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On Monday evening, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted its demands for the UN Climate Change Conference COP29.
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In a written statement sent to Euractiv, Breton said: "I just had an important one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union."

President Metsola opened the 21-24 October plenary session in Strasbourg with the following announcements.

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

President Metsola opened the 21-24 October plenary session in Strasbourg with the following announcements.

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

President Metsola opened the 21-24 October plenary session in Strasbourg with the following announcements.

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

President Metsola opened the 21-24 October plenary session in Strasbourg with the following announcements.

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

A seven-member strong delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will travel to the United Kingdom from 28 to 30 October 2024. This will be the first official visit of the Committee abroad in this parliamentary term. The delegation will discuss possibilities for strengthening of the EU-UK partnership, in particular in foreign and security affairs.
This visit will also be an opportunity to exchange views on issues of global and regional significance such as the Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Joint Statement by European Parliament President Metsola and European Commission President von der Leyen on the revision of the Interinstitutional Framework Agreement

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Joint Statement by European Parliament President Metsola and European Commission President von der Leyen on the revision of the Interinstitutional Framework Agreement

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Joint Statement by European Parliament President Metsola and European Commission President von der Leyen on the revision of the Interinstitutional Framework Agreement

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Joint Statement by European Parliament President Metsola and European Commission President von der Leyen on the revision of the Interinstitutional Framework Agreement

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Le Premier ministre du Kosovo a estimé lors d’une interview pour Euractiv qu’installer des centres de rétention dans les Balkans occidentaux — sur le modèle de ceux construits par l’Italie en Albanie — n’était « pas une solution », alors que toute la région doit à terme rejoindre l’UE.

Sweden leads the charge in reducing protections on these predators citing fish stock depletion.

Credit: The directrate of the World Nomad Games

By Katsuhiro Asagiri
ASTANA/TOKYO , Oct 21 2024 (IPS)

In a vibrant display of culture and tradition, Kazakhstan recently hosted the 5th World Nomad Games in Astana, celebrating the enduring spirit of nomadic heritage against a backdrop of modernity and globalization. This biennial event, which drew competitors and spectators from around the globe, served not only as a showcase of traditional sports but also as a poignant reminder of the resilience of a culture that faced near extinction under Soviet rule.

The Games, held from 8 – 13 September, featured a kaleidoscope of activities that harkened back to the lifestyles of the nomadic peoples who roamed the vast steppes of Central Asia. From horse wrestling to archery, each competition echoed the ancestral skills honed over centuries. Yet, for many participants and visitors, the significance of these games transcended mere athleticism. They embodied a reclamation of identity that was long suppressed.

During Joseph Stalin’s collectivization policies in the 1930s, the nomadic lifestyle was effectively dismantled. Entire communities were uprooted as the Soviet regime sought to impose agricultural models on a population that had thrived as pastoralists. This brutal transformation led to the erosion of traditional practices and a devastating loss of life. The scars of this cultural genocide run deep, and for decades, the vibrant tapestry of nomadic culture was all but silenced.

Stalin’s policy of forced agricultural collectivization deprived the Kazakh people of their livestock, which had been their means of livelihood, and destroyed their nomadic culture. The resulting famine is estimated to have caused the deaths of 2.3 million people.

However, the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a turning point for Kazakhstan and other newly independent states. In the wake of independence, there has been a concerted effort to revive and celebrate nomadic traditions, transforming historical calamities into platforms for positive development. For Kazakhstan, this revival has become a central pillar of national identity, a way to reconnect with a rich history that predates colonial imposition.

The World Nomad Games are emblematic of this cultural renaissance. Since their inception in 2014, the Games have attracted participants from over 80 countries, fostering a sense of camaraderie among those who share a nomadic heritage. “This is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of our roots,” said Madiyar Aiyp, a Kazakh IT entrepreneur and a former official of the Ministry of industry. “We are showing the world who we are.”

The 7th Congress of leaders of the World and Traditional Religions. Credit: Katsuuhiro Asagirio

Kazakhstan’s ability to transform its historical challenges into opportunities is evident not only in the revival of its nomadic culture but also in its multi-vector diplomacy. The country has hosted significant events like the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, emphasizing its commitment to promoting dialogue and tolerance among its 130 ethnic groups. This diversity is rooted in a legacy of ethnic and political persecution under Stalin, yet a newly independent Kazakhstan guarantees equality for all citizens, regardless of their backgrounds.

Semipalatinsk former Nuclear test site. Photo Credit: Katsuhiro Asagiri

Kazakhstan’s leadership extends beyond cultural diplomacy; it has also made strides in global disarmament. The Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, once the backdrop for 456 nuclear experiments conducted between 1949 and 1989, was closed by an independent Kazakhstan, which eliminated its entire nuclear arsenal. This bold move transformed the nation from the fourth largest nuclear power to a staunch advocate for a nuclear-free world. The closure of Semipalatinsk is recognized by the UN as a pivotal moment in the fight against nuclear testing.

As the Games concluded, the atmosphere was one of celebration and pride, a testament to a culture that refused to be extinguished. The nomadic spirit, resilient and adaptable, is being woven back into the fabric of Kazakh identity. In Astana, as competitors took their final bows, it was clear that the past and present are intertwined, forging a future that honors both heritage and innovation.

May 1 is the national unity day in Kazahstan. more than 130 ethnicities enjoy peace in Kazakhstan. Credit: Embassy of Kazakhstan in Singapore

Kazakhstan stands as a model for turning historical calamities into platforms for positive change, advocating for peace and cooperation on the global stage. The World Nomad Games serve not only as a vibrant reminder of the importance of cultural roots but also as an affirmation that a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society can thrive through dialogue and understanding. In embracing its past, Kazakhstan is redefining its place in the world, proving that the nomadic way of life is not a relic of the past but a living, breathing part of its national identity and its aspirations for the future.

 

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EU enlargement "is the best response to those who seek to fracture Europe's security and unity," Kosovo's prime minister added.

L’Italie compte fixer « un cadre législatif d’ici la fin de l’année » visant à permettre la future installation dans la péninsule de réacteurs nucléaires « de troisième et quatrième génération », a annoncé lundi le ministre des Entreprises Adolfo Urso.

La chute de M. Combs a été rapide, avec une longue affaire pénale fédérale l’accusant de complot de trafic sexuel et de racket.

578881 Communication and Media Relations Section

On 17 and 18 October 2024, the OSCE hosted the second in-person meeting of women professionals from Central Asia and South-Eastern Europe working on preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT). Established in February 2023 by the OSCE Secretariat’s Gender Issues Programme WIN Project, in collaboration with the OSCE Secretariat's Transnational Threats Department, the two regional networks comprise 68 women professionals from diverse sectors including government agencies, civil society, academia, media and OSCE field operations.

The primary focus of the meeting was on sharing good practices and learning from each other about the key P/CVERLT challenges and trends. Participants discussed the importance of community resilience and multi-stakeholder co-operation in P/CVERLT efforts, as well as media and information literacy for preventing the spread of misinformation, disinformation and malign information. Particular attention was given to examining gendered aspects of radicalization to violence and the ways the education sector can be safely involved in P/CVERLT efforts. The meeting also helped to strengthen connections among network members both within and across regions, as well as to introduce new members, who joined the networks in 2024.

“Not only is violent misogyny in violent extremist narratives across the ideological spectrum becoming increasingly evident in the online space, but harmful content is reaching and influencing younger and younger audiences. In fact, we see increasing evidence of teenagers being negatively impacted by violent extremist content and in some cases exploited by violent extremist groups and individuals. That is why educators and parents must be better included in the comprehensive prevention of radicalization to violence with the objective of protecting children and youth,” said Ambassador Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats.

“By supporting these networks, we are sending a clear message: gender-sensitive approaches are vital to effectively address the complex threat that violent extremism poses to our societies,” said Dr. Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Advisor on Gender Issues, “This is not merely a question of representation – it is about integrating the unique perspectives, experiences and expertise that women bring to the table into the P/CVERLT policies and programming,” she added.

This meeting reaffirmed the OSCE's commitment to enhancing the capacity of women professionals in the critical field of P/CVERLT. By facilitating regular online meetings every two months and in-person gatherings, the OSCE is creating a sustainable platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and capacity-building among women professionals in this crucial security domain.

Le processus de contrôle par Bruxelles de l’usage de substances chimiques dangereuses dans l’UE est trop lent et trop opaque, a estimé lundi 21 octobre la médiatrice européenne, Emily O’Reilly, y voyant un cas de « mauvaise administration » par la Commission européenne.

Denmark’s regions have stepped in to support the country’s respected patient safety incident reporting system, which the government was set to scrap next year. A new deal is being negotiated with health stakeholders.