Latest news with #FederalMinistry
Al Bawaba
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Germany unveils €100 Billion strategic investment fund to boost energy and raw materials
ALBAWABA- Germany is set to launch a landmark €100 billion ($116 billion) investment vehicle, aimed at bolstering strategic sectors including defense, energy, and critical raw materials, according to a report by Bloomberg. The new fund, named Deutschlandfonds, is part of the government's broader push to revitalize growth and safeguard key supply chains amid growing global geopolitical uncertainty. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action confirmed that the fund will be seeded with at least €10 billion in public funds, to leverage that base to attract up to ten times that amount from private capital, including venture capital firms and family offices. "Private capital is an essential tool for overcoming major economic challenges," the ministry stated, emphasizing that the fund will focus on growth, innovation, and competitiveness, in collaboration with both German and European investors. The initiative is a key component of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's economic revival strategy after two years of economic contraction in Europe's largest economy. It also reflects Berlin's heightened focus on financial security, particularly in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, escalating trade tensions under U.S. President Donald Trump, and China's increasingly assertive geopolitical stance. While full details of the fund's structure, investment strategy, and timeline remain under discussion, government insiders expect an official launch between September and October, following parliamentary approval after the summer recess. The fund has reportedly secured backing from Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, and negotiations are ongoing regarding the precise financing mechanisms with the Finance Ministry and state-owned development bank KfW. Sources also revealed that the previously stalled Raw Materials Fund, launched under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz to invest in biominerals projects, is expected to be folded into the Deutschlandfonds, streamlining Germany's strategic investment efforts. However, questions remain over whether the fund's scope will eventually expand to address politically sensitive areas such as affordable housing, particularly in urban centers facing severe housing shortages. Officials have signaled that the fund's mandate could broaden post-launch, depending on political consensus and investment performance.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Yahoo
Domestic violence in Germany has never been so high, new report shows
The number of victims of domestic violence in Germany reached a new high in 2024, German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reports, citing the latest data from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). Around 256,942 cases were registered—more than ever before, the report shows. Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of around 3.7 per cent, although experts warn that the number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, as many offences in private settings are often not reported. In 2023, official statistics showed the number of femicides in Germany was already almost three times as high as in the previous year— on average, a woman is killed almost every day, and in most cases, the perpetrator is the (ex-)partner. Going by the rising numbers, the use of ankle bracelets for offenders is being proposed in Germany based on the Spanish model. They are already in use in Hesse and Saxony, and the federal government says it is planning a nationwide regulation. Germany to offer nationwide counselling service According to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, possible reasons for the rise in domestic violence are seen in a growing willingness to use violence "in the light of social crises and personal challenges." However, the ministry also emphasised that a greater willingness to report violence could play a role. Back in February, the Bundesrat - after the Bundestag - approved a law aimed at significantly improving the protection of victims of violence. In the future, the federal states will be obliged to provide nationwide protection and counselling services. The federal government will provide a total of 2.6 billion euros for this between 2027 and 2036. A legal entitlement to free protection and counselling is to apply from 1 January 2032. Until now, victims of domestic or gender-based violence have had to rely on existing capacities—for example, among women's refuges. Another interesting fact: in 2023, the proportion of women who were not born in Germany and sought refuge in a women's shelter was 69 per cent, as in the previous year. So, what is the situation like in other European countries? Italy In Italy, the anti-violence hotline 1522 received 48,000 calls and text messages in the first nine months of last year - an increase of 57 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. The figures published by the Italian Ministry for Equal Opportunities show that many women sought help after the brutal murder of university student Giulia Cecchettin in November 2023, which sparked a major debate about feminicide in Italy. Cecchettin had been killed by her ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta, who was arrested near Leipzig after fleeing to Germany. Turetta confessed the crime to the public prosecutor's office and said that Giulia "could not have belonged to anyone else." In Italy, there is no official data on the number of victims of intimate partner violence or domestic violence recorded by the police each year. Portugal In Portugal, the police (PSP) said they arrested 1,281 people on suspicion of domestic violence in 2024, an increase of 310 (or 32%) more arrests and 282 (1.8%) more reports compared to the previous year. The Metropolitan Police also registered 15,781 complaints relating to domestic violence. Of the 1,281 arrests registered, 625 were "in flagrante delicto," police said. Spain According to the Nacional de Estadística (INE), Spain recorded 8,860 victims of domestic violence against whom protection orders or restraining orders were issued in 2024, a decrease of 2.9% compared to the previous year. 60.6% of these victims were women, while the proportion of men was 39.4%, official data showed. Overall, the number of murders of women in Spain has fallen by around a third since 2003. The sharp drop comes after several dastardly acts of violence against women around the turn of the millennium triggered far-reaching changes. At that time, women took to the streets across the country—with success: stricter laws and more comprehensive support services for those affected followed. At the same time, however, the number of reported sexual offences has been rising continuously for years. Whether this is due to an actual increase in sexual violence or a growing willingness to report offences remains unclear. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior attributes the increase at least in part to the fact that such offences are less tolerated by society today - and the willingness to report offenders has increased. Romania The Romanian police announced that more than 61,000 cases of domestic violence were reported in the first six months of 2025, in almost equal proportions in urban and rural areas. Police officers there intervened in 61,431 cases of domestic violence in the first half of 2025. However, figures show that the number of domestic violence-related offences fell by 19% in the first six months of the year compared to the previous year: from 28,117 to 22,742. At 56% (12,807), "beatings and other violence" accounted for the largest proportion of offences in Romania. Poland Recent figures are not available in Poland, but in 2023, a law was introduced for additional measures that can be taken against perpetrators of domestic violence, including psychological and therapeutic programmes aimed at "preventing the perpetrator from continuing to use violence and developing self-control and non-violent conflict management skills". Authorities say offenders who refuse to participate in these programmes face fines or even imprisonment. The law also allows for the confiscation of firearms, ammunition and gun licences from perpetrators of domestic violence. According to a study commissioned by the government but never officially published, 60% of Polish women have experienced domestic violence, and 10% of men do not believe that marital rape is an offence. England Figures in England and Wales from last year to March 2024 estimate that around 2.3 million people aged 16 have experienced some form of domestic violence. Of this number, 1.6 million were women and 712,000 were men. According to Women's Aid's Domestic Abuse Report 2024, social services reported that survivors often did not have enough money to pay for the things they and/or their children needed (79.8%) and that they relied on food banks (78.8%). A disturbing 62.5% of services also reported that victims were economically unable to leave the perpetrator. Even today, the way femicides are reported remains problematic, especially in the German media, where femicides are defined as "relationship drama" where perpetrators "lose control" of themselves.
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Peto urges federal action on flood mitigation for Kolombong, Penampang, Menggatal
Flash floods have disrupted business operations in Kolombong. KOTA KINABALU (July 2): Inanam assemblyman Datuk Peto Galim has raised concerns over persistent flooding in Kolombong, Penampang and Menggatal, urging the Federal Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation to expedite the approval of funding for crucial flood mitigation projects. Peto, who also serves as the State Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, emphasised that these areas are experiencing rapid development, and unresolved flood issues threaten to stall further progress. 'I am deeply concerned about the flooding issues here and am actively working towards resolving them,' he said. One of the mitigation strategies proposed last year involves diverting excess rainwater from the Likas River directly into the sea to prevent accumulation on roadways. A key component of this plan includes the construction of floodgates, which are expected to significantly reduce the risk of flash flooding. 'This flood mitigation project is large-scale and will require comprehensive studies. The entire process is projected to take three years to complete,' he explained. The plan covers the broader Greater Kota Kinabalu area and comes with a significant price tag. According to Peto, the construction of the flood barrier system alone is estimated at RM2 billion, excluding additional works such as river widening, deepening, and drainage system upgrades. Peto previously submitted the proposal to the Federal Ministry and hopes that the funding will be approved soon to ensure implementation without further delay. Flash floods in the Kolombong area have long disrupted factory operations and business activities, resulting in financial losses. They have also caused severe traffic congestion during peak hours, leaving many vehicles stranded and commuters frustrated. While efforts by various agencies have led to some improvements in recent years, local business owners continue to call for regular maintenance, especially the clearing of drains choked with weeds and debris, to prevent future flooding.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Shippers Council saves $19mln through automation of demurrage, freight rate
Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has highlighted its impressive performance and called for critical policy and funding reforms at the just concluded 2025 Sectoral Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The NSC's Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Pius Akutah, disclosed that the council saved the Federal Government over N31 billion between January and June 2024 through automation of demurrage, freight rate, and charter party verification. According to a statement ,Dr. Akutah also showcased the council's achievements, including the commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port, top-ranking performance in the 2024 ICPC Ethics and Integrity Scorecard, the launch of online registration portals for port users and service providers and the development of the Trade and Transport Data Bank now nearing completion. He emphasized the need for swift passage of the Nigerian Port Regulatory Agency Bill and consistent access to statutory funding. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola who declared the retreat open, stated that the Marine and Blue Economy sector had been placed at the forefront of the Federal Government growth agenda and that agencies must respond with measurable performance and improved service delivery. The Minister also noted several milestones achievements over the year, such as modernization of port infrastructure, steady improvement in port efficiency, progress on the National Single Window, commencement of Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund disbursement, noting that the recent approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, marked a new phase in the sectorial development.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: FG to sell 753 housing-unit estate linked to Emefiele
The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Tuesday formally handed over the forfeited Abuja estate, containing 753 duplexes and other apartments, allegedly belonging to the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. This was disclosed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in a tweet on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, yesterday. Though the details of the handover were sketchy as of the time of filing this report, the minister tweeted that it was in line with the directive of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. 'Finally, the housing units will be offered for sale through a transparent and competitive process, which will be widely advertised and managed via the Renewed Hope Portal,' the minister tweeted. Dangiwa further tweeted that the ministry, in collaboration with EFCC, would show that the fight against corruption can deliver real benefits to Nigerians. He added that the duplexes be completed and made available to the Nigerian public through a transparent and accountable process. According to Dangiwa, the formal handing over of the uncompleted duplexes marked a significant milestone in government's effort to ensure that recovered assets were not left to waste, but transformed into productive infrastructure that directly benefited Nigerians. 'Today, I had the honour of hosting the hardworking Chairman of the EFCC, @officialEFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, as he officially handed over 753 duplexes and other apartments located in the Cadastral Zone of the Federal Capital Territory, seized from the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. 'This handover is in line with the directive of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, that the recovered estate be completed and made available to the Nigerian public through a transparent and accountable process. 'It marks a significant milestone in government's effort to ensure that recovered assets are not left to waste, but are transformed into productive infrastructure that directly benefits Nigerians. 'As a next step, we will conduct a comprehensive integrity and structural assessment of all buildings and associated infrastructure to ensure safety and suitability for habitation. 'We will also complete all outstanding infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, and other essential amenities, to make the estate fully functional. 'Additionally, a standardized housing design framework will be developed to ensure architectural uniformity and provide guidance to prospective allottees. 'Finally, the housing units will be offered for sale through a transparent and competitive process, which will be widely advertised and managed via the Renewed Hope Portal,' the minister tweeted. Dangiwa further tweeted that the ministry, in collaboration with EFCC, would show that the fight against corruption can deliver real benefits to Nigerians. 'Together with the EFCC, we will work to show that the fight against corruption can deliver real benefits — turning looted assets into livable homes for Nigerians,' he tweeted. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting at Apo, Abuja, had on Monday, December 2, 2024, issued an order of final forfeiture of the 753 uncompleted duplexes and other apartments located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. The commission had stated that the proceedings for the forfeiture of the estate were in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which allowed for action-in-rem. EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had stated that the proceedings that yielded the final forfeiture of the estate were products of actionable intelligence available to the commission. According to him, 'The company flagged by our investigations denied ownership of the estate following publications made in leading national newspapers. 'On the basis of this, the commission approached the court for an order of final forfeiture, which Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court granted on Monday, December 2, 2024,' Oyewale had stated. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
