Following the strong earthquake that hit north-eastern Afghanistan, the EU has approved €1 million in humanitarian emergency funding to address the most urgent needs of the affected population. The EU will also donate around 130 tonnes of relief supplies such as tents, clothes, and medical supplies. Source link
Afghanistan earthquake: EU donates €1million in humanitarian funding and 130 tonnes of relief supplies
Following the strong earthquake that hit north-eastern Afghanistan, the EU has approved €1 million in humanitarian emergency funding to address the most urgent needs of the affected population. The EU will also donate around 130 tonnes of relief supplies such as tents, clothes, and medical supplies.
R&I Days 2025: Discover the participating projects managed by HaDEA at the heart of EU research and innovation
The sixth edition of the European Research & Innovation (R&I) Days, the European Commission’s flagship research and innovation event, will take place on 16-17 September 2025 at The Square (Brussels, Belgium).
The R&I Days will bring together policymakers, researchers, business representatives and the wider innovation community to discuss the way forward for Europe’s research and innovation and foster Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and industrial leadership.
The 2025 edition will welcome three projects managed by HaDEA that are advancing research in the fields of health and the digital and green transitions:
MAESTRIA
MAESTRIA (Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Early Detection Stroke Atrial Fibrillation) is improving treatment and management of atrial myopathy, a heart condition linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke.
This Horizon 2020 project combines research findings to enable highly personalised diagnosis and uses advanced imaging and AI to better understand heart diseases and refine risk assessment in patients.
MAESTRIA is also working to develop the first diagnostic digital platform for atrial cardiomyopathy, which will improve the accuracy of diagnoses, increase the effectiveness and efficiency of treatments and prevent complications such as AF and stroke.
PERSEPHONE
PERSEPHONE (Autonomous Exploration and Extraction of Deep Mineral Deposits) is developing autonomous robots to make deep mining safer, smarter, and more sustainable.
The project is creating compact, energy-efficient robots that can explore dangerously deep or abandoned mines while ensuring human workers safety. Equipped with cameras and sensors, they scan tunnels in 3D and analyse their surroundings.
By combining these data into a digital twin of the mine, PERSEPHONE helps plan the safest and most efficient drilling strategies. This reduces costs and waste, protects workers, and strengthens Europe’s access to critical raw materials needed for the green transition.
eMOTIONAL Cities
Funded under the Horizon 2020 programme and recently concluded, eMOTIONAL Cities aimed at understanding the interaction between people and urban spaces in order to find ways to enhance citizens’ health.
In particular, the project has provided scientific evidence on how the natural and built urban environment can shape the neural system influencing cognitive and emotional processing.
To do so, eMOTIONAL Cities has developed the Cities walker backpack, which captured how citizens can truly feel in cities – from stressed to calm, excited or relieved. Then, the project translated these real-life signals into knowledge to help design urban spaces where people can feel healthier, happier and more connected.
Register now for the R&I Days and meet these HaDEA-managed projects in the exhibition area, attend engaging panels, benefit from networking opportunities and join high-level discussions that will help shape the future of research and innovation in Europe.
Background
Horizon Europe is the research and innovation programme of the EU for the period 2021-2027. The aims of Cluster 1 ‘Health’ include improving and protecting the health and well-being of citizens of all ages by generating new knowledge, developing innovative solutions and integrating where relevant a gender perspective to prevent, diagnose, monitor, treat and cure diseases. Horizon 2020 (H2020) was the EU’s multiannual funding programme between 2014 and 2020.
Under Horizon Europe Cluster 4: Industry, HaDEA supports the implementation of scientific projects, mainly to accelerate the green and digital transitions and to increase the EU’s autonomy in key strategic value chains for a resilient industry.
Afghanistan Quake: Help teams are still rushing to reach survivors
The earthquake of magnitude six has already left more than 800 dead and at least 2,000 injured, but the total impact could be in the “hundreds of thousands”, according to The highest official of the UN aid in the country, Indrika Ratwatte.
Speaking of Kabul, Mr. Ratwatte said that the mud and wooden roof structures were predominant in the affected mountain provinces.
“When the walls collapse, the roof is what falls essentially on individuals, kills them or stubes them”, “ He said. “Since this has happened in the night, everyone was sleeping,” said the senior United Nations aid, indicating that many more people can be trapped under the debris.
Massive loss of houses, cattle
Hundreds of thousands could be affected, “as in destroyed, injured houses, the victims, lost livestock and the subsistence systems they had,” said Ratwatte.
In the first 24 hours critical after the earthquake, access was “very limited”, due to landslides and rock falls triggered by the tremors. Certain roads were already blocked by previous rock landslides caused by strong recent precipitation.
“This posed a huge challenge for us while we are deploying at the moment,” said Mr. Ratwatte, stressing that 20 emergency evaluation teams have been mobilized alongside 15 mobile teams “which will improve the humanitarian flights from Kabul to Jalalabad”, the capital of the affected province of Nangarhar.
THE United Nations Humanitarian Air Service A planned additional flights connecting Kabul and Jalalabad for staff and freight to increase the answer.
The help manager also said that the UN and others are trying to set up or repair damaged mobile networks because there is “zero connectivity” with certain affected communities, “and even to call on helicopters and land”, another challenge for de facto authorities.
“It is not easy to go to these areas and continue to do the injured shuttle,” he said.
Danger of illness
Mr. Ratwatte underlined the importance of protection work, “including psychosocial support for people who have lost the family and relatives”. He also pointed out that it was urgent to have dead bodies and livestock to prevent water from water, “which can occur very, very quickly”.
One of the first speakers in the affected areas was the Afghan Red Crescent. Joy Singhal, acting chief of delegation for Afghanistan of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), said more people could have been saved if road access was easier.
“Our staff and volunteers must sometimes [walk] For about four to five hours to reach some of these distant villages, “he said. Once they reach their destination, “they have to come back and bring people affected and injured in the city center … The two hospitals there are exceeded. “”
Those who stay in the distant and mountainous areas that have been struck with sequestration need tents, tarpaulins and blankets to protect them from fresh time in highlands. They also need hot meals and food that is available, said Amy Martin, head of the United Nations Coordination Office, Ochhain Afghanistan. Mobile health teams have been sent to some of the affected districts, but they “will be rare”, she noted. “It will be a gap; ensure that we can do this care of trauma and these initial first aid, which is essential. »»
Disaster, many times
Afghanistan has long faced the fact that the UN humanitarian coordinator, Mr. Ratwatte, called “systemic humanitarian challenges”. Half of its population – or around 22.5 million people – needs help, while food insecurity has been aggravated by the recent drought. The reductions in financing humanitarian programs since the beginning of the year have meant that “hundreds” of aid facilities had to close.
“The earthquake arrives at a time when vulnerable communities will be super exposed to additional stress,” said Ratwatte.
Another major challenge is the return to 2025 of 2.4 million Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan, which the country’s communities “find it difficult to integrate,” said The spokesperson for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) Babar Baloch.
“More than half of them are deportations, people who have been placed in buses and other forms of transport and went to the borders to go home, and this has already put an additional restriction on our ability to support,” said Baloch.
Deported
He also pointed out that the majority of returnees go precisely to the areas affected by the earthquake. In another “worrying” development, on Sunday marked “the end of the grace period for Afghan refugees recorded in Pakistan” and Hcr Prepares for “much more yields” in the coming days.
“These people already with very few resources are now returned to a disaster area,” said Baloch.
“We are in Breaking Point in terms of response to the multiple humanitarian shocks of the country,” insisted Mr. Ratwatte de l’UU.
The humanitarian response plan of $ 2.4 billion for Afghanistan for 2025 is funded at 28%, “and here we have an emergency in addition to the situation of the crisis,” he concluded.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Afghanistan quake: Aid teams still scrambling to reach survivors
The magnitude six quake has already left more than 800 dead and at least 2,000 injured, but the total impact could be in the “hundreds of thousands”, according to the UN’s top aid official in the country, Indrika Ratwatte.
Speaking from Kabul, Mr. Ratwatte said that mud and wooden roof structures were predominant in the affected mountainous provinces.
“When the walls collapse, the roof is what basically falls on individuals, kills them or suffocates them,” he said. “Since this happened in the night, everybody was sleeping,” the senior UN aid official explained, indicating that many more people may be trapped under the debris.
Massive loss of homes, livestock
Hundreds of thousands could be impacted, “as in houses destroyed, injured, casualties, livestock lost and any livelihood systems that they had”, Mr. Ratwatte explained.
In the first critical 24 hours after the earthquake hit, access was “very limited”, owing to landslides and rockfalls triggered by the tremors.
“This has posed a huge challenge to us as we deploy right now,” Mr. Ratwatte said, stressing that 20 emergency assessment teams have been mobilized alongside 15 mobile teams “which will enhance the humanitarian flights from Kabul to Jalalabad”, capital of the affected Nangarhar province.
The UN Humanitarian Air Service has scheduled additional flights connecting Kabul and Jalalabad for personnel and cargo to scale up the response.
The aid official also said that the UN and others are trying to set up or repair damaged mobile networks as there is “zero connectivity” with some affected communities, “and even to bring in helicopters and land,” another challenge for the de facto authorities.
“It’s not easy to get to these areas and keep shuttling injured individuals,” he said.
Disease danger
Mr. Ratwatte underscored the importance of protection work, “including psychosocial support for individuals who lost family and loved ones”. He also stressed that it was urgent to dispose of bodies and dead livestock to prevent waterborne diseases, “which can happen very, very fast”.
One of the first responders in the affected areas was the Afghan Red Crescent. Joy Singhal, Acting Head of Delegation for Afghanistan of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said that more people could have been saved if road access were easier.
“Our staff and volunteers sometimes have to [walk] for about four to five hours to reach some of those remote villages,” he said. Once they reach their destination “they have to walk back and bring those affected and wounded people into the city centre…the two hospitals there are overwhelmed.”
Disaster, time after time
Afghanistan has long faced what the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Ratwatte called “systemic humanitarian challenges”. Half of its population – or some 22.5 million people – need assistance, while food insecurity has been aggravated by recent drought. Sweeping funding cuts to humanitarian programmes since the beginning of the year have meant that “hundreds” of aid facilities have had to close.
“The earthquake comes at a time where vulnerable communities are going to be super-exposed to additional stresses,” Mr. Ratwatte said.
Another major challenge is the return in 2025 of 2.4 million Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan, whom communities in the country have been “struggling to integrate”, said UN refugee agency (UNHCR) spokesperson Babar Baloch.
“More than half of these are deportations, people who have been put on buses and other forms of transport and left at the borders to go home, and it has already put a further restraint on our ability to support,” Mr. Baloch said.
Deported regardless
He also stressed that the majority of returnees are heading precisely to the earthquake-affected areas. In another “worrying” development, Sunday marked “the end of grace period for registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan” and UNHCR is preparing for “significantly more returns” in the coming days.
“These people already with very little resources are now returned to a disaster zone,” Mr. Baloch said.
“We are at breaking point in terms of response to the multiple humanitarian shocks in the country,” the UN’s Mr. Ratwatte insisted.
The $2.4 billion humanitarian response plan for Afghanistan for 2025 is only 28 per cent funded, “and here we have an emergency on top of the crisis situation”, he concluded.
The Untapped Revolution: How Lovart Unlocks Nano Banana’s True Potential as the Ultimate Creative AI
The creative technology world has been buzzing about Nano Banana AI since its viral emergence, with millions of
The Niña cooling could be back, but global temperatures should increase: WMO
Latest data shared by the World Meteorological Organization (Wmo) Indicates a probability of 55% that sea surface temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific will cool at the Niña levels from September to November.
About 90% of the excess heat of global warming is stored in the oceanMake the ocean heat content a critical indicator of climate change.
“For October to December 2025, the probability that Niña’s conditions increased slightly to around 60%. There is little chance that El Niño will develop from September to December ”. WMO said in an update.
According to the United Nations agency, there is a smaller chance (45%) that the Pacific temperatures will remain as they have done in the past six months, when neither the Niña cooling nor its opposite number, heating El Niño, has caused unusual peaks or dips in sea surface temperatures.
Rescue insight
Forecasts from the United Nations Agency for the oscillation phenomenon in the south of El Niño “Save thousands of lives when used to guide the preparation and response actions,” insisted OMM secretary general, Celeste Saulo.
Information could also result in millions of dollars in savings in agriculture, energy, health and transport, she said.
Important because the Niña and El Niño are to shape our climate by modifying the temperatures of the surface of the ocean and in an impact on the changes in the winds, the pressure and the precipitation diagrams, Climate change induces by humans “always increases global temperatures, exacerbates extreme weather conditions and affects seasonal precipitation and temperature models”Noted WMO.
Each year of the last decade has been the hottest top 10 ever recorded, The United Nations agency warned earlier this yearWith 2024 the hottest to date, with “exceptional temperatures of land and sea surface and ocean heat”.
Citing six international data sets, WMO said that the global average surface temperature was 1.55 ° C (34.79F) above the average of 1850-1900.
“The flamboyant temperatures in 2024 require a climate action at Trail in 2025″, ” said UN secretary general Antóno Guterres at the time. “There is still time to avoid the worst of the climate disaster. But leaders must act-now, “he insisted.
The other key climate phenomena that influence global temperature include the oscillation of the North Atlantic, the Arctic Oscillation and the Dipole of the Indian Ocean. Their impact on surface temperatures and precipitation is monitored by omo and published in regular World updates on seasonal climate (GSCU).
The last update Indicates that for September to November, temperatures should be higher than normal in a large part of the northern hemisphere and large parts of the southern hemisphere.
Precipitation predictions should be similar to those generally observed during a moderate Niña, noted the WMO assessment.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
Why Education In Values Remains A Powerful Tool For Future Generations
Future generations will benefit immensely when they receive an education steeped in values. He, she, and they will develop a strong moral compass that guides their decisions and actions. Such education fosters empathy, integrity, and the ability to navigate complex social landscapes. It actively shapes individuals who can challenge negativity and promote positivity within their communities. By instilling these fundamental principles, society can prepare young minds to face future challenges with resilience and ethical clarity.
The Enduring Relevance of Values in a Changing World
Values remain integral in navigating the complexities of modern society. As rapid technological advancements and global challenges emerge, ethical considerations rooted in strong values offer frameworks for individuals to address issues like climate change, inequality, and cultural diversity. The ability to adapt while maintaining core principles allows future generations to forge relationships built on empathy and understanding, ensuring a cohesive society amidst shifting landscapes.
Shifting Social Norms and Expectations
Social norms and expectations continuously evolve, reflecting changes in cultural dynamics and collective consciousness. While some values, such as respect and kindness, remain stable, others shift, influencing individual behaviours and societal interactions. For instance, the growing emphasis on inclusivity and mental health awareness showcases how values adapt to contemporary contexts, underscoring the necessity for education to remain aligned with these transformations.
The Role of Education in Shaping Ethical Frameworks
Education serves as a foundational pillar in constructing robust ethical frameworks. By integrating values into curricula, educators empower students to critically engage with moral dilemmas and societal challenges. Research indicates that schools promoting ethical discussions report higher levels of social responsibility amongst their pupils, equipping them with the skills necessary for ethical decision-making. Values education offers not only knowledge but also the ability to apply those principles in real-world situations, reinforcing the importance of integrity, accountability, and empathy in future leaders.
Structured programmes that focus on ethics in education can significantly influence how students perceive and address real-world challenges. For instance, initiatives centered on service-learning enable students to connect classroom knowledge with community needs, fostering a sense of social responsibility. Programs that address global issues like environmental stewardship further illustrate the impact of values education, prompting students to consider their roles as active, informed citizens. Through these experiences, students develop not only a robust ethical framework but also a lifelong commitment to contributing positively to society.
Value-Based Education as a Catalyst for Personal Development
Value-based education plays a transformative role in personal development, nurturing individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also principled. This approach encourages students to reflect on their values and beliefs, leading to improved self-awareness and enhanced decision-making skills. As they engage with diverse perspectives, they learn to navigate moral complexities effectively, preparing them for future challenges with a robust ethical foundation.
Building Emotional Intelligence and Resilience
Through value-based education, learners develop emotional intelligence and resilience, crucial traits for managing life’s challenges. They cultivate skills such as empathy, self-regulation, and interpersonal communication, which enable them to respond to stress and adversity more effectively. This holistic growth not only aids in personal coping mechanisms but also fosters healthier relationships with others.
Fostering a Sense of Purpose and Community
A strong sense of purpose and community is fostered through value-based education, as it instils the significance of collaboration and altruism. Students engage in projects that benefit their surroundings, enhancing their connection to their community while cultivating a desire to contribute positively.
Participating in community-centric initiatives amplifies a student’s understanding of their role within a broader societal context. For instance, involvement in local charities or environmental projects can inspire a sense of belonging and responsibility, making them more aware of societal issues. According to studies, students who engage in community service report higher levels of life satisfaction and purpose. This connection fosters not only their growth but also contributes to a cohesive, responsible society, underlining the crucial role of value-based education in shaping civic-minded individuals.
The Impact of Values on Societal Cohesion
Values play a significant role in fostering societal cohesion by creating a shared sense of purpose and identity among community members. They encourage individuals to engage in collective actions aimed at addressing common challenges, thus strengthening social bonds. Evidence shows that societies anchored in strong values, such as respect and honesty, often experience lower levels of conflict and a greater sense of belonging, leading to more harmonious coexistence.
Bridging Divides Through Shared Values
Shared values have the power to bridge divides that separate different groups within society. By focusing on common principles, such as fairness and equality, individuals from diverse backgrounds can find common ground, reducing tensions and fostering collaboration. This unity often translates into joint efforts in community projects and social initiatives, nurturing a collaborative spirit that benefits all.
Promoting Empathy and Cross-Cultural Understanding
Empathy and cross-cultural understanding are vital components in a society’s ability to thrive in diversity. Educating individuals about different cultures and perspectives cultivates an environment where he or she can appreciate the experiences of others. This ultimately aids in dismantling stereotypes and prejudices, fostering a more inclusive society.
Fostering empathy and cross-cultural understanding involves engaging in activities that bring individuals from different backgrounds together, such as community service and cultural exchange programmes. By immersing themselves in varied cultural experiences, participants are more likely to develop a profound appreciation for diversity. For instance, studies demonstrate that individuals who partake in intercultural dialogues exhibit enhanced empathy and are significantly less likely to harbour biases. Consequently, this understanding contributes to building a cohesive society where differences are celebrated rather than contested.
Practical Strategies for Integrating Values in Modern Education
Effective integration of values within educational frameworks necessitates targeted strategies that resonate with today’s students. Approaches such as experiential learning, project-based initiatives, and service-learning opportunities empower learners to embody values through real-world applications. By encouraging discussions around ethical dilemmas and fostering critical thinking, educational institutions can cultivate a generation equipped to navigate complex moral landscapes.
Curriculum Design That Embeds Moral Reasoning
Curricula that prioritise moral reasoning can significantly enhance students’ ethical decision-making skills. By incorporating case studies, role-playing exercises, and interdisciplinary projects, educators can create environments where students engage with values actively. This hands-on approach not only deepens understanding but also encourages students to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviours through the lens of ethical frameworks.
Engaging Families and Communities in the Value Conversation
Involving families and communities in discussions about values within education fosters a supportive network that reinforces moral teachings. Schools can organise workshops, community dialogues, and collaborative projects that invite parents and local leaders to participate. By creating shared experiences, educational institutions build a stronger foundation for values that extend beyond the classroom.
Engagement strategies should include regular communication between schools and families about value-based education’s importance. Schools can host community forums focusing on relevant issues such as social justice or environmental stewardship, encouraging families to contribute their perspectives. Involving local organisations can also provide additional resources and insights, enriching the dialogue around values and their application in daily life. Such collaborative efforts not only bolster students’ understanding of values but also cultivate societal cohesion and responsibility.
Future Generations: The Transformative Power of Values
Embedding strong values within educational frameworks empowers future generations to navigate complexities with confidence. Individuals instilled with integrity, empathy, and respect can foster social cohesion, enabling communities to flourish. Values-driven education not only influences personal growth but also shapes societal norms, leading to significant transformations in the way individuals interact and resolve conflicts. Through shared values, they can tackle challenges collaboratively, paving the way for a more harmonious future.
Preparing Leaders for an Uncertain Future
Leaders who are educated in values possess the ability to make ethical decisions amidst uncertainty. Such individuals are trained to prioritise the well-being of their communities over self-interest, which is vital in today’s unpredictable environment. By cultivating critical thinking along with moral reasoning, they are equipped to handle crises and inspire those around them to embrace change constructively.
The Long-Term Benefits of Value-Centric Education
Value-centric education yields lasting benefits that extend beyond academic achievements. Individuals who have undergone value-based training often exhibit higher levels of emotional intelligence, contributing positively to their workplaces and communities. By prioritising collaboration and ethical considerations, they become change agents, advocating for sustainable practices and social justice.
The long-term impact of value-centric education can be seen in thriving communities where individuals prioritise collective welfare over individual gain. Research indicates that societies with strong ethical foundations experience lower crime rates and increased civic participation. Furthermore, participants in such education programmes often report greater life satisfaction and resilience in challenging situations, underscoring the enduring advantages of cultivating a value-driven mindset. As these individuals step into various roles throughout their lives, they catalyse positive change, reinforcing the notion that values are not merely taught, but rather lived and shared.
Summing up
Upon reflecting, it is clear that education in values significantly impacts future generations. He, she, and they benefit from an ethical foundation that fosters social responsibility, empathy, and critical thinking. Such education equips them with the tools necessary to navigate complex moral landscapes, enabling informed decision-making. By integrating values into the curriculum, schools cultivate not only knowledgeable individuals but also conscientious citizens who contribute positively to society. Thus, education in values remains an indispensable instrument for shaping a more equitable and harmonious future.
EIT Digital and the University of the Aegean Are Redefining Maritime Technology
Marine robotics is rapidly transforming the way we understand and interact with the oceans. From deep-sea and polar exploration to environmental monitoring, shipping, and oceanographic research, autonomous marine systems are opening possibilities once thought unreachable. These technologies can remain at sea for months, recording data, collecting samples, and even transporting goods in greener, safer ways. Yet, the ocean remains one of the most hostile environments for robotics – its challenges more akin to outer space than to land or air.
Classes were hosted at the University of the Aegean in a building with its own rich history: Greece’s very first high school, founded in 1834. True to EIT Digital’s open and practical spirit, students didn’t need a background in robotics to take part. From day one, they were introduced to coding and guided step by step – by professors and volunteers alike – through building their own autonomous boats.
Alongside lectures and hands-on projects, participants also engaged with the IEEE Symposium on Maritime Informatics and Robotics, a two-day event featuring leading-edge research, panels, and the Aegean Ro-Boat Race.
The integration of this international symposium with the Summer School not only showcased cutting-edge technologies in AI, data systems, and robotics, but also highlighted the collaborative spirit driving Europe’s maritime innovation forward.
Amid this vibrant backdrop of learning and competition, we sat down with Professor Dimitris Zissis of the University of the Aegean to discuss the long-term vision for Syros as a hub of maritime innovation, the role of EIT Digital in shaping its future, and the next milestones on the horizon.
Our long-term vision is to establish Syros as a reference point for maritime innovation in Europe. We want the island to become a place where academia, industry, and startups come together to push the boundaries of maritime informatics, robotics, and sustainability. The idea is to create a living lab environment – one that doesn’t just attract talent but also nurtures entrepreneurship and anchors a dynamic blue economy ecosystem in the Aegean
Dimitris Zissis, Professor at University of the Aegean
Why did you choose the maritime sector as the focus of this hub, and what sub-sectors are you targeting?
The choice was quite natural. Greece has a profound historical and strategic connection to the sea, but beyond tradition, the maritime sector is at a pivotal moment. Technological advances can dramatically improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. This is why we’re concentrating on three main areas. First, smart shipping and maritime informatics, which can make operations safer and more efficient. Second, autonomous surface vessels and maritime robotics, because automation is set to transform how we operate at sea. And third, ocean data systems combined with artificial intelligence, which will enable us to analyze and manage vast amounts of maritime data in new and impactful ways.
How has your collaboration with EIT Digital contributed to the development of this project so far?
EIT Digital has been instrumental in shaping our vision. Through the Summer School, for instance, we’ve been able to build capacity, attract international students, and test educational formats that bridge academic research with real-world maritime challenges. The collaboration has also given the initiative significant visibility, helping us connect with European innovators, researchers, and policy thinkers. Most recently, our participation in the EIT Digital Master School in Autonomous Systems (as part of the SPECTRO project) has been a major step forward. It strengthens our academic programs and allows us to train the next generation of engineers and researchers in fields directly aligned with our innovation agenda in maritime robotics and informatics.
Which EIT Digital programs or support mechanisms have been most valuable in shaping your innovation ecosystem?
Two elements stand out. The Summer School has been essential in grounding our initiative in high-quality education and hands-on experimentation. It has given students the chance to work on practical challenges and experience innovation in action. Equally important has been the access to the broader EIT Digital ecosystem. The networks and partnerships we’ve been able to build through this connection would have been extremely difficult to establish on our own.
How do you see EIT Digital playing a role in the next steps of this initiative?
We view EIT Digital as a strategic partner in our next phase. One priority is scaling up the Summer School and transforming it into a flagship European blue tech academy. We are also working towards deploying a Center of Excellence in Smart Shipping, in collaboration with EIT, which will solidify our leadership in the field. Another key goal is to support the launch of deep tech startups that will emerge from the hub, ensuring that innovation is not only researched but also commercialized. Finally, EIT Digital can play an important role in facilitating policy dialogue and in showcasing our hub as a case study for how regional innovation can drive sectoral transformation.
‘Our livelihoods have been cut off’, say West Bank farmers ahead of olive harvest
Like thousands of Palestinian farmers, he faces growing restrictions from Israeli forces and settlers, who have made the olive harvest season – running from September to November – a time of uncertainty and struggle.
In recent years, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has supported olive farmers and cooperatives to improve access to and management of land and water resources, introduced sustainable practices such as intercropping, and helped them increase food production and income by using natural resources more efficiently.
The olive harvest is both a primary source of livelihood for thousands of families and an integral part of Palestinian heritage.
Yet, attacks on the harvest threaten such heritage and hinder Palestinian farmers’ work and way of life – as settler attacks reach their highest level in at least two decades, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA.
‘Unprecedented’ risks
“As the West Bank gears up for the annual olive harvest, the message from farmers is clear: This year’s harvest season is marked by uncertainty, and livelihoods are under unprecedented risk,” said Ciro Fiorillo, FAO’s Head of Office in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The combination of State policies and settler violence has prevented Palestinians from accessing tens of thousands of dunums of farmland and pasture, one dunum equating 1,000 square meters.
These restrictions have contributed to the destruction of the local economy and the displacement of thousands of Palestinian herders and farmers, in conditions that may amount to forcible transfer, according to the UN human rights office (OHCHR).
Olives and olive oil production in the West Bank are a cornerstone of Palestinian culture.
“Our livelihoods have been cut off. Olive crops are the primary source of income for farmers,” a Palestinian farmer from Kufr Qaddum village, told UN News.
Land access denied
“For two years now, we have been denied access to our lands,” Yousef, a Palestinian farmer from Kufr Qaddum told UN News. All land in the northern area of the village has been sealed off with an iron gate following the most recent escalation between Iran and Israel.
Yousef’s family owns over 300 dunums of land, primarily cultivated with olive trees, located near the Israeli Kedumim settlement, in Qalqiliya Governorate.
Since Hamas’s attack on Israel in 2023, they have had no access to their land, including during the harvesting season.
“These lands cover approximately four to five thousand dunams. We have been prevented from accessing them,” Yousef said, adding that “this issue [affected] all farmers across the entire West Bank.”
Mohammed, a Palestinian farmer from Kifl Harris, a village located near the Israeli Ariel settlement in Salfit Governorate, has been denied access to over 3,000 dunums of olive-cultivated land located within the settlement boundary. This restriction has completely cut off the ability of Kifl Harris’s farmers to tend to and harvest their groves.
“The olive season is our main economic lifeline as farmers and employees in both the public and the private sectors,” Mohammed told UN News, adding that Palestinian farmers had not been given a reason for being denied access.
“After settlers installed a caravan on our family’s land, access to more than 200 dunums of farmland, much of it planted with olive trees, was restricted,” Ahmed, a farmer from Khalet Al Luza told OCHA.
Harassment from settlers
“We have endured all kinds of harassment from settlers and the [Israeli] army,” Yousef from Kufr Qaddum told us.
In an advisory opinion from July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and that it is under an obligation to end its unlawful presence “as rapidly as possible”.
Settlers installed a caravan on a Palestinian family’s land in Khalet Al Luza, West Bank.
“Settler attacks have affected all farmers. I, personally, have been prevented from reaching my land, and we’ve been subjected to repeated attacks by settlers and the army, including theft of olive crops, theft of olive harvesting equipment, vehicle vandalism, cutting down olive trees, and threats,” Yousef said.
In a statement published on 30 July, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) warned of escalating Israeli settler violence “with the acquiescence, support, and in some cases participation” of Israeli forces.
It stated that Israeli Government “policy and legislative actions appear aimed at emptying certain areas of the West Bank of the Palestinian population, advancing the settlement enterprise, and consolidating the annexation” of large parts of the West Bank.
“We urge you to work with international institutions through peaceful means to achieve a result that enables us to access our lands safely and harvest the fruits of our olives and trees,” Yousef pleaded.
“Together with our resource partners, FAO is committed to continuing supporting local olive cultivation, which is as important to livelihoods and food security as it is to Palestinian culture and tradition,” said Mr. Fiorillo.
*Names in this story have been changed to protect the identities of those featured.
