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Von der Leyen Nominated for Second Term as EU Commission President

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EU leaders have nominated Ursula von der Leyen, the current European Commission head, for a second five-year term during a summit in Brussels. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been selected as the EU’s next foreign affairs chief, and former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has been chosen as the next chairman of EU summits. All three candidates are from centrist, pro-EU factions.

The European Parliament will vote on the nominations of Ms. von der Leyen and Ms. Kallas. Von der Leyen is from Germany’s centre-right, Costa is a socialist, and Kallas is a liberal. This leadership package represents continuity for the EU amid geopolitical uncertainty, despite a recent surge in support for hard-right parties in the European Parliament elections.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has shown resistance, stating that the plans ignore the successes of hard-right parties like her own. Meloni, who heads the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) bloc, abstained from voting for von der Leyen and voted against Costa and Kallas. Despite the ECR becoming the third largest group in the European Parliament, Meloni was not included in the nomination discussions.

Meloni expressed frustration, arguing that European voters had asked for a different direction. Without naming names, she criticized those who believe in oligarchy as the only acceptable form of democracy.

Von der Leyen will need 361 votes from the European Parliament for confirmation. Support from the centre-right European People’s Party, liberals, and social democrats could give her enough backing, but it will be close. Diplomats suggest that von der Leyen might seek Meloni’s support by offering Italy a powerful commission post.

Von der Leyen expressed gratitude for her nomination and highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, a task that may become more complex if Donald Trump wins the upcoming US presidential election.

Kallas, known for her strong support of Ukraine and criticism of the Kremlin, acknowledged the significant responsibility of her new role. Some critics are concerned that her firm stance on Russia could pose challenges.

Costa praised his colleagues and emphasized the importance of European unity and resilience. He will replace Belgium’s Charles Michel, and Kallas will succeed Spain’s Josep Borrell.

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How bees could help war-hit families in Ukraine

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Researchers have found that beeswax could be crucial for preserving food in war zones like Ukraine. Due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, many areas in Ukraine face blackouts, leading to a lack of refrigeration during the summer. To address this, UK scientists are helping Ukrainian beekeepers develop beeswax wraps for perishable foods.

Ukraine, the largest honey producer in Europe, has been working with researchers from Cardiff University. The team, led by Professor Les Baille, has been analyzing beehives to identify the best beeswax for food preservation. They have created various beeswax wrap “recipes,” combining beeswax with other antimicrobial plants like sage to enhance preservation.

These beeswax wraps, traditionally used to extend the life of sandwiches, can now be used for various other foods. The research involves rubbing beeswax into cloth or paper to create the wraps, which can extend the freshness of food by a couple of days in the absence of refrigeration.

The Cardiff team has been collaborating with academics and beekeepers in Ukraine, testing beehives to find the most effective beeswax. In Kharkiv, which has experienced heavy fighting, researchers at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute are disseminating this information through social media to help Ukrainians try these wraps during the summer.

Dr. Yuliia Yudina from the National University Pharmacy at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute noted that power cuts have led to significant food waste. The beeswax wraps can help keep bread, fruits, and vegetables fresher. The initiative has even garnered interest from the Ukrainian military, highlighting its potential impact in conflict zones.

Professor Baille emphasized that their goal is to make a small but meaningful difference from their safe homes. This project hopes to harness the natural antibiotic properties of honey, a practice dating back to Ancient Greece, to aid those in need in war-torn regions.

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Four Gazelles Die at Spanish Conservation Center Following Nearby Music Festival

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Four gazelles at a conservation center in Almería, Spain, died following a nearby music festival. According to the center’s veterinarian, Dr. Sonia Domínguez, the animals were agitated during the concert on Saturday, but the worst effects occurred the next day as the gazelles collided with walls, resulting in fatal injuries. Dr. Domínguez, who works at the Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA), was with the animals during the event. Despite prior requests from her team to relocate the festival, Almería Cultura, the town’s cultural hub, defended the decision to proceed, stating on X that noise levels did not exceed 65 dB at the center’s outer wall. However, Dr. Domínguez emphasized that the issue was not solely about decibel levels, as animals are more sensitive to sound and vibration than humans.

Local authorities expressed regret over the deaths but argued that the center had reached premature conclusions, suggesting other factors might be involved. Dr. Domínguez highlighted that the breeding season heightened the animals’ sensitivity, noting that gazelles, as prey animals, instinctively flee from perceived threats, leading to traumatic injuries. A day-old calf also died because its mother, distressed by the noise, failed to care for it.

The center’s director, Teresa Abáigar, criticized the Almería city council for not taking necessary precautions to protect the animals. Dr. Domínguez reiterated the center’s request for future events to be relocated to avoid disturbing the animals, though they have yet to receive a response. The conservation center is crucial for preserving endangered species from northern Africa, classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Additionally, a barbary sheep died as a result of the concert. Dr. Domínguez expressed frustration that authorities failed to recognize the risks involved.

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VW to invest up to $5bn in Tesla rival Rivian

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Volkswagen (VW), the German automotive giant, has announced an investment of up to $5 billion (£3.94 billion) in Rivian, a competitor to Tesla. This partnership forms a joint venture allowing both VW and the US-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer to share technology. Following the announcement, Rivian’s stock surged nearly 50%.

The collaboration comes amid increasing competition among EV manufacturers and the imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports by Western nations. VW will start with an initial $1 billion investment in Rivian, with an additional $4 billion planned by 2026.

Founded in 2009, Rivian has yet to achieve a quarterly profit, reporting a net loss of over $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2024. VW, facing pressure from competitors like Tesla and China’s BYD, is working to transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to EVs.

The partnership provides VW with immediate access to Rivian’s software, which it can integrate into its vehicles. The deal also comes as Chinese EV manufacturers expand globally, increasing competition. The European Union (EU) recently announced plans to raise tariffs on Chinese EV imports by up to 38%, following an investigation that found Chinese EV companies had been unfairly subsidized. China criticized these tariffs as violating international trade rules and labeled the investigation as protectionist.

The tariff increase by the EU follows the United States’ decision to raise import duties on Chinese EVs from 25% to 100%. Canada is also considering similar measures to align with its allies.

Separately, Tesla announced a recall of over 11,000 Cybertrucks sold in the US due to issues with windscreen wipers and exterior trim. The Cybertrucks were first released at the end of November last year.

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Macron’s Election Gamble: The Fate of French Democracy at Stake

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Two neighboring countries are approaching unexpected elections, with both governments expected to fall. Political tensions have strained relationships among families and friends. Despite significant issues in the UK election, the stakes are higher in France, where not just a government or leader is at risk, but the political system itself. Unlike the UK, which is at the end of a political cycle and where calling an early election was rational for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, France faces uncertainty.

President Macron called a snap election after a significant defeat by the far right in the European parliament elections. His aim was to regain a centrist majority in the National Assembly, but polls indicate the far-right National Rally (RN) remains ahead, with a left-wing alliance, led by France Unbowed (LFI), potentially coming second. The likely outcomes are either an RN majority or a hung parliament, both of which pose significant risks: a sovereign debt crisis, street violence, and institutional collapse.

Veteran commentator Nicolas Baverez points out that France’s Fifth Republic was designed to handle crises, but the current instability and the president’s own confusion could lead to a breakdown of institutions. Across France, there is an awareness of the country’s precarious situation.

Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old RN leader, could become the next Prime Minister, adding to the political tension. Macron’s invocation of potential “civil war” and his attempt to use fear to drive voters towards the center is seen as dangerous and could incite hate and violence. The government is preparing for possible violent protests during the election rounds on June 30 and July 7. The far-left LFI’s support base in immigrant-heavy areas and its stance on Gaza further complicate matters.

Political instability could also affect the upcoming Olympic Games, which begin shortly after the election. Baverez draws a parallel between France’s current situation and the populist moments in the US and UK a decade ago, suggesting that France’s institutions and the euro previously shielded it from such upheaval. However, with the traditional method of managing social peace through public debt no longer viable, France now faces its own populist challenge.

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Frontline LGBT Troops in Ukraine Battle Homophobia

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In Kyiv’s central square, thousands of blue and yellow flags honor Ukraine’s fallen soldiers, with a new addition this month: unicorns, symbolizing LGBT soldiers killed in action. These soldiers face inequality, lacking rights like heterosexual troops due to Ukraine’s ban on gay marriage. Rodion, a costume designer, planted a flag for his deceased boyfriend, highlighting the common sacrifice in war regardless of sexual orientation.

Attitudes toward LGBT rights in Ukraine have evolved, but challenges persist. LGBT soldiers endure harassment and discrimination, even as they serve on the front lines. Mariya Volya, who came out amid the Russian invasion, faced backlash but remains determined to advocate for equality, alongside her fiancée Diana.

The recent Pride march in Kyiv, the first since the invasion, underscored these struggles. LGBT soldiers participated, some using the event to come out publicly. Viktor Pylypenko, Ukraine’s first openly gay soldier, has been instrumental in raising awareness and fostering acceptance within the military and society.

However, resistance to LGBT rights remains strong, both in parliament and society, influenced by conservative and religious opposition. A bill for civil partnerships has stalled, reflecting broader societal divisions despite evolving European integration aspirations.

The war with Russia has intensified the urgency for equality among LGBT Ukrainians, though progress is uncertain amid political and social challenges.

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Florence elects first woman mayor

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Florence has elected its first female mayor, Sara Funaro, who decisively defeated her right-wing opponent. A local councillor from the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), Funaro secured governance of the Italian city with over 60% of the vote. Her opponent, Eike Schmidt, a former director of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and a candidate backed by Italy’s far-right coalition government, garnered 39%.

This election concluded a series of votes in which centre-left parties claimed victories in five regional capitals. As the vote count progressed, Funaro expressed her excitement and dedicated her victory to her grandfather, Piero Bargellini, known for his leadership during the 1966 Florence flood. Despite his loss, Schmidt, a political newcomer born in Germany, stated that his campaign performed well and remained optimistic.

Funaro’s win is part of a broader success for Italy’s centre-left alliance, led by the PD. In recent votes, the alliance maintained control of Bergamo in Lombardy and Bari in Puglia, and captured Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, and Perugia in Umbria from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right ruling coalition. This follows significant gains by the right in the recent European Parliament elections.

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New Caledonia Protests Escalate Following Activist Detentions by France

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Protests erupted in New Caledonia following the detention and transfer of seven pro-independence activists to France. These activists were accused of orchestrating riots against a controversial voting reform bill. The unrest led to arson attacks on several buildings, including a town hall and police station across the territory.

Christian Tein, a prominent pro-independence leader among those detained, faced charges related to riots that resulted in fatalities. The violence stemmed from proposed reforms aimed at extending voting rights to long-term residents of New Caledonia, a move perceived by many Kanaks as potentially diluting their political influence.

French President Emmanuel Macron intervened by suspending the reforms to restore order after widespread disruptions, including roadblocks and the temporary closure of the international airport in Nouméa. The situation remains tense, with schools closed and efforts underway to calm the unrest and ensure safety for residents.

Criticism has been directed at France for what some perceive as colonial-era tactics in handling the activists, intensifying tensions in the French territory in the South Pacific.

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Dagestan Attacks: Deadly Violence Strikes Churches and Police

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In recent events in Russia’s Dagestan region, attacks on police officers, churches, and synagogues in cities like Derbent and Makhachkala have resulted in multiple fatalities. More than 15 police officers and several civilians, including a longstanding Orthodox Church priest, were killed. The attackers, some of whom were killed and others still sought by police, have not been definitively identified, though Dagestan has previously experienced Islamist violence.

The assaults targeted Orthodox churches and Jewish synagogues during Pentecost celebrations. Footage shared on social media depicted gunmen in dark clothing attacking police vehicles and setting ablaze religious buildings in Derbent, a city with a historic Jewish community. The violence extended to other locations like Sergokal, where even a police official was detained due to alleged family involvement.

Dagestan, known for its significant Muslim population, has endured previous jihadist attacks by groups such as the Caucasus Emirate and the Islamic Emirate of the Caucasus from 2007 to 2017. Despite recent tensions linked to Ukraine and the West, Russian authorities have responded to these incidents, concluding a counter-terrorism operation following the attacks.

President Vladimir Putin has previously emphasized Russia’s stance against Islamic fundamentalist terrorism, emphasizing the nation’s unity across diverse faiths and ethnicities. However, recent events challenge this narrative amid ongoing security concerns and geopolitical tensions.

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Barcelona mayor vows to abolish holiday lets

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The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, has announced plans to phase out short-term tourist rentals in the city within five years. He stated that no renewals will be granted for the 10,101 tourist licenses currently in place when they expire by November 2028. These apartments, commonly listed on platforms like Airbnb, will instead be reserved for local residents.

Collboni argued that this measure, equivalent to creating 10,000 new homes, aims to address skyrocketing rents, which have risen by 70% over the past decade, making housing unaffordable. Barcelona faces a housing shortage exacerbated by high tourism rates and its emergence as a tech hub, without sufficient new construction to meet demand, thereby inflating prices.

While some politicians and groups support the move as a way to alleviate housing pressure, others criticize it for infringing on property rights and argue that waiting until 2028 is too long for residents facing immediate displacement. Right-wing critics likened the policy to property expropriation seen in regimes like Venezuela’s, while tourist apartment associations claimed it would drive illegal rentals.

The debate reflects broader tensions in Spain over the impacts of mass tourism on local communities and housing affordability.

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