Leuven, between tradition and modernity: a city with a unique atmosphere
Located in Belgium, the city of Leuven is a destination that embodies both tradition and modernity, offering a unique atmosphere to its visitors. With its rich history and its warm atmosphere, Leuven is a city that knows how to charm all those who discover it.
Tradition is omnipresent in the streets of Leuven. The city is known for being home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, the University of Louvain, founded in 1425. This university is a symbol of knowledge and culture, and attracts thousands of students from all over the world every year. The university’s historic buildings, such as the University Library, are architectural gems that bear witness to the city’s glorious past.
Walking through the cobbled streets of Leuven, you can also admire magnificent religious buildings. The city has many churches, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the Church of Saint-Pierre. With its Gothic façade and colorful stained glass windows, this church is an unmissable place of worship, but also a true artistic masterpiece.
But Leuven is not just about its past. The city is also turned towards the future and offers a decidedly modern atmosphere. Walking through the city center, you will discover many trendy boutiques, trendy cafes and gourmet restaurants. Leuven is a young and dynamic city, where creativity and innovation are omnipresent.
The modernity of Leuven is also manifested through its museums. The M Museum, located in a contemporary building, houses a collection of modern and contemporary art that will delight art lovers. The temporary exhibitions offered by the museum make it possible to discover renowned international artists, thus making Leuven a center of contemporary culture.
But what makes Leuven truly unique is its friendly atmosphere. The townspeople are known for their friendliness and warm hospitality. The café terraces are always lively, and it’s easy to mingle with the locals to share a drink or chat about anything and everything. The festivals and events organized throughout the year, such as the beer festival or the Christmas market, also contribute to this festive and friendly atmosphere that reigns in the city.
Finally, Leuven is also a green city, with many parks and green spaces. Park Abbey Park is a real haven of peace, where it is good to walk and enjoy nature. The botanical gardens of the University of Leuven are also an ideal place to relax and admire the beauty of the local flora.
In conclusion, Leuven is a city that harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. Its storied past and iconic buildings speak to its rich history, while its vibrant arts and culture scene reflects its commitment to the future. But it is above all its warm and friendly atmosphere that makes Leuven an unmissable destination. Whether you are interested in culture, gastronomy or simply discovering new cities, Leuven is a city that is sure to seduce you.
Gross financing needs for 2023 are revised downwards by €2.0 billion to €49.07 billion, mainly due to a lower pre-financing estimate for 2024.
The Federal Debt Agency now plans to buy back OLOs maturing in 2024 for an amount of 0.30 billion euros, instead of 2.09 billion euros. This is due to the high price of short-term OLOs. In addition, other financing needs would only amount to 0.10 billion euros (compared to 0.31 billion euros).
In terms of financing, the Debt Agency reduced its planned OLO issues for 2023 by 2.90 billion euros, to 42.10 billion euros. The possibility of issuing up to 2.0 billion euros under the EMTN program is maintained for the time being.
Planned issuances of medium- and long-term government bonds, of which the Debt Agency has already issued 0.39 billion euros to date, have been revised upwards to 0.90 billion euros.
A new issue of a 1-year State note in December 2023 is possible, but is not mentioned in this updated financing plan. Following the great success of the issue of this product (21.90 billion euros), the outstanding balance of Treasury certificates should now decrease by 13.46 billion euros, whereas previously an increase of 1.00 billion euros was expected. The net change in other short-term debt and financial assets will also decrease, and would amount to -4.37 billion euros. The Treasury’s cash reserves will indeed increase structurally by some 9.0 billion euros.
Detailed information on future issues in 2023:
1) Regarding short-term instruments, in addition to the measures announced last Friday
– The Treasury certificate maturing on November 7, 2024 will not be offered at the auctions on November 7 and December 12, 2023. – Until the end of the year, the reopening of 6-month Treasury certificates will not take place. This means that on October 31, 2023, the Treasury certificate maturing on May 9, 2024 will not be offered. – Finally, the auctions of Treasury certificates scheduled for October 10 and December 12, 2023, the date on which the reopening of the 3-month certificate is scheduled, will be cancelled.
The modified calendar of Treasury certificate auctions is available on the website of the Federal Debt Agency.
2) Concerning long-term instruments
The planned total issuance of long-term instruments will be reduced from €47.25 billion to €45 billion.
The OLO auction of November 20, 2023 will be cancelled.
The Federal Debt Agency will maintain the last two ORI windows scheduled for 2023.
Attachment: Financing needs and updated 2023 financing plan
Rice is one of the most popular foods in our cuisine, and in the world as well. It is tasty, cheap, easy to prepare and can be a main part of a number of savory and sweet dishes. Its variety of flavors and types makes it more than wonderful.
But rice can be used not only for cooking. Its uses go beyond its primary purpose.
What else can you use rice for besides cooking?
Here are some healthy alternative uses for rice.
Against salt wetting
Salt collects moisture from the air and holds it. To prevent the salt from getting wet in the salt shaker, add some rice to it. It will not change the taste of the salt, but it will contribute to the fact that it remains dry and that its grains do not stick together.
To maintain silverware and jewelry
If you have silverware or jewelry, it would be good to store them in rice. Just place them in a bowl or box full of rice. It will prevent the silver from tarnishing because it will protect it from oxidation. That way you won’t have to scrub and polish it.
For beautiful skin and hair
You can use rice water for beautiful skin and hair. The water from cooking the rice, as well as the water in which it was simply soaked, is rich in nutrients. Rice water can be used for rinsing, washing, as part of various homemade masks, peelings.
For cleaning appliances
Rice is suitable for cleaning coffee grinders, grinders, blenders. Simply drop a cup of rice into the unit and run on high speed. The rice will scrub the residue inside, remove any residual odors and make your appliance clean and usable again.
To check the temperature of the pan
If you’ve heated oil or other fat in a pan, one of the easiest ways to check if it’s ready is to drop a grain of rice into it. If it bubbles, the fat is hot enough.
For tool storage
Your construction tools may rust over time. Place them in a box of rice. It will protect them from oxidation, similar to the storage of silver objects. The rice absorbs excess moisture and protects the metal from rust.
With wet equipment
If you have spilled water or any other liquid on electronics or equipment, such as telephones, laptops and other gadgets, immediately turn them off, remove their batteries if possible and cover them with rice. Allow the rice to absorb the moisture for several hours. This will help the unit dry faster without damage.
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood: https://www.pexels.com/photo/rice-in-white-ceramic-bowl-1306548/
Manila, Philippines. A crowd of 11,349 fans witnessed an incredible moment at the Mall of Asia Arena as Lithuania achieved a stunning victory over the United States with a final score of 110-104. This intense and exciting game showcased the passion and talent present in international basketball completely worth it to hit the eu news.
Right from the beginning, Lithuania showed their dominance by establishing a 52-31 lead towards the end of the first half. However, what made this game truly remarkable was not only Lithuania’s early advantage but also the thrilling conclusion that had everyone buzzing.
During halftime Coach Steve Kerr and his team worked their magic by igniting a spark that limited Lithuania to only two points in the first five minutes of the third quarter. The daunting 17-point deficit that Team USA faced at halftime quickly diminished to four points thanks, to Mikal Bridges leading an unwavering momentum. With 10 minutes remaining on the clock, the score stood at 71-65 injecting renewed energy into Team USA.
Nevertheless, Kazakhstan’s head coach Kazys Maksvytis displayed brilliance by maintaining a perfectly balanced team.
The second team took the lead, setting up a fourth quarter. With players like Jonas Valanciunas and Donatas Motiejunas in the paint along with unexpected standout Vaidas Kariniauskas as a backup point guard, Lithuania consistently found ways to score near the basket, preventing the USA team from closing in on their lead.
In the minutes of the game, Lithuania remained composed and made crucial free throws to secure their hard-earned victory with precision and composure.
Lithuania Stuns the Basketball World: Three Generations, Three Wins Over USA 2
The Unstoppable Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas was a force throughout this game. His statistics alone don’t fully capture his impact on the court. Valanciunas not only led vocally but also presented a formidable physical presence for Lithuania. Jaren Jackson Jr., Bobby Portis Jr., And Paolo Banchero can all attest to the challenge of facing him both defensively and offensively. While Valanciunas ended with 12 points 7 rebounds and 2 blocks his influence went beyond what’s reflected in the numbers.
Lithuania’s impressive performance was highlighted by their three-point shooting accuracy as they made their first nine attempts from, beyond the arc. This remarkable achievement allowed them to build a 21-point lead during the first half. Even though their accuracy from three-point range decreased, their ability to secure rebounds stood out. They managed to grab 18 rebounds, resulting in a significant 17-2 advantage in second-chance points.
Continuing the Lithuanian Legacy
Lithuania’s win in this matchup marked the time they defeated the USA showcasing different generations of basketball talent. This victory sends a message to the basketball world; Lithuania is a formidable contender for the gold medal.
Six Lithuanian players scored in figures, demonstrating a well-rounded offense that played a crucial role in defeating the USA. Anthony Edwards led the team with an impressive 35 points, but none of his teammates scored more than 14 points. This made the game an unusual and challenging experience for the United States, at the World Cup.
What They Said
Kazys Maksvytis, Lithuania head coach: “We need to save our emotions and our effort for the next game. Just in two days, we’re starting the playoffs. Congratulations to my players, but we need to have a short memory to prepare for the second game.”
Vaidas Kariniauskas, Lithuania: “It’s hard to talk. It was a tough game from the beginning. It’s a big win for our country, for the players, the coaches, to play against the best in the world. I’m happy for my country, for my family, for our families, and we don’t need to stop now. We don’t need to celebrate much; we have a do-or-die against Serbia in 48 hours.”
Steve Kerr, USA head coach: “Great basketball game. Lithuania obviously just came out of the gates on fire, made their first nine threes, took it to us. I love the way our guys fought back, played much better in the second half, competed like crazy, gave it a really good run, but it wasn’t enough. It’s a great game for us to experience. This is FIBA. There are great teams that have continuity, that understand what they are doing, they execute. Lithuania was brilliant tonight; they deserved to win.”
Anthony Edwards, USA: “Luckily we get to play again; that’s all I’m thinking about.”
In the grand theater of international basketball, Lithuania’s remarkable victory over the United States will undoubtedly go down in history as a testament to their skill, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The world now eagerly anticipates their upcoming showdown with Serbia, a matchup that promises to be nothing short of electrifying.
Europe’s cultural heritage is a treasure trove of traditions, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of history, diversity, and significance. And from September 1st to November 2023, Europe invites the world to explore and celebrate this vibrant heritage during the European Heritage Days. This annual event, jointly organized by the European Commission and the Council of Europe, promises an array of captivating experiences under the theme of “Living Heritage.”
The theme of “Living Heritage” serves as a gateway to Europe’s cultural mosaic. It is a celebration of the vitality and diversity of cultural traditions, knowledge, and skills across the continent. Over the next two months, exceptional sites and monuments across 48 participating countries will open their doors to visitors. But the richness of this celebration doesn’t stop there; it extends to cultural events, exhibitions, artistic performances, interactive workshops, lectures, and guided tours. All of these activities are imbued with the spirit of “Living Heritage” as they showcase the pivotal role of cultural traditions and skills in shaping our societies.
A Cross-Border Celebration
The European Heritage Days are not just about individual countries showcasing their heritage; they are a collaborative effort that brings nations together. This event organized collaboratively by the European Commission and the Council of Europe presents a chance for individuals to engage with the rich cultural tapestry of Europe. It serves as a reminder that our collective legacy goes beyond geographical boundaries and is something that belongs to each and every one of us. Through these celebrations, we promote the protection of our collective heritage for the present and future generations.
Building on Past Success
The European Heritage Days have a fascinating past, starting with their establishment by the Council of Europe in 1985. The event has become more important since 1999, when the European Commission partnered with the Council of Europe. In 2022, around 20 million individuals took part in the European Heritage Days, showing how their popularity continues to grow.
Amplifying Voices: European Heritage Days Stories
One of the impactful initiatives introduced in 2019 is “European Heritage Days Stories.” This platform serves as a megaphone for heritage professionals and shines a spotlight on remarkable preservation efforts undertaken by individuals and groups across Europe. It’s a reminder that heritage isn’t just about the past; it’s also about the present and the dedication of those working tirelessly to safeguard it.
Empowering Future Champions: Young European Heritage Makers
“Young European Heritage Makers,” formerly known as European Heritage Makers Week, is another noteworthy initiative. This program empowers and provides a genuine platform for children and young individuals who are the future champions of European heritage. It’s an investment in the next generation of heritage enthusiasts, fostering cross-border cooperation and collaboration among diverse heritage sites.
Enhancing Synergies: European Heritage Label Sites
To strengthen the European dimension, a dedicated Call for European Heritage Label (EHL) sites was launched. This initiative enhances synergies between various heritage preservation efforts and promotes cross-border activities. National Coordinators of the European Heritage Days program play a pivotal role in facilitating these cross-frontier activities.
Celebrating Europe’s Cultural Tapestry
As we embrace “Living Heritage” during the European Heritage Days 2023, we are reminded of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Europe. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of history, diversity, and significance. These celebrations are a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage.
The European Heritage Days are more than just events; they are a celebration of Europe’s cultural richness and diversity. Under the theme of “Living Heritage,” these celebrations invite us to explore the traditions, knowledge, and skills that define our continent. They are a reminder that our heritage is not confined by borders but belongs to all of us, present and future generations alike. As the legacy continues, the European Heritage Days remain committed to safeguarding and celebrating Europe’s cultural tapestry. So, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of the arts, or simply curious about the world, the European Heritage Days 2023 offer something for everyone to cherish and celebrate. Explore, experience, and embrace the living heritage of Europe.
Bruges: a romantic getaway in the heart of Belgium
Located in the northwest of Belgium, Bruges is a picturesque and romantic city that attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of charm and history. With its winding canals, old houses and medieval atmosphere, Bruges is often considered the Venice of the North.
When we think of Bruges, we immediately think of its canals. Boat trips are an ideal way to discover the city and enjoy its enchanting landscapes. While sailing along the canals, you can admire the gabled houses, the romantic bridges and the small cobbled streets that make up the charm of Bruges. Couples looking for romance will be delighted to stroll hand in hand along the canals and stop at one of the many restaurants on the terrace to enjoy a Belgian beer or a hot chocolate.
Speaking of chocolate, Bruges is also famous for its delicious chocolate production. The city’s chocolatiers are renowned for their craftsmanship and gourmet creations. A visit to one of Bruges’ many chocolate factories is a must for chocolate lovers. You can enjoy high quality pralines, truffles and chocolate bars here. Some chocolatiers even offer workshops where you can learn how to make your own chocolates, a fun and delicious experience to share as a couple.
Besides its canals and chocolate, Bruges is also known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The historic center of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of magnificent buildings. Highlights include the Belfry of Bruges, a medieval tower that offers stunning views of the city, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a church famous for its relic of the Holy Blood. Architecture lovers will also appreciate the Place du Bourg, with its Gothic town hall, and the provincial palace, a magnificent neo-Gothic building.
For art lovers, Bruges is also home to several interesting museums. The Groeningemuseum is famous for its collection of Flemish paintings, especially those of Flemish primitives such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. The Memling Museum, meanwhile, is dedicated to the work of this famous 15th century painter, originally from the region of Bruges. Finally, the Diamond Museum is a place not to be missed for jewelry lovers, with an exhibition on the history and manufacture of diamonds.
Besides its architectural and artistic treasures, Bruges also offers many shopping opportunities. The city is full of souvenir shops, antique shops and fashion stores. Lace lovers will be delighted to discover the shops specializing in this Belgian tradition. One can also find many local products, such as Belgian beer, cheese and waffles, in the city’s markets and grocery stores.
Finally, for nature lovers, Bruges offers magnificent parks and gardens where you can walk and relax. Minnewater Park, for example, is a great place for a romantic stroll along the lake and canals. The citadel park is another place to relax, with its vast lawns and century-old trees. In summer, the beguinage gardens are also very popular for their tranquility and beauty.
In conclusion, Bruges is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway in the heart of Belgium. With its canals, its chocolate, its medieval architecture and its many museums, the city offers a unique and captivating atmosphere. Whether you are a lover of history, art or gastronomy, Bruges will seduce all visitors in search of charm and romance.
The UN migration agency (IOM) called on Friday for the setting up of a humanitarian corridor in Niger to enable voluntary returns of stranded migrants, after July’s military takeover triggered border & airspace closures
IOM Regional Director Christopher Gascon told reporters in Geneva that 4,800 migrants were hosted by IOM at seven transit centres in the country, awaiting voluntary return. They were primarily from western Africa: Mali, Guinea, Senegal and Nigeria, he said.
Mr. Gascon said airport access was crucial to “organise charter flights in order to return people home”.
He stressed that IOM’s transit centres were currently 40 per cent over capacity and an additional 1,400 migrants outside the centres needed help.
Mr. Gascon added that setting up a corridor would also facilitate the delivery of aid to conflict-affected areas of Niger.
Hundreds of thousands displaced
According to the UN, Niger hosts more than 710,000 forcibly displaced people including refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons.
When neighbouring countries closed their borders following the 26 July military takeover and flights were suspended, it became very difficult for migrants to leave the country, and IOM noted “heightened internal movements, driven by the urgent need for individual security”.
$1 million per month required
The UN agency said that its operations in Niger were constrained by limited funding and called for financial support “to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown humahttps://europeantimes.news/human-rights/nitarian crisis”.
The humanitarian appeal for the country is only about 30 per cent funded, Mr. Gascon said, and providing assistance to people in the transit centres requires at least a million dollars a month.
Apart from operating the migrant centres and organising voluntary returns, IOM underscored that it runs a “community stabilization programme” in Niger to promote resilience among vulnerable communities, create jobs and improve livelihoods.
More than 710,000 people are displaced in Niger.
Migrants, internally displaced persons, and host communities require increased protection and assistance due to turmoil in Niger.
Mr. Gascon told reporters that he was also expecting the sanctions imposed on the country by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the start of the political crisis, blocking the ability to bring in goods, to impact IOM’s operations.
Further obstacles to aid are looming in Niger, as late on Wednesday the country’s military leaders reportedly announced that they were barring UN agencies as well as non-governmental organisations from working in military operation zones.
The UN’s humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) said that it was reaching out to the de facto authorities to better understand the implications and scope of the announcement.
Overall, some 4.3 million people in Niger are dependent on aid.
Antwerp, cradle of Flemish art: explore its cultural heritage
Antwerp, this magnificent Belgian city located in the Flemish region, is known as the cradle of Flemish art. With its rich cultural heritage, it attracts thousands of visitors each year. Let’s explore together the artistic treasures for which Antwerp is famous.
One of Antwerp’s most iconic cultural sites is the Cathedral of Our Lady. This majestic Gothic church is an architectural masterpiece that houses many works of art. Among them, the famous triptych by the Master of Flémalle, entitled “The Adoration of the Mystical Lamb”. This work, dating from the 15th century, is considered one of the masterpieces of Flemish painting. Notre-Dame Cathedral is also famous for its magnificent stained glass windows, testifying to the know-how of the craftsmen of the time.
Speaking of Flemish painting, how not to mention the name of Peter Paul Rubens? This Baroque artist, originally from Antwerp, is one of the greatest painters of all time. His house, transformed into a museum, offers visitors the opportunity to discover his exceptional works. Among the masterpieces exhibited, one can admire “The Descent from the Cross” or “The Massacre of the Innocents”. Rubens’ house is a real journey through time, where you can immerse yourself in the artistic universe of this Flemish genius.
Besides painting, Antwerp is also known for its fashion industry. The city is home to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, which has trained many big names in haute couture. Every year, the Antwerp Fashion Show attracts designers from all over the world. Fashion lovers can also visit the MoMu, Antwerp’s fashion museum, which presents temporary exhibitions showcasing the talent of Belgian designers.
Antwerp is also a dynamic city, where you can enjoy a rich and varied cultural life. The Zuid district, for example, is renowned for its contemporary art galleries. Modern art lovers can discover works by local and international artists here. The Antwerp Museum of Contemporary Art, located in this district, also offers temporary exhibitions that will delight lovers of contemporary art.
Walking through the streets of Antwerp, one cannot miss the Vlaeykensgang, a picturesque little alley, hidden behind an inconspicuous door. This narrow passage, dating from the 16th century, is a real architectural gem. With its half-timbered houses and cobblestones, it offers visitors a unique experience. You can also find restaurants and cafes here, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
But Antwerp is not limited to its cultural heritage, it is also a lively city where you can go shopping and enjoy Flemish gastronomy. The shopping streets, such as the Meir or the Nationalestraat, are full of luxury boutiques and trendy stores. Fashion lovers will find what they are looking for in the many brands of Belgian designers.
As far as gastronomy is concerned, Antwerp offers a wide choice of restaurants and brasseries where you can taste Flemish specialties. Beer lovers will also be able to enjoy discovering the famous Belgian beers, such as Duvel or Westmalle.
In conclusion, Antwerp is a city where art and culture are omnipresent. Its artistic heritage, whether in Flemish painting or fashion, attracts visitors from all over the world. But Antwerp is also a lively city, where you can enjoy a dynamic cultural life and tasty gastronomy. So don’t hesitate any longer, come and explore the cultural heritage of Antwerp and let yourself be seduced by this charming Flemish city.
Bitter Winter (09.01.2023) – 23 July 2023 was a Black Sunday for the city of Odesa and for Ukraine. When Ukrainians and the rest of the world woke up, they discovered with horror and anger that the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral had been severely damaged by a Russian missile strike. Voices were quickly raised to condemn and protest against this new war crime and UNESCO quickly sent a fact-finding mission to Odesa.
The world condemned the criminal Russian missile strike. It should now help Ukraine to rebuild the historical church, UNESCO said.
See Part I HERE and see pictures of the damages HERE.
Dr. Ievgeniia Gidulianova holds a Ph.D. in Law and was Associate Professor at the Department of Criminal Procedure of Odesa Law Academy between 2006 and 2021.
She is now a lawyer in private practice and a consultant for the Brussels-based NGO Human Rights Without Frontiers.
“It’s just a beautiful Ukrainian city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through whose ports vital food is exported around the world,” Simmons said.
U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink said: “Russia continues to attack civilians and infrastructure in Odesa. It is a World Heritage Site and a port vital to global food security.” said U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink.
She stressed that Russia’s unjustified war against Ukraine and its people entails terrible consequences. In particular, the ambassador mentioned the destroyed Transfiguration Cathedral, which was recreated at the beginning of this century after it was blown up by order of Stalin in the 30s of the last century.
EU High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrellcalled the night strike on Odesa another Russian war crime and tweeted: “Russia’s relentless missile terror against UNESCO-protected Odesa is yet another war crime by the Kremlin, which has also destroyed the main Orthodox cathedral, a World Heritage Site. Russia has already damaged hundreds of cultural sites in an attempt to destroy Ukraine.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the Russian missile attack on Odesa, which killed two people and damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral, as well as several other historical buildings in the historic center of the city. A statement about this event, attributable to Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, was published on the official website of the organization on Sunday 23 July.
The statement called the shelling of the cathedral and other historical monuments “an attack on the territory protected by the World Heritage Convention, in violation of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict,” which occurred “in addition to the horrific civilian casualties that war brings.”
The UN spokesman noted that since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, UNESCO has confirmed damage to at least 270 cultural sites in Ukraine, including 116 religious sites. The UN Secretary-General calls on the Russian Federation to immediately stop attacks on objects protected by “widely ratified international normative documents”, Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and its civilians, Dujarric said.
“This outrageous destruction marks an escalation of violence against Ukraine’s cultural heritage. I strongly condemn this attack on culture and call on the Russian Federation to take constructive action to fulfil its obligations under international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
These attacks contradict recent statements by the Russian authorities about the precautions taken to preserve World Heritage sites in Ukraine, including their buffer zones.
The deliberate destruction of cultural objects can be equated with a war crime, which is also recognized by the United Nations Security Council, of which the Russian Federation is a permanent member, in Resolution 2347 (2017).
The Russian Defense Ministryconfirmed the attack on the city but denied that the target of the strike was the Transfiguration Cathedral, the most damaged religious site. The agency claims that it fired only at “places of preparation of terrorist attacks against the Russian Federation”, and “planning strikes with high-precision weapons” deliberately excluded the defeat of civilian targets. The temple, according to the Russian military, was damaged due to “illiterate actions of Ukrainian air defense operators.” At the same time, Russia during the war repeatedly struck civilian targets with high-precision weapons – and each time categorically denied it, even when its responsibility was absolutely obvious.
“We ask for international assistance for the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral”
The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine calls on the international community to assist in the restoration of cultural heritage monuments and is preparing appropriate appeals to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and the Second Protocol to the Hague Convention.
On 9 August 2023, UNESCO presentedthe preliminary results of its expert mission, the purpose of which was to assess the damage caused to the cultural heritage of Odessa. Of the 52 cultural monuments reported by the Ukrainian authorities to have been damaged in Russian attacks, UNESCO experts were able to inspect the 10 most affected sites.
Most of them, including the Transfiguration Cathedral, the House of Scientists and the Literary Museum, were assessed by experts as “severely damaged”. Experts also noted that some other historic buildings have become more vulnerable as a result of the fighting and, therefore, are at risk of significant damage in the event of new attacks, which may be accompanied by blast waves and vibrations.
Representatives of the International Council for the Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments (ICOMOS) and the International Centre for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property participated in the mission. Among their tasks was the identification of threats to the integrity of cultural objects as well as the implementation of urgent measures aimed at preserving them and protecting them from further damage.
The detailed results of the mission will be collected in a report to be published in December at a meeting of the parties to the 1954 Hague Convention. It will provide more detailed information on the extent of damage, as well as on measures for the protection and restoration of cultural heritage sites in Odesa, proposed by UNESCO experts. But UNESCO has already mobilized urgent funding for the first restoration work. UNESCO reports that additional funds were allocated from the Fund for the Preservation of Heritage in Emergency Situations – USD 169,000 – in order to immediately carry out work on the protection of cultural monuments and assess the damage.
Psychiatry – A recent article entitled “The shady business of mental illness: how the consumption of psychotropic drugs in the US has skyrocketed (El turbio negocio de las enfermedades mentales: así se disparó el consumo de psicofármacos en EEUU)” published in EL MUNDO by Daniel Arjona on 1 September 2023, presents a critique of the evolution of the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses in the United States over the last few decades, something that not only the Scientologists have been doing, but in fact, this is being investigated and exposed more and more by journalists, medical doctors, human rights activists and even psychiatrists; some would blame it on the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, for having dared to speak their mouth very aggressively (some say), but even a court said that their words and exposées are protected by the law.
Anyway, back to the article, the author highlights the growing prescription of psychotropic drugs and questions the relationship between psychiatry and pharmaceutical companies (some others speak of a mixture of psychiatry and pharmacocrazy). The following is an analysis of the article, citing relevant parts and providing reasoning.
Psychiatry and Changes in the Definition of Depression
The article starts by bringing attention to a shift in how depression was defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) back in 1980. This change allowed for the diagnosis of depression based on symptoms observed over a two-week period. As a result, there was an increase in the identification of depression and a rise in the prescription of medications like Xanax. The author considers this change as a point to analyze further.
The Role of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
The article emphasizes the significance of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in categorizing illnesses and its influence on the growing use of psychotropic drugs. It mentions a book titled “Psychiatry under the influence” authored by Robert Whitaker and Lisa Cosgrove, which critically examines the relationship between psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry. According to the author, this book sparked a debate, within the medical community.
Diagnostic Inflation and Medicalisation
The article argues that diagnostic criteria for psychiatric illnesses have been expanded in ways that increased the number of people diagnosed, leading to increased medicalisation of psychological and emotional problems. It also points out that modern psychiatry tends to focus more on biological treatments than on psychosocial and economic factors.
The Case of ADHD
The article discusses how the market for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was built in the United States, noting that it was not a creation of the pharmaceutical industry, but of organised psychiatry. DSM-III and DSM-IV provided the diagnostic framework, and academic psychiatrists contributed to more ADHD diagnoses and medication prescriptions.
Critique of Global Medicalisation
The article presents expert opinion questioning the scientific basis of many categories of mental illness and the relationship between these and pharmacological treatments. It is mentioned that the categorisation of emotional struggles as psychiatric disorders is an epistemologically problematic process and that the causes of these conditions are more complex than simple chemical imbalances.
Perspectives for Change
The article ends with a cautiously optimistic perspective on the possibility of challenging and reforming the system of diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. It mentions that, even with the obstacles, younger psychiatrists are showing a greater openness to listening to data that challenges the dominant narrative.
In essence, the article by Daniel Arjona brings attention to the issues and objections regarding the connection between psychiatry, pharmaceutical companies and the medicalization of illness in the United States (something that is already happening in Europe at a worrisome speed). By presenting evidence and expert viewpoints the writer offers a thought-provoking standpoint that raises significant inquiries about current psychiatric methods and their impact, on society.
