Latest news of Europe and the world.

Climate crisis ‘a health crisis’ increasingly deadly for the most vulnerable
End school violence ‘for better health and learning’, urges UNESCO

Climate crisis ‘a health crisis’ increasingly deadly for the most vulnerable

Extreme heat ranks as the deadliest of all severe weather hazards, and heat-related mortality could increase 30-fold – a worrying trend in our fast-warming world.

That’s according to findings from a new multi-agency report led by the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) which show that from 2000 to 2019 some 489,000 people died every year due to heat, close to half of them in Asia – and the impacts are still largely underestimated.

“The climate crisis is a health crisis,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the UN health agency (WHO) which is a key contributor to the report.

He highlighted a wide range of health risks stemming from increasingly severe and unpredictable weather events, accelerated disease transmission, threats to food security and higher rates of noncommunicable diseases.

End school violence ‘for better health and learning’, urges UNESCO

Marking the International Day against violence and bullying at school – including online – the UN culture and education agency (UNESCO) is calling on everyone with a stake to foster safer learning environments worldwide.

The UNESCO Day recognizes that classroom-related violence in all its forms is an infringement of child and adolescents’ rights to education, health and well-being.

On the theme No place for fear: Ending school violence for better mental health and learning, the agency is calling on all Member States and relevant bodies to boost awareness of the issue, which includes the increasing scourge of cyberbullying.

“The day calls on learners, parents, members of education communities” and others – including the tech industry – to take a part in preventing all forms of violence and fostering safe learning for all.

UNESCO said concern about learners’ mental health and well-being continues to grow, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The strong links between mental health and violence in school are worrying: experiences such as violence, bullying and discrimination at school can contribute to poor mental health and affect learning, while feelings of safety are linked to better mental health and education outcomes.”

The agency stressed we must end violence and promote good mental health in schools to ensure learners learn and thrive in safe and supportive spaces.

The UN is calling on stakeholders “to make our schools and educational institutions more safe and vibrant for all learners.”

Sharp uptick in fighting in Myanmar, UN humanitarians report

United Nations News

7 November 2023

Sharp uptick in fighting in Myanmar, UN humanitarians report

Clashes intensified on Sunday and continued through the week, significantly impacting northeast and southeast Myanmar and forcing over 48,000 people from their homes, amid rising needs, according to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

There are also reports that an alliance of three rebel groups seized towns in the country’s north, overrunning and occupying over 90 army outposts. The military has reportedly acknowledged the loss of at least three towns.

Reports of fresh displacement in Shan (North), Myanmar. Some figures are under verification.

Table of Contents

Routes cutoff
Humanitarian needs
Gaps and challenges
Human rights situation

Routes cutoff

In a flash update issued late on Thursday, OCHA reported that vital transport links connecting northern Shan to China had been obstructed by the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and Ethic Armed Organization (EAOs) checkpoints.

At least one critical bridge had been destroyed, with numerous places in northern Shan, eastern Bago and Kayin states facing “extensive disruptions” in mobile data and telecommunications.

Thirteen civilians, including children, lost their lives in the fighting in various locations, and a further two died after they were unable to access emergency medical services, according to the flash update. Several people are reported to have been injured.

Humanitarian needs

According to OCHA, in northern Shan state, faith-based organizations and host communities are delivering immediate assistance, including shelter, food, drinking water, hygiene supplies and non-food items.

Almost all of the people newly displaced since 27 October are seeking refuge in religious compounds and few are known to have entered pre-existing Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sites.

Gaps and challenges

OCHA underscored the need for secure and unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver timely assistance. It added that disrupted telecommunications, particularly in northern Shan, is hindering relief work.

“Ongoing hostilities, coupled with the existence of checkpoints, road closures, and structural damage to bridges, are severely restricting the ability of humanitarian agencies to reach affected people, conduct verification of needs, and transport vital supplies,” it said.

Human rights situation

Meanwhile, the human rights crisis in the country “is bad and is getting exponentially worse”, Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said.

In an interview with UN News last week in New York, on the margins of his report to the General Assembly, the independent human rights expert described the situation in the country, adding that no one is safe.

Hear the full interview below

UN News interview with Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Special Rapporteurs and other independent experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and form part of what is known as its Special Procedures. They serve in their individual capacity, are not UN staff, and do not receive a salary.

Sudan: Women and girls abducted, held ‘in slave-like conditions’ in Darfur

United Nations News

7 November 2023

Sudan: Women and girls abducted, held ‘in slave-like conditions’ in Darfur

The stark report comes against the backdrop of a sharp uptick in fighting between the Government’s Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF and heightened intercommunal tensions in the restive region.

The rival militaries plunged the country into a brutal civil war more than six months ago. Thousands have died and more than 5.7 million are displaced, inside and outside the African nation. Around 25 million are now relying on some form of humanitarian aid.

Representatives from the warring parties are now meeting in Saudi Arabia for renewed peace talks, steered by Saudi and the United States, and joined by the East African regional bloc, IGAD, according to news reports.

Survivors, witnesses and other sources have reported that over 20 women and girls have been taken, but the number could be higher, said OHCHR Spokesperson Liz Throssell.

“Some sources have reported seeing women and girls in chains on pick-up trucks and in cars,” she said.

Table of Contents

‘Attributed to men in RSF uniforms’
Call for urgent release
Stop the fighting: UN Mission

‘Attributed to men in RSF uniforms’

As of Thursday, more than 50 incidents of sexual violence linked to the hostilities have been reported to the joint OHCHR-UNITAMS (the UN assistance mission) office in Sudan, impacting at least 105 victims – 86 women, one man and 18 children.

Twenty-three of the incidents involved rape, 26 were of gang rape and three were of attempted rape.

At least 70 percent of the confirmed incidents of sexual violence recorded – 37 incidents in total – are attributed to men in RSF uniforms, eight to armed men affiliated with the RSF, two to men in unidentified uniform, and one to the SAF, according to the office.

The remaining cases involved men who have not yet been identified.

Call for urgent release

Ms. Throssell called for the urgent release of the abducted women and girls and for perpetrators to be held accountable.

She reiterated High Commissioner Volker Türk’s calls on senior officials of the SAF, the RSF and affiliated armed groups to enforce a policy of zero tolerance of sexual violence in their ranks.

Stop the fighting: UN Mission

UNITAMS also voiced deep concern over the military escalation in Darfur and its dire impact on civilians, including displacement, casualties, and property destruction.

The Mission called on all warring parties to abide by international human rights and humanitarian laws, and ensure protection of civilians, allowing them to leave conflict-affected areas safely.

“At a time when so much hope is being placed on the Jeddah talks to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and facilitated humanitarian access, I call on all parties to refrain from escalating and expanding the conflict,” Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the deputy head of UNITAMS, said in a statement on Thursday.

“The toll this conflict is taking on civilians is unimaginable. Fighting needs to stop and parties to the conflict need to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian assistance to the millions of people in Sudan who desperately need it.”

An urgently needed ceasefire and the release of the hostages: Qatar is a key player

Guest Author

7 November 2023

a group of people standing next to a collapsed building — Photo by mohammed al bardawil on Unsplash

Bientot un mois que le Hamas a mene son attaque dans le sud d’lsrael et fait pres de 1400 morts. Depuis, la riposte israelienne s’est transformee en bombardement sans fin d’un territoire deja exsangue avant la reprise de la guerre. Premieres victimes : plus de 7000 de Palestiniens dont la moitie d’enfants qui ont ete tues. Malgre les protestations internationales, Israel continue de s’acharner sur la population civile sans pour autant etre vraiment s0r de venir a bout definitivement du Hamas. II faut ajouter a cela le parametre fondamental des 240 otages israeliens et etranger qui sont toujours dans les mains des terroristes islamistes et qui servent de monnaie d’echange. En attendant les crimes de guerre se multiplient du cote de l’armee israelienne.

Table of Contents

Violence vs. violence
Faiblesse americaine et force du Qatar

Violence vs. violence

II faut remettre le droit international au creur de la question israelo-palestinienne de part et d’autre. Depuis maintenant 75 ans, Israel tente de concilier sa politique avec celle de son environnement regional. Ce qui est loin d’etre facile semble depuis quelques semaines se transformer en mission quasi impossible. Paree qu’lsrael rejette toutes les resolutions des Nations Unies, imposant non seulement le retrait des territoires occupes depuis 1948, la question palestinienne s’est radicalisee d’annee en annee pour arriver a cette polarisation aujourd’hui qui divise plus que jamais deux societes qui veulent en finirde l’une et de l’autre.

Ce sionisme qui avait pour origine la creation d’un Etat d’lsrael en Palestine n’a plus rien a voir avec le projet imagine par Theodor Herzl. De socialiste, collectiviste, humaniste et 1a·fc, ii est devenu aujourd’hui encore plus sous la houlette de l’inoxydable premier Ministre Benjamin Netanyahou, un sionisme nationaliste, religieux, colonialiste, ultra-liberal et reactionnaire a l’ensemble de la region. II ne s’agit plus aujourd’hui de chercher les causes et les responsables car c’est un processus sans fin. II s’agit, pour preparer une hypothetique paix un jour, d’affirmer que gouvernement israelien et Hamas devront dans un premier temps repondre de leurs actes, a savoir d’evidents crimes de guerre, pour dans un second temps, integrer l’ensemble des composantes du paysage politique israelien et palestinien, afin de trouver une solution a l’impossible situation : et cette unique solution, c’est la creation d’un Etat palestinien sur les frontieres de la ligne verte du 5 juin 1967, et de permettre aux deux Etats de vivre en coexistence pacifique, dans le cadre d’une solution politique juste et durable. II n’y a aucune solution militaire a la question israelo-pa lestinienne.

Israel dans une impasse politique

Lattaque islamiste commise par le Hamas le 7 octobre dernier montre a quel point le camp palestinien est domine par les islamistes et que l’autorite palestinienne est reduite a Ramallah a l’impuissance.

Projet voulu par Netanyahou qui a reconnu en 2019 qu’il fallait renforcer le Hamas, responsable de nombre des maux actuellement, pour affaiblir Mahmoud Abbas, le president de l’Autorite et empecher la creation de l’Etat palestinien. Afin de satisfaire aux partis qui l’ont porte a nouveau a la fonction de premier Ministre, Netanyahou a continue a coloniser la Cisjordanie, renforcer la securite des colons dans cet territoires, fragilisant la securite du sud d’lsrael et fait du sionisme un projet voulant l’aneantissement de quelque espoir de voir la naissance prochaine d’un Etat palestinien. Pire encore : Benjamin Netanyahou aurait ete informe de l’attaque du Hamas par les renseignements israeliens, affirme son predecesseur va·fr Lapid. En effet, l’ancien Premier ministre israelien a indique avoir re9u des informations de la part des services de renseignement avant l’attaque du Hamas.

D’apres lui, son successeur Benjamin Netanyahou les aurait egalement receptionnes. C’est egalement sous « Bibi » que les ecoutes a Gaza par les renseignements auraient ete arretees depuis plus d’un an, par manque d’interet et d’utilite selon les memes services.

Faiblesse americaine et force du Qatar

II faut deja penser a l’apres-guerre, et faire appel a des mediateurs traditionnels entre les deux camps : essentiellement l’Egypte et le Qatar. Le retrait americain a fragilise l’ensemble de la situation dans la region et decomplexe nombre de groupes terroristes. Lopinion israelienne monte de plus en plus contre Netanyahou accuse d’avoir par son avidite de pouvoir fait le jeu des islamistes repondant aux provocations permanentes des membres nationalistes religieux de sa majorite. Le premier Ministre a mis en danger le pays, largement soutenu aveuglement par Washington : beaucoup pensent deja a l’apres Netanyahou car l’Etat hebreu ne peut pas continuer avec quelqu’un qui restera dans l’histoire comme le dirigeant sous lequel 1400 civils israeliens auront ete tues sur le sol israelien. Les Etats-Unis ont une double responsabilite : financer sans fin Israel et les laisser gerer sur place en se retirant. Maintenant, reuvreront-ils dans ce sens tant Washington mesure le manque de coherence et de strategie de la politique israelienne actuellement?

Le Qatar tente de negocier depuis des semaines et essaie de liberer un a un les otages. Comme ii l’a fait lors des precedentes guerres, ii se bat pour parvenir a un cessez-le-feu dont Israel ne veut pas et que toute la communaute internationale appelle de ses vreux sans pour autant y parvenir.

Juger les crimes de guerre de part et d’autre

La campagne de represailles de Tel Aviv a Gaza a done deja fait plus de 7000 morts dont 3500 enfants. Qui peut cautionner cela ? Les pays arabes ? LOccident? les Etats-Unis ? Meme Joe Biden a condamne la demesure de la riposte israelienne contre les civils gazaouis. Cette operation « Hannibal », c’est la lutte jusqu’au bout pour eradiquer le mal : Israel ne s’arretera pourtant pas jusqu’a venir a bout du Hamas. Et les otages civils ? Cela est devenu secondaire, ce qui inquiete de plus en plus les familles des prisonniers qui protestent en manifestant et en s’exprimant largement dans les medias israeliens et internationaux. C’est la que la mise en place d’une commission d’enquete en Israel jouera un role fondamental pour l’apres. Netanyahou a deja accepte de s’y plier. Mais plus encore, au niveau international, qui sanctionnera le Hamas d’une part, et Israel d’autre part pour les crimes commis ce mois-ci ? On parle de crime de guerre, mais certains parlent deja de genocide a Gaza. D’autant que l’Etat hebreu ne reconna1t pas la Cour Penale Internationale et n’est done pas contrainte de se plier ni a ses decisions ni a ses jugements. Comme le grand frere americain bien entendu !

Tournai: an ideal destination for architecture lovers

NewsdeskTET

5 November 2023

Tournai: an ideal destination for architecture lovers

Located in the province of Hainaut, Belgium, the city of Tournai is a perfect destination for architecture lovers. With its rich historical heritage, Tournai offers a variety of architectural styles that bear witness to its glorious past.

One of the architectural gems of Tournai is its Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent Gothic cathedral is renowned for its massive tower and impressive facade. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning stained glass windows, sculptures and frescoes that tell the story of the city.

Not far from the cathedral is the Tournai Belfry, another important architectural symbol of the city. This medieval belfry, built in the 12th century, is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can climb to the top of the belfry to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

While strolling the streets of Tournai, architecture enthusiasts can also admire numerous Renaissance-style buildings. The Maison de Lalaing, for example, is a fine example of the architecture of this era. With its richly decorated facades and mullioned windows, this mansion bears witness to the prosperity of the city at the time.

Another Renaissance building not to be missed is the Tournai Museum of Fine Arts. Housed in a former bishop’s palace, the museum houses an impressive collection of works of art, including paintings, sculptures and decorative art objects. Visitors can also enjoy the building’s interior architecture, with its elegant columns and vaulted ceilings.

In addition to its medieval and Renaissance architecture, Tournai also has examples of more modern architectural styles. The Natural History Museum, for example, is a contemporary building designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. With its glass facade and bold structure, this museum is a true work of art in itself.

In addition to historic and modern buildings, Tournai also offers charming streets and squares that invite you to stroll. The Grand Place, for example, is a lively square lined with colorful houses and cafes. It’s the perfect place to relax and have a drink while admiring the surrounding architecture.

Outside of the city center, Tournai also offers magnificent examples of industrial architecture. The old textile factories, now rehabilitated into cultural and commercial spaces, bear witness to the city’s industrial past. These buildings, with their large windows and brick structures, are a true ode to industrial architecture.

In conclusion, Tournai is an ideal destination for architecture lovers. With its Gothic cathedral, medieval belfry, Renaissance buildings and examples of modern architecture, the city offers a variety of styles that will delight lovers of history and architectural beauty. Whether strolling the streets of the city center or exploring the more distant neighborhoods, Tournai is a true showcase of Belgian architecture and deserves an in-depth visit.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

BOOK: Islam and Islamism: Evolution, current events and questions Full sail

Lahcen Hammouch

2 November 2023

A work published by Code9, Paris-Brussels, in September 2023, from the pen of Philippe Liénard, honorary lawyer, former magistrate, history enthusiast and author of more than twenty books relating to currents of thought.

The subject is intended to be a work of historical research which highlights the differences between legend, prejudices and reality, insofar as historians, anthropologists and philologists have been able to ensure this highlighting beyond theology. It has two parts, the one which takes up the history of Islam, and the second, which underlines what Islamisms are and identifies them, warns and aims to awaken vigilance or even more, because living freely together has a price, that of acceptance of the non-liberticidal thoughts and beliefs of others, without anyone wanting to impose their own on others. Everyone remains free to adhere, or not, to a religion, but their right does not include the right to force others to embrace their views, or those of socio-political-religious strategists, who manipulate humans through their weaknesses or their youth. , to create a new world order that will send liberal democratic values overboard.

Philippe Liénard does not hesitate to use, in the subtitle, a slightly mischievous and provocative with “All sails out”a maritime metaphor meaning “at full speed” referring to the situation where all of a ship’s sails are unfurled to go as fast as possible. However, the term “veil” also refers to the different garments worn by some Muslim women to cover their heads or bodies, based on varying interpretations of Quranic injunctions and timeworn traditions. The Koran does not require it, except for the private parts.

Islam is both the religion of Muslims, and, at the same time, encompasses the Muslim world, that of Muslim peoples, designating as a whole, “a set of durable and identifiable material, cultural and social traits” and, at the same time, -beyond religion proper with its faith and worship, a political power and a general movement of civilization. In short, it is the Umma imagined in the time of Mohammed. This Community has no imposed nationality. It is open to anyone who wants it, provided they are converted.

There is reason not to not confuse Islam and Islamism, a chapter of the book is also entitled “Brief History of Islam and Islamism”, two terms which refer to distinct concepts, although they are sometimes used interchangeably or misunderstood in public discourse or any amalgamation through ignorance, or anger of certain analyses, for the same reason, or by the bias of retrograde, fundamentalist, literalist currents, whose objective is not living together freely.

Islamism, and more accurately Islamisms, is a term describing a political ideology which seeks to establish a form of government or system based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law, Sharia law., an assembly of rules from various backgrounds, not to be confused with faith or religious practice in itself. This hegemonic radical political movement was invested, in part, in supporting decolonization, as was the case with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt from 1928, a secret society, which opposed modernity, emancipation in equality for all outside of a text whose retrograde and “uncivilizing” analysis for the West appears more and more in contradiction with its values. It already took the form of a flashback well before this period, but in the light of a past about which little is known, that of the first so-called pious companions of Mohammed. Let’s think about Salafism which will perform via Wahhabism. Objective: establishment of a global caliphate. And more recently, let us think of Madkhalism, which has the fairly simple doctrine of doing everything to satisfy and obey the leaders of the Gulf. We know little about the underside of these currents, which have been described a thousand times.

Islam and Islamism sometimes seem vague. It is not a monolith. Islam has trends, the vast majority being Sunni and having notably given rise to Salafism and Madkhalism. The minority is Shiite and makes noise. In all cases Islamism fuels terrorism in various facets, a retrograde vision where one must obey Allah because Allah wants it. A small minority, Babism, advocates equality between men and women. Within Islam it is necessary to distinguish between different periods and the history of an ancestral patriarchy, between religion and traditions, between belief and faith, and a fanaticism which does not include a message of love.

The author also deals with the conditions of women in Muslim societies, the question of “domestic” animals, not hesitating to provide a social and societal overview (justice, Islamic police, Muslim law, blasphemy, caricature ).

This book is described as enlightening by the press. But who does it enlighten? Not those convinced that they are right because they are right because the imam said so or because a wise exegete interpreted in his own way a hadith with hateful content.

The question remains the same for some: should we modernize Islam or Islamize modernity? Intellectuals plead for an Islam of Enlightenment, but Islamism extinguishes them, apart from the fact that this concept is specific to the history of the West, despite the so-called Golden Age of Islam. Its intellectuals have for part been muzzled.

Philippe Liénard intends to work for the progress of humanity in the freedom of beliefs, faith and adherence to this or that god, but not to the liberticidal proselytism which proliferates via Islamisms which reassure no one, not even the troops who are loyal to him. Far from an Islamophobic study, this book is a tool of fraternity intended to avoid a certain spirit which could be Islamophobic. However, we must dare to say things, look in the rearview mirror of history, and speak the truth, even if there are truths that disturb and fuel fatwas.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Metsola: “we have a duty to meet this moment”

2 November 2023

Court of Justice ruling on the “rule of law conditionality” mechanism

President Metsola emphasizes the responsibility of the Union to remain united and avoid further violence. The European Parliament condemns Hamas and advocates for sustainable peace. Support for Ukraine and addressing budget priorities are also discussed. The consequences of fragmented migration policies are highlighted.

In her discussion with the leaders, she said:

“As a Union, we have a responsibility to remain coherent and united. To do this is not to condone more death and violence but to avoid a dangerous regional escalation of the conflict. We must leave even a sliver of possibility that peace can ultimately be found.

The European Parliament has condemned Hamas in the strongest possible terms. We know that Hamas must be stopped.

As a Parliament we have always and will always keep insisting on respect for international law, that the humanitarian consequences of stopping Hamas must be a priority and that aid must be able to reach the innocent people in need.

Taking a strong stance against terror and making every effort to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza are not mutually exclusive.

That is why we keep doing everything that we can to protect innocent lives. Why we work to free hostages and get aid across and why the European Parliament has called for a humanitarian pause to achieve that.

In the longer term, Europe should stand ready and willing to engage. We must continue to push for sustainable and lasting peace. For a fair two-state solution that is equitable and just. There is a role for Europe and we have a duty to meet this moment”.

On Ukraine:

“Our support will continue in humanitarian, logistical, military, re-construction and political terms.

Provided that the conditions are met, I remain hopeful that agreement to open accession talks between the EU and Ukraine, and with Moldova using the same yardstick, can be achieved by the end of this year.

Giving our European neighbours a clear European perspective is achieving its intended purpose. But while Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans are reforming and getting ready for the next steps – Europe also needs to be getting ready to do the same. This is becoming critical.

We also need to keep supporting Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and modernisation”.

On Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF):

“The EU’s budget is stretched to the limit.

We have to make sure our priorities are adequately funded. We all agree on the need to address security and migration, to continue supporting Ukraine, to invest more money in Member States struck by natural disasters, quickly and effectively.

We need to back our words up with the necessary financial resources to implement them – more progress needs to be made on the introduction of new Own Resources that we already agreed on back in 2020.

The budget is the minimum needed to provide funding to the people of Europe – our farmers, students, businesses and regions – that want to invest, innovate, modernise and develop a Europe that is competitive on the global stage.

If we want to remain credible about all that we say we want to do, we need an agreement. Postponing will not help.”

On migration:

“Recent events and the increase in arrivals of asylum seekers have once again demonstrated the consequences of our current fragmented policy on asylum and migration.

Making returns more effective through faster processing of asylum applications, improving the modalities for returns and closer operational coordination and cooperation among Member States, third countries, EU institutions and agencies should be at the top of our discussions.

Loopholes between a negative asylum decision and a return decision need to be closed.

People will look to us to deliver on all these issues before they vote next June”.

You can find the full speech of President Metsola here.

MEPs call for Treaty changes to enhance Parliament’s role and propose EU-wide referendums

2 November 2023

euparl voting — The European Parliament. (Credit: EP)

The report comprising draft changes to the Treaties was endorsed by MEPs on Wednesday with 19 votes for, six against, and one abstention. The accompanying resolution was adopted with 20 votes for, six against, and no abstentions. MEPs reiterate their call to amend the EU Treaties and ask the Council to “immediately and without deliberation submit the proposals […] to the European Council” so that a Convention can be set up.

Institutional reforms and a mechanism for EU-wide referendums

MEPs are urging for a more balanced system that would enhance the role of Parliament and modify voting procedures in the Council. By significantly increasing the number of decisions made through qualified majority voting (QMV) and ordinary legislative procedure (OLP), the Union would be better equipped to take action. Additionally, Parliament would gain the authority to initiate legislation and become a co-legislator for the EU’s long-term budget.

In addition, MEPs are calling for a reversal of the current roles of the Council and Parliament in the appointment of the Commission President (to be renamed the “European Executive”). Under the proposed changes, Parliament would nominate the Commission President and the European Council would provide approval. Furthermore, MEPs suggest granting the Commission President the ability to select members based on political preferences, while ensuring a balance in terms of geography and demographics.

The draft report calls for the implementation of a mechanism for EU-wide referendums on topics related to the Union’s actions and policies (including the approval of the current Treaty reform proposals), and to improve the existing participatory mechanisms.

EU competences and subsidiarity

MEPs want to establish exclusive Union competence for the environment and biodiversity and shared competencies on public health matters, civil protection, industry, and education. They propose the advancement of Union shared competencies in the areas of energy, foreign affairs, external security and defence, external border policy in the area of freedom, security and justice, and cross-border infrastructure.

Other reform areas

The draft report also includes proposals on:

foreign, security and defence policy (sanctions and interim enlargement process steps decisions by QMV as well as a defence union with military capacity);
the single market, the economy & the budget (tackling tax havens, QMV for taxation decisions, 5 year periods for the long-term budget);
a social progress protocol;
education;
trade and investment;
non-discrimination (expanding the list of protected vulnerable groups, referring to ‘gender equality’ throughout the Treaties);
climate and environment (reduction of global warming and safeguarding biodiversity as aims of the Union, protection for the natural foundations of life, and animals, in line with the One Health approach);
energy policy (an integrated European energy union);
the area of freedom, justice and security (additional competences for Europol, gender-based violence and environmental crimes prosecuted under EU law); and
migration (common minimum citizenship and visa standards, stronger border security measures , economic and social stability and availability of skilled labour).

Next steps

The report is set to be voted on by all MEPs during the 20 – 23 November plenary session.

Interfaith Harmony: Scientology attended the Hinduism Diwali at the European Parliament

2 November 2023

Photo credit: Marcos Soria - Swami Rameshwaranda Giri Maharaj (Fundacion Phi, Spain), Ivan Arjona Pelado (Scientology Europe) and Krishna Kripa Dasa (aka Juan Carlos Ramchandani) Vice President of the Hindu Forum Europe, at the European Parliament.

BRUSSELS, BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, November 1, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a remarkable demonstration of interfaith harmony, the European representative of the Church of Scientology was recently invited as a special guest to the Diwali celebrations at the European Parliament. The event, organized by the Hindu Forum Europe, showcased the unity and diversity that characterizes the European community. It drew attendees from various backgrounds, including Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Scientologists, and individuals with different beliefs.

Table of Contents

A joyful welcome
Similarities between Scientology and Hinduism
Scientology in Europe

A joyful welcome

The EU Representative of the Church of Scientology, Ivan Arjona, who often cooperates with the diverse Hindu community not just on interfaith but on fighting for the protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief for all, was especially thankful to the Vice-President of the Forum, Krishna Kripa Dasa (aka Juan Carlos Ramchandani) and the Special Spiritual Advisor Swami Rameshwaranda Giri Maharaj from Fundacion Phi (Spain) for their great and joyful welcome among the spiritualities present in Europe, participating of the vibrant colours and joyous celebrations of Diwali.

Photo credit: Marcos Soria – Some of the audience during the Diwali celebration at the European Parliament

The invitation extended to the Scientology representative was a significant gesture, demonstrating the commitment of Hindus in Europe to promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus globally and signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The celebration at the European Parliament was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including members of the European Parliament, diplomats, and representatives from different religious and community organizations.

For Arjona, the Scientology representative, the invitation was “a clear indication that the European Parliament and the Hindu Forum Europe are keen to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding among different faiths”, and expressed his gratitude for being able to participate in the Diwali celebrations, acknowledging the importance of such interfaith events in promoting peace and unity.

“The 2023 Diwali European celebration was a vivid display of Europe’s multicultural fabric, a reminder that despite our diverse beliefs and practices, we can come together to celebrate and respect each other’s faiths, promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society, especially in these difficult times,” said Arjona to some of the Hindu representatives.

Similarities between Scientology and Hinduism

Arjona says that religions “should focus on common goals and perspectives” while using their “different abilities to help improve our world”. He mentions for example the similarities between Scientology and Hinduism by quoting the late Prof. Dr. Bryan Willson who explained that:

“The mechanics of life as characterised by Scientology have considerable similarity to those embraced by both Buddhism and the Sankhya school of Hinduism. The accumulation of a reactive bank in the mind bears some similarity to the idea of karma. The concept of past lives has much in common with the theories of reincarnation in Eastern religions. The idea of acquiring access to levels of consciousness is found in Yoga (the Yoga school is closely related to that of Sankhya) and the yogin is believed to be able to attain supernatural power”.

Wilson explained also in the same scientific article:

“The claim is often made (by their followers if not by themselves) that the founders of religious movements are special agents of revelation through whom a supreme being expresses himself. This prophetic mode of religious leadership is characteristic of movements in the general Judaeo-Christian-Islamic tradition, but in the Hindu-Buddhist tradition, the religious leader is more typically seen as a master who benefits his followers by indicating to them the path to enlightenment which he has himself trodden. Hubbard conforms much more fully to this latter model. He is represented as a teacher who, rather than having had religious truths revealed to him, is said to have discovered by scientific research facts which indicate certain therapeutic practices and a metaphysical body of knowledge which explains man’s higher being and ultimate destiny”.

Scientology in Europe

Scientology is a widely accepted global religion, acknowledged by numerous experts in the field and supported by an increasing number of religious leaders. They actively collaborate to address the challenges faced by modern society. Additionally, an ever-growing number of countries, courts, and governments recognize the rights of Scientologists and their church, in line with the European framework of fundamental rights and international standards for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

How green are European cities? Green space key to well-being – but access varies

1 November 2023

Access to public green and blue spaces differs across Europe, according to the EEA briefing ‘Who benefits from nature in cities? Social inequalities in access to urban green and blue spaces across Europe’. The study found that cities in the north and west of Europe tend to have more green space than cities in southern and eastern Europe. The assessment looks at socio-economic and demographic inequalities in access to green and blue spaces in European cities. It also includes examples of green spaces that were designed to meet the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged social groups.

Table of Contents

Value of green spaces in cities
How green are European cities?
Inequalities in terms of access are present – policy and action emerge

Value of green spaces in cities

The potential for green spaces to boost our health and well-being is increasingly recognised, both in science and policy. Accessible green areas are especially important for children, the elderly and people with lower incomes, many of whom have limited opportunities for contact with nature.

People use their local green spaces for physical exercise and social interactions, for relaxation and mental restoration. Benefits range from reduced risks of obesity in children, to better cardiovascular health and lower rates of depression in adults. Parks, trees and other green areas improve air quality, reduce noise, moderate temperatures during hot periods, and boost biodiversity in city landscapes.

How green are European cities?

Green infrastructure, which includes green and blue spaces like allotments, private gardens, parks, street trees, water and wetlands, made up on average 42% of the city area in 38 EEA member countries, according to the latest data available. The city with the highest proportion of total green space (96%) is Cáceres in Spain, where the city’s administrative area incorporates natural and semi-natural areas around the city core. The city with the lowest total green space at just 7% is Trnava in Slovakia.

Publicly accessible green areas form a relatively low share of total green space, estimated at only 3% of the total city area on average. Yet, this varies between cities, with cities such as Geneva (Switzerland), The Hague (Netherlands) and Pamplona/Iruña (Spain), seeing accessible green space account for more than 15% of the city area.

The latest data from the EEA’s urban tree cover viewer shows that average urban tree cover for cities in 38 EEA member and cooperating countries stood at 30%, with cities in Finland and Norway having the highest proportion of tree cover, while cities in Cyprus, Iceland and Malta had the lowest.

Inequalities in terms of access are present – policy and action emerge

Across Europe, green space is less available in lower income urban neighbourhoods than in higher income ones, with differences often driven by the housing market, where properties in greener areas are more expensive. While the World Health Organization recommends that all people reside within 300 metres of green space, less than half of Europe’s urban population do. National and local guidelines vary across Europe and guidance on how to make access equal across social groups is rare.

Case studies from across Europe show how targeted action to reduce inequalities in access to high-quality green spaces can maximise the health and well-being benefits of nature in cities. Involving local communities in the design and management of green space helps in considering their specific needs and has been found to foster a sense of ownership and promote use.

https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/daviz/percentage-of-total-green-infrastructure/embed-chart?chart=googlechartid_chart_11&chartWidth=800&chartHeight=650&padding=fixed&customStyle=.googlechart_viewmargin-left:0px%3B&skipdaviztitle=true&skipcharttitle=true