Priorities for a More Competitive, Secure, and Free European Union, according to Renew Europe

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30 July 2024

grayscale photo of man in black jacket and pants running on road — Photo by Tito Texidor III on Unsplash

Recent developments in Bangladesh have raised significant alarm within the international community, particularly regarding the announcement of a controversial “shoot on sight” policy. As violence escalates, the High Representative’s statement during the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting sheds light on the urgent need for accountability and justice. This blog post examines the troubling situation in Bangladesh, the implications for human rights, and the necessary steps toward restoring peace and order.

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A Growing Concern: Shoot on Sight Policy

The alarm bells began ringing on July 27, 2024, when the High Representative conveyed serious concerns to Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, Bangladesh’s former Foreign Minister, regarding the government’s newly declared “shoot on sight” policy. This directive, coupled with the unlawful killings reported in recent days, has sparked widespread condemnation and fear among citizens and international observers alike.

The repercussions of such a policy are both immediate and profound, threatening to erode trust in law enforcement and escalating an already volatile situation. The potential for human rights abuses is alarmingly high, and the High Representative’s statement reflects a strong stance against the government’s actions, underscoring the need for restraint and adherence to human rights standards.

Rising Violence and Accountability Demands

The situation in Bangladesh is exacerbated by reported violence, including attacks on law enforcement officers, torture, mass arrests, and widespread damage to property. These acts not only disrupt societal harmony but also propel the nation into a spiral of fear and distrust. The High Representative has called for thorough investigations into these acts, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.

Accountability is vital in restoring public faith in the justice system. The need for an impartial investigation into these unlawful killings and violent acts cannot be overstated. Importantly, all individuals arrested must receive their due process, reflecting fundamental democratic principles and respect for human rights.

Protecting the Innocent: A Human Rights Crisis

Amidst the turmoil, it is crucial to highlight the indiscriminate nature of the violence that has swept across Bangladesh. Reports indicate that protesters, journalists, and even children have not been spared from excessive and lethal force employed by law enforcement. Such disproportionate responses are not only a blatant violation of human rights but also a significant threat to individual freedoms and civil liberties.

The High Representative’s statement underscores an essential truth: protection of the innocent should be paramount. The international community must stand in solidarity with the victims and advocate for a framework that prioritizes human rights, allowing Bangladesh to emerge from this crisis with renewed commitment to justice and equality.

The Path Forward: EU-Bangladesh Relations

As the High Representative pointed out, the developments in Bangladesh will be closely monitored, taking into consideration the fundamentals of EU-Bangladesh relations. The European Union has historically engaged with Bangladesh to promote sustainable development, human rights, and stability. However, these recent actions pose a significant challenge to the integrity of that relationship.

Moving forward, it is crucial for the Bangladeshi authorities to realign their approach, emphasizing respect for human rights and the rule of law. The EU is in a unique position to facilitate dialogue and encourage reforms that can enable Bangladesh to navigate this crisis while maintaining its commitment to human rights.

A Hope for Justice

The unfolding events in Bangladesh are a stark reminder of the delicate balance between governance and human rights. The High Representative’s concerns encapsulate the urgent need for an end to violence, accountability for wrongful acts, and the protection of civilian lives.

As the international community watches closely, it is essential for Bangladesh to reassess its approach, ensuring that all citizens can enjoy their rights without fear of retribution. Only through genuine commitment to justice and accountability can Bangladesh hope to restore public trust and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future. The world stands ready to support this journey towards achieving true justice and respect for human rights for all Bangladeshi citizens.

Venezuela’s Presidential Election: A Path to Democracy or a Road Paved with Irregularities?

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30 July 2024

person standing near table — Photo by Arnaud Jaegers on Unsplash

As the dust settles from Venezuela’s recent presidential election, the European Union (EU) has provided a critical assessment of the electoral process, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by the nation. High Representative Josep Borrell’s recent statement sheds light on both the commendable aspects of Venezuelan civic engagement and the significant shortcomings in the electoral system. In this blog post, we will explore the implications of these recent elections for democracy in Venezuela.

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The Heart of the Matter: Voter Engagement

The EU commends the determination of the Venezuelan people to exercise their democratic right to vote, highlighting the crucial role of civic participation in a healthy democracy. Despite severe political and economic instability, the willingness of citizens to come out and cast their ballots reflects a desire for change and a commitment to democratic principles.

However, Borrell notes that this determination comes against a backdrop of an uneven playing field, where the opposition’s participation has been complicated by various systemic challenges. The EU recognizes the efforts of opposition groups to engage in the electoral process under these difficult circumstances, emphasizing that the will of the people must be respected and upheld.

Lack of Transparency: A Call for Clarity

One of the most pressing concerns outlined in the EU’s statement is the lack of transparency in the electoral results. As Borrell aptly pointed out, the reported outcomes of the elections cannot be deemed representative of the people’s will until there is a full publication and verification of all official records from polling stations.

To instill faith in the electoral process, the EU urges the Venezuelan Electoral Council (CNE) to prioritize transparency, calling for immediate access to voting records and the publication of disaggregated election results. This call for clarity is crucial to restoring faith in the electoral system and addressing the grievances of Venezuelan citizens who feel disenfranchised.

Flaws and Irregularities: A Troubling Trend

Despite the commitment of Venezuelans to participate in the electoral process, credible reports indicate that the elections were rife with irregularities. The EU has expressed regret that key recommendations from the 2021 EU Electoral Observation Mission were not heeded. These recommendations aimed to address fundamental issues undermining the electoral integrity, such as obstacles to opposition candidates, deficiencies in the voter registry, and imbalanced media access.

These flaws not only tarnish the credibility of the elections but also reinforce the perception of a political landscape heavily skewed against the opposition, raising alarms about the future of democracy in Venezuela.

Human Rights Concerns: A Dark Cloud Over the Process

Borrell’s statement does not shy away from addressing the concerning human rights situation in Venezuela during the electoral process. Reports of arbitrary detentions and intimidation of opposition members and civil society activists underscore a climate of fear and repression that permeates the political arena.

The EU strongly advocates for the immediate release of all political prisoners, emphasizing that a genuine democracy can only exist with respect for human rights and freedoms. The call for calm and respect for the right to peaceful assembly is critical as tensions rise in the aftermath of the elections.

A Hopeful Path Forward: Dialogue and Engagement

Despite the challenges highlighted during the electoral process, the EU remains committed to supporting political and diplomatic efforts to foster dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to Venezuela’s political crisis. Borrell’s statement reiterates the EU’s support for both regional and international initiatives aimed at restoring the democratic legitimacy of Venezuelan institutions.

In these uncertain times, a collaborative and peaceful approach remains essential in guiding Venezuela toward a more democratic and just future.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Venezuelan Democracy

Venezuela’s recent presidential election has shed light on many systemic issues that need urgent attention. While the determination of the Venezuelan populace to vote is a beacon of hope, it is overshadowed by significant electoral irregularities and human rights violations. The EU’s strong stance on transparency, respect for political rights, and the need for constructive dialogue underscores the complex challenges ahead.

As the international community watches closely, the next steps for Venezuela will be crucial in defining its path toward democracy. Through sustained engagement and commitment to democratic principles, it is possible for Venezuela to navigate these turbulent waters and emerge as a strong, democratic nation that truly reflects the will of its people.

EIOPA’s Risk Dashboard: A Stable Yet Cautionary Outlook for Occupational Pension Funds

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30 July 2024

man standing beside white wall — Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) released its latest Risk Dashboard, providing insights into the health of Europe’s occupational pension funds, officially known as Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision (IORPs). The findings indicate an overall stable risk landscape; however, significant concerns regarding market risks persist amid ongoing volatility and real estate market vulnerabilities.

The report reveals that the exposure of IORPs to market and asset return risks remains high due to persistent market fluctuations. The macroeconomic landscape is displaying medium-level risks, with projected GDP growth across major geographical areas showing some positive trends but still falling short of historical averages. This tempered outlook reflects the complexities and uncertainties facing the European economies as they navigate recovery pathways.

Credit risks are meanwhile stable at a medium level; however, there has been an increase in credit default swaps (CDS) spreads for corporate bonds noted by the end of June 2024. In contrast, government bond spreads have remained largely consistent, suggesting a differentiated risk environment between corporate and sovereign borrowing.

High levels of volatility have been observed in both fixed income and equity markets, as the report highlights a noticeable decline in real estate prices across the Euro Area. This decline is primarily attributed to challenges in the commercial real estate sector, which remains a critical area of concern for pension funds reliant on steady asset performance. However, there is a silver lining; recent annual data shows a rebound in IORPs’ portfolio performance for 2023, mainly driven by positive market returns.

Reserve and funding risks for defined benefit IORPs are assessed as unchanged at a medium level. The financial robustness of these funds continues to be supported by rising interest rates as of the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, concentration risks have decreased compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a more diverse investment portfolio among IORPs. Notably, the median exposure of IORPs to banks and non-banking financial activities has seen a slight uptick.

Furthermore, all other risk categories currently assess at medium levels, but there is a growing concern related to digitalization and cyber risks. The report indicates a potential increase in these risks over the next 12 months, underscoring the need for IORPs to bolster their cybersecurity measures as they adapt to an increasingly digital landscape.

EIOPA’s Risk Dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of the vulnerabilities within the IORP sector of the European Economic Area (EEA), drawing from regulatory reporting from 625 IORPs. It encompasses both defined contribution (DC) and defined benefit (DB) schemes, offering a nuanced look at the financial health and risks facing these pension plans.

As Europe grapples with the dual pressures of economic recovery and market volatility, EIOPA’s insights serve as a timely reminder of the complexities influencing occupational retirement provision. While the current risk assessment leans towards stability, the identified risks highlight the necessity for vigilance and proactive management within the IORP sector to safeguard the retirement savings of millions across Europe.

Poland’s Railway Transformation: A €230 Million Investment in Green Energy

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30 July 2024

a train traveling down train tracks next to a forest — Photo by Sash Bo on Unsplash

On July 29, 2024, a significant step forward for Poland’s railway system was announced with the European Investment Bank (EIB) extending a loan of PLN 1 billion (over €230 million) to Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE), the country’s largest utility provider. This funding aims to modernize the power systems of Poland’s railway network, paving the way for greener and faster services in the coming years. The ambitious project, slated for completion by 2028, marks the EIB’s sixth contract with PGE, reflecting a strong relationship between the two entities. Currently, PGE has credit lines with the EIB totaling €1.3 billion.

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “We are a proven partner for large infrastructure investments in Poland. The modernization of railway lines enhances the quality of life for residents and is beneficial for business. It is also conducive to sustainable development, which is a key priority for the European Union.”

The essence of this project lies in its capacity to reshape the energy landscape of rail transport in Poland. The financing will cover the construction of 43 new electrical substations and the modernization of an additional 24. These substations are crucial for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), an essential process for powering trains efficiently. Furthermore, the investment will support the development of high-voltage and medium-voltage power lines, enhancing the overall electrical infrastructure needed to support the railway network.

Przemysław Jastrzębski, PGE Group Management Board Vice-President, pointed out that the advancement of railway power systems is imperative to meet the specific requirements of the sector. He stated, “Cooperation with the EIB gives us the tools we need to carry out those tasks. Thanks to the obtained funds, we will be able to invest in modern power infrastructure and develop innovative renewable energy projects.” One such project includes recuperating and storing energy generated from braking trains, a significant innovation towards achieving Poland’s greener energy goals.

The Modernisation of Power Systems (MUZa) investment project primarily focuses on enhancing railway safety, increasing rail line capacity, and improving train speeds, ultimately reducing journey times for passengers. This alignment with the European Union’s sustainable transport goals will facilitate regional integration, alleviate road traffic congestion, and reduce energy consumption, air pollution, and noise across Poland.

The EIB, being the long-term lending institution of the European Union, plays a pivotal role in financing projects aligned with EU policy objectives. With a commitment to supporting €1 trillion in climate and environmental sustainability investments by 2030, the loan to PGE is a beacon of the EU’s ambition for a more sustainable future.

PGE is not just leading the charge with this project; it is also a crucial player in the broader context of energy transition within the EU. The company’s strategic goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and initiatives like the Green Rail program aim to provide the rail transport sector with fully clean energy from renewable sources. With a target of 85% of energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030, PGE is actively working towards innovative solutions, including energy storage technologies.

In conclusion, Poland’s railway modernization initiative represents a critical investment in the country’s green infrastructure, one that aligns with the broader objectives of the European Union. This project not only aims to improve transportation efficiency and safety but also contributes to the EU’s sustainability goals, showcasing how regional infrastructure projects can foster economic growth while steering towards a greener planet.

Sudan: WFP expands emergency response; scores dead in village massacre

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United Nations News

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30 July 2024

Sudan: WFP expands emergency response; scores dead in village massacre

Yet, as the rival militaries continue fighting, the country’s plight has been overlooked by much of the international community.

“As global leaders focus elsewhere, it is not receiving the necessary attention and support to avert a nightmare scenario for the people of Sudan. The world cannot claim it doesn’t know how bad the situation is in Sudan or that urgent action is needed,” said Mr. Dunford.

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Urgent expansion

The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced it will urgently expand efforts to provide life-saving food and nutrition assistance. Currently, 18 million people are acutely food insecure in Sudan, a figure which has nearly tripled since 2019. Nearly five million are suffering emergency levels of hunger.

“Sudan is in the grip of widespread hunger and malnutrition. WFP continues to expand its food and nutrition assistance to reach millions more people who are living through the daily horrors of war,” said Mr. Dunford.

The WFP will scale up assistance to an additional five million people by the end of this year, doubling the number the agency planned to support at the start of 2024.

As part of the assistance, they will also provide support in cash to 1.2 million people in 12 states, giving a boost to local markets. Additionally, the agency is working directly with smallholder farmers, many displaced by conflict, to boost wheat production.

However, the ongoing violence in Sudan makes it exceedingly difficult to access those most in need. Around 90 per cent of those living in emergency conditions are in areas where access is extremely limited due to heavy fighting.

WFP is working around the clock to expand access across frontlines and other hard-to-reach areas.

“The situation is already catastrophic and has the potential to worsen further unless support reaches all those affected by conflict,” Mr. Dunford said.

Massacre in Aj Jazirah State

The reported massacre in the village of Wad Al-Noura in Aj Jazirah State on Wednesday illustrates the horrors of the intensifying conflict.

“Even by the tragic standards of Sudan’s conflict, the images emerging from Wad Al-Noura are heart-breaking,” said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan.

There were reports of heavy gunfire and the use of explosive weapons in highly populated civilian areas, resulting in a high number of casualties. Ms. Nkweta-Salami calls for a thorough investigation and for the perpetrators of the massacre to be held responsible.

“Human tragedy has become a hallmark of life in Sudan. We cannot allow impunity to become another one,” she said.

At least 55 children dead or injured

The violent attacks reportedly left at least 55 children dead and injured.

“I am horrified by the reports that at least 35 children were killed and more than 20 children were injured during the attack yesterday on the village of Wad al Noura, in Sudan’s al-Jazira state,” said UNICEF Executive Director Ms. Catherine Russell.

She described it as “yet another grim reminder of how the children of Sudan are paying the price for the brutal violence“.

Thousands of children have been killed, injured, recruited, abducted, and subjected to rape and other grave acts of sexual violence over the past year. Over five million children have been forced to flee their homes.

Ms. Russell called for “an immediate cessation of hostilities, ensuring the protection of children from harm.”

Nearly 10 million displaced

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) meanwhile, is warning that the number of people displaced by conflict inside Sudan could top 10 million in the coming days.

This includes 2.8 million men, women and children displaced prior to the start of this phase of the conflict which erupted between rival generals in April last year.

More than half of all internally displaced people are women and girls, and over a quarter of those displaced are children under five.

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The ancient Roman road Via Appia is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List

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30 July 2024

The ancient Roman road Via Appia has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which now includes 60 sites located in Italy, AP reported.

The decision was made at the session of the organization’s World Heritage Committee, which is being held in the Indian capital of Delhi.

Italy is the absolute world champion in terms of the number of sites and historical artifacts included in the World Heritage List.

Via Appia was built during the time of the Republicans in Ancient Rome (312 BC) and bears the name of the ruler who built it – Appius Claudius Cec. This road was an advanced engineering facility and also allowed Rome to conquer the southern territories.

It was used to connect Greece, Egypt and Asia Minor. The route of the ancient road passes through more than 70 settlements, 15 parks, 12 cities and four districts.

At every Roman mile of the road there was a post that marked the distance and an inscription which emperor was ruling at the time. Every 19 miles there were designated recreation areas. Twenty-five universities nowadays study the Via Appia.

The stretch of Via Appia in Rome is today part of an extensive park. Along it there are tombs and villas from the republican and imperial periods.

In Ancient Rome, nobles and generals were often buried by the roadside for some glorification, as each traveler learned the name of the interred and his prowess. The first Jewish and Christian catacombs are also located there.

The Via Appia is also associated with Spartacus’ revolt. After its suppression, 6,000 warriors were crucified along the road.

Photo: Via Appia in 1933.

Ukraine will need nearly nine billion US dollars to restore its cultural sites and tourism, according to UNESCO

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30 July 2024

Ukraine will need almost nine billion US dollars over the next decade to rebuild its cultural sites and tourism industry after the Russian invasion and war, UNESCO has announced, the Associated Press reported, cited by BTA.

According to UNESCO estimates, the country’s related cultural and tourism sectors have lost more than US$19 billion in revenue since the war began two years ago. The UN agency said the fighting damaged 341 cultural sites across Ukraine and caused $3.5 billion in damage, including in the capital Kyiv and the cities of Lviv in the west and Odesa in the south.

“Odessa Cathedral is an example of such a site that has been seriously damaged,” said Chiara Deci Bardeschi, who heads UNESCO’s office in Ukraine. “It is a symbol of the whole community…with deep spiritual and historical significance”.

In July 2023, UNESCO strongly condemned the “brazen attack by Russian forces” on historic buildings in the center of Odessa, designated last year by the UN agency as an endangered world heritage site. The attack killed at least two people and damaged several sites, including the late 18th-century Savior and Transfiguration Cathedral, which is the city’s main Orthodox church.

Its original construction was destroyed in 1936, the temple was rebuilt in 1999-2003.

UNESCO said the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage sites, including religious buildings and artefacts, could be considered a war crime.

The International Criminal Court brought charges of war crimes, including targeted attacks on historic religious monuments and buildings, in a case involving Mali in 2015.

In Ukraine, 1,711 objects of cultural infrastructure were damaged or destroyed as a result of Russian aggression, Ukrinform reported in November 2023.

The cultural infrastructure suffered the greatest losses and damages in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Luhansk, Zaporozhye regions and the city of Kyiv, reports the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.

The largest group of cultural objects that suffered damage or were destroyed were club facilities, which made up 49% of the total number of cultural infrastructure objects that suffered damage.

A total of 844 clubs, 603 libraries, 133 art schools, 100 museums and galleries, 31 theater buildings, cinemas and philharmonic halls were damaged or destroyed.

Objects of cultural infrastructure are affected in 262 territorial communities (17.8% of the total number of territorial communities), in particular in the regions of Donetsk (83%), Sumy (53%), Kharkiv (52%), Chernihiv (46% ), Kherson (43%), Luhansk (42%), Mykolaiv (42%), Zaporizhia (36%), Kyiv (26%), Dnipropetrovsk (19%), Zhytomyr (12%), Odessa (8%), Khmelnytskyi (8%), Cherkasy (5%), Lviv (4%), Vinnytsia (3%), Zakarpattia (2%), Poltava (2%) and in the capital Kyiv itself.

The Ministry notes that as of the end of October 2023, almost the entire territory of Luhansk Oblast and significant parts of the territories of Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Donetsk Oblasts remain temporarily occupied by the Russians. This makes it impossible to calculate the exact number of cultural infrastructure objects affected.

Illustrative Photo: Old Odessa, postcard

Do you know why sea water is salty?

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30 July 2024

Seawater is salty because it contains a high concentration of dissolved mineral salts deposited in the rivers that flow into the oceans and seas. To be more precise, 1 liter of water contains about 35 g of salt. These mineral salts are the result of the erosion of rocks deposited in the sea over the years, causing it to reach a certain salinity index. This theory was introduced by the English scientist Edmund Halley.

The process begins when the carbonic acid present in rainwater comes into contact with the rocks. This chemical compound, which results from the mixing of carbon dioxide in the air with water, has the ability to corrode the rocks on which it falls. The resulting ions are deposited in rivers and later end up in seas and oceans, producing their characteristic salinity.

In addition to this deposition of eroded rock, other secondary phenomena contribute to seawater salinity: water evaporation, volcanic eruptions, ice melting, and hydrothermal vents.

What is the chemical composition of salt in seawater?

Seawater salt contains more than 80 of the 118 elements of the periodic table, making it an excellent mineral source for the human body. In it you can find:

* chlorine, sodium, magnesium, potassium, bromine, calcium, boron, strontium and fluorine

* trace elements such as iron, manganese, copper, iodine, silicon and phosphorus

* zooplankton and phytoplankton.

Are all seas equally salty?

The degree of salinity of the sea depends on its latitude. In colder areas such as the Arctic Ocean, the salt concentration is lower compared to tropical areas such as the Caribbean Sea, where the salt concentration is higher. This is due to the evaporation of water by solar energy.

Similarly, in areas where it rains frequently, the salinity level is low, as is the case in the Baltic Sea. There we may find areas where the composition is only 0.6% salinity. On the other hand, areas with lower water flow may have higher salinity, as is the case in the Red Sea.

What is the salinity of the Dead Sea?

Despite its name, the Dead Sea is not a sea, but an inland lake, as it has no coastline. Its salinity level is 35%. That is why it is called the sea. It is located on the border between Jordan and Israel and is the fifth saltiest body of water in the world with a depth of over 300 meters.

Is it possible to desalinate seawater?

Desalination is the process of making potable water from salt water. The main purpose of seawater desalination is to meet the needs of this resource for the population that does not have easy access to fresh water. While two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is water, only 1% is suitable for human consumption. This is why the desalination process is necessary to secure this vital resource.

The reverse osmosis method is the most widely used in the world to reduce salt levels in water. This is done by pressurizing salt water to trap the dissolved salt particles in a semi-permeable membrane.

There are other methods, including:

* freezing, where water freezes and pulverizes to form ice crystals on brine, which are then separated to produce fresh water

* distillation, where water is heated to the point of evaporation and then condensed to extract fresh water

* instantaneous evaporation, in which water enters a chamber as droplets, the saturation pressure of which is low; they turn into steam that condenses to produce desalinated water.

Illustrative Photo by Asad Photo Maldives: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bird-s-eye-view-of-sea-water-1456291/

Navy Day Parade in St. Petersburg Visible from Space

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30 July 2024