In a thought-provoking article published by Daniel Harper for Euronews, the alarming surge in global plastic production is brought to light. With over half of all plastics ever made originating from 2000 onwards, the article emphasizes the urgent need to address the escalating plastic waste crisis.
Developing countries, particularly from the Global South, face significant challenges in processing plastic waste.
The article explores the key insights shared by Dr. Tobias Nielsen, a renowned researcher on climate and sustainability politics, and highlights the role of the European Union (EU) in aiding waste management efforts. Additionally, it sheds light on the United Nations’ pursuit of a global treaty to combat plastic pollution and eliminate waste on a worldwide scale.
Growing Plastic Production and Environmental Impact:
Over 50% of plastics ever produced have been manufactured since 2000, indicating a concerning trend.
Global plastic production is projected to exceed 1 billion tonnes by 2050, exacerbating the environmental impact.
Challenges Faced by Developing Countries:
Developing nations struggle to manage plastic waste due to their responsibility in handling waste from wealthier nations.
Dr. Tobias Nielsen emphasizes that both national governments and companies operating in developing countries must take responsibility for developing effective plastic waste management systems.
The Role of the European Union:
The EU plays a crucial role in supporting waste management efforts in developing countries.
Preventing the transfer of EU plastic waste to developing nations is vital, and the EU can provide assistance in developing waste management systems.
United Nations’ Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution:
The United Nations is actively seeking agreement on a global treaty to combat plastic pollution.
This collaborative effort aims to raise awareness, promote international cooperation, and mitigate the devastating environmental impact caused by plastic waste.
Conclusion:
The Euronews article highlights the urgent need for action to address the global plastic waste crisis. Developing countries face unique challenges in managing plastic waste, necessitating effective waste management systems and international collaboration.
With the support of the European Union and the pursuit of a global treaty by the United Nations, there is hope for mitigating the environmental impact and finding sustainable sol
Australia and New Zealand may be geographically a long way away from the northern hemisphere’s global powers; however, in a time when technology shrinks the world, the links between these English-speaking nations and their larger markets are getting smaller all the time. Unlike physical exports, tech ideas do not need to be loaded onto container ships or planes and transported around the globe. Tech needs excellent digital infrastructure but can move at the speed of light (literally, in the case of optical fibre technology).
Abstract contour map of Australia and New Zealand. Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, free license
In 2020, the tech sector contributed AUS$ 167 billion to the country’s economy. The largest growth area was internally, with the business sector adopting and upgrading new technology in their organizations. Tech start-ups, and established, large technology businesses are also significant. According to recent data from Statistica, it is estimated the sector will contribute AUS$250 billion by 2030.
Both New Zealand and Australia have better-than-average connectivity. In Australia, the average mobile internet download speed was 16.1 Mbps outperforming fixed data download speeds of 11.1 Mbps. However, fixed broadband trumped it for uploads. New Zealand’s average mobile rates nudge ahead of Australia’s at 14.7 Mbps, and the country is ranked 7th in Asia Pacific Region.
Internet speeds are important when developing products and services for home and international markets. They are also vital for consumers who increasingly shop online and stream digital content from the cloud to their mobile and fixed devices. Stable and robust internet connections are essential for anyone accessing cloud-based gaming platforms, particularly online gambling sites.
Online casinos have become increasingly popular in countries around the world, and ever-increasing numbers of New Zealand and Australian customers get to enjoy the pokies and all kinds of virtual table games. Faster download and upload speeds also allow customers to play at live dealer games where players interact in real-time with other players and a human dealer. At first glance, it seems like magic, but it is down to incredibly clever tech and Optical Character Recognition technology translating images into data.
While the player feels as though they are at gaming tables alongside others in the heart of a Wellington or Sydney casino, the chances are the action is being beamed up and down from a studio in Europe. And it is not only images and card moves that are transported instantaneously by superfast data connections. Casino payments move around at high speed too. E-wallets are one of the fast ways to make deposits and start playing online games, and Skrill is accepted at NZ online casinos.
While many of the casino games are imported from companies with more established online markets than New Zealand, the country exports plenty of tech solutions, and the United States is a key market. A shared language makes New Zealand and Australia easy partners for American technology importers. A recent statement by New Zealand’s Export Growth Minister, Damien O’Connor, showed the increasing role of high technology in the country’s prosperity.
O’Connor said, “New Zealand is a trading nation, and supporting our country’s hard-working exporters remains a priority for this Government. It’s crucial we show the diversification of high-quality exports that New Zealand has to offer – and in doing so, accelerate our economic recovery from COVID-19.”
In a report commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade called “The NZ-US trade relationship: Stability and Diversity in a Time of Change,” data revealed digital services are a major contributor to the balance of trade. The Minister confirmed that the USA is New Zealand’s third most significant trading partner and the largest destination for digital service exports accounting for 22% of the total service exports.
Digital service exports to the USA are valued at NZ$682 million and include computer service and software license exports. In addition, US trade investment has been key to developing the country’s space industry. The New Zealand government has spent a sizable sum on advertising its digital services to the world to attract top talent and foreign capital investment.
In 2021 New Zealand’s top 200 tech exporters saw growth of 23%, and revenues from these exports were $13.9 billion. A combination of excellence in tech and marketing could be thanked for these results. A marketing campaign called “We See Tomorrow First” was an industry and government collaboration with two key ambitions. The first was to support the fast-growing digital technology sector and to market innovations to the rest of the world; the second was to bring tech talent to New Zealand.
Their Chief Strategy Officer, Julie Gill, is reported as saying,
“New Zealand has a unique perspective on how we create technology and lead tech businesses. It’s perspective, building on Māori values of kaitiakitanga or guardianship, that now more than ever, the world needs to help create technology to build a better tomorrow.”
Undoubtedly, much of the country’s technology sector’s success is due to the partnership between industry and government.
Meanwhile, the technology sector is also booming in Australia, and the largest sector there is life sciences and health. Multinational biotech company CSL are key players in this sector. However, New Zealand is also championing tech in health and has made significant breakthroughs with Artificial Intelligence. This included using this technology to fight conditions such as glaucoma.
Sudan is an opportunity for the Brotherhood to expand its influence. The sanctions imposed on Sudan do not provide solutions to rein in the Brotherhood (Al-Kizan), whose movements took military dimensions by recruiting its members to defend the army, taking advantage of the turbulent security situation to expand its influence, and why not turn Sudan into an incubator for the group, which suffered political and widespread losses in the rest of the Arab countries.
KHARTOUM – The European Union’s threat to impose sanctions on the main parties in Sudan to stop the war was a sign of the possibility of abandoning its cold stance on the crisis. It remained a spectator, except for a few perceptions that it presented from time to time, which do not suggest that it is severe in its moves, which confirms its keenness to end it, close to a war that may extend its sparks to him.
The European cry for setting a framework for sanctions next September implies excellent concern about continuing the conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. Still, it is devoid of moves to practically participate in reaching a steadfast armistice and seeking a cease-fire. The European Union should have put forward an initiative or adopted a complete vision for a solution.
Everyone contented themselves with resounding slogans and watching perceptions from here and there as if the repercussions of the war would stop at the end of the escalation of the file of illegal immigration and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation and would not extend to a direct threat to European interests if extremists managed to seize the reins in Sudan or drag it into the bitter quagmire of civil war.
Al-Kizan’s movements took on military dimensions after including many extremist elements in the war to defend the army. Western countries cannot pursue terrorist organizations that do not hide their expansionist projects in the region.
Chaos arouses the appetite of the Islamic forces in Sudan. Recent information confirms the participation of extremist organizations in the war under the guise of the dissolved National Congress Party and the Islamic Movement in Sudan, which means that the matter has become a threat to neighboring countries and parties that have interests in this country or close to it, not to mention On the expansion of the belt of militants, as their presence in West and East Africa puts Sudan between the two hands of pincers that will not be easy to contain later. The scope of humanitarian, economic, and security crises expands.
This result will prompt the European Union to move because it will lead to more losses for the central Western countries, especially France, whose interests are beginning to be exposed to great dangers in Mali and Niger and the entire West African coast. If Sudan is added to it, a large area will turn into significant centers to shelter Extremists and terrorist hotbeds that attract elements known to target the West in general.
The United States has put its feet in the crisis through joint mediation with Saudi Arabia. The Jeddah negotiations are almost frozen and need help to achieve a breakthrough. Many African countries have tried, individually and collectively, to present political approaches that have yet to be successful. At the same time, the European Union focuses on the symptoms of the crisis without Going into its essential details. However, its repercussions on him will not be limited to increased asylum and displacement.
European countries chose the traditional human dimension in the crisis, which is meaningful. They tried to give it dramatic features by frequently talking about killings, bombs, looting, and rape and shedding light on some tragedies that bring sympathy.
Stopping the war requires careful reading to examine its fundamental causes and what it might lead to in the future. In both cases, all fingers point to the presence of the remnants of the regime of former President Omar al-Bashir infiltrating the Sudanese military establishment and their desire to employ him to return to power and to defeat every attempt to establish a democratic transition and a state on It is headed by a civilian government, which is the supposed goal that the European Union seeks, and adopts in its political discourse through Western envoys and ambassadors who went to Sudan before the war and stressed the importance of the military establishment leaving the field of politics.
Suppose the European Union will know the negative aspects of the Sudanese scene later. In that case, any promises of economic sanctions or political appeals will become meaningless because the crisis has structural joints that must be dealt with with a comprehensive vision. The initiatives, with an appreciation for their importance and the countries sponsoring them, have yet to decipher the Sudanese crisis.
It will not help the European Union to distance itself from engaging in a hot and open crisis under the pretext that it is a war that burns everyone who approaches it, reduces it to the humanitarian aspect, and yields to the visions of Western organizations, as the political and security elements are essential.
European steps must reflect some of the politics and security in the moves taken by the Union or its countries. What has been said about their willingness to impose sanctions appears to be jumping on the essence of the crisis or a discharge of responsibility before the Western people because everyone knows that the effect of the sanctions weapon on people is tiny. Sudan has a tremendous and accumulated experience with US sanctions that enabled it to live with it for nearly three decades.
The European Union’s distancing from engaging directly with the crisis and adopting practical steps is in the interest of the Kizan (the Sudanese Brotherhood)
Perhaps the information provided by the rapid support delegation to European circles recently revealed many ambiguous points about the reality of the war and its repercussions, with the participation of a member of the European Parliament of Hungarian origin, Márton GYÖNGYÖSI, who is a member of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Anna VAN DENSKY, the journalist, and James WILSON, editor of the political report. In the European Union, Bjorn HULTIN is an expert in international relations and a former member of the European Parliament of Swedish origin.
The discussion about Sudan and Europe’s role in the crisis was significant, as it was the first official action to be recorded in the agenda with the records of Parliament. It found great resonance with many Western circles because imposing sanctions on the parties involved in Sudan without participating in negotiations or putting forward initiatives would make the voice of Europe ineffective and perhaps absent. It must take its place in the discussion about Sudan.
Sudanese circles say that the countries of the European Union refrain from engaging directly with the crisis and adopt practical steps in favor of the Kizan (the Sudanese Brotherhood), which brings to mind previous doubts about their sponsorship by some Western countries.
Suppose these doubts still apply to the current situation. In that case, European countries may find themselves facing a dangerous belt of crises because Kizan today has an overwhelming desire not to defeat the army and to confront the Rapid Support Forces, given that its commander, Lieutenant General Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo “Hamidti” is their number one enemy. In Sudan today, the oppressive military hand is blocking the way for them to return to power again.
In addition, the Kizan movements took on military dimensions after including many extremist elements in the war to defend the army. Western countries cannot pursue terrorist organizations that do not hide their expansionist projects in the region and their targeting of Western interests. The fear that Sudan will turn into a solid incubator for these, at that time hints, will not work. Or the European Union’s threats to deal with the tangled reality in Sudan.
Check out some of the most important hormones that make us feel happy and excited!
Happiness is one of the most desirable human states. When we feel happy, we are fulfilled, energetic and motivated. But what exactly causes that happy feeling? To a large extent, happiness hormones play an important role in our well-being. Let’s look at some of the most important hormones that make us feel happy and excited.
• Endorphins – the hormones of boundless energy
The most famous hormone of happiness is, without a doubt, endorphins. It is a natural analgesic that is released by the brain and has a similar effect to morphine. Endorphins are released when exercising, laughing, experiencing sexual pleasure and eating your favorite food. The increased amount of endorphins in our body contributes to reducing pain, improving mood and increasing the feeling of happiness. These hormones are the main reason athletes endure pain during hard competitions.
• Serotonin – the mood hormone
Serotonin is a hormone that regulates mood and controls our emotions. It has an impact on our sleep, appetite and memory. When serotonin levels are high, we feel happy, calm and balanced. To maintain optimal serotonin levels, we can benefit from sunlight, physical activity, eating food rich in tryptophan (a protein found in fruits, grains and dairy products) and practicing meditation.
• Dopamine – the hormone of pleasure and motivation
Dopamine is the hormone that controls our “reward” systems and is associated with satisfaction and motivation. It is released upon achievement and success and creates a sense of satisfaction and joy. High levels of dopamine make us feel energetic and excited. To stimulate dopamine production, we can engage in new and interesting activities, set goals, and enjoy our achievements.
• Oxytocin – the hormone of affection and love
Oxytocin is a hormone associated with relationships, affection and love. It is released during physical contact, such as hugs, kisses and sex, and helps form emotional bonds. Oxytocin also has a calming effect and reduces stress levels. To increase our oxytocin levels, we can invest time in our close relationships, express our gratitude, and engage in activities that promote cooperation and solidarity.
Happiness hormones are a complex network of interactions that determine our emotional state. Although they are not the only factors in experiencing happiness, understanding and controlling them can help us lead a happier and more fulfilling life. Think about how you can integrate this knowledge into your daily life and see how it can completely change the way you feel and perceive the world around you. It is worth striving for hormonal balance and taking care of our well-being.
Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-purple-and-pink-long-sleeve-jacket-holding-gold-necklace-7020623/
Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria used harsh words and did not make any concessions to Serbian Patriarch Porfiry about his selective sensitivity to what was happening in the Orthodox world – Russian intervention in Africa went unnoticed, unlike the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On July 22, Serbian Patriarch Porfiry sent a letter to Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria, asking him to take action to release the former abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, Metropolitan Pavel Vyshgorodsky, “The Orthodox Times” reports. The Serbian Patriarch considers the decision of the Ukrainian justice, on the one hand, “a fruit of the tense atmosphere in Ukraine, which is engulfed in the flames of war”, and on the other, “a result of the intention of the current authorities to occupy the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (monastery )”.
In the response letter published today, the Patriarch of Alexandria, after stressing that the Patriarchate unreservedly supports the protection of human rights, is quick to “remind” the Serbian Patriarch that he has in no way shown the same sensitivity to the thousands of Orthodox Christians in Africa who are “spiritually poisoned by the Moscow Patriarchate with the predatory and brazen invasion of a parish that is geographically, pastorally and spiritually under the jurisdiction of the Alexandrian Patriarchate”.
Patriarch Theodore also emphasizes that in his letter, the Serbian Patriarch mentions Ukraine “which is engulfed in flames” without naming the culprit of this aggressive war against the Orthodox people. “Our Russian Orthodox brothers are knowingly tearing apart the seamless garment of Jesus Christ by pouring poison into the Second See Church of Alexandria, which has benefited the Russian Church by strengthening its autocephalous status,” the Patriarch of Alexandria stated. “We note with regret that in view of this completely unjust, anti-Church and anti-canonical act, you do not show the same sensitivity as in the case of Metropolitan Pavel Vyshgorodsky of the Moscow Patriarchate. You remain silent despite my repeated appeals, which affect not just one person, but thousands African Orthodox,” adds Patriarch Theodore. He stated that he expects from the Serbian Patriarch the same sensitivity that he showed to Metropolitan Pavel, and therefore to condemn the anti-canonical and anti-Christian actions of the Russian Church
In today’s fast-paced world, where the allure of quick fixes and instant gratification is ever-present, drug prevention becomes essential
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, July 26, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — In today’s fast-paced world, where the allure of quick fixes and instant gratification is ever-present, drug prevention becomes an essential pillar of societal well-being. Cannabis, the most widely consumed substance in Europe, has captured the attention of 15.1% of the population aged 15-34, with alarming numbers of daily cannabis users standing at 2.1% (EMCDDA European Drug Report, June 2023). To address this pressing issue, Dr. Christian Mirre, former CNRS researcher, and current Representative of the Foundation for a Drug Free Europe, has been at the forefront of advocating drug prevention and education.
The European Drug Report highlights the startling figures, with 97,000 users seeking treatment for cannabis-related issues in 2021. Cannabis is also involved in 25% of acute toxicity presentations, often when combined with other substances, making it a gateway to the world of drugs for young people.
“Cannabis has 3 subspecies: Cannabis sativa sativa L., Cannabis sativa indica, and Cannabis sativa ruderalis. France is the top hemp producer in Europe and third in the world,” reveals Dr. Mirre in an article, shedding light on the significance of cannabis cultivation in various regions.
Dr. Christian Mirre emphasizes that the use of cannabis has evolved over time. “Initially, C. sativa was considered for its euphoric effects, producing the ‘high,’ while C. indica produces a relaxation of cerebral activity, creating a ‘stone’ effect,” he explains. The distinction between the subspecies has become relevant in understanding the varying effects of cannabis consumption.
“The ECS is composed of membrane receptors, endogenous ligands, synthesis enzymes, and degradation enzymes, regulating various bodily functions,” Dr. Christian Mirre highlights. It is a complex system that plays a vital role in maintaining balance and homeostasis in the body.
Psychoactive Substances: Unraveling the Impact
In a recent article, Dr. Christian Mirre delves into the impact of psychoactive substances found in cannabis. “The psychoactive substances THC and CBD, along with synthetic cannabinoids, exert profound effects on the human body,” he explains. While THC is responsible for the euphoric high, CBD is promoted for its potential health benefits. However, recent research suggests that CBD can transform into THC in certain conditions, raising concerns about its safety.
Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Dangerous Trend
Dr. Christian Mirre warns about synthetic cannabinoids, highlighting their higher potency and the serious side effects they induce. These substances, known by various street names like Spice and Black Mamba, pose significant health risks, including convulsions, cardiovascular and neurological disorders, and psychosis.
Preventing Drug Abuse: A Collective Responsibility
The Foundation for a Drug Free Europe’s Truth About Drugs campaign aims to debunk the myths and misconceptions surrounding cannabis and other drugs. Dr. Christian Mirre stresses the importance of combating biased and commercial arguments, stating, “We need to tackle this widely popular substance very seriously.”
The role of parents, educators, and communities in drug prevention is crucial. “There are a large number of possible influences on adolescents such as family, school, peers, neighborhood, leisure, media, culture, and legislation,” Dr. Christian Mirre affirms. However, parents and parenting practices hold the key to guiding young individuals towards making informed decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of drug abuse. To help parents, says Ivan Arjona, Representative of the Church of Scientology for Europe, “proper educational material is needed and this is what our church has done since more than 2 decades now”. Arjona also explained about the importance of the task other churches have done and are doing said that “the Catholic Church has taken on a proactive role in drug prevention, recognizing the urgency of combating substance abuse and addiction since many decades too. By adhering to its principles of compassion and social justice, the Catholics actively raise awareness about the dangers of drug use through workshops, seminars, and campaigns, and in more and more cases, they are using materials provided by Scientologists, showing that our cooperation is not only needed, but also effective” concluded Arjona.
In a world filled with temptations and misconceptions, drug prevention takes center stage in safeguarding the health and future of our youth. Understanding the risks associated with cannabis and other illicit drugs is crucial to making informed decisions. With organizations like the Foundation for a Drug Free Europe and leaders like Dr. Christian Mirre spearheading the cause, along with the support of members of the Church of Scientology worldwide, we can work towards creating a society that prioritizes the well-being of its people and stands united against the dangers of drug abuse.
As we mark the UN International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, let us stand together, united against the dangers of drug abuse, and strengthen drug prevention measures. Through understanding, awareness, and education, we can empower our youth to make the right choices and lead healthy, drug-free lives.
Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster, Oppenheimer, has sparked outrage among India’s Hindu right, with some calling for a boycott and demanding the removal of a sex scene in which the main character utters a famous line from the religion’s scriptures.
The film tells the story of the atomic bomb through the eyes of its creator, Robert Oppenheimer, and the scene in question shows actor Cillian Murphy, who plays the title role, having sex with Florence Pugh, who plays his lover, Jean Tatlock.
Pugh paused during intercourse, picked up a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism’s most sacred scriptures, and asked Murphy to read from it, CNN reported.
“Now I have become Death, destroyer of worlds,” says Oppenheimer’s character as the two resume intercourse.
The scene has sparked outrage among some right-wing groups, with a politician from India’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) calling the film a “disturbing attack on Hinduism” and accusing it of being “part of a larger conspiracy by anti-Hindu forces”.
In a statement on Saturday, India’s Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar said the scene was a “direct attack on the religious beliefs of one billion tolerant Hindus”, likening it to “waging war against the Hindu community”.
He added: “We believe that if you remove this scene and do what is necessary to win the hearts of the Hindus, it will help establish you as a sensitive human being and win you the friendship of billions of kind people.”
The film was well received by most quarters in India, which conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, with critics giving it rave reviews and people flocking to cinemas to watch it.
According to local figures, “Oppenheimer” grossed more than $3 million in its opening weekend domestically, more than director Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated “Barbie,” which opened on the same day and grossed just over $1 million.
The Film Board of India gave Oppenheimer a U/A rating, which is reserved for films that contain mild adult themes and can be watched by children under 12 with parental supervision. So far, there are no bans on the film in any of the states and union territories of the country.
“Change in Tone”
This is not the first time that the Hindu right has taken offense at films, TV shows or advertisements for their portrayal of Hinduism. Some of them have been boycotted or even taken off the air after protests by conservative and radical groups.
In 2020, Netflix received significant backlash in India over a scene in the series “A Suitable Boy” that depicted a Hindu woman and a Muslim kissing in a Hindu temple. That same year, Indian jewelry brand Tanishq pulled an ad featuring an interfaith couple after online criticism.
Meanwhile, analysts and film critics say there is a shift in tone in some Indian films, with nationalist and Islamophobic narratives gaining support from many people in India as well as the BJP.
Last year director Vivek Agnihotri’s box office hit The Kashmir Files, based on the mass exodus of Kashmiri Hindus fleeing violent Islamic militants in the 1990s, polarized India, with some hailing the film as “heartbreaking” and “real “, while others criticized it as Islamophobic and inaccurate.
Similarly, the release this year of the film The Kerala Story, about a Hindu girl who is tricked into joining ISIS, angered critics who called it a propaganda film that demonized Muslims.
Before “Oppenheimer” premiered, Murphy says he read the Bhagavad Gita in preparation.
“I thought it was an absolutely wonderful text, very inspiring,” he says in an interview with Indian film critic Sucharita Tyagi. “I think it was a comfort to him [Oppenheimer], he kind of needed her, and she gave him a lot of comfort, throughout his life.”
Oppenheimer, who is known as the “father” of the atomic bomb, was drawn to Hinduism and its teachings. He is a polyglot and a scholar, studying several languages, including Sanskrit.
Two decades after the Trinity bomb test – the world’s first nuclear explosion – took place on July 16, 1945, Oppenheimer told interviewers: “We know the world would not be the same. A few people laughed, a few cried, but most were silent.”
He said he remembered a verse from the Bhagavad Gita: “Now I have become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”
This line is used in the film many times, including during the sex scene.
Russian forces have completely destroyed 180 schools in Ukraine, and over 1,300 educational institutions have been damaged. This was announced by the Ukrainian Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovii, quoted by “Ukrinform”.
“Today, we have 180 schools that have been completely destroyed. More than 300 educational institutions have been destroyed, and over 1,300 have been damaged and are subject to expert assessment as to whether they can be restored or not,” he reported.
According to him, the Ukrainian government has allocated 1.5 billion hryvnias for the construction of bomb shelters before the start of the next school year. 3/4 of the schools have such shelters of varying level and quality.
“75% of schools are equipped with bomb shelters, but this does not mean that 75% of students can resume their studies. It is about 9,000 schools, and we have a total of 13,000 schools. Our priority is to resume in-person education, where this is allowed for security reasons. In places close to the areas of hostilities, the classes will be held remotely,” explained Lisovii.
In order to improve the quality of education, the ministry recommends that higher education institutions also resume face-to-face education when the security situation allows it. Many of these institutions can create bomb shelters architecturally, but sometimes they don’t have enough capacity to accommodate all the students.
Another problem, according to Lisovii, could be the migration of teachers. It may also create barriers to resuming full-time studies. For this reason, the management of each school will make an independent decision whether to resume classes.
Already in December 2022, the European Commission and the government of Ukraine signed a package of measures in the amount of 100 million euros for the reconstruction of school infrastructure destroyed during the war.
The Commission specified that the support will reach Ukraine through the humanitarian partners of the EU and partly in the form of budget support for the government of Ukraine.
Under an ongoing contract with the Polish development bank “Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego”, the EC has allocated around 14 million euros for the purchase of school buses for the safe transport of Ukrainian children to school.
The European Commission has also launched a solidarity campaign to donate school buses to Ukraine, organized through the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre.
A total of 240 buses have already been provided by the EU and Member States, with donations continuing.
Illustrative Photo by olia danilevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brother-and-sister-with-books-on-their-heads-5088188/
While there is no European army and defence remains exclusively a matter for member states, the EU has taken big steps to boost defence cooperation in the past few years.
Since 2016, there has been significant progress in the area of EU security and defence with several concrete EU initiatives to encourage cooperation and reinforce Europe’s capacity to defend itself. Read the overview of the latest developments.
High expectations for EU defence
The vast majority of EU citizens (81%) are in favour of a common defence and security policy, with at least two thirds backing it in each country, according to 2022 data published by Eurobarometer. Some 93% agree that countries should act together to defend EU territory, while 85% think that co-operation on defence should be increased at EU level.
81% Percentage of EU citizens in favour of a common defence and security policy
EU leaders realise that no EU country can tackle the current security threats in isolation. For example French President Macron called for a joint European military project in 2017, while former German chancellor Merkel said “we ought to work on the vision of one day establishing a proper European army” in her address to the European Parliament in November 2018. Moving towards a security and defence union has been one of the priorities of the von der Leyen Commission.
EU measures to boost defence cooperation
A common EU defence policy is provided for by the Treaty of Lisbon (Article 42(2) TEU). However, the treaty also clearly states the importance of national defence policy, including Nato membership or neutrality. The European Parliament has consistently supported more cooperation, increased investment and pooling of resources to create synergies at EU level to better protect Europeans.
In recent years, the EU has begun to implement ambitious initiatives to provide more resources, stimulate efficiency, facilitate cooperation and support the development of capabilities:
The permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) was launched in December 2017. It currently operates on the basis of 47 collaborative projectswith binding commitments including a European Medical Command, Maritime Surveillance System, mutual assistance for cyber-security and rapid response teams, and a joint EU intelligence school.
The European Defence Fund (EDF) was launched in June 2017. It was the first use of the EU budget to co-fund defence cooperation. On 29 April 2021, MEPs agreed to fund the flagship instrument with a budget of €7.9 billion as part of the EU’s long-term budget (2021-2027).
The EU has strengthened cooperation with Nato on projects across seven areas including cybersecurity, joint exercises and counter-terrorism.
A plan to facilitate military mobility within and across the EU to make it possible for military personnel and equipment to act faster in response to crises.
Making the financing of civilian and military missions and operations more effective. Since June 2017 a new command and control structure (MPCC) has improved the EU’s crisis management.
Spending more, spending better, spending together
EU countries spending more on the procurement of defence equipment
According to data published by the European Defence Agency on 8 December 2022, total European defence spending stood at a high of €214 billion in 2021, up 6% on 2020, the seventh consecutive year of growth.
The report shows spending on defence equipment and research and development rose 16% to a record €52 billion.
The EU strengthens its common defence strategy
Russia’s war against Ukraine underlined the need for the EU to strengthen its defence strategy and speed up weapons production.
On 13 July, 2023 Parliament voted in favour of €500 million in financing to help EU industry ramp up production of ammunition and missiles to increase deliveries to Ukraine and help EU countries refill stocks, the so-called Act in Support of Ammunition Production. (ASAP).
MEPs are also working on the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through the common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) to support EU countries in jointly purchasing defence products such as weapon systems, ammunition and medical equipment, in order to help fill the most urgent and critical gaps. The aim of the act is to boost the European defence industrial and technological base and foster cooperation on defence procurement.
In June 2023, Parliament and Council reached a deal on new rules to encourage EU countries to jointly procure defence products and support the EU’s defence industry. The new tool will have a €300 million budget until 2025. The EU will contribute up to 20% of the purchase price of common procurement contracts.
Sergei Shoigu was greeted with red carpets and the Russian national anthem
North Korea has rolled out the red carpet for Russia’s defense minister, with representatives from Moscow and Beijing set to attend events marking the anniversary of the Korean War, the first known foreign visitors to the country since its border was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, AFP reported.
Tomorrow, Pyongyang will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice on July 27, 1953, which ended hostilities and is marked as Victory Day in the North.
The Russian national anthem was played throughout Pyongyang International Airport, which was “wrapped in a warm atmosphere of welcome” to greet Russian General Sergei Shoigu and his delegation, the Korean Central News Agency reported.
“The flags of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation were flying and the Korean People’s Army Honor Guard was at the station in front of the terminal,” the statement said.
Shoigu was met by North Korea’s Defense Minister Kang Soon Nam, and hundreds of uniformed soldiers lined up at the airport to welcome the Russians.
The North Koreans expressed their “full support” for the Russian army and people “who are fighting to protect their country’s sovereign rights and development and interests,” the state agency added.
Russia, a historic ally of Pyongyang, is one of a handful of nations that maintain friendly relations with the North.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is staunch in his support for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and, according to Washington, supplies missiles to Russia.
Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said the fact that Russia’s defense minister flew to Pyongyang while his country was at war was “very significant.”
“Although the emergency quarantine system remains in place, Kim Jong Un may have felt the need to show something to his people at the Victory Day celebrations,” Park added.
“The presence of the Chinese and Russians can send a very united message to the United States,” he said.
Photo: Kim Jong Un at the Victory Day parade in North Korea. Source: KCNA
