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Osmani: There may be an agreement with Bulgaria tomorrow

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Osmani also said, “The eyes of 18 million people are turned to Sofia”

We are waiting to see how we will continue the negotiations with Bulgaria. Time is short, the eyes of 18 million people in the Western Balkans are focused on what decision Sofia will make. The question is no longer whether Northern Macedonia will start negotiations, the question is whether the Western Balkans have a European perspective at all.

This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Northern Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, at a joint press conference in Skopje with his Croatian counterpart, Goran Garlic Radman.

Osmani described the two-day all-day talks with the Bulgarian delegation, led by Minister Teodora Genchovska last weekend, as one of the best and encouraged talks to continue. But he said after what happened to the government in Sofia, “now we are waiting to see what happens next, how we will proceed.”

 “Of course, time is short. The remaining days are in the hands of Bulgaria, a country that returned the Western Balkans to the European agenda at the Sofia summit in 2018, after which Zagreb stamped that agenda during its presidency. Will the perspective of the Western Balkans be “buried” again in Sofia – unfortunately, I will use such a word? The eyes of 18 million people are turned to Sofia as to what decision it will make. The question is no longer whether Northern Macedonia will start negotiations, the question is whether the Western Balkans have a European perspective at all. “I hope that Bulgarian politicians will not allow a monument to be erected in Sofia on the grave of the most successful EU policy in the last 75 years, such as the enlargement policy,” Osmani said.

According to him, if there is political will, there is sufficient reason to end the issue tomorrow and reach an agreement after the talks so far.

 “We have the political will, we are ready to continue immediately after this press conference with the talks. It is already a question of relations between the EU and the Western Balkans. “Whether these relations will be destroyed or revived is a decision that must be taken by the EU,” said Minister Osmani.

Edi Rama: “There will be no negotiations for EU membership soon, Bulgaria is to blame”

All other countries agree and think this must have already happened, the Albanian prime minister said

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has said he does not expect next week’s EU summit to pave the way for his country to start EU membership talks, blaming Bulgaria, Politico reported today. “I have no expectations. I don’t think anything will happen. Albania and Northern Macedonia will not formally start accession talks,” he said in Tirana.

All EU governments agreed as early as March 2020 to give the green light to Albania and Northern Macedonia to start membership talks. However, negotiations have not yet begun, as Bulgaria is pushing for concessions from northern Macedonia in a dispute between the two countries over language, history and identity.

The difficulties of the countries of the Western Balkans are a timely warning of the vicissitudes of the EU accession process for Ukraine, which in the midst of the war with Russia is pushing to become a candidate for EU membership at next week’s summit. The EU granted this status to Northern Macedonia in 2005 and Albania in 2014, but negotiations with both countries have not yet begun.

Asked if any of the EU leaders had given a signal that the talks could start soon, Rama replied: “What signals can they give? It’s not about them. It’s about Bulgaria again. They all agree, everyone supports, everyone they think this should happen and that it should have happened already. But their room for maneuver is limited by Bulgaria. “

Internal Market Committee endorses agreement on Digital Services Act

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Digital Services Act - person using black iPad

The Digital Services Act is an historic bill aimed at fighting the spread of illegal content online and protecting fundamental rights of users.

On Thursday, Parliament’s Internal Market Committee endorsed the provisionally reached agreement with EU governments on the Digital Services Act (DSA) with 36 votes in favour, 5 against and one abstention. The DSA, together with its sister proposal on Digital Markets Act (DMA), sets landmark standards for a safer and more open digital space for users and a level playing field for companies for years to come.

The new rules introduce new obligations for online platforms, proportionate to their size and to the societal risks they pose. Micro and small companies will have additional time to conform to the rules and will be subject to certain exemptions.

Penalties for non-compliance can reach up to 6% of platforms’ worldwide turnover.

Safer online marketplaces and transparent platforms

Under the new rules, online platforms – such as social media and marketplaces – will have to take measures to protect their users from illegal content, goods and services. Users will be empowered to report illegal content online and platforms will have to act quickly, while respecting fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression and data protection.

Online market places will have to strengthen checks on traders to ensure products and services are safe and make efforts to prevent the surfacing of illegal content, including through random checks.

Online platforms will be obliged to be more transparent and more accountable, for example by allowing users to be informed of how content is recommended to them. Very large online platforms will have to provide users with at least one option not based on profiling. Additional rules on online advertising are also introduced, including a ban on the use of sensitive data or targeting of minors. The so-called “dark patterns” and misleading practices aimed at manipulating users’ choices will also be prohibited.

Obligations for very large platforms and search engines

Very large online platforms and search engines (with 45 million users or more) will have to comply with stricter obligations to protect users from illegal content and goods. Every year, they will be subject to independent audits and will have to carry out risk assessments of their services including the dissemination of illegal content, the spreading of disinformation, adverse effects on fundamental rights, on electoral processes and on gender-based violence or mental health. They will have to address these risks, for example by adapting their design or algorithms.

The European Commission will have exclusive power to supervise and demand that very large online platforms comply. It can inspect a platform’s premises and get access to its databases and algorithms.

Quote

The rapporteur Christel Schaldemose (DK, S&D) said: “We are now one step closer to making the internet safer, fairer and more transparent to the benefit of the citizens and businesses. This legislation will put an end to the digital Wild West. We will enhance consumer protection, give users better rights and regulate the core of the platforms’ business model. All in all, what is illegal offline will also be illegal online.”

Next steps

Both the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act are expected to be put for a final vote in Parliament in July before they are formally adopted by Council and published in the EU Official Journal. The DSA Regulation will enter into force 20 days after the publication and the provisions will start to apply fifteen months thereafter.

First Lady of the United States Jill Biden and Billie Jean King to Join U.S. Department of State’s Celebration of 50th Anniversary of Title IX, 10th Anniversary of Global Sports Mentoring Program

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First Lady of the United States Jill Biden and Billie Jean King to Join U.S. Department of State’s Celebration of 50th Anniversary of Title IX, 10th Anniversary of Global Sports Mentoring Program

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced today that First Lady of the United States Jill Biden and sports icon and equality champion Billie Jean King will join a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation that afforded women and girls equal opportunity in education and sports across the United States, and the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Department of State-espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) on Wednesday, June 22, at 12:00 p.m. at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The First Lady, Billie Jean King, and Maya Mosely, an All-American High School track athlete who will be a student-athlete at the University of Maryland this fall, will deliver remarks.

The celebration of these historic milestones will be hosted by Lee Satterfield, Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, and Laura C. Gentile, Executive Vice President of Marketing, ESPN & Commercial Marketing at Disney Media Networks, and it will be emceed by Sarah Spain of ESPN. The event will feature GSMP alumnae and their American mentors from the last decade, as well as ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro, business executives, trailblazing athletes, and women sports leaders.

The GSMP is a public-private partnership with espnW to empower women and girls through sports and showcases the lessons of Title IX as a global example to be adapted by communities and countries worldwide. The University of Tennessee’s Center for Sport, Peace & Society is the implementing partner.

This event is open for press coverage. Media who plan to cover in person must RSVP to [email protected] by 12:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 21.

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Recovery plans: MEPs push for wise use of money, democratic oversight

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European Parliament
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Recovery plans: MEPs push for wise use of money, democratic oversight | News | European Parliament

Countries should use the more than €700 billion available under EU recovery plans to adapt to new social and economic realities, MEPs say.

The EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility was set up at the height of the Covid-19 crisis to help EU countries support struggling businesses and people. While the EU’s economy rebounded in 2021 after a sharp fall in 2020, new economic and social challenges are emerging with the war in Ukraine and the increase of energy and food prices.

More than a short-term relief instrument, the €723,8 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility is a future-oriented plan that finances reforms and 

In a report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility so far, prepared by Parliament’s economic and budgets committees, MEPs stress that the money should be used effectively to ensure long-term benefits for the EU’s economy and society. They emphasise the need to increase the EU’s strategic autonomy, to reduce the dependence on imported fossil fuels and diversify energy sources.

Find out more about the Recovery and Resilience Facility

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== Recovery plans: MEPs push for wise use of money, democratic oversight

Progress with implementation of recovery plans

Apart from a pre-financing instalment of up to 13% of the allocated funds, EU countries get the rest of their payments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility upon meeting specific targets and milestones.

So far, most countries have received their pre-financing, while eight countries have made requests for a first payment and Spain has made a request for a second payment.

Three countries have not had their national plans approved: the Netherlands has not submitted its plan, while approval of the plans from Poland and Hungary has been held up because of concerns about the rule of law and risks related to fraud, conflicts of interest and corruption.

The European Commission gave its positive assessment of Poland’s national recovery plan on 1 June, which needs to be approved by the Council. Parliament criticised the Commission’s decision in a resolution adopted on 9 June, saying that full compliance with EU values is a prerequisite for any EU country to get recovery funds. MEPs also called on the Council not to give its approval until Poland meets all conditions.

Recovery funding goes to EU countries either as grants or as loans. Member states have made plans for almost the full amount of grants available, but have indicated they would like to use €166 billion out of the €385.8 billion available for loans.

MEPs urge countries to make use of the full potential of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, including loans, to counter the effects of the pandemic and emerging challenges.

Parliament’s oversight

The European Parliament is actively involved in scrutinising the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. MEPs hold debates and adopt resolutions on the topic, Parliament’s budgets and economic committees have regular discussions with commissioners (four meetings were held in 2021) and there are frequent meetings at the technical level with Commission officials (20 meetings in 2021).

MEPs want to make sure that the funds are used transparently and in compliance with the rules and that the Commission conducts effective monitoring and audit of the member states.

Parliament’s report notes that national public administrations face difficulties in absorbing all of the funding in a short space of time as all reforms and investments must be carried out by 2026. MEPs insist that local and regional authorities, social partners and civil society organisations should be involved in carrying out the national plans to ensure successful implementation and democratic accountability.

MEPs will vote on the report setting out Parliament’s views on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility on 23 June. The Commission is expected to present a report on the progress with recovery plans in mid-July.

 

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To reach carbon neutrality from planes and ships: EU actions explained

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Cutting emissions from planes and ships: EU actions explained | News | European Parliament

Emissions from planes and ships are increasing, while the EU wants to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Read about EU measures to reduce their emissions.

Despite only accounting for about 8% of the EU’s total emissions, emissions from aviation and shipping are increasing. In an effort to cut the EU’s total emissions 55% by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050, the EU has ambitious plans to counteract climate change. The legislative package called Fit for 55 aims to deliver the EU’s Green Deal’s objectives, includes proposals to reduce emissions from both sectors.

Read more on EU targets and measures to cut emissions

Improving emissions trading for aviation

The EU has taken steps to reduce aviation emissions through its Emissions Trading System (ETS). It applies so-called cap and trade rules for the aviation sector where airlines are required to surrender emissions allowances to cover their emissions. However, to avoid putting EU companies at a disadvantage, the Emissions Trading System currently only applies to flights within the European Economic Area – which covers all EU countries as well as Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway – and most of the allowances are distributed to the airlines for free.

On 8 June 2022, Parliament voted in favour of a revision of the Emissions Trading System for aviation. To align greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the aviation sector with the Paris Agreement, MEPs call for the Emissions Trading System to apply to all flights departing from the European Economic Area, including flights landing outside the area.

Parliament wants to phase out free the allocations for aviation before 2025, two years ahead of the European Commission’s proposal. MEPs want to use 75% of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances for aviation to support innovation and new technologies.

It will now begin negotiations with EU countries on the final shape of the rules.

Finding solutions for flights outside Europe

So far, the Emissions Trading System has been suspended for flights departing or arriving outside the European Economic Area. The purpose is to allow time for the development of a comparable international system and to avoid conflicts with international partners.

However, the EU is working with the International Civil Aviation Organization to implement a global market-based measure, known as Corsia, whereby airlines can offset their emissions by investing in green projects, for example by planting trees.

Reducing emissions from maritime transport

On 16 September 2020, MEPs voted in favour of including maritime transport in the EU’s Emissions Trading System as of 2022 and of setting binding requirements for shipping companies to reduce their CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030.

According to MEPs, the original Commission proposal to revise EU rules on the monitoring of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption from large ships in order to bring it in line with global rules was not ambitious enough given the urgent need to decarbonise all sectors of the economy.

On 27 April 2021, the Parliament reiterated the need for a substantial cut in emissions by the shipping industry and its inclusion in the EU’s Emissions Trading System. It also underlined the importance of assessing the impact on competitiveness, jobs and raised the potential risk of carbon leakage.

Parliament wants the following measures to help the maritime sector become cleaner and more efficient in the transition to a climate-neutral Europe:

  • The phasing out of heavy fuel oils with compensation via tax exemptions on alternative fuels
  • The decarbonisation, digitalisation and automatisation of European ports
  • Regulated access to EU ports for the most polluting ships
  • Technical improvements such as vessel speed optimisation, innovation in hydrodynamics new propulsion systems

As part of the Fit for 55 legislative package, the Commission proposed in July 2021 an update of the Emissions Trading System, including an extension to cover maritime transport, as requested by the Parliament. On 17 May 2022, members of the environment committee backed the proposal. In June, the plenary referred the reform of the trading system back to the committee to further work on the legislation. MEPs are expected to discuss the revised proposal during the plenary session on 22-23 June.

More on reducing emissions from transports

CO2 emissions from cars: facts and figures (infographics)

European Union agreement to reduce emissions by 55% in 2030

UK FCDO staff lead Platinum Jubilee celebrations around the world

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To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, Gerry Hofstetter created the largest ever artwork of its kind across the Bernese Alps. Photo credit: Gerry Hofstetter.
To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, Gerry Hofstetter created the largest ever artwork of its kind across the Bernese Alps. Photo credit: Gerry Hofstetter.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) HQ in London will be lit up tonight in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.

  • Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office HQ in London will be lit up tonight in honour of Her Majesty The Queen
  • tributes include Red Arrows flypast in France and world record attempt as renowned light artist illuminates Swiss Alps
  • Foreign Secretary pays homage UK’s longest serving Monarch as Posts across the globe mark the Platinum Jubilee

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is helping lead the way on celebrating HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee around the world.

The FCDO’s Whitehall HQ at King Charles Street will tonight be symbolically lit up with the Platinum Jubilee emblem beamed onto the historic building to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.

The illumination of the London landmark to coincide with the ceremonial Lighting of Jubilee Beacons at 9pm tonight (2 June) is just one of the ways FCDO staff across the world are toasting the Jubilee long weekend.

In France, the Red Arrows will perform a spectacular flying display over Le Touquet-Paris-Plage on the northern coast at the English Channel on Saturday, while the Embassy in Paris is showing a collection of 3-metre-high portraits of Her Majesty The Queen at the Ambassador’s residence. The works include a 1953 Cecil Beaton Coronation portrait and a David Bailey portrait from 2014.

President Macron is leading a ceremony of thanksgiving and recognition to the Queen at the Arc De Triomphe today supported by a band from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

In Switzerland, British Embassy staff have been working with world famous light artist Gerry Hofsetter to project a Platinum Jubilee light display onto 4 Bernese Alps mountains, including the majestic 3,967 metre high Eiger.

The massive image of the Jubilee Crown emblem and a silhouette of HM The Queen has been submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘largest light art composition’ the world has ever seen.

In Chile, 2 companies of the Chilean Fire Service are celebrating its historic links with the UK by branding fire engines in Valparaíso and Santiago with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee emblem, while the logo also decorates the fire station in Valparaíso.

Foreign Office Minister Vicky Ford unveiled the 14th Company’s specially branded fire engine in a visit to Santiago earlier this year and FCDO staff are celebrating by hosting the first ever British Embassy Street Party in Santiago today, which includes an appearance by horses from one of Chile’s leading stables, Palmas de Peñaflor.

Tiny Pitcairn Island – the smallest British overseas territory with just 35 inhabitants in the Pacific – is holding a Jubilee dinner and will be the final FCDO Post to light a beacon, as it is 9 hours behind the UK.

The British Embassy in Ireland has announced that the King George V Cup will be reinstated this year as a feature race at the Leopardstown Racecourse today, in partnership with the Dublin track, the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and Kmend.

Stemming from the presentation of a specially commissioned trophy by King George V at Leopardstown during his visit to Ireland in 1911, the 1 mile 4 furlong listed race for 3-year-olds was first reinstated under the Royal title in 2013 and will be run again this year at 7:20pm this evening for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Poland, the British Embassy has opened a photo exhibition along the side of Warsaw’s largest park including images of HM The Queen meeting with Polish icons Lech Walesa and Pope John Paul II during her 70-year reign. A number of Polish cities will be lighting up their most iconic buildings purple and white in honour of the Monarch, including the Palace of Culture and Science, in Warsaw, Gdansk Shakespeare Theatre, and Plac Litewski, in Lubin.

As part of its Jubilee celebrations, the British Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan will be displaying a carpet which uses traditional local weaving techniques to combine the Scottish thistle, Welsh daffodil, Irish shamrock and English rose with the Caucasus country’s national emblem, the pomegranate.

FCDO staff based in America are hosting a series of events celebrating the Jubilee in Washington, New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Boston, Miami, Atlanta Los Angeles and Minneapolis.

In South Korea, K-pop superstars Blackpink attended a Queen’s Birthday Party last week celebrating the Platinum Jubilee with British Embassy staff.

In Thailand, British Embassy staff have arranged for a celebratory digital message to be beamed from the top of the Baiyoke Tower, one of Bangkok’s tallest buildings.

HM Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing the UK around the world have nominated 70 of their favourite recipes to a special ‘Platinum Jubilee Cookbook’ celebrating British food and drink products.

The book, which includes a joint foreword from Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, was created by FCDO diplomat Ameer Kotecha, who also came up with the idea of a competition to invent a new ‘Platinum Pudding’ to be dedicated to HM The Queen.

Many of the dishes included have been served up to HM The Queen or other Royals on official overseas visits. All of the royalties from sales of the book are being donated to The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and The Prince of Wales’ Charitable Fund.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

Her Majesty The Queen is the very embodiment of the best of Britain and no Monarch has ever served our country for as long, or so well.

In an ever changing and uncertain world, the Queen has been a rock who has offered wise counsel to over 170 Heads of State and dedicated her life to promoting unity and social freedom.

Her remarkable service to the UK and the Commonwealth is rightly being recognised across the globe, during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, as she continues to touch the lives of millions of people beyond our shores.

New UN guide aims to tackle growing problem of elder abuse

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New UN guide aims to tackle growing problem of elder abuse

Elder abuse – Every year, one in six people aged 60 years and older experience some form of abuse – a trend that is expected to continue with rapid population ageing in many countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.

The UN agency and partners are highlighting the issue in the context of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on 15 June, and have issued a publication outlining five key priorities for response. 

Elder abuse is a violation of human rights.  It includes physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse, but also financial and material abuse, abandonment, neglect, and serious loss of dignity and respect. 

“Abuse of older people is an injustice, which can have serious consequences, including premature mortality, physical injuries, depression, cognitive decline and poverty,” said Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Social Determinants of Health. 

An ageing planet 

The global population is greying as the number of people aged 60 and above will more than double in the coming decades, rising from 900 million in 2015 to around two billion in 2050. 

Like many other forms of violence, elder abuse has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO said. Furthermore, two in three staff in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities admitted to committing abuse over the past year. 

Despite the growing issue, abuse of older persons remains largely absent from the global health agenda, the agency said. 

Combat ageism 

The new guide calls for tackling elder abuse as part of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, which runs through 2030 and is aligned with the last 10 years of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Combatting ageism is a top priority as it is a major reason why abuse of older people receives scant attention, while more and better data is needed to raise awareness of the problem. 

Countries must also develop and scale up cost-effective solutions to stop abuse, and to make the “investment case” on how addressing the issue is money well spent.  Relatedly, more funds are needed to tackle the problem.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate officially accepted the Church in Northern Macedonia

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Petar Gramatikov
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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew celebrated a festive evening on June 9 at the Patriarchal Monastery “Living Source” for the feast of St. Apostle Bartholomew (June 11), when the patriarch also celebrates his name day. The service was held earlier because of the Assumption before Pentecost.

The service was attended by Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid, accompanied by Metropolitans Peter of Prespa-Pelagonia and Timothy of Debar-Kichevo, as well as Bishops Clement of Heraclea and Parthenius of Antanya, abbot of the Bigor Monastery.

In the presence of representatives of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Archbishopric of Cyprus, Patr. Bartholomew handed it to the archbishop. Stephen patriarchal and synodal act for the official acceptance of the local church led by him in canonical and Eucharistic communion.

The first service between the two will be on Pentecost in the presence of bishops from other local Orthodox churches.

In his speech, the Patriarch said: “Your Eminence Archbishop of Ohrid, Mr. Stephen, with your esteemed entourage, esteemed representatives of the fraternal churches of Jerusalem and Cyprus, holy and God-loving brothers hierarchs, beloved children of the Lord.

Today, my brothers, on the eve of the great day of Pentecost, the long-awaited hour has come to resolve the long and painful schism in the body of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

Today here among us stands, in the venerable cathedral of our sacred patriarchal and stavropigial monastery “Life-giving source” – Balakli, our Most Reverend Brother in Christ, Ohrid Archbishop Mr. Stefan and his venerable entourage, to receive from our hands to establish ecclesial communion of their mother, the Great Church of Christ, with them, and from her and through her – with the other local holy churches of God with the connection of love, unity and Eucharistic rapprochement through mutual respect.

Today is the great joy of heaven, because the long torn garment of the Lord is renewed, whole and unharmed, with the needle of the Holy Spirit. Today, many Orthodox rejoice in the return of the Christian people to the arms of the Mother Church. Today the great Church of Constantinople joyfully exclaims: Come and see the mother rejoice in her children. Today the souls of our ancestors who died here, Athenagoras and Demetrius, rejoice in the Heavenly Church, because they have been waiting for this moment for fifty-five years.

He also noted that “the right of appeal of the Patriarch of Constantinople, to which the Archbishop of Ohrid referred in his recent letter of thanks, is not a privilege but a sacrifice and a kenosis (humility) for the salvation of believers.”

The patriarch assured the archbishop Stephen, “The mother church of Constantinople is sick, praying, suffering for a long time, waiting and hoping, counseling and seeking a solution to your church’s problem.” We understand your difficulties, dilemmas, internal considerations, changing opinions; but decisions require sacrifice and courage. We feel the joy of all of you for the development that has taken place. From today, when you have received a place and ministry in the universal body of the Church, we hope that you will be equally worthy of the favor of the Great Church of Christ to you…

We bless the people of the Most Holy Ohrid Archbishopric. We welcome the good and brotherly mood of the Holy Church of Serbia towards you. We are also waiting for the official announcement from you about the course of the dialogue between you. Finally, we present to you the patriarchal and synodal act for the establishment of church communion and we look forward to the service with you on the coming Sunday of Pentecost. May the God of peace be with you all, amen! (Rom. 15:33) “.

For his part, Archbishop Stefan thanked with the words: “The patriarchal and synodal act for our return from the suffering of loneliness is – and we will continue to ensure – the foundation on which we will build our future, always adhering to the wise advice of the Mother Church of Constantinople , which we showed by fulfilling the obedience you directed us to overcome the misunderstandings with the sister Serbian Orthodox Church, which was confirmed by the joint holy liturgies. “

Impressive is the fact that Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Stefan did not mention the “tomos” of the Serbian Patriarchate, and the messages to the Serbian Church were peaceful as a participant in overcoming the schism. The word “autocephaly” was not mentioned, nor was the controversial point about the name of the local church in northern Macedonia. The Ecumenical Patriarch addressed the Archbishop Stefan as the head of the Ohrid Archbishopric.

At the peak of the holiday season, Rakevet Israel will cut off the country from the airport

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To the attention of Israelis and foreign tourists who intend to fly or arrive in the country in the last week of July, the Rakevet Israel company will stop train traffic on the line between Haifa and Ben Gurion Airport these days, according to NEWS.IsraelInfo.co.il

The railway will stop. communication between the north and the central and southern regions of the country. But special difficulties will arise for those who are going abroad.

“Rakevet Israel” reported that in connection with the work on the coastal line of the railway from July 24, the movement of trains is stopped for a week. It will resume on the morning of July 31st.

This is the Eastern Track project, which will create an additional 65 km track along the sea coast from the Pardes Khana area to the airport and Lod. The Railway Company promises that the creation of an alternative gauge will significantly improve the system of goods transportation, reduce the load on roads, air pollution and increase safety on the railway.

Apparently, this is not the last long train stop this summer. The railway company emphasizes that they deliberately chose the summer months for work, as passenger traffic decreases during this period.

Instead, the Department of Transportation is stepping up bus service to the coast and to the airport. “Rakevet Israel” also organize “shuttle” transportation in these directions. Those who are going abroad will need to find information about transportation. In July, “Rakevet Israel” will publish the schedule of “shuttles”.

At the same time, Israeli bus drivers went to extreme measures: strike on Friday and Monday

Thousands of bus drivers, with the participation of the Histadrut, announced on Wednesday that public transport will not operate in many cities this coming Friday from 10 am to 12 pm before Shabbat.

The troubles of the passengers do not end there – the strike will be repeated on Monday at the same hours. Friday is the day when students and soldiers go home, significant traffic jams are expected on the roads, as parents or friends will have to help them get to the place.

The Histadrut reports that Transport Minister Meirav Michaeli is refusing to meet with drivers’ representatives to raise their wages and ensure their safety. Drivers want an increase in hourly pay, as well as a solution to the increased cases of passenger attacks. More than 300 drivers have been seriously assaulted since the beginning of 2022, 40 percent of them needed medical attention.

Drivers also have a lot of overwork and Histadrut believes that 14 hours behind the wheel does not contribute to the safety of either drivers or passengers. At the same time, the country lacks 5,000 bus drivers.

Full list of lines that are on strike:

Jerusalem and intercity flights to Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Modiin Ilit, Neve Ilan.

Netanya – all city transport.

Ashdod – all urban and intercity transportation in Ashdod in the vicinity.

Petah Tikva – urban transport and part of intercity traffic.

Rosh HaAyin – all city and intercity transportation.

Yavne – all urban and intercity transport.

Lines Bnei Brak – Bnei Brak – Jerusalem, lines Bnei Brak, Ra’anana

Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem and back.

Gan Yavne – all urban and intercity transport.

Beer Sheva – all city transport.

Ariel – all city and intercity transportation.

Samaria Regional Council – all urban transport and part of the intercity.

Beit Shemesh – all urban and intercity transport to and from Jerusalem.

One step closer to global peace and security for all: Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

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One step closer to global peace and security for all: launch of the second UNOV/UNODC Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

One step closer to global peace and security for all: launch of the second UNOV/UNODC Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment


Vienna (Austria), 15 May 2022 – Imagine a world with no crime or corruption, a world where everyone can access the criminal justice system equally and is safe from terrorist attacks. What would this look like to you?  

At the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), we see this as a world where everyone has an equal understanding of their legal rights and equal opportunities to services and livelihoods. A world where no matter your gender, whether you are a man or a woman, regardless of your personal background and context in which you live, you are able to equally and equitably participate in life.  

You may ask yourself, what does organized crime, the world drug problem, terrorism, and corruption have to do with gender? The link is a lot stronger than you may think, both in terms of participation and experiences of victimization. Gender does not only influence our access to services and the way we perceive our responsibilities in life, but also shapes the perceptions of roles played in criminal activities.  

The evidence is clear –  just look at the world drug problem. Studies have shown that while one in three women are drug users, they only make up one in five of those accessing treatment. The correlation between gender and access to services is undeniable. Meanwhile, over 70 per cent of victims of trafficking in persons are women.  

UNODC is committed to mainstreaming gender equality and women’s empowerment across all its activities, projects and programmes. Since 2018, when the first UNOV/UNODC Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (2018-2021) launched, UNODC has actively been supporting Member States in ensuring a gender-responsive approach to tackling the world drug problem, organized crime, terrorism, and corruption.

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© UNODC

Building on the momentum from the past four years, UNOV/UNODC is proud to launch the second Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (2022-2026), with the aim of not only building on the progress that has already been made but also ensuring that we are one step closer to achieving equality for all.
“We can help ensure that crime prevention and criminal justice responses are fair, effective, and accountable, meeting the needs of all members of society and leaving no one behind,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly on the launch of the strategy.  

In the new Strategy, UNODC has committed to an intersectional approach to gender equality and women’s empowerment – meaning that interventions are based on an understanding of people’s backgrounds, identities and characteristics – as well as to ensuring that the implementation of the Strategy is contextualized to field-specific contexts.   

For this to be achieved, it is key that all personnel and staff, both men and women, are agents and champions of change – and for this reason, the Strategy actively encourages men’s engagement in these issues.  

Only if we collaborate and work together can UNODC contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development, and a world that achieves equality for all.

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