YouTube’s creator economy pumped over $55 billion into the U.S. GDP and generated more than 490,000 full-time jobs
YouTube Stars Slowly Ditch Ad Revenue: Inside Their Million-Dollar Side Hustles
Counterfeit and substandard food worth EUR 95 million seized in global operation – OPSON XIV saw 631 individuals reported to judicial authorities and 11 566 tonnes of food and 1.4 million litres of beverages taken off the market
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EU-GCC: remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the joint press conference following the 29th EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting
EU-GCC: remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the joint press conference following the 29th EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting
Despina Chatzivassiliou Re-Elected as PACE Secretary General
Strasbourg, — Last September 30th 2025, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has re-elected Despina Chatzivassiliou as its Secretary General, granting her a second five-year term that will begin on 1 March 2026.
In her address to the Assembly following the vote, Chatzivassiliou expressed gratitude for the cross-party backing she received, calling it “a special honour and a great responsibility.” She dedicated the renewed mandate to the entire PACE Secretariat team, acknowledging their “outstanding work” and reaffirming her commitment to “defend the values of our Organisation and assist you in making the voice of PACE heard as loud as possible.”
Appointed in 2021 as the first woman ever to hold the post, Chatzivassiliou’s leadership has been marked by a drive to modernise the Assembly’s operations, improve gender equality, and enhance transparency and efficiency through the responsible use of digital tools and artificial intelligence. Her tenure has also been characterised by efforts to bolster co-operation between the Parliamentary Assembly, the Committee of Ministers, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, ensuring that PACE’s democratic oversight role remains central within the Organisation.
A Doctor of Law born in Athens in 1967, Chatzivassiliou earned her PhD on the European Convention on Human Rights from the European University Institute in Florence. She joined the Council of Europe in 1993, beginning her career at the European Commission of Human Rights — a foundation that shaped her long-standing dedication to the protection of human rights and the rule of law across Europe. She is the mother of two children, Ilia and Charles Tsovilis.
As Secretary General, Chatzivassiliou oversees the proper functioning of PACE, implements its decisions, and coordinates the work of its committees. She heads a secretariat of approximately 90 staff members who support the Assembly’s President and parliamentarians in conducting debates, preparing reports, and ensuring the effective running of parliamentary proceedings.
Her re-election signals continuity for an Assembly navigating complex European challenges — from democratic resilience to technological change — and reinforces PACE’s commitment to inclusivity, dialogue, and the principles enshrined in the Council of Europe’s founding values.
PACE launches dialogue platform with exiled Russian democratic forces
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has unanimously approved the creation of a Platform for Dialogue with Russian democratic forces in exile, marking a significant step in Europe’s ongoing effort to engage with those opposing the Kremlin’s authoritarian regime. The new forum is intended to establish structured, two-way communication between the Assembly and representatives of the Russian opposition abroad, giving them a voice within the Council of Europe’s institutional framework.
For years, PACE has maintained informal contacts with Russian civil society, dissidents, and human rights defenders through hearings and committee meetings. With this resolution, based on a report by Estonian parliamentarian Eerik-Niiles Kross (ALDE), the Assembly moves from occasional exchanges to a permanent institutional framework for cooperation. Participants in the Platform will be able to attend certain PACE committee sessions during part-sessions and engage directly with European parliamentarians on issues of common concern.
According to the adopted text, the new Platform will include individuals “of the highest moral standing” who share the values of the Council of Europe, unconditionally recognise Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and are committed to achieving democratic change in Russia. Candidates must have publicly opposed the Russian regime, denounced its aggression against Ukraine, and rejected any form of neo-imperial policy. The Bureau of the Assembly, on the proposal of the PACE President, will approve the list of participants, valid for one session. Those found to violate the established criteria may be suspended from participation pending review.
In a symbolic gesture, the resolution also bans the display of Russian state symbols—such as the flag or coat of arms—on Council of Europe premises. Instead, the white-blue-white flag, used by Russian democratic movements, is recognised as a legitimate symbol of resistance. One third of the seats in the Platform will be reserved for representatives of Russia’s indigenous peoples and national minorities until a separate dialogue forum is established for them.
PACE’s initiative is part of a broader strategy to sustain contact with democratic voices from Russia after its expulsion from the Council of Europe in March 2022, following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Assembly emphasised that this new framework will “help strengthen the capacity of Russian democratic forces to bring about sustainable democratic change in Russia and contribute to a lasting and just peace in Ukraine.” It also seeks to ensure accountability for international crimes committed by Russian actors, including war crimes and crimes of aggression.
While the decision has been welcomed by many European lawmakers and human rights advocates, others point out potential challenges. Russian democratic forces remain divided and fragmented, lacking a single unified political structure comparable to that of Belarusian opposition movements. The resolution explicitly encourages exiled Russian groups to join forces in advocating for democracy, exposing the crimes of the Russian regime, and countering disinformation. Some Ukrainian representatives have also expressed concern that the Platform could be targeted by infiltration attempts from Kremlin-linked actors if vetting is not rigorous.
Despite these uncertainties, the move represents one of the Council of Europe’s most ambitious post-2022 efforts to give institutional support and visibility to Russian opposition figures, independent journalists, and civil society representatives living abroad. The Assembly’s Bureau will now finalise the operational details of the Platform—its composition, procedures, and participation rights—together with the PACE Secretary General and the General Rapporteur on Russian democratic forces.
The creation of the Platform underscores the Council of Europe’s long-term vision: to keep the doors of democracy open for those Russians who stand for freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Whether this initiative will evolve into an influential political tool or remain largely symbolic will depend on how it balances inclusivity, transparency, and effectiveness in the months ahead.
Flotilla to Gaza: A Voyage of Hope, a Storm of Questions
A convoy of more than forty civilian boats that set sail for Gaza under the banner of the Global Sumud Flotilla has reignited international debate about Israel’s maritime blockade and the blurred lines between humanitarian aid and political protest.
The flotilla, carrying activists, doctors, and parliamentarians from over twenty countries, aimed to challenge the blockade and deliver symbolic aid to Gaza. But within days of leaving European ports, nearly every vessel was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in the eastern Mediterranean.
Israel says it acted “in accordance with international law and security obligations.” Organizers claim excessive force and allege that hundreds of passengers were detained under harsh conditions.
Latest Developments: Arrests, Deportations, and Allegations
According to Israeli officials, the final vessel — the Marinette — was stopped about 40 nautical miles off Gaza last Friday, marking the end of the flotilla’s voyage. All passengers were detained and transferred to the southern Israeli port of Ashdod.
In recent days, Israel has deported dozens of those arrested — at least 170 activists so far — while others remain in detention awaiting flights home. Among them are citizens of Spain, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.
Several detainees have alleged degrading treatment in custody — claims that Israeli authorities strongly deny. “All detainees are treated according to the law and international standards,” said a spokesperson for the Israeli Prison Service.
Meanwhile, flotilla organizers have announced that a second, smaller group of vessels is already preparing to sail, insisting that “the sea cannot be blockaded forever.”
Israel’s Position: Security and Sovereignty
Israel maintains that its maritime blockade, in place since 2007, is a security measure designed to prevent weapons and military materials from reaching Hamas. Officials argue that the flotilla’s attempt to breach the blockade “was a deliberate provocation disguised as aid.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as necessary to “protect Israeli civilians from arms smuggling and terror infiltration.”
Israel also notes that humanitarian supplies can enter Gaza through approved land crossings, provided they undergo inspection. “No one is preventing aid from reaching Gaza,” an Israeli Navy statement read. “We are preventing weapons.”
Activists’ View: Humanitarian Conscience and Moral Symbolism
For the flotilla participants, however, the mission was a statement of conscience. They describe the blockade as collective punishment that has crippled Gaza’s economy and trapped more than two million people in dire conditions.
“We sailed to show the world that Gaza is not alone,” said one European lawmaker on board before departure. “This is not a political act but a human one.”
Organizers insist that all boats were inspected and carried only food, medicine, and water filters. Some accuse Israel of “criminalizing solidarity” and violating maritime law by intercepting vessels in international waters.
Global Ripples and Diplomatic Reactions
The incident has provoked strong diplomatic responses. Spain and Italy summoned Israeli ambassadors after reports that their citizens were detained and allegedly mistreated. The European Parliament is expected to hold an emergency debate later this week on freedom of navigation and humanitarian access to Gaza.
In contrast, several governments — including the United States and Germany — reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend its borders and expressed concern about the flotilla’s safety risks.
The conflicting statements reveal how the flotilla has once again become a mirror reflecting broader international divisions over Gaza — humanitarian urgency on one side, and national security imperatives on the other.
What the Flotilla Achieved — and What It Risked
Achievements:
- Renewed attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing blockade.
- Global solidarity among citizens and NGOs across continents.
- Diplomatic momentum, pushing governments and media to re-examine a long-frozen issue.
Risks and Costs:
- Personal danger for hundreds of participants now facing deportation or legal consequences.
- Political backlash, with Israel framing the mission as provocation.
- Limited material impact, as the aid never reached Gaza’s shores.
An Unfinished Voyage
As the last detainees prepare to be sent home and new boats reportedly plan to depart, the Mediterranean remains both stage and witness to an unresolved story.
Was this flotilla an act of humanitarian courage — or a reckless challenge to a nation’s security line?
Does the blockade protect Israeli citizens — or perpetuate suffering in Gaza?
And can either side’s narrative ever capture the full truth at sea?
For now, the waves have settled, but the questions — moral, legal, and human — continue to drift, waiting for the world to decide which direction the next tide will take.
EU-GCC: Opening speech by High Representative Kaja Kallas at the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation
EU-GCC: Opening speech by High Representative Kaja Kallas at the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation
Haiti beats rage with vaccines and vigilance
Last July, in the remote locality of goal, in the south of Haiti, Jonas *, nine, lost his life because of the rage.
When a wandering dog bit the boy on his leg, the injury seemed minor. Like many families living far from all health establishments, his mother ignored that immediate care was essential.
In a week, the child started to feel weak and refused to eat. As he reached the nearest hospital, he had started to show the undoubted symptoms of the rabies virus, including atrocious muscle spasms and hydrophobia, fear of water.
A PAHO health worker is preparing a rabies vaccination.
Shortly after, Jonas died surrounded by his family.
He is the most recent victim of this deadly but completely avoidable disease which has already made four lives this year in the island nation of the Caribbean, which deals with a multitude of crises, in particular political, economic and political instability as well as acute poverty and lack of access to health services.
The data collected between 2022 and 2024 in Haiti show that the rabies virus continues to constitute a serious threat to public health where more than 8,000 suspicious cases in dogs have been studied.
Among these, more than 1,100 cases were considered probable and 46 were confirmed in a laboratory.
During the same period, 24 suspected human cases were probably caused by a dog bite, with eight experienced deaths.
Surveillance, survey and response
As soon as Jonas was admitted to the hospital, the national surveillance network of the Ministry of Public Health was alerted.
Supported by the Panamerican Health Organization (PAHO) – part of the World Health Organization (WHO) – this national network of staff and resources in the field, including epidemiology assistants based on locally and ‘lab-moto“Health workers who visit communities on motorcycles quickly placed in action.
A “Labo Moto” health worker travel motorcycles to visit a patient.
A response team was deployed on goal to confirm that no one else in the community had been exposed to rage.
The boy’s family has been closely monitored and received post-exhibition care. The team also inspected the area where the dog and his puppies died.
The survey recommended organizing a dog vaccination campaign, strengthening surveillance and improving access to human rabies vaccines for post-exhibition treatment.
A response team was deployed on goal to confirm that no one else in the community had been exposed to rage.
The boy’s family has been closely monitored and received post-exhibition care. The team also inspected the area where the dog and his puppies died.
The survey recommended organizing a dog vaccination campaign, strengthening surveillance and improving access to human rabies vaccines for post-exhibition treatment.
A dog is vaccinated against rabies in Haiti.
Deadly, but completely avoidable
To limit the propagation of rabies in Haiti, a canine vaccination campaign was launched in August with the aim of vaccination of around 140,000 dogs, including stray and community animals, while raising awareness of prevention.
Before that, the training was given to four ministerial coordinators, seventeen communal coordinators and more than 480 veterinary auxiliary agents, which were then deployed in 240 teams in priority areas in the four departments of Artinite, Center, Nord-Ast and Nord-Youst.
A key innovation was the use of a mobile application to record vaccinated dogs, allowing the collection of real -time data, monitoring coverage and improving data quality.
“By vaccinating large -scale dogs, we directly protect human communities – especially children. It is a simple but vital action that saves lives, ”explained Dr. Oscar Bourche, the Paho / WHO representative in Haiti. “Rage is deadly, but 100% avoidable.”
Build long -term resilience
The realization of an estimated 80% vaccination coverage among the target dog population should considerably reduce the circulation of rabies virus in dogs.
The campaign also aims to increase awareness of rabies prevention and promote appropriate responses to the bites of rabid animals.
“Despite the challenges and limitations posed by the security situation and global instability in the country, we consider this vaccination campaign as an important success,” said Dr. Haïm Joseph Corvil, coordinator of the Protection Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development.
Challenge on global health
Rage remains one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases in the world – infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Globally, it causes around 59,000 deaths per year, 40% of whom are children.
Through the Americas, a 98% reduction in cases of human rage transmitted by dogs was obtained, from 300 cases in 1983 to only 10 cases reported in the past year, according to PAHO.
* The name has been modified to protect the identity of the person
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
For a peaceful future, Europe must ‘do everything in its power’ to deter the threat from Russia
Strasbourg, 02.10.2025 – It is imperative that Council of Europe member states “do everything in their power to strengthen their deterrence, preparedness and resilience capabilities against the threat posed by Russia” if Europe is to have a peaceful future, PACE has warned.
Unanimously approving a resolution based on a report by Iulian Bulai (Romania, ALDE), the Assembly set out a wide-ranging series of steps to defeat Russia’s strategy of destabilising European democracies using “force, fear and foreign influence”.
“The Assembly, at this critical juncture, stresses that enduring peace in Europe will only be achieved through democratic security and resilience,” the parliamentarians said.
They called for unwavering European commitment and unity in support of Ukraine and a just and lasting peace, which is “indispensable for Ukraine’s European future and the security of the entire European continent”.
This should include a system of comprehensive accountability for Russia’s crimes, including the swift launch of a Special Tribunal to try Russia’s leaders for the crime of aggression, rapid progress on creating a claims commission and in due course an international fund to compensate Ukrainians, which could be funded from frozen Russian state assets.
They also urged stronger sanctions against Russia and its allies, further diplomatic isolation – including in sport – and more non-military responses to Russian violations of airspace and hybrid warfare.
There was also a need for a strategy to enhance the resilience of democratic societies which combines deterrence, preparedness, protection and reactivity. This could include, for example, “robust counter-measures” against foreign interference, projects to fight disinformation and “solid counter-narratives” to Russian propaganda, including support for free media.
Meanwhile, the Council of Europe should strengthen its work on democratic security to take account of the rapidly evolving nature of the threats and challenges the continent is facing.
PACE 079 (2025)
Public and jury chose the winning images of “Environment&Me 2025” photo competition
The European Environment Agency (EEA) reveals today the winners of its 2025 “Environment&Me” photo competition. Launched in March 2025, this contest invited photographers from across Europe and neighboring partner countries to share images that capture their personal connection to the environment, how they experience, protect or are impacted by the environment in their daily lives.
Nearly 1,800 entries were submitted from across 36 countries, reflecting a powerful diversity of environmental stories and perspectives. These were narrowed down to 42 finalists and, ultimately, to our 4 talented winners. This year’s competition saw an impressive level of participation from across Europe, with Spain and Italy leading the way, together accounting for nearly a third of all submissions. Türkiye, Germany, and Portugal also ranked among the top contributors, reflecting strong engagement across both southern and central Europe.
The winners
The competition was structured around three thematic categories, plus a youth prize and a public choice award. An external jury chose one winning image from each category, except for the public choice award, which was selected by citizens’ vote.
BLUE – Water & Me
Ola Karlsson, Environment&Me 2025 / EEA
Title: “Bridge over troubled water”
Once solid and timeless, the frozen sea in Bjärred (Sweden) now thins with every passing winter. This aerial shot of people crossing a bridge over fragile ice captures the quiet truth that our climate is changing, and with it, the landscapes and lives we once took for granted.
GREEN – Nature & Me
Pepe Badia Marrero, Environment&Me 2025 / EEA
Title: “King of hearts”
Standing between heart-shaped leaves and golden light, a grasshopper rests in perfect balance. In this quiet moment in Anella Verda de Terassa (Spain), nature shows its delicate beauty.
ORANGE – Everyday Life & Me
Kristýna Koubková, Environment&Me 2025 / EEA
Title: “Work commitment”
Beneath the blazing sun, a donkey and its owners toil through parched Spanish fields of Teguise, turning dust into promise. In this harsh climate, only cooperation and perseverance can sow the seeds of a future harvest.
Youth Prize (ages 18–24)
Youth Prize is not awarded this year due to eligibility issues.
Public Choice Award
Fatih Yilmaz, Environment&Me 2025 / EEA
Title: “Flapping its wings against drought”
Selected through public voting, this aerial photo captures the striking contrast of cracked, dry earth and turquoise waters at Burdur Lake, Türkiye. Birds are scattered across the scene, some wading through a shallow, winding channel. The image powerfully reflects the region’s natural beauty amid signs of drought.
Congratulations to our 4 winners and a big thank you to all participants for sharing their beautiful photographs.
More information on the photo competition is available at this link.
