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Heiress Marlene Engelhorn Distributes Inherited Millions to 77 Organizations

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A citizens’ group has decided how to distribute the fortune of Marlene Engelhorn, an Austro-German heiress. Earlier this year, Engelhorn established a panel of 50 individuals to determine how to allocate the millions she inherited from her grandmother. The funds will benefit 77 organizations, including social and climate groups, as well as notable left-wing entities.

Marlene Engelhorn, 32, gained attention in January for announcing her intention to donate €25 million (£21 million), the majority of her inheritance. As a descendant of Friedrich Engelhorn, the founder of the German chemical and pharmaceutical giant BASF, Engelhorn is a vocal proponent of wealth redistribution. She selected a panel, chosen by a pollster to reflect Austrian society, to decide the fate of her inheritance.

From March to June, the group convened over six weekends in Salzburg to devise a plan for the money. They decided it should be distributed to 77 various organizations, charities, and think tanks, addressing issues like environmental protection, education, integration, health, social matters, poverty, homelessness, and affordable housing in Austria. Donations range from €40,000 (£33,400) for climate change data-based reporting to €1.6 million for the Austrian Nature Conservation Federation. A million euros were allocated to the left-wing Momentum Institute and Attac Austria, an opponent of neoliberal economic policies and deregulated financial markets. Religious charities, including projects by the Catholic aid organization Caritas, also received funds. In most cases, the donations will be distributed over several years.

The youngest panel member, 17-year-old student Kyrillos Gadalla from Vienna, expressed that he had “learnt a lot” from the experience. In her statement, Engelhorn emphasized that her inherited wealth, which gave her unearned power, contradicts democratic principles and has now been redistributed according to democratic values.

Engelhorn inherited millions following the death of her grandmother, Traudl Engelhorn-Vechiatto, in September 2022. Traudl’s wealth was estimated by Forbes at $4.2 billion (£3.3 billion; €3.8 billion). Even before her grandmother’s passing, Engelhorn declared her intention to donate a substantial portion of her inheritance. While the exact amount she retains is unknown, she previously stated in 2021 that she planned to give away at least 90% of her wealth, as she had not earned it and merely benefited from a “birth lottery.” Engelhorn has also advocated for the reinstatement of inheritance tax in Austria, which was abolished in 2008, making Austria one of the few European countries without such a tax.

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Aid Ship Captain Recounts Dramatic Rescue of Migrants off Italian Coast

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The captain of an aid ship recounted the dramatic rescue of migrants trapped in the cargo hold of a sinking boat off the coast of Italy. Ingo Veert, captain of the RESQSHIP aid vessel, shared on BBC’s Today programme how his crew used axes and hammers to save two men from below deck after initially rescuing 50 migrants from the deck of the distressed boat near Lampedusa. Sadly, 10 men were found dead below deck.

Another 64 migrants are reported missing at sea after a second vessel sank near Calabria, approximately 125 miles off the Italian coast. Of the 12 survivors from this incident, one died after reaching shore, as confirmed by the Italian coastguard.

The survivors of the Lampedusa incident were handed over to the Italian coastguard on Monday morning, while the deceased were being transported to the island, according to RESQSHIP. The migrants had departed from Libya and Turkey, each paying around $3,500 (£2,759) for the journey, as reported by Ansa news agency.

Captain Veert, who commands the Nadir rescue ship, recounted receiving the first distress call at 01:30 local time about an overloaded migrant boat. By 03:00, his crew reached the sinking vessel, where they found water flooding in and people in a state of panic. The crew distributed life jackets and used axes and hammers to break through the deck to rescue two trapped men, one of whom had a dangerously low body temperature of 32°C. Veert described the survivors as very young men, aged between 18 and 25, from Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, according to UN agencies.

In the separate Calabria incident, aid agencies reported that many of the missing are children, with at least 26 among the unaccounted for. Shakilla Mohammadi of MSF relayed survivors’ accounts indicating that 66 people, including entire families from Afghanistan, were missing. These families had left Turkey eight days prior, endured several days taking on water, and lacked life vests. Some vessels had passed without offering assistance.

The Mediterranean remains the deadliest migration route globally, with over 23,500 migrants dead or missing since 2014, according to UN data.

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Russian Warships Depart from Cuba Amid Tensions

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A fleet of Russian warships departed from the port of Havana after a five-day stay, during which they conducted planned military exercises. The fleet, which included a nuclear-powered submarine and a frigate, had been anchored in Havana Bay, approximately 90 miles (145km) from Florida, USA. The United States stated that it viewed the visit as non-threatening but closely monitored the vessels. In response, the US stationed its submarine, the USS Helena, at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

As the Russian vessels departed on Monday, locals reportedly waved Russian flags. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the frigate during its stay and interacted with the sailors. Cuba’s foreign ministry assured that none of the visiting vessels carried nuclear weapons and emphasized that the visit posed no threat to the region.

However, Russia’s defense ministry highlighted that both the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the Kazan submarine were equipped with advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles like the Zircon, and had recently conducted missile drills in the Atlantic. The visit was seen as a symbolic show of support for Cuba’s communist government and its ally Venezuela, potentially indicating the warships’ next destination.

While Russia and Cuba have a history of military cooperation, the timing of these exercises drew attention due to ongoing tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Some observers interpreted the operation as Moscow’s way of asserting itself amidst international scrutiny.

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Zelensky: Kyiv Open to Peace Talks if Russia Withdraws

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Kyiv would hold peace talks with Russia immediately if Moscow withdrew from all Ukrainian territories, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking at the conclusion of a peace summit in Switzerland, Zelensky expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the conflict, emphasizing the need to stop him by any means necessary, whether military or diplomatic. He acknowledged that Western aid alone was insufficient to secure victory but noted that the summit demonstrated sustained international support for Ukraine.

The summit ended with many countries reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and adopting a document that attributed the war’s suffering and destruction to Russia. However, some attendees, including India, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia, did not sign the document. The summit aimed to gather broad backing for efforts to end the war, attracting over 90 countries and international organizations. Notably, Russia and its ally China were absent, casting doubt on the summit’s effectiveness. Some participants, like Saudi Arabia and Kenya, were not Ukraine’s staunchest supporters.

The final document called for Ukrainian control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently occupied by Russia, and referred to the conflict as a “war,” a term Moscow rejects. It also demanded the exchange of all prisoners and the return of children abducted by Russia. Contentious issues, such as the status of territories under Russian occupation, were deferred for future discussion.

After the summit, Zelensky thanked the attendees for their independence in attending despite Russian pressure. He reiterated that Ukraine had always sought peace and that Russia could start negotiations by withdrawing from Ukrainian territories. He also clarified that China was not Ukraine’s enemy and called on Beijing to engage seriously in peace efforts.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte highlighted the unity among attendees in seeking peace, despite differing opinions on achieving it. He emphasized shared principles, such as opposing invasions, child abductions, manipulation of food supplies, and threats to nuclear safety.

While there was an expectation for unanimous condemnation of Russia’s invasion, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer indicated that not all delegations supported the final statement. Zelensky stated that the summit’s results would be communicated to Moscow, aiming for a conclusive peace agreement at a subsequent summit.

Russia dismissed the Swiss event as unproductive. Putin proposed a ceasefire if Ukraine withdrew from four regions claimed by Russia, but this was strongly rejected by Western leaders, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calling it propaganda and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accusing Putin of spinning a false narrative. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later mentioned that Putin did not rule out talks with Ukraine but insisted on guarantees for their credibility, excluding Zelensky as a participant.

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Swiss museum removes art over Nazi looting fears

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A leading art museum in Switzerland, the Kunsthaus Zurich, has announced the removal of five paintings from its exhibition for investigation into whether they were looted by the Nazis. These artworks are part of the Emil Bührle Collection, which includes pieces by renowned artists such as Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. The collection is named after Emil Bührle, a German-born arms dealer who profited during World War II by supplying weapons to the Nazis.

The investigation follows the release of new guidelines to address the restitution of cultural artifacts that were never returned to their rightful owners after being stolen during the Nazi era. The paintings under scrutiny are Monet’s “Jardin de Monet à Giverny,” Gustave Courbet’s “Portrait of the Sculptor Louis-Joseph,” Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s “Georges-Henri Manuel,” Vincent van Gogh’s “The Old Tower,” and Paul Gauguin’s “La route montante.”

The Emil Bührle Collection foundation board stated its commitment to finding a fair solution with the legal successors of the original owners, adhering to best practices. Another painting, “La Sultane” by Edouard Manet, is also under examination but will be handled separately as the foundation does not believe the new guidelines apply to it. The foundation has expressed willingness to offer financial compensation to the estate of Max Silberberg, the former owner, who was a German Jewish industrialist. Silberberg’s extensive art collection was sold under duress by the Nazis, and he is believed to have been murdered at Auschwitz.

Earlier this year, more than 20 countries, including Switzerland, adopted new best practices from the US State Department for handling Nazi-looted art. These guidelines were introduced on the 25th anniversary of the 1998 Washington Conference Principles, which aim to facilitate the restitution of stolen or forcibly sold items. These principles are crucial for families seeking to recover looted art, as Swiss law prevents legal claims for restitution or compensation for works from the Bührle collection due to statutes of limitations.

Stuart Eizenstat, the US Secretary of State’s special advisor on Holocaust issues, highlighted that an estimated 100,000 out of 600,000 stolen paintings, along with many books, manuscripts, religious items, and other cultural objects, have not been returned. Up to his death in 1956, Bührle amassed around 600 artworks, many of which are managed by the Bührle Foundation and have been on loan to the Kunsthaus Zurich. Other pieces remain with Bührle’s descendants.

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Germany Starts Euro 2024 with Commanding 5-1 Win

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Germany got off to an excellent start in their Euro 2024 campaign with a dominant 5-1 victory over Scotland at home, marking their largest-ever win in the Euros. The match saw Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Kai Havertz (from a penalty) securing a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime, aided by Ryan Porteous’s red card for Scotland due to a reckless challenge.

In the second half, Germany maintained control, with Niclas Fullkrug adding a fourth goal and having a fifth disallowed. Despite an own goal by Antonio Rudiger giving Scotland a brief moment of relief, Emre Can sealed Germany’s victory with a final score of 5-1.

Reflecting on the match, pundits like Chris Sutton and Pat Nevin praised Germany’s performance, noting their high-pressure tactics reminiscent of top clubs like Manchester City. Julian Nagelsmann, Germany’s coach, highlighted his team’s strong start and acknowledged room for improvement, expressing satisfaction with their opening win in front of their home fans.

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Pope meets Jimmy Fallon and 105 other comics at Vatican

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Pope Francis recently met with over 100 comedians from around the world, including notable figures like Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, and Whoopi Goldberg, at the Vatican in Rome. The Pope highlighted the unique ability of comedians to “spread serenity and smiles” in a world filled with “many social and personal emergencies.” He emphasized that laughter is contagious and unites people.

During the event, held just hours before the Pope’s expected arrival in Puglia for the G7 summit, he praised the comedians’ talent for making people laugh. He noted that it’s possible to joke about God without offending religious sentiments, stating, “You can also laugh at God, of course, and that’s not blasphemy.”

According to US media reports, Jimmy Fallon entertained the crowd before the event began but was quickly asked to sit as the Pope was about to enter. Other notable attendees included Chris Rock, Silvio Orlando from Italy, British comedian Stephen Merchant, Whoopi Goldberg, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

This cultural gathering marked a prelude to the Pope’s participation in the G7 summit, a first for the leader of the Catholic Church. At the summit, the 87-year-old pontiff plans to call for global regulation of AI, citing its potential threats to ethics and human rights.

In his address to the comedians, Pope Francis acknowledged the current global climate of conflict-laden communication and commended the comedians for their ability to bridge diverse realities. “How much we need to learn from you,” he remarked. After the audience, the Pope briefly interacted with each comedian, though some conversations were hampered by language barriers. Conan O’Brien humorously noted that his interaction was brief and in Italian, leaving him unsure of what was said but still enjoying the experience.

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G7 to Use Frozen Russian Assets for $50 Billion Ukraine Loan

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The G7 has agreed to utilize frozen Russian assets to raise $50 billion (£39 billion) for Ukraine to aid in its defense against Russian forces. President Joe Biden emphasized this decision as a signal to Russia that the support for Ukraine remains steadfast. However, Moscow has warned of “extremely painful” retaliatory actions. The funds, anticipated to be available by the end of the year, are intended to support Ukraine’s war effort and economic stability in the long term.

At the G7 summit in Italy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Biden signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement between the US and Ukraine, which Ukraine hailed as “historic.” This agreement involves US military and training aid but does not commit US troops to combat. It aims to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities, support its defense industry, and aid in economic and energy recovery. It also stipulates consultations at the highest levels in case of future Russian attacks on Ukraine to decide necessary support measures.

Separately, about $325 billion in Russian assets were frozen by the G7 and the EU following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These assets generate approximately $3 billion annually in interest. The G7 plan involves using this interest to cover the annual interest on a $50 billion loan for Ukraine, sourced from international markets.

President Biden, at the summit in Puglia, Italy, reiterated that the $50 billion loan would support Ukraine and send a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the continued support from the US and other allies, calling the security deal with the US the strongest since Ukraine’s independence in 1991. Other G7 leaders, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, praised the loan deal as transformative.

The $50 billion loan compares significantly with the $61 billion in US military aid agreed upon in May. A senior White House official noted the loan would support various needs, including military, budget, humanitarian, and reconstruction efforts. While the frozen funds’ interest is seen as a symbolic victory for Ukraine, some in Kyiv had hoped for the release of the entire $300 billion frozen fund. However, the European Central Bank opposed this, citing risks to international order.

The funds from the loan will not immediately impact the war, as they are expected later in the year. Ukraine continues to seek more immediate military aid, such as air defense systems and F-16 fighter jets, which could start arriving in the summer. Zelensky mentioned that the new security agreement includes US shipments of these aircraft.

The loan arrangement symbolizes a significant move where Russia’s frozen assets are repurposed to support Ukraine’s defense. Although this marks a turning point, it is unlikely to change Russia’s stance on the war. Most of the frozen Russian central bank assets are in Belgium, and international law prevents their direct confiscation for Ukraine’s benefit. Russia has condemned the West’s actions as criminal and has hinted at severe retaliatory measures. European investors have around €33 billion stuck in Russia, complicating the situation further.

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Italy’s Meloni basks in G7 limelight with Western leaders

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Two contrasting accommodation options were presented for the G7 summit in Puglia, Italy: the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort, known for hosting celebrities like Madonna and the Beckhams, and a deteriorating ship moored off Brindisi for the 2,600 police officers, criticized for its appalling conditions. The resort houses world leaders, while the ship, costing the Italian government €6m and now under fraud investigation, exemplifies the disparity in treatment.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, buoyed by her party’s success in the European elections, hosts the summit, highlighting Italy’s newfound political stability compared to other G7 nations facing political turmoil. Meloni’s government is portrayed as the strongest amidst leaders like Biden, Sunak, and Trudeau, who are struggling domestically.

Low expectations surround the summit due to the precarious political climate in many G7 countries. However, a significant plan to loan Ukraine $50bn from frozen Russian assets is anticipated. Additionally, Sunak will announce substantial support for Ukraine’s energy and humanitarian needs.

Sessions will address the climate crisis, investment in Africa, the Middle East ceasefire, and AI regulation, with Pope Francis attending for the first time. Efforts to broaden global consensus include inviting leaders from Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria. Locals in Puglia, like ice-cream maker Vincenzo Iannacone, express pride and excitement for the summit, hoping it brings positive attention to their region.

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Swiss Women’s Climate Victory at European Court

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Swiss women who won a landmark climate change ruling at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) are feeling shocked and betrayed by their parliament’s refusal to comply with the decision. These women, referred to as the “climate seniors,” had previously argued in Strasbourg, France, that the Swiss government’s inadequate response to climate change, particularly extreme heat events linked to global warming, was harming their right to health and life.

In April, the court sided with them and mandated Switzerland, which has yet to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, to take more action. The court’s rulings are binding for member states, making this decision unprecedented. Climate activists had hoped it would set a precedent for using human rights law to protect citizens from health harms caused by worsening environmental conditions.

However, on Wednesday, the Swiss parliament voted against adhering to the ECHR’s ruling, claiming Switzerland already had an effective climate strategy in place. The parliamentary debate was emotionally charged, with right-wing politicians criticizing what they saw as overreach by “foreign judges,” while Green Party members condemned the discussion as “shameful” and “populist.”

Despite Switzerland’s struggles to meet its Paris Climate Agreement goals, which aim to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, opinion polls show many Swiss are concerned about climate change. The Alpine region is particularly vulnerable, with studies indicating that its glaciers, crucial to Europe’s water supply, could vanish by the century’s end if temperatures continue to rise.

The Swiss value their direct democracy system and prefer making decisions themselves, which explains why the “foreign judges” argument resonates with them. Recently, voters supported government proposals to increase renewable electricity production, though environmental groups argue these measures are insufficient to meet climate goals. Polls show a majority of Swiss voters oppose the ECHR’s involvement, believing the country is already doing enough to protect the environment.

Other nations, particularly the United Kingdom, are closely watching Switzerland’s rejection of the ECHR ruling. The UK government has faced pushback from the Strasbourg court over its plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, leading some British voters to suggest leaving the court. However, such a move is unlikely in Switzerland, at least for now.

The final decision on whether to comply with the ECHR’s climate ruling rests with the Swiss government, which will announce its verdict in August. The ECHR did not specify what Switzerland must do, only that it must take more action. In a typical Swiss compromise, the government might present a list of measures taken since the climate seniors began their case, hoping for acceptance. If not, the climate seniors may return to court.

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