From Faith to Corporate: The Troubling Transformation of the Russian Orthodox Church

Sudan crisis must not be forgotten by world leaders, says UN food agency

In an appeal for greater global solidarity with the people of Sudan, the World Food Programme (WFP) said that around 800,000 people have fled to Ondo in neighbouring Chad after enduring “unimaginable violence”.

WFP Communications Officer Leni Kinzli told journalists in Geneva that those fleeing areas at risk of famine said that they had left “because there was nothing left to eat and all their crops had been destroyed by floods”.

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Too dangerous to farm

Others said that “they could not even farm because it was too unsafe to go to their fields” because of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces which erupted on 15 April last year.

“We are doing everything we can, but we cannot stop widespread starvation and hunger-related deaths without the support and attention of the international community,” said Ms. Kinzli. “World leaders need to give this humanitarian catastrophe the attention it requires that attention that needs to be translated into concerted diplomatic efforts at the highest levels to push for a humanitarian ceasefire and ultimately, an end to the conflict.”

Aid access granted

Since the Adre border crossing from Chad into Sudan reopened a month ago, WFP has transported 2,800 tons of food and nutrition supplies into the Darfur region – guaranteeing enough aid for a quarter of a million people. Of that number, 100,000 are at risk of famine, the UN agency said, warning that the war has pushed some 36 million people into hunger in Sudan and the neighbouring region.

“Trucks carrying vital food and nutrition supplies are crossing that border every single day, despite facing delays due to flooded seasonal rivers and muddy road conditions where aid convoys are getting stuck,” Ms. Kinzli said.

Although Chad is not at war, the needs are staggering there too, the WFP officer explained: “People are only met with hunger and destitution” once they cross the border from Sudan, she said. “Despite receiving food assistance, many are struggling to get by, eating once a day if they are lucky. Like a teenage girl I met…who lost her parents and is taking care of her younger siblings. Sometimes she’s only able to offer them water instead of a meal. If that is the situation for people in a comparatively safe and stable place, it is hard to imagine what people facing famine or at risk of famine in Sudan are going through.”

European Council Reaffirms Strong EU Stance on Ukraine, Middle East Stability, and International Law

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18 October 2024

European Council Reaffirms Strong EU Stance on Ukraine, Middle East Stability, and International Law

Brussels, October 17, 2024 – In a decisive meeting held today, the European Council underscored the European Union’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression, stabilizing the tumultuous Middle East region, and upholding the rules-based international order. Leaders from all member states convened to address pressing geopolitical challenges, economic resilience, and humanitarian crises, outlining comprehensive strategies to navigate the complex global landscape.

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Bolstering Support for Ukraine

The Council reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast support for Ukraine, emphasizing that no initiatives concerning Ukraine will proceed without its active involvement. In a robust move, EU leaders approved a significant provision of up to €35 billion in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, funded by Russia’s immobilized assets. This financial aid aims to support Ukraine‘s defense capabilities and rebuild critical infrastructure devastated by Russian shelling.

“Ensuring Ukraine’s energy security and integrating its energy system with the EU’s network are paramount,” stated one EU official. The Council condemned Russia’s persistent attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including energy facilities and port infrastructure, which have far-reaching implications for global food security. In addition to financial support, the EU is facilitating the rapid delivery of air defense systems, ammunition, and missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defense and protect vital infrastructure.

Strengthening Sanctions and Accountability

EU leaders reiterated their commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia and other aggressors. They condemned third countries that continue to support Russia’s war efforts through the provision of technological and software goods, urging these nations to cease all assistance. The Council welcomed the adoption of a new sanctions regime targeting Russian hybrid threats and indicated readiness to impose further sanctions or import tariffs on Russian and Belarusian products if necessary.

Addressing reports of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces, the Council stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law. “No crime should go unpunished,” a spokesperson emphasized, highlighting the EU’s dedication to ensuring accountability for violations of international law.

Addressing the Middle East Crisis

The European Council expressed deep alarm over the escalating military conflicts in the Middle East, particularly condemning the Iranian attacks on Israel and the violence in Lebanon. Leaders called for immediate ceasefires, humanitarian assistance, and strict adherence to international law. The EU committed to enhancing its humanitarian engagement and supporting mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and Jordan to de-escalate tensions and promote regional stability.

In Lebanon, the Council condemned the military escalation and emphasized the protection of civilians and infrastructure. Leaders called for an immediate ceasefire along the Lebanese-Israeli border and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Upholding the Rules-Based International Order

Amid rising global tensions, the European Council reiterated its commitment to the rules-based international order, with the United Nations and its Charter at the core. Leaders emphasized the importance of ending impunity for violations of international law and supporting decisions of international courts. They welcomed the ‘Pact for the Future’ adopted at the 79th UN General Assembly, aimed at revitalizing the multilateral system and enhancing the UN’s effectiveness.

Enhancing EU Competitiveness and Economic Resilience

The Council underscored the EU’s dedication to strengthening its long-term competitiveness and economic resilience. Leaders called for urgent efforts to address challenges identified in recent reports by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi, focusing on advancing work to enhance the EU’s market dynamics and competitiveness strategy. An informal European Council meeting is scheduled for November in Budapest to further discuss these initiatives.

Tackling Migration and Strengthening External Borders

Migration remained a critical topic, with EU leaders advocating for a comprehensive approach to migration management. The Council called for intensified cooperation with countries of origin and transit to address root causes, combat trafficking and smuggling, and prevent irregular departures. Leaders emphasized the importance of implementing existing EU laws and swiftly introducing new legislative proposals to streamline returns, ensuring safe and legal migration pathways.

Supporting Moldova and Georgia’s EU Aspirations

The European Council reaffirmed its support for Moldova and Georgia in their aspirations to join the EU. Leaders commended Moldova’s commitment to reforms and stability, while also urging Georgia to adopt democratic and sustainable reforms to align with EU values. The Council emphasized the EU’s readiness to support both nations on their European paths, recognizing their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Responding to Humanitarian Crises in Sudan and Venezuela

Concerns were raised regarding the humanitarian situations in Sudan and Venezuela. The EU leaders called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan and urged the international community to uphold humanitarian pledges. In Venezuela, the Council condemned post-election human rights violations, urging the authorities to respect democratic will, end repression, and release political prisoners. The EU pledged to work with regional partners to support a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela.

Preparing for Upcoming UN Conferences

Looking ahead, the European Council reviewed preparations for key United Nations conferences, including the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia; the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan; and the UN Desertification Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Leaders called for ambitious actions to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to its financing goals to support these global initiatives.

Conclusion

Today’s European Council meeting highlighted the EU’s proactive stance in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges. From supporting Ukraine and enforcing sanctions against aggressors to stabilizing the Middle East and enhancing economic resilience, the Council’s comprehensive strategies reflect the EU’s dedication to peace, security, and prosperity both within and beyond its borders. As the EU navigates these complex issues, its commitment to international law and multilateral cooperation remains steadfast, positioning it as a pivotal actor in shaping the future of global politics.

The European Migration Dilemma: President Metsola Calls for a Unified European Solution

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18 October 2024

A-powerful-and-dramatic-scene-depicting-European-unity-in-the-face-of-crisis.-In-the-background-a-European-Parliament-building-illuminated-symboliz

In a pivotal address to European leaders, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola underscored the critical need for a comprehensive European solution to the migration crisis, while also reaffirming Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst its prolonged conflict with Russia. Speaking from the heart of European politics, Metsola’s speech painted a clear picture of the complex and interconnected challenges that Europe faces—where migration, war, and instability ripple far beyond their immediate borders, touching the very core of European unity and values.

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Standing Firm with Ukraine: “Nothing About Ukraine Without Ukraine”

Metsola began by highlighting Europe’s moral and strategic commitment to Ukraine, now approaching 1,000 days under Russian aggression. Her message was resolute: Europe must stand with Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is secured. However, she rejected any notion of peace through submission, insisting that real peace must be anchored in freedom, dignity, and justice—principles that resonate deeply within the European project.

“We will, and we must, keep standing with Ukraine,” Metsola stated, emphasizing that peace cannot be built on capitulation or compromise with aggression. Her firm stance echoed the European Parliament’s ongoing support, demonstrated by an impending vote to provide Ukraine with a Macro-Financial Assistance loan of up to 35 billion euros. This substantial aid package, she said, signifies Europe‘s commitment not only politically, but also financially, to Ukraine’s sovereignty and reconstruction.

Her words reflected the broader European consensus: Ukraine’s future belongs to Ukraine, and any solution that does not include the voices of Ukrainians is no solution at all.

The Middle East: A Call for Urgent Action

Metsola also turned her attention to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon and Israel. Europe, she argued, cannot afford to be passive as violence and instability spread across the region. Stressing the need for a sustainable, two-state solution that secures dignity for Palestinians and safety for Israelis, Metsola reaffirmed the European Parliament’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Her words rang with a sense of urgency as she highlighted Europe’s responsibility in addressing the wider consequences of regional instability. “What happens in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, or Northern Africa does not stay isolated—there are consequences for Europe,” Metsola warned. Nowhere, she suggested, is this truer than in the sphere of migration.

Migration: A European Solution or a Fragmented Failure?

The crux of Metsola’s speech, however, centered on migration—a challenge that has long tested the resilience and unity of the European Union. With the recent adoption of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact following a decade of political deadlock, Europe now has a framework to address migration in a way that balances border security with humanitarian obligations. However, Metsola cautioned that this Pact would only succeed if European countries stand united, particularly in moments of crisis.

“The real solution is a European solution,” Metsola declared, advocating for broad, holistic, and sustainable cooperation. She pointed to the hybrid threats posed by states like Russia and Belarus, which have weaponized migration as a tool to destabilize Europe. This manipulation of human suffering for geopolitical gain has heightened the need for stronger European coordination and action.

Metsola was clear: migration is not an isolated issue. The instability in Ukraine, the Middle East, and North Africa has direct consequences for Europe, particularly in terms of migration flows. In response, Europe must not allow itself to be fragmented by external actors exploiting these crises. “We must respond to those who seek to abuse the systems we built for the betterment of man,” she urged, calling for a response that is both firm and compassionate—one that aligns with Europe’s core values of human dignity and justice.

Securing Schengen: Integrity Through Unity

Metsola’s final message was a plea to safeguard the integrity of the Schengen Area, the symbol of free movement within Europe. A failure to implement the Migration and Asylum Pact effectively, she warned, could compromise this freedom—a freedom that millions of Europeans have come to cherish as one of the Union’s most tangible achievements.

As European leaders continue to grapple with the pressures of migration, Metsola’s call for a coordinated European approach was a reminder that fragmentation is not an option. Only through solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility can Europe ensure the stability of its borders while remaining true to its humanitarian ideals.

Conclusion: A Challenge to European Leadership

Roberta Metsola’s speech was a call to action—a reminder that Europe’s greatest challenges, whether they be migration, war, or regional instability, can only be overcome through unity. Her message to European leaders was clear: Europe’s future rests not on isolated national policies but on a collective European solution. Only by working together can Europe protect its borders, uphold its values, and ensure peace, security, and dignity for all.

As the migration crisis intensifies and conflicts continue to threaten European stability, Metsola’s words serve as both a warning and a beacon. The time for decisive, coordinated action is now.

Hungary, UN expert Nazila Ghanea Reports on Discrimination and Religious Rights

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Juan Sanchez Gil

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17 October 2024

Viktor Orbán received the highest honor of the Serbian Orthodox Church - Hungary

Budapest, Hungary, October 2024 – Hungary faces a decision regarding religious freedom as it navigates the challenge of preserving its traditional connections with major religious organizations while also confronting the growing issue of discrimination against minority belief systems.

The latest discoveries by Nazila Ghanea, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, for the United Nations, provide insight into the factors influencing Hungary’s religious environment. During her assessment following an official trip lasting from October 7 to October 17 in 2024, she noted the widespread difficulties and highlighted particular instances that showcase the hardships experienced by minority religious groups.

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A Historical Backdrop Influencing Present Dynamics

Hungary’s history, particularly the restrictive Communist era (1949-1989), continues to influence contemporary state-religion relations. Despite the adoption of the Fundamental Law (Constitution) in 2011, which guarantees freedom of conscience and religion (Article VII. (1)), remnants of past restrictions persist. This historical context was frequently emphasized by interlocutors, including government officials, religious leaders, and civil society actors, underscoring the lingering impact on current religious freedoms.

brown wooden chairs inside cathedral in Hungary — Photo by Matt Wang on Unsplash Hungary

The 2011 Church Law: A Double-Edged Sword

While Hungary’s Fundamental Law ostensibly supports religious plurality by declaring, “individuals have the right to freely choose, change, and practice their religion,” the practical implementation through the 2011 Church Law has painted a more nuanced picture.

Initially accommodating over 350 religious groups, the Church Law imposed stringent criteria, reducing recognized organizations to just 34. Nazila Ghanea observes, “The 2011 Church Law stripped organizations of their legal status, significantly reducing the number of those officially recognized and thereby greatly limiting their legal rights.” This centralization has inadvertently marginalized numerous faith communities, limiting their access to state benefits and fostering an environment of inequality.

Tiered Recognition System: Favoritism and Exclusion

Hungary employs a four-tiered system for religious recognition: “established churches,” “registered churches,” “listed churches,” and “religious associations.” Achieving ‘established church’ status requires a complex registration process, including a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament— a mechanism criticized for politicizing religious recognition.

This system entrenches favouritism toward established churches like the Roman Catholic, Reformed, and Evangelical Lutheran Churches, which enjoy substantial state support for their educational and social initiatives. Smaller and newer religious organizations, such as Buddhists, Hindus, Scientologists and certain Jewish groups, struggle under these stringent criteria, facing financial difficulties and legal hurdles in maintaining their operations.

The “minorities”: A Spectrum of Discrimination

Various groups experience discrimination under the current legal framework:

Roma Community and LGBTIQ+ Individuals: Persistent hate speech and social intolerance act as significant barriers to the free exercise of religious beliefs. Ghanea notes, “The prevalence of hate speech in Hungarian society… remains a significant barrier to the free exercise of religion or belief for many minority groups.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Hungarian Evangelical Fellowship (MET): These groups face hurdles in accessing public funds for community activities and maintaining meeting places. MET, led by Pastor Gábor Iványi, lost its “established church” status, resulting in severe financial difficulties, including the loss of funding for its schools and social services. Despite appeals to both domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights, MET has yet to regain its standing.
Other Minority Religions: Smaller religious communities such as Buddhists, Hindus, Scientologists and certain Jewish factions grapple with systemic biases that impede their social and religious freedoms, often relying on private donations and community support to sustain their operations.

The Scientology Saga: A Battle for Recognition and Rights

Among the beleaguered groups navigating Hungary’s restrictive religious landscape is the Church of Scientology. Ghanea’s report, in addition to the insights I recently shared in my article titled “Religious Freedom Under Threat: The Case of Scientology in Hungary,” mentions the persistent legal challenges and governmental scrutiny faced by the Scientologists. The Hungarian government’s approach, in additional to public attacks by specific government officials claiming to be catholic, and as Ghanea covers in her preliminary report that “the Church of Scientology has faced raids and legal challenges under Hungary’s data protection laws, and a long delay in permission to maintain its Budapest headquarters“.

In my previous article I highlighted the bureaucratic obstacles that members perceive as efforts to delegitimize their faith. This ongoing struggle underscores broader issues within Hungary’s tiered recognition system, disproportionately impacting newer and less mainstream religious organizations or even using old communistic and German tactics of labelling groups or portraying them as suspect of being foreign government agents.

Institutional Bias and Its Ramifications

The tiered system of religious recognition perpetuates favoritism and exclusion. Ghanea explains, “Only the top-tier ‘established churches’ enjoy full legal status and the benefits of state support.” This stratification hampers interfaith solidarity and fractures communities within the same religion, creating divisions based on legal status rather than spiritual tenets.

Additionally, the intertwining of state and church responsibilities has sparked debates over autonomy and mission. While state funding aids religious schools and hospitals, it risks compromising the independence of these institutions, diverting them from their core spiritual missions to administrative and professional obligations that may not align with their foundational values.

Funding Disparities: Unequal Support for Religious Institutions

State funding in Hungary favours established churches, exacerbating inequalities among religious groups. Before 2010, religious schools received limited municipal funding. Post-2010 reforms introduced a second funding stream for religious schools, effectively widening the financial gap between church-run and municipal schools.

Consequently, church-run institutions now enjoy significantly greater funding, from kindergarten to universities, and dominate child protection care with 74% being church-run. This preferential funding regime, while justified by some as a means to remedy historical injustices, calls for a transparent and objective process to prevent perpetuating discriminatory structures.

Hate Speech and Social Intolerance

Hate speech remains a pervasive issue in Hungarian society, affecting various minority groups. Despite Hungary’s declared zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism, surveys indicate its persistent presence, often manifesting as coded hate speech. Jews report feeling compelled to conceal their religious symbols due to safety concerns.

Additionally, anti-Muslim rhetoric, amplified by high-level officials, often intertwines with anti-migrant sentiments, fueling verbal assaults against women wearing headscarves and other marginalized groups. Ghanea notes, “The pattern of stigmatizing anti-Muslim rhetoric has also stemmed from high-level officials and much of it has linked strong anti-migrant rhetoric with anti-Muslim hatred.“

Calls for Reform and Inclusivity

Ghanea’s preliminary findings emphasize the necessity for comprehensive reforms to dismantle discriminatory structures within Hungary’s religious governance. She asserts, “The ongoing concerns raised by international human rights organizations highlight the need for further reforms to ensure that all religious communities in Hungary can operate without discrimination.”

Recommendations include:

Establishing a Transparent Registration Process: Moving away from politicized approval mechanisms to objective criteria for religious recognition.
Decoupling State Support from Religious Status: Ensuring that state funding is allocated based on transparent and equitable criteria, rather than favoring established churches.
Promoting Societal Tolerance: Addressing hate speech and fostering an environment where all religious and belief systems can coexist without prejudice.

The Road Ahead

Hungary’s progress towards achieving religious freedom faces various obstacles that mirror wider social issues and intricate historical events. In the midst of navigating between honouring tradition and embracing modernity in the country’s landscape, the pleas from minority groups stand out as a clear demand for fairness and acceptance. The upcoming detailed report by Ghanea slated for release in March 2025 is expected to provide analysis and practical suggestions to promote religious liberty and human rights in Hungary.

Nazila Ghanea concludes her preliminary observations by stating, “These are my preliminary findings, and I will submit my report, containing my full observations and recommendations from my visit to Hungary to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2025.” Her ongoing engagement with Hungarian authorities underscores a commitment to fostering an environment where all religious communities can thrive without discrimination.

Hungary’s pursuit of religious freedom highlights the intricate interplay between law, societal attitudes, and historical legacies. Addressing discriminatory practices and fostering an inclusive environment for all religious and belief systems is imperative for Hungary to realize the true spirit of its Fundamental Law. The path forward mandates a re-evaluation of existing legal frameworks, embracing diversity not as a threat but as a cornerstone of a truly free and pluralistic society.

Lebanon crisis: UN human rights office calls for probe into Israeli strike

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United Nations News

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17 October 2024

Lebanon crisis: UN human rights office calls for probe into Israeli strike

“What we’re hearing is that amongst the 22 people who were killed were 12 women and two children,” said Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

“We understand it was a four-storey residential building that was struck. With these factors in mind, we have real concerns with respect to [International Humanitarian Law], so the laws of war and principles of distinction, proportion and proportionality. In this case, [OHCHR] would call for a prompt, independent and thorough investigation into this incident.”

Since the Israeli military escalated its offensive against Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon last month whose deadly rocket attacks into Israel have not stopped, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported that the death toll in Lebanon is now more than 2,200 since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023.

That number “continues to climb as the situation becomes more dramatic”, said Rema Jamous Imseis, UNHCR Director for the Middle East.

Over 10,000 people have also been injured amid Israeli airstrikes and Israeli evacuation orders that have left more than 25 per cent of the country “under a direct Israeli military evacuation order”, the UNHCR official told journalists in Geneva.

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Worst crisis ‘in decades’

Some 1.2 million people have now been displaced across Lebanon, according to the country’s government, while the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, warned that all those impacted “are enduring the worst humanitarian crisis in decades”.

“Violence is pushing an already overwhelmed health system to the brink, with devastating impacts on care. Attacks on health facilities are a violation of international humanitarian law. They must end now,” OCHA said in an online post.

“People are heeding these calls to evacuate and they’re fleeing with almost nothing,” UNHCR’s Ms. Imseis said. “Many of them are being forced out into the open, they’re sleeping under the skies as they try to find their way towards safety and support.”

Aid disruptions

Aiding those in need remains dangerous and difficult, she continued, noting that “for the last three days running, we’ve had to endorse and approve and reapprove an interagency convoy movement which is now scheduled to take place today”.

Desperate scenes have also been reported on Lebanon’s border with Syria, where more than 283,000 people have now crossed into northern Syria “seeking safety, fleeing Israeli airstrikes”, the UNHCR official said.

About 70 per cent of those people are Syrians and roughly 30 per cent are Lebanese.

“We saw two women with about nine children between them who described their journey on foot for 10 hours to reach that point.

They had seen directly the impact of the violence, an airstrike had hit a home 100 metres from their home and they fled, literally, with just the clothes on their backs.”

Gaza: Horror in hospital courtyard

In Gaza, meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) condemned Monday’s strike on the al Aqsa hospital courtyard, where people from northern Gaza were told to relocate. At least four people were burned to death, and scores of others, including women and children, suffered severe burns.

“There are far too many children there with burns and with burn wounds” needing treatment that [the] hospital does not have the medicines and the antiseptics and the painkillers that are required,” said UNICEF spokesperson James Elder.

“On my last mission to Gaza earlier this month, I discovered such a thing as fourth degree burns; I met a little six-year-old boy, Hamid with fourth degree burns. So what we saw last night will have again been large numbers of people, including children, with horrendous burns to which that hospital simply doesn’t have the resources to treat.”

‘Catastrophic’ situation in the north

OCHA warned in an update on Tuesday that the situation in northern Gaza is “catastrophic”, as Israeli military operations intensify, severely compromising people’s access to means of survival, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York.

“Our health partners warn that only three hospitals in northern Gaza are now operating and only at minimum capacity. These facilities have a dire shortage of fuel, of blood, of trauma kits and various medications,” he said.

About 285 patients remain in these hospitals as military activities continue outside.

Mr. Dujarric also said that the Kamal Adwan hospital “remains overwhelmed”, receiving between 50 and 70 new people with injuries every day, according to the UN World Health Organization.

Humanitarian partners continue their efforts to support people in northern Gaza, delivering food assistance and distributing relief supplies, as stocks dwindle. There are serious concerns that many bakeries may be forced to shut down in about 10 days due to fuel shortages.

Polio vaccinations continue

Meanwhile in central Gaza, about 93,000 children under ten received the second dose of polio vaccines during the second round of the inoculation campaign to stave off the highly contagious and debilitating disease.

About 43 per cent of them were vaccinated by teams from the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). More than 76,000 children also received Vitamin A supplements.

“OCHA stresses that it is critical that parties respect the humanitarian pauses agreed to ensure that we can our partners can reach the children that need the vaccine,” Mr. Dujarric said.

Local self-government in Iceland, Latvia and Malta: Congress adopts new recommendations

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17 October 2024

Local self-government in Iceland, Latvia and Malta: Congress adopts new recommendations

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe at its 47^th session has adopted recommendations on the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government by Iceland, Latvia and Malta.

The Congress has called on Iceland to incorporate local self-government into domestic law. It concluded that Icelandic municipalities lead globally in terms of female voting and representation and welcomed the high level of fiscal autonomy in the country’s local self-government. However, despite previous Congress recommendations, Iceland did not incorporate local democracy and self-government principles into its law to ensure a clear division of responsibilities between central and local authorities.

Latviashould strengthen financial autonomy at local level, recommended the Congress. It called for an increase of revenue potential at the local level, aligning local financial resources with local competences, simplifying supervision and clarifying the division of competences.

As for Malta, the Congress praised it for Malta praised the 2019 local government reform, the lowering of the minimum age for local elections to 16, and Malta’s ratification of the Additional Protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority. However, it local authorities’ competences should be increased and administrative supervision limited.

ESMA responds to the Commission rejection of certain MiCA Technical Standards

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17 October 2024

ESMA responds to the Commission rejection of certain MiCA Technical Standards

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has responded to the European Commission proposal to amend the Markets in crypto-assets Regulation (MiCA) Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS). ESMA acknowledges the legal limitations raised by the Commission but emphasises the importance of the policy objectives behind the initial proposal.

In the Opinion, ESMA takes note of the amendments proposed to the two RTS specifying:

the information to be included in a notification by certain financial entities of their intention to provide crypto-asset services and
the information to be included in an application for authorisation as crypto-asset service provider.

ESMA also reiterates that the final objective of these RTS is to ensure a thorough entry point assessment for applicant crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and financial entities intending to provide crypto-asset services in the EU. This will increase the resilience of the crypto assets market and enhance investor protection in the crypto-assets space.

ESMA therefore recommends the Commission consider amendments to the MICA regulation (Level 1), namely:

requiring applicant crypto-asset service providers and notifying entities to provide the results of an external cybersecurity audit; and
including, in the assessment of the good repute of the members of the management body of applicant crypto-asset service providers, checks regarding the absence of penalties also in areas other than commercial law, insolvency law, financial services law, anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing, fraud or professional liability.

Background

On 25 March 2024, ESMA published its first final report on the draft RTS specifying certain requirements of MiCA and submitted it to the EC for adoption. In September 2024, the Commission informed ESMA that it intended to adopt two of the proposed RTS with amendments and invited ESMA to submit new draft RTS reflecting the amendments provided.

Next steps

This opinion has been communicated by ESMA to the Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council.

The EC may adopt the two RTS with the amendments it considers relevant or reject it. The European Parliament and the Council may object to an RTS adopted by the EC within a period of three months.

Further information:

Cristina Bonillo

Senior Communications Officer
[email protected]

Lessons from Ljubljana in uncertain times

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17 October 2024

Lessons from Ljubljana in uncertain times

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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”.

Thank you.

Cecila Dalman Eek elected President of the Chamber of Regions

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16 October 2024