Latest news with #CharlesMichel


Euractiv
a day ago
- Business
- Euractiv
Keeping EU Shipping Competitive in the Energy Transition
As the European Commission prepares its Maritime Industrial Strategy, the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) is calling for a balanced and forward-looking vision—one that enables a realistic energy transition while preserving the global competitiveness of the European shipping sector. At the heart of this Maritime Industrial Strategy, they argue, must be the shipping industry itself. Shipping is not merely a mode of transport. It is the strategic backbone of Europe's economy, powering industrial development, ensuring supply chain continuity, and enabling energy security. As the driving force behind Europe's broader maritime cluster, shipping sustains high-quality employment and drives innovation across shipyards, equipment manufacturers, technology providers, and service industries. Recognised in the Draghi Report as one of the ten critical sectors essential to restoring European competitiveness, maritime transport demands a policy framework that both defends the EU's strategic autonomy and keeps its trade routes open and resilient. At the European Shipping Summit in March 2025, during the UGS's special event, Charles Michel—President Emeritus of the European Council (2019–2024) and former Belgian Prime Minister—captured the sector's importance: 'Shipping is a key driver of Europe's competitiveness and economic strength, ensuring the seamless movement of goods that sustain industries and trade.' 'Decarbonisation must go hand in hand with competitiveness' In the face of mounting competition from Asia, the UGS emphasises the need to maintain the EU's existing maritime support framework which levels the playing field with third countries. During her keynote address at the opening of the 'European Shipping Summit 2025,' Melina Travlos, UGS President, said: 'It is necessary to establish and implement policies that ensure the safeguarding of European shipping's leading global position, acknowledging that competitiveness and sustainability are not opposing forces but parallel paths to be pursued together.' This imperative extends to EU climate regulation, which must be fully aligned with global measures under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Upon IMO's adoption of a global fuel standard and carbon pricing mechanism (IMO Net-Zero Framework) the EU must harmonise its instruments, particularly the FuelEU Maritime Regulation and EU ETS, to avoid regulatory duplication, double payment, and distortions in the global market. Speaking at the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit in Athens in June 2025—co-hosted by the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the UGS—Melina Travlos issued a clear message: 'Policymakers cannot regulate shipping without shipping,' she said, urging that regulation should foster innovation, support decarbonisation, and ensure fair competition, not stifle progress. Ms. Travlos called for maritime policy at every level—national, regional, and global—to be shaped with full respect for the industry's deep operational knowledge. 'Decarbonisation will not move beyond ambition without safe, scalable, and globally accessible alternative fuels' At the core of shipping's green transition lies one indispensable ingredient: alternative marine fuels. Yet the industry warns that progress will stall unless fuel suppliers are held accountable for providing safe, affordable, and compliant fuels at sufficient quantities. Instead of relying almost exclusively on shipowners, a self-defeating approach that only serves revenue-generating purposes, binding targets must also be set on fuel producers, together with meaningful incentives, to ensure adequate supply of alternative fuels at competitive prices. Funding remains a critical piece of the puzzle. Revenues from national, EU or international climate-related measures should be reinvested directly into maritime decarbonisation. Funding instruments must reflect real-world industry requirements and cater for the needs of all shipping sectors, including bulk/tramp shipping, which accounts for almost 85% of the global transport work. Priority should be given to bridge the significant price gap between traditional and alternative fuels. While the EU Innovation Fund has taken initial steps, its complexity and misaligned eligibility criteria with EU shipping realities, make it unsuitable for SMEs and the bulk/tramp sector. A redesign of the EU funding mechanisms is needed to serve this sector and its SMEs, too. 'Without access to competitive ship finance, there can be no fleet expansion and renewal, no innovation, and no decarbonisation' Access to finance is becoming increasingly out of reach for many shipowners, particularly SMEs that are practically excluded from capital markets. Reversing the decline in traditional bank lending is critical for the competitiveness of EU shipping. The UGS advocates for a revitalised ship finance ecosystem, with enhanced traditional ship financing tools, primarily bank lending, including potentially new financial instruments tailored to the specific needs of EU shipping SMEs. Equally, the EU Taxonomy must be adapted to support realistic decarbonisation pathways. Cargo-based restrictions—such as penalising ships capable of transporting fossil fuels, even when those vessels meet strict emissions criteria—are counterproductive and should be abolished to unlock critical green investments. The forthcoming EU Port Strategy and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan are seen as key opportunities to correct past oversights. Prioritising fuel availability, infrastructure, and enhanced access to ship financing will be vital. Integrating initiatives like Clean Energy Marine Hubs — a global public-private platform coordinating clean fuel production and distribution — will also be crucial, especially for the bulk/tramp sector, which, being itinerant in nature, needs access to alternative fuels worldwide. ''Training the workforce of the future'' No industrial strategy is complete without people. With hundreds of thousands of EU seafarers requiring upskilling in alternative fuels, digital tools, and modern safety systems, investing in training and employment is no longer optional—it is vital to the sector's long-term competitiveness, operational safety and a prerequisite for maintaining maritime know -how in the EU. 'Avoiding the pitfalls of protectionism' While strengthening European shipbuilding is a legitimate policy goal, stakeholders caution against protectionist measures disguised as industrial policy. Only voluntary, market-based incentives should be sought to attract investment and enhance Europe's competitive edge in this area. As the EU charts a course toward a green and competitive industrial future, the principles outlined in the Draghi Report offer a clear compass: embrace openness, uphold realism, and align ambition with global market realities. For Europe's maritime sector, these are not abstract ideals—they are the foundation of its survival and success.


New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Doctors Without Borders slams EU's 'hypocrisy' over Gaza
GENEVA: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) on Thursday sharply criticised the EU for its continued failure to act decisively to stop what the organisation calls "orchestrated ethnic cleansing" in Gaza, accusing the bloc of complicity in the face of deliberate mass suffering. According to Anadolu Ajansi (AA), in a post on X, the MSF said it had sent an open letter to EU leaders nearly a month earlier, on June 16, urging immediate action to stop the mass atrocities unfolding in the Palestinian enclave. "The EU can and must act now to stop mass atrocities in Gaza," it wrote. "Yet, amid EU member states' inaction, orchestrated ethnic cleansing in Gaza continues." MSF said more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of the conflict, including 12 of its own staff members. It said the most recent MSF staffer was killed on July 3 while attempting to retrieve a bag of flour. "The human carnage and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza are deliberate. "Humanitarian aid is weaponised and blocked. "Healthcare services are targeted daily," the organisation said. MSF also condemned the EU Foreign Affairs Council's latest conclusions, adopted on Tuesday, calling them "yet another sign of the unwillingness to exert pressure on Israel to stop the genocide in Gaza." "Once again, the EU demonstrated hypocrisy and shocking double standards when it comes to protecting civilians and ensuring the respect of international humanitarian law," it said. Calling on the EU to "turn its words into actions and to end its double standards," MSF concluded by emphasising the legal and moral responsibilities of all states to stop the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. "Every state has a moral and legal responsibility to recognise and stop the ongoing atrocities in Gaza," it wrote. The letter was directed at top EU leadership, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. EU foreign ministers met on Monday and Tuesday to discuss growing concerns over Israel's attacks in Gaza, amid mounting civilian casualties and international calls for accountability. However, member states were unable to reach a consensus, resulting in no formal decision to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement or impose sanctions. – Bernama-Anadolu

Al Arabiya
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
EU chief von der Leyen survives no-confidence vote
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a press conference with Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and European Council President Charles Michel on the day of the informal meeting of European heads of state or government, in Granada, Spain October 6, 2023. (File Photo: Reuters)


The National
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Unicef head and former world leaders on judging panel for UAE humanitarian award
A senior UN official championing the rights of children across the globe and two former heads of state will help select the next winners of a major UAE humanitarian award. The $1 million Zayed Award for Human Fraternity – which celebrates the philanthropic legacy of UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – shines a light on the efforts of organisations and people around the world seeking to effect change and improve lives. The award was launched on February 4, 2019, in recognition of a milestone meeting in Abu Dhabi between the late Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed Al Tayeb. The expert judging panel for the seventh annual award in 2026 was unveiled on Monday and has been praised for representing the 'global mission of the award'. The six members of the 2026 jury are Catherine Russell, executive director of the UN children's fund (Unicef); Charles Michel, former president of the European Council and former prime minister of Belgium; Moussa Faki Mahamat, former chairman of the African Union Commission and former prime minister of Chad; Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Holy See; and judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, secretary general of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 'This year's judging committee members hail from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas – and represent various fields including humanitarian aid to children, diplomacy, culture, education, media, and law,' said Mr Abdelsalam. 'This richly diverse jury of influential figures truly represents the global mission of the award, and we look forward to honouring individuals and entities who are serving humanity, reflecting the late Sheikh Zayed's legacy of humanitarianism rooted in extending support to all, without distinction.' The prize recognises the efforts of high-profile figures and grassroots campaigners alike, with previous winners including the late Pope Francis, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, as well as charitable foundations offering a helping hand to the needy from Haiti to Kenya and beyond. To date, 16 winners drawn from 15 countries have been honoured in the six-year history of the award. Nominations for this year's award are open until October 1. World Central Kitchen (WCK) was named among this year's winners of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. The non-profit organisation was praised for its work in delivering food relief to communities suffering from humanitarian crises and natural disasters. The climate change champion and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, and the 15-year-old 'health innovator' Heman Bekele are also previous winners of the award.


Al Etihad
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Zayed Award for Human Fraternity names judging committee for 2026 edition
7 July 2025 15:12 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has revealed the new members of its judging committee, who will select the honoree(s) for the 2026 edition of the international and independent humanitarian prize, which recognises individuals and organisations - of all backgrounds, anywhere in the world - working selflessly and tirelessly to advance human fraternity and create breakthroughs towards peaceful award is named in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, renowned for his humanitarianism and dedication to helping people no matter their background or place in the diverse backgrounds and expertise, the distinguished jury members are well-positioned to review and evaluate the award's nominations, which come from more than 60 countries and cover a range of humanitarian causes and initiatives including climate action, poverty alleviation, community development, and healthcare six members of the judging committee for the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity are Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF; His Excellency Charles Michel, former President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium; His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and former Prime Minister of Chad; Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Holy See; and His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Excellency Judge Abdelsalam said, 'This year's judging committee members hail from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas - and represent various fields including humanitarian aid to children, diplomacy, culture, education, media, and law. This richly diverse jury of influential figures truly represents the global mission of the award, and we look forward to honouring individuals and entities who are serving humanity, reflecting the late Sheikh Zayed's legacy of humanitarianism rooted in extending support to all, without distinction. The award continues to receive the steadfast support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and patron of human fraternity.' UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, said, 'I'm honoured to join the judging committee of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, an important award with a strong commitment to furthering the lives of children and future generations. The award sets out to advance the principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity, including children's rights and welfare, and aligns well with UNICEF's mission to protect the rights of the world's children.'Former President of the European Council, His Excellency Charles Michel, said, 'More than a prize, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity serves as a platform to inspire and present to the world diverse models of peaceful coexistence and progress. As someone who has admired and supported the award since its inception, I am deeply honoured by this opportunity to join the jury of the seventh edition.'Former African Union Commission Chairperson, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, said, 'As someone who has worked my entire life to promote unity across Africa and around the globe, I am privileged to be a jury member for the prize, which has so far honoured five recipients from the African continent. Alongside my fellow judges, we will focus our efforts on the next chapter of human fraternity.'Assistant to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva, said, 'I am humbled to join this illustrious judging committee as the first-ever jury member from Central Asia. Together with my fellow jury members, we will aim to recognise the unsung humanitarian heroes who are improving communities and solving pressing challenges around the world.'Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Holy See, His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, said, 'My appointment to the judging committee was part of the precious legacy of His Holiness Pope Francis, who inspired the establishment of the award and was an honourary recipient. I accept this responsibility bestowed upon me by Pope Francis, shared with the entire judging committee, to honour those putting into practice the values of human fraternity. In a spirit of service and obedience to Pope Leo, I look forward to review nominations and to become familiar with so many people who are making a difference around the world.'With nominations open until October 1, 2025, eligible nominators are invited to submit their nominations through the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity's official website: award has so far recognised 16 recipients from 15 countries since its establishment in 2019, following the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between the late His Holiness Pope Francis, 266th pope of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, during which the two religious figures co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity. Past award recipients include the late Pope Francis, 266th pope of the Catholic Church (honourary recipient); Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb (honourary recipient); UN Secretary-General António Guterres; activist against extremism Latifa Ibn Ziaten; Their Majesties King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Haitian organisation the Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty; the Community of Sant'Egidio organization; Kenyan peacebuilder Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil; Indonesian charitable organisations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah; world-renowned cardiac surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub; Chilean NGO founder Sister Nelly Leon Correa; Prime Minister of Barbados the Honorable Mia Amor Mottley; World Central Kitchen; and youth health innovator Heman Bekele.