Ajith Sunghay said on Tuesday that “Settler violence has skyrocketed in scale and frequency, with the acquiescence, support and, in many cases, participation of Israeli security forces. – and always with complete impunity.
During the first half of 2025 alone, there were 757 settler attacks causing casualties or material damage – a 13 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
“Two weeks into the 2025 harvest, we have already witnessed serious attacks by armed settlers against Palestinian men, women, children and foreign solidarity activists,” he added.
According to OHCHR According to the data, 96,000 dunums (approximately 9,600 hectares) of olive groves were not harvested in 2023, resulting in more than $10 million in losses for Palestinian farmers – a trend that has continued until 2024.
“Direct land destruction is also intensifying“, Sunghay said. “The settlers burned groves, sawed down olive trees and destroyed houses and agricultural infrastructure.”
He highlighted the broader toll of the occupation, noting that since October 2023, more than 1,000 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank, while thousands of people have been displaced by attacks, movement restrictions and house demolitions.
“Livelihood and lineage”
“Here, the olive tree is never just a tree,” reflects Sunghay. “It is a livelihood and a lineage, a resilience and an economy, and a historical vein that connects Palestinians to the land. »
He said that up to 100,000 families depend on the olive harvest for their livelihood, describing it as “the economic backbone of rural Palestinian communities.”
OHCHR, he said, is working with partners to strengthen monitoring, provide legal assistance and maintain a protective presence for farmers and landowners.
Mr. Sunghay warned that the rise in settler violence is occurring “in the context of a accelerated Israeli land grab”, with officials “openly declaring their intention to annex the entire West Bank.”
He reiterated that Israel “has a legal obligation to end the occupation and reverse the annexation,” and urged member states to “exert maximum pressure to protect civilians, end and reverse these policies, and ensure that those responsible for decades of violations are held accountable.”
“And yes,” he concludes, “it starts with olives. »
The head of UNFCCC called on Tuesday for funding to “flow in now” as delegates prepare to travel to the Brazilian city of Belém next month for what is seen as a crucial summit to turn pledges into action.
There is little doubt about whether or not countries should prepare for a changing and more unpredictable climate: extreme weather events such as devastating wildfires, catastrophic droughts and apocalyptic floods are making life increasingly difficult in all parts of the world (or even, as people in Pacific island states are sink). findimpossible).
There are many examples of effective measures countries can take to adapt to this new normal, from high sea walls and cyclone warning systems to floating homes and planting drought-resistant crops.
However, all of this costs money. Lots of money. Estimates of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) estimates this figure at between $160 billion and $340 billion – but only a tiny fraction of this amount actually goes to developing countries.
On Tuesday, the UN Climate Change released a new report detailing the progress countries have made in their National Climate Adaptation Plans (NAPs). This confirms that the persistent funding gap risks derailing the plans many are trying to implement.
Speaking At the launch in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia, Simon Stiell recalled that the climate crisis is destroying lives and livelihoods in all regions of the world, particularly in the most vulnerable countries, and that “adaptation is not optional; it is absolutely essential.”
The UN climate chief said adaptation would not only protect lives but also help empower communities and countries to thrive.
National adaptation plans, he said, are “the key to unlocking the epic transformative power of climate resilience investing.”
UN Info/Felipe de Carvalho
Children in Timor-Leste Residents of the village of Orlalan, Timor-Leste, take part in a climate disaster exercise.
Operational plans
Aside from the funding challenge, progress is being made: 67 developing countries have submitted plans – including 23 least developed countries and 14 small island developing states – with an approach aimed at involving more women, youth, indigenous peoples, local communities and the private sector.
These efforts explain in detail what the priorities and needs are – and should, Mr. Stiell suggested, make it easier for investors and financial institutions to finance climate adaptation.
The report comes 19 days before the UN COP30 climate conference opens in the Amazon city of Belém, where adaptation and the financing gap will be a central issue for negotiators, aiming to mobilize $1.3 trillion in climate finance.
Looking ahead to the UN summit, Mr Stiell said it was a “key test of global solidarity” which must “connecting climate action to real lives around the worldto spread the vast benefits.
Abeer Etefa, Senior Regional Communications Officer for the World Food Program (PAM) told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that since the ceasefire took effect on October 11, the agency had been able to import more than 6,700 tons of food – enough for almost half a million people for two weeks.
“Daily deliveries continue and now average around 750 tonnes.“, Ms Etefa said. “This is much better than what we had before the ceasefire, but it is still well below our target, which is around 2,000 tonnes per day.”
The WFP spokesperson explained that unless all border crossing points can be used, achieving this goal is “almost impossible”.
Currently, only the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings in the south are openand “severe destruction” hampers access from the south to the north – where famine was declared in August.
They are not very sure how long the ceasefire will last and what will happen next.
“We need Erez, we need Zikkim, we need these border crossing points to open,” insisted Ms. Etefa.
Reaching northern Gaza with large-scale convoys is a priority, she said.
“We have cleared the roads on a large scale to the north,” she added, removing debris from border crossing points to be able to connect Gaza City, where the situation is particularly dire.
“But we need these crossings to open to be able to accommodate large-scale convoys.”
Distribution objective
The agency has begun to restore its food distribution system, with a goal of extending assistance through 145 distribution points across the Gaza Strip. Some 26 distribution points have already been reestablished.
“The response was really massive,” Ms. Etefa said, describing people’s reactions to the food distributions. “People are showing up in large numbers, grateful for the efficient delivery of food aid.» as well as the “dignified manner” in which they can queue and quickly obtain their food rations.
The impact is significant, particularly for “the most vulnerable, women, female-headed households, the elderly,” she said.
Hedging bets
People are hopeful, but there is “cautious optimism” about how long current conditions will continue, Ms Etefa said. Those who receive food aid tend to eat only part of the rations and save the rest for emergencies.“because they are not very sure how long the ceasefire will last and what will happen next.”
“It is a fragile peace,” stressed Ms. Etefa.
Adding to the challenges, food prices in Gaza remain prohibitive and supplies are still not sufficient “to the level where they can be affordable”, Ms Etefa said. “There is still a huge problem of access… people can find food in the market, but it’s out of reach because it’s extremely expensive“, she warned.
Support for the hungry
WFP is supporting those most at risk of food insecurity through digital payments which have so far enabled some 140,000 people to purchase food in local markets, with the aim of doubling the program in the coming weeks.
The WFP spokesperson reiterated the agency’s calls for commercial supplies to enter the enclave and supplement the aid. “Humanitarian aid will not be the only solution to deal with severe malnutrition and have a complete food basket,” she explained.
Only full implementation of the ceasefire can allow the WFP to operate at the scale required for this crisis, Ms. Etefa stressed. “Maintaining the ceasefire is vital.
It’s really… the only way to save lives and fight famine in the north of Gaza,” she concluded.
The bread is prepared in a bakery in Deir Al Balah, Gaza.
Nine out of 10 EU workers nowadays rely on computers, mobile devices and office software to perform their work, while 30% use AI tools, in particular AI chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs). Nearly four out of 10 (37%) employees in the EU are monitored for their working hours.
These are the results of a new survey, conducted in 2024-2025 in collaboration with the Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. The survey involved 70,316 workers from all 27 EU Member States, and the findings are published in the JRC study Digital monitoring, algorithmic management and the platformisation of work in Europe.
The study focuses on the use of digital tools in the workplace, including AI, and examines the prevalence and characteristics of digital monitoring, as well as the extent and variations of algorithmic management throughout the EU.
The authors outline how digitalisation is impacting work dynamics, raising questions about privacy, autonomy, and work intensity.
A vast majority (90%) of EU workers now rely on digital devices to perform their jobs, reshaping the work environment across all sectors. AI usage at work is becoming increasingly common, with 30% of EU workers using it particularly in text-related tasks like writing and translation.
Writing accounts for 65% of all uses, followed by translation (59%), processing of data and discussion of ideas (38%), transcription (28%), image generation (27%), planning and scheduling (24%) and customer advice (19%).
AI use is notably high in Northern and Central European countries. The employment of AI varies considerably among different occupational sectors, with office-based jobs leading adoption.
Digital monitoring: increasing ability to collect workers data
Digital monitoring is now a significant aspect of oversight in workplaces, with 37% of EU workers monitored for working hours and 36% for entry/exit times. Monitoring the physical location of workers and monitoring the worker activities through digital tools are generally less frequent.
However, the first type of monitoring is more prevalent in sectors such as transport, construction or manufacturing, while the second is commonly used in finance, public administration and the ICT sector, among others.
Beyond the two most common types of digital monitoring – of working time and entry/exit movements through swipe cards – there are others. Monitoring of internet usage, the use of CCTV and the monitoring of calls, internet use, and vehicle location is quite common in Central and Eastern European countries.
Algorithmic management: automation in workforce coordination
Algorithmic management, though less common than digital monitoring, is gaining traction, presenting a quite diverse pattern across European countries and workplaces.
Survey results indicate that 24% of EU workers have their working time allocated automatically. This approach is often paired with algorithms that determine task prioritisation.
Another present yet less common form of algorithmic management concerns 13% of EU workers, where performance is assessed and rewarded automatically.
Platformisation: the new work paradigm
According to their degree of ‘platformisation’, that is, the combination of digital tool usage and exposure to digital monitoring and algorithmic management, the study puts forward six categories of workers, and provides their share in the EU workforce as a whole:
6% make no use of digital tools and are foreign to any form of platformisation.
33% of workers use digital tools without platformisation, they are not subject to digital monitoring nor algorithmic management.
42% fall under partial platformisation, they are exposed to at least one form of digital monitoring and one form of algorithmic management.
9% of workers experience informational platformisation, that is, activity monitoring and algorithmic evaluation. This is most frequent in the financial and insurance sectors.
7% face physical platformisation, mostly in sectors such as mining, transportation and logistics.
2% of EU workers are fully platformised.
Impact on working conditions
The findings suggest that full and physical platformisation often correlate with negative working conditions, including increased stress and reduced autonomy. In contrast, informational platformisation, characterised by activity monitoring and algorithmic evaluation, appears to have fewer negative implications. It is distinctively linked to work at home.
Implications for policymaking and future research
Some combined forms of digital monitoring and algorithmic management should be carefully considered in terms of their potentially negative implications for working conditions. This new study offers unique data to better understand the impact of digitalisation of work, and offers a valuable resource to support European Commission’s efforts on the matter, including the Quality Jobs Roadmap and its initiative on algorithmic management.
The report highlights the need for coordinated action from social partners and policymakers to ensure that the ongoing digitalisation of work unfolds in a manner that is both economically beneficial and socially responsible.
Background
The digital transformation of work is set against a backdrop of rapid technological advancement and evolving EU policies aimed at fostering innovation while safeguarding worker rights. The JRC Algorithmic Management and Platform Work (AIM-WORK) survey and its comprehensive analysis provides a thorough and updated snapshot of how the digital revolution continues to reshape the European world of work in profound and uneven ways.
It builds on previous JRC surveys, providing a broader perspective on the digitalisation of work across the EU. The study highlights the importance of continued research to understand the diverse impacts of digital tools, monitoring, and AI across different sectors and regions.
Abeer Etefa, Senior Regional Communications Officer for the World Food Programme (WFP) told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that since the ceasefire took hold on 11 October the agency has been able to bring in over 6,700 metric tonnes of food – enough for close to half a million people for two weeks.
“Daily deliveries continue and they are now averaging around 750 tonnes,” Ms. Etefa said. “That’s much better than what we had before the ceasefire, but it’s still well below our target, which is around 2,000 tonnes every day.”
The WFP spokesperson explained that unless all border crossing points can be used, reaching this target is “almost impossible”
Currently, only the crossings at Kerem Shalom and Kissufim in the south are open, and the “severe amount of destruction” impedes access from the south to the north – where famine was declared in August.
They are not very confident how long the ceasefire will last and what will happen next
“We need Erez, we need Zikkim, we need these border crossing points to open,” Ms. Etefa insisted.
Reaching northern Gaza with large-scale convoys is a priority, she said.
“We’ve cleared the roads at scale into the north,” she added, removing the debris from the border crossing points to be able to connect to Gaza City where the situation is particularly dire.
“But we need these crossings to open so that we’re able to get large-scale convoys.”
Distribution goal
The agency has started restoring its food distribution system, with a goal of scaling assistance through 145 distribution points across the Strip. Some 26 distribution points have already been reinstated.
“The response has been really overwhelming,” Ms. Etefa said, describing people’s reactions to the food distributions. “People are showing up in large numbers, grateful for the efficiency of the delivery of food assistance” as well as the “dignified way” in which they are able to stand in line and quickly obtain their food rations.
The impact is significant, especially for “the most vulnerable, the women, female-headed households, the elderly,” she said.
Hedging bets
People are hopeful but there is “cautious optimism” as to how long the current conditions will prevail, Ms. Etefa said. Those receiving food aid tend to eat only part of the rations and keep the rest in case of emergency, “because they are not very confident how long the ceasefire will last and what will happen next.”
“It is a fragile peace,” Ms. Etefa stressed.
Adding to the challenges, food prices in Gaza remain prohibitive and supplies are still not sufficient “to the level that it can be affordable”, Ms. Etefa said. “There’s still a huge problem of access… people can find food in the market, but it’s out of reach because it’s extremely expensive,” she warned.
Support for the starving
WFP is supporting the most food insecure people with digital payments which have so far allowed some 140,000 people to buy food on local markets, the goal being to double the programme in the coming weeks.
The WFP spokesperson reiterated the agency’s calls for commercial supplies to enter the enclave and supplement aid. “Humanitarian aid will not be the only solution for dealing with severe malnutrition and having a complete food basket,” she explained.
Only a full implementation of the ceasefire can enable WFP to operate at the scale required for this crisis, Ms. Etefa stressed. “Sustaining the ceasefire is vital.
It’s really… the only way we can save lives and push back on the famine in the north of Gaza,” she concluded.
Bread is prepared at a bakery in Deir Al Balah, Gaza.
Agriculture in Europe is faced with a major challenge, an ageing population. And yet, young farmers are key to the EU’s food security and to lively rural areas. To address this, the Commission has presented a strategy for generational renewal in agriculture. It aims to support young farmers and attract more people to farming.
Currently, the average age of an EU farmer is 57 and only 12% are under 40. To keep farming resilient and attractive, young people must have the right conditions to build their lives and careers in rural areas. This new strategy sets a clear roadmap for how to achieve this, aiming to double the share of young farmers in Europe by 2040.
The strategy identifies five key levers for action — access to land, finance, skills, fair living standards in rural areas, and support for succession. Concrete initiatives include
introducing a ‘starter pack’ for young farmers in the next common agricultural policy, including a lump sum of up to €300 000, to facilitate their entry and establishment in the sector
better targeting of funds in favour of young farmers
working with the European Investment Bank to facilitate access to finance
making it easier for new entrants to start farming, thanks to a European Land Observatory, which will help farmers access available land, support farm succession, inform policy, and prevent land speculation
inviting young farmers to participate in Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs so they can learn good farming practices abroad or diversify their revenue by learning from other sectors
promoting good living conditions in rural areas while supporting local development and youth and women’s involvement
co-funding farm relief services that replace farmers during illness, holidays, or caregiving, to improve their work-life balance.
The strategy will be implemented at multiple levels: through the current and future common agricultural policy, complementary EU policies, initiatives by stakeholders, and national actions.
Efforts at the national level will be crucial for its success. That is why the Commission is also urging EU countries to invest at least 6% of agricultural spending into measures promoting generational renewal. On top of this, the strategy includes developing national strategies by 2028 that should address challenges and define support measures for young farmers.
The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) is marking the tenth anniversary of its local office in Croatia, celebrating a decade of partnership that has helped advance the country’s sustainable, long‑term development.
The 10th‑anniversary celebrations of the EIB office in Croatia feature an open‑air photo exhibition at Europa Square in Zagreb, showcasing the most impactful EIB‑financed projects in the country. The exhibition is open to the public until 31 October.
“During the past decade, Croatia has undergone a true transformation as an economy and EIB Group is proud of our role in this process. With over €10 billion invested, the EIB Group established itself as a reliable partner to both the public and private clients in Croatia, turning European priorities into Croatian opportunities, safeguarding jobs, and creating new business prospects. Looking ahead, the EIB Group will continue to support Croatia’s green transition, digital networks, and social infrastructure to anchor prosperity, boost competitiveness, and retain Croatian talent,” said Teresa Czerwińska, EIB Vice‑President responsible for operations in Croatia.
Marko Primorac, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Croatia emphasized the important role of EIB: “The economic and social progress of the Republic of Croatia has been achieved in close cooperation with international development banks, with the EIB Group standing out as the largest source of financing for development and investment projects in Croatia. The Republic of Croatia continues to regard the EIB as a key financing partner and a reliable ally in the implementation of national development strategies and plans.”
Since the start of operations in 1977, EIB Group financing in Croatia has surpassed €10 billion – €8.09 billion from the EIB and €2.02 billion from the EIF – supporting major infrastructure, SMEs and mid‑caps, urban regeneration, modern hospitals and education, resilient electricity networks, and new renewable energy sources.
In 2024, EIB Group financing reached a record €1.24 billion, equal to 1.4% of Croatia’s GDP, with a strong emphasis on greener transport, urban infrastructure, and business development, including €721 million dedicated to climate action and environmental sustainability.
Recent highlights include a €400 million Railway Revitalization Framework Loan (part of a €900 million programme now fully allocated to dozens of projects and new rolling stock); substantial city financing – €207 million for Zagreb in renewable energy, affordable housing, and public transport, and €71 million for Split, including the Žnjan project – plus advisory support to five major cities.
The Group has also strengthened private‑sector investment through HBOR and, via the EIF, reinforced Croatia’s innovation ecosystem, benefiting hundreds of start‑ups and high‑growth enterprises. Most recently, the EIF has selected the third Fund under the Call for Expression of Interest as part of the Croatian Venture Capital Initiative 2 focusing on investments in innovative Croatian SMEs with high growth potential through accelerators and venture capital funds – Nvision Ventures.
Marjut Falkstedt, Chief Executive of the EIF, stated, “With over €2 billion in financing provided to Croatia, the EIF and our partners have sought to transform the business landscape, introducing new financing options to unlock the full potential of Croatian entrepreneurs, create jobs, and foster a modern, competitive economy. A great example is the VESNA Tech Transfer Fund, the first technology transfer fund in Croatia fostering innovation and collaboration between academia and industry. Over the past ten years, the EIF’s sustained engagement has aimed to build a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and strengthen Croatia’s capacity for innovation and economic growth.”
EIB Group financing is complemented by technical assistance through JASPERS, ELENA, and InvestEU Advisory, helping partners prepare high‑quality projects in transport, social infrastructure, and financial sector development. The Bank is also providing Technical Advisory to five largest cities in Croatia – Zagreb, Split, Osijek, Rijeka and Varazdin – to develop affordable housing systems and better living conditions in the years to come.
Background information
European Investment Bank:
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
About the European Investment Fund:
The EIF is part of the EIB Group. Its central mission is to support Europe’s microenterprises and SMEs by helping them to access finance. The EIF designs and develops venture and growth capital, guarantees and microfinance instruments that specifically target this market segment. In this role, it contributes to the achievement of key EU policy goals such as competitiveness and growth, innovation and digitalisation, social impact, skills and human capital, climate action and environmental sustainability.
