Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the official dinner of Banka Slovenije in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, 16 October 2024
It is a pleasure to be here this evening.
Not far from here, tucked away in the National and University Library, lie copies of the Abecedarium and the Catechism. These two texts, written by the religious reformer Primož Trubar in 1550, were the first ever books to be printed in Slovenian.[1]
At a time when German was the language of the ruling classes, Trubar’s pioneering act was fundamental in helping to establish the national identity of Slovenians.[2]
Today, his portrait graces the €1 coin in Slovenia, framed by the famous words found in the Catechism, “Stati inu Obstati” – “to stand and withstand”.[3]
It is telling that both books – one a primer for the Slovenian language, the other guidelines for religious observance – were designed to teach, for there is much that Europe can learn from Slovenia in the uncertain world we now face.
The global order we knew is fading. Open trade is being replaced with fragmented trade, multilateral rules with state-sponsored competition and stable geopolitics with conflict.
Europe had invested considerably in the old order, so this transition is challenging for us. As the most open of the major economies, we are more exposed than others.
So, in this new landscape, we too must learn “to stand and withstand”. And we can do so by drawing on two valuable lessons from Ljubljana.
Opportunity in times of uncertainty
The first lesson is that uncertainty can create opportunity.
While many in Europe are anxious about the future, Slovenians are no strangers to uncertainty.
Within a single generation, Slovenia made a success of the extraordinarily difficult transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Policymakers defied the odds by implementing tough structural reforms to first join the EU and, later, the euro area.
Today, Slovenia is a success story. It is a developed, stable and high-income economy, with the highest GDP per capita at purchasing power parity of central and eastern European countries (CEECs).
The nation’s success owes much to the creativity and vigour of its people and their innate ability to seize economic turning points and transform them into opportunities.
For example, when Slovenia joined the EU, it was exposed to greater levels of competition from other Member States in the economic bloc.
But Slovenia quickly capitalised on its skilled workforce to develop a new business model based on deep integration in the Single Market. Today, every single car produced in Europe has at least one component that is made in Slovenia.[4]
For Europe, the changes in the global economy today represent a similar turning point. But if we approach it with the right spirit, I believe it can be an opportunity for renewal.
A less favourable global economy can push us to complete our domestic market. Fiercer foreign competition can encourage us to develop new technologies. More volatile geopolitics can drive us to become more energy secure and self-sufficient in our supply chains.
For Slovenia, the transformation of the automotive supply chain will be a particular challenge. But the economy is already adapting. For example, in July this year Slovenia secured a major investment in domestic electric vehicle production.[5]
For many Slovenians, striding into an unpredictable future may seem like second nature.
One of your most famous paintings, “The Sower”, hangs on display here at the National Gallery. Depicting an agricultural labourer at the crack of dawn hard at work sowing seeds in a field, the painting represents Slovenians’ resolute determination in the face of uncertainty.
The rest of us in Europe will need to draw on this example in the uncertain times ahead. If we do so, we can also turn uncertainty into opportunity.
The importance of sharing the benefits of change
The second lesson from Slovenia is that the benefits of change can – and should – be more widely shared.
The path of renewal for Europe is inescapably linked with new technology, especially digitalisation. But new technologies can sometimes lead to uneven labour market outcomes.
Slovenia has undergone remarkable technological change over the past 20 years. Today, the country’s level of digital development is 7% above the CEEC average and it can compete with some of the most digitally developed EU countries in certain areas.[6]
Yet Slovenia’s Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality – is the second lowest in the OECD.[7] The country also benefits from high levels of gender equality. Female labour force participation is higher than the EU average and nearly equal to that of men.[8]
Many in Europe are worried about the challenges ahead, such as the effects of artificial intelligence on social inclusion. But we should let Slovenia’s example inspire us.
With the right approach, we can move forward and become more technologically advanced while ensuring everyone can benefit from the gains.
And when everyone benefits, Europe benefits too. Over three-quarters of citizens in Slovenia feel attached to Europe, and almost two-thirds identify as both Slovenian and European – levels that are well above their respective EU averages.[9]
Conclusion
Let me conclude.
In today’s uncertain world, Europe must learn “to stand and withstand”. And it can do so by looking to Slovenia as an example of how to overcome challenges that come its way.
First, we must work hard to sow the seeds of success. And then, as the folk singer Vlado Kreslin sings, “vse se da” – “everything is possible”.
On October 16th, the Chamber of Regions convened during the 47th session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, marking a significant moment in regional governance. The assembly saw the election of Cecilia Dalman Eek from Sweden as the new President, filling a crucial vacancy in the leadership.
Dalman Eek, a prominent figure in regional politics, has been a dedicated member of the regional council of Västra Götaland. Her election to the presidency comes after her previous role as the 5th Vice-President of the Chamber of Regions, where she demonstrated her commitment to social inclusion and regional development. Additionally, she has been an active member of the Social Inclusion Committee, advocating for policies that promote equity and accessibility within local governance.
The election of Dalman Eek is seen as a pivotal step towards enhancing the representation of local and regional authorities in broader political discussions. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Chamber, focusing on collaboration and the empowerment of local communities.
As the new President, Dalman Eek will face the challenge of addressing pressing issues that affect regions across Europe, including economic recovery, climate change, and social cohesion. Her experience and dedication to public service position her well to lead the Chamber in these critical areas.
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities continues to play a vital role in shaping policies that impact local governance, and with Dalman Eek at the helm, there is optimism for a proactive and inclusive approach to regional challenges.
Addressing the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at its 47th plenary Session, Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos highlighted the most pressing challenges the Assembly and the Congress both needed to face, including democratic backsliding, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the global environmental crisis, gender inequalities, the impact of AI on democracy and human rights, and the migration crisis.
“The direct access to citizens’ concerns and expectations regarding democracy, human rights and the rule of law that you have makes your Congress a crucial local and regional dimension to governance,” he emphasised, evoking this body’s 30th anniversary.
The PACE President welcomed the Congress’s revised priorities following the Reykjavik Summit, in particular the strengthened monitoring of local democracy and respect for the rule of law. “This serves as an important element of an early warning system to signal signs of democratic erosion in our member states,” he said.
“As in any parliament, battles are fought within the Parliamentary Assembly, and in this Congress as well, but our weapons are not bullets, they are the words that combine to create arguments,” Mr Rousopoulos concluded.
KINGNEWSWIRE – The Church of Scientology of Rome hosted a conference on 4 October in its Auditorium in Via della Maglianella 375, in celebration of the national Day of Memory and Welcoming to humanise the processes of welcoming and integration under the banner of human rights.
On Friday, 4 October, the Church of Scientology in Rome hosted a conference on migration, reception and integration on the occasion of the Day of Remembrance and Welcoming, called every 3 October by law no. 45 of 2016 as a national day in Italy, to commemorate the 398 victims, migrants, following a shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea in 2013.
The conference received the partnerships of Mediatori Mediterranei, La Collina Community, the association Human Rights and Tolerance, the association Art and Culture for Human Rights, the IDOS Study Centre – Statistical Immigration Dossier, and the Confronti Study Centre and Magazine as mediapartners. In particular, IDOS granted the possibility to download the year 2023 Immigration Dossier free of charge from the website www.dossierimmigrazione.it for the duration of the conference.
The first panel was moderated by the director of the Confroni Study and Research Centre, Claudio Paravati. Dr. Beatrice Covassi, with experience in the European Union Commission, spoke and outlined three key points for the management of the phenomenon: the promotion of regular migration, the reform of the right to citizenship and interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Dr. Alessandra Morelli, former delegate of the High Commissioner for Refugees at the United Nations, called for a policy of care and faces that respects human dignity and helps reception and integration in migration management. The creation of an agency operating within the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, in conjunction with the Ministries of the Interior, Foreign Affairs, Health and Labour was his proposal for a resolution. Closing the panel was a video message by Don Mario Farci who, from a theological perspective, illustrated how migration is a structural factor of humanity, revealing its nature as a people on a journey and its relationship with God who walks with it.
In the second session, Prof. Di Sciullo. President of the IDOS Study and Research Centre, traced the historical stages that have led to the perception of the migration phenomenon as a ‘social emergency’ and highlighted how instead foreigners are a resource, producing 9% of the national Gross Domestic Product and therefore recalled the need for laws that look at the phenomenon as a resource and those who will be affected by it as people with dignity who want to live in legality.
Prof. Carlo Pilia, President of Mediatori Mediterranei, referred to some European projects and explained the lack of university courses for cultural mediators. He proposed to train our Mediterranean mediators as excellences who are ready both theoretically and practically to face the reality of migration in the places where migrants live and need to integrate.
Lastly, Prof. Martin Nkafu Professor of African Philosophy at the Lateran University and President of the Nkemnkia International Foundation, proposed replacing the term ‘migration’ with the concept of ‘human mobility’ and to work, right from schools, on educating young people to ‘world citizenship’, to the principle of ‘internationality’, creating that cultural change in a world that has now changed. Prof. Nakfu invited those present to consider that if one is born in Italy, one is certainly an Italian citizen, but also a ‘citizen of the world’. In the concluding panel, the testimonies of those on the front line of reception.
Moderated by Don Ettore Cannavera, creator and director of the La Collina Community, speakers included Dr. Lilia Adriane Azevedo, Expert in immigrant rights and human rights, owner of Casa Helena (Centre for studies and assistance to work, family and immigrants), Prof. Salameh Ashour, Imam, lecturer in Islamic culture and Arabic language, spokesperson for the Palestinian community, Dr. Felix Adado, Poet, writer of the book ‘The World’s best known book’, and Dr. Ettore Cannavera, Director of the La Collina Community. Felix Adado, Poet, Writer and Linguistic-Cultural Mediator, Dr. Daniel Sigua, Journalist and International Correspondent, founder of TCG News, the first Latin American news agency in Italy and Europe, Dr. Hassan Batal, Intercultural Mediator, Dr. Doreid Mohamad, President of the Association Sardinia Lebanon a bridge for the Mediterranean. From the audience came speeches by lawyer Angela Susanna Tosi, creator and director of the project Avvocati Cittadinanza, and Gemma Vecchio, President of Casa Africa. It was clear from their speeches that we are dealing with individuals with a dignity that if recognised as indispensable opens the door to good integration.
It became clear from the conference that one must always ask oneself why a person decides to leave his or her place of origin. There are many answers and the exact answer is key to understanding how to manage the reception and integration of each person. Another element is that migration is a structural phenomenon, not an emergency, and the cultural change that educates generations about human rights and respect for the dignity of the person must be placed at the basis of all policies, laws and regulations concerning this field of social living.
In closing, a video was shown on Article 1 of the UN Universal Declaration, which enshrines equal dignity and rights for all. It is one of 30 videos that are part of the teaching materials of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI), which aims to teach human rights to young people and inspire them to become advocates for peace. YHRI is now a worldwide movement, with hundreds of groups worldwide, supported by the Church of Scientology and inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, other religious bodies and civil society.
The Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, visited half of the EU Member States between January and June 2024, in a ‘Democracy Tour’ in preparation of the elections for the European Parliament held on 6 to 9 June 2024. She discussed key aspects of the Commission recommendation on inclusive and resilient elections with national authorities responsible for conduct and integrity of elections and with representatives of civil society.
The ‘Democracy Tour’ focused on the resilience of the informational space online, and four key areas of particular threat emerged from the discussions with stakeholders: disinformation, foreign interference, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, and cybersecurity risks.
The Memo annexed here gathers the incidents recorded during the electoral period in connection to the four threat areas, based on data available at the time of writing. It focuses exclusively on aspects related to the information space online and does not cover other aspects such as the organisation of elections or physical threats.
It is a working document prepared to support discussions in the framework of the European Cooperation Network on Elections on 11th October 2024 on the 2024 elections for the European Parliament and closing the ‘Democracy Tour’. Prepared under the authority of the Vice-President, it is offered as input to the ongoing preparatory work on the Commission’s broader post-election report, as announced in the Defence of Democracy Package issued by the Commission in December 2023.
Based on currently available information, no major information interference operation capable of disrupting the elections was recorded. At the same time, it is widely recognised that the threat levels for information integrity during elections were high, as confirmed by the activation by the European Council of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) arrangements for addressing foreign interference.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time for raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting women battling breast cancer. A group of determined women, known as Les Amazones, recently embarked on an inspiring journey in Iceland, walking “100km-au-delà” to show solidarity with those affected by this devastating disease.
Maria, the vice-president of a volunteer cancer support group based in Brussels, emphasizes the importance of regular screenings. Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 38, Maria recalls her experience: “I was on sickness leave for a year and required heavy surgery. I was the youngest person in the hospital where I was treated – the age at which you can develop cancer is dropping dramatically.” Her story serves as a reminder that early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
The European Union is committed to fighting breast cancer through its European Health Union strategy, implementing the Beating Cancer Plan to enhance prevention, treatment, and care. In 2022, new guidelines for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening were adopted, aiming to have 90% of the eligible population screened. Breast cancer alone accounts for nearly 30% of all diagnosed cancers in women across the EU, yet participation in screening varies greatly by country.
As part of a supportive community, Valentina shares her experiences with the cancer support group that became her second family. Celebrating the power of shared experiences, Valentina affirms, “Life is made easier when you share with other people. Just a nice word from a colleague can make all the difference.” The group, consisting of 200 members, provides vital support, from assisting with treatment navigation to organizing group activities like yoga and nature walks. “I was not really sporty before cancer,” Valentina admits, “but now I’m exercising every weekend.”
Valentina’s journey led her to join the Les Amazones initiative, a local program in Belgium encouraging women to engage in physical activity post-treatment. The “Amazones” walked over 100km across the stunning landscapes of Iceland, fostering community and resilience. Valentina explains the group’s name, referencing the ancient warrior women of Greek mythology who were said to have removed their right breasts to improve archery, symbolizing strength amidst adversity.
Alice, another member of the support group, recounts her own challenging path. While working in Niger during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after finishing breastfeeding her daughter. “I had just taken the last flight back to Europe for a biopsy, and unfortunately, it was positive. In Niger, women do not have the same opportunities.” She reflects on her journey with gratitude, stating, “I’m lucky I was born in Europe.”
As Pink October encourages action and awareness, the commitment from groups like Les Amazones exemplifies how community, support, and proactive measures can significantly impact the fight against breast cancer. For more information on cancer screening and support initiatives, the EU’s #GetScreenedEU campaign offers resources on cancer screening programs across member countries.
As thousands join together in solidarity, they remind us that with awareness and action, we can make a difference in the lives of many facing the challenges of breast cancer.
European Parliament from EU, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Support includes medical evacuations, mental health services, and integration into EU health programs
In a video message addressed to the Ukrainian Ministry of Health Conference, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, underscored the European Union’s steadfast commitment to support Ukraine “in all respects, and for as long as it takes.” Joined by Ukraine’s Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, Commissioner Kyriakides highlighted the extensive assistance the EU is providing to bolster Ukraine’s healthcare sector amid ongoing challenges.
Commissioner Kyriakides announced that, to date, more than 3,500 Ukrainian patients have been transferred to hospitals across the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on Ukraine‘s healthcare facilities and ensure that patients receive the necessary medical care. “Our support to Ukraine regarding the healthcare sector includes immediate needs like medical evacuation,” she stated.
Enhancing Mental Health and Psychosocial Services
Recognizing the profound psychological impact of the conflict, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of mental health support. The EU has provided financial assistance to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to aid individuals who have fled Ukraine or have been internally displaced. Efforts are also underway to strengthen access to mental health services for children, one of the most vulnerable groups affected by the crisis. “We are helping Ukraine to strengthen access to mental health services for children,” Kyriakides noted.
Rehabilitation Programs and EU Health Integration
The European Union is assisting Ukraine in improving rehabilitation services for wounded civilians and veterans. Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU4Health funding program has opened numerous opportunities for collaboration in the health sector. In June of the previous year, the EU concluded further arrangements for deeper cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. “Ukraine’s work with our European Reference Networks enabled additional financial support for the Ukrainian Hub for Rare Diseases at the Children’s Hospital in Kyiv,” the Commissioner highlighted.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Response
Commissioner Kyriakides praised Ukraine’s participation in the board of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in health emergency preparedness. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, a project has been launched to enhance Ukraine’s capacity to address chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. “Together with WHO Europe, we have launched a project to build capacity in Ukraine to address CBRN threats—an area where we must continue to work and prepare together,” she asserted.
Pathway Towards EU Integration
Affirming the European Union’s support for Ukraine’s future within the EU, Commissioner Kyriakides stressed the ongoing efforts to assist Ukrainian authorities in meeting accession requirements. “Ukraine’s alignment with EU standards will improve economic resilience, create new supply chains, and strengthen sectors such as pharmaceuticals,” she stated. The Commissioner underscored that the negotiations will require leadership, determination, and focus, with successful reforms being key to progress. “Getting reforms right will be key. Our support for Ukraine in this process is a given,” she added.
Solidarity and Shared Future
Concluding her message, Commissioner Kyriakides reaffirmed the EU’s profound commitment to supporting Ukraine. “We stand together in your fight for freedom and democracy, and we will work together towards a future of stability, resilience, and partnership,” she declared. She extended her wishes for a fruitful conference discussing the integration of Ukrainian and EU healthcare systems. “I wish you a fruitful day discussing the integration of Ukrainian and EU healthcare,” she said.
“Don’t miss a single screening – not even by a month,” says Maria, vice-president of a volunteer cancer support group in her workplace in Brussels. Maria was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 at the age of 38 through a routine check. “I was on sickness leave for a year and required heavy surgery. I was the youngest person in the hospital where I was treated – the age at which you can develop cancer is dropping dramatically.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease, provide support to women with breast cancer and to highlight how early screening can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.
The EU plays an active part in this battle to beat breast cancer. As part of its European Health Union strategy, it has put in place a Beating Cancer Plan. Through it, itis working on meaningful change in EU countries to achieve better cancer prevention, treatment, care and quality of life for all EU citizens. In 2022, new updated screening guidelines were adopted based on the latest scientific evidence for breast, colorectal and cervical cancer. The EU’s goal is to offer screening to 90% of the eligible target population across the EU.
Currently, breast cancer accounts for almost 30% of all diagnosed cancers in women in the EU. There are, however, marked differences in screening participation among countries and population groups. In 2022, the EU set up the first-ever European Cancer Inequalities Registry, to identify trends, disparities, and inequalities between and within EU countries and regions. The results feed into the EU’s future policies and investment in breast cancer treatment.
“I was on my own when I was diagnosed,” says Valentina, who is a member of Maria’s cancer support group. “The support group became like a second family to me. Life is made easier when you share with other people. Just a nice word from a colleague can make all the difference.” The group has 200 members, who have either had or have cancer or caregivers to people with cancer.
“Everyone should try to organise such a group,” says Valentina. The group provides support from advice on how to navigate “the sea of procedures” surrounding getting cancer treatment to laying on yoga classes and walks in the woods. Valentina stresses the importance of physical activity in improving energy levels following cancer treatment. “I was not really sporty before cancer,” she says with a laugh, “but now I’m exercising every weekend.”
As part of her recovery, Valentina signed up to a local scheme in Belgium which encourages women with breast cancer to engage in group physical activity to help them heal and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Valentina walked just over 100km in Iceland with a group of 10 women. “Even with a very heavy workload, I felt so energised when I found out I could take part.” The group called themselves Les Amazones. “We discovered only afterwards that the Greeks had made up an etymology, claiming it derived from a-mazos – without a breast. These fearsome women cut off their right breasts to remove an obstruction to the bowstring,” explains Valentina.
A fellow cancer support group member, Alice, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer while working in Niger. “I had just finished breast feeding my 15-month-old daughter and it was the beginning of COVID. The doctor told me to go back to Europe to get a biopsy and I took the last flight before the airport was closed for several weeks. Unfortunately, the biopsy was positive and my treatment began. In Niger, women do not have the same opportunities.” How does she feel about the experience now? “I’m lucky I was born in Europe,” she says.
The “Global South” challenges the “Global North”, Thucydides’ Trap, BRICS vs. NATO – all these phrases refer, in fact, to China’s geopolitical moves as it enters the race with the United States for hegemon position. The race is not a sprint but an endurance marathon, with many obstacles and an unspecified time limit.
We are witnessing an attempt to reshape the global order. Whereas during the Cold War, the global balance was dictated by the rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States, which controlled opposing blocs, we are now moving towards the re-emergence of a bipolar world, where the United States and China could share the leadership in a so-called “G-2”.
After the collapse of the USSR, the United States had no rivals and took on the role of undisputed global leader. By investing heavily in its military, it has secured military superiority and has managed to spread its strength to every corner of the globe. Now China is beginning to challenge American global dominance.
The Chinese Defense “White Paper” states that “China will never seek hegemony and will never pursue military expansion, now or in the future, regardless of its level of development.” However, with this denial, China has merely announced its aspirations. Being the only nation that has felt like stating that it does not aspire to global hegemony.
The US, on the other hand, has become comfortable in the position of hegemon and is no longer accustomed to dealing with independent power centers. US politicians are not used to formulating policy through multilateral consultations with other nations and this is already bothering the BRICS bloc.
Through its recent foreign policy, the US has lost some of its global influence but has managed to retain key points of control – Taiwan, Israel, Eastern Europe, Australia. Yet it has lost Africa and substantial parts of the Middle East.
China instead is on the offensive, the Belt and Road Initiative, the BRICS alliance, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the growing strategic cooperation with Russia, the internationalization of the yuan, the expansion of military power and the vigorous pursuit of scientific and technological autonomy are important steps taken by Beijing. This is seen across al fields, including quantum computing where the two powers aim to get ahead of each other.
If we stick strictly to force (military and economic), the United States leads the field. There is no other state that can project force in any area of the world and economically control more markets. The United States also leads the most powerful military alliances – NATO and AUKUS.
The Sino-US competition can be seen in many points around the globe and beyond the economic deferend can be seen diplomatic-military moves made through proxies. The best known inflection point is Taiwan, but not the hottest. At the moment, China is focusing on the Middle East, specifically the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
China is increasing its influence in the Middle East
Since becoming a net oil importer in 1993, China has procured almost half of its oil from the Middle East. By 2023, Saudi Arabia was China’s second largest oil supplier after Russia, accounting for 15% of imports. These energy ties paved the way for strong and diverse trade relations. In 2022 alone, trade between China and the Middle East topped $507 billion, doubling the 2017 figure and outpacing the growth rates of Chinese trade with other world regions.
As American influence in the Middle East has begun to wane, particularly following its withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 and, more recently, amid regional frustrations over its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, China has stepped up its diplomatic and security approaches to the region. While proceeding with caution, Beijing is steadily positioning itself to assume the US role in the Middle East.
China’s economic and political engagement in the Middle East has increased over the past decade, particularly in the wake of the Arab Spring and amid growing perceptions of US withdrawal from the region.
The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, has significantly increased China’s engagement in the region and propelled Beijing to become the leading foreign investor in the region since 2016. Initially focused on trade and energy sector investments, Beijing has broadened the scope of its regional engagement to encompass infrastructure, technologically advanced smart city projects, innovation hubs and 5G mobile networks.
As Beijing’s economic influence in the Middle East has grown, so has the recognition by regional powers of China’s strategic value. Middle Eastern leaders increasingly disillusioned with US policies – including the 2003 invasion of Iraq, support for the Arab Spring in 2011, the hasty exit from Afghanistan and withdrawal from nuclear negotiations with Iran – have turned to China.
For Gulf Cooperation Council countries[1] in particular, the relationship with China has become strategic rather than opportunistic. China’s ability and willingness to cooperate with regional actors without imposing political or human rights ideals aligns with the visions of Middle Eastern leaders. This strategic approach suggests a reorientation of regional relations and positions, with China gaining prominence as an economic partner.
China and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
China has become even more active in the Middle East since the Biden administration began increasing pressure on China in the Asia-Pacific region. This dynamic was highlighted by the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023.
Despite China’s efforts to position itself as a regional mediator, its initial response to the Hamas attack on Israel was muted. Beijing notably refrained from directly condemning Hamas for the atrocities committed on October 7, avoiding any specific mention of the organization.
Disappointment and anger arose in Israel because of China’s lack of empathy, one-sided criticism of Tel Aviv and the fact that the United States was seen as a supporter of Israeli military actions in Gaza. A significant step in the evolution of Beijing’s position took place in February 2024, when China’s representative to the International Court of Justice affirmed the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, including the use of armed struggle, signaling more explicit support for Hamas.
For Beijing, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is less about the Palestinians or the Israelis and more about its position in the region, its interests in relation to Arab countries and Iran and the Global South, and its strategic position vis-à-vis the United States.
China has no shared history with Europe, no ancient wounds, no widespread concept of anti-Semitism or Holocaust memory.
Recently, and particularly during the Gaza war, China has used the conflict as a tool in its competition with the US. China has used the conflict to discredit the United States while strengthening its position.
An important objective of China has also been to secure Arab and Muslim support for its policies in Xinjiang[2], while dismissing Western and especially US criticism of Beijing’s human rights policies as hypocritical. As such, China’s strategy throughout the Gaza war has been one of alignment with the interests of the Arab world while differentiating its position from that of the US.
Moreover, China’s clear and calculated shift towards a more assertive and pro-Palestinian stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict also reflects the evolution of its strategic priorities and interests in the Middle East. This has shown that Israel does not occupy an important place in Beijing’s strategic calculus, and any deterioration in its relationship with Israel is seen as manageable within the broader regional and geopolitical game.
By organizing talks with Palestinian factions[3] China is trying to align itself with Arab nations that see Palestinian unity as essential to the rapprochement towards a Palestinian state and as a key to a stable Middle East.
America’s flashpoint is Tel Aviv
During an OEP visit to China in 1965, Mao Zedong said, “Imperialism fears China and the Arabs.Israel and Taiwan are the bases of imperialism in Asia.You are the front door of this great continent; we are the back door.They created Israel for you and Taiwan for us.The West does not really like us and we must understand that.The Arab war against the West is a war against Israel.”[4]
Now China believes it is powerful enough to spread force to various global points. Thus, the Beijing is using the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to keep the US in check. Beyond media support and positioning within the UN, China uses its allies to limit Israel’s moves as much as possible.
Pakistan, which tends to become a Chinese region, has already taken an important step against Tel Aviv. The Pakistani government has announced the formation of a committee to identify companies that financially support Israel’s war in Gaza and recommend a ban on their products, according to an aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif[5].
Islamabad has formally decided to recognize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “terrorist,” declaring Tel Aviv a “war crimes entity.”[6]
South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 40,000,[7] according to health officials in the territory besieged and bombed by Israel.
South Africa’s case before the United Nations court in The Hague alleges that Israel has violated the 1948 Genocide Convention, which was established in the aftermath of the Holocaust, and calls on all countries to prevent the recurrence of such crimes.
Another country, an EU and NATO member, feverishly supporting Palestinian rights and accusing Israel of genocide is Spain, which has joined South Africa. Spain has also recently recognized the Palestinian state and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has just returned from a historic visit to China.
Among the countries susceptible to Chinese lobbying are Turkey (which has formally applied to join BRICS) and Norway[8] (which recently recognized Palestine).
China has managed in a relatively short time to put a lot of pressure on Israel and consequently on Washington. According to Axios[9], Tel Aviv is lobbying members of the US Congress to pressure South Africa to drop its legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice over the Gaza war, according to a telegram from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
International pressure against Israel will increase in the coming period as China has a vested interest in keeping Washington occupied with the situation in the Middle East, a chapter the Americans had hoped to close in order to diminish US attention in the Asia-Pacific region.
If we look at the past, China has had significant success in applying a similar strategy when it was on the march to win African hearts and minds during the Mao period. A mix of local investment and aid, coupled with a strong disinterest in pushing local African leaders to pursue human rights reforms otherwise requested by American aid platforms, has allowed China to secure strategic UN positions via African counterparts in its efforts to keep Taiwan under control.
China has managed to find the US’s vulnerability and is exploiting it both directly and through proxies.
After five centuries of speculation and theories, the true identity of Christopher Columbus has begun to emerge thanks to the documentary “Columbus DNA: his true origin ’, produced by RTVE. This feature-length film, which details 22 years of research led by forensic scientist and professor at the University of Granada, José Antonio Lorente, has revealed that the man who discovered America was, in fact, Jewish.
The investigation began with the search for Columbus’ mortal remains, which were believed to be in Seville or the Dominican Republic. Science has confirmed that the remains in the Cathedral of Seville belong to the admiral. An analysis of the bones of his son, Hernando Colón, was crucial in establishing the parentage and resolving a 150-year dispute between Spain and the Caribbean nation. Hernando’s DNA results showed traits compatible with a Jewish origin, both in the ‘Y’ chromosome and in mitochondrial DNA.
The documentary, presented in a true crime format, chronicles the genetic research process, where 25 possible origins of Columbus were examined and narrowed down to eight plausible hypotheses. As the theories were presented, DNA dismantled many of them, leading to the conclusion that Columbus was not Genoese, as had been believed for centuries.
Researcher Francesc Albardaner, who led one of the lines of research, argues that Columbus was Jewish and places him in the western Mediterranean, specifically on the Iberian peninsula, where at the time of Columbus there were around 200,000 Jews. In contrast, in Italy, the Jewish population was significantly smaller. Albardaner argues that Columbus’ history as a Genoese enters into crisis if his Jewish origin is accepted, as Genoa had expelled the Jews in the 12th century.
Research also revealed that the surname Colombo, common in Italy, was used for abandoned children, further complicating the narrative of an Italian Columbus. In addition, the Columbus letters, which are preserved in large numbers, are written in Spanish, with no Italian influence.
The documentary also addresses other enigmas about Columbus’ life, including the revelation that his brother Diego was not really his brother, but a distant relative. Throughout his life, Columbus concealed his origin, possibly due to the persecution faced by Jews in the Iberian Peninsula. In 1492, an ultimatum was issued forcing Jews to convert to Christianity or leave the kingdoms of the Catholic Kings.
Albardaner suggests that Columbus, throughout his life, had to appear to be a devout Christian to avoid persecution. The research also highlights the support Columbus received from Jews and converts, such as the Duke of Medinaceli and Luis de Santángel, who played a crucial role in financing his expedition to America.
Finally, Lorente concludes that the DNA indicates a Mediterranean origin for Columbus, suggesting that his most likely provenance is in the Spanish Mediterranean arc or in the Balearic Islands, which at that time belonged to the Corona de Aragón. With this new evidence, the documentary not only rewrites the story of Columbus, but also invites a deeper reflection on the identity and legacy of the man who changed the course of history.
