament must have a say when those decisions impact millions of Europeans. The Commission should take the legal role of the co-legislators properly into account in this ratification process.

    That’s why we are here today, to make sure our democratic role isn’t sidelined, to ensure that Parliament’s voice is heard, respected and empowered. Let’s build bridges, yes, but let’s build them strong, transparent and with full democratic oversight, because Europe works best when it works together.

    		  
       

    		 

      Mary Khan, im Namen der ESN-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Dieser Antrag zeigt, wie internationale Zusammenarbeit auch ohne Brüsseler Bevormundung funktionieren kann. Großbritannien ist nicht mehr Teil der EU. Das haben wir der Geduld und Durchsetzungsfähigkeit eines freien Volkes zu verdanken; darauf können die Briten auch stolz sein. Und dennoch gelingt es, auf Augenhöhe Rechtssicherheit zu schaffen.

    Ein souveräner Staat, ein völkerrechtlicher Vertrag, klare Regeln, ganz ohne milliardenteuren Beamtenapparat, ohne Ideologie – genau das ist unser Weg. Wir müssen die europäische Zusammenarbeit auf das Wesentliche reduzieren: Binnenmarkt, Schutz der Außengrenzen und freiwillige bilaterale Verträge zwischen souveränen Nationalstaaten.

    Stattdessen erleben wir eine EU, die sich zu einem politischen Superstaat aufbläht, der Milliarden kostet und sich immer tiefer in nationale Entscheidungen einmischt. Wir stimmen zu, weil es zeigt, wie echte Partnerschaft aussieht: rechtsstaatlich, freiwillig und souverän.

    		  
       

       

    (Se suspende la sesión a las 11:16 horas).

    		  
       

       

    VORSITZ: KATARINA BARLEY
    Vizepräsidentin

    		  

    4. Resumption of the sitting

       

    (Die Sitzung wird um 12:00 Uhr wieder aufgenommen.)

    		  

    5. Voting time

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgt die Abstimmungsstunde.

    		  

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Die folgende Abstimmung betrifft die Medienfreiheit in Georgien, insbesondere den Fall von Msia Amaghlobeli (siehe Punkt 5.1 des Protokolls).

    		  

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Die folgende Abstimmung betrifft den Fall von Ahmadreza Djalali in Iran (siehe Punkt 5.2 des Protokolls).

    		  

       

    – Vor der Abstimmung über Änderungsantrag 3:

    		  
       

    		 

      Matthieu Valet (PfE). – Madame la Présidente, mes chers collègues, en tant que coordinateur du groupe des Patriotes pour l’Europe au sein de la sous-commission des droits de l’homme, je propose d’ajouter un amendement oral à la résolution sur le Mali, dont le texte, à notre sens, ne dénonce pas avec suffisamment de clarté le terrorisme islamiste. Cet amendement vise ainsi à rendre hommage et à honorer le sang versé de nos 58 soldats français, ainsi que celui de nos partenaires européens tombés dans la lutte contre les terroristes islamistes au Mali et pour la liberté que nous défendons tous ici au sein de ce Parlement.

    Je propose donc la formulation suivante: «considérant que l’Union européenne et plusieurs États membres ont déployé des efforts et perdu des vies dans la lutte contre le djihadisme, à la demande des anciennes autorités maliennes, dont 58 soldats français, cinq soldats néerlandais, deux soldats allemands, un soldat espagnol et un soldat portugais». Je vous remercie. Cela sera un signal fort pour nos soldats qui, souvent si jeunes, s’engagent pour nos libertés et tombent pour défendre des démocraties.

    		  
       

       

    (Das Parlament lehnt es ab, den mündlichen Änderungsantrag zur Abstimmung zu stellen.)

    		  

    5.4. Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability (A10-0104/2025 – Veronika Vrecionová) (vote)

       

    – Nach der Abstimmung:

    		  
       

       

    (Das Parlament billigt den Antrag auf Rücküberweisung an den Ausschuss.)

    		  

    5.5. Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system (A10-0091/2025 – Anna Stürgkh) (vote)

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Die folgende Abstimmung betrifft Stromnetze als Rückgrat des Energiesystems der EU (siehe Punkt 5.5 des Protokolls).

    		  

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Die folgende Abstimmung betrifft den Deal für eine saubere Industrie (siehe Punkt 5.6 des Protokolls).

    		  

    5.7. The United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (B10-0273/2025) (vote)

       

    (Damit ist die Abstimmungsstunde geschlossen)

    		  
       

       

    (Die Sitzung wird um 12:34 Uhr unterbrochen.)

    		  

    6. Resumption of the sitting

       

    (Die Sitzung wird um 15.01 Uhr wieder aufgenommen.)

    		  

    7. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Das Protokoll der gestrigen Sitzung und die angenommenen Texte sind verfügbar.

    Gibt es Einwände dagegen? Das ist nicht der Fall.

    Das Protokoll ist somit genehmigt.

    		  

    8. Protecting bees: advancing the EU’s New Deal for Pollinators (debate)

    		 

      Ekaterina Zaharieva, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, pollination is a free but invaluable service that insects provide. Without it, our food security, our livelihoods and nature would be threatened.

    Yet, pollinator populations have dramatically declined in the recent decades. Populations of 1 in 3 bee, butterfly and hoverflies species are collapsing. Many species are on the verge of extinction. This has a direct impact on the productivity and competitiveness of the EU’s agriculture sector and on our food security.

    As highlighted in the EU 2020 biodiversity strategy, in the EU pollinators initiative and in the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, we need to take urgent action to restore pollinator populations. To step up efforts and reverse this decline of pollinators, we reinforced two years ago the EU pollinators initiative by revising its action plan. We have also enshrined a target to reverse the decline of pollinators by 2030 in the Nature Restoration Regulation.

    Together, those efforts constitute the new deal for pollinators – our response to society’s demand to take decisive action. This demand was manifested in the European citizens’ initiative ‘Save bees and farmers’. This House has been a strong and vocal advocate of the EU pollinator agenda. I thank you for that and for the opportunity to update you today on the progress in the implementation of the new deal for pollinators.

    We are currently implementing more than 40 actions through the revised EU pollinators initiative. These actions aim to mitigate the drivers of pollinator decline, generate knowledge, foster Member States’ actions and mobilise society.

    Agriculture is the essential sector. It depends on pollinators the most, and at the same time it exerts the highest pressure on them. That is why we have been working closely with Member States to increase support for pollinator‑friendly farming under the common agricultural policy.

    We want to support farmers to restore nature and pollinator populations, including through the development of nature credits and through enhanced farm advisory services. We are working on strengthening the pesticide authorisation process to increase protection of pollinators from the use of pesticides. We are also supporting Member States in reducing the risk in use of pesticide by increasing the uptake of integrated pest management and availability of low-risk plant protection products.

    EU sales of pesticides in 2023 were at the lowest level since the start of Eurostat data series in 2011. Still, the work is not over. Despite our efforts, pesticide use remains a major driver of pollinator decline. We count on your continued support for strict regulatory framework on pesticides. Meanwhile, we have substantially improved our understanding of pollinator decline through comprehensive assessment of pollinator species and the European ‘red list’ and thanks to numerous projects launched through Horizon Europe.

    We are currently preparing a delegated act on pollinator monitoring, as required under the Nature Restoration Regulation. I call on Parliament and Member States to support a robust scientific monitoring method. Good data will enable smart and well-guided investment in the restoration of pollinators and ecosystems, yielding substantial savings in the long term.

    In addition, the preparatory action for the European Biodiversity Observation Coordination Centre, initiated by Parliament will help Member States implement a monitoring system for pollinators.

    To conclude, a word on our outreach efforts. We have built a strong and dedicated community of experts from Member States, authorities and stakeholder organisations through our working group on pollinators. We also continue to strongly support citizens’ engagement, especially youth engagement in actions for pollinators.

    Youth is our future and the future needs pollinators. That is why in the coming months we will launch the Young Citizens Assembly on Pollinators, the European Fund for Youth Action on Pollinators and ‘buzzing schools’. This is part of the pilot project initiated by the European Parliament. I thank you for your support and the overall commitment to the EU’s action on pollinators.

    		  
       

    		 

      Tomislav Sokol, u ime kluba PPE. – Poštovana predsjedavajuća, povjerenice, kolegice i kolege, Europska komisija je 2023. predstavila novi plan za oprašivače s ključnim ciljem preokrenuti alarmantan pad broja divljih kukaca oprašivača u Europi. Ova mjera nije samo ekološka, ona je duboko strateška. Bez oprašivača nema ni sigurnosti hrane ni zdravog okoliša. Podržavam ovu inicijativu i naglašavam važnost zaštite prirodnih staništa i poticanja biološke raznolikosti.

    Međutim, novi plan za oprašivače mora ići ruku pod ruku sa strategijom za europske pčelare koji svakodnevno vode borbu s nelojalnom konkurencijom, uvoznicima patvorenog i nekvalitetnog meda iz trećih zemalja, a tu su podaci porazni. Naime, prema istraživanjima, gotovo svaka druga staklenka meda na europskom tržištu sadrži krivotvoreni med. Naši pčelari koji proizvode kvalitetan prirodni med ne mogu konkurirati damping cijenama, nedefiniranim standardima i lažnim deklaracijama.

    Zato smo u prošlom mandatu izmjenom Direktive o medu uspjeli zabraniti zavaravajuće označavanje mješavina meda i uvesti obvezu navođenja točnog postotka i zemlju porijekla svake komponente mješavine meda. To je velik korak za transparentnost i zaštitu potrošača, ali i za opstanak naših pčelara.

    Međutim, ne smijemo stati na tome. Moramo koristiti trgovinske i carinske mehanizme, pojačati kontrole na granicama, uvesti strože nadzore uvoza i zatražiti uključivanje interesa pčelara u trgovinske sporazume s trećim državama.

    Također, novi plan za oprašivače neće biti djelotvoran bez borbe protiv upotrebe štetnih pesticida i novih genskih tehnika kojima ne smijemo dozvoliti da naruše sigurnost hrane i zdravlje potrošača. Zato je ključno poticati lokalnu proizvodnju hrane i prirodan uzgoj.

    S tim u vezi, treba već sada analizirati učinke strategije „od polja do stola”, za koju sam bio izvjestitelj Kluba EPP-a u odboru IMCO, i predložiti njezinu nadopunu u svjetlu izazova s kojima se pčelari susreću. Kolegice i kolege, zaštitimo pčele, ali i interese naših pčelara.

    		  
       

    		 

      Günther Sidl, im Namen der S&D-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, geschätzte Frau Kommissarin! Es ist höchste Zeit, dass wir hier im Europäischen Parlament wieder über die Bienen reden, denn die Biene ist eine der nützlichsten und wichtigsten Tierarten, die es gibt, und braucht unseren besonderen Schutz. Aber genau den hat sie derzeit leider nicht – im Gegenteil. Die Probleme, denen die Bienen gegenüberstehen, werden immer größer. Die milden Winter befördern das Milbenwachstum und damit die Krankheitsübertragung auf die Bienen, was alleine dieses Jahr zu immensen Verlusten geführt hat; Verlustraten von 30 % sind keine Seltenheit. Aber selbst die Bienenvölker, die den Winter überstehen, haben keine rosigen Aussichten, denn sie müssen sich ihre Nahrung zwischen immer größeren Monokulturen und pestizidbelasteten Pflanzen suchen. Kurz gesagt: So kann es nicht weitergehen!

    Wir brauchen endlich ein ernsthaftes Programm zum Schutz der Bienen. Ich bin froh, dass die EU‑Kommission dieses Thema aufgreift, aber ich hoffe, Sie verstehen, dass ich skeptisch bin. Denn bis jetzt war die Kommission nicht die große Beschützerin der Bienen, sonst hätte sie nicht ein ums andere Mal den Einsatz von Pestiziden wie Glyphosat zugelassen, sonst hätten Sie schon längst mit der Praxis der Notfallzulassungen für problematische Mittel aufgeräumt. Ich verstehe, dass Landwirte Ertragssicherheit brauchen, aber wenn wir das nur mit Mitteln erreichen, die den Bienen schaden, hat am Ende niemand etwas davon.

    Wir müssen endlich allen klarmachen, und es muss uns allen klar sein, dass Pestizide nicht die alleinige Lösung sind, sondern ein gravierendes Problem. Ein Problem, das sich überall festsetzt – in Böden, in Gewässern, in unserem Trinkwasser und letztlich auch in unserem Körper, und genau da haben Umweltgifte und Ewigkeitschemikalien nichts zu suchen. Suchen wir endlich nach einer Lösung, die allen hilft: der Natur, den Bienen und damit auch uns.

    Wir brauchen endlich eine europäische Forschungsstrategie für wirksame und ökologische Pestizidalternativen. Nur damit geben wir der Landwirtschaft neue Instrumente in die Hand, mit denen sie nachhaltig und ertragssicher arbeiten kann. Packen wir das Problem an den Wurzeln und geben wir unserer Umwelt eine echte Chance, sich zu erholen!

    		  
       

    		 

      Valérie Deloge, au nom du groupe PfE. – Madame la Présidente, Madame la Commissaire, chers collègues, la Commission européenne présente aujourd’hui un nouveau pacte pour les pollinisateurs. Le constat est partagé par tous. Les abeilles, les syrphes, les papillons disparaissent à un rythme inquiétant. Ce déclin fragilise notre agriculture, notre souveraineté alimentaire et la biodiversité en Europe. Mais à y regarder de plus près, ce texte reflète surtout les travers habituels de la technocratie bruxelloise: des objectifs déconnectés des réalités agricoles, une avalanche de directives et un transfert toujours plus massif de responsabilités des États membres vers l’Union européenne.

    On demande aux agriculteurs français de renoncer à certains traitements, d’intégrer des bandes fleuries, de diversifier leurs cultures et c’est une bonne chose si on les accompagne. Mais pendant ce temps, on continue d’importer sans vergogne des produits agricoles venus de pays qui utilisent des substances interdites chez nous. Où est la cohérence? Où est la justice?

    Soyons clairs protéger les pollinisateurs, c’est aussi défendre l’avenir de notre agriculture. Il ne s’agit pas de choisir entre les abeilles et les agriculteurs, mais de sortir de cette logique de punition et d’hypocrisie. La pollution qui menace les insectes pollinisateurs ne vient pas uniquement des champs. Elle vient aussi de l’air que nous respirons, des polluants persistants, des microplastiques, des métaux lourds et d’un effet cocktail de substances chimiques dont l’Union européenne ne mesure pas encore sérieusement les interactions. Ce sont autant de facteurs qui affaiblissent les insectes, mais aussi la santé humaine.

    Et là, le texte de la Commission reste timide. Il traite longuement des pesticides, mais presque rien n’est dit sur l’impact des grandes zones industrielles, de la pollution de l’air ou de la charge chimique globale. Or, les agriculteurs ne doivent pas devenir les boucs émissaires d’un système de production mondialisé qui échappe à tout contrôle. Il est temps de changer votre logiciel, inspirez-vous des États membres qui sont les plus vertueux en la matière, comme la France. Oubliez votre vision vision en silo et réfléchissez plutôt à une approche globale sur les polluants invisibles.

    Au delà des produits phytosanitaires, c’est toute la question de la qualité de notre air qui doit se poser. Soutenez les agriculteurs qui ont déjà pris conscience du problème et œuvrez déjà à protéger les habitats des pollinisateurs. Encouragez la recherche sur les alternatives aux intrants chimiques pour ne pas que nos agriculteurs se retrouvent privés de solutions. Il est temps de défendre à la fois nos agriculteurs et la biodiversité avec des politiques réalistes, cohérentes et souveraines.

    		  
       

    		 

      Thomas Waitz, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Madam President, Commissioner, yes, indeed, our pollinators are declining. And why is it so? It was just mentioned by the far right: it’s because of chemical pollution, because of pesticides. Well, the Commission came up with the so-called Sustainable Use Directive to reduce pesticides. But do you remember why it failed? It was very much on the right side of the House that the Sustainable Use Directive was actually killed here in the House. Yes, it was you guys. This would have been one of the main measures that we would have needed to take to reduce the decline of pollinators.

    And it’s not just honeybees – I’m a beekeeper and a farmer at the same time – it’s also about wild pollinators. The Commission – under the rule of simplification – has reduced the fallow land that we need for wild pollinators. Is there real support for organic farming? Because this is the way of farming that safeguards natural pollinators, wild pollinators and our bees as well.

    Is there real support for beekeepers in the European Union? Well, let’s see the new CAP proposal. We need real support for beekeepers because, due to climate crisis and pesticides, it’s harder and harder to keep a beekeeper’s business going. I can say that from my very own experience. But I’m ready to work on this, and I’m happy to contribute if there are concrete proposals to safeguard wild pollinators and bees.

    		  
       

    		 

      Sebastian Everding, im Namen der Fraktion The Left. – Frau Präsidentin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Honigbienen haben für die Biodiversität keinerlei Relevanz. Auch wenn uns Schulbücher und Medien oftmals ein anderes Bild vermitteln und die meisten Menschen beim Wort Biene direkt an die Honigbiene denken: Diese ist nicht bedroht; allein in Deutschland sind rund 100 000 Imker um sie bemüht. Auf der anderen Seite steht die Hälfte der 561 Wildbienenarten als vom Aussterben bedroht auf der Roten Liste. Reden wir über Bestäuber, dann müssen wir schwerpunktmäßig über Wildbienen, über Wespen, Schmetterlinge und Fliegen reden. Honigbienen können diese maximal ergänzen, aber niemals ersetzen. Wenn sich Unternehmen Honigbienen aufs Dach stellen, ist das mehr Greenwashing als ein Beitrag zum Artenschutz.

    Viele Menschen haben die Problematik erkannt und möchten Insekten helfen. Sie kaufen gutgläubig sogenannte Insektenhotels, gefüllt mit Holzwolle, mit Tannenzapfen, mit Baumrinde, weil dies Natürlichkeit vermittelt. Aber diese sind ganz oft ein Fall für den Biomüll, werden nicht angenommen und können im schlimmsten Fall sogar Insekten schaden. Hier müssen ganz dringend nachvollziehbare Siegel für die Orientierung geschaffen werden.

    Vergesst Biene Maja, kümmert Euch um die Gehörnte Mauerbiene, die Dunkelfransige Hosenbiene, schafft Lebensräume und Blühstreifen und verbietet Pestizide wie Glyphosat!

    		  
       

    		 

      Marcin Sypniewski, w imieniu grupy ESN. – Pani Przewodnicząca! Szanowni Państwo! Nie wiem, czy widzieli państwo komedię „Człowiek kontra pszczoła” z Rowanem Atkinsonem w roli głównej. Tam główny bohater, goniąc jedną pszczołę, demoluje cały dom. A dzisiaj jednak to nie pszczoła przeszkadza człowiekowi, a człowiek, a konkretnie również unijna polityka, przeszkadza pszczołom. Pszczoła nie ma swojego biura w Brukseli. Nie zatrudnia żadnego lobbysty. Nie pisze sprawozdań i nie czeka na kolejną dyrektywę, na kolejny plan, kolejny ład. Ona po prostu żyje, zapyla i robi to, co umie najlepiej – wspiera naturę i daje ludziom zdrową żywność.

    Tymczasem w Unii tworzymy pakty, strategie, zielone łady, konsultacje, a zapominamy, że najlepszym sojusznikiem pszczoły nie jest żaden biurokrata, tylko po prostu pszczelarz i rolnik – ten, który wie, że bez zapylaczy nie będzie żadnych plonów. Chcecie ratować pszczoły, to przestańcie w końcu szkodzić rolnikom. Przestańcie wspierać konkurencję spoza Unii. Nie zamęczajcie ich kolejnymi regulacjami, zakazami i sprawozdawczością. Przestańcie karać ich za to, że chcą produkować żywność, a nie wypełniać arkusze Excela. Pszczoły potrzebują ciszy, spokoju, równowagi w krajobrazie, a nie chaosu legislacyjnego. Potrzebują lasów, łąk, pasiek, nie – Zielonego Ładu, który niszczy to, co miał chronić. Nie powielajmy scenariusza z filmu, w którym człowiek niszczy wszystko, żeby pozbyć się jednej pszczoły. Chrońmy naturę razem z tymi, którzy ją naprawdę rozumieją – z rolnikami i pszczelarzami.

    		  
       

    		 

      Liudas Mažylis (PPE). – Pirmininke, komisare, kolegos. Noriu pacituoti, ką šioje tribūnoje kalbėjau dėl apdulkintojų 2019 m. gruodžio 17 d.: „biologinės įvairovės nykimo prevencija turi būti grindžiama mokslu ir ambicingais, bet įvykdomais tikslais“. Taip pat griežtai siūliau Bee Guidance atnaujinimą ir jog naujoms augalų apsaugos priemonėms būtų vykdomi chroninio toksiškumo tyrimai. Tiriamas poveikis ne tik bitėms, bet ir kitiems apdulkintojams.

    Per tą laiką priimtas New Deal for Pollinators, atnaujintas Bee Guidance, o 2023-iaisiais Reglamentas dėl gamtos atkūrimo suteikė apdulkintojams – tarp jų ir bitėms – teisinį apsaugos statusą. Tai reikšmingas žingsnis, kuris įpareigoja valstybes nares stebėti jų populiacijas pagal standartizuotą metodiką; iki 2030 m. turi būti sustabdytas apdulkintojų nykimas, vėliau – užtikrintas jų tvarus gausėjimas. Svarbus klausimas – Europos raudonasis sąrašas bitėms. Jis turi būti atnaujintas ir atspindėti dabartines rūšių būklės tendencijas. Be kita ko, minėtam tikslui grėsmę kelia invazinės rūšys. Tokios rūšies kaip Azijos vapsva viena kolonija per sezoną gali sunaikinti iki 90 tūkstančių apdulkintojų. Tad jau būtų laikas imtis atitinkamų veiksmų, grįstų rizikos vertinimu. Pesticidų atveju žiediniai bandymai vienišėms bitėms yra žingsnis pirmyn, tačiau vis dar trūksta ilgalaikių tyrimų kolonijų lygmeniu. Subletaliniai ir chroniniai poveikiai, deja, tebelieka neįvertinti. O juk tik visapusiški tyrimai suteiks galimybę priimti mokslu pagrįstus sprendimus. Teigiamai vertinu tai, kad duomenų bazės apie bites tampa vis plačiau prieinamos ir vis dėlto jos turi būti ne tik atviros, bet ir išsamios, nuolat atnaujinamos bei integruotos į sprendimų priėmimą – tiek sudarant Europos raudonąjį bičių sąrašą, tiek planuojant buveinių atkūrimą. Pasikartosiu, kad tik remdamiesi patikimais moksliniais duomenimis galime pasiekti savo tikslų ir sustabdyti bičių nykimą.

    		  
       

    		 

      Maria Noichl (S&D). – Frau Präsidentin, liebe Frau Kommissarin, liebe Kolleginnen, liebe Kollegen! Ja, die Kommission ist derzeit unterwegs mit einem Banner „Bienenschutz″; dieses Banner „Bienenschutz“ soll ganz oben stehen. Es ist aber wichtig zu sagen, dass die jüngsten Vorschläge der Kommission zur europäischen Agrarpolitik genau im Gegensatz stehen. Bienenpolitik wird nicht in Ihrem Ausschuss oder in Ihrer Kommission gemacht, sondern Bienenpolitik – die echte Bienenpolitik – wird im Agrarausschuss gemacht. Wenn im Agrarausschuss weiterhin Deregulierung voranschreitet, wenn im Agrarausschuss weiterhin die Bestäuber-, die Biodiversitätsstrategie und andere Dinge, aber auch die Naturwiederherstellungsrichtlinie an die Wand gefahren werden – denn die wird momentan massiv angegriffen im Agrarausschuss –, wenn die Vereinfachungspakete keine Vereinfachungspakete, sondern Bienenangriffspakete sind, dann merken wir, dass der Agrarausschuss der Ausschuss ist, der für die Bienengesundheit zu sorgen hat.

    Wir alle wissen, dass die Hauptursache für den Rückgang der Bienen die landwirtschaftliche Intensivhaltung ist. Wir alle wissen, dass die Aufgabe der extensiven landwirtschaftlichen Systeme ein Problem ist, dass der Klimawandel, aber auch die invasiven Arten, die Urbanisierung und die Intensivierung der Forstwirtschaft alles Gründe sind. Diesen Gründen wird man nur zuvorkommen.

    Man wird die Bienen nicht mit kleinen Bienen‑Hotspots, sondern nur mit einer flächendeckenden, guten, nachhaltigen Landwirtschaft in ganz Europa unterstützen können. Deswegen: Bienenpolitik ist Landwirtschaftspolitik, Landwirtschaftspolitik ist Bienenpolitik. Ein großes Banner oben drüber hilft uns nichts, wir brauchen es jeden Tag.

    		  
       

    		 

      Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE). – Frau Präsidentin! Der Schutz von Bienen und anderen Bestäubern muss eine Priorität für die EU sein. 78 % der heimischen Pflanzenarten und 84 % der Nutzpflanzen sind entweder teilweise oder vollständig auf Insekten zur Bestäubung angewiesen, aber wenn wir so weitermachen wie bisher, fördern wir den dramatischen Rückgang von bestäubenden Wildinsekten massiv. Die öffentliche Meinung ist eindeutig. Mit der erfolgreichen Europäischen Bürgerinitiative Save bees and farmers fordern Bürgerinnen und Bürger eine bienenfreundliche Landwirtschaft, frei von giftigen Pestiziden, nicht nur der Bienen wegen, sondern wegen der Zukunft von Landwirtinnen und Landwirten, die auf ein funktionierendes Ökosystem angewiesen sind.

    Klimawandel, der Verlust und die Verschlechterung der Lebensräume, massive Auswirkungen von Pestiziden auf die Umwelt, auf unsere Gesundheit – das sind alles Phänomene, die mit konservativen Politiken und Handlungsunwilligkeit nicht angegangen werden können. Wir brauchen einen zukunftsgerichteten EU‑Pakt für Bestäuber, eine gemeinsame Agrarpolitik, die für Landwirtinnen und Landwirte und die Umwelt funktioniert, und klare Vorschriften zur Pestizidreduzierung.

    		  
       

    		 

      Valentina Palmisano (The Left). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, le api, oltre ad essere preziosi impollinatori, sono sentinelle della salute ambientale. Quando spariscono è l’intero ecosistema a lanciare un grido d’allarme. Oggi quel grido è fortissimo. A novembre 2023 questo Parlamento ha accolto con favore il nuovo patto europeo per gli impollinatori e oggi dobbiamo dare seguito a quell’impegno.

    Le principali minacce degli impollinatori sono ben conosciute: l’agricoltura intensiva, l’uso dei pesticidi, la perdita di habitat, così come sono conosciute anche le misure per contrastarle. Serve solo il coraggio politico di applicarle con coerenza e in tempi rapidi. Dobbiamo incentivare pratiche agricole amiche delle api, rafforzare la tutela degli apicoltori nella PAC, limitare l’uso di pesticidi, salvaguardare gli impollinatori selvatici, rafforzare il programma LIFE, che già oggi finanzia degli strumenti efficaci per proteggere gli habitat e le biodiversità.

    Ci sono anche esperienze urbane da valorizzare, ad esempio il progetto UrBees, nato a Torino, dimostra che le api possono aiutarci a monitorare l’ambiente e a costruire comunità più consapevoli.

    Ecco, proteggere gli impollinatori significa proteggere l’equilibrio tra natura, agricoltura e salute pubblica. È una responsabilità che ci riguarda tutti. Oggi abbiamo gli strumenti e il dovere per agire.

    		  
       

    		 

      Anja Arndt (ESN). – Frau Präsidentin! Der neue Deal für Bestäuber ist der nächste zentralistische Irrsinn aus Brüssel. Dieselbe Kommission, die Landwirte mit Auflagen überschüttet, vernichtet mit ihrer eigenen Energiewende selbst massenhaft Insekten. Jedes Windrad tötet jedes Jahr 40 Millionen Insekten, und wir haben in der Europäischen Union 280 000 Windräder. Unsere Windkraftanlagen töten also jedes Jahr hochgerechnet 9 Billionen Insekten. Bevor Brüssel neue Vorschriften erlässt, sollte die Kommission ihre eigenen Fehler kritisch aufarbeiten.

    Der neue Deal für Bestäuber ist nichts anderes als ein weiteres Bürokratiemonster, das nationale Kompetenzen ignoriert und Landwirte drangsaliert. Statt echter Hilfe soll ein teures, EU‑weites Überwachungssystem eingeführt werden, ohne praktischen Nutzen für Insekten. Gleichzeitig will man die Pestizideinsätze einfach mal pauschal halbieren, und das wurde hier schon angesprochen, dass das letztes Jahr zum Glück abgewendet wurde. Ohne Rücksicht auf die Landwirte soll das geschehen, regionale Unterschiede sollen nicht berücksichtigt werden oder die Ernährungssicherheit unserer Bürger.

    So etwas muss gestoppt werden. Deutschland braucht deshalb die AfD, und Europa braucht die ESN.

    (Die Rednerin lehnt eine Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“ von Lukas Sieper ab.)

    		  
       

    		 

      Pär Holmgren (Verts/ALE). – Fru talman! Här står jag, klockan är ganska exakt halv fyra på torsdagseftermiddagen. Jag är näst sista talaren i den sista debatten i Strasbourg den här veckan, om något så extremt viktigt som bin och pollinering.

    Det är verkligen pollinering och andra liknande ekosystemtjänster som är helt avgörande för vår matförsörjning, för att vi ska kunna arbeta med klimatanpassning och faktiskt också för att vi ska kunna lindra effekterna av själva den globala uppvärmningen i sig.

    Men de allra flesta av mina kollegor är på väg hem. Många sitter säkert redan på sina flygplan på väg till sina hemländer. En torsdag eftermiddag som det här så blir det för mig, och säkert för många andra gröna, mer övertydligt än vanligt, att det är i princip inga andra av mina kollegor som bryr sig om de här helt grundläggande, viktiga existentiella frågorna: klimat, biologisk mångfald, pollinering, ekosystemtjänster.

    Vi måste se till att försörja och försvara dem så att vi faktiskt har ett fungerande samhälle även i framtiden.

    		  
       

    		 

      Younous Omarjee (The Left). – Madame la Présidente, Madame la commissaire, elles ne parlent pas, mais sans elles, le monde se tairait. Et pourtant, déjà les abeilles meurent massivement et leur bourdonnement s’épuise dans le vacarme de nos pesticides et d’un choix d’un modèle agricole productiviste et intensif dont nous savons aujourd’hui qu’il faut tourner la page. Chaque ruche qui se vide, c’est un champ qui s’épuise. Une fleur qui ne fructifie pas et, en totalité, une promesse de vie qui s’évanouit. Les abeilles tissent en vol l’équilibre du vivant, des couleurs et des saisons aussi.

    J’appelle donc la Commission européenne à ne pas céder au sabordage du Pacte vert européen et à bannir les substances les plus dangereuses et à soutenir les pratiques agroécologiques. Il est tout à fait vital que les insectes demeurent, il est vital d’interdire ce qui les tue, d’aimer et de protéger ce qui permet la vie.

    		  
       

       

    Spontane Wortmeldungen

    		  
       

    		 

      Alexander Jungbluth (ESN). – Sehr geehrte Frau Präsidentin, danke für das erhaltene Wort! Ich möchte mich ganz kurz auf Herrn Waitz beziehen. Herr Waitz hat ja eben angedeutet, dass irgendwie die Rechten schuld seien, dass die Bienen sterben; belegt haben Sie das Ganze irgendwie nicht. Deshalb möchte ich Ihnen einmal etwas belegen, nämlich, es gibt ja eine Studie des Zentrums für Luft‑ und Raumfahrttechnik (DLR), geschrieben von Herrn Dr. Franz Trieb, und Herr Dr. Franz Trieb hat in dieser Studie festgestellt, dass im Jahr durchschnittlich etwa 1200 Tonnen Insekten durch Windräder sterben. Wir sprechen hier von Milliarden von Insekten, die jährlich durch Windräder sterben. Insofern möchte ich an dieser Stelle einmal feststellen: Grüne Politik ist eben nicht nur für die Wirtschaft tödlich, sondern eben leider auch für Bienen.

    		  
       

    		 

      Lukas Sieper (NI). – Frau Präsidentin, liebe Menschen Europas! Ich persönlich finde in diesem Europäischen Parlament immer die Debatten am interessantesten, wo sich eigentlich alle einig sind, wo aber auch gleichzeitig der allergrößte Unsinn erzählt wird. Alle sind sich hier einig, dass die Bienen gerettet werden müssen, auf die eine oder die andere Art. Manche sagen, die Landwirtschaft ist schuld, andere sagen, die Pestizide sind schuld.

    Frau Kommissarin, ich möchte Ihnen ganz kurz sagen: Das, was ich am besten finde an dem Vorschlag, den Sie da machen, ist die urbane Begrünung. Denn das ist ja der Lebensraum, aus dem wir die Tiere quasi komplett vertrieben haben, und wenn wir da wieder ein bisschen mehr Grün in die Städte holen – das ist nicht nur für die mentale Gesundheit der Menschen gut, das ist auch für die Natur gut. Also möchte ich, da sich eigentlich alle einig sind, das Haus hier dazu aufrufen, ein bisschen mehr diese ideologischen Grabenkämpfe sein zu lassen.

    Das Witzigste, was ich gehört habe, der größte Schuss ist das mit den Windrädern. Es ist wirklich so dermaßen bescheuert zu sagen, Windräder sind böse, weil dadurch Tiere sterben. Rechnen Sie doch mal durch, wenn Sie so gerne mit Zahlen um sich schmeißen, wie viele Tiere sterben, wenn der Klimawandel einmal so richtig reinknallt bei uns! Dann ist nämlich gar nichts mehr mit der Biodiversität. Also, stehen wir zusammen, halten wir uns an die Ratio! Schönes Wochenende!

    		  
       

    		 

      Bogdan Rzońca (ECR). – Pani Przewodnicząca! Nie jestem ani skrajnym prawicowcem, ani skrajnym lewicowcem. Jestem zwyczajnie konserwatystą. Konserwatyści mają spokojne spojrzenie na to wszystko, co dzieje się wokół nas. Bardzo lubimy mądrych rolników, mądrych pszczelarzy, mądrych naukowców, tych, którzy są także praktykami, którzy potrafią wnosić swoje doświadczenie do oceny każdej sytuacji.

    I tu chcę zwrócić uwagę Państwa na wielką niekonsekwencję Unii Europejskiej. Mianowicie, jeśli dzisiaj otwieramy w Unii Europejskiej rynek na produkty z Ameryki Południowej, to pamiętajmy, że tam są karczowane lasy, tam są niszczone łąki, gdzie właśnie są siedliska zapylaczy. I tam będą ginąć te zapylacze. Tam będzie przyrost pestycydów. A my będziemy mówić, że mamy żywność z Ameryki Południowej w ramach umowy z Merkosurem. To jest wielki błąd i myślę, że wszystkie środowiska też na to powinny zwrócić uwagę. Słuchajmy mądrych rolników, mądrych pszczelarzy. Życie będzie lepsze.

    		  
       

       

    (Ende der spontanen Wortmeldungen)

    		  
       

    		 

      Ekaterina Zaharieva, Member of the Commission. – Frau Präsidentin, dear Members of the Parliament, thank you once again for your continuous commitment to advance the implementation of the new deal of pollinators.

    It’s really a game changer, this new deal, and we are at a crucial moment of its implementation. I think we need to keep the momentum, ensuring that the Member States and the stakeholders continue implementing the actions that we agreed. We are not there yet, unfortunately: 2030 is not far away and we have a long way to go to stop – and ultimately reverse – the decline of pollinators in the EU.

    Societal expectations are high: the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Save bees and farmers’ – which gathered more than 1 million statements of support – has sent us a clear message, which is: ‘act now, act decisively’.

    The Commission is committed to meet those expectations, and for that, we need your support.

    		  
       

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Die Aussprache ist geschlossen.

    		  

    9. Oral explanations of vote (Rule 201)

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgen die Erklärungen zur Abstimmung.

    		  

    9.1. Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system (A10-0091/2025 – Anna Stürgkh)

    		 

      Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR). – Arvoisa puhemies, toimivat sähköverkot pitävät Euroopan turvallisena. Ilman niitä huoltovarmuutemme ja resilienssimme romahtaisivat. Rajatylittävällä sähkönjakelulla on tässä myös tärkeä rooli. Toimivuudesta vastaavat kuitenkin aina jäsenvaltiot itse – jäsenvaltiot, jotka vieläpä osaavat hoitaa jakelunsa esimerkillisen loistokkaasti.

    Fingridin tilastojen mukaan kantaverkkojen luotettavuusaste Suomessa oli viime vuonna 99,9995 prosenttia – päätähuimaavan hieno luku. Olisiko se ollut näin korkea, jos sähköverkoista olisikin vastanneet virkamiehet Brysselissä eikä Suomen olosuhteet parhaiten tuntevat kotimaiset toimijat? Ei varmasti, sanon minä.

    Kaikkein parasta Euroopan huoltovarmuudelle on antaa jäsenvaltioiden hoitaa asiansa ja tehdä sellaista kansainvälistä yhteistyötä, mistä kaikki osapuolet varmasti hyötyvät. Tämän vuoksi päätin äänestää esitystä vastaan, sillä vaikka siirtäisimmekin sähköä kauas, tulee päätäntävallan säilyä lähellä.

    		  

    		 

      Cristian Terheş (ECR). – Doamnă președintă, stimați colegi, m-am abținut la votul privind rezoluția Clean Industrial Deal pentru că, deși conține câteva idei aparent bune, nu abordează cauza reală a scumpirii energiei în UE. Sub lozinci înșelătoare precum „energie verde”, „regenerabilă” sau „decarbonizare”, se ascund politici ideologice care au transformat Europa în regiunea cu cea mai scumpă energie din lume. Așa zisa decarbonizare accelerată s-a făcut, în fapt, prin închiderea accelerată a capacităților tradiționale de producție energetică pe bază de cărbune sau gaz, ce nu au fost înlocuite cu surse stabile, sustenabile și accesibile de energie.

    Energia solară sau eoliană, pretins curată, se produce intermitent. Ce să facă europenii însă când nu e soare sau când nu bate vântul? Mai grav, s-au respins amendamente în acest raport care recunoșteau energia nucleară drept curată. După ce Germania și-a închis centralele atomice, acum importă energie din Franța, produsă în centrale atomice. Aceasta nu e tranziție verde, ci o sinucidere economică a Europei, asistată politic și birocratic de la Bruxelles.

    Sub pretextul „verdelui”, distrugeți competitivitatea Europei pe altarul unei iluzii de sorginte marxistă, care a împins și condamnat deja milioane de europeni la sărăcie. Opriți această nebunie utopică înainte să fie prea târziu!

    		  
       

    		 

      Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR). – Arvoisa puhemies, tänään meillä oli pitkä lista äänestettävänä erilaisia tarkistuksia Clean Industrial Deal -päätöslauselmaan ja jouduin pettymään. Olisin odottanut, että tämä olisi ollut paljon kunnianhimoisempi teollisuuden hyväksi ja teollisuuden palauttamiseksi Eurooppaan.

    Viime kaudella puhuttiin Green Dealistä. Huomattiin, että siinä mentiin pikkaisen väärään suuntaan nimenomaan teollisuuden näkökulmasta, ja tällä kaudella nyt sitten ollaan puhuttu tästä Clean Industrial Dealistä. Mutta tässä päätöslauselmassa, jota käsiteltiin tänään ja josta äänestettiin, oli niin paljon – kuten harmikseni jouduin huomaamaan – vihreätä agendaa, vääränlaista ideologista agendaa, ei markkinaehtoista säätelyä, että valitettavasti jouduin tulemaan siihen johtopäätökseen, että en voi tämän paperin puolesta äänestää. Ehkä ensi kaudella me voimme saada päätöslauselman nimeltään pelkästään Industrial Deal.

    		  

    10. Explanations of votes in writing (Rule 201)

       

    (Schriftliche Erklärungen zur Abstimmung werden auf die den Mitgliedern vorbehaltenen Seiten auf der Website des Parlaments aufgenommen.)

    		  

    11. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Das Protokoll dieser Sitzung wird dem Parlament zu Beginn der nächsten Sitzung zur Genehmigung vorgelegt.

    Wenn es keine Einwände gibt, werde ich die in der heutigen Sitzung angenommenen Entschließungen den in diesen Entschließungen genannten Personen und Gremien übermitteln.

    		  

    12. Dates of the next part-session

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Die nächste Tagung findet vom 7. bis zum 10. Juli 2025 in Straßburg statt.

    		  

    13. Closure of the sitting

       

    (Die Sitzung wird um 15.41 Uhr geschlossen.)

    		  

    14. Adjournment of the session

    		 

      Die Präsidentin. – Ich erkläre die Sitzungsperiode des Europäischen Parlaments für unterbrochen.

    		  

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: 8 out of 10 Indian support taxing oil and gas corporations to pay for climate damages, global survey finds 

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    New Delhi, 19 June 2025 – A global survey shows a strong support for holding fossil fuel companies accountable for environmental damage. 80% Indian respondents believe the fossil fuel corporations should be taxed for environmental damage they cause.  The data from the survey reflects a growing public consensus that the industries driving the climate crisis should be held financially accountable for the destruction they caused. 

    A remarkable 86% of people support government spending on climate disaster relief–provided it is funded by tax on coal, oil, and gas polluters. Notably, 89% of BJP supporters and 82% of Congress (INC) supporters agree on the need to increase taxes on oil and gas corporations to support those hit hardest by extreme weather events, highlighting rare cross-party unity on climate accountability.   

    The study, jointly commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, was launched today at the UN Climate Meetings in Bonn (SB62), where government representatives are discussing climate policies, including ways to mobilise at least US$ 1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for Global South countries by 2035. The survey was conducted across 13 countries, including most G7 countries. 

    Selomi Garnaik, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace India said: “Communities in developing countries are paying the price for a crisis they did not cause, while fossil fuel companies continue to profit. The science is clear—over a century of burning coal, oil, and gas has fueled the climate damage we face today. This new survey reveals strong public support for making polluters pay. As we head into COP30, governments have a clear public mandate to act- stand with the people, not the polluters, and make fossil fuel companies pay for the harm they have caused.”

    The study, run by Dynata, was unveiled alongside the Polluters Pay Pact, a global alliance of communities on the frontlines of climate disasters. The Pact demands that governments make oil, gas and coal corporations – not the people – pay their fair share for the damages they cause, through the introduction of new taxes and fines.

    The Pact is backed by firefighters and other first responders, trade unions and worker groups, and mayors from countries including Australia, Brazil, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and South Africa, the US, and plaintiffs in landmark climate cases from Pacific island states to Switzerland.

    The Pact is also supported by over 60 NGOs, including Oxfam International, 350.org, Avaaz, Islamic Relief UK, Asociación Interamericana para la Defensa del Ambiente (AIDA), Indian Hawkers Alliance, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Jubilee Australia and the Greenpeace network.

    The survey’s findings published today reveal broad public support for the core demands of the Polluters Pay Pact, as climate impacts worsen worldwide and global inequality grows.

    Key findings of the survey include:

    • 81% of people surveyed globally would support taxes on the oil, gas, and coal industry to pay for damages caused by fossil-fuel driven climate disasters like storms, floods, droughts and wildfires. 
    • 87% of people surveyed in India support channeling revenues from higher taxes on oil and gas corporations towards communities most impacted by the climate crisis. Climate change is disproportionately hitting people in Global South countries, who are historically least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. 
    • 68% of people surveyed globally felt that the fossil fuel industry and the super-rich had a negative influence on politics in their country. 77% say they would be more willing to support a political candidate who prioritises taxing the super-rich and the fossil fuel industry. 

    Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, said: “Fossil fuel companies have known for decades about the damage their polluting products wreak on humanity. Corporations continue to cash in on climate devastation, and their profiteering destroys the lives and livelihoods of millions of women, men and children, predominantly those in the Global South who have done the least to cause the climate crisis. Governments must listen to their people and hold polluters responsible for their damages. A new tax on polluting industries could provide immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries, and finally incentivise investment in renewables and a just transition.” 

    The Polluters Pay Pact demonstrates popular support for the campaign to make polluters pay. The campaign is being waged throughout 2025 in countries worldwide and in critical international forums, including the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), and negotiations for a UN tax convention that could include new rules to make multinational oil and gas companies pay their fair share for their pollution.

    ENDS

    Notes:

    [1] The research was conducted by first-party data company Dynata in May-June, 2025, in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Italy, India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US, with approximately 1200 respondents in each country and a theoretical margin of error of approximately 2.83%. Together, these countries represent close to half the world’s population. Statistics available here. 

    Additional background information available here.

    [2] Learn more about the Polluters Pay Pact: polluterspaypact.org

    [3] Additional quotes here from people around the world who are backing the Polluters Pay Pact, including first responders, local administration, youth, union representatives and people bringing climate cases to courts. 

    Contacts: 

    For Greenpeace India:
    Nibedita Saha, Media Officer, [email protected]

     For Greenpeace International: 

    Tal Harris, Greenpeace International, Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, [email protected], +41-782530550

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish HealthTech delegation heads to Japan

    Source: Scottish Government

    Promoting Scotland’s innovation and international partnerships in health technology.

    A delegation from Scotland’s world-leading health technology sector, led by Health Secretary Neil Gray, will visit Japan next week to strengthen trade and innovation ties and promote Scottish expertise on the global stage.

    The trade mission will showcase Scotland’s strengths in digital health and life sciences at a series of events, including Japan Health 2025 in Osaka and a programme at the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025.

    Organised by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the visit aims to raise international awareness of Scotland’s health innovation ecosystem, build long-term relationships with Japanese industry partners, encourage inward investment and share best practice in global healthcare collaboration.

    Scotland has a long history of medical innovation – from the invention of the hypodermic syringe to pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. Today, the country is home to one of Europe’s most dynamic life sciences clusters, driven by collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

    As part of the mission, the Scottish delegation will visit Canon Medical Systems Inc. in Tokyo – a key partner in Scotland’s growing medtech network – to explore opportunities for deeper technical cooperation. The visit will also feature panel discussions and networking events at the British Embassy in Tokyo and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025, showcasing Scotland as a strategic partner in global health innovation.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “Scotland has earned a strong international reputation for pioneering health technologies that improve outcomes and enhance care.

    “This trade mission is an opportunity to demonstrate our strengths to new audiences, deepen our relationships with Japanese innovators and investors, and share how Scotland’s integrated approach to healthcare and innovation is delivering real-world benefits. By supporting Scotland’s healthcare innovation sector we can help to encourage the kind of technologies that will ultimately benefit patients in Scotland.

    “Strengthening international partnerships like this supports economic growth, attracts inward investment and jobs, and ultimately helps us tackle some of the biggest challenges facing health systems at home and across the world.”

    Managing Director of International Operations at Scottish Enterprise, Reuben Aitken said:

    “Life sciences and healthtech generate over £10 billion annually for the Scottish economy and international events such as Expo 2025 provide opportunities for trade, export, and collaboration across these key industries. The companies heading to Japan are at the forefront of their fields in medical devices, AI and robotics. They are exhibiting their products and connecting with new markets in Japan. Our analysis from our previous Expo 2025 trade mission has forecast sales worth over £7 million and here at Scottish Enterprise we’re continuing to back ambitious companies to internationalise.”

    Managing Director of Talking Mats Ltd, Margo Mackay said:

    “Talking Mats Ltd is delighted to be travelling to Japan with the support of Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government. We look forward to extending our partnership with SDM Japan; networking with peers in healthtech and forging wider connections at Expo and Japan Health. Talking Mats’ ambition is to grow our community internationally and supply innovative solutions to support our vision of accessible and inclusive communication for all. We see Asia as a key market for expansion.”

    Background

    Key engagements in Mr Gray’s programme will include:

    • Leading Scotland’s presence at Expo Osaka:
      • Delivering a keynote speech on ‘Scotland’s health system and legacy of innovation’
      • Sitting as a panellist on ‘bridging innovation between Japan and Scotland – a collaborative future’
      • Chairing a company pitching session
      • Hosting a networking reception
    • Visit to Canon Medical Systems Inc.
    • Meeting the Japanese Ministry of Health to discuss the shared challenges of caring for a growing ageing population and understand possible areas for collaboration.
    • A keynote address at Japan Health on Scotland’s health system overview and Scotland’s legacy on innovation
    • A keynote address at the Global Healthcare Challenge on health longevity society in Scotland

    The healthtech mission follows the first ‘Scotland Day’ in April, when a delegation of companies from the gaming and consumer industries took part in Expo 2025 Japan organised by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government on the UK Pavilion. This activity helped Scottish companies access new markets, strengthen trading relationships and build international networks. Feedback from the gaming start-ups was positive as they were able to explore new markets in Japan and generate new business leads with early data from consumer-focused companies forecasting sales of over £7 million. A third event, focusing on offshore wind, will take place in September.

    Further information on Scotland’s healthtech presence at Expo.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU action to safeguard scientific progress in response to US policies – E-001625/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In a volatile geopolitical context, the Commission stresses that education, research and innovation in Europe are founded on the indissoluble paradigm of academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.

    In the EU, European and international researchers will always be able to enjoy scientific freedom, which will therefore be enshrined in EU law in the context of the European Research Area ( ERA) Act, expected in 2026[1].

    A EUR 500 million package has been announced by the Commission President for the period 2025-2027 to further strengthen the attractiveness of the EU for world’s talents, including from the European diaspora[2].

    This includes a ‘Choose Europe for Science’ Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA)[3] already in 2025 to provide excellent researchers coming to Europe with pathways to stable employment[4], a seven-year European Research Council (ERC)[5] super grant coupled with increased funding for grantees moving to Europe from abroad, and a visa strategy to facilitate relocation to Europe[6].

    The new package builds on existing policies and tools. For example, the new European framework for research careers[7] and the European Charter for Researchers[8] support reforms at national and EU level to attract and retain research talents[9], while EURAXESS[10] continues to provide personalised support to incoming researchers.

    In addition, the ERA Talent Platform[11] ensures the visibility of the attractive environment of European careers, and a Research and Innovation Careers Observatory (ReICO)[12] provides as of mid-2025 data for evidence-based policies.

    Moreover, 65 European Universities alliances[13], the work towards a European degree, and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters action[14] contribute to the attractiveness of the EU as a place to study and work.

    • [1] As announced in the Commission Communication of 29 January 2025 on A Competitiveness Compass for the EU, the ERA Act will also include, among others, legislative measures aiming to address challenges for research careers and mobility.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/da/speech_25_1130.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_657.
    • [4] The MSCA also provide a wide range of training, mobility and career development opportunities that are already available and open to researchers of all nationalities, including United States researchers. See https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/.
    • [5] https://erc.europa.eu/about-erc/erc-glance.
    • [6] https://erc.europa.eu/news-events/news/choose-europe-science-erc-welcomes-new-budget-super-grants.
    • [7] Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe, OJ C C2023/1640, 29/12/2023.
    • [8] https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward/european-charter-researchers.
    • [9] A Mutual Learning Exercise (https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/policy-support-facility/psf-challenge/mutual-learning-exercise-research-careers) under the Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility supports the exchange of good practices by Member States on the implementation of the new framework for research careers.
    • [10] https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/.
    • [11] https://ec.europa.eu/era-talent-platform/.
    • [12] https://ec.europa.eu/era-talent-platform/reico/, developed in partnership with the OECD with Horizon Europe support.
    • [13] https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/european-universities-initiative.
    • [14] https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands returning home to Nigeria

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 18-06-2025 | 17:00

    This week marks the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover will take place on 21 June, at the National Museum in Lagos. The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands. The artifacts will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will decide how and where they will be displayed.

    Back in February this year, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, announced his decision to return the Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection. The return is unconditional, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, and should have never ended up in the Netherlands. On 19 February, Minister Bruins and the Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed the transfer agreements at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the objects were previously displayed.

    This week, the Bronzes’ journey home will conclude with an official handover ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands Dewi van de Weerd, the DG of the NCMM, the directors of the Wereldmuseum and other officials.

    The Nigerian government will decide how and where the artifacts will be displayed. They will initially be stored in the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility at the National Museum in Benin City.

    The Dutch restitution is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria to date. DG Holloway of the NCMM: “The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria. We assure the rest of the world that these objects will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail and displayed in all their glory. We thank the Netherlands for the good example set and look forward to forging even greater ties between our two nations through cultural diplomacy.”

    The Netherlands and Nigeria have worked closely together to realise this historic restitution. Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd: “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”

    Prior to the ceremony, the Netherlands and Nigeria will jointly convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, which will bring together experts from both countries and the wider West African region. In commemoration of the handover, young contemporary artists from Benin City have developed an exhibition on “Reclaiming heritage: new narratives”, which is on display in the National Museum in Lagos.

    The Dutch restitution follows the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, based on extensive provenance research, and is in line with the Dutch policy on the restitution of objects from a colonial context. Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining 6 are given back by the Municipality of Rotterdam. 4 items will remain on display in the Wereldmuseum on a loan agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands returning home to Nigeria

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 18-06-2025 | 17:00

    This week marks the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover will take place on 21 June, at the National Museum in Lagos. The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands. The artifacts will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will decide how and where they will be displayed.

    Back in February this year, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, announced his decision to return the Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection. The return is unconditional, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, and should have never ended up in the Netherlands. On 19 February, Minister Bruins and the Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed the transfer agreements at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the objects were previously displayed.

    This week, the Bronzes’ journey home will conclude with an official handover ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands Dewi van de Weerd, the DG of the NCMM, the directors of the Wereldmuseum and other officials.

    The Nigerian government will decide how and where the artifacts will be displayed. They will initially be stored in the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility at the National Museum in Benin City.

    The Dutch restitution is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria to date. DG Holloway of the NCMM: “The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria. We assure the rest of the world that these objects will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail and displayed in all their glory. We thank the Netherlands for the good example set and look forward to forging even greater ties between our two nations through cultural diplomacy.”

    The Netherlands and Nigeria have worked closely together to realise this historic restitution. Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd: “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”

    Prior to the ceremony, the Netherlands and Nigeria will jointly convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, which will bring together experts from both countries and the wider West African region. In commemoration of the handover, young contemporary artists from Benin City have developed an exhibition on “Reclaiming heritage: new narratives”, which is on display in the National Museum in Lagos.

    The Dutch restitution follows the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, based on extensive provenance research, and is in line with the Dutch policy on the restitution of objects from a colonial context. Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining 6 are given back by the Municipality of Rotterdam. 4 items will remain on display in the Wereldmuseum on a loan agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands returning home to Nigeria

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 18-06-2025 | 17:00

    This week marks the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover will take place on 21 June, at the National Museum in Lagos. The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands. The artifacts will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will decide how and where they will be displayed.

    Back in February this year, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, announced his decision to return the Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection. The return is unconditional, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, and should have never ended up in the Netherlands. On 19 February, Minister Bruins and the Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed the transfer agreements at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the objects were previously displayed.

    This week, the Bronzes’ journey home will conclude with an official handover ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands Dewi van de Weerd, the DG of the NCMM, the directors of the Wereldmuseum and other officials.

    The Nigerian government will decide how and where the artifacts will be displayed. They will initially be stored in the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility at the National Museum in Benin City.

    The Dutch restitution is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria to date. DG Holloway of the NCMM: “The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria. We assure the rest of the world that these objects will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail and displayed in all their glory. We thank the Netherlands for the good example set and look forward to forging even greater ties between our two nations through cultural diplomacy.”

    The Netherlands and Nigeria have worked closely together to realise this historic restitution. Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd: “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”

    Prior to the ceremony, the Netherlands and Nigeria will jointly convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, which will bring together experts from both countries and the wider West African region. In commemoration of the handover, young contemporary artists from Benin City have developed an exhibition on “Reclaiming heritage: new narratives”, which is on display in the National Museum in Lagos.

    The Dutch restitution follows the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, based on extensive provenance research, and is in line with the Dutch policy on the restitution of objects from a colonial context. Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining 6 are given back by the Municipality of Rotterdam. 4 items will remain on display in the Wereldmuseum on a loan agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The admissions campaign begins in more than 1.2 thousand universities and almost 4 thousand colleges in our country

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The admissions campaign to Russian universities, technical schools and colleges starts on June 20. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov addressed graduates.

    “The admissions campaign is starting in more than 1,200 universities and almost 4,000 colleges in our country. In total, over 619,000 budget places are available for higher education programs and about 835,000 for secondary vocational programs this academic year. It is important to emphasize that most budget places are allocated for specialties that contribute to Russia’s technological leadership – this is a national goal approved by President Vladimir Putin. I wish applicants successful admission and urge them to choose specialties that are truly needed by the regions and our entire country,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, noted that traditionally, the majority of budget places – more than 73% – are distributed to regional universities.

    “We take into account the prospective need within the personnel forecast, including the need for national projects of technological leadership and regional investment programs. Therefore, the structure of admission is dominated by specialties that ensure the technological leadership of our country. Almost 43% are areas related to engineering, modern technologies, 246 thousand budget places,” the minister said.

    He added that such fields as medicine, pedagogical specialties, social sciences and others also remain leaders in terms of the number of budget places.

    In 2025, a separate quota of at least 10% of the total number of budget places has been set for admission to universities for participants in the special military operation and their family members – this is more than 50 thousand places. Another 2 thousand places are reserved in the preparatory departments of universities.

    The peculiarities of school education in a number of border territories of the Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk regions have been taken into account. Graduates of these schools will be able to enter universities by choice both by the Unified State Exam and by internal entrance examinations of universities in the form of a single interview.

    The quota for targeted admission to universities will be more than 23% of the total number of budget places. Applicants can see employers’ offers on the “Work of Russia” platform, integrated with the “Online University Admission” system.

    Since this year, the functionality of the super service “Online University Admission” has been expanded – now students can apply to colleges and technical schools at universities. Also, since this year, the super service has covered admission to master’s and postgraduate programs. This year, universities from the reunited regions of Russia will join it.

    In addition, a draft of amendments to the Federal Law “On Education in the Russian Federation” for the transition to the new model is ready. A large-scale transition to the new model of higher education will begin in 2026-2027.

    On the instructions of the President, a pilot project is being implemented in the country to introduce a new system of higher education in 6 universities.

    As part of the pilot, students of these universities receive basic higher education – a single level has been introduced, training of a full-fledged specialist is carried out in one step, specialized higher education – master’s programs contain additional in-depth knowledge and are divided into three types – professional, research and management master’s programs.

    The admissions campaign also begins in colleges and technical schools of the federal project “Professionalism” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    “The popularity of studying in colleges and technical schools has grown in recent years. 62.5% of ninth-graders choose colleges and technical schools to continue their education. For three years now, admission to colleges and technical schools has been more than 1.2 million people. The admission campaign for the new academic year starts on June 20. For future first-year students, 51.5 thousand more budget places have been prepared than last year – 834.7 thousand places,” said Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov.

    He emphasized that such areas as “Geology and exploration of oil and gas fields”, “Production and maintenance of aviation equipment”, “Ensuring information security of telecommunication systems”, “Tourism and hospitality”, “Information systems and programming”, “Nursing”, “Maintenance and repair of engines, systems and units of cars” are in demand on the labor market and popular among applicants.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: IPPA Best Book Award for “A Government of Insiders” by William Genieys

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    William Genieys, CNRS Research Professor at the Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics, has been awarded a Best Book Award by the International Public Policy Association (IPPA) for his latest book: A Government of Insiders. The People Who Made the Affordable Care Act Possible (John Hopkins University Press, 2024). This book is the culmination of his theorization of the role of unelected governmental elites in liberal democracy. 

    The jury noted that the book “presents an impressive, ambitious, and engaging long-term account of the social backgrounds of US elites, backed by considerable research to quantify their number and profile. Genieys offers an original interpretation of Obama’s healthcare reform as an alternative to the mainstream ‘political bargain‘ interpretation and of Heclo’s ‘government of strangers’, explaining the role played in the reform process by senior bureaucrats in the US administration.”

    William Genieys told us about this book in a video interview last year:

    The IPPA Best Book Award is awarded biennially and given to a single- or co-authored monograph that makes an original and significant theoretical, methodological and/or empirical contribution to the field of Public Policy and/or Public Administration. 

    William Genieys is the first political scientist from France to receive the award, that will be presented during the Gala dinner of the 7th International Conference on Public Policy on July 3rd (in Chiang Mai, Thailand).

    In addition to this award, William Genieys has been granted a Book Tour scholarship from Sciences Po’s Transatlantic Research Fund, that will allow him to present his book in several US universities. 

    More information:

    MIL OSI Europe News –