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Agriland
3 days ago
- Politics
- Agriland
Heydon: ‘We want to incorporate' women farmers in EU presidency
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has said he 'absolutely wants' to incorporate the issue of women in agriculture into Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU. The minister was speaking at a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine this week, his first meeting with the committee as the senior minister at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. In the second half of 2026, Ireland will hold the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, which means Minister Heydon, if he is still minister at that time, will chair the meetings of the EU's agriculture ministers. Among the wide range of issues that came up at this week's committee meeting was women in agriculture, with Senator Victor Boyhan asking the minister if he will make the issue a priority during Ireland's EU council presidency. Boyhan also pointed out that 2026 has been designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Boyhan told the minister: 'The UN have designated 2026 – which is timely as you'll be [in] a critical role in all of this – as the international year of women farmers. 'There is a lead-in time, and a very significant lead-in time, and I want to use some of my time in this agricultural committee to really, really champion women in agriculture,' Boyhan added. 'I think it's really, really important that we support women in agriculture, that we have this UN designation in 2026, we also have the presidency [of the EU council] in 2026. 'I'd ask you to take away this request…that you would really place a high focus on that, and perhaps you might initiate some engagement later in the year back to this committee to see how can we build around stakeholder involvement; how can we put that to the fore of agriculture and our deliberations in the Oireachtas and this committee, because I think that is really important,' Boyhan said. In response to Boyhan's comments, Minister Heydon said: 'That is something we absolutely want to incorporate into our presidency.' According to the minister, the issue of women in farming is important globally, not just in Ireland or the EU; and that the EU has role in promoting that. 'There is an element that when you have the presidency of the EU, it's a huge honour, but it comes with it a responsibility, not just within the EU, but obviously then…outward facing. 'Women in agriculture is something that I promoted at events when I was on trade missions in Mexico previously, and different areas, but one area where it's really important is the area of Africa,' Minister Heydon said. 'Incorporating the women in agriculture role and linking it to food security in places like Africa is really important as well,' he added. Turning back to Irish farming, the minister said: 'Women in agriculture also features in our programme for government, and there are key measures I would look to progress over my term in the Department of Agriculture to be able to enhance that role because I know how important it is. 'We have so many farms where women are the key drivers of the farm but their name may not appear on the blue card or on the herd number and therefore their role isn't as recognised, but it's absolutely integral. 'I'm happy to work with you and the committee members on any ideas you might have on that or other elements of our presidency [of the EU council],' Minister Heydon added. Speaking to Agriland at Leinster House after his comments in the committee, Senator Boyhan, said: 'We have a vast array of interests on the committee, so I chose today to speak about women in agriculture because there was…an action plan arising from the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture, so I particularly zoned in on that. 'I think to be effective in the agriculture committee given our limited time, we have to use that time wisely and I persuaded the minister to commit to [that], particularly next year because next year is the international year for women in agriculture, also we have the presidency, so I think it's important that we dovetail them, and I got that commitment from the minister,' Boyhan added.
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
European Union approves €150bn 'SAFE' fund to bolster Europe's defense
The European Union has approved the establishment of a €150 billion fund aimed at bolstering Europe's defence capabilities, a move spurred by increasing fears over Russian aggression and uncertainties surrounding US security commitments. The fund, known as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), was given the green light by EU ministers in a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, marking the final legal step in the scheme's creation. The initiative will use joint EU borrowing to provide loans to European countries for collaborative defence projects. The proposal was backed by 26 of the 27 EU member states, with Hungary abstaining. 'We adopted SAFE – the first large-scale defence investment programme at the EU level,' said Poland, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, in a statement on social media. 'The more we invest in our security, the better we deter those who wish us harm.' 💬 Minister for European Affairs @adamSzlapka: SAFE programme finally approved. EUR 150 billion for the development of the defence industry. A gigantic success for Poland and the Polish Presidency. @AgnieszkaBartol — Polish presidency of the Council of the EU (@POLAND25EU) May 27, 2025 The European Commission first introduced the idea of the fund in March, driven by growing concern among EU leaders that the United States might not fully honour its commitments to protect Europe in the event of an attack. The fears escalated following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which heightened anxieties that EU nations could be next in line for a Russian assault. Despite a more than 30% increase in EU defence spending over the past three years, European leaders have expressed concerns that current investments are insufficient. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, commenting on the new scheme, stressed the importance of collective European defence efforts, stating, 'We must remain united in the face of external threats. This fund is a vital part of ensuring our future security.' Moscow has sharply criticised the EU's rearmament strategy, accusing the bloc of provoking conflict with Russia by building up its military capabilities. Russian officials have dismissed the notion of a Russian threat as an "invented story," similar to rhetoric used prior to the 2022 invasion. European leaders, however, remain unconvinced, with many pointing to Russia's military expansion and aggressive actions as a clear danger to regional stability. The SAFE initiative is designed to overcome national barriers by funding joint defence projects across EU nations, with a strong emphasis on supporting the European defence industry. To qualify for SAFE loans, projects must ensure that at least 65% of the value comes from companies based in the EU, the European Economic Area, or Ukraine. However, companies from countries with a Security and Defence Partnership agreement with the EU, such as the UK, may also be eligible, provided they meet specific conditions. The UK, which signed such an agreement with the EU earlier this month, could see companies like BAE Systems participate in SAFE-funded projects, strengthening cooperation between British and European defence industries. The European Commission bypassed the European Parliament in fast-tracking the legislation, securing approval directly from EU governments to accelerate the fund's launch. The SAFE programme represents a significant shift towards greater EU military independence, as European leaders seek to address both external threats and internal uncertainties in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
EU Council reveals details of personal sanctions imposed in response to Russia's destabilising activities
The Council of the European Union has disclosed the details of additional personal sanctions imposed in response to Russia's hybrid destabilising activities targeting EU countries and partners. Source: Council of the EU in a press release on 20 May, as reported by European Pravda Details: The EU has imposed additional restrictions on 21 individuals and 6 legal entities linked to Russia's destabilising activities abroad. In addition, the EU Council has made it possible to apply measures against assets such as ships, aircraft, real estate and communication equipment, and financial institutions or companies involved in cryptocurrency, if they are directly or indirectly connected to Russia's destabilising activities. Quote: "In light of the systematic, international Russian campaign of media manipulation and distortion of facts aimed at destabilising neighbouring countries and the EU, the Council will now have the possibility to suspend the broadcasting licences of Russian media outlets under the control of the Russian leadership, and to prohibit them from broadcasting their content in the EU." Details: The measures do not, however, prohibit such media outlets from carrying out other activities in the EU, such as interviews. The sanctioned individuals include Viktor Medvedchuk, a Ukrainian businessman and pro-Russian politician to whose daughter Putin is godfather, and his associates Artem Marchevskyi and Oleh Voloshyn, who have promoted pro-Russian propaganda targeting EU countries and Ukraine. Notably, Medvedchuk and Marchevskyi, as well as the media outlet Voice of Europe, have been subject to EU sanctions since May 2024. The specific updates in the current measures are not yet known. The list also includes individuals believed to be involved in attempts to undermine the democratic political process in Estonia and Germany: Alik Khuchbarov and Ilya Bocharov, thought to be operatives from GRU, the Russian military intelligence agency; German blogger Thomas Röper; Russian blogger Alina Lipp; Turkish outlet AFA Medya and its founder Hüseyin Doğru; Elena Kolbasnikova; Yulia Prokhorova; Rostislav Teslyuk; and Andrei Kharkovsky (some of these individuals were previously mentioned in an investigative report by Reuters). Also listed are Viktor Lukovenko and the news company African Initiative, which promotes pro-Russian narratives to African audiences; Justin Blaise Tagouh, CEO of the press group International Africa Media; and Mikhail Prudnikov, also for systematically spreading pro-Russian and anti-Western narratives in Africa; as well as Sylvain Afoua, founder of the Black African Defense League (which France ordered to be disbanded in 2021 for inciting hatred and violence). Among the legal entities on the list is web hosting service Stark Industries, along with its CEO Iurie Neculiti and owner Ivan Neculiti. They are believed to have provided Russian-backed actors with the means to conduct various destabilising activities against the EU and third countries, ranging from disinformation to cyberattacks. Fishing companies Norebo JSC and Murman Sea Food have also been sanctioned, as they are believed to be involved in espionage and sabotage activities supported by Russia, including actions targeting undersea cables. Also on the list are the Main Radio Frequency Center and its director Ruslan Nesterenko, who is considered responsible for large-scale GPS signal jamming over the Baltic states, posing risks to civil aviation. The sanctioned individuals will be subject to an asset freeze and a ban on entering and transiting through the EU, and EU citizens and legal entities will be prohibited from providing them with any funds. Background: These sanctions are part of a series of packages prepared for approval on 20 May. The EU Council has approved the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia for its war against Ukraine, along with separate sanctions for its use of chemical weapons against Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
See - Sada Elbalad
05-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Cyprus President Tells Ambassadors He Awaits Tangible Results by EU Concerning Region
Rana Atef Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday that he expects that there will be some tangible and substantial results, not just Declarations, but steps on behalf of the EU that will show in practice its interest in the region. The President attended a lunch hosted by the Ambassador of Lebanon Claude el Hajal, at her Residence, in Nicosia, in the presence of Ambassadors of Arab states. An announcement by the Presidency says that the President referred, intel alia, to the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, noting that the aim is to bring the EU even closer to the Middle East and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. President Christodoulides stated that he appreciates the friendship of the Ambassadors from the friendly states of the region since the time he served as Government Spokesperson, then Minister of Foreign Affairs, and now as President of the Republic. The Ambassador expressed her gratitude to the President and the Republic of Cyprus, which, she said, has always stood by Lebanon, in solidarity in many difficult moments. She also expressed her desire the lunch, with the participation of Ambassadors of Arab states will be established and offered commemorative gifts on behalf of all, to the President of the Republic. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Nikkei Asia
29-04-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Denmark's foreign minister eyes EU ties with CPTPP
TOKYO -- The European Union would be open to entering into a collaborative relationship with the CPTPP trade bloc, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told Nikkei in a recent interview while visiting Tokyo. Denmark will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU, starting in July.
