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UN States Recommend UN Convention to Protect Human Rights in Old Age

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In a historic and pivotal move, the 14th session of the United Nations – Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) has witnessed a groundbreaking consensus among UN member states. Among the array of measures recommended, the most significant is the proposal for a legally binding instrument—a convention—dedicated to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the recognition and realization of all human rights of older persons.

A historic and crucial development unfolded during the 14th session of the United Nations Open Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG), where a groundbreaking consensus was reached among UN member states. One of the key proposals put forward was the idea of a legally binding instrument, specifically a convention, aimed at advocating for, safeguarding and ensuring the acknowledgment and fulfillment of all human rights for older individuals.

The positive outcomes from this session garnered enthusiastic praise from AGE Platform Europe, a prominent supporter of older persons rights. The suggestion for a UN convention represents a significant milestone in global endeavors to protect the dignity and rights of senior citizens.

Ambassador Ana Paula Zacarias from Portugal, who played a pivotal role in shaping these recommendations, underscored the pressing nature of this endeavor by stating, “The time has come for us to agree on launching negotiations at the United Nations regarding a new internationally binding instrument to uphold and advance the human rights of all elderly individuals.”

Charting Progress

The decision to propose a UN convention marks an important turning point, granting authority to the OEWG Chair to present these recommendations to the UN General Assembly for further discussions on enhancing global efforts towards safeguarding and promoting human rights for older populations.
Advocacy Making a Difference;

The dedicated advocacy work of AGE Platform Europe, in partnership with the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People and National Human Rights Institutions, has played a key role in gaining backing, amplifying the voices of elderly individuals and bringing attention to this important issue on a global scale.

Dr. Heidrun Mollenkopf, who serves as President of AGE Platform Europe, stressed the importance of human rights being universal by stating, “Human rights are not limited by age and should be ensured throughout one’s lifetime.” The push for a new UN treaty aims to close existing gaps in protection to ensure that older people receive equal rights and respect as other age groups.

Charting the Path Ahead

As efforts towards a new UN treaty move forward, it is crucial for the EU and its member countries to honor their commitments and put recommendations into action. The expected approval of a new General Assembly resolution in the near future highlights the necessity for concrete steps in drafting a comprehensive UN treaty.

Get Involved

Individuals can support the call for equal rights in old age by encouraging their governments to actively endorse the UN treaty and by signing petitions advocating for older people’s rights. The collective endeavor to bring this treaty to fruition represents an essential stride towards creating a more inclusive and fair future for elderly individuals globally.

European Commission Unveils Ambitious €199.7 Billion Budget Proposal for 2025

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yellow red and blue lighted building
Photo by Tabrez Syed on Unsplash

The European Commission has made a landmark announcement today, proposing an annual EU budget of €199.7 billion for the year 2025. This substantial budget will be complemented by an estimated €72 billion in disbursements under the NextGenerationEU program. The proposed financial allocation is designed to reinforce funding for Europe’s key priorities, aligning with the revisions made to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in February 2024.

The draft budget for 2025 emphasizes the strategic distribution of funds to address critical areas and align with the needs of EU member states and global partners. The primary goal is to enhance Europe‘s resilience and adaptability for the future, ultimately benefitting EU citizens and businesses. This will be achieved through initiatives that promote green and digital transitions, create employment opportunities, and enhance Europe‘s strategic autonomy and global influence. The proposed budget will also extend support to essential technologies through the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).

Key Highlights of the budget:

  • Support for Partner Regions: The budget allocates significant funds to continue supporting Syrian refugees in Türkiye, the wider region, the Southern Neighbourhood, and the Western Balkans. Additionally, stable support is earmarked for Ukraine.
  • Allocation Breakdown: Among the notable allocations are €53.8 billion for the Common Agricultural Policy, €49.2 billion for regional development and cohesion, and €16.3 billion for international cooperation, including funds for the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument.
  • Research and Innovation: A substantial portion, €13.5 billion, will be dedicated to research and innovation, with a significant sum allocated to Horizon Europe, the Union’s flagship research program.
  • Strategic Investments: The budget includes provisions for European strategic investments, focusing on areas such as cross-border infrastructure, digital transformation, and key technological advancements.
  • Focused Initiatives: Specific budgetary allocations target environment and climate action, border protection, migration-related spending, defense capabilities, and the functioning of the Single Market, among others.
  • Upcoming Adoption: The annual budget for 2025 is set to be formally adopted by the Budgetary Authority before the year’s end, following a thorough review process.

The proposed budget for 2025, rooted in the long-term budget framework adopted in 2020 and amended in 2024, underscores the Union’s commitment to turning its priorities into tangible outcomes. The financial plan aims to drive impactful changes and advancements across a spectrum of areas crucial for Europe’s development and sustainability.

Exciting Face off Expected as Spain Takes on Italy in EURO 2024 Group B Showdown

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Juan Sanchez Gil
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In an eagerly awaited UEFA EURO 2024 Group B game, Spain is gearing up to go head to head with Italy on Thursday, June 20, at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen. Following impressive performances in their opening matches, this upcoming clash is anticipated to be an intense battle between two top European teams.

Spain demonstrated their strength in the first match against Croatia by securing a convincing win with three well executed goals in the initial half. Fabián Ruiz stood out with a brilliant assist and a goal of his own. The youthful enthusiasm of players like 16 year old Lamine Yamal added an extra spark to La Roja’s performance, setting the scene for an exciting showdown with Italy.

Meanwhile, Italy bounced back from an early setback against Albania to clinch a hard fought victory in their opening game. With a track record of success against Spain in recent competitions, the Azzurri understand the challenge that awaits them. Defender Alessandro Bastoni stressed the need to exploit Spain’s vulnerabilities to claim another win in this historic rivalry.

The potential line ups for the match provide insight into each team’s strength and tactical approach.

Spain’s strong offensive led by players such as Morata and Fabián Ruiz will aim to challenge Italy’s defense, while the Azzurri will seek to respond with their own mix of skilled play and tactical expertise.

Both teams come into the game with impressive records, setting the scene for a closely fought battle on the pitch. Expert predictions suggest confidence within each team, with Spain looking to capitalize on their momentum and Italy aiming to display their defensive strength against a potent Spanish offense.

As the coaches exchange words of respect and determination, a classic showdown is in store that could easily pass for a final match. With both countries having rich footballing histories and a thirst for victory, fans can anticipate an event that captures the essence of EURO competition.

The big question looms. Will Spain’s attacking style triumph or will Italy’s defensive stability be the deciding factor in this thrilling clash between two football powerhouses? All eyes will be on Arena AufSchalke as Spain and Italy gear up to revive their rivalry on the grand stage of EURO 2024.

Ten women Iranian prisoners issue statement as #OurStoryIsOne marks one year

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a group of people standing on a bridge
Photo by Brijender Dua on Unsplash

GENEVA—18 June 2024— In a moving statement, 10 Iranian women imprisoned in Tehran’s Evin Prison have honored 10 Iranian Baha’i women imprisoned four decades earlier, in Adel Abad Prison in Shiraz. The statement echoes the #OurStoryIsOne campaign, launched a year ago in honor of the 10 Baha’i women, who were eventually all executed on the night of 18 June 1983.

Writing from the women’s ward of Evin Prison, the statement reads: “After years of imprisonment alongside Baha’i women, witnessing the relentless pressures and injustices they endure for their beliefs, and hearing their stories across generations, we unequivocally recognize that ‘our story is one.’”

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, who remains behind bars in Evin prison, is one of the signatories, along with nine others: Mahboubeh Rezayi, Hasti Amiri, Samaneh Asghari, Sakineh Parvaneh, Maryam Yahyaei, Nahid Taghavi, Anisha Assadollahi, Sepideh Gholian, and Golrokh Iraee.

Calling the execution of the 10 women—the youngest of whom was 17 and who were hanged one at a time, as the others were forced to watch—“one of the most shocking stories we have heard,” Mohammadi and her co-signatories also lamented the execution of “nearly 300 of our Baha’i compatriots” in the years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“Our silence in the face of this oppression against a group in society whose mere existence as Baha’i citizens has been criminalized has made these crimes less costly for the regime and paved the way for their repetition and intensification,” the statement said. “Differences in political views or beliefs have never been, are not, and will not be a barrier to supporting justice.”

“We stand by our Baha’i compatriots until the end of the suffering imposed on them,” the statement concludes, signing off: “Women’s Ward, Evin Prison, Iran, #OurStoryIsOne.”

“Forty-one years ago, 10 innocent Baha’i women were executed in the dead of night, and the Iranian government tried to bury their names and stories from history,” said Simin Fahandej, Representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations in Geneva. “But this ruthless act instead brought about a movement dedicated to unity and made these women global symbols of an unwavering commitment to what is just, to one’s truth, and the principle of equality, even at the cost of their lives. The statement by the 10 imprisoned Iranian women is an example of the millions, not only in Iran but around the world, who have come to see the story of these women as their own, as part of the stories of all Iranian women, indeed all women globally, in their struggle for justice and the equality of women and men.”

And as the campaign reaches its one-year mark, the underlying themes of the campaign resonate and live on, with many, both in Iran and globally, continuing to support the ideas the campaign has brought forth including unity in diversity and gender equality.

The campaign has reached millions of people inside Iran and in every part of the world—with hundreds of public statements of support from diverse ethnic and religious groups.

The one-year anniversary of #OurStoryIsOne has also been marked by the release of a major new documentary by Iran International, a prominent television broadcaster. The film, to be broadcast several times between 18-20 June, titled “The Women Who Said No” (teaser 1, teaser 2), tells the story of the 10 executed women through interviews, archival material and re-constructed footage.

This follows a documentary released last year by Radio Farda, titled “Before Sunrise,” also about the 10 Baha’i women who were hanged just before dawn.

Baha’i communities around the world have also been holding special commemorative events, from concerts to gallery exhibitions, showcasing some of the thousands of artistic contributions made by members of the public to the #OurStoryIsOne campaign during the past year.

“The overwhelming response to the Our Story Is One campaign shows the profound global resonance with the sacrifice of the 10 women in Shiraz and to the themes of unity and gender equality,” Ms. Fahandej said. “The extraordinary artistic contributions and global support in so many diverse ways have shown the power of collective action in transforming a tragic story into a story of hope, inspiration and united action to shape our collective destiny. ‘Our story is one’ is the message honoring the 10 Baha’i women who were executed over 40 years ago, in silence. Today, their stories have become the symbols of a collective effort towards equality, justice and truth, which will ultimately prevail.”

Countdown to ratify the High Seas Treaty begins 

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underwater photography of jellyfish
Photo by Mathieu CHIRICO on Unsplash

PRESS RELEASE / High Seas Alliance / Nations prepare for its entry into force – New York, 19 June 2024: A year since the historic High Seas Treaty1 to protect biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) was formally adopted by UN Member States2 on 19 June 2023, the High Seas Alliance started the one-year countdown to reach the goal of securing the 60 ratifications needed for the Treaty to enter into force by the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in June 2025, France. 

The countdown began a week before UN Member States convene at the UN Headquarters in New York to plan for the Treaty’s entry into force at the first Preparatory Commission BBNJ Agreement meeting on 24–26 June 20243.

“Today, the countdown for all nations to ratify the High Seas Treaty within a year has begun. The Treaty represents an historic step forward for humankind – it’s a momentous opportunity to protect life in the global ocean beyond our national borders. To reach our collective goal of securing the 60 ratifications needed for the Treaty to enter into force by June 2025, all nations must accelerate the Race for Ratification4 so that we can transform words into active ocean protections as soon as possible. The clock is ticking!” said Rebecca Hubbard, Director of the High Seas Alliance. 

Once 60 countries ratify the High Seas Treaty, it will enter into force and become the world’s first international law to mandate the conservation and management of biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions (BBNJ), enabling the establishment of High Seas marine protected areas, and regulating potentially harmful activities through comprehensive environmental impact assessments. To date, 90 nations have signed5 the Treaty and many others are in the process of ratification yet, a year since adoption, only seven – Palau, Chile, Belize, Seychelles, Monaco, Mauritius, and the Federal States of Micronesia – have formally ratified. Meanwhile, political momentum is building with 34 nations committed to securing the 60 ratifications needed for it to enter into force by June 2025.

The High Seas – the ocean beyond countries’ maritime borders – covers half the planet and plays an essential role in regulating our climate by absorbing about 30% of the CO2 produced by humans each year. This vast ocean area supports some of the most important, yet critically endangered ecosystems on Earth, yet a lack of governance has left it increasingly vulnerable to human overexploitation. Currently, it is the least protected area of our planet; only 1.5% is fully protected. 

Transforming the High Seas Treaty into action in the water is a critical step to securing international goals to reverse the climate and biodiversity crises, including the international target to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030, agreed during the UN global Biodiversity Summit in December 2022. 

1. The High Seas Alliance sometimes uses the term “High Seas Treaty” as a shorthand for the BBNJ Agreement. It acknowledges that the scope of the BBNJ Agreement encompasses all Areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the seafloor and water column. This choice of wording is intended to ease understanding for broad audiences and does not convey a prioritization among the components or principles of the BBNJ Agreement.

2. There are 193 Member States to the United Nations. See a full list on the High Seas Alliance Ratification Tracker.

3. On 24–26 June 2024, UN Member States will convene at a Preparatory Commission BBNJ Agreement meeting5 to prepare for the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement and for the convening of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Agreement. They will discuss organizational matters, including the election of the Co-Chairs and a Bureau, the dates of the meetings, and the program of work of the Commission. Read our recommendations here. 

4. Track countries’ progress on the High Seas Treaty and find out more about the #RaceForRatification at www.highseasalliance.org/treaty-ratification or read more about the High Seas Treaty in this factsheet and FAQs.

5. Signing does not establish consent for States to be bound to the Treaty, but it does express the willingness of the signatory State to continue the treaty-making process and for it to proceed to ratification. Signing also creates an obligation to refrain, in good faith, from acts that would defeat the object and the purpose of the Treaty. Following signature, countries can ratify the Agreement at any time. The Treaty text specifies that this Agreement shall be open for signature by all States from 20 September 2023 and will remain open for signature at the UN Headquarters in New York until 20 September 2025. Once this period has passed, States can join by acceding to the Agreement. Accession refers to the act whereby a State expresses its consent to be bound by an Agreement. This can take place after a Treaty has entered into force.

Ratification is when nations formally consent to the new international law, and this often entails ensuring that their national laws are consistent with it. The speed and process to ratify varies by country. In some countries, the act of ratification is simply a Leader’s decree, while in others Parliamentary approval is needed.

The sources of interreligious dialogue in the Focolare Movement

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By Martin Hoegger. www.hoegger.org

To understand the place of interreligious dialogue in the Focolare Movement, born during the Second World War, we must return to its’ sources.  The recent interreligious congress, held in the Roman hills, began with a reminder of the “inspiring spark”.

This Movement was born out of living the page of the Gospel where Jesus prays for unity (John 17). It was 1943 during the Second World War. Everything was destroyed. The lesson that God gave them was clear: all is vanity of vanity, and everything passes away. Only God does not pass away so it was Him that she and her first companions choose as their “Ideal”.

Margaret Karram , the current president of Focolare, expresses her gratitude to Chiara Lubich: “She taught us how to dialogue and enter into relationships with others with the greatest respect, with passion and determination. At each encounter, she came back strengthened in her own faith and edified by that of others.”

As a Christian Arab, a citizen of Israel, Karram too lived this experience in a very intense way. She is convinced that it is possible to find new paths through dialogue. She spoke of it God calling us to this ever urgent duty. “We are here together to live a unique human family, in its great diversity. May this congress give us the opportunity to share our experiences and deepen our friendship!

At the source of a charism

How can we put this great ideal of life into practice? For Chiara Lubich and her first companions, the answer is simple. She explains it in a video: we must do God’s will. The Gospel tells us that is what matters. A light, a charism a gift from God helped them understand that it is not only enough to put God in the first place in their lives, but also to love their neighbour, whoever they may be.

They then discovered that the Risen Lord fulfils his promises: “Give and it will be given to you”, “Ask and you will receive”. After a few months, hundreds of people wanted to share their Ideal. They understood that the words of the Gospel are true and universal.

After this initial experience in Trent similar communities were born. “The Gospel fills us with love, but it demands everything from us. He makes us welcome Jesus in suffering, where we must love Jesus crucified,” Chiara Lubich constantly repeats.

A Movement came to life that crossed the borders of all continents and Churches and was accepted by faithful of different religions.  

The golden rule, at the basis of the desire for fraternity

In another video from 2002, Chiara Lubich explains that she has always felt comfortable with members of other religions: “We have so much in common, and the difference attracts me. I feel a great desire for fraternity when I meet members of other religions ,” she says.

She emphasizes the importance of the “Golden Rule ” – “ Do unto others as you would have them do unto you ” – which is common to all religions. This norm that the Holy Spirit has poured into our hearts is a summary of all Biblical laws. It calls for mutual esteem and constitutes the basis for living a universal fraternity. However, for those who do not know what it means to love, it is impossible to build fraternity. “To love means to die to your ego, to come out of yourself and listen to others to serve them. This is how the dialogue begins,” she insists.

In a 1998 video, Chiara Lubich further explains that a “charism” is a gift from God to achieve something specific. He manifested Himself to her as a great light that illuminated a new way of understanding the Gospel, emphasizing it as something to be lived. This spirituality, centred on love for God and neighbor, resonates with faithful of religions.

The “art of loving”

In Caux, above Montreux in Switzerland, Chiara Lubich was invited on 29th July 2003 to present her “art of loving ”. For Christians, this art has several qualities. It is first of all participation in the love of God. In the war times she understood that God alone does not pass, while everything was falling apart. God is a Father and we must respond to him as sons and daughters by doing his will. A father’s first wish is for his children to love each other, without discrimination.

Then “become one ” with others, by taking on their sufferings and joys, by entering into the other, by “ living the other ”, by being empty of oneself and acquiring a learning attitude. “ Become one: these words contain the secret of dialogue. This requires that we cast out of our hearts everything that prevents us from identifying with others. You have to be “poor in spirit”. This prepares our interlocutor to listen to us,” says Chiara Lubich.

Another requirement is to take the initiative to love. It is a risk, but God loves us that way. We were created as a gift to each other. Jesus offered us the example, he gave his life for us sinners.

This way of life is daunting if we are isolated, but together the impossible becomes possible. The presence of God in our midst, the fruit of our mutual love, energizes everything, as Jesus promises when he says that where two or three are gathered in his name, he remains in their midst (cfr Matt 18:20).

Finally, we must constantly remember that we cannot achieve anything good without accepting suffering, in a word the accepting the cross. This is not a theory, but an experience lived over many years with Christians from very diverse backgrounds.

Photo: Chiara Lubich with a rabbi of Buenos Aires

Other articles on this conference: https://www.hoegger.org/article/one-human-family/

A Russian journalist injured in Donbas lost his arm, and the other died

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Newsroom
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On June 13, the NTV {НТВ} camera crew was fired upon in Russian-occupied Gorlovka, Donetsk region. The cameraman Valery Kozhin, who was wounded together with Ivliev, has died.

NTV correspondent Alexei Ivliev, who was wounded in Gorlovka, reported that he lost his arm. In a video released by the hospital, Ivliev said: “One arm is missing, but that’s normal. We’re alive, we’ll be fine,” the BBC quoted him as saying.

Alexey Ivliev has worked for NTV since 1993 and has often covered events in conflict zones, covering the war in Ukraine from a propagandistic Russian perspective.

NTV confirmed the death of Kozhin, saying that doctors tried to save him for several hours, but his injuries proved to be incompatible with life.

The two journalists were seriously injured in the village of Golmovskiy (Nikitovsky district of Gorlovka). The injured were transported to the hospital in Gorlovka, which is located in the Russian-occupied part of the Donetsk region.

According to the Russian-appointed head of the illegally annexed self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, the two journalists suffered mine and blast injuries.

It is not clear from the information whether they came under fire or encountered a mine or unexploded ordnance.

A cup of coffee keeps a memory for forty years (Turkish proverb)

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A world-renowned drink and an invaluable element of Turkish hospitality and friendship, Turkish coffee was inscribed in 2013 on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and December 5 was declared World Turkish Coffee Day.

At the end of May, the Municipality of Bursa, for the third time, organized “Night for Coffee Talks”. The organization provided citizens with an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant evening, sipping their coffee in the historical atmosphere of the six-century-old Silk Khan, in the historic center of the city. Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, who attended the coffee talks with his wife Seden Bozbey, said: “Coffee is just a prerequisite for our meeting. What really matters are our heart-to-heart conversations.”

To highlight the importance of Bursa in gastronomic tourism, the municipality organizes various events during the Turkish Cuisine Week, combining the structure of history with the taste of coffee. Renovated this year, the square in front of the Silk Khana, built by Haji Ivaz Pasha in the 15th century, hosted the night. The local residents of Bursa enjoyed listening to the stories of the historical Han area told by tour guides hired by the municipality and won gifts by correctly answering the questions asked among the stories.

Together with Mayor Bozbey and his wife, Deputy Governor Riza Gençoğlu, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Kamil Özer, Head of the Department of External Relations Panar Işkıldız, representatives of civil society organizations and citizens also attended the program.

Today started the sweetest holiday in Turkey. Now is the time for a variety of sweets, all of which are accompanied by small glasses of bitter tu…

“We will embark on a wonderful journey through history,” the mayor noted.

He stated that the historic market and the Han area, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were among the first markets of the Ottoman Empire. “This Khan is still an indispensable part of our social life today. In this area where people of different cultures and social lives have talked, shared their problems, read newspapers and played backgammon throughout history, coffee is an irreplaceable symbol.”

He continued: “Coffee is an important part of our culture. Here we share the joy of holidays, engagement ceremonies and happy moments. Tonight, while sipping our coffees, we will preserve our cultural heritage and enjoy pleasant moments accompanied by beautiful conversations, get to know different aspects of coffee culture, rediscover our traditional tastes and embark on a pleasant journey through the story.”

After the speeches, of course, the guests were treated to coffee. Citizens, sipping their coffee in the beautiful atmosphere of the historic inn, spent a leisurely evening in the historic district, chatting and taking photos for keepsakes.

The program continued with a talk “Coffee culture from tradition to the future” and a presentation of different types of coffee by the expert Mehmet Koray Eroglu. In the evening, folk artists gave a concert and residents and guests of Bursa enjoyed pleasant hours accompanied by Turkish coffee.

Illustrative Photo by Samer Daboul: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-tea-cup-on-gray-surface-2102818/

Key Laws for New European Parliament to Tackle

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Photo by Frederic Köberl on Unsplash

Now that the European Parliamentary elections have concluded from June 6-9, 2024, newly elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) face a busy agenda of unfinished legislative business. While the previous Parliament made progress on many fronts, several major initiatives await the incoming lawmakers. Here are some of the key laws the new Parliament will need to take up:

Boosting Defence Production

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underscoring Europe‘s defence vulnerabilities, regulating the defence industry is a priority. The new Parliament must debate the proposed €1.5 billion European Defence Industry Programme to ramp up munitions and military equipment manufacturing from 2025-2027.

Artificial Intelligence Liability

As AI systems become ubiquitous in sectors like healthcare and transportation, clear rules are needed to determine responsibility when they cause harm. Finalizing the AI Liability Directive will ensure those injured by flawed AI applications have legal recourse.

Pet Welfare Standards

There are currently no harmonized EU rules on the breeding, sale and sheltering of cats and dogs. Newly elected MEPs will take up a law proposed in late 2023 to establish common standards and registration requirements to combat illegal animal trading.

Retail Investor Protections

To make investing safer and more accessible for everyday Europeans, the new Parliament will negotiate rules requiring clearer disclosures and a coherent regulatory framework for retail investment products.

Right to Disconnect

With flexible work and personal tech blurring boundaries, MEPs may legislate employees’ ability to unplug from work duties and communications outside office hours.

Textile and Food Waste

The new Parliament aims to crack down on fast fashion and food waste with bold new targets for the textile and grocery industries to collect, sort and recycle discarded items.

2040 Climate Goals

Having set emission reduction benchmarks for 2030 and 2050, establishing an interim target for 2040 aligned with EU climate neutrality goals is a key challenge.

The newly elected MEPs will also take on preventing migrant smuggling, establishing an EU-wide anti-corruption framework for public officials, and myriad other initiatives impacting Europeans’ lives over the coming years. With so much unfinished business on its plate, the 2024 European Parliament elections have ushered in a pivotal new era for EU policymaking.

A Vision for Europe’s Future: President Metsola’s Call for Unity and Resilience

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Informal meeting of EU Leaders ( EUCO )
Informal meeting of EU Leaders ( EUCO ) Reference: EP-170056A Photographer: Daina Le Lardic Copyright: © European Union 2024 - Source : EP

In a stirring address to the Members of the European Parliament, President Metsola laid out a comprehensive vision for the future of the European Union, emphasizing the need for solidarity, cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to shared values. Her speech touched on a range of critical issues, from climate change and economic recovery to the rule of law and migration, painting a picture of a Europe that is both resilient and forward-looking.

Solidarity and Cooperation: The Bedrock of the Union

“Dear Members of the European Parliament, it is an honor to stand before you today as we discuss the future of our Union,” President Metsola began, setting the tone for a speech that would underscore the importance of unity. “Our Union is built on the principles of solidarity and cooperation. We must continue to uphold these values as we navigate the complexities of the modern world.”

The President highlighted the European Union’s collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a testament to its strength and resilience. “The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our resilience, but it has also shown the strength of our collective response. We have proven that when we stand united, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.”

Tackling Climate Change: A Green Economy for a Sustainable Future

One of the most pressing issues addressed by President Metsola was climate change. She called for accelerated efforts to transition to a green economy, emphasizing the importance of the European Green Deal. “Climate change remains one of the most pressing issues of our time. We must accelerate our efforts to transition to a green economy and reduce our carbon footprint. The European Green Deal is a crucial step in this direction, and we must ensure its successful implementation.”

She stressed that the commitment to sustainability would not only protect the planet but also create new opportunities for growth and innovation. “Our commitment to sustainability will not only protect our planet but also create new opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Economic Recovery: Building a Resilient and Inclusive Economy

Economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic was another key focus of the speech. President Metsola underscored the importance of supporting businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, through initiatives like the NextGenerationEU recovery plan. “Economic recovery is another priority. We must support our businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, as they rebuild and adapt to new realities. The NextGenerationEU recovery plan is a testament to our commitment to a resilient and inclusive economy.”

By investing in digital transformation and green technologies, she argued, Europe could become more competitive and sustainable. “By investing in digital transformation and green technologies, we can create a more competitive and sustainable Europe.”

Upholding the Rule of Law: The Cornerstone of the Union

President Metsola also addressed the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and ensuring that all member states adhere to shared values. “The rule of law is the cornerstone of our Union. We must safeguard our democratic institutions and ensure that all member states adhere to our shared values. Any threats to the rule of law must be addressed swiftly and decisively.”

She emphasized that citizens deserve a Union that upholds justice, equality, and human rights. “Our citizens deserve a Union that upholds justice, equality, and human rights.”

A Humane Approach to Migration

On the complex issue of migration, President Metsola called for a comprehensive and humane approach. “Migration is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and humane approach. We must work together to develop a fair and effective asylum system, while also addressing the root causes of migration.”

She stressed that solidarity and responsibility must guide the Union’s actions. “Solidarity and responsibility must guide our actions as we seek to protect those in need and manage our borders effectively.”

Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Global Partnerships

President Metsola celebrated the Union’s diversity and called for the protection of cultural heritage while fostering a sense of European identity. “Our Union’s strength lies in its diversity. We must celebrate and protect our cultural heritage while fostering a sense of European identity.”

She also highlighted the importance of education and exchange programs like Erasmus+ in building bridges between citizens and promoting mutual understanding. “Education and exchange programs, such as Erasmus+, play a vital role in building bridges between our citizens and promoting mutual understanding.”

Looking to the future, President Metsola emphasized the need to strengthen global partnerships. “As we look to the future, we must also strengthen our global partnerships. Europe has a crucial role to play on the world stage, and we must be a force for good in promoting peace, stability, and human rights.”

A Call to Action

In her concluding remarks, President Metsola called on the Members of the European Parliament to work together to build a better future for all citizens. “In conclusion, the future of our Union depends on our ability to work together and uphold our shared values. Let us continue to strive for a Europe that is united, resilient, and forward-looking. Together, we can build a better future for all our citizens.”

President Metsola’s speech was a powerful reminder of the values that underpin the European Union and a call to action for its members to rise to the challenges of the modern world with unity and resolve.

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