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After a grand and historic ceremony, the Paris 2024 Games are officially open

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Copyrights: https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024

Paris 2024 Games – On Friday 26 July, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 broke out of the stadium to take over the heart of the city for the first time in history. Participating delegations paraded along the Seine in front of hundreds of thousands of people gathered along the banks. Athletes, spectators and TV viewers were treated to a grandiose show, lit up by the performances of Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura and Céline Dion. At the end of what was of an immersive spectacle conceived by Artistic Director Thomas Jolly, and following a final ‘team relay’ segment, featuring French and global sports legends, Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner set the Cauldron ablaze before it took off to light up the skies over Paris. The Paris 2024 Games are officially open! 

AN OPENING CEREMONY OF FIRSTS 

For the first time ever, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games broke out of the stadium, taking over the heart of the host city to the delight of hundreds of thousands of people. With hundreds of thousands of spectators in attendance, never before has an opening ceremony been so open to the public. 

Paris, its iconic monuments and the Seine presented an extraordinary setting and aesthetics for what was a 360-degree show conceived by Thomas Jolly. On the quays, the bridges, and even under the Seine, spectators had to keep more than one eye out. As promised, the show, the athletes’ parade and protocol speeches merged together. During the ceremony, a mysterious masked torchbearer led the entire world through this amazing voyage along the river Seine. 

Before they turn their attention to competing for Olympic medals, 6,800 athletes had the opportunity to experience an unprecedented Opening Ceremony, filled with excitement, humour and audacity. They will undoubtedly take away a few highlights from this historic evening. 

JAMEL DEBBOUZE TAKES THE TORCH TO THE STADE DE FRANCE, ZINEDINE ZIDANE BRINGS IT BACK TOWARDS THE SEINE   

In the first touch of humour to set the tone for the evening, Jamel Debbouze initially thought it was a bad joke when he discovered the Stade de France was completely empty. Carrying the Flame, he thought he was launching the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with great fanfare before his idol made him realise his mistake.  

Zinédine Zidane, a legend of French and world football, had returned to his home field in Saint-Denis, where he set the stadium on fire scoring twice in the 1998 World Cup final. A key figure in French sport’s greatest home victory, this evening, he became the saviour of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Taking the Torch from the hands of his accomplice, he dashed off to take the Flame and the ceremony out of the stadium and down to the banks of the Seine. 

A few moments later, the athletes’ much-coveted medals were presented to them by two of their own, and not just any two: the two most decorated athletes in the history of the Olympic Games in the world and in France, Michael Phelps and Martin Fourcade. Having spent their careers collecting them, these two legends unveiled the gold, silver and bronze medals, set with an original piece of the Eiffel Tower. 

THE (WATER) CURTAIN OPENS ON PARADING ATHLETES 

As tradition dictates, the Greek delegation is the first to greet the public gathered on the quays of the river Seine. In a theatrical staging, a water curtain opened to let this first boat through under the Austerlitz Bridge. The athletes made their grand entrance on the Seine. 

On the bridge, a beautiful fresco celebrated the reunion between the Olympic Games and the city of Paris with the Olympic motto, Faster, higher, stronger, together, and that of Paris, Fluctuat Nec Mergitur .  

Amidst a beautifully choreographed ballet of water shows, athletes boarded their boats for a 6km parade, stretching the length of 15 athletics tracks found in a traditional stadium. The athletes were both the privileged spectators and main characters of this 12-act show, and the true stars of the Games received a welcome ovation from the public. Enchanté!   

LADY GAGA EMBODIES CABARET, MUSIC-HALL AND FRENCH REVUE 

Lady Gaga appeared in the Place Barye to launch the artistic part of the Opening Ceremony with a nod to the tradition of French music hall. From a majestic staircase resembling that of the nave of the Grand Palais, Lady Gaga reinterpreted the classic Mon truc en plume by Zizi Jeanmaire, an icon of French revue. 

Chosen for her unique talent, multifaceted performances and love of Parisian culture, Lady Gaga’s performance highlighted the ongoing influence of French culture on the world, and the bond between two icons of two different eras. With her personal touch, Lady Gaga showed how the world has drawn on French culture to reinvent and augment it. 

A GRANDIOSE ENCOUNTER BETWEEN AYA NAKAMURA AND THE REPUBLICAN GUARD 

On the aptly named Pont des Arts, Thomas Jolly highlighted the equality between eras and between cultures, both academic and pop, with a grandiose encounter: Aya Nakamura and the Republican Guard. In a piece of theatre full of symbolism, the doors of the Institut de France opened to the world’s most listened-to French-speaking artist. 

Accompanied by the French Army Choir, Aya Nakamura chose to sing her contemporary hits Pookie and Djadja, as well as the iconic songs by Charles Aznavour For me formidable and La bohème. A joyous ode to the richness and modernity of the French language. 

To the rhythm of the notes played by the Republican Guard, a bridge was created between generations, music genres and languages. 

A REORCHESTRATED VERSION OF LA MARSEILLAISE FROM THE ROOF OF THE GRAND PALAIS 

At the Grand Palais, the spectacular staging of a traditionally formal moment surprised spectators and viewers, French people in particular. On the building’s roof, the opera singer Axelle Saint-Cirel appeared clad in a bleu-blanc-rouge dress adorned with an impressive 6-metre long train. To the powerful notes of new version of La Marseillaise by Victor Le Masne, composer and Music Director of the Paris 2024 Ceremonies, the French spectators gathered on the quays joined in a spine-tingling choir of their national anthem. 

At the same moment near the National Assembly, gilded statues of heroines of French history emerged from the depths of the Seine: Olympe de Gouges, Alice Milliat, Gisèle Halimi, Simone de Beauvoir, Paulette Nardal, Jeanne Barret, Louise Michel, Christine de Pizan, Alice Guy and Simone Veil. Through them and their key role in this ceremony, Thomas Jolly paid tribute to all women. 

A GIANT BANQUET ON THE DEBILLY FOOTBRIDGE TO WELCOME TEAM FRANCE 

The Debilly Footbridge, a typically Parisian bridge, was transformed into the venue for a gigantic banquet for the evening. The table was turned into a catwalk on which an XXL fashion show put fashion and young French designers in the spotlight. The Debilly footbridge then turned into a huge dancefloor to the electronic set of DJ Barbara Butch.  

The final 69 delegations were given a fitting welcome to this huge celebration and electric atmosphere. At the end of the parade, the French boat made a triumphant entry, cheered on by a fan zone of close to 2,300 people. The smiling athletes of Team France got a glimpse of what is in store for them: unwavering support. This is what hosting the Games is all about! 

A HORSERIDER CLAD IN THE OLYMPIC FLAG GALLOPS DOWN THE SEINE 

Thomas Jolly turned the protocol of the Opening Ceremony on its head and transformed it into a show. Galloping on a metal horse, a rider rode down the Seine and the course of the ceremony, draped in a cape emblazoned with the Olympic rings. As the Olympic flag passed by, the spirit of Olympism, marked by friendship and solidarity, expanded throughout the world. 

As she passed under the Parisian bridges, the rider unfurled dove wings, a symbolic reminder of the dove release that used to take place to represent the ideal of peace between nations during the Olympic Truce.   

The rider concluded her ride at the Trocadéro, giving the Olympic flag a majestic entrance before it was hoisted. Alongside it, the flags of the 205 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) were carried by Games Volunteers. 

TONY ESTANGUET DECLARES FRANCE’S LOVE FOR THE GAMES 

On the podium in the shape of an Eiffel Tower at the Trocadéro, Tony Estanguet stepped forward to tell the great love story between France and the Games. Born 130 years ago, “when Pierre de Coubertin proposed the rebirth of the ancient Olympic Games, this love story grew with the Games of Paris, of Chamonix, Grenoble and Albertville.” Today, on Friday 26 July 2024, after waiting, after longing for a century, he reminded us of the “great honour” and “huge responsibility” of hosting the Games again. 

Welcoming the world to Paris and France, Tony Estanguet told how much of its heart Paris poured into the organisation of the next two weeks by offering athletes “everything that is most precious for us”: “you will find a piece of the Eiffel tower, at the heart of each medal” and “the richest treasures of our national heritage will be the stages on which we compete.”  

He highlighted that the Games reminded France that the country is capable of “coming together in the moments that count,” and of “doing things that have never been done before, like having this Opening Ceremony in the city, for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games”. 

After thanking those who contributed to making the dream of the Paris 2024 Games come true, above all Bernard Lapasset, Tony Estanguet, three-time Olympic champion, addressed the athletes: “For the next 16 days, you will be the best version of humanity. You’ll remind us that the emotions of sport form a universal language that we all share.” 

He also had a special word for French athletes, highlighting their capacity to come together and make a whole country proud. ”With each of your victories, France will come together, with each of your victories, France will show its collective pride.” 

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, followed by Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, the took their turns at the lectern, the latter officially declaring the Olympic and Paralympic Games open.   

RAFAEL NADAL, NADIA COMANECI, CARL LEWIS AND SERENA WILLIAMS JOIN FRENCH SPORTING LEGENDS FOR ONE FINAL TEAM RELAY 

Having guided us through this fabulous Opening Ceremony journey, the mysterious flame bearer arrived at the Trocadero for the return of sport. Zinédine Zidane was back to collect and hand the Torch to Rafael Nadal, the most Parisian of international athletes with 14 victories at Roland Garros and. The two-time Olympic champion ran along the Seine together with other sporting legends: Nadia Comaneci, five-time Olympic champion and holder of the first perfect 10 in the history of gymnastics at the Olympic Games; Carl Lewis, considered by some to be the greatest athlete with his 9 Olympic titles in athletics; and Serena Williams the icon of women’s sport and the most successful Grand Slam champion. Together, they returned to the quays of the Seine to launch the grand finale of this ceremony. 

Arriving at the Jardin des Tuileries in the Louvre, these four legends of international sport joined twenty others, this time from French sport. Four and twenty make twenty-four, the key number of these Games.  

Continuing this relay of champions, Serena Williams passed on the Torch to a woman she often encountered on the courts: Amélie Mauresmo, the first and only French tennis player of the Open era to have been world number 1. Then it was Tony Parker’s turn, the man who made it big with the Americans, 4-time NBA champion and who paved the way for an entire generation.  

The Torch was then passed into the hands of Marie-Amélie Le Fur, President of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee and three-time Paralympic champion, followed by the two future flag-bearers of the French Paralympic delegation, Nantenin Keïta and her four Paralympic medals and Alexis Hanquinquant, reigning Paralympic Para Triathlon champion, forming a link between the Olympic and Paralympic movements.  

Michaël Guigou, three-time Olympic champion with the French men’s team, and Allison Pineau, member of the first French women’s team to become Olympic champion, highlighted the success of the French handball teams at the Games.. 

As the only Frenchman since 1928 to be double individual Olympic champion in sabre fencing, Jean-François Lamour was a representative of the sport that has brought France the most medals at the Games. 

Félicia Ballanger and Florian Rousseau, both members of the exclusive group of three-time Olympic Champions, followed each other, recognising their magnificent track cycling careers. 

Emilie Le Pennec, France’s first Olympic gymnastics champion, was followed by judoka David Douillet, France’s first double Olympic champion, and Clarisse Agbegnenou, the most successful international judoka with 6 world titles, 2 Olympic titles and 1 silver medal.  

French swimming, with Alain Bernard, France’s first and only Olympic champion in the 100 m freestyle, and Laure Manaudou, France’s first Olympic swimming champion at just 17 years of age, also had its moment with these two champions.  

Renaud Lavillenie, Olympic champion in London in 2012, who broke Sergei Bubka’s legendary record by clearing 6.16m in 2014, and Laura Flessel, France’s first Olympic epee champion and two-time Olympic champion, preceded the ‘doyen’ Charles Coste, France’s oldest living Olympic champion, 100 years old in 2024 and Olympic cycling champion in 1948.  

The final team relay, an innovation of Paris 2024 that featured throughout the Olympic Torch Relay, was therefore a relay of exceptional champions, both international and French, embodying the excellence of the Games.  

THE EIFFEL TOWER ILLUMINATES PIERRE DE COUBERTIN’S DESIGN OF THE OLYMPIC RINGS  

As the last torchbearers made their way up the Seine towards the Cauldron, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 continued to amaze at the Trocadéro. For the first time ever, the beacon of the Eiffel Tower stopped sweeping across the Paris sky and stood still. Hitherto hidden beneath the stage in the shape of the Eiffel Tower on the Place du Trocadéro, the original design of the Olympic rings, created by Pierre de Coubertin himself in 1913, surfaced under the projected lights of the Iron Lady. In the eyes of the man who invented the modern Olympic Games, these five interlaced rings represented ‘the five continents united by Olympism and the colours of all the nations’.  

MARIE-JOSE PEREC AND TEDDY RINER LIGHT THE CAULDRON BEFORE IT TAKES OFF TO SHINE IN THE SKIES OF PARIS  

The lighting of the cauldron was one of most eagerly expected moments of this opening ceremony. Installed at the heart of the city, in the Tuileries gardens of the Louvre, the Paris 2024 Cauldron is in the centre of one of the most beautiful views of the capital, aligned with the Palais du Louvre and its Pyramid, of the Obelisk of the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées with the Arc de Triomphe and the Paralympic Agitos at the end. 

After the final group relay, Marie-José Perec and Teddy Riner stepped forward above the great fountain of the garden to light up this unexpected and unprecedented Cauldron. Created by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, a giant ring of fire was crowned with a great hot air balloon, creating one of the most memorable images of this ceremony: once lit and freed of its ties, the Cauldron took to the skies to shine in the skies of Paris. With this gesture, Riner kicked off the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and brought an end to the Olympic Torch Relay, which has spread excitement for these Games throughout the whole of France. 

The flying, puncture-proof Cauldron disrupts tradition. Thanks to great technological prowess, the Olympic Flame shines with electricity: a light haze is illuminated by a beam of light. Flying in the skies of Paris tonight and every night during the Games, the Cauldron will lcome to ground every day for the public to come and admire it. From July 27, everyone will be able to get up close to the Olympic Flame via a programme of free tickets.

CELINE DION MAKES AN EMOTIONAL COMEBACK FROM THE BALCONY OF THE EIFFEL TOWER  

Her return to the stage was awaited by the whole world, and it was grandiose. When Céline Dion appeared on the balcony of the Eiffel Tower to round off this exceptional evening, the quays of the Seine and the Trocadero erupted in cheers.  

Céline Dion’s interpretation of ‘L’Hymne à l’amour’, her tribute to Edith Piaf’s masterpiece, brought the whole of Paris to its feet. This irresistible artistic choice celebrated the power and emotion of a timeless classic, the extraordinary career of two of the greatest singers of all time, and finally Paris, and all the most beautiful things that France symbolizes. 

In this sublime, emotion-filled finale, Céline Dion brought this most extraordinary of opening ceremonies to a close, creating another moment, suspended in time, for the world to remember. Maybe, in 100 years, the world will still be talking about it. But now it’s time for the sport and the athletes to take over. Let the Games begin. 

2024 Rule of Law Report: EU better equipped to face rule of law challenges

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Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

The Commission has published its fifth annual Rule of Law Report which monitors significant developments and takes stock of the rule of law situation in all EU countries. It shows that the EU is much better prepared to detect, prevent and address emerging challenges than 5 years ago. This means more resilient European democracies, mutual trust in the EU, good functioning of the single market and a business environment that fosters competitiveness and sustainable growth.

Each year, the report includes new recommendations for EU countries. 68% of the 2023 recommendations have been, fully or partially, addressed, showing that the report has become a true driver of positive reforms. However, in some EU countries systematic concerns remain and the situation has further deteriorated. 

This year’s edition also introduces chapters on Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, to support their reform efforts and ensure continued work on the rule of law to further progress towards EU membership. 

Key findings and recommendations of the 2024 report:

  1. Justice reforms: Important reforms to strengthen judicial independence have been initiated. However, systemic concerns regarding judicial independence persist and specific cases of deterioration have been observed. There is a need for safeguards in judicial appointment procedures, autonomy of the prosecution service and adequate resources.
  2. Anti-corruption frameworks: Corruption remains a serious concern, however, the EU countries are better at fighting it – they have increased resources on the capacity of law enforcement services, prosecution authorities and the judiciary. Further action is needed to strengthen preventive frameworks and ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.
  3. Media freedom and pluralism: Concrete steps were made to improve journalists’ safety and working environment, and the tasks and competences of several national media regulators have been expanded. Concerns about the independent governance or financial stability of public service media, transparency of media ownership, the right of access to public documents and the transparent and fair allocation of state advertising persist. Recommendations focus on these areas to ensure a free and pluralistic media landscape.
  4. Institutional checks and balances: Efforts to improve legislative processes have been noted. However, challenges remain, including the excessive use of accelerated procedures, the quality of law-making, and restrictions faced by civil society and human rights defenders. Recommendations aim to strengthen legislative processes and support the functioning of independent authorities.

The rule of law is an integral part of the very identity of the EU and a precondition for the respect of other values. According to the latest Special Eurobarometer survey, more than 7 in 10 EU citizens agree that the EU plays an important role in helping to uphold the rule of law in their country. Close to 9 in 10 EU citizens think it’s important that all EU countries respect the core values of the EU.

Istanbul’s last Ottoman palace opens its doors to visitors for the first time

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The last palace of the Ottoman sultans is called Yıldız Saray (translated as the Stars’ Palace) and today it opens its doors to visitors for the first time.

The palace is located on the Yildiz (star) hill in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district and is spread over an area of ​​about 500,000 square meters. Perhaps the most magnificent panorama of the Bosphorus opens from the hill.

Yıldız Saray, unlike the nearby Charagan Saray (today a prestigious 5-star Kempinski hotel), is relatively small, but it is an extremely beautiful and elegant palace complex that rivals European palaces.

It was built by order of Sultan Selim III (1789-1807) for his mother Mihrishah Sultan. But under the reign of Sultan Abdulhamit II, it was expanded and modernized to its present form. For 33 years, it was used for managing state affairs and as a home for the Sultan and his family, including the harem.

The Star Palace preserves the memory of the most important events and personalities from the end of the Ottoman Empire. One of the last rulers of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdulhamid II, was forced to leave with his family when he was dethroned in a coup in 1909, never to return.

The last Ottoman sultan, Mehmet Vahdettin VI, also lived in the Star Palace for a while (he also lives in another mansion – Vahdettin Koşkü on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, which is currently the presidential residence).

Yıldız Saray ceased to be used as a palace in 1922, when the Ottoman Empire came to an end.

After the proclamation of Turkey as a republic, the Star Palace was given to the Military Academy. It was then used by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, but remained closed to visitors. It is opened very rarely, for special receptions.

In 2018, it was granted to the Office of National Palaces of the Presidency.

After a long restoration, today it is planned that the landmark complex will be opened for the first time as a museum for visitors.

This will happen at a special ceremony in which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will participate.

Experts note that Yıldız Palace has undergone comprehensive restoration and conservation and landscaping activities.

The Sultan’s chambers, work pavilions, guest lounges, harem rooms and gardens have been restored to their original form and will welcome visitors for the first time in their history.

The Yildiz museum complex will be open every day except Monday.

Illustrative photo: A view from inside the Grand Mabeyin Mansion of Yıldız Palace (IÜ Ktp., Album, no. 90614).

The number of religious young people in Moscow has decreased twice

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JRO-6501;0; Icon Our Lady of Kazan in a Silver Mount

Research by the Institute for Demographic Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) from October 2022 shows that over the past 14 years, the level of religiosity among youth has halved (2008 – 60%; 2021 – 30%). Non-religious young people have quadrupled.

21% of the youth group (from 14 to 29 years old) have changed their worldview position in favor of atheism: “before a believer, now a non-believer”. Real religiosity is even lower, the scientists note.

On almost all indicators of religious behavior over the years (confession, communion, fasting), religious activity has fallen to the level of statistical error (1-4%). Frequent church attendance among young people of all age groups in 2021 was recorded at a level of 6-7%.

This is the period when the Russian Orthodox Church enjoyed freedom and enormous financial and political support from the state, public influence and power, hundreds of new churches were built and the church leadership reported annually missionary programs among the youth. Since 2010, all Russian students aged 10-11 have studied religion in the form of the subject “Fundamentals of Religious Culture and Secular Ethics”. Most students studied secular ethics (approx. 40%), and Orthodoxy – approx. 30%

In the concept of a successful mission of the Moscow Patriarchate, the main idea was laid that the provision of funds and public influence with the help of the state would lead to an increase in people’s interest in the faith and their conversion to the church. In Moscow and the central region, to which the RAS study refers, church activity is most active and the greatest resources are concentrated there. Practice shows that none of this contributed to young people recognizing Christ in church messages and public presence. On the contrary, even those who had religious interest have lost it. In the provincial regions of the Russian Federation, atheistic attitudes among the population are even stronger.

The “Kalashnikov” Group increases the production for the first half of the year by 50%

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The “Kalashnikov” Group has increased its military and civilian production by 50% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, it said in a press release onc.

It is in all directions – from the implementation of the volume of military production to the ongoing production of metal burning machines and instruments,” he says in summary by “Kalashnikov”.

From there, they note that the distribution for the production of rope enters the second half of the year with new additional contracts. And the division for the production of metal burning machines – the largest volume of orders from external customers is 13%.

In addition to the price, there is also a stable intepec to the metal burning machines 250ITBM. “Compared to the same period last year, during the first half of this year almost twice as many metal burning machines 250 and TBM were fined.

The division for the special technique fulfilled the requirements of the government’s administrative order to 100%.”

Currently, there is active exploitation of new production lines, where “from the beginning of the year, several children’s units of new equipment have been produced”.

Photo: Mikhail Kalashnikov in Army Museum, Moscow, Russia (2007),

Mikhail Kalashnikov

Peace that comes from heaven

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By Taras Dmytryk, Lviv, Ukraine

When we speak of the peace that comes down from heaven, we consider this peace to be the grace of God, given to us by God himself. “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27), says Christ.

However, how can we understand other words of Christ: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace. I have not brought peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34)?

In my personal conviction, these words refer primarily to the disciples of Christ who, under the cover of his name and teachings, instead of peace, bring a sword into the world, that is, wars, blood, murders.

In recent decades, we have observed how the regime of the Russian dictator Putin, under the cover of the ideology of the “Russian world”, actively promoted by the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill, regularly carries out military aggression against neighboring states. And it committed its largest and bloodiest aggressions precisely against two Orthodox Christian countries: in 2008 against Georgia, in 2014 against Ukraine, and even later in 2022 it began a large-scale military invasion of Russian troops into the territory of Ukraine. And for the third year, Ukrainians have been living under constant shelling, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have died, including 548 children.

How did the Russian Church start war propaganda and justifying massacres in the name of the illusory idea of the “Russian world”?

The beginning of this story lies in the distant 1943, when Joseph Stalin, having exterminated hundreds of real clergy (bishops, priests, deacons) – martyrs and confessors, created an appearance, a phantom of the Church, putting at its head clergy-collaborators obedient to the communist regime. Later, these clergymen-collaborators hid behind the ideas of the struggle for peace and participated in international meetings, where they promoted ideas beneficial to the Soviet government. It was at that time that a sad joke appeared in the Church that there would be no Third World War, but that there would be such a struggle for peace that not a stone would be left on stone. Metropolitan Nikodym Rotov, the spiritual father and head of the current Patriarch of Moscow Kirill Gundyaev, was also a member of this group of clergymen-collaborators. But if Nikodym Rotov acted under the cover of the ideas of the struggle for peace, Kirill Gundyaev today openly preaches the idea of a “holy war”, “all the soldiers who died in this war go to heaven”, etc. The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Finland, Leo, has openly said about the current state of Russian Orthodoxy:

“The family of Orthodox Churches is currently going through a crisis and is strongly divided. Our modern era has given rise to a new totalitarian myth and ideology under the guise of Orthodoxy, which in reality do not represent Christianity at all.

A few years ago, I still recognized some remnants of Orthodoxy within the Moscow Patriarchate, but they have now been replaced by a mixture of Russian messianism, Orthodox fascism and ethnophilia. The latter heresy mentioned was condemned by the Council of Constantinople 152 years ago.

Today, Russia considers itself the only force of Good in the world, whose task is to oppose the West that has sunk into Evil. This, in turn, represents the Manichean heresy, in which the world is divided into opposites: light and darkness, Good and Evil, etc.,” Metropolitan Leo stressed before the Council of the Church of Finland. (Orthodox Times)

So what should our Churches do to avoid the state in which the Moscow Patriarchate currently finds itself? Indeed, what our group EIIR-Synaxis has been doing for more than 50 years, the aim of which is to create friendly relations between representatives of different Christian Churches, in listening to each other and respecting others in their diversity.

This war could not have taken place if the Moscow Patriarchate had respected the right of others to be different. Mordvin ethnic Vladimir Gundyaev became Russian Patriarch Kirill and he feels like a Russian. This is the right of his personal choice. But why does he not respect the right of Ukrainians or Georgians to remain themselves? Today, Russia attacks Ukraine and other states of the post-Soviet space on three fronts: the Russian army, the Moscow Patriarchate and the propaganda of the ideas of the “Russian world”, born in the Russian Orthodox Church in the 1990s.

It should be noted that the Kremlin greatly overestimated the influence of the ideas of the “Russian world”, from which the inhabitants of the eastern regions of Ukraine quickly recovered, who saw that the “Russian world” is not literature, music and fine arts, but above all it is the bombings, especially also the churches and monasteries of the Moscow Patriarchate, the murders of civilians, the repression of the civilian population in the occupied territories, which they allegedly came to “liberate”. The Russian army showed its true face in Ukraine: executions of civilians, robberies and looting. In particular, during the short occupation, Russian soldiers ransacked the Roman Catholic seminary in Vorzel near Kiev, where they even stole washing machines and toilets and took them home through Belarus on their tanks. Abuse of prisoners of war, abduction of children and violations of all possible rules of war prompted the International Tribunal in The Hague to issue an arrest warrant for war criminals Vladimir Putin, Sergei Shoigu, Valery Gerasimov and others.

The war waged by Russia against Ukraine left behind a great collective trauma in Ukrainian society. This trauma will be healed for at least three generations:

– The first generation who directly survived the war and were physically injured or hurt;

– The second generation is the children of people who survived the war;

– The third generation – grandchildren, who will learn the truth from their parents and grandparents about the traumas experienced during the war.

Today, Ukrainian society is making its existential choice in favor of European values, rapidly freeing itself from pro-Russian influences. First of all, Ukraine is rapidly freeing itself from the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate, which preaches the “Russian world” instead of preaching the peace of Christ. This collective post-war trauma will contribute to the formation of its own identity, distinct from the Russian one.

Post-war Europe managed to establish a dialogue after the Second World War, aimed at promoting peace on the European continent. The Christian Churches did not remain aloof from these processes. As early as 1970, the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Emilianos Timiadis and the Spanish Catholic priest Julián García Hernando initiated regular international interfaith meetings between representatives of various Christian Churches. And our French-speaking ecumenical group has been nourishing the idea of ​​reconciliation and restoration of the unity of the Church for more than 50 years. It is hard work that requires a lot of effort from us, but we are here today so that no one will ever dare to call for war in the name of Christ.

N.B.: Sunday, July 7, 24, within the framework of the 39th “SYNAXE” MEETING, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Mt. 5:9). Brâncoveanu Monastery, Romania (July 3-9, 2024), A round table took place on the trauma of the war in Ukraine. For Taras Dmytryk, the peace that comes from above is a grace given by God. But how can we put the beatitude of peace in connection with this other word of Jesus: “do not think that I have come to bring peace,” he asks? The ideology of the “Russian World” justifies these wars and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church openly defends the idea of “holy war,” with Russia considering itself the force of good against the darkness of the West. (On the “Russian World”, see: https://desk-russie.eu/2024/05/12/le-monde-russe.html?amp=1).

The Scale-up gap: EIB Urges More Investment for Tech Innovators

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Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

European technology companies are encountering a hurdle, according to a report, from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The report underscores the need for financing to drive innovation and expansion. Maintaining its global technology leadership position is a focus for Europe, and the report stresses that overcoming investment obstacles and enhancing support are vital for nurturing a thriving tech sector.

The scale up gap

The study titled “The scale up gap; financial market constraints holding back firms in the European Union” sheds light on Europe’s struggle to attract domestic funding for local innovations despite being appealing to foreign venture capital investors. The report highlights that European venture capital investments are significantly lower compared to those in the United States, limiting capital accumulation, for emerging companies poised to lead the wave of advancements.

They possess the potential, for growth and job creation yet encounter obstacles in securing the necessary funding for expansion. According to the report, European scale ups receive 50% capital than their Silicon Valley counterparts after a decade of operation, often turning to investors for financial support.

EIB President says the play a role in supporting innovation

Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB, stressed the institution’s dedication to fostering innovation in Europe. “The EIB Group plays a role in supporting Europe’s innovation ecosystem,” she remarked. Nonetheless, the report underscores the need, for efforts to strengthen Europe‘s capital markets by boosting venture capital activities.

blue and yellow building under blue sky during daytime, EIB
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

The report also highlights the importance of government efforts, in encouraging investment offering stage financial support and enhancing cooperation between EU and national policies to create a conducive environment for innovative businesses.

Looking ahead, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission who recently secured a term, has stressed the urgency of implementing measures to ease funding for expanding companies. By targeting pension funds and insurance companies, which constitute the EU’s largest market sector, there is an opportunity to utilize substantial national savings for investing in innovative enterprises.

European Tech Champions Initiative

The insights and suggestions outlined in this EIB report come at a juncture. The European Tech Champions Initiative (ETCI) introduced earlier in 2023 aims to offer late-stage growth funding to innovators within the EU. With a fund of €3.85 billion, this initiative has already attracted a €10 billion, in investments strengthening the venture capital markets.

As European businesses navigate through an evolving global technology landscape, focusing on enhancing financing strategies becomes increasingly crucial.
The EIB’s findings shed light on a way to strengthen and enhance Europe‘s tech industry, highlighting the need, for collaboration between private entities to address funding challenges and drive innovation. This initiative not aims to ensure Europe’s advancement but also to promote the creation of jobs and sustainable development, throughout the region.

One year after the Russian shelling of Odesa and its Cathedral, still no financial assistance from UNESCO

By
Willy Fautre
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0
Father Miroslav (Miroslav Vdodovitch), the rector of the Cathedral of Odesa

The world community strongly condemned Russia’s shelling of the historical center of Odesa which damaged and disfigured the Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral. Many Western delegations visited Odesa but only two Western states promised their assistance.

By Willy Fautré, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers with Dr Ievgeniia Gidulianova from Odesa

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== One year after the Russian shelling of Odesa and its Cathedral, still no financial assistance from UNESCO
Father Miroslav (Miroslav Vdodovitch), the rector of the Cathedral of Odesa

HRWF (24.07.2024) – On the night of 23 July 2023, the Transfiguration Cathedral was seriously damaged and disfigured during a massive Russian missile attack on the historical center of Odesa which is part of UNESCO World Heritage. The world community strongly condemned Russia’s act of aggression while Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) kept silent about it and about President Putin’s responsibility. One year later, Father Miroslav (Miroslav Vdodovitch), the rector of the Cathedral, has still not seen the first Euros that were promised by UNESCO.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the Consul General of the Hellenic Republic in Odesa, Dimitrios Dohtsis were first on the line to quickly announce their support in the media.

On the first anniversary of this cultural tragedy, the Brussels-based NGO, Human Rights Without Frontiers, published a damning report (in English and in Ukrainian) about UNESCO’s blocking the transfer of 500,000 EUR donated by Italy to Odesa for the restoration of the Cathedral.

Italy, Odesa and the Cathedral, a love story

Italy has some historical links with Odesa and the Transfiguration Cathedral as the first architects of Odesa were mainly Italians.

The Cathedral started to be built in 1795 but construction lagged several years behind schedule. Thanks to the intervention of the famous Duke of Richelieu, who was appointed as governor of the city in 1803, the Italian architect Francesco Frappoli was employed to complete the edifice. He is well-known in Odesa for making in 1810 the original design of the first luxurious Opera House, where Italian opera prevailed. Unfortunately, in 1873 the building was completely destroyed by fire and other historical buildings in the city as well.

In the period from the 1820s to the 1850s, the city of Odessa had a very significant and important Italian colony among its inhabitants. The euphonious language of “Golden Italy” was constantly heard on the streets.

Talented Italian architects then created the image of young Odessa, gave the city an extraordinary flavor, forever inscribing it among the most beautiful cities in Europe. It was the Italians who built the key buildings in the city center in the first half of the 19th century, which adorn Odessa to this day.

The heart of Odesa, World Heritage, heavily damaged by Russian missiles

Four days after Russia’s shelling, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Odesa to visit the rehabilitation departments where Ukrainian defenders were recovering and to inspect the damage caused to the Orthodox Cathedral of Transfiguration. He quickly discovered that in July 2023, more than 30 cultural heritage sites were damaged, including:

  • Odessa Transfiguration Cathedral (missile strike on July 23, 2023).
  • House of Scientists (palace of Count Tolstoy) (missile strike on July 23, 2023).
  • Odessa Art Museum  (missile strike on July 23, 2023 – on November 5, 2023, it was hit again by a missile strike, which caused a lot of destruction)
  • Odessa Archaeological Museum (missile strike on July 20, 2023).
  • Odessa Maritime Museum (missile strike on July 20, 2023).
  • Odessa Literary Museum (missile strike on July 20, 2023).
  • Museum of Western and Oriental Art (missile strike on July 20, 2023). 
  • St. Nicholas Church (missile strike on July 18, 2023).
  • Residential building of Chizhevych (mid-nineteenth century, architectural monument of local importance) (missile strike on July 23, 2023).
  • Residential development of Solomos (early 20th century, architectural monument of local importance) (missile strike on July 23, 2023).
  • Manuk Bey’s mansion, where a kindergarten for visually impaired children was located (missile strike on July 23, 2023).
  • Tolstoy’s mansion, where the kindergarten is located (missile strike on July 20, 2023).

In the last twelve months, many foreign delegations have visited these damaged sites.

A non-exhaustive list of foreign visitors on the sites of the Russian shelling

On 21 August 2023, a delegation led by a professor from the University of Cambridge with photographers from different countries went to Odesa to record the destruction.

On 7 September 2023, the Ambassador of Italy to Ukraine, the Consul of Italy in Odesa, representatives of the Italian government, Italian specialists in the restoration of cultural heritage and the entire UNESCO apparatus present in Ukraine, headed by Chiara Bardeschi visited the places to be restored.

On 30 September 2023, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell visited the places hit by Russian missiles in Odesa.

On 6 October 2023, the new Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Germany to Ukraine, Martin Jäger, went to Odesa and declared “I came to Odesa immediately after my appointment. We have a special interest in the preservation of cultural heritage, which is under the protection of UNESCO.”

On 13 October 2023, during a working trip to the Odesa region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, who was on a visit to the country. Mark Rutte who will be appointed NATO Secretary General on 1 October 2024 then promised military assistance such as Patriot systems meant to protect Ukrainian cities against Russian missiles.

On 13 November 2023, a delegation of representatives of 11 African countries visited Odesa.

On 16 November 2023, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron went to Odesa with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and visited the cathedral as part of the review of evidence of Russian terrorism. The meeting was mainly devoted to assistance to Ukraine.

On 20 January 2024, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visited the Cathedral during a visit to Odesa region to discuss strengthening assistance to residents of the city and displaced persons affected by Russian aggression.

On 25 February 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Ambassador of Germany to Ukraine visited Odesa as part of a delegation of 40 people meeting to talk about cooperation and assistance to Ukraine.

On 6 March 2024, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy accompanied Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a visit to Odesa taking place within the framework of a cooperation meeting between the two countries. During their visit, there was an air alarm and Russian shelling.

On 25 March 2024, Chief Ombusman of Ukraine Dmytro Luninets and Chief Ombusman of Turkey Seref Malkoç visited the Cathedral during a meeting on cooperation with Turkey to protect the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war and illegally detained civilians, as well as to find missing persons.

On 30 March 2024, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk and the Head of the National Assembly of France Yael Braun-Pivet visited the Cathedral during their meeting in Odesa on issues of military assistance to Ukraine. The chairman of the Verkhovna Rada asked for France’s assistance to protect the sky over Odesa so that other tragedies can be avoided.

On 8 April 2024, an American delegation consisting of six congressmen and Senator Joni Ernst visited the Cathedral during a visit to Odessa.

Many visits of European delegations but only pledges of two Western states

In the aftermath of these official visits, few Western states have spontaneously pledged to take part in the speedy restauration or reconstruction of the Cathedral.

Concerning the European Union, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell did not make any promise that the EU would contribute to the reconstruction of the destroyed parts of the Cathedral and other historical sites. He just said that the strike on the city was another Russian war crime and he tweeted: “Russia’s relentless missile terror against UNESCO-protected Odessa 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.”

The contribution of 500,000 EUR promised by PM Giorgia Meloni in Italy for urgent repair of the Cathedral which has been channeled through UNESCO has still not been transferred by this international institution to Odesa…

Last year, the Consul General of Greece in Odessa, Dimitrios Dohtsis, announced that his country also intended to contribute to the restoration of architectural monuments that were damaged during the Russian missile attack, including the Cathedral, but as of today nothing has been made public about concrete initiatives and no financial assistance has reached Odesa.

European Commission Probes Delivery Hero and Glovo for Potential Anticompetitive Practices

By
Newsdesk
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0
a woman holding a shopping bag in a store
Photo by DoorDash on Unsplash

In a bold move to safeguard competition in the burgeoning online food delivery market, the European Commission has launched a formal antitrust investigation into two of Europe’s largest food delivery companies, Delivery Hero and Glovo. This investigation could have significant implications for consumers and workers across the European Economic Area (EEA).

What’s happening?

The European Commission is scrutinizing whether Delivery Hero and Glovo have engaged in cartel-like behavior, which includes potentially dividing up geographic markets and sharing sensitive commercial information such as pricing strategies and operational capacities. Additionally, there are concerns that the two companies may have agreed not to poach each other’s employees, a practice that could stifle job opportunities and wage growth for workers in the sector.

The Companies in Question

  • Delivery Hero: Headquartered in Germany, this company operates in over 70 countries and partners with more than 500,000 restaurants. It is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
  • Glovo: Based in Spain, Glovo is active in more than 1,300 cities across 25 countries. In July 2022, Delivery Hero acquired a majority stake in Glovo, making it a subsidiary.

Why It Matters

The online food delivery market is rapidly growing, and ensuring fair competition is crucial for maintaining reasonable prices and diverse choices for consumers. Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy, emphasized the importance of this investigation:

“Online food delivery is a fast-growing sector, where we must protect competition. This is why we are investigating whether Delivery Hero and Glovo agreed to share markets and not to poach each other’s employees. If confirmed, such conduct may amount to a breach of EU competition rules, with potential negative effects on prices and choice for consumers and on opportunities for workers.”

Background and Next Steps

The Commission’s concerns stem from Delivery Hero’s minority shareholding in Glovo from July 2018 until its full acquisition in July 2022. During this period, the companies might have engaged in practices that violate EU competition rules, specifically Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement.

The investigation follows unannounced inspections at the companies’ premises in June 2022 and November 2023. These inspections were part of a broader inquiry into potential collusion in the food delivery sector.

Implications for the Market

This investigation is particularly significant as it marks the Commission’s first formal probe into no-poach agreements and anticompetitive practices involving minority shareholdings. If the allegations are proven, it could lead to substantial changes in how companies operate within the online food delivery market, ensuring a more competitive environment that benefits both consumers and workers.

What’s Next?

The Commission will conduct an in-depth investigation, which will be prioritized but has no set deadline. The duration will depend on various factors, including the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation from the companies involved.

For those interested in the nitty-gritty details of the Commission’s actions against cartels and how to report suspicious behavior, more information is available on the Commission’s dedicated cartels website. Updates on this investigation will be posted on the Commission’s competition website under case number AT.40795.

As this investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the online food delivery market and the broader implications for competition policy in Europe. This case could set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future, ensuring a fair and competitive market for all.

You can rent this property of king Charles III

By
Newsroom
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0

In 2006, he bought a property in Romania that includes a house, a forest, a meadow as far as the eye can see and a craft workshop

Most likely, until now you only associated Transylvania with Count Dracula.

It’s time to add to your imagination and include in the picture the new king of Great Britain – Charles III. It turns out that in 2006 he bought a property in Romania that includes a house, a forest, a meadow as far as the eye can see and a craft workshop, reports Time Out.

The British King’s property is located in the Zalán Valley and is known as the Zalán Guest House or the Prince of Wales Guest House. It is believed to have once been owned by Charles’ Transylvanian ancestors.

The exciting thing about the Zalán Guest House is that you can rent it and make your excursion to Dracula’s Castle even more memorable. As you can imagine, it is magnificently furnished and will bring you as close to a royal’s idea of a country house as possible. You will also be left with a good impression of its surroundings.

The place impresses with a huge flower meadow, a small forest and a training center for local artisans. While walking in nature, you may come across rare species of orchids, but also bears.

Staying at the Transylvanian house of King Charles III is a treat that won’t cost you a fortune. Prices start at €157 per night, with all proceeds going to the Prince’s foundation in Romania.

While enjoying the nature in our northern neighbor, don’t miss the opportunity to try the local cuisine. Here, all ingredients are grown with care and attention. Many will rate székely köményes (local brandy) highly.

The guesthouse also offers day trips and tours to caves, horseback riding, flower picking and wood carving. In other words, it looks like a pretty great place to get to know Transylvanian culture and nature.

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