Category: General

International backing for Ukraine holds “strong and true”, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday, as he opened a meeting in Germany with allies to discuss further support for Kyiv. On the eve of the talks gathering representatives from 50 countries, President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged Western allies to send more fighter jets and long-range missiles to help repel Russian troops. FRANCE 24’s Dave Keating reports from Brussels.

Source: France24.com

A deadly stampede ensued in Yemen’s capital following gunfire and an electrical explosion that panicked large crowds at an event to distribute financial aid during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. At least 78 people were killed and dozens wounded, according to witnesses and Houthi rebel officials. The tragedy was Yemen’s deadliest in years that was not related to the country’s long-running war, and came ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan later this week. To offer deeper perspective, FRANCE 24 is joined by Dr Elisabeth Kendall, Senior Research Fellow in Arabic and Islamic Studies at Pembroke College, University of Oxford.

Source: France24.com

On Saturday and Sunday, 22-23 April, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, will attend the meeting of the G7 Labour and Employment Ministers in Kurashiki, Japan. Ministers will discuss resilient and inclusive labour markets, including for older persons, persons with disabilities, women and youth, as well as fundamental labour rights and decent work in global supply chains. A strong focus will also be on the need to equip people with the right skills for the digital and green transitions, which is also at the heart of the European Year of Skills. In this context, Commissioner Schmit will have bilateral meetings with Japan’s Minister for Health, Labour, and Welfare, Katsunobu Kato; Canada’s Minister for Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough; and the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Gilbert Houngbo. On Monday and Tuesday, 24-25 April, in Tokyo, the Commissioner will have a series of site visits and meetings related to upskilling and reskilling, ageing, as well as care services, visiting the SOMPO Future Care Lab; the Ohara Memorial Institute of Science and Labour; and the Japan Organization for Employment of Elderly, Persons with Disabilities. He will also meet with representatives from the social partners RENGO and Keidanren. (For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: + 32 2 299 63 02; Flora Matthaes – Tel.: + 32 2 298 39 51) ‘Transform to thrive’: Kick-off of the 4th EU Macro-Regional Strategies Week #EUMRSWeek On Monday, 24 April, the 4th edition of the EU Macro-Regional Strategies Week (#EUMRSWeek) will start under the motto ‘Transform to thrive’. The event will be hybrid, with the first two days of online thematic sessions followed by physical high-level group meetings. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, who will open the physical meetings on 26 April, commented: ‘I am happy to open the 4th edition of the Macro-Regional Strategies Week. This year we will dedicate the week to the actions that we can put in place to thrive a cohesive and forward looking green and digital transformation, as our motto says. The best results and the most effective policy responses can only be achieved by putting together our skills and expertise at every level and across borders. This is the strength of Macro-Regional Strategies.’ High-level representatives and stakeholders of the four Macro-Regional Strategies (Adriatic-Ionian ‘EUSAIR’, Alpine ‘EUSALP’, Baltic ‘EUSBSR’, and Danube ‘EUSDR’) and EU officials will focus the debate on skills in the framework of the European Year of Skills and on how to enhance the coordination among participating countries in the energy security sector. More details are available in the 5-day programme. (For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69) Ukraine joins the EU Civil Protection Mechanism Today, Ukraine becomes a Participating State of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism – the European solidarity framework that helps countries overwhelmed by a disaster. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, is today in Kyiv to officially sign an agreement on behalf of the European Union granting Ukraine full membership of the Mechanism. During his visit, he will participate in the International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy; Deputy Prime Minister, Olha Stefanishyna; Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko; and Head of Emergency Service, Serhiy Kruk. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has channelled emergency assistance to Ukraine from across Europe since the onset of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. In its largest and longest running operation, more than 88,000 tonnes of life-saving equipment, food, and medicines, have been sent to Ukraine via the Mechanism. Most recently, more than 1,000 power generators fully financed by the EU were mobilised to Ukraine from the strategic rescEU energy reserves. Now, by being a full member, Ukraine will also be able to dispatch aid via the Mechanism at a time another country finds itself in a crisis. Today the EU is also allocating a further pound 55 million[1] in humanitarian funding to Ukraine on top of the pound 145 million already provided earlier this year. This new humanitarian funding will focus on preparing for next winter. Background When an emergency overwhelms the response capabilities of a country in Europe and beyond, it can request assistance through the Mechanism. The European Commission plays a key role in coordinating the disaster response worldwide. Since its inception in 2001, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated for more than 600 emergencies and crises inside and outside the EU. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism aims to strengthen cooperation between the 27 EU countries and now 9 Participating States (Iceland, Norway, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Trkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and most recently Ukraine) on civil protection to improve prevention, preparedness, and response to disasters. A joint approach further helps pool expertise and capacities of first responders, avoids duplication of relief efforts, and ensures that assistance meets the needs of those affected. Pooling together civil protection capacities and capabilities allows for a stronger and more coherent collective response. The Mechanism also helps coordinate disaster preparedness and prevention activities of national authorities and contributes to the exchange of best practices. This facilitates the continuous development of higher common standards enabling teams to understand different approaches better and work interchangeably when a disaster strikes. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has allocated in total of pound 685 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including today’s pound 55 million top-up that has been requested by the European Commission and currently under adoption by the EU’s Budgetary Authority. EU-funded humanitarian assistance is provided in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. It is delivered through the UN humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organisations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. For more information: EU civil protection and humanitarian aid in Ukraine EU Civil Protection Mechanism Emergency Response Coordination Centre [1] The allocation is part of the overall pledges of the European Commission and is still subject to the approval by the Budgetary Authority. Quote(s) From the outset of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been operating in full force to send life-saving aid to the country. As a full member of the Mechanism, Ukraine will now also be able to provide the same solidarity to other countries and people affected by crises. The Ukrainian civil protection authorities have already demonstrated their unwavering resilience as they fight against time to help restore what Russia has destroyed, while also to showing solidarity with Trkiye following the devastating earthquakes in February. With this further step closer to EU integration, the EU continues to stand with Ukraine – by supporting its people in the middle of this war waged by Russia, whilst working together towards a stronger disaster management system in Europe. In the meantime, we continue to protect and save lives and are already preparing for next winter. We are topping up EU humanitarian aid to Ukraine with a further pound 55 million to make sure we are ready for the additional challenges brought on by the tough and cold winter months. Janez Lenarcic, Commissioner for Crisis Management – 20/04/2023 Print friendly pdf Ukraine joins the EU Civil Protection Mechanism English (44.962 kB – PDF) Download (44.962 kB – PDF) Contacts for media •Balazs UJVARI Phone +32 2 295 45 78 Mail balazs.ujvari@ec.europa.eu •Daniel PUGLISI Phone +32 2 296 91 40 Mail daniel.puglisi@ec.europa.eu Commission updates marketing standards of agri-food products to better address consumer needs and sustainability Today, the Commission proposed to revise the existing marketing standards applicable to a number of agri-food products, such as fruit and vegetables, fruit juices and jams, honey, poultry or eggs. The proposed revisions should help consumers make more informed choices for a healthier diet and contribute to prevent food waste. The Commission put forward the following proposals, among others: Origin labelling: Clearer, mandatory origin labelling rules for honey, nuts and dried fruits, ripened bananas, as well as trimmed, processed and cut fruit and vegetables (such as packaged salad leaves). The country, or countries of origin in case of blends or mixes, will have to appear on the label. Listing the countries of origin will increase the transparency for consumers. This should also promote EU production of these products. Food waste: The proposed revisions address food waste and packaging waste. For example, so-called ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables (with external defects but still suitable for local/direct consumption) sold locally and directly by producers to consumers would be exempted from complying with marketing standards. Valorising them in their ‘fresh’ state could offer consumers more opportunities to buy fresh fruit and vegetables at more affordable prices and benefit producers active in short supply chains. Certain products affected by natural disasters or other exceptional circumstances may also be sold if safe to consume. Packaging: Products intended for donation may be exempted from main labelling requirements. This will reduce red tape and labels and, therefore, facilitate operators’ engagements in donations. Fruit juices: it will be possible for fruit juices to bear the mention ‘with no added sugars’ to clarify that, contrary to fruit nectars, fruit juices cannot by definition contain added sugars – a feature that most of the consumers are not aware of. Moreover, to address the growing consumer demand for products with lower sugar content, a reformulated fruit juice would be allowed to indicate ‘reduced-sugar fruit juice’ on its label. To simplify further and adapt to consumer tastes, the term ‘coconut water’ could now be used alongside ‘coconut juice’. Jams and marmalades: the fruit content of jams will be increased from 350 grammes to 450 grammes minimum (to 550 grammes for quality extra) per kilo of finished product. With the increase in fruit content across the board, consumers would be offered a product with less free sugars and more fruits than they currently get. The term ‘marmalade’, authorised until now only for citrus jams, would now be allowed for all jams to introduce the possibility to adjust the name of the product to the most used locally. Eggs: Solar panels may now be used in outdoor areas used in free-range production systems for eggs. This will stimulate greater supply of energy from renewable sources. The marking of eggs would also be done directly at the farm which will improve traceability. Next steps The proposals for fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and poultry are covered by delegated and implementing acts. The texts will be available for public feedback for one month. Afterwards, the delegated acts will be adopted and sent to the European Parliament and the Council for a scrutiny period of two months. The Commission will publish them at the end of this procedure. Proposals covering jams, marmalades, fruit juices and honey are included in directives, and these will follow the ordinary co-legislative process by the European Parliament and Council before their publication and entry into force. In parallel, the Commission is sending a report to the European Parliament and the Council in view to adopt in a near future new marketing standards for cider and perry, and for the origin labelling of pulses. These products are currently not covered by any marketing standards in the Common Market Organisation Regulation. Background EU marketing standards are designed to ensure that the quality of the product stays high, that consumers are protected and that standards are consistent within the EU market. They also facilitate trade with third countries as they are consistent with existing standards at international level since the 1950s. Over the last decade, agricultural markets have evolved significantly, driven by innovation but also changing societal concerns and consumers’ demand. Today’s proposals will ensure that, in line with the Farm to Fork strategy and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, marketing standards can contribute to the promotion and uptake of sustainable products, while addressing new needs of consumers and operators. To be placed on the EU markets and sold to consumers, most agri-food products must comply with EU marketing standards or standards established at international level. Marketing standards concern the external qualities of products and the non-visible qualities that result from particular production processes, like fruit content in jams. They apply equally to both EU products and imported products. For More Information Impact assessment report on the revision of EU marketing standards for agricultural products to ensure the uptake and supply of sustainable products Proposal of a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the so-called ‘Breakfast Directives’ as regards honey, fruit juices, fruit jams and evaporated milk Report from the European Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council on future marketing standards for cider and perry and for pulses Have Your Say platform: proposals for eggs and poultry Have Your Say platform: proposals for fruit and vegetables Marketing standards for fruit and vegetables Marketing standards for eggs Marketing standards for poultry Quote(s) Marketing standards are the common language between consumers and operators to know what they are trading, and to ensure loyal competition for all in the EU. Just as any language evolves over time, so do the needs and habits of all actors in the food supply chain. We want to improve the transparency of the products sold to consumers and reduce food waste, while valuing even more sustainable and healthier production methods for producers.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The imposition of the dictatorship led to the deprivation of constitutional freedoms and had as its tragic outcome the Turkish invasion in Cyprus, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, said on Friday in a tweet on the occasion of the completion of 56 years since the imposition of the seven-year dictatorship in Greece. “56 years since the imposition of the dictatorship, which resulted in the deprivation of constitutional liberties and had the tragic end of Attila’s invasion in Cyprus,” he notes, referring to the Turkish invasion of 1974. “It is our duty, today, with responsibility and unity, to preserve our Democracy”, he adds. A coup staged by the Athens junta in July 15, 1974 against the elected government of President Makarios served Turkey as a pretext to impose its partitionist plans against Cyprus. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The US services sector activity climbed to a 12-month high in April, according to a S and P Global report on Friday. The S and P Global Flash US Services Business Activity Index came in at 53.7 in April, up 1.1 percentage points from 52.6 in March. It also beat the market expectation of 51.5. “Stronger demand conditions support sharper growth in April, but also bring renewed inflation momentum,” said the report.? “The upturn in output at service providers was the quickest for a year and solid overall, as greater employment and stronger demand supported the increase,” it added. The manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI), meanwhile, came in at 50.4 in April, rising 1.2 percentage points from 49.2 in March. It also came higher than the market estimates of 49.0. Manufacturing PMI also marked its highest level in six months.?

Source: Anadolu Agency

Ten members of the same family were shot dead by gunmen in South Africa’s eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, police said Friday. Lirandzu Themba, the Police Ministry spokesperson, said the incident happened in the city of Pietermaritzburg in the early hours of Friday morning. ‘Unknown gunmen stormed a Pietermaritzburg homestead and ambushed the family, seven women and three men were fatally wounded during the shooting,’ Themba said in a statement. Addressing reporters at the scene, Police Minister Bheki Cele said two suspects allegedly involved in the shooting have been arrested and one suspect was shot dead during a shootout with police. Cele said three firearms were recovered and police are searching for a fourth suspect who escaped. The youngest victim in the mass shooting was 13 years old and the eldest 63, according to Cele. He said there is a high crime in the KwaZulu-Natal province where several incidents of shootings were reported this week. Police said it is still investigating the motive of Friday’s shooting. Mass shootings have become more frequent in South Africa, where 70 people were murdered on average every day from April to June 2022, according to national crime statistics. In July, 14 people were killed at a bar in the township of Soweto near Johannesburg. Police said the attackers used high-caliber firearms and sprayed bullets randomly.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Ukraine has joined the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, becoming its 36th member, the European Commission has announced. EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic signed the official agreement on Ukraine’s accession to the EU’s disaster solidarity framework during his visit to Kyiv on Thursday, the EU executive body said in a statement. With Ukraine’s membership, 27 EU member states and nine partner countries participate in the mechanism that provides immediate assistance in case of natural disasters and emergency situations. Under the framework, Ukraine has already received over 88,000 tons of life-saving equipment, food, and medicines since the beginning of Russia’s “special military operation” last year in February. ‘As a full member, Ukraine will now also be able to provide the same solidarity to other countries and people affected by crises,” Lenarcic said. “The Ukrainian civil protection authorities have already demonstrated their unwavering resilience as they fight against time to help restore what Russia has destroyed, while also to showing solidarity with Trkiye following the devastating earthquakes in February.” The EU also announced another pound 55 million ($60 million) in humanitarian assistance to war-hit Ukraine to prepare the country for the next winter.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Elected representatives from Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the USA of the “3+1” Inter-Parliamentary Group, held their first online meeting on Thursday, that was convened by Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the US Senate, Robert Menendez. A press release from the Cyprus House of Representatives says that in their joint statement they reaffirmed their common commitment to promoting security, stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. They also discussed ways in which Parliaments can promote common priorities, including energy and maritime security, economic growth. During the meeting, they all emphasized the importance of the parliamentary dimension of the “3+1” cooperation and the added value it can bring to the promotion of common goals and synergies in areas of particular interest to the four countries. In a joint statement, the delegations of the House of Representatives, the Hellenic Parliament, the Knesset and the US Senate express their satisfaction for the first meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Group “3+1”, with the participation of elected representatives from the USA, Cyprus, Greece and Israel. They also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. “We reaffirmed our shared commitment to promoting security, stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. We discussed ways in which our Parliaments can advance shared priorities, including energy and maritime security, economic development and overall stability,” they stressed. Concluding, they say that they look forward to continuing their efforts in this collaborative framework. The Cypriot delegation included MPs Haris Georgiades (head), Aristos Damianou, Nikolas Papadopoulos and Christiana Erotokritou, members of the delegation of the House of Representatives to the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the USA “3+1”. The meeting was convened by Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate, Robert Menendez, with the aim of defining priority areas of inter-parliamentary cooperation.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The University of Nicosia is training members of the Dubai Police in combating financial crimes involving digital assets. A press release by the University says that the Institute For the Future (IFF) of the University of Nicosia collaborated with the Dubai Police (G.H.Q), and specifically with the General Department of Criminal Investigations and the General Department of Human Resources, for the “Financial Investigations for Digital Assets” programme. The training of Dubai Police members through this programme aims to enhance the expertise and capability of Dubai Police officers in combating financial crimes involving digital assets, the press release says. It adds that the launch of the programme was announced by the Dubai Police during the 2nd World Police Summit, which was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The launch of the “Financial Investigations for Digital Assets” programme takes place within the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the IFF and the Dubai Police in November 2021. Its objective is to strengthen coordination and partnership in areas of mutual interest such as the practical application of blockchain and the use of digital currencies in law enforcement. The programme covers various topics, including an introduction to blockchain technology and digital assets, assessment of digital asset characteristics, the methods of detecting and analyzing suspicious transactions in digital currencies, strengthening the capacity to manage and recover digital assets, the assessment of money laundering techniques using digital currencies, and the detection of illegal financial transactions. In addition, the programme presents and analyzes practices and procedures used by judicial authorities to seize and recover assets. It also analyzes the risk of money laundering as regards illegal cryptocurrencies activities.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides met Thursday with Patriarchs of Catholic churches of the Middle East who are in Cyprus for a Symposium on the future of Christians in the region. The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace and was attended, among others, by the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, Bechara Boutros and the Patriarch of the Syrian Catholic Church of Antioch, Ignatius Youssef Yonan. Patriarch Ignatius said, in statements after the meeting, that they were happy to meet President Christodoulides, adding that he cares about democracy and the interreligious dialogue. He said that they are not migrants in the countries of the Middle East but “people of these blessed places, just like in Cyprus’. According to Patriarch Ignatius the meeting was attended by Patriarchs from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Jerusalem, who are in Cyprus for a Symposium on the state and future of the Middle Eastern churches in the region. About 250 participants, clergy, nuns etc, are taking part in the Symposium, the Patriarch said. The Symposium began today and will wrap up Sunday and is under the auspices of the Vatican.

Source: Cyprus News Agency