Ukraine war remains the most disturbing topic in Europe. French President Macron’s recent statement about his country’s possible direct involvement in the war was a sign of possible further escalation.
Pope Francis recently called for an immediate ceasefire. We are also seeing growing concern at the UN about further possible ceasefire and negotiation initiatives.
Last Wednesday, the Greek Parliament hosted a conference on ways to achieve peace in Ukraine. Four prominent members of parliament presented their vision on how to stop the war: Alexandros Markogiannakis, Athanasios Papathanassis, Ioannis Loverdos and Mitiadis Zamparis.
Calls for Diplomacy and Peace Intensify as Ukraine War Rages On 2
MP Athanasios Papathanassis has expressed an opinion of many Greeks regarding the need for peace: “Ukraine has been the bridge between Europe and Russia and the desire for its control and influence has led to geopolitical confrontations with a global impact. In this disastrous context collective effort and diplomatic flexibility is necessary for promoting and establishing peace”.
The situation was analysed insightfully by the renowned political scientist and media personality Professor Frederic ENCEL . He expressed scepticism about the chances of peaceful UN involvement and suggested that both sides of the conflict come together to reach a solution. Encel elaborated on France’s policy towards Russia, which has been friendly and balanced for many decades. Now we are in for a change due to fears that Donald Trump’s possible impending victory in the US presidential election will lead to a weakening of NATO.
A special call for peace came from Athens Vice Mayor Elli Papageli. She called for an immediate end to the war through diplomatic means. Vice-Mayor Papageli expressed fears of nuclear war and spoke of its disastrous economic consequences for Europe.
Former CIA analyst and State Department counter-terrorism expert Larry Johnson criticised NATO expansion and European arms supplies to Ukraine. His idea of a peaceful settlement was based on his view that the West was misinterpreting Russia’s intentions. Johnson was critical of Europe and the US and called for “not pouring petrol on the fire”.
Manel Msalmi, president of the European Association for the Defence of Minorities, emphasised the plight of women and children during the war and the need to restore peace. She recalled that during the UN assembly, the UN Secretary General called for peace in the country. She praised Athens as a model of democracy and quoted Aristotle: “Peace cannot be maintained by force, it can only be achieved by understanding.”
She noted that “increasingly, sensible politicians such as the Italian Defence Minister are talking about the start of peace talks, but at the moment the EU is preparing a €50 billion financial aid plan for Ukraine and peace is out of the question in the near future.“
Another issue of concern is the growing corruption in Ukraine, which is directly linked to the war.Ukraine tries to fight against corruption but it is a long and a complicated process. Neither the US nor the EU has developed an effective mechanism to control how this money is spent.”
All this makes diplomatic efforts to end the war simply necessary. For the sake of Europe and the world. The call for peace through diplomacy of ms. Msalmi was warmly welcomed by all the participants.
In early March a delegation of representatives of the world’s largest interfaith body, the United Religions Initiative (URI), visited the English Midlands and London at the invitation of its UK affiliate the United Religions Initiative UK.
The delegation included Preeta Bansal, an American social entrepreneur, lawyer and former senior policy advisor at the White House, who is now Global Chair of URI, and its Executive Director Jerry White, a campaigner and humanitarian activist who shared in the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in banning landmines.
The delegation and conference participants outside the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) temple, one of the largest Hindu places of worship in Europe
URI is a United Nations affiliate organisation, founded in California in 1998 by retired Episcopalian Bishop William Swing as part of the 50th anniversary commemorations of the signing of the UN Charter. His purpose was to bring different faith groups together in dialogue, fellowship and productive endeavour, mirroring the purposes of the UN in the religious sphere.
URI now has over 1,150 member grassroots groups (“Cooperation Circles”) in 110 countries, divided into eight global regions. These are engaged in areas including youth and women empowerment, environmental protection, promoting freedom of religion and belief, and fostering multifaith cooperation to address social issues. One of the URI’s most active global regions is URI Europe, with over sixty Cooperation Circles across 25 countries. Members of the Board and secretariat of URI Europe from Belgium, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Bulgaria, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain joined the ten person delegation.
URI UK is a registered charity and part of the URI Europe network. It pursues URI’s global aims within the UK context: building bridges of cooperation among diverse religious communities, fostering understanding and collaboration, helping to end religiously motivated violence, and creating cultures of peace, justice, and healing. It was reestablished in 2021 following some years in abeyance, and currently links four UK-based Co-operation Circles. Its activities have included a youth conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief and a multi-faith celebration of King Charles III’s Coronation.
Multi-faith tree planting for the King’s Coronation
URI UK works with all who share its values, such as places of worship, youth groups and community activists, and welcomes people from any background and of all faiths or none. It regards its work as more important than ever, at a time of significant global and local challenges to good relationships between people with differing religious adherence. Chair of Trustees, Deepak Naik, said “Events in the Middle East and elsewhere are posing real challenges for good relations between faith groups here in Britain. On top of that, we learned of the tragic closure of the Inter Faith Network for the UK, which has done outstanding work in supporting dialogue for over 25 years. It is vital to strengthen interfaith activity in the UK and draw in new participants.”
Bringing international perspectives to help regalvanise interfaith activity in the Midlands and London was one of the purposes of the March visit programme. It was also designed to introduce the delegation to interfaith practice and issues in the UK, where some 130 interfaith groups operate at local, regional and national level. Preeta Bansal said, “Britain has always had a good reputation for interfaith dialogue, and my colleagues and I were keen to learn more. We also hope our experiences provided fresh perspectives for activists here and will give rise to new projects and approaches.”
Based in Coleshill in the English West Midlands, the delegation travelled to five diverse inner city districts over four days: Handsworth in Birmingham, Oldbury in the Black Country, the Golden Mile in Leicester, Swanswell Park in Coventry, and the London Borough of Barnet. The programme included visits to places of worship (including observing acts of worship), a touring exhibition, shared meals, and conferences in the five host venues.
The delegation visited Coventry Cathedral, an international centre for peace and reconciliation following its destruction in World War Two
The conferences addressed some difficult themes: preventing religion-motivated violence; exploring the threats that face interfaith understanding; the fragility of interfaith work; and promoting enduring, daily interfaith cooperation to address social issues. They featured contributions from prominent interfaith activists, clergy of different faiths, a Member of Parliament, a Police and Crime Commissioner, academics and local Councillors, table discussions and shared meals. Audiences were drawn from those new to interfaith dialogue as well as more seasoned practitioners. URI UK hopes that more UK interfaith initiatives will choose to become URI Cooperation Circles as a result of the visit, giving them access to resources and contacts worldwide.
Conference delegates at the Nishkam Centre, Birmingham
The programme was also designed to introduce UK interfaith activists to the Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention. This is a new model for isolating and disrupting patterns of violent behaviour which has obtained widespread academic endorsement and gained favour among crime prevention policy-makers in the United States since 2000. It sees a propensity to violence not as an innate condition of certain individuals, but as a pathological behaviour akin to a physical disease. Just as a contagion of disease is effectively tackled by outbreaks being contained and interrupted, so there are powerful techniques for containing, deflecting and interrupting violence, and stopping it spreading – whether this be violent crime, domestic violence, racist violence or religion-motivated violence.
The March conferences tested British reactions to the Approach, in particular relating to religion motivated violence. Participants strongly encouraged URI UK to promote it in UK urban contexts, initially through running pilot schemes in selected urban locations. Deepak Naik said, “I believe the Public Health Approach is clearly applicable for addressing of religion-motivated violence in the UK, whether this take the form of Antisemitic incidents during pro-Palestinian protests in major centres and on campuses, or the Hindu-Muslim riots that were experienced in the previously well integrated city of Leicester in 2021.”
Jerry White explained the Public Health Approach to Preventing Violence
URI UK believes that the visit programme amply met its objectives. Feedback from the international delegation was strongly positive. Franco-Belgian activist Eric Roux, who is a URI Global Council’s trustee for Europe, said, “This visit in UK was really inspiring. The people we met, their diversity and their dedication to a better society, more inclusive and working together in peace, showed us that there is a great willingness in UK to have a vibrant and effective interfaith network. And honestly, these people, from all faiths or none, do a great job in UK. That’s of course needed, as in every country of the world. That’s exactly what URI is all about: grassroot efforts and initiatives. And we are very eager to do our share to empower the people we met in UK with an international network of such efforts, hoping that the grassroot/international connection can help increasing the impact”. Karimah Stauch, URI Europe Coordinator, from Germany added, “We are convinced that interfaith actors make a unique contribution to combating Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and all forms of group-based prejudice and hatred. We commend the great work of URI UK and all interfaith actors in the UK and offer our cooperation.“
The Leicester conference, with URI UK Chair Deepak Naik kneeling in the centre
Warwick Hawkins:Warwick served as a career civil servant, providing advisory services to successive British Governments on matters related to religious engagement for a span of 18 years. During this time, he conceptualized and executed various initiatives aimed at fostering interreligious dialogue and promoting social action. His responsibilities encompassed empowering local communities through community rights initiatives and organizing multi-faith commemorations for significant events such as the First World War centenary, the Millennium, and the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Warwick’s most recent position was leading the Faith Communities Engagement team within the Integration and Faith Division of the Department for Communities and Local Government. He transitioned from government employment in 2016 to establish his own consultancy, Faith in Society, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting faith groups in their civil society engagements through advocacy, strategic planning, and fundraising assistance. In recognition of his contributions to inter-religious dialogue, Warwick was honored with an MBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honours list. He has since remained actively involved in inter-religious projects in various capacities, including private consultancy and trustee roles.
Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Council
Delivering on our priorities is the best tool to push against disinformation, said EP President Roberta Metsola at European Council
Addressing the Heads of State or Government at the March European Council in Brussels today, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted the following topics:
European Parliament elections:
“We are meeting today 77 days from the start of the European Parliament elections. We know how much we need to work together to get out the vote.
In this legislature, we have put Europe’s stamp on global geopolitics and we have defended our European way in an ever-changing world. We have become stronger because of the challenges we faced and not despite them. We have held the constructive European majority together and we must do that again.
Europe is delivering for our people, but we have to be able to get that message across every Member State. Together with MEPs, I have visited many countries to convince our people, especially our young people, to go out and vote.”
Disinformation:
“We know how far other actors will go to try to disrupt our democratic processes. We are seeing attempts in many States to push disinformation, misinformation and propaganda which come from actors hostile to the European project. It is a threat that we must be ready for.
We can make use of both legislative and non-legislative tools – particularly through how we tackle social media. Legislatively, we have the Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, the AI Act, political advertising and Media Freedom – but we must also be ready to engage better online.
We cannot allow this destructive narrative, propaganda and disinformation to spread without countering it. We have to be ready to engage with the platforms.
This election will be a test of our systems and makes our job of getting the message across even more essential.”
Addressing the citizens:
“My appeal here is to resist the temptation in a difficult campaign to blame Brussels for all that is wrong and give no credit where it is due.
We need to be open and honest about our successes – but also where we could have done better. Where we did not match the expectations of our people. Where people still feel left behind. Where our bureaucracy has pushed people away.
Our industry must be part of the equation. Our farmers have to be a part of the equation. Our young people must be part of the equation. People must have confidence in the process, they must have access to tools that allow them to make the shift and they must be able to afford it. Otherwise, it will not succeed.
The European Union is not perfect, but it is the best guarantee for all of our people. So where we need to fix – let us do so. But let us keep building rather than allow easy cynicism to destroy.
We can hand back a Europe that is stronger, that listens to its citizens, that works better, that is more efficient and effective. That – as Jean Claude Juncker famously put it – is big on the big things and small on the small things.”
Russia’s threat and support to Ukraine:
“There is nothing bigger than the threat posed to peace by Russia. We must continue to do everything within our power to help Ukraine to continue to defend itself.
We have already provided strong political, diplomatic, humanitarian, economic and military support to Ukraine, and here the European Parliament welcomes the adoption of the 13th package of sanctions, and the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility.
In this critical moment, our support of Ukraine cannot waver. We need to speed-up and intensify the delivery of equipment that they need to sustain its defence.
We also have to help Ukraine by prolonging the Autonomous Trade Measures.”
European security:
“Our project of peace depends on our ability to be secure and autonomous. If we are serious about protecting our collective security we also need to take action on building a new EU security framework.
In shaping this new architecture, we have already found agreement on several issues that many thought impossible. Now we must be ready for the next step of cooperation between us all. In this new world, going alone will not work.”
Enlargement:
“Enlargement remains a priority. For Ukraine, for Moldova, for Georgia and for Bosnia and Herzegovina. For us all.
They all need to follow their own path and fulfil all the criteria required – but – with Ukraine in particular – their progress in meeting the milestones has been impressive.
In the last twelve months, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina have also made remarkable progress in reforms. It is time to make good on our word. It is time to open EU accession negotiations with them and send a clear signal to people in the Western Balkans.
In this new geostrategic environment, an enlarged EU that is based on clear objectives, criteria and merit, will always serve as our best investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity.”
EU reform:
“We cannot lose sight of the fact that an enlarged EU will require change. Adaptation. Reform. The Parliament has made several proposals to this effect including those on the European Parliament’s right of inquiry, which has seen little movement over the past 12 years, and the triggering of the process for a European Convention.”
Economy:
“Enlargement will also help boost European competitiveness and improve the functioning of our single market. This must be a priority for the next legislature. That is how we grow our economies sustainably. How we pay our debts. How we create jobs and attract investment. How we ensure that growth works for everyone. It is with a strong economy that we can bring prosperity, security and stability. How we can reinforce Europe’s place in the world.”
Middle-East:
“A strong Europe has a role to play in the shifting sands of the world order – not least in the Middle East.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is desperate. We need to use all the tools at our disposal to get more aid in. I welcome the Amalthea Initiative and would like to especially thank Cyprus for your leadership. Nonetheless, land distribution of aid remains the best avenue to deliver the volumes needed.
That is why the European Parliament will keep pushing for a ceasefire. Why we will keep demanding the return of the remaining hostages and why we underline that Hamas can no longer operate with impunity.
This is why we ask for clear conclusions on this today that will give direction going forward.
That is how we get more aid into Gaza, how we save innocent lives and how we push forward the urgent need for a two-state solution that gives real perspective to Palestinians and security to Israel.
A peace that empowers peaceful, legitimate, Palestinian leadership and that ensures lasting stability in the region.”
Situation in the Red Sea:
“This also concerns the situation in the Red Sea. I welcome the EUNAVFOR Aspides which will help protect this highly strategic maritime corridor. But there is more that we can do.
Across the Euro-Mediterranean, businesses are hugely impacted by delays, problems with warehousing and financial implications. We should consider an EU-led taskforce to assess how we can act together to mitigate the socio-economic consequences. There is a role for Europe to play here too.”
Conclusion:
“Let me assure you that the European Parliament will keep working until the last moment to deliver on the remaining legislative files, including on a new migration package.
Ultimately delivering on our priorities is our best tool to push back against disinformation and where citizens can see the difference that Europe makes.”
On Wednesday, Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on extending trade support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression.
The temporary suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU will be renewed for another year, until 5 June 2025, to support Ukraine amidst Russia’s continuing war of aggression.
The Commission can take swift action and impose any measures it deems necessary should there be significant disruption to the EU market or the markets of one or more EU countries due to Ukrainian imports.
The regulation also provides for an emergency brake for particularly sensitive agricultural products, namely poultry, eggs, and sugar. MEPs secured the expansion of this list to include oats, maize, groats and honey. They also attained firm commitments from the Commission to take action if there is a surge of Ukrainian imports of wheat. The reference period for triggering the emergency brake will be 2022 and 2023, meaning that if imports of these products surpass the average volumes of these two years, tariffs would be re-imposed. EP negotiators also ensured that the Commission would act faster – within 14 days instead of 21 days – if trigger levels for the automatic safeguards were reached.
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Rapporteur Sandra Kalniete (EPP, LV) said: “Tonight’s agreement reinforces the EU’s continued commitment to stand by Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression until Ukraine’s victory. Russia’s targeting of Ukraine and its food production also impacts EU farmers. The Parliament heard their concerns, and bolstered safeguard measures that would alleviate the pressure on EU farmers should they be overwhelmed by a sudden surge in Ukrainian imports.”
Next steps
Parliament and Council will now both have to give their final green light to the provisional agreement. The current suspension expires on 5 June 2024. The new regulations should enter into force immediately following this expiration date.
Background
The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, has ensured that Ukrainian businesses have preferential access to the EU market since 2016. After Russia launched its war of aggression, the EU put in place autonomous trade measures (ATMs) in June 2022, which allow duty-free access for all Ukrainian products to the EU. These measures were extended by one year in 2023. In January, the EU Commission proposed that import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports should be suspended for another year. For Moldova, similar measures were extended for another year after the current measures expire on 24 July 2024. Russia has deliberately targeted Ukrainian food production and Black Sea exporting facilities to undermine the country’s economy and threaten global food security.
The police in Spain have warned that they will now strictly enforce these sanctions, and the same is expected in France.
If you give away the location of a police post or roadblock to other drivers, you can be fined up to… 30,000 euros. It sounds absurd, but a sanction of similar proportions is a fact in several European countries, including France, and the Spanish police last week confirmed their intention to strictly enforce it.
In some countries, such as Bulgaria, warning fellow drivers about traffic police posts or hidden radars is not expressly prohibited by the Road Traffic Act. But the practice of friendly initiation in such cases seems to be no longer as popular as in the past. More and more drivers are using the warning feature of navigation apps like Waze.
In Spain, Germany and France, however, lighting is strictly prohibited. The Spanish Highway Code punishes it with a fine between 100 and 200 euros in principle. And if a driver gives away the location of a police post on social media or otherwise, it carries with it a fine of between €601 and €30,000 under the country’s internal order law. The Spanish police specified that the sanctions will be applied strictly in the future.
Their amount depends on the situation: a simple warning about the presence of policemen on the road will carry a relatively small fine. The maximum amount applies when a police alcohol and drugs check or a special police search operation is revealed. If in such cases the driver also uploads a photo to the police station, this can lead to the deprivation of a license for a period of up to 2 years.
According to a study published in Nature Communications, the device achieved a 20.8% solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency.
The new technology is a significant step forward for clean energy and could serve as a platform for a wide range of chemical reactions that use solar-harvested electricity to convert feedstocks into fuels.
The lab of chemical and biomolecular engineer Aditya Mohite built the integrated photoreactor using an anticorrosion barrier that insulates the semiconductor from water without impeding the transfer of electrons.
Aditya Mohite. Photo courtesy of Aditya Mohite/Rice University
“Using sunlight as an energy source to manufacture chemicals is one of the largest hurdles to a clean energy economy,” said Austin Fehr, a chemical and biomolecular engineering doctoral student and one of the study’s lead authors.
“Our goal is to build economically feasible platforms that can generate solar-derived fuels. Here, we designed a system that absorbs light and completes electrochemical water-splitting chemistry on its surface.”
The device is known as a photoelectrochemical cell because the absorption of light, its conversion into electricity and the use of the electricity to power a chemical reaction all occur in the same device. Until now, using photoelectrochemical technology to produce green hydrogen was hampered by low efficiencies and the high cost of semiconductors.
“All devices of this type produce green hydrogen using only sunlight and water, but ours is exceptional because it has record-breaking efficiency and it uses a semiconductor that is very cheap,” Fehr said.
The Mohite lab and its collaborators created the device by turning their highly-competitive solar cell into a reactor that could use harvested energy to split water into oxygen and hydrogen.
The challenge they had to overcome was that halide perovskites* are extremely unstable in water and coatings used to insulate the semiconductors ended up either disrupting their function or damaging them.
“Over the last two years, we’ve gone back and forth trying different materials and techniques,” said Michael Wong, a Rice chemical engineer and co-author on the study.
Michael Wong. Photo courtesy of Michael Wong/Rice University
After lengthy trials failed to yield the desired result, the researchers finally came across a winning solution.
“Our key insight was that you needed two layers to the barrier, one to block the water and one to make good electrical contact between the perovskite layers and the protective layer,” Fehr said.
“Our results are the highest efficiency for photoelectrochemical cells without solar concentration, and the best overall for those using halide perovskite semiconductors.
“It is a first for a field that has historically been dominated by prohibitively expensive semiconductors, and may represent a pathway to commercial feasibility for this type of device for the first time ever,” Fehr said.
The researchers showed their barrier design worked for different reactions and with different semiconductors, making it applicable across many systems.
“We hope that such systems will serve as a platform for driving a wide range of electrons to fuel-forming reactions using abundant feedstocks with only sunlight as the energy input,” Mohite said.
“With further improvements to stability and scale, this technology could open up the hydrogen economy and change the way humans make things from fossil fuel to solar fuel,” Fehr added.
Perovskite – This mineral has a higher conductivity than silicon and is less fragile. It is also much more abundant on Earth. Over the last decade, considerable efforts have led to spectacular developments, but its adoption in future optoelectronics remains a challenge. Perovskite photovoltaic cells are still unstable and undergo premature ageing. What’s more, they contain lead, a material that is very harmful to the environment and human health. For these reasons, the panels cannot be marketed.
Halogenated hybrid perovskites are a class of semiconductor materials that have been the focus of particular research in recent years for their remarkable photoelectric properties and their applications in photovoltaic systems.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a united Europe capable of changing to secure its place in the world of tomorrow in a debate with MEPs.
In his This is Europe address to the European Parliament on 9 May 2023, Chancellor Scholz stressed that Europe has a global responsibility beyond its borders “because the well-being of Europe cannot be separated from the well-being of the rest of the world”. The world of the 21st century, he said, “will be multipolar, it already is”.
Scholz identified three lessons for the EU: “First, Europe’s future is in our hands. Secondly, the more united Europe is, the easier it will be to secure a good future for ourselves. And thirdly, not less but more openness and more cooperation are the order of the day.”
To secure Europe’s place in the world of tomorrow, the EU must change, the Chancellor said. “We need a geopolitical EU, an enlarged and reformed EU, and an EU open to the future.”
On Russia’s war against Ukraine, he said the EU must now set the course for the reconstruction of Ukraine. A prosperous, democratic, European Ukraine is the clearest rejection of Putin’s imperial, revisionist and illegal policy.
In a multipolar world, the countries of the global south are important partners, Scholz continued. Europe must stand up for food security and poverty reduction and it must keep its promises of action on international climate and environmental protection.
With regard to enlargement, the Chancellor said: “An honest enlargement policy implements its promises – first and foremost to the states of the Western Balkans.” He also announced to push for extending qualified majority decision-making to more decisions dealing with foreign policy and taxation.
Speaking about migration and asylum, he said: “We are united by the goal of better managing and regulating irregular migration – without betraying our values.” In many parts of Europe, workers, from non-EU countries are needed, he continued, and if Europe links regular migration with the demand that countries of origin and transit also take back those who have no right to stay in Europe, “then all sides will benefit”.
Reactions from MEPs
Reacting to Scholz’s EU reform proposals, MEPs demanded courage from Europe’s leaders to take the EU into the future and called on Chancellor Scholz to push for a Convention before the 2024 European elections. Several MEPs demanded the continuance of support for Ukraine in the Russian war of aggression until a just peace is secured, while others criticised Germany for providing tardy support to Ukraine, and the EU for providing more money to the arms industry.
A number of MEPs stressed the importance of fighting the economic impact on European citizens of the Russian war in Ukraine and some called for new legislation to ensure social justice as well as for a reform of the EU electricity market to guarantee fair prices. Some speakers stressed the importance of Europe’s green and digital transition and requested more investment in these areas so that Europe can lead on technological breakthroughs.
You’ve decided to welcome a feathered friend into your home, choosing to care for a bird is a rewarding experience. However, it’s important to understand that birds require special attention and care to thrive in a domestic setting. This ultimate guide is designed specifically for beginners looking to provide the best possible care for their avian companions. From selecting the right bird species and setting up a suitable habitat to ensuring proper nutrition and healthcare, we’ll cover all the basics you need to know to keep your feathered friend happy and healthy.
To ensure your pet bird feels safe and secure, it’s vital to choose the right cage. Consider the size of the bird and how much room they need to fly and move around comfortably. Opt for a cage with bars that are appropriately spaced to prevent any escapes.
Essentials for a Healthy Habitat
The key to a healthy habitat for your pet bird is providing them with the necessarys they need to thrive. This includes fresh water, a nutritious diet, and a clean environment. Make sure to regularly clean the cage and provide your bird with plenty of toys and perches for mental and physical stimulation.
It is crucial to keep the cage away from drafts, direct sunlight, and any potential hazards like toxic plants or household chemicals. Regular vet check-ups are also important to ensure your bird stays healthy and happy.
Feeding your bird a proper diet is crucial for their health and well-being. Different bird species have varied dietary requirements, so it’s imperative to research what specific foods are best for your feathered friend. In general, a balanced diet for birds includes a mix of seeds, pellets, fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
Tips for a Balanced Diet
One of the keys to providing a balanced diet for your bird is variety. Offering a diverse range of foods ensures that your bird receives all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. Consider incorporating fresh foods, such as leafy greens, carrots, berries, and cooked eggs into their diet. Rotating different types of food will keep your bird interested and provide a more complete nutrition profile. The quality of the food you offer is just as important as the variety. Make sure to provide fresh, high-quality food to meet your bird’s needs.
Health and Wellness
Recognizing Common Health Issues
One of the most important aspects of bird care is being able to recognize common health issues that your feathered friend may experience. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs of illness such as changes in behavior, eating habits, or appearance. If you’re unsure about what to look for, How to Care for a Bird (with Pictures) can be a helpful resource.
Preventative Care and Regular Check-ups
On top of being vigilant about your bird’s health, preventative care and regular check-ups are key to ensuring they stay happy and healthy. Scheduling annual wellness exams with an avian veterinarian can help catch any potential issues early on. Implementing proper nutrition, clean living conditions, and providing mental stimulation are also imperative for their overall well-being.
Another important aspect of preventative care is establishing a good relationship with an avian veterinarian who is knowledgeable about bird health. They can provide guidance on vaccinations, parasite control, and appropriate grooming techniques to keep your bird in top condition.
Social Interaction and Training
Taming and Bonding with Your Bird
Many new bird owners may find it daunting to build a strong bond with their feathery friend, but with patience and consistency, it is entirely achievable. An imperative first step is to spend time near your bird’s cage, talking to them softly and offering treats to establish trust. Slowly, you can start exposing your bird to your hand by placing it in the cage with treats, allowing them to approach you at their own pace. Recall, establishing a bond takes time, so be patient and consistent in your efforts.
Teaching Tricks and Encouraging Play
Encouraging play and teaching tricks to your bird can be a fun way to bond with them and keep them mentally stimulated. Teaching your bird simple tricks like stepping up on your hand or playing with toys can help build trust and strengthen your relationship. Regular playtime outside the cage can also provide much-needed exercise. For instance, you can use puzzle toys or create obstacle courses for your bird to navigate through, keeping them engaged and entertained.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Guide To Bird Care For Beginners covers everything you need to know about providing excellent care for your feathered friend. By following the tips and guidelines in this guide, you can ensure that your bird stays healthy, happy, and well-cared for. Be mindful of, with the right knowledge and dedication, you can create a loving and enriching environment for your bird to thrive in. Happy bird-keeping!
Press conference by Lara WOLTERS (S&D, NL) rapporteur, on Corporate Sustainability, companies to address impact on human rights and environment
On Tuesday, the Legal Affairs Committee approved a bill, agreed with EU governments, requiring firms to mitigate their negative impact on human rights and environment.
MEPs on the Legal Affairs Committee adopted with 20 votes for, 4 against and no abstentions new, so-called “due diligence” rules, obliging firms to alleviate the adverse impact their activities have on human rights and the environment, including slavery, child labour, labour exploitation, biodiversity loss, pollution and destruction of natural heritage. The requirement to prevent, end or mitigate their negative effects also concerns companies’ upstream partners working in design, manufacture, transport and supply, and downstream partners, including those dealing with distribution, transport and storage.
Scope and transition plan
The rules will apply to EU1 and non-EU companies and parent companies with over 1000 employees and with a turnover of more than 450 million euro and to franchises with a turnover of more than 80 million euro if at least 22.5 million was generated by royalties.
Companies will also have to integrate due diligence into their policies and risk management systems, and adopt and put into effect a transition plan making their business model compatible with the global warming limit of 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement. The transition plan should include the company’s time-bound climate change targets, key actions on how to reach them and an explanation, including figures, of what investments are necessary to implement the plan.
Civil liability and fines
Firms will be liable if they do not comply with their due diligence obligations and will have to fully compensate their victims. They will also have to adopt complaints mechanisms and engage with individuals and communities adversely affected by their actions.
Member states will designate a supervisory authority in charge of monitoring, investigating and imposing penalties on companies that do not comply. These can include fines of up to 5% of companies’ net worldwide turnover. Foreign companies will be required to designate their authorised representative based in the member state in which they operate, who will communicate with supervisory authorities about due diligence compliance on their behalf. The Commission will establish the European Network of Supervisory Authorities to support cooperation among supervisory bodies.
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Following the committee vote, lead MEP Lara Wolters (S&D, NL) said:“I’m delighted that a clear majority of Legal Affairs Committee members backed the Due Diligence Directive today. It is high time that this legislation is adopted, to stop corporate abuse and to give companies clarity in what is expected of them. I’m looking forward to the plenary vote and confident that it will be adopted swiftly.”
Next steps
Once formally approved by the European Parliament and the member states, the directive will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the EU Official Journal.
We must never forget that war invariably leads to defeat, the Holy Father noted
At his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis once again called for negotiated peace and condemned the bloody conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, Reuters reported. The agency notes that the pope has again cut short his public appearances due to health problems.
“We must never forget that war invariably leads to defeat, we cannot continue to live in war, we must make every effort to mediate, to negotiate an end to war, let us pray for this,” the Holy Father said in a brief his statement at the end of the audience, in which he mentioned “martyred” Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Eighty-seven-year-old Francis, who has mobility problems and has been suffering from colds and bouts of bronchitis in recent weeks, again did not read most of the speech prepared for the audience, Reuters noted. He delegated this task to an assistant and told the faithful that he was still forced to limit his public speaking.
Earlier this month, Francis sparked controversy after he said in an interview with Swiss public television that Ukraine should “have the courage to wave a white flag” and start negotiations with Russia.
His deputy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, later specified that Russia must first stop its aggression, Reuters recalls.
