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Meeting in Turkey for safe trade in Ukrainian grain, new Western financial aid

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EuropeanTimes
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Grain talks: a “confidential” meeting

Military experts from Ukraine, Russia and Turkey are discussing the possibility of exporting grain from Ukrainian ports under a Russian blockade in Istanbul on Wednesday. The Turkish defence ministry said it would keep the talks “confidential”, telling AFP that they would be held behind closed doors and in the presence of a UN delegation.

Neither the place nor the time of the meeting was made public by the ministry but the Russian delegation reached Istanbul late this morning and, according to the Russian agency Ria Novosti, the talks will start at 11am GMT. A press statement will be issued at the end of the meeting, according to the same source.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Russian and Ukrainian delegates are meeting in Istanbul to prevent a reduction in grain supplies from causing fatal price hikes in some countries.

The dialogue, which will include UN representatives, will be the second in a few weeks. The aim is to prevent a reduction in the supply of cereals such as wheat from causing a price increase that would be fatal for some countries.

“Military delegations from Turkey, Russia and Ukraine and a UN delegation will hold talks in Istanbul tomorrow on the safe transit of grain stored in Ukrainian ports to international markets by sea,” Akar said. The minister did not elaborate on the agenda of the meeting. It is understood to be a continuation of negotiations that Russian delegates held with Turkish military representatives in Moscow on 21 June.

Turkey, which after the invasion did not sever ties with Russia but continued to export combat drones to Ukraine, has sought to mediate between the two warring countries. In early June, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavusoglu received his Russian counterpart in Ankara to discuss a UN plan to export at least 25 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea. The Turks described the UN proposal as ‘reasonable’.

Following that meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov favoured some kind of measure, although he put forward conditions that Ukraine rejects: inspecting the cargo of cargo ships leaving Ukraine. Further, Lavrov accused Kiev of hiding behind the export problem in order to import arms across the sea, and of having hindered its own exports by mining the area around the port of Odessa.

Since then, as reflected in the newly announced meeting, talks are understood to have been held at a technical level to create a mechanism for grain exports. According to some reports referring to drafts of the proposed plan, Turkish frigates would provide security for Ukrainian vessels along part of the route. In addition, Russians and Turks would work on demining the Black Sea waters.

Ukraine, for its part, has demanded “effective security guarantees”. The Ukrainians are not happy with Turkey, after last week a Russian cargo ship allegedly detained in a Turkish port and said by Kiev to be carrying plundered grain proceeded unhindered. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned the Turkish ambassador to the Ukrainian capital to ask for an explanation. Contrary to the Ukrainian version, Turkey denies having received stolen grain.

Since the beginning of the invasion, Ukrainian grain exports, vital for many countries in North Africa and the Middle East, have fallen to minimal levels. To make matters worse, with the arrival of summer and new harvests, Ukraine is faced with the problem of storing cereals and sunflower products that it cannot export. Its silos are full. At the same time, Ukraine is unable to access goods harvested in areas occupied by Russia.

Western financial aid

In this context, the United States announced on Tuesday that it would pay an additional $1.7 billion in aid to Ukraine.

This will bring the total amount paid by the Americans to the Ukrainians since the outbreak of the war to four billion.

The new contribution is part of the $7.5 billion pledged to Kiev by US President Joe Biden in May.

In Brussels, EU finance ministers gave the green light for the payment of €1 billion to Ukraine, bringing the total financial assistance from the EU-27 to the country to €2.2 billion since the start of the Russian invasion on 24 February.

CEC’s work on human rights presented in London

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News desk
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CEC’s work on human rights presented in London

CEC’s work on human rights and the project Safer and Stronger Communities in Europe (SASCE) was presented at a House of Lords event hosted by Lord John Alderdice in London. The event held on 6 July launched the UNESCO Inclusion, Rights and Dialogue Section Youth Academy for Transformative Leadership.

CEC Executive Secretary Dr Elizabeta Kitanovic contributed to the discussion, sharing about CEC’s work for human rights, including CEC Summer School on Human Rights.

Kitanovic shared how the SASCE project is developing training on security protection of the worship places. “This is a first European project where interreligious dialogue was transformed into an interfaith cooperation to protect worship places and religious communities,” she said.

She shared that SASCE is raising awareness about issues of security and safety of the worship places in 14 European countries, and is bringing religious communities together. It is strengthening interreligious cooperation on daily basis by giving an example to young people to work together for the protection of dignity, integrity and identity of religious communities in Europe.

The UNESCO initiative encourages meaningful youth engagement in collective healing, human rights, peace and justice issues. This initiative gained support from various stakeholders including Guerrand-Hermès Foundation for Peace, Global Humanity for Peace Institute at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, KAICIID Dialogue Centre, Fetzer Institute, Pontifical Foundation Scholas Occurentes, Fratelli Tutti Political School, and other institutions.

At the event, Lord Alderdice joined by Anna Maria Majlof, chief of UNESCO Rights, Inclusion and Dialogue Section, in speaking about dialogue on the importance of learning to engage with diverse cultures, religions [with room for improvement in CEC], and traditional practices. It was stressed that such projects should be valued and systematically included in schooling, higher education, or young leadership programmes.

Cardinal Hollerich to preside over the beatification of Philipp Jeningen SJ

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COMECE
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Cardinal Hollerich to preside over the beatification of Philipp Jeningen SJ
COMECE President Cardinal Hollerich will preside over the beatification Mass of Philipp Jeningen SJ on Saturday 16 July 2022 in the city of Ellwangen, Germany.

A painting of Fr. Philipp Jeningen sj (Credit: Noticias Jesuitas Pe)

H. Em. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, Archbishop of Luxembourg and President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), will preside over the beatification celebration of Father Johann Philipp Jeningen SJ (1642-1704), who served as popular missionary at the shrine of Our Lady of Schönenberg.

The veneration for the “good Father Philip” is still strong in the region today. Fr. Jeningen was born in Eichstätt and entered the Society of Jesus at the age of 21. In the years after the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), the Jesuit cared for peasants, administered sacraments and cultivated an ascetic lifestyle.

H.E. Mgr. Gebhard Fürst, Bishop of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, and H. E. Mgr. Nikola Eterović, Apostolic Nuncio to Germany, will also concelebrate the beatification Mass, which will take place on Saturday 16 July 2022 in the city of Ellwangen, Germany.

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(kna – cs)

Catalan Government promotes agreement “Religions for the language”

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Newsdesk
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Representatives of the main religions in Catalonia, signing government agreement to promote Catalan language

Catalonian Government promotes the Catalan language in the religious field through an agreement with the different denominations.

ACN/TET – Barcelona – The Government signed an agreement on Tuesday with the main religious denominations in Catalonia to promote Catalan. The Catholic and Orthodox Church and the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Scientology and Sikh communities of Catalonia, as well as other religious groups, have committed themselves to promoting the social use of Catalan in the liturgical field, to introduce it to those communities, where it is almost not yet present, to increase it where it is incipient, and to strengthen it in its daily activities.

To formalize the agreement and talk about its implementation, the President of the Generalitat (the Catalonian Government), Pere Aragonès, and the Minister of Justice, Lourdes Ciuró, met this afternoon with representatives of the 17 main denominations in Catalonia.

The initiative is part of the Plan for the promotion of the Catalan language in the field of religious communities, promoted by the General Directorate of Religious Affairs, which depends on the Department of Justice. The agreement reached with the religious denominations and which has been reflected in a document signed by its main representatives has been called ‘Religions for the language’ [Religions per la llengua].

The document, signed by Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Scientologists, Sikhs, Protestants, Buddhists and others, claims that most of the world’s religious traditions are present in Catalonia and that Catalan culture has never been detached from the spiritual dimension of its citizens.

“Throughout history, various religious groups have shown what it is like to live in the Catalan language from any belief, practice or position,” says the text.

Making Catalan a “language of prayer“

At the end of the meeting, the Minister of Justice, Lourdes Ciuró, asked the representatives to make an effort to include Catalan in their liturgical practices: “Some of you have stated that in your communities there are people of different nationalities and which is why they use Spanish as a meeting language. It would be good if this also happened with the Catalan language because in this way we make the language of the country also a language of prayer, a language that is used in the world of the interior. ”

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Lourdes Ciuró I Buidó, Catalan Minister of Justice

“In the same way that we must be able to express ourselves in Catalan before a judge to obtain the best possible sentence, we must also be able to pray in Catalan, we profess the religion we profess,” added Ciuró. “We will put as many resources as we can,” the head of justice concluded. Among the different projects, the Church of Scientology for example, has committed itself to translate into Catalan all their different ceremonies, from weddings to funerals, ordinations of ministers, naming ceremonies, and sermons, to add to the already translated Creed of the Church and the Prayer for Total Freedom, these laters having been presented in an event last February that was attended by the Catalan Director of Religious Affairs.

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Pere Aragonès i Garcia, President of the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat)

Aragonès, for his part, thanked the religious representatives for their commitment and claimed that the diversity of Catalonia is an asset that must contribute to progress. “This country has historically been plural. And that value, today, should help us move forward. “

“In Catalonia we have had to fight hard for the language. If we followed the parameters of the history books, surely Catalan would have disappeared. And if he hasn’t he has been because of the perseverance of his people. That is why today I thank them for joining this commitment “, said the President of the Generalitat.

Aragonès closed the event by telling those present to consider the Generalitat as his home and invited them to meet with him once a year.

The Italian EVO-K EVO-lution: EVO-K is back with a LP album and a hot world tour

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News desk
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The Italian EVO-K EVO-lution: EVO-K is back with a LP album and a hot world tour
Dj EVO-K
Dj EVO-K
EVO-K
EVO-K
DJane EVO-K
DJane EVO-K

DJane EVO-K is redefining the performance space in which she thrives: a multi-dimensional live set leading EDM music lovers to a whole new horizon.

Your Next Flight Into Music”
— EVO-K

RIVA DEL GARDA, TRENTO, ITALY, July 12, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — Emerging from the pandemic like a supernova exploding onto the global stage, DJ Producer EVO-K is redefining the performance space in which she thrives.
Surviving the international lockdown by immersing herself in the studio, the Italian DJ focused on her music and how she would re-engage with her fans around the world. That period of self-discovery and a deep dive into technology allowed her to develop a one-woman show that is unquestionably unique, powerful and ultimately intoxicating.A multi-talented creative who realised that the EDM scene would need an upgrade to the stereo-typical DJ sets that were offered pre-pandemic, EVO-K wanted her performances to differentiate themselves from the new normal.
She wanted it to be a revolution that drove crowds to the edge of ecstasy and beyond.

Now a multi-dimensional solo act incorporating singing, drums, percussion, synthesizers and guitars plus manipulating audio in real time directly from the stage, EVO-K has created a completely new immersive experience for her loyal followers.
Infectious blends of big beats, heavy synths, quirky bass-driven melodies, touched with anthemic vocals, EVO-K’s trademark WALL OF SOUND is unmistakable as she throws down in 2022 under the ‘Live 2.0’ brand.

Already having played in Asia, The United States, Africa and Europe alongside artists such as Afrojack, Hardwell, Tujamo, Headhunterz, Dannic, Gregor Salto, Moti, Dyro, Dvbbs, Aly & Fila and many more, there is no doubt that she understands how to set the dancefloor on fire.
It was hardly surprising then that she was appointed as the only Italian DJ ambassador for RELOOP DJs (Germany) together with Carl Cox, Oliver Koletzki and Phil Fuldner.

That brilliant live presence is now backed by a whole host of tracks that are about to emerge from the EVO-K vault.
Building on her already successful production career with twelve releases that are about to flip the switch on the EDM scene, EVO-K’s sound has transformed into arguably one the most addictive grooves around today.
The legacy of her hands in the air experience is still there, but now her music has climbed to the next level with an extraordinary intuitive understanding of what makes a great track.

As the Northern hemisphere summer beckons, EVO-K will lead festival and club goers to a whole new horizon and towards a world only she can imagine. Her music and ‘Live 2.0’ will be the platform that will set the standard that the entire industry will be judged by.

Join her on her journey as she echoes the future and be part of the EVO-lution!

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p class=”contact c5″ dir=”auto”>Caroline Benvenuti
UnionSound
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Syria: Security Council extends cross-border aid delivery for six months

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EuropeanTimes
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Syria: Security Council extends cross-border aid delivery for six months
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe - UN Security Council meets on the Situation in Syria.

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution to extend lifesaving aid deliveries into northwest Syria from Türkiye for a further six months following a vote on Tuesday. 

Ireland and Norway put forward the resolution, which renews humanitarian deliveries through the Bab-al Hawa border crossing through January and calls for an additional six-month extension which will require another separate resolution. 

Twelve countries voted in favour, while France, the United Kingdom, and the United States voted against. There were no abstentions. 

Record-level needs 

Humanitarian needs in Syria are at their highest levels since the start of the conflict more than a decade ago.   

The cross-border mechanism has been in place since 2014, and the most recent authorization, from July 2021, expired on Sunday. 

Last month, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed to the Council to renew the cross-border operations for 12 months, stressing the “moral imperative” of addressing the suffering of more than four million people in the region. 

‘A difficult negotiation’ 

The extension comes after ambassadors rejected two competing resolutions on Friday. 

The first draft, put forward by Ireland and Norway, was vetoed by Russia.  The second, presented by Russia, was only supported by the country and China. 

“It’s no secret that this has been a difficult negotiation”, said Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s vote. 

“We recognize that a six-month renewal is shorter than we as penholders aimed for when we started this negotiation. We recognize also that the vast majority of the Council shared that view, and the view of humanitarian actors on the ground, that a 12-month mandate was needed.” 

Resolution 2642 keeps the cross-border mechanism open, said Norway’s Ambassador, Mona Juul, speaking after its adoption.  

“For those in humanitarian need in northwest Syria who have been in an uncertain situation with the negotiations running into overtime, we can assure them – and that’s what matters. The cross-border operation is their lifeline and today, the cross-border operation remains,” she said. 

In north-west Syria, 1.7 million displaced people live in 1,414 camps across Idleb and northern Aleppo.
UNOCHA/Ahmad Alito – In north-west Syria, 1.7 million displaced people live in 1,414 camps across Idleb and northern Aleppo.

A “precarious renewal’ 

Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière of France commended the efforts by Ireland and Norway towards reaching a compromise.  Yet his country opted not to support “this precarious renewal” as the six months will expire during the winter, when aid is most needed, and without firm guarantees of continuation. 

“The call by the Secretary-General and the whole of the humanitarian community to renew this mechanism for 12 months was clear, and ignored,” he said. 

Barbara Woodward, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador, recalled the immense humanitarian needs in Syria. Of the 4.1 million people in the northwest who require aid, 2.4 million are reliant solely on the cross-border mechanism. 

She warned that without the confidence of at least 12 months, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations risk being caught in a perpetual cycle of pre-positioning and contingency planning.  

“The UK will continue to support the UN’s efforts to deliver its humanitarian response plan, but we will not consider providing any reconstruction assistance without a credible, substantive and genuine political process firmly underway,” she told the Council. 

Accelerate crossline delivery 

Ambassador Dai Bing of China welcomed the resolution, noting that it is normal for Council members to hold differing views, and that at times these divergences “may be sharp”. 

He underlined that humanitarian assistance to Syria must respect the nation’s sovereignty and the ownership of the Syrian Government of the process. 

“Crossline delivery should become the main channel for humanitarian assistance to Syria,” said Mr. Dai, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative at the UN.  

“Cross-border delivery is a temporary arrangement made under specific circumstances. It is necessary to speed up the transition to crossline relief and establish a clear timetable for eventual determination of cross-border relief.” 

Russia will continue to monitor progress in implementing the resolution in efforts to decide the ultimate fate of the cross-border mechanism, Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky told the Council. 

“We’re convinced that it is only through candid and substantive dialogue on the issues in the Syrian humanitarian track whilst involving all of the interested parties, we will be able to in six months’ time come up with a well-considered decision,” he said. 

Mr. Polyansky added that the Council must now work on many important areas, including increasing delivery of crossline aid in all regions of Syria, and lifting unilateral sanctions against the country in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

For Ambassador Richard Mills of the United States, the vote revealed what happens “when one Council member takes the entire Security Council hostage.”  

The resolution has resulted in a scaling down of humanitarian aid, which will only hurt the Syrian people, he said. 

“Some of the recent dire needs in Syria are a direct result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the shocks that brutal invasion has caused to food systems in Syria and around the world. And the simple truth is Russia does not care,” said Mr. Mills, his country’s Deputy Permanent Representative.  

“Russia is so brazen in its disregard for Syrian lives that it has not even bothered trying to justify its stance on a humanitarian basis. This is an immoral and cynical approach to humanitarian needs.” 

EU citizens trust traditional media most

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European Parliament
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EU citizens trust traditional media most
Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

EU citizens trust traditional media most, new Eurobarometer survey finds. Overall, public TV and radio stations are the most trusted news source in the EU (49%), followed by written press (39%) and private TV and radio stations (27%)

Media play a major role in informing European citizens on the activities of the European Union and its institutions.

A dedicated Eurobarometer survey published today takes an in-depth look at media habits, trust in different media sources as well as attitudes towards the threat of disinformation.

Awareness and media recall

While national political topics interest citizens most (selected by 50% of respondents), European and international affairs (46%) is closely behind, on a par with local news (47%).

72% of respondents recall having recently read, seen or heard about the European Union, either in the press, on the Internet, television or radio. 57% have recently read, seen or heard something about the European Parliament.

Recall on EU news ranges between 57% in France and 90% in Romania, for news on the EP recall varies between 39% in France and 85% in Malta.

Media habits

With 75%, television dominates as the primary news source, particularly for citizens over 55 years old. Next and quite distant are online news platforms (43%), radio (39%), and social media platforms and blogs (26%). The written press comes in fifth place with one out of five respondents (21%) citing newspapers and magazines as their primary news source. Younger respondents on the other hand are much more likely to use social media platforms and blogs to access news (46% of 15-24 year-olds vs 15% of 55+ year-olds).

Although traditional news sources – particularly television – are important, 88% of respondents get at least some news online via their smartphone, computer or laptop. 43% of respondents use the website of the news source (e.g. website of a newspaper) to access news online, and 31% read articles or posts that appear in their online social networks. Accessing news posts via their online social networks is even more important to young people, (43% of 15-24 year-olds vs 24% of 55+ respondents).

Paying for online news content is still rather the exception, as 70% of those who access news online would use only free news content or news services online.

Most trusted media sources

Citizens trust traditional broadcast and print media, including their online presence, more than online news platforms and social media channels. Whether it is via their ‘native channel’ or their online presence, 49% of respondents expect public TV and radio stations to give them truthful news, followed by the written press, selected by 39%. On the other hand, private TV and radio stations are cited by 27% as a trusted media source. Poland stands out as the only country where private TV and radio stations are the most trusted news source. In an even more radical shift away from traditional news sources in general, respondents in Hungary mention “people, groups or friends followed on social media” as their most trusted news source.

The importance of trust also resonates when respondents were asked what would make them likely to open a news article online. While 54% are motivated by the title being relevant to their interests, 37% say that it is important they trust the news outlet posting the news article.

Exposure to disinformation and fake news

Over a quarter of respondents (28%) think that, in the past seven days, they have very often or often been exposed to disinformation and fake news. Respondents in Bulgaria are overall the most likely to reply that they have often been exposed to disinformation and fake news in the past seven days, with 55% estimating they have been ‘very often’ or ‘often’ exposed, while respondents in the Netherlands are the least likely to say so (3% ‘very often’ and 9% ‘often’ responses).

A majority of respondents feel confident they can recognise disinformation and fake news: 12% feel ‘very confident’ and 52% ‘somewhat confident’. The level of confidence in distinguishing between real news and fake news decreases with age and increases with level of education.

Background

Citizens’ perceptions of the European Union and the European Parliament are influenced by what they see, hear and read in various media. This Flash Eurobarometer presents an in-depth look at citizens’ media use and media habits, looking at both traditional media and online media. Ipsos European Public Affairs interviewed a representative sample of EU citizens, aged 15 years and over, in each of the 27 Member States of the European Union. Between 26 April and 11 May 2022, 53 347 interviews were completed via computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI), using Ipsos online panels and their partner network.

The EU results are weighted according to the size of the population in each country.

Data and the full report can be found here.

PREMIERE: Italy on Freedom of Religion: “not only a moral or legal obligation”

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Message from Italy’s Director General for Political and Security Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Pasquale Ferrara on 5th July 2022 to the International Ministerial on Freedom of Religion or Belief hosted by the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom.

Ferrara stressed that:

[FoRB] not only a moral or legal obligation itself, but also a precondition to build resilient and inclusive societies based on the principle of mutual recognition and human fraternity

Watch the full video below

Full message (original transcript by The European Times):

Dear friends, my name is Pasquale Ferrara.

I’m the Political Director at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and first of all, let me express our deepest appreciation for the United Kingdom’s efforts devoted not only to the organization of this event but for the strong commitment and leadership to promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief worldwide.

Italy is and will continue to be at the forefront of the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, starting with the very concrete work in the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee, and the United Nations Human Rights Council, including through the mechanisms of the Universal Periodic Review.

In line with this commitment in 2019, Italy strongly supported the establishment of the International Day, commemorating the victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief.

And in January this year, the resolution on Holocaust denial presented in the United Nations General Assembly by Israel.

Religions as well as religious leaders, and also, and I would say above all, religious communities can be a powerful instrument of peace, mutual knowledge and understanding.

To this aim, inter-religious engagement is an essential tool to build inclusive and sustainable societies.

This is why Italy has organized a number of initiatives to advance the international dialogue on inter-religious issues, with a specific focus on topics that are at the heart of the global agenda, including the G20 Interfaith Forum last September in Bologna, and the meeting of scientists and religious leaders jointly organized with UK and the Holy See in Rome ahead of COP26.

During its presidency of the Committee of the Minister of the Council of Europe, Italy convened on May 2nd this year, an international conference on inter-religious dialogue and on religion, peace and human rights.

Italy also provides humanitarian assistance to religious communities in situations in particular, of particular vulnerability.

And we set up a fund to support Christian groups, especially in the Middle East, to affirm their rights and exercise in full their entitlements as citizens of their own countries.

We are currently funding projects in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine to further strengthen Italy’s impact in advancing Freedom of Religion or Belief worldwide, and intensify our engagement with faith-based actors on issues of common concern, a Special Envoy for the Protection of Religious Freedom and for Inter-religious Dialogue has recently been appointed.

So I am pleased to confirm that Italy will continue to devote the maximum effort to promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief, as well as to protect the rights of all persons belonging to religious communities in difficult contexts.

This is not only a moral or legal obligation itself, but also a precondition to build resilient and inclusive societies based on the principle of mutual recognition and human fraternity.

Thank you for your kind attention.

MEPs want to better protect the consumers applying for loans online

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European Parliament
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MEPs want better to protect the consumers applying for loans online

The new EU rules aim to protect the consumers applying for loans online or credit card debt, overdrafts and loans that are unsuitable for their financial situation.

In a text adopted by the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, with 42 votes in favour, 1 against and 1 abstentions, MEPs say that legislation should cover credit agreements of up to €150,000, with the actual upper limit to be determined by the relevant national authorities based on the particular economic situation in a member state. Member states will be also able to exclude small value loans of up to €200, loans granted interest-free and without other charges, or loans that have to be repaid within three months and with minor charges.

Creditworthiness assessment

MEPs introduced further requirements to assess the creditworthiness of people taking out a loan before it is granted, including requiring information on a consumer’s current obligations or cost of living expenses. In order to assess the creditworthiness of consumers with little or no credit history, other information can be taken into consideration, such as from non-banking lenders, telecommunication providers and utilities.

However, data from social media and health data should not be taken into account and the right to be forgotten should be respected.

MEPs also agreed that The European Banking Authority (EBA) should develop guidelines detailing how creditors and providers of crowdfunding credit services perform this creditworthiness assessment.

Clear consumer information

Consumers should always obtain standard information so they can compare different offers, and understand the legal and financial consequences of loans and credit costs. The information should be shown upfront and in a clear way. Consumers should be able to see all essential information at a glance, even on their phone.

They should also be reminded that they have the right to withdraw from the credit agreement or the agreement for the provision of crowdfunding credit services without giving any reason within a period of 14 calendar days.

Consumer protection

MEPs stressed that credit advertising should contain, in all cases, a clear and prominent warning that borrowing money costs money, and that it should not incite over-indebted consumers to seek credit or suggest that success or social achievement can be acquired thanks to credit agreements.

As overdraft facilities and credit overrunning are increasingly common forms of consumer credit, MEPs want to regulate these financial products in order to increase the level of consumer protection and avoid over-indebtedness.

Next steps

Parliament negotiators are ready for talks with the Council and the Commission on the final shape of the rules, following plenary’s green light.

Rural Households in Afghanistan Remain Resilient

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Newsdesk
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Rural Households in Afghanistan Remain Resilient
© ONUDC - Abdul Rahman and his sons are selling dairy products.

Rural Households in Afghanistan Remain Resilient thanks to Alternative Development Programme

Households in Panjshir, a mountainous province in central Afghanistan, often struggle to make ends meet. Traditional occupations, such as farming and livestock raising, don’t always provide sufficient income, causing youths and other labourers to migrate to the south and northeast of Afghanistan to work for poppy farmers.

Low-income communities like those in Panjshir are indeed vulnerable to starting or contributing to illicit, drug-crop cultivation. By providing sustainable livelihood options, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s Alternative Development (AD) programme aims to prevent these communities – who may be unable to obtain sufficient income from legal activities due to lack of markets, conflict, marginal land, and absence of basic infrastructure – from turning to illicit drug production.

The situation in Panjshir began evolving after the introduction of an AD programme, when many households began reaping the benefits of having their home-grown and homemade products linked to local markets.

Abdul Rahman, who used to own a small milk booth selling butter, milk, and more, is one such beneficiary of the AD program. In 2019, UNODC helped establish a Milk Collection Centre (MCC), which links milk farmers with milk processors and markets, in his neighbourhood.

Through the AD programme, Rahman received dairy processing equipment – including refrigeration, processing instruments to produce cheese, and tools to test if milk has spoiled. He also received training on milk processing on how to manage the MCC, as well as access to markets.

As a result, Rahman upgraded his small milk booth to a bigger shop where he now sells several kinds of dairy products and eggs. With a motorbike provided by the programme, he is able to collect and transport products directly from the doorsteps of the local poultry and dairy entrepreneurs on a daily basis.

“On average, I can process 2,000 litres of milk; 420 kg of cheese; 420 kg of yogurts, 170 kg of clarified butter, and 170 kg milk cream per month,” Rahman said.  “With this amount, I earn around AFN 35,000 per month, which is twice the amount I earned from my milk booth.”

Abdul Rahman is not the only one who has prospered from this arrangement. Many local entrepreneurs, who previously did not have a sustainable market at which to sell milk and eggs, have growing businesses now that they have a guaranteed buyer in Rahman. He, in turn, can provide his customers with high quality and diverse dairy, as well as other homemade products.

The women entrepreneurs of Panjshir province have particularly benefited from this intervention. The thriving MCC in their neighbourhood allows them to sell eggs and milk to a reliable buyer. As a result, they are able to contribute to their household expenses to improve their own socio-economic circumstances.

When the AD Programme was phased out in 2020, beneficiaries continued to utilize the knowledge and training they had received to manage and earn from their enterprises.  When the political situation in Afghanistan changed in August 2021, for example, communities across the country were impacted both socially and economically. While the situation became difficult for Abdul Rahman and his community, the MCC continues to be a source of income and nutrition. The skills acquired from the project allowed Abdul Rahman not only to support his household but also those of his suppliers, from whom he continues to buy milk and eggs, even during leaner times.

Each MCC has the capacity to process 500 litres of milk per day and 15,000 litres per month, which converts to around AFN 40,000 net incomes. The UNODC AD Program has established 17 such district-level MCCs in the central region, all of which continue to stay resilient and sustainable during this conflicted time in the country.

And with the recent decree announcing an opium ban by the de facto authorities, the AD food security program is needed more than ever before.

Further information

UNODC’s alternative development approach is based on the idea that illicit drug supply can only be reduced successfully by addressing illicit drug crop cultivation through poverty reduction within a framework of sustainable development. Learn more here.

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